useless ramblings

I know I keep saying this...

2011-08-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

... but I really am going to make it a point to do better with my blog. I have a ton of posts in my head, I just need to get better about getting them on my blog.

I've never thought myself a very good writer. Trouble is, when I sit down and start a post, I find myself spending way too much time using the backspace and / or delete keys instead of just letting it flow, if you know what I mean. I don't practice what I preach. I'm a huge fan of journaling and free-writing and whenever I suggest it, I always encourage the writer to write as if nobody else in the world will every read it. That's what I need to do on here - yeah right!

Actually, truth is not really far from that. All two of you would love me no matter what I said (write / type), so I really could write as if nobody else would see it...

Hmmm... food for thought.

2011-03-15T21:27:00.001-05:00

1000 Miles in 24 Hours - The Report

2011-03-15T02:03:00.001-05:00

This is my husband, Steve's account of the SaddleSore 1000 ride he completed yesterday. Well worth the read!
1000 Miles in 24 Hours - The Report

Update

2010-12-05T12:48:00.005-06:00

I keep saying I'm going to get better at keeping this blog up. Life just gets in the way sometimes... Anyway - here's how they've grown...

Jeez?!?! Update much?

2009-09-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

So, it hasn't quite been a full year. Almost.

I know I keep sayin' this, but I've really gotta get better about blogging. Not that anyone really gives two hoots about what's going on in Jodie-World, but it's just nice to have a place to put it all.

And, yeah, I guess there's a lot to 'put'. Just finding the time lately seems to be an impossible task.

Since I last posted (December 2008!), a lot has happened. Stuff that I used to put here, but for whatever reason, didn't this time. New Years came and went. Spring. Summer, including our 4 week European vacay (*lots* to post about that :) )! Back to school. Baby's in 1st grade!!

So, I'll try to do better... if nothing else, to have a place to look back on it all :)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:31:00.002-06:00

I hope your Christmas was as special and memorable as mine. Best wishes in the New Year!!

Yes We Did!

2008-11-04T22:16:00.004-06:00

I honestly can not remember a time in my life when I have been so proud to be an American. Congratulations, President Obama!!!

Early bird...

2008-10-31T12:02:00.003-05:00

... gets the worm???? Hope so!

I voted today!

It felt so good, too. Couldn't believe the line when we pulled up outside of the County Election Board. Luckily, it moved quickly and we were in and out in about 15 - 20 minutes.

Did I mention that it felt amazing!!! There's just something about having a voice, however small, in such a historic event.

Now... off to wait 'till Tuesday...

GO VOTE!!!

10 years ago today...

2008-10-23T15:47:00.002-05:00

... my heart sprouted arms and legs! Just look at it now...

Happy Birthday, Mac!!! I am so proud of the young lady you've become. The world is yours, kid. All yours!!!

I love you,
Mommy

Have you tried geocaching, yet?

2008-10-20T17:25:00.004-05:00

We had a long weekend, today is our last day off school... back to the grind tomorrow. We spend a few hours geocaching. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it. You'll need a gps unit, but honestly, decent ones can be had on ebay for little money (trust me... we are broker than broke! one appealing thing about this hobby is that it costs very little to participate and the return is immeasurable!!)

Today had us trodding around Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park. A great time was had by all!!! We found three caches! A very productive day, not to mention the picnic in the park and the time spent at the playground!

Enjoy...

Oh, yeah... The Diva lost one of her front teeth this weekend :( I wasn't quite ready for that!!

Boredom?

2008-10-18T12:54:00.004-05:00

Hardly. But look what we created over Fall Break...

(l. to r.: Obama symbol; classic pumpkin face by Mac; witch with missing eye by The Diva; goofy pumpkin face by Mic)

Saggy and missing important body parts because we made these the day before we snapped the pictures so time and chickens had a bit of fun with the big orange veggies. Oh well, we had a blast and they look amazing!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Birthday, Steve!

2008-07-04T02:17:00.003-05:00

For all the wonderful things you do for us... you deserve an amazing day!!! May all your dreams come true!!! I love you!!!!!

What I've Really Been Doing...

2008-06-19T10:08:00.007-05:00

While I'd love for everyone to think that I've been slaving my butt off, working day in and day out, I must confess...

We did that the first two days here. Then we died. Seriously died, people.

Then, we admitted that we are old, and broken, and that, perhaps, we should just take it easy with the DIY because, man, we are going to be doing projects until we (literally) die. I am seriously doubting that either of us will live long enough to actually see it all come to fruition...

I digress...

Confession time. What I've really been doing with my summer:

I met T (on the left) and K (right) in kindergarten. Yes, kindergarten. We have stayed close for over thirty years! Benefits of growing up in small town, USA.

T lives locally, hell, we even work for the same district, we just never seem to get together as often as we might like. K lives in Texas, but still has family locally. I haven't seen K since my wedding (three years) and haven't seen her kids in four years. Too long!!! Anyway, we all got together with the kids (minus T's almost-two-year-old :( ) a few weeks ago and enjoyed a great visit. I think somewhere in there, they convinced me, and I agreed, to do the 3 Day with them next year. This year will be K's 3rd year doing it and T's 2nd. I may have to rescind my agreement when I regain my senses. Must be the paint fumes...

Anyway, we had a nice visit and swore that we wouldn't wait that long between visits again. Hopefully, we'll see each other before our kids graduate from high school...

After a long grueling day of helping me lay shelf paper, Mic spent another few hours counting his birthday money (over and over and over...). He had his eye on Guitar Hero I and II and another guitar so that we could play with each other and one of us wouldn't have to use the controller as a guitar (although, I have to say, we were all getting pretty good at it... not that we've been playing a lot, mind you...).

One evening, while Steve and I were perusing our new local Wal-Mart (what? doesn't everyone peruse Wal-Mart when their kids are gone for a few days? It's a hobby, m'kay?), we spotted something even better that Mic could get with his birthday loot... So, last week, I piled him in the car to go Father's Day shopping with me. After an hour or so going around and selecting gifts and cards for the various fathers in his life, I asked him if he'd like to know the real reason I drug him out shopping with me. He looked at me, crooked smile and big ole' baby blues gleaming, a bit puzzled (but ya gotta understand, that's Mic's usual look) and of course said yes.

We get back to the electronics section, I pointed at the box, at which point, he went absolutely insane, chanting, "Who da MAN?!?!!?!" all the way back to the house... and the rest, they say...

the real reason it is taking me weeks to paint Mac's room!

Absence - explained

2008-06-14T15:22:00.010-05:00

So, it hasn't yet been a full month since I was last here... my sweet boy's birthday... My, how time flies when yer havin' fun!!!!

We've since moved and to say we have some DIY projects is putting it mildly. See, when you buy a foreclosure, it generally follows that you'll have some work to do simply to get the house habitable. That's an understatement. Habitable it is, and our first "official" night here was Sunday, May 25th. The kids still had three days of school and I had a two-week summer course I signed up to teach which meant a thirty minute commute for that time. We survived it, although it is somewhat of a blur, and we are all now officially on our summer vacation. The best part??? We finally got the tickets for Tom and Joe and they will be here July 22nd for three glorious weeks!!!! Countdown timer is set... 38 days and counting...

While we sit and wait for their arrival, we have plenty to do to pass the time...

When Steve first saw this house, I was at work and he called to tell me the house was great! "It has a *massive* workshop (we didn't know it at the time, but it's 1200 sq ft! bigger than the entire house we were living in!), a two-car carport, but unfortunately, no garage." "Tee-hee", he chuckles with his 'man-friends', recounting that story. Actually, it has *no* workshop, but a very large three-car garage (six cars, because it's two cars deep). Anyway, he's right, because his business calls for a very large workshop, and we definitely want the business to have all the room it needs, right? ($$, please?!?!?!) Although, this project is solely his, it is a project, nonetheless...

Now, this house is only three-bedroom. We *need* four. We will have four. Someday, hopefully, before the kids move out! Above the garage is this

500 sq feet of ready-to-finish space! We originally thought it would become our master bedroom, but have since decided it would make a great media room / den. Eventually, we will finish the attic space above the house part to make two more bedrooms and a bathroom. All of the upstairs will be connected by a hallway so the bathroom will be accessible from the media room as well. The stairs to go up to the future second floor will live here

Which doesn't look like much more than a garbage heap right now, but ya have to work with me, here... a vivid imagination will really help you as we finish the house tour. We can't quite figure out where in the hell these people came up with their decorating ideas. No doubt straight out of the 70s, but still! See that horrid, cheap, nasty wood paneling? It's everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere!!!! Usually topped with an even more horrid vinyl paneling with some sort of gross flowery pattern. The must've gotten a real bargain on it, with some tacky trim thrown in for being such loyal customers at The 70s Vinyl and Panel Mart. Anyway, it's all coming down... the sooner the better!!!

So, back to the stairs (imagination, remember???)... The 'room' pictured above is actually a 'hallway'. See that ugly brown door at the top? That's our front door. When you come in, you're in this hall which connects the house with the garage - I mean workshop. See that wall with the bare wood on the end of it, with the grey strip coming out from the bottom? That used to run the full length of the hallway. Steve's done a bit of demolitioning (is so a word!). This 'room' / hall used to be what we coined the 'creepy closet', a very long, very narrow closet that came off of the bathroom in the master. I was just beginning to love it, never mind that The Diva had decided it was her jungle gym, what with the clothes rods that she could swing on, when poof! it was gone. Oh well, it's a way better use of space and will eventually (notice a time theme, here? I'm using that word a LOT, huh?) net us a larger master bathroom with a shower and room to actually sit on the toilet! See, told ya I have vision!

So, everywhere you look, there's that awful paneling, which all has to be taken off with new sheet rock laid on the walls before we can paint and decorate the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. I promised Mac that she could have a purple room when we moved and I wanted to see what the paneling would look like if we just painted over it, for now. Couldn't be any worse, right? I've started painting her room but have as of yet only painted one coat of primer. It's going to take two of primer and most likely, at least two coats of paint in order to cover that crap. She'll have a purple room, but the rest of us will just have to live with the vinyl for now.

I think I've hit that overwhelming speed bump that has just paralyzed me. I look around and just see so much that needs doing. The plan is to just take it one room at a time. Little by little, we learn a bit about the person (or persons) who lived here before we moved in (way before, as the house was empty for quite a while). Bottom line is they cooked everything in grease and never cleaned - EVER!!!! Not to mention their lack of taste...

Sunroom...
... which will most likely become our 'den'. Steve is going to level the floor and tile it. Windows everywhere, so cool in the summer - it's heated, so very comfy in the winter. Toss a tv out there and we're set!!!

On the upside, we absolutely love living out here. We have two acres (no riding lawn mower, yet... ugh!) and more privacy than we could ever imagine. It's so peaceful and quiet and just our little paradise. I love coming home!!!

See, all the way over to those five trees? Ours! All ours!!!

Edited to add:

I can't believe I forgot this!!!! The best thing we've discovered (so far)???? The dining room reeked of cat urine. When I say "reeked" I mean the kind of stench that literally burns the hairs of your nostrils when you inhale. Yes, that bad. So, off to rip up the carpet and pray that whatever is underneath is salvageable. I think it'll do... what do you think???

Gorgeous 3/4" oak floors that run throughout the entire house!!!! (Gorgeous, only after Steve spent the day sanding, staining and sealing. He did an amazing job, didn't he?)

Happy Birthday, Mic!!!

2008-05-22T06:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry things are so crazy right now. As soon as things settle down a bit, I promise, we are gonna celebrate in some serious style!!! For now, just enjoy being 7!!!!

PSA

2008-05-04T18:09:00.004-05:00

I've recently had the fortune to 'stumble' across Magneto Bold Too. I'll sing her praises another time, but if you haven't had the opportunity to read, please - go NOW!!! Trust me, you won't regret it :)

In the meantime, if you happen to be going to Blogher, give a gal a hand, will ya?

(there is supposed to be this really cool button over there in my sidebar with a picture of her and her gorgeous son, but I reckon ya have to be smarter than blogger to make that happen, huh??? today is so not my day!)

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...

No more waiting!!

2008-04-16T20:37:00.006-05:00

Ok... so, all the fingernail chewing has come to an abrupt halt. The prayers, chants, sprinklings of chocolate milk, or whatever it is that you people do have paid off. Thank you!

Our house is tiny. Wait. I don't think you heard me... tiny. There are five of us, sometimes seven, occupying a whole seven hundred square feet. With two cats. To say we are a close family is just a bit too literal for my taste.

We've wanted to move since forever ago. We had hoped that by this summer we would be ready, but things just haven't quite gone the way we had hoped and planned for, so we accepted that it would be another year before we could move. Fine.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine who I used to work with stopped by school to say hi. She had retired last year and was dabbling in real estate. I promised her that when we were ready, we would definitely enlist her services. When I saw her recently, I promised her that we had not gone with someone else, that actually, we wouldn't be able to move for another year. We chatted a bit, talking about how good the market is for buyers and stuff. She asked what we were looking for, I described it and she told me that she'd have a peek around, see what appeared and if nothing else, we could just make a Saturday afternoon of it, looking at houses that Steve and I could never afford and have a drink or six.

One week later, we were putting an offer on our 'dream' home. Yep. That fast. The house was in the first list she sent us, we had a look and fell in love. My friend sent us to a mortgage broker, we thought, "Sure!" We'll go for giggles and see how fast their heads spin before turning us down.

We were pre-approved for the asking price on the spot. Wha??? Huh???? Yep.

Speeding this up a bit... we didn't get the 'dream' home, but that's ok. Because, it would have been stretching our budget to the absolute max. We knew we wanted to buy a foreclosure because we could get more house for our buck, plus we really want something we can fix up and put ourselves in to. This was the 'nail biting' and 'still waiting' posts (eek! look at that grammar!!! oh well - I'm tired!)

Made an offer on house number two. This house had been on the market for almost a year, had been reduced, so we felt pretty confident. Silly us! Another offer (out of four!) had been accepted just before we put ours in.

By this time, I'm pretty crispy and thinking the hell with it... we had planned to stay here another year, what the hell? I was done.

Sunday night, just as we were going to bed, Steve found a house that looked interesting. The short version is that by lunchtime on Monday, he had seen it and was prepared to make an offer but he wanted me to see it first. I went to have a look after work, fell absolutely in love, as well, and we called our realtor to get the offer ready.

I didn't get my hopes up. What was the point???

Guess what???

Not a very good suspense writer, am I???

We got the house!!! They accepted our offer today, dickered with our earnest money a bit, which we played along. We will be closing on or about the 15th of May!!!!

Here it is...

Now, if you have even the slightest bit of 'good vibe juice' left that you could spare for us, we absolutely HAVE to sell this wonderful house we're living in at the moment :)

No news is...

2008-04-06T23:39:00.003-05:00

... driving us absolutely MAD!!!

Haven't forgotten about all (2) of you... sittin' there... on the edge of your seats... waiting... waiting... Ok, ok... so you weren't in suspense, but hey! This shall be your reminder that you should be, k??? ;)

Hopefully, news soon!!!!

:: off to go chew on my fingernails a little bit more ::

Not that I'm superstitious or anything...

2008-03-31T17:44:00.003-05:00

But, if you pray, would you say a prayer, please?

If you chant, would you chant for us, please?

If you worship baby poop green four-door cars on the first and last Monday of the month, would ya throw one in for us, please???

However you ask your "Higher Power" for favors, would ya mind throwin' in an extra-special teensy-eensy favor for me 'n The Limey and all of our offspring, please?

Don't want to jinx it, so I promise... I'll spill the beans (hopefully) soon, m'kay??

Oh... and THANKS!

I stand corrected

2008-03-25T21:31:00.002-05:00

so THIS is my 100th post.*

And today is my One Year Blogiversary!

*I was just going by the post counter in my dashboard. Waaaay down the list of posts, is a draft that I never published (and probably won't, now). It was counted in my number by Blogger, but actually doesn't count towards number of real posts. Thank you, Xbox4NappyRash, for pointing that out, but dude! countin' my archives??? ;) )

So Productive (and my 100th post)

2008-03-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

Things I planned to do over Spring Break:

1) Clean out all of our closets – mine & Steve’s, Mac’s, the Diva & Mic’s, the coat closet, the linen closet

2) Piddle (not the puppy kind) out in the back yard picking up all of the crap the kids dragged out over the winter and getting it ready for the coop and pool.

3) Organize the living room

4) Get the kids’ spring / summer clothes washed and put in dressers / closets and get winter clothes out

5) Catch up on some reading

6) Go visit my sister and parents

7) Get a haircut and ahem… ‘refresh’ my color

8) Catch up on all my shows on the DVR and finally clean-up the damn thing

Things I have done (thus far) over Spring Break:

1) eat myself into oblivion

2) hang out with Steve and stay up way too late every night and sleep waaaay too late every day

3) play on the internet

The kids left Monday morning for vacation with their Dad. Last weekend was our weekend, so we spent the time just hanging out since they were going to be leaving. We won’t see them until next Monday, after school (unless Mic plays his soccer game on Saturday, then we might see them for about an hour). My parents came up on Saturday. Weather was beautiful, so the kids spent a lot of time out side. Sunday, some friends came over for a couple of hours – kids had a blast playing with each other and the adults got in some good chatting time. Steve and I stayed up until about three a.m. Monday morning, only to get about 4-5 hours of sleep before we were up, getting the kids ready for their big send off. They were so excited… up and dressed before we even tried to pry our eyes open. Hustle and bustle for about an hour, their Dad arrived and they were off.

We spent most of Monday being slugs because we were so tired from the night before. We ran a couple of errands, came home and collapsed. The webcam arrived and Steve promptly spent the next eight hours trying to get it to work. I sat here, ~~staying out of his way~~ being ever so supportive (because he tends to get a little grumpy after, oh, about the sixth hour of fiddling) until it finally sprang to life. Well, then, we of course had to play around with it which tortured the poor chicks. I don’t yet have my Cheep to English dictionary, but I’m pretty sure they were saying, “Would you two mind? Please leave us alone and Go. To. Bed. already?!?!?!” (because they are English chicks, you know… and they have that knack for telling you to flick off ever-so-politely)

So, after rising at the crack of noon yesterday, we slugged around again waiting for the first three cups of coffee to wake us up, then finally got out for yet more errands (we are the errand-est running people!). One of which was to stop by the health food store to have a poke around. We were in the egg section, scoping out and reading the cartons because that is our new obsession after all… eggs and chickens – I tell ya, it’s never ending excitement around here! Steve finds one brand of organic eggs marked “Fertile”, grabs ‘em and says, “Let’s put some in the incubator.” Just like that. What??? Doesn’t everyone’s trip to the grocery store end with coming home and incubating dinner (because what were supposed to be six eggs in the incubator and six eggs set aside for feeding us breakfast for dinner, turned out to be all twelve incubating). I’m sure you’ll get updates on those soon, but really, incubating is so last Tuesday!

It was cloudy, cold and rained the entire day yesterday, so what else could we do, but stay inside once we got back home (that really sounds pretty stupid and like I’m stating the bleeding obvious when I read that back… oh, well – work with me, m’kay?) So, being the sloths that we are, and since dinner was now approaching the embryonic stage, we headed out to the all-you-can-eat buffet down the street.

I told you I ate myself into oblivion. Came home, collapsed on the bed because I just couldn’t move. At that point, I should have just pulled the covers up over my head and called it a night. But, no. Once I finally felt semi-human again, we watched American Idol (recorded, because really… why would anybody sit through those commercials when you just don’t have to?). I agree with Simon about last night, by the way… they should have just called it ‘good’ last week and let The Beatles rest while the contestants were still on top. Last night really did seem like a mess.

Off to bed, where we inevitably find ourselves laying there and chatting for hours… before we know it, it’s five o’clock. Another day of accomplishing absolutely nothing and not having the sense that God gave a goat to just go to sleep at a reasonable hour.

So, when the slits in our head that house our eyeballs were trying to focus on the clock that read 11:30 this morning, as we were coming to life, I tell Steve that I just can’t do this. I’m going to have a real hard time when Monday rolls around and I will be expected to arrive at work before noon (how dare they!?!). So, you might think that I’ll be sensible and get to bed earlier the rest of the week, right?

Wrong. Tonight and tomorrow night, Steve will be working. And I do like going to work with him… it is, after all, sitting around, drinking half-priced alcoholic beverages and chatting to friends that I don’t get much of a chance to see often. But, it means that we’ll certainly be up until 2:30, if not later. Which means, sleep ‘till noon again, only to do the whole thing over tomorrow night.

I shouldn’t complain, really… it’s like leading the life of a college kid again, only with stability and a home and (even if it is only a tiny amount) money in the checking account. The best of both worlds.

I’m staring at the bags of clothes I need to go through for Mic and the Diva. So, at least, I’ve moved them inside from storage in the garage. That’s progress, right?????

Also... this is my 100th post!!! Grab a beer and some chips, sit back and celebrate with me, won't ya?

see our chicks LIVE

2008-03-18T01:15:00.003-05:00

As I was typing out that title, I realize that it could read with a short "i" (in the word LIVE), as if there was an alternative :p (well... we just won't go there right now, will we???)

It should be read as "See our chicks, LIVE!" (long "i") as in "see what our chicks are doing right now, this very minute, in real time", because we (read: Steve) got a new webcam that is just the coolest! You can pan and tilt and zoom and move it around... yes, you! can do all that from the comfort of your easy chair!

Eventually, we'll set it up in the coop (oh! have I not mentioned the coop?? talk about the coolest!?!?!?!), which will become their brooder in the next week or so, as they have just about outgrown the tub they have called home their entire lives (there's that word again...!!).

Anyway... go here to see what they are up to, because (almost) three-week-old chickens are just so fascinating and I know you have absolutely nothing else to do with your time than watch our chicks, right???

Can't. Stop.

2008-03-17T22:43:00.004-05:00

The linky luv is everywhere! My friend, Mrs. Yammering, has tagged me with a "7 Weird Things About Me Meme". What this means, is that I'm supposed to tell you seven weird things about me, then I have to call out five people to pay-it-forward...

I'll confess here... Mrs. Y actually tagged me last June with what was my first-ever blog tag and should have been my first meme, but being the shy person that I am, I just couldn't muster the confidence to go through with it (if you're not laughing by now, go ahead... no, really!). So, if this "seven things" thing hasn't completely sucked the life outta me, I just might hold up my end of my inaugural meme... we'll see.

1) I really am a very shy person. If ever I'm guilty of thinking myself the center of attention, it's only that I'm thinking people are thinking horrible, rotten things about me. My self-confidence is zero, zilch, nada. Logically, I may know that I a good person and am good at some things, but actually feeling it... well, that's next to impossible for me. Growing up, I was often perceived as a snob, which I always thought a bit funny, as it couldn't have been further from the truth!

2) I am completely repulsed by feet. Yep, repulsed. In a really strange, can't look away from a train wreck sort of way, I can't take my eyes off of them sometimes, either. I should say that I think I have pretty decent feet and I do my best to keep them pretty, especially during summer, when people are most likely to see them. At the same time, I expect that others should do the same. I nearly vomit when I see feet with layers upon layers of dead, scales which are usually partnered with thick, yellow nasty, funky toenails that are only half polished. Don't worry, I'm absolutely positive it is in no way a fetish, I'm sure. And I hate to have mine touched. Even if it's touching in a nice way... Steve has tried to rub my feet before and I just can't stand it. Never mind that the slightest graze will send me into a tickled frenzy, even the firm kind of touches that don't tickle at all make my skin crawl. However, throw me some baby feet and I am all about ‘em! I’ll kiss ‘em, munch on ‘em, rub, tickle, whatever… I love me some baby feet! Especially my babies’ feet! Even now, with the oldest being nine, I’ve not become the slightest bit turned off of them, yet. And, in the last year or so, I’ve warmed to Steve’s feet a bit (he has really nice feet)… he’s often begging for foot rubs, and recently, I’ve even initiated, where used to, I’d only touch them if they were under a blanket or something.

3) I only passed my driving test by two points. Yep. Nearly failed the damn thing. This kinda goes back to #1 somewhat... see, I just knew the test administrator was sitting over thinking awful things about me like, "Why in the hell does she think she's worthy of a driver's license?" or "OMG! She's really got some nerve, coming down here, wasting my time, asking for permission to drive! Fail!" So, I was a wee bit nervous, you could say. I was nearly side-swiped pulling out from parallel parking because I forgot to look in my side mirror to see if anyone was coming. I suppose the fact that I passed is what matters.

4) I have this thing about socks (ask Mrs. Y!). Generally speaking, I have three rules about socks… 1-your socks must match, or at very least coordinate with, your shirt. Steve refuses to go along with me here, so, given the chance, I’ll ‘help’ him grab his clothes for the day. He’s happy to grab the next t-shirt off the stack (which is fine), but then he goes on to simply grab whatever pair of socks his hand blindly falls on when he reaches into the drawer. He can often be seen wearing maroon socks with a green sweatshirt. If it ain’t Christmas, that’s just wrong!!! I’ve learned to just not look anymore. 2-always, always, always wear white socks when wearing sneakers. Another ack! when this one is broken!!! Wrong, wrong, wrong! And 3-never, ever, ever wear white socks with black shoes. Again… wrong… just wrong! Rules 2 and 3 trump rule number 1 when conflicts occur.

5) I always have gum on me, usually in my mouth. I go into a kind of panic if I’m out, so I often stock pile packs and packs of it so that I never run out. I put this one in the ‘weird’ category because, as a teacher, I don’t allow it in my classroom. Hypocrite? Maybe. But, I’m a very polite chewer… often, people don’t even know I’m chewing it. Besides, being the teacher has to have some perks, right?

6) I *have* to lay out clothes for my two youngest kids the night before (not so weird, right?) and for myself. I absolutely will not sleep if I haven’t picked out everything, laid it out just right (over the treadmill – ha!), so that I can swoop it up in my still-asleep stupor on my way out of the bedroom headed to the bathroom. Along with this, I must have my shoes out in the living room so that I do not have to find one single thing in my bedroom in the morning. Mostly, this would be so that I don’t risk waking Steve up on those mornings he doesn’t have to get up early (how nice am I???), but even on the mornings he wakes up with me, if I haven’t organized my outfit for the next day, I will not sleep until it’s done.

7) I have a pen and post-it fetish. Seriously! I am completely and utterly obsessed with finding that just right pen (my quest continues) and I love any and all post-its. I can’t exactly tell you what constitutes the just right pen, as the requirements may change from day to day, project to project. Some days, it’s gel… others it may be rollerball. And, depending on the surface on which the paper I’m writing on is placed, it can get totally changed up. You should so see my desk drawer at school. I can’t bring them home, ‘cuz Steve steals them from me. All the while he’s making fun of me and my pen-thang, he’s secretly in awe at my pen-choosing ability… he totally gets it, but will never admit it! As for the post-its, well, YES, please!

Ok… so that’s it. That was harder than I thought it would be! I’m tuckered out and don’t think I can manage the other meme I thought I’d be able to tackle. I promise I’ll get it on my to-do list for another day.

Now, for the five lucky contestants who get to keep it goin’ (If they so chose)…

SteveB (I know he’ll never do these, but doesn’t stop me from tryin’!)

Magneto Bold Too! (although, she just sorted through a bunch of fodder, so she may be plum worn out with memes)

Canape (who just has tons and tons of spare time lately, what with just having what might quite possibly be the cutest baby on the planet)

WhyMommy (‘cuz, yeah, right… she’s got nothin’ else to do :p)

Skschein (my school bud… who doesn’t actually have her own blog, yet, but certainly has a place to put it and is dipping her toes in slowly!!)

Linky LUV

2008-03-14T11:47:00.003-05:00

BetteJo at A Bead A Day had sympathy for my, ahem, affliction the other day and bless her heart... to help me in my restless state, tagged me in an attempt to give me something to do to occupy my mind (thanks, heaps, BetteJo!!! I LOVE having new places to go check out / spy on! :) )

It's called "Links Around the World" and the idea is to help people increase the readership of their blogs, while giving yours a lil' jump, as well.

The instructions:

1. Place your link at the end of the list. If you have more than 1 blog, feel free to add them all here!

2. After placing your blog’s address, you must tag 5 or more bloggers that are not yet on the list, this is to keep the ball rolling. (Please remember to let the bloggers know they've been tagged!)

The Strategist Notebook ~ Link Addiction ~ Ardour of the Heart ~ When Life Becomes a Book ~ The Malaysian Life ~ Yogatta.com ~ What goes under the sun ~ Roshidan’s Cyber Station ~ Sasha says ~ Arts of Physics ~ And the legend lives ~ My View, My Life ~ A Simple Life ~ Juliana RW ~ Mom Knows Everything ~ Beth & Cory’s Mom ~ A Mind Forever Voyaging~ enjoying the ride ~ Jennifer’s thoughts ~ Mom of 3 Girls ~ Amanda ~ Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys ~ ExPat Mom ~ Just Jessie ~ Wilson Six ~Krisitn ~ Nuttier Than You ~ Shonnte ~ Summer’s Nook ~ Laura Williams Musings ~ Sher ~ Shanda ~ Seven QTPies ~ Mel ~ Skittles ~ Lady Banana ~ Momhood Moments ~ Business Mars ~ A Simple life ~ moms….. check nyo ~ Mommy’s Little Corner ~ Pampered ~ HappyHeart ~ Make Every Day Your Lucky Day ~ Thumbelina Creations ~ Ivonnardona's Creations ~ Jewellery Craft ~ A Bead a Day~ Useless Ramblings ~

Now, I tag more people to keep it going:

Doodaddy
Candid Yammering
Steve's Journal

There ya go... Hey, BetteJo!!! This was my first tag that I actually followed through on!!! (I was tagged right after I started blogging, but was too much of a virgin to give it a whirl!) You took my "tag cherry" ;)

Have fun, y'all!

Itchy

2008-03-09T18:45:00.004-05:00

Ever feel restless, like there's something that you want to do or say, but you just can't figure out what it is?

Itchy. And not the kind that Benadryl or Calamine Lotion will take care of.

That's me today. I don't know why... everything's ok. Nothing's 'festering' or brewing. No major changes.

Maybe it's just the upcoming (and much needed) Spring Break.

:: sigh ::

:: shrug ::

I'll just sit here and scratch. (ew!?!)

Chick update

2008-03-03T23:15:00.003-06:00

It's late. I'm sleepy. And very lazy.

We ended up with ten beautiful little chicks and some very happy kids.

I'll post more of the "birth story" and more recent pics soon, until then, read the exciting conclusion here.

Mic got a promotion!!

2008-02-28T21:23:00.005-06:00

The kids' school has Jump Rope for Heart once every year. The students all raise money via pledges / donations for the American Heart Association, then spend the morning one day jumping rope and win prizes for the amount of money collected and the kids who jump the most consecutive jumps.

Mic is turning out to be quite athletic. Much to our surprise, as well, because, well... he's just a bit, shall we say, clumsy??? Which actually doesn't do it justice. Walls and doors are often jumping out right in front of him. He quite easily trips on nothing. Walking sometimes proves to be somewhat of a challenge (and no, there's nothing wrong with him developmentally, he's just a klutz!) But put a ball or a rope in front of him and watch it all come together!!!

This year, he not only raised the most money of everyone in the entire school (pre-k thru fifth grade), but he also jumped the most consecutive jumps as anyone else, too!!! Mic raised $165 in honor of his PaPa who has heart trouble and he jumped one hundred times in a row!!

For raising the money, he will get oodles of cheap, useless prizes that are just heaven to a six-year-old boy. (don't get me wrong, there are some pretty cool looking pieces of plastic on the awards sheet, just nothing that probably cost the AHA much dough, naturally!) And, for doing the most jumps, he received the honor of being the PE teacher for a whole day - "Mom! I even get to tell the fifth-graders what to do!!!!"

Yesterday morning, he got all suited up in his "gear" (he picked out what looks the most like what Miss G - the PE teacher - wears), primped himself in front of the full-length mirror and set off to be a teacher for the day. All of the kids had to call him "Mr. Mic's-last-name" while they were in PE class. AND, he came home with a WHISTLE around his neck!!!!

What more could a little boy wish for??? I'd say he'll be beaming for quite a while to come...

his parents are beaming just a little bit, too!!

Our Chicks

2008-02-28T20:52:00.005-06:00

Beautiful, blonde, petite, soft-spoken, if a little messy (if I hadn't said "soft-spoken", I could be talking about The Diva!). And so far, there are nine!

We'd all be a little surprised if this hadn't already happened...

to watch the remaining eggs, click here

the chicks are hatching

2008-02-27T18:06:00.004-06:00

First chick made his/her (?) entrance this afternoon. One more has hatched since and several are trying.

Enjoy!!

Updates can be found here

Today

2008-02-14T17:57:00.006-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I hope everyone received the gifts they love to receive on this day. I certainly did!!! My dear hubby just never lets me down. He would admit, however, that the little reminders probably come in really handy!!! As we were watching the kids get their goodies ready to distribute, he just shakes his head, saying, "I just don't get it." Apparently, where he comes from (that sounds funny - like "Ya aren't from around these here parts, is ya?"), V-day just isn't done quite the same as it is here. They 'celebrate', just differently.

And, he is a guy, afterall!

So, I came home to a wonderfully sweet, poignantly written card with a message at the bottom to look in the fridge (yes, folks... he even created a mini-scavenger hunt for me!!!). mmmmmmmmmm - A box full of yummy Belgian chocolates!!! Does he know me, or what???

The kids came home on a major sugar-high. They are off with their Dad for the school's monthly Skate Night. Here's hoping they get most of that glucose-induced energy out so that when they get home, bedtime won't be so much of a hassle.

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better one... how about you? How was your Valentine's Day?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-13T06:16:00.004-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-06T21:16:00.002-06:00

Five years ago today...

2008-01-28T17:15:00.001-06:00

... my life changed in a way I not only never imagined it could, I didn't even know I was looking for it.

The Diva has been a Diva from day one. She was my "surprise" (we all have one of those, right??). I had no idea my life was even missing something, until the day I met her. She's been a feisty one, that girl, from the get-go, causing me bedrest, my first ever-in-my-life surgery and a multitude of 'gifts', too many to mention.

I never knew how much I needed her and I can't imagine my life without her.

Happy Birthday, Diva! We love you!!!

Finally!!!!

2008-01-26T14:25:00.001-06:00

I suppose a little background would help...

A couple of months ago, when his big sister was knighted, my son had a minor meltdown. You see, being Knighted at their elementary school is a big, major deal. As I've described before, it's very similar to a Student-of-the-Month recognition. An 'actual' knight comes to the school and does a presentation during the assembly which is centered around the kids who have been chosen for that month. Each month, two 'knightly virtues' are identified, and each grade, first thru fifth, selects (usually) two girls and two boys who have demonstrated the characteristics particular for that month. A kid can only be knighted once each school year.

The teachers contact the parents early in the week to let us know our child will be knighted. The kids don't know who has been selected until their names are announced at the assembly that day. This is an event we all take off work for and Grandma and Papa make the 45 minute drive up to attend the assembly. When the kids file in as the assembly is getting started, all of the kids yet to be knighted for the year survey the section of folding chairs reserved for 'guests' to see if their posse is there, as that's a pretty good indication they have been chosen.

Rewind a couple of months... it was Mac's turn. The days before 'Knight Life', as the assembly is called at the school, Mic is full of hope that this will be his month. I get regular reports of how he has shown "-(insert knightly virtue of the month here)-" with his peers or teachers. This is something my boy desperately wants... he covets!! So, as his class filed in that time, he, of course, examines the 'parent section' and sees all of us sitting there, natch. I said to Steve the minute Mic beamed that big, toothless grin at us, "I really should go let him know that we're here for Mac." Steve, always the sensible one, thinks better of the idea, that Mic will need to learn to deal with disappointment, that I'm not always going to be there to cushion it for him. Yeah, yeah, yeah... have I mentioned the soft spot I have for my boy??? Nevertheless, I restrained myself.

Mac goes on to receive her honors, and after the ceremonies, I see my extremely disappointed son just trying to hold it together to be a 'big boy' in front of his mates. As much as I knew I probably shouldn't have, I go over to him, at which point he's really being a big boy... but I could tell he was just bursting inside. So, I said something mundane, probably like, "See ya at home" and went on. I glance back to see his eyes, red and tear-filled, looking sadly at me, saying, "Mommy, please come back." I did, and he just melted into me, letting it all go. That was it. He wouldn't remove his face from my hip. It was all over... he just *knew* it was his time, and it wasn't. So, of course, I babied him, after singing major praises to Mac, who handles these things with such grace... she really makes me proud, that one! Since school was almost out for the day, we decided to go ahead and check the three of them out and miss the mayhem of traffic that comes with the last bell at their school.

His teacher didn't have any idea that he was even upset, let alone crying. So, when I went to the room to gather his things, she asked if everything was ok. I told her what had happened, and she was sad for him... we laughed it off, I got his stuff and left. I should say here, that his teacher is amazing!!! She has a disproportionate number of boys to girls in her class, and also, since she is special ed certified, has probably more than her share of special needs kids, too. She has the patience of Job, that woman!!! Ever so supportive and proud of Mic on a daily basis. She adores him, even tho he has his challenging moments. I suppose he's normal, tho... for a first-grader :)

I'm sure you can see where this is going... yep, this was his month. His teacher sent me the nicest email about him earlier this week, explaining that him being upset when he didn't get it had absolutely nothing to do with her choosing him this month. The virtues they were honoring were Responsibility and Flexibility. An excerpt from her email...

"I didn’t make this decision because he was upset last month. I made this decision because he is responsible with his homework, daily work and his interactions with his peers, myself and other teachers. He is also flexible about helping other students and adjusting to change in our classroom and schedule. He never whines or complains. He is still a little talkative but his doing considerably better. I know I can trust and rely on Mic. You have a very smart and mature son. Hope to see you at the Knighting assembly."

So, in case you can't tell... I'm just a little bit proud :) Hey, Mic... this one's all yours!!!!

He said to me, afterward, "Mom, that felt so cool on my shoulder!"

What a day

2008-01-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

WhyMommy is doing great! Thank all of you who sent whatever healing, positive-ey things for her yesterday. It was a bit surreal for me... I found myself thinking of this woman all day long. I've never met her in person. Only shared a few comments via our blogs. But it felt so close, so real. Because it was... and virtual 'relationships' really can be just as meaningful as our RL ones.

It's a bit of a mixed day, today. We just received news that a friend of the family passed away, hours ago. Shawn was a friend of my older sister growing up. She and her family moved away, I think during junior high. Time passes, friends grow apart, lose touch. But the pain smacks you in the face when something like this happens.

Shawn fought and beat breast cancer eleven years ago. Little did she know, it was hiding and growing. (I should say here, that the cancer WhyMommy is kicking is IBC, a different type to this) To the point that when they finally discovered it again, it really was too late. She fought hard to the end, though.

It's just wrong. Sad. Shouldn't happen. She was too young... there is way too much she still needed to see from her children (all still in school, teenagers). And on this, of all days... when I'm so elated for WhyMommy, yet so sad for my sister's friend (again!).

When will it stop?

Tomorrow

2008-01-21T15:44:00.001-06:00

I'd hazard a guess that most of you who read my blog (all 2 of ya ;p), who know me IRL, are relatively new to this blogging phenomenon.

Consider this post a great bit ole' greeting card... wishing all the best to WhyMommy as she goes in for surgery tomorrow. This is a mega-huge deal for her, and for all of us who have cheered, cried, sat silently and laughed with her along the way.

Please, if you don't mind, take a second to send a positive thought, say a prayer, light a candle... whatever it is you may do for these situations... that WhyMommy comes through with flying colors and most of all... clear margins!!!

Best of luck, WhyMommy!!!! We're thinking of you from all over the world :)

Happy for my Hubby

2008-01-20T21:27:00.001-06:00

Well, if Dallas couldn't go, I suppose I'll settle for the Pats.

I just hope they bury the Giants!!!

Good luck, guys!!!

Which came first?

2008-01-15T06:19:00.001-06:00

In our case, it's gonna be the egg.

And hopefully sometime, around mid-March (haven't actually purchased said eggs, yet), we'll have some of these.

More to come...

Our Christmas

2007-12-26T00:39:00.002-06:00

Tea for Two

2007-12-25T12:10:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas! to those who celebrate. Happy Tuesday! to those who don't.

This is a first for me this Christmas. As Steve and I were driving to our favorite Indian restaurant last night, I realized that this is the first Christmas Eve in my life that I haven't spent with my parents and my sisters. This is also the first Christmas morning in my kids' life that I haven't spent with them.

It's a weird holiday season for us. No kids. And since I've had them, my kids are what Christmas is about. Of course, it's still about family and just spending time together, but it's just wrong to not have little ones running around the house.

We just did our celebrating a day earlier this year. And it was great!!! The kids shot off to their Dad's yesterday with the biggest smiles and happiest hearts... just the way it should be for them on Christmas.

Steve and I are off to find the one lone store that might be open today. He'll make me a wonderful dinner later and that will be one more Christmas passed. And it's been a great one, even if a little different.

Merry Christmas.

'Tis the season

2007-12-16T18:03:00.001-06:00

Some call it Christmas portraits, personally, I think it should be called torture. For both child(ren) and parent(s). That's it! Screw the water tactics... just subject suspected terrorists (or, hell, as the current administration does, subject any ole' one we feel like) to that trauma called Holiday Picture Taking Session.

I mean, seriously, why do we do this? You know, the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. There ya go. Sheer insanity. Let's sum it up, shall we?...

For the sake of discussion, I'll play this out as it does year after year in my house. With the exception of last year, when the entire family was able to be together for this warm, fun-filled, fuzzy event, we have three children of whom we need portraits taken (buzz off grammar police... I suck, I know!). First, you have to schedule the session. This involves deciding what time of the day are you most likely to catch them all in good moods, able to smile without looking either too fake or too scared. Ok, again, for the sake of discussion, we'll assume that such a time actually does exist, we all know that reality is, there is no such time!!!

Eleven in the morning it is. Say... oh, two weeks away (that is, assuming you haven't waited until the last possible minute, as absolutely none of us ever do. Never!). Now, off to the closets to see what hand-me-down clothes you have that can possibly pass for cute Christmas attire. I have to say, I'm very fortunate in this department. There are oodles of girl grandchildren in my family, so there are always way more Christmas-frilly-sparkly-lacy-she'll-never-ever-ever wear-this-dress-again dresses than we can possibly manage in one season. And boys are pretty easy, generally speaking. But, again, for the purpose of discussion, let's assume that you have absolutely nothing for them to wear. You have three kids, they have to coordinate in some way, right?

Off to the stores. Do you start with the girls or the boy? I go for the girls first, my oldest first of those two. She's the hardest to shop for. Five hours, four fights, seven "I hate you"s and thirty-seven grunt / stomp foot combos, you have found absolutely nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Here, oh, picky child... just to get the hell out of the store with something for her to wear in the damn picture, you buy, at full retail mind you, the damn High School Musical tee with the wretched camo pants she just has to have because that is the only thing she has put on that has brought about that oh-so-sought-after smile you are gonna be begging for on said picture day. "Oh well, it'll be okay" you think to yourself. "We'll just put her in the back with the other two in front of her. Only the edge of the solid tee and the khaki of the pants will show, anyway."

You safely pull out the solid emerald green velvet dress for the youngest. At least she'll look festive, with the plaid bow around her waist, gold thread running through it. That is, until she sees big sis' ensemble. Holy Moly!!! "You hate me!" the four-year-old screams, with all the sass and attitude of somebody ten years her senior. Yes, small child, you're right. It's a national conspiracy against you. Nobody on this entire planet ever wants you to own a HSM t-shirt and camo pants, fuggidabouddit, kid. Ain't happenin'. Now, you're quite a bit smaller than your older sister and I can sit on you and make you wear that dress. Still wanna fight!?!?!?!?!?

Ahhhhh.... my boy. Either he really is the gentle, kind soul I think he is, or he sees the raging maniac his sisters have produced in me and he just isn't dare going to tread on that. No way. "Mom, can you put gel in my hair so I look like Danny Zuko?" sigh You know, I could just make extra copies of last year's picture. No one would know, would they????

Picture day. You've got the morning all planned out. Any food or drinks to be consumed prior to picture time is done before any garb goes on. Period. I don't care if you stomach is humming the William Tell Overture. I don't care if your tongue feels like cacti. You are not getting anything to eat or drink after you get dressed. Period!

Of course, the oldest remembers just how pretty her hair was the last time we put hot stix in it. She just has to have them in this morning. Simply has to. What do you think the four-year-old does next??? You got it... hot stix all around!!!! Luckily, I'm getting to be a whiz with these things and, never mind that my neck / shoulder feels like fire pokers are being jabbed into them by the time I'm done, the girls' hair is stunning!!!! The boy... Danny Zuko be damned. We'll save that for Halloween, son, m'kay?

Assuming you actually get out the door any where near the time you had originally hoped for, you arrive on time. But guess what? You wouldn't think for one minute that the portrait studio is running behind, would you? Nah. Oh, hell yes they are!!!! Now, I won't bore you with the recap of the morning... but, we've all just been through what we'll just call 'not fun' and now, NOW you want me to sit here and wait, while my kids hear all of these other children screaming, parents then screaming at their happy kids to SMILE, DAMNIT!!!! And you think my kids are gonna do what????

Now that they are a little bit older (than they were a few years ago, duh! That sounds brilliant!), they just plain ole' get bored. And to tell you the truth, so do I!!! So we sit, and patiently wait... and wait... and wait... and... well, you get the picture (ha! pun intended!).

I'd say I'm pretty lucky. I mean, what do we expect? Put yourself in their little shoes for just one second. We'd no more stand for treatment like that, and then, to be expected to smile??? To put on our angelic faces and actually look like we even like each other??? No way!!!

I'd say I'm pretty lucky...

Let there be light!

2007-12-16T17:32:00.001-06:00

A couple of hours after I last posted, the electricity came back on. Off Monday morning, back on Thursday afternoon. It was quite an experience. We've all come out of it unscathed and with a few more survival skills in our arsenal that we just didn't know we needed. We were lucky that we had acquired the camping equipment last summer... and I just love camp coffee!!

The kids just stayed at their Dad's. It seemed silly for them to come home just for an overnight, only to go back with him Friday afternoon. So, for lunch Friday, Steve and I took them out. And now, I'm ready for them to come home. They'll be back tomorrow after school. Short school week (well, four days for them, three for me). We're doing Christmas with my family next Sunday, then they are off back to their Dad's Monday afternoon (Christmas Eve) for another week. Alone time has been nice, but I really prefer the hustle and bustle that is my life. Remind me of that Monday night, will ya?!?!?!?!?

About to wrap up the Christmas shopping via Amazon, I think. I loaded the shopping cart up yesterday and Steve had a peek at it this morning. All seems well and ready for take off. I just have a problem parting with that dough all at once, ya know? When it's $5 here, $10 there, it's not so bad... but all at once?!?!??! Oh well, it'll all be done then and I can breathe again!

So, back to whatever 'normal' is tomorrow. Here's to a happy Monday for all!!

In The Dark

2007-12-13T11:31:00.001-06:00

We have no power. It’s been out since Monday morning, around eight. Kids dad lost his on Sunday afternoon and it came back on early Monday morning. He went to work on Monday, only to lose power there around noon, so he came to pick up the kids to take them out to his house where they could at very least stay warm. They have been out there since.

Our next door neighbors are on a different transformer than us, and they were only out of power for about 24 hours, from Monday afternoon to Tuesday lunchtime. They have been so kind as to ‘loan’ us an extension from their front lawn lamp. My oh-so-handy husband figured out that it doesn't take much electricity to power our gas heat, so we have a warm house, a couple of lamps and tv. I wouldn't want the kids around all of the cords stretched out around the house and since school has been cancelled for the rest of the week, they are just going to hang out with their Dad until Sunday (it's his weekend, anyway).

We just got internet back, literally five minutes ago. We've been checking email by sitting in a parking lot of a business where Steve maintains the network. Fortunately, with the extension from next door, we can keep cell phones and laptops charged. Been catching up on some reading I've been wanting to get to. Considering re-thinking that Christmas camping trip we've had planned. This may be the only taste of winter camping we'll need for a long while.

There are some beautiful pictures all over the web. This ice storm has made national news (we're in Oklahoma, in case some don't know). Check out one of our local news sites to see some pictures. Seeing the ice was a weird combination of scary and beautiful. And the noises... oh, the sounds of large branches cracking, followed by the crackle of the ice hitting the ground just before the crash and boom of the limb hitting where it may... sometimes on the ground, sometimes on cars or roofs of houses. I hardly slept Sunday night... it sounded like a war zone... in a really weird, creepy kind of way. You'd just lay in bed, listening to the sounds and with each crack, you just close your eyes and hope that branch isn't the one just above your bedroom.

We're fortunate. We're warm and luckily, we've had no property damage at all. We've got each other and fortunately, we're not sick of each other, yet. I think that's where I feel the luckiest... I'm truly married to someone I actually enjoy the company of. Nothing like hibernating in the cold and dark for hours on end to confirm that.

We've got a snow 'storm' headed this way, due to be here tomorrow evening. They aren't sure just yet how much we'll get, which is par for the course where we live. Seems we're always on that 'line' where it could go either way. So, here we sit... waiting for the lights to come back on. They are saying that everyone will have power by the middle of next week, hopefully, the majority by the weekend.

So, we're alive... kids are safe and warm... and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful man to be 'stuck' here with.

I'm happy.

Dear Santa,

2007-12-07T23:09:00.001-06:00

Can they please stay just like this?

'cuz they are growing up way too fast.

You've just gotta try this!!!

2007-12-02T20:18:00.001-06:00

Real quick... go to Google... type in "my husband is useless" and look at the second (at the time I'm typing this) result.

BBWWWAAAAAAAHHHAAAAHHHAAAAAAA!!

I love you, sweetie :)

I'll never get it

2007-12-02T19:45:00.001-06:00

* warning: the subject matter of this post may be disturbing ... Screw that! The subject matter of this post is definitely disturbing beyond my most horrific nightmare!!!

Today was pretty mundane. Could have something to do with the fact that we were up until five this morning singing. Or the fact that we didn't roll out of bed until almost noon (hey, that wasn't even a full eight-hour night!). Either way, we didn't do much other than browse the flea market, do laundry and manage take-out.

Steve had a little bit of excitement. At least, he claimed ownership of a mission this afternoon. In the process of getting screwed by a major corporation, I perused the internet looking to see how many others have been screwed by said company (turns out, there are thousands, but that's not why I'm writing this).

In the course of 'googling', I came across this article. Sick. Truly sick. Absolutely no other words to describe it.

In summary, if you don't feel like clicking to read the whole insanely gross story, sometime late in July this past summer, a beautiful little girl was allegedly murdered. By her mother and step-father. Who then hid her body in a container in their shed for more than a month, then dumped the container into Galveston (TX) Bay. The container was found by a fisherman in late October.

For about a month, this poor little girl was simply known as "Baby Grace" while investigators desperately tried to identify her. In short, she was identified and the whole horrific story continues to unfold.

As a mother, and I like to think that while I don't remember much of my life before children (I seem to have left my brain in the labor and delivery ward of the local hospital), even before I became a mother, there isn't one single fiber of my being that can understand how anyone could ever cause harm to a child, let alone their own.

I'm the first one to jump to the defense of mentally incompetent people, and I don't pretend for one minute that all people all the time are in control of their behavior. I fully concede that there are factors in this woman's life that I don't know about. I am not put on this earth to judge, please don't miss my point. While lots of things may explain why these things happen, they do absolutely nothing to excuse.

There is nothing and I mean nothing on this planet, in this world that would ever, ever bring me to bring any kind of barbaric situation to my children. Nothing. I would lay down my life for them, in an instant, without hesitation. And it is totally beyond my comprehension that any mother could not only cause harm to their child, but bring them to their death at the hands of the very one who is supposed to protect. Beyond. My. Comprehension.

I suppose, in retrospect... there really is no point to this post. Other than when I found that article, first, I was surprised that this was the first I had heard of this story, as Texas in only next-door and I try to stay on top of news events, especially 'headlines'. Second, my heart just broke for this little girl. Not to mention that she bore an eerie resemblance to my youngest. It just struck a chord in me that I didn't even know was there.

Rest in peace Riley Ann Sawyers. You'll never be hurt again.

I've failed

2007-12-01T10:19:00.001-06:00

I just realized, as I was bragging on my eldest (well, the eldest of the five who actually sprang from my loins), that I've let down The Diva.

Last month, The Diva was honored as a Knight-in-Training for Resourcefulness and Pride. This award is similar to student-of-the-month, but carries a little somethin' special, as an 'actual' Knight (Steve always squirms when they say this at the assemblies. He's close to demanding to know if his Queen actually knighted these guys, or if they are phonies... but, for the sake of the kids, he restrains himself!) performs the ceremony. (Another digression - must stop this - Steve and I wish they'd call on Sir Elton himself to do the knighting... although, that probably wouldn't go down too well here in the buckle of the Bible Belt).

So, for the month of October, my baby, The Diva was honored and selected out of all the students in her pre-kindergarten class as one who exemplifies the characteristics of Resourcefulness and Pride.

You go, Diva!!!

Yet another Mommy Brag!!

2007-12-01T10:01:00.001-06:00

The elementary school our kids attend has a monthly 'awards assembly' of sorts. It's called the Knighting Ceremony, or "KnightLife" as the kids refer to it. Each month, in grades one through five, two girls and two boys are selected from each grade who exemplify the characteristics chosen to be recognized for that month. Oh, of course, they encourage all kids to be model students all throughout the year, but lets be realistic... they're kids!!! So, each month, two particular 'virtues' are identified and the kids are chosen because they, particularly, stand out as modeling said qualities.

They do a similar award for the kindergarteners and pre-k'ers, as well, only they are awarded as "Knights-In-Training", which, I, myself, think is particularly cute!!! (Ack! I just realized I failed as a 'Mommy Bragger'!!! The Diva was just bestowed such honor last month and I didn't post it!!! I swear I thought I did!!! Bad, bad Mommy!!! I'll get on that, just as soon as I'm done here!!!)

The ceremony is a pretty big deal for the kids. All week, leading up to it, my three are hounding me every afternoon with, "Mom, did you get any calls from the school? Huh? Huh? Did ya??" (a 'call from the school' would mean that they notified me that my child would be knighted so that I could take off work to attend the assembly). Of course, whether or not we receive a phone call, the answer to the kids is always, "No". I've tried telling them that even if I did receive a call, I wouldn't tell them, anyway, as it is supposed to be a surprise, duh!!!

So, yesterday, for exemplifying cooperation and patience, my oldest daughter was knighted! (I won't go into all the drag here, but I really should mention what a long way she's come. If you had known her even a few years ago, and I was telling you the qualities she was being knighted for, you would honestly look at me like I had green snakes for hair and purple teeth. Suffice it to say, she's come a long way, baby!!!) She's worked really hard and is turning into such an adoring young lady!!! We are just so proud of her! An honor she quite well deserves!!!

Yea, Mac!!! You rock!!!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

2007-11-28T20:48:00.001-06:00

I've only known you for a few years now, but I can honestly say that I truly love you as if you were my own. I wish there were words to tell you how much you mean to me, what an amazing spirit you have that just permeates your being. You are never out of my mind, or my heart. I miss you, Joe.

Happy Birthday, Beanie!!! Welcome to 'Teen-ager-dom'!!! We love you.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-28T20:46:00.002-06:00

Bah-Humbug

2007-11-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

That would be me this happy holiday season.

Tom and Joe won't even be here until (hopefully) spring. I didn't even want to get a "family" picture made this year because it would just have two empty spots in it. That's not like me... an opportunity to have even more pictures to slap in frames around the house? Miss it? Nah... never! Yup. My three looked adorable, sweet, deceiving. It just didn't feel right.

Juggling being available for the kids, working, trying to build a business = no money this year. What's new, right? Oh, one funny, tho... guess who got a speeding ticket? Here's a hint: it wasn't me! Mr. "Jodie, you drive way too fast. Here, you just sit over there in the passenger's seat and be quiet while I set the cruise control on 60 mph. I don't care if we're on the turnpike and the speed limit is 75! Check out my gas mileage graph on my Palm!! Oh, look at yours - down, down, down. Slow down, Darling!!!" had a lil' bit o' lead foot... in a school zone, no less!!!! Yes, folks, there is a God... and she gave me a well deserved high-five last week, the day he called asking where in the hell the insurance verification was! I'd laugh harder if it wasn't going to cost us so damn much.

Sigh...

My first Christmas morning without my kids. Without watching their little faces go from all sleepy, gooey, squinty-eyed to Wow!!! in 3.2 flat. Goes with the territory, I suppose. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

I know! How about we just skip Christmas this year. Yeah! I'll go to bed on the 24th, and wake up, and it will be the 26th and it will all be past me.

Maybe we'll get that winter camping get-away afterall...

transformed

2007-11-04T17:45:00.001-06:00

I picked them up from school on Wednesday, a little bit early since Mac had an Awards Assembly (which she SWEPT thankyouverymuch - I'm not proud at all!!!) and escaping from that parking lot even 10 minutes early can literally save my sanity. Ever try bitching at the woman who blocked your car in when said woman can't understand. a. word. of. English.? Not fun, especially when the counselor had her arm across my chest, waving the other mother on. Can you tell I was pissed???

So, we get home a few minutes earlier than usual. They promised homework completed and to give me 'Mommy time with coffee and Steve' - a MUST, especially for what they were about to demand from me...

Into our bedroom we go, an hour later, these three 'creatures' emerge...

allow me to introduce...

Princess of the Underworld

Jack Sparrow

and...

Scary Witch

My cute little blonde-haired, blue-eyed kids became black-haired (one with dredlocks!) wannabe scary creatures. I'll give them creepy, maybe even freaky, but scary... nah. But I'd never tell them that!!!

Now, what was scary... them, upon returning home way too late for small children on a school night, much too full of sugar for any 200 pound adult... confinement in a shower for what seemed like an eternity... trying desperately to find the blonde hair they were born with (it appeared, several shampoos later, although, my bathtub will never be the same!). Thursday came, with them still bouncing off the walls. And Friday? They were all Steve's! ha.

My "baby"

2007-10-22T20:34:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that nine years ago today, I was in the hospital, anxiously awaiting the birth of my first-born... would it be a boy or a girl? I won't rehash the long, drawn out birth story, although, I remember it like it was yesterday. Detail after detail.

At 3:36 pm my daughter entered this world. And life, as I knew it, changed forever. And I couldn't be happier!

Happy Birthday, Mac. You are growing up so fast! What a beautiful, strong, intelligent young lady you have become. We are so incredibly proud of you, darling. To put it into words simply would not justify. I love you!!

(Edited to add: in my effort to be efficient, I wrote this post last night to post this morning, so the date is wrong - when time allows, I'll fix it - but in the meantime, it should be October 23rd!)

Sherry

2007-10-07T18:23:00.001-05:00

I bet that when she was born, forty-three years ago, her mother imagined a wonderful life for her daughter. A wonderful, long life, full of happiness and love for her daughter. As all mothers, I'm sure the thought of out-living her daughter simply never crossed her mind.

I bet that with the birth of each of her own four children, she, too, imagined long, full lives bursting with happiness and love and contentment. Four lives that she would have the honor of sharing, of being a part of for a very long, long time.

Early yesterday morning, Sherry lost her battle with breast cancer.

It's not fair. It's not fair that her mother has to experience every mother's worst nightmare... burying your child. It's not fair that her husband had to become a widower at too young an age. It's not fair that she didn't get to see three of her four children enter high school, that she didn't get to see any of them graduate, go to college, get married. Their own children will never get to meet their grandmother. It's just not fair.

And it's not fair that my sister, only in her thirties, now has to face life without her best friend.

I'm angry. But mostly, I'm sad.

I know there isn't much I can do. So I do what I can. I spend the extra few cents on yogurt to get the ones with the pink tops. I buy pink ribbon apparel whenever I can afford it. I joined TeamWhyMommy. I click. And even though I don't have two nickles to rub together most of the time, I donate every. single. time. I'm. asked.

I want this to end. I don't want any more children to lose their Mom way too early. I don't want any more husbands to be left alone. I don't want any more women to lose their best friends.

I want to help find a cure.

So, Jen, if there's anything I can do, or if you just want to vent, yell, scream, talk, cry... I'm here for you. And I'm so, so sorry.

(My sister, Jennifer, and Sherry - October 2006)

Slowed to a (non-existent) crawl

2007-09-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

That would be my blog. I knew I would slow down once school started, but jeez! I didn't think I'd actually stop! I bow to those of you who really can do it all... kids, work, running from here to there and everywhere in between at warp speed, and blog! Not me. Seriously, I've even stopped drying my hair in the morning. I rely on the gentle breeze from the car window and the can of White Rain I keep at school to complete my beauty regime.

The kids are doing well at school. Mac has settled into her routine. Who knew third grade would be so hard? And demanding? Man! the homework that kid has! We've established the "20 minute rule" for her. After school, she gets 20 minutes to herself to 'unwind' (read: chill out so she won't scream at everyone). In that time, she doesn't have to do anything at all. Her room is off limits to the others and she can just sit and veg... watch tv, listen to tunes, nap... whatever she wants, in order to emerge a kinder, gentler Mac. It seems to be helping, even though we have to remind her once in a while to take it. "Mac, step away from the knife drawer, pull the Diva off of your left foot, and go. to. your. room. NOW!"

Unfortunately, however, it would seem she's inherited her mother's OCD gene, as far as school work goes (trust me, it could be put to waaaaay better use in that wretched bedroom of hers, but I should really pick my battles). She usually doesn't have to be told to get started on homework and if she gets stumped, look out!!! She enjoys a challenge, does Mac, we just need to teach her how to embrace the challenge, rather than spewing pea soup and doing that head-spinning trick. She's going to be just fine... and I can't imagine it possible to be more proud!!!

Mr. Mic... my darling son... is certifiable! Seriously. Six years old... in first grade... and he's already tried to 'change' the weekly discipline report from his teacher. He honestly thought that he could take a ball-point pen, scribble over the numbers his teacher wrote in sharpie and add stars... and that I wouldn't notice!! I don't think he'll be trying that again!!! He is reading at a mid-fourth grade level and smokin' all the others with his AR (Accelerated Reader) points, even his older sister!!! (we won't go into what kind of sibling rivalry that evokes... 20 minutes, Mac, 20 minutes!!!)

He's playing soccer again this year and what a difference a year makes!!! He's gone from the little lanky kid who was only on the field to either dance or attempt to take flight... clueless that a game was going on around him... to one of the best players on his team!!! Not only is he right in the middle of the action, kicking and often emerging with the ball in his control... but, he can often be seen actually anticipating the play and calling out for his teammates to pass it to him or running ahead to make a steal from the other team's Neanderthal. Next on the list, Steve's going to teach him how to tackle properly (even though I've told him this is really soccer, Steve... not football!!!) He scored his first goal yesterday!!! (the only game I couldn't be at all season :( )

The Diva. Oh, The Diva! Steve reckons that once she gets the school to learn her rules, she'll be just fine!!! She's come home with 2 yellow dots (they get stop-light colored dots each day for behavior... green is good) so far, the first one had her in complete and total devastation... the second, well... all I can say is that if a kid scratched me on the face, I'd tackle her ass, too!!! She's over that and just amazes me more and more every day. I'm over the crying in the morning because I'm sending my baby off to school, thing. She's got the world as her playground and she is loving life!!! And I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Autumn is desperately trying to make its appearance here in Oklahoma. Cooler nights are beginning to creep in and we would LOVE another camping trip before winter. Not sure if it is going to happen, but doesn't stop us from hoping. Planning Mac's 9th Birthday party (she finally settled on a skating party... personally, I don't care, as long as it's not at home, so I don't have to do all the cleaning). Trying to save every penny so we can get Tom and Joe across the pond by Christmas. Anyone know how I can get two tickets from England for, oh, I don't know, about 20 bucks each???????

So, to all two of you out there who pop in from time-to-time... thank you, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I don't get in here much for your reading pleasure. I know how riveting my life is and how you just long for that edge-of-your-seat play-by-play that is my life... I really promise to try to do better, but I can tell you right now that I won't!!! Maybe I'll make a pact with myself... at least one post / week? Even if it is just a couple of lines saying why I'm not posting. Fascinating.

(Meanwhile... for your viewing pleasure... the loves of my life...)

Things you have to do but just don't want to...

2007-08-20T19:25:00.000-05:00

... send your baby off to school.

I've survived the older two, they started third grade and first grade today. They are old pros now, skating in like they own the place. Poor Mac, struggling to get to sleep last night, so frustrated, said, "But, Mom! I've known Mrs. Payne (her teacher this year, who was her brother's pre-k teacher a couple of years ago) for years!! I'm not *nervous*!" Michael had his own issues yesterday evening, dealing with the anxiety and excitement that permeates the night before the first day of school. He finally settled down, quite well, I might add, and managed a pretty good night's sleep and an even more spectacular day today.

But, Nat. My baby. I have to let her go. Poor thing. We've built this and built this all summer... her going to school with the 'kids' in August. We found out a few days ago that she wouldn't exactly start at the same time. She had to go this morning to schedule her "Pre-K Assessment"... so, we explained this to her. That she would be taking a test on Monday, then hanging out with Steve for the rest of the day and Tuesday, and will make her big start on Wednesday. Much to our surprise, she wasn't really too disappointed. And when, last night, she woke up just inconsolable, crying in her sleep, only to be comforted in the knowledge that Steve wouldn't leave her side all day today. She told me she was scared. Of taking her test. She's only *four*!!!

So, as I'm running through the list with Steve last night (he *is* a guy, after all)... make sure Michael's hair is brushed... do you know where the bands are for Nat's hair?... teeth cleaned... what's for breakfast? He smiled and commented that he likes it when I go into my 'panicky mother' mode (really... he ain't seen nuttin'!!). Then, he explains to me that he has earned this with Nat. He has put in the hard time and by gosh, this is his!

And he's right, you know. She was eighteen months old when he came into our lives. The older two had their adjustment periods, but, generally, have been fine. Nat, on the other hand, really wasn't even talking when he appeared. Thank goodness! Because I can only imagine the vile that would have spewed from her little mouth. Let's just say that there was a lot of grunting, moaning and growling coming from her in his general direction. And now? Well, they are inseparable.

For the last (almost) nine years, I've had a baby at home, or at least someone who needed full-time care. Wednesday, that comes to an end. And that school will never be the same...

Go get 'em girl! Make us proud!!!!

Blatant plagiarism

2007-07-26T00:54:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe not blatant, but I am copying, with permission. Because I think this is important. Very important. And since I've not been around to post much lately (I promise, I'm going to work on catching up very soon) and I know I won't be able to post much in the very near future (I'm sure the suspense is just killing all of you... ha!), this post will stay on top for a while (since I haven't quite figured out how to do that 'sticky' thingy that would keep it on top anyway).

Dunno if you've been here before and noticed the 'Team WhyMommy' button in my sidebar, or if this is your first time to visit (Thanks!)... please click on the pink button over there ------> and then, please, keep reading here...

It's late and I'm tired, so I'm just going to copy and paste this post from WhyMommy because she said I could and because, as I said before, IT'S IMPORTANT!!!!!

Without further ado (wow - that's really how you spell that word??? It is. I just checked on dictionary.com!) and with prayers going her way every single day...

(reposted with "permission")

Inflammatory breast cancer

Monday July 23rd 2007, 3:11 pm
Filed under: About Us / Favorites, breast cancer

We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?

I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.

Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.

Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.

There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.

Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.

You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.

teamwhymommy">

P.S. Feel free to steal this post too. I’d be happy for anyone in the blogosphere to take it and put it on their site, no questions asked. Dress it up, dress it down, let it run around the place barefoot. I don’t care. But I want the word to get out. I don’t want another young mom — or old man — or anyone in between — to have to stare at this thing on their chest and wonder, is it mastitis? Is it a rash? Am I overreacting? This cancer moves FAST, and early detection and treatment is critical for survival.

Thank you.

38 Comments

Please, talk about this. Do your self-check. Know your body. Pay attention to it. Listen to it.

The boy and the Diva

2007-07-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

(as a preface to this post, I have to put here that this morning, waking up from the night that was last night, I'm sitting on the pot - I know, TMI - and Mic stopped what he was doing, came in the bathroom with the biggest smile on his face and came straight to me with the biggest hug I've had from him in a while. That was it. He didn't want anything. He was just happy to see me. Not a word was spoken, just that hug. What a wonderful way to wake up!!!)

I've shared before how much I adore my son (all of my children, of course, but this one is particularly about him). His heart, his gentleness just amazes me every time I see it.

Today, the Diva comes to me with a 'chapter book' in her hand. I had actually bought this one for Mac, but when the Scholastic order came in, I realized that I had ordered several books for Mic and Mac and none for the Diva. So, as Mac was uninterested in this particular book, it became property of The Diva.

So, book in hand, she seeks me out on the driveway, saying to me, "Mommy, I want you to show me how to read." Giggling, I start to try to explain to her that I can't just teach her to read in a matter of minutes, that maybe we'd better start with working on recognizing her letters. She claims she already knows her letters and is ready to read... this chapter book. Ooookkkkaaaayyyyy.

So, we go inside... crawl up on to my bed and open the book. "Socks". We start with the title. I point to the "S"...

me: Diva, what is that letter?
Diva: 2!
me (again, through giggles): No, Honey, that's an "S"
-by this time, Mic has crawled up next to us and is giggling with me. Remember, this is the boy who basically taught himself to read at the age of 4. Very well, I might add.

I point to the next letter, which she, again, doesn't know.

me: What's this letter?
Diva: (silence)
Mic: Diva, that's an "O"
Diva: O
Mic: Good job!
me: (giggling, and pointing to the C) What's this letter?
Diva: (silence)
Mic: That's a "C"

You can guess the rest... this routine continues with me pointing at letters, her deafening silence and Mic helping her out.

So, after painfully not being able to get through the title, I suggest she go and find her Leap Frog toy thingy that works with just the letters of the alphabet. Mic goes into his room and pulls out a more advanced Leap Frog alphabet machine and brings it in. Diva can't find the one I've sent her for, which I happen to remember last seeing it under our bed. I send her there to find it, but in the meantime, she decides she wants the one he's found and the fight begins.

I won't go into the details of the brawl between the 6 and 4 year-olds, but when Mic screamed, "Mom, she just kicked me in my nuts!" (yes, we allow our children to speak that way!!! egads!!!!), Steve thought it might be time to step in to referee, but not before telling Mic to "move your nuts, then!".

Fight over.

The point of this is that once the bloodshed ended, there was this magical moment between big brother and little sister... him teaching, her learning. He was the best cheerleader, teacher, mentor, brother. He would point at a letter, press the button. The machine would say the letter, then make the sounds that the letter makes. Mic then had Diva repeat the sounds of the letter, after each repeat, he would say, "Good job!" or "Yes. You're doing great!" or various other affirmations. Safely (emotionally - read 'Funky' posts of late) cuddled in my husband's arms, I just laid on our bed as they sat on our floor, listening to the exchanges between the two of them.

Eyes closed, smile permanently planted on my lips, for just that moment, all was just right with the world.

(this would be the day after The Diva's birthday, where she got a ton of make-up and Mic happily obliged when she wanted to "share" - yes, that is an earring on his ear!)

Funky feelings

2007-07-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

So, yeah, posting that last night helped a little bit. Very little, but it did help. This one is really sticking around for some reason. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a volcano of emotions and feelings and things that just need to be said... gotten out... and at any second, unbeknown to me, I'm going to just erupt. Unannounced, unprovoked, out of the blue. And risk it all. Like if I show the 'real me', I won't be lovable anymore.

Wow? Where in the hell did all of that come from? Way down deep, I tell you. Territories I don't even dare to tread.

Guess maybe I'd better start getting my toes in.

Funk

2007-07-11T23:13:00.000-05:00

Ever just get into a 'funk'... you know, just feeling down, sad.

I guess it's symptomatic of depression, but I really don't think that's necessarily the case for me. I've lived with depression, and because of that, I am probably more prone to suffering again, but, I'll just, for the purpose of this vent, clarify that I really don't think it's reached that point. yet.

At this moment, what I want to do is crawl under my covers, turn off my phone, disconnect the doorbell and stay there. For however long it takes.

I think I know why I'm feeling like this. Not quite ready to go to that level in 'blog-land' just yet, tho. Sorry. I'm sure most will understand.

Thing is, if I'm right about what has put me into this funk, my problem is that there is just absolutely nothing I can do to change it. I know, because I've been here before. It's all me and I can't fix it.

Ever been at a point in your life where you just have everything you've ever dreamed of having? Healthy (I wouldn't dare type p-e-r-f-e-c-t), happy kids... a wonderful marriage... a doting, couldn't-have-hand-picked-him-any-better-if-I'd-tried husband... way too many pets who just fit in this family perfectly... a great job that I absolutely love (finally found one I can actually see myself doing for a long period of time, instead of dreaming up excuses to call in sick)... a 'purpose'? Yet, at the same time, your self-confidence feels, at times, like it is at an all time low... you can't remember a time in your life where you felt like crying at the drop of a hat so often... you've got it so good, you're constantly waiting for the "other shoe to drop"... possibly creating a self-fulfilling prophecy by single-handedly, subconsciously sabotaging it all at the same time?

I often think it's hormones. About three years ago, I had a 'work-up' with my gyn, and the tests, then, indicated that I'm pre-menopausal, more so than the average (then) 32-year-old. These results didn't surprise me... I started my period much earlier than my peers, developed much earlier, so, I naturally expect for it all to come to the crashing end sooner, as well. Which, honestly, is fine... I'm certainly done having children and the sooner I can stop having to bother with my 'monthly visitor', the better. But, jeez! If this *is* hormones, I don't know if I'd rather just flow once a month for the rest of my life, rather than feel like shit.

I dunno... sometimes it's cathartic just getting it out. Or, I may not even post this, or delete it when i get up in the morning. ::shrug::

I have to say, mostly because I know he feels so helpless when I'm like this, that Steve is wonderful to me. He knows. He just does. And it kills me to see him feel the way he does when I'm freakish. I'm not going to sit here and pretend that we have a perfect marriage... but it works for us... very well. I've (obviously) been married before and I can remember, looking across the table at 'him', thinking, this is it? this is where I'll be in 50 years? I was one of those wives who wondered what in the hell would be left when the kids leave home (and I was still having babies!!!). I knew I was looking at someone who I would never, in a million years, chose as my friend, so what in the hell was I doing with him as my husband? So, I got out. And now, I look at Steve and I can't wait for tomorrow to come... I can't wait for next week to come... I look forward to every single second I spend with him and just hope and pray that we get an eternity of moments together. I can't imagine life without him and actually look forward to looking across the table in 50 (God willing) years, and seeing him sitting there staring back at me (I may have to wipe his drool, or his ass... but, hell, I even look forward to that... crazy, huh?!).

I'm in a funk. And it sucks. It sucks real bad.

I'm going to go under the covers...

I wish I could help

2007-07-07T01:08:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to catch up on some of my favorite blogs lately. I've gotten quite a bit behind, what with all of our camping escapades, yet to be updated (I know, I know... I promise to get on that, too!).

For those of you who are new to this whole idea of blogging, as am I, you should know that 'out there' exists an entire other entity known to many as the 'blogosphere'. People who wouldn't otherwise even know of each other's existence get to know each other, some becoming very close (not unlike the way Steve and I met, for those of you who know our story). Often, these people never actually meet in person, yet very strong bonds can be formed over simple internet connections.

A few years ago, my sister's best friend found out she had breast cancer. She continues to fight the fight and has many people in her corner. When I learned of her diagnosis, I, as I'm sure many others did, felt completely helpless. I wanted to do something, but what? So I prayed, in my own way, and kept her healing in my thoughts.

A little over a year ago, I, too, had my own scare, which thankfully turned out to be nothing. But I can tell you, firsthand, the emotions you go through as you wait to 'find out' are heart wrenching, to say the least. I decided then, that if I do nothing more than display a pink ribbon on my car, I wanted to do *something*.

So, as I was catching up on my reading, read: poking my nose into other people's lives, I came across this post, which lead me to this blog, which, in turn, led me to Team WhyMommy. (see how it all works... links to this, links to that... before you know it, there's this whole online network of really close people)

I have to say, I don't know any of these people personally. I only take a peek into the parts of their lives they want to share, and sometimes, these parts can be pretty personal. But, I just feel compelled to 'do something'. What, I'm not sure, yet, but I guess it can all start here.

Please, take a moment, a minute, a second and say a prayer (if you pray) or just send a positive, healing thought to what or whomever you send those types of things to. And maybe send out an extra one or several, for all women fighting this brave fight. Just so they know they aren't alone.

Today is special

2007-07-04T14:50:00.000-05:00

On this day, in 1959, the love of my life entered this world. And it's never been the same since...

I'm so grateful for this day. Steve, you have shown me that it's possible to live a life happier than I ever imagined, yet always dreamed of. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect husband, father or man. You are so special to so many people for many different reasons. Thank you for being you.

Happy Birthday, Darling.

(Steve's birthday, 2005)

It gets worse...

2007-06-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

So, Steve's working tonight... when I was chatting with him, I told him to check out my blog if he had a sec, to see my 'blog rating'. He clicked on it to check out his rating and, while playing around over there, put my site url in... *now*, I get

Mingle² - Online Dating

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:

* poop (5x)
* gay (4x)
* fart (3x)
* hell (2x)
* kill (1x)

Jeez... won't my Mom be proud????

Ok, I promise... I'm done with this ;)

I'm shocked!

2007-06-28T22:55:00.001-05:00

Mingle² - Online Dating

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:

bitch (4x)
shit (3x)
poop (2x)
hell (1x)

I'll give ya the other three, but "poop"? My blog got an *R* rating because, in part, I used the word "poop" twice??? WTF????

(I got this link from one of my fav blogs that I read religiously... check it out)

Give a girl a fish, she'll eat for a day. Teach a girl to fish...

2007-06-27T01:32:00.001-05:00

... and she'll brag about it 'till the cows come home!!!!

I wasn't actually taught to fish today, my Dad took care of that way back in the day.

I love to fish, usually. I find it relaxing and just plain enjoyable. I haven't fished for years, well over ten. With our love of camping and outdoors-y stuff of late, a new fondness of fishing has been sparked.

I'm really enjoying seeing the kids become interested in it. Today, we loaded up the truck and set off to one of the local lakes for an afternoon just gettin' our hooks wet and to check out the campsites.

Steve recently purchased two Zebco 33 combos for Mac and I. These are the easiest reels to learn (Mac) on and I just plain prefer them... because they are easy.

I like fishing with a bobber the best. I actually prefer live bait (minnows), but I'm learning to respect and appreciate our scaled friends, so I'm sticking with the fakies from now on.

We hadn't been casting for very long when I sent one pretty far out and as the bait and bobber were hitting the water, the fish hopped up and gobbled up my little blue rubber crawdad-looking thing. The bobber went under just as soon as it made contact with the water. It all happened so fast, I was really caught off guard.

But... I got the last laugh, Mr. Fishy... Reeled him in, all the while, the kids and I yelling for Steve because, as much as I love to fish and love catching them even more... I do not take the hook out. I repeat... I do NOT take the hook out. Luckily, I had explained this to my oh-so-chivalrous husband when we first started talking about trying our hands at fishing. So, he gallantly comes running over to save Nemo from his impending fate at my hands. Out comes the hook and I touched him long enough to pose for this pic.

Not to be outdone... Miss Mac followed suit, but wouldn't get close enough long enough to snap a shot with her actually in the frame. Nevertheless, this is her big catch of the day...

Way to go, girls!!!

just when I'm convinced he's not gay

2007-06-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm talking about hubby. DH. Dear Husband. (sometimes) Damn Husband. Steve. The Limey. Love of my life.

I often tease Steve that he must be gay... this man has more decorating finesse than Christopher Lowe (is he even still around?). Can cook and organize a kitchen meaner than Martha. The first time he visited my home, he went out to the garage, found a couple of boxes, off to the fabric, yes, I said fabric, store to get some scraps to drape over the boxes to use as (really cool) end tables. I resigned my position in the kitchen when, after he was here about 6 months, my oldest looked up from a nicely prepared-by-Steve dinner and said, "Mom, do you know how to cook anything that doesn't come out of a box?" (must remember to thank her for that later!)

He and I both laugh and joke about his sexuality quite a bit. We both know that he is 100% straight, but, there are times...

So, last night, we were laying in bed, chatting as we usually do, about to drift off to sleep when The Limey had a bit o' wind. Wait, I stand corrected... a LOT o' wind ('wind' being his polite English term... we know what wind is, but around here, we call it gas, or more bluntly, he ripped a big 'un!). He is, afterall, a guy... they don't hold their bodily functions in very well, as we all know... but, I must say here that he is always, without fail, very polite and always follows a fart or burp with a "Pardon me!" sometimes proceeded with an "Oh, dear!" (see... told ya he's gay!)

Ok, back to last night... farts in bed... apologizes... then, we start giggling. It was a funny fart. We all have those now and again... the ones that just sound so unusual, you just have to laugh. So, we're laughing and I say, "Jeez, we could put you in the middle of an orchestra with that one!".

Now, most hetro men, at this point, would just bask in their windy glory. Laugh a little bit more, then probably fall asleep, only to do it all again, sans the laughing and pardoning, in their sleep. Not my guy...

He says to me, "It wouldn't tune to the A-440." (my apologies to Steve, as I'm sure I got that wrong)

Excuse me? The "A" WHAT???

Then he goes on to explain to me how orchestras tune to the A above middle C... mmm-hmmm... riiiiiight, Honey (he's really startin' to scare me at this point)... Yes. And they use 44o mega hertz. But, usually, pianos can't get to 440 mega hertz because their strings would be too tight, so they go down to 438 or 436...

(this explanation went on for quite a while... he lost me at "orchestras tune").

I love him. I really do love him.

We survived to do it again another day!

2007-06-25T21:16:00.001-05:00

Ahhh, camping. Being at one with nature. The outdoors. Pure heaven.

We had our first camping trip last week. I won't bore you with the play-by-play details. I'll just sum it up by saying it was wonderful!

There were many memorable moments, way too many to list. As I'm sure Steve will put together a much better recount, probably from the dog's perspective, I'll just hit a few high points.

Steve and I are still married, and happily at that! I was beginning to worry a bit when at the Father's Day lunch we went to just before we set off, he was laughing as he was saying to my Mother something about putting up tents is just the stuff divorces are made of. I'm happy to report that we set the tent up together and, a few minor tiffs aside, we survived it! I can see what he was talking about, however, but we made it, nonetheless.

Mac adored camping, mostly, the fishing part. We had planned to stay through Wednesday morning, but the Tuesday evening news reported big thunderstorms coming our way for the night and decided that it would be silly to stay just to get rained on (turns out that was the best decision of the entire trip... to say it rained that night is a major understatement). The drive home found her tearful in the backseat because she wanted to fish 'just one more time'. Poor thing. We have since purchased her her own rod and reel and promised her plenty of fishing on the next trip.

She had her usual gripes, which we expected, but they were much more mellow and easier on the soul. She probably complained the most, of the three, of boredom, but she quickly seemed to be able to find things to pass the time.

Mic was typical Mic. Clueless as always, but just a joy to be around. He clung to me quite a bit, wanting simply to hang out with me. We were all down fishing and I wanted to go back up to camp... he insisted on coming with me so I wouldn't be alone. It was great to get some one-on-one with him even with everyone else around. He enjoyed the freedom he had, taking off on his bike to go down the 'fast hill', just exploring. He, too, was sad when it was over.

The Diva surprised me the most. She was completely and totally in her element. She's not afraid of a thing. She has Mother Nature right where she wants her... in the palm of her hand. The independence that she displayed surprised me the most. Being the youngest, she usually sticks close to her brother and sister in unfamiliar surroundings, but it didn't take any time at all before she was off exploring the wonders of the outdoors all on her own. Steve would be down at the lake fishing (we had the perfect campsite, with two separate paths leading down to the lake), and she would just hike down, all on her own, and hike back up at will. She didn't need help and wasn't afraid to tackle those big rocks on her own. She did great!!!

Turns out Diva's independence came in pretty handy for Steve. During one of her visits to his fishing spot, he caught his first fish in America. About a half-pound catfish, which he threw back before I could rush down with the camera. Luckily, though, Diva saw it and even witnessed the kiss (tradition, supposedly, has it that you are supposed to kiss the first fish you catch) and had his back. Otherwise, we might not have believed him!!

My funniest memory happened the last evening, before we had actually decided to leave, Mac and I went to take a shower and left the others at camp. Apparently, The Diva wasn't too happy that she was left behind and ran off in a fit, pouting and crying, temper tantrum (which she excels at, I might add). Steve carried on, washing up and organizing for dinner, when he looked up to find her and Michael sitting in the middle of a muddy / dirty spot with the puppies just covered from head to toe. Almost as if to say, "You won't take me to shower, Mom? I'll show you!" When we got back, she came over and I took my bawling out for leaving her. When she raised her shirt to wipe her face, her bellybutton was *covered* with dirt. I mean covered! Dunno why, but remembering that just makes me smile every time :)

All in all, it was a success... all three kids woke up the next morning asking to go again that very day! We are planning our next outing very soon. Steve and I went this past weekend to scout out some places that might have good fishing access for the kids. Hopefully, the rain will get over before we leave, but we don't hold out much hope. Any other year, we'd be facing drought here, but no (not that we wish for drought, mind you, but a camping trip without rain seems a bit surreal at this point).

Friday morning bitch

2007-06-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Not sure if that title describes this post, or me. Or both.

I woke up to yet *another* day of rain. Sheesh! Give me a break! I am so sick and tired of rain! It's pretty bad when it's too damn swampy in the backyard for the kids to even swim!!! Mic just asked me, "Mom, what can we do besides going outside?" Poor kids. Enough, already.

For the second day in a row, I can't move my neck. I don't know if it's the way I'm sleeping or what, but I scared myself trying to drive yesterday. My only choice is to pump my body full of pain meds and muscle relaxers and pray. To just get through another day.

I'm really so very tired of the rain.

I absolutely adore these new puppies. They are just perfect for our family. But my god, can they poop!!! They sleep in the garage at night and I suppose I should just be grateful that they don't tear things up (we've made it pretty puppy-proof), but just imagine the amount of shit *two* puppies produce!!!! That's what I have to look forward to every single morning. I don't mind being the designated 'shit-cleaner'... somebody's gotta do it, and generally, we all have our own duties as related to the pups. But, since this is about bitching... I'm sick and tired of cleaning up shit!!! I've done my diaper duty... many times over. And puppies don't shit those nice little poops that you can just rake up with a scooper... no! I have to get paper towels, pick / wipe up said poop pile, spray the spot heavily with bleach water, then wipe up, again. I need stock in Brawny.

Did I mention I'm sick of the rain????

Hubby has to work again tonight. Again. He's worked the past two nights and Friday usually finds me looking forward to a nice quiet evening with just him, as the kids go to their Dad's this afternoon. I really should be grateful, and in lots of ways I am, because we really can use the money right now. And I'm proud... because he really is good at what he does, so people ask him to fill in here and there. He enjoys doing it (KJing) and has a good time while making money. But, I'm being a bitch here and taking a selfish moment and just want him home, with me.

I'm so sick of this damn rain!!!!!

Because I'm the world's worst procrastinator, the kids and I now have to get out today, in the rain, to go shopping for Father's Day. Not that their Dad *ever* helps them on Mother's Day or anything... grrrr... the mammoth bitch about my ex is another post entirely!!! I just *had* to put it off to the last minute, and now, I have no choice but to go out today (in the rain... did I mention that... or that I'm sick of the rain???) to shop. Ugh.

Ok... I think I'm done for now... gonna go take whatever I can possibly take so I can muster an hour at WalMart for the men in our lives...

I hate rain.

I went to a party last Saturday night

2007-06-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

Steve runs private karaoke shows from time to time. This past weekend happened to be one of those times. We have a friend who was celebrating not only his 50th birthday, but 25 years in business, as well.

We have attended a few parties thrown by this gentleman. All very nice parties, ranging from a simple, quiet house party to a big 'do' thrown at a local up-scale hotel. This was the first, however, where he mixed business with pleasure, and as we had previously only attended the business parties, we got to see a more personal side of our friend.

The party had about 150 attendees... a mix of business associates, employees and family. The birthday boy happens to be, originally, from India, so there was a beautiful blend of cultures, as well. Indian food (which happens to be my favorite and not as easy to come by here as other cuisines, so I was in heaven!), music and attire permeated the festivities. It was simply gorgeous!

Throughout the evening, Steve and I shared our usual antics... we like, as much as the next guy, to sit in our little space and chat about the event and / or the people. For instance, at one point in the evening, Steve leaned over to me and said, quietly under his breath, as he nodded toward the Man of the Hour (hereafter referred to as Mr. Smith - not his real name), "I wonder how long since he was fifty?" I nearly spat out my drink! We do that... usually, it's Steve piping up with one of his little remarks and me giggling, sometimes much louder than I should. Oh, and by the way, we're both quite sure that Mr. Smith really *did* just turn 50.

The evening turned a bit different for me. As Steve was playing the music, I sat next to him just watching. Just taking in the beauty of it all. As people would come along to request a different song or pop up to see about singing, I'd casually chat to them just about everyday kind of stuff. I met many of Mr. Smith's family members, from the two-year-old great-niece who, while she looked simply stunning in her sari, just couldn't keep her eyes open past 11:00, to the Uncle who was trying desperately to manage the music the teenage girls were dancing to.

What happened between the time we arrived to the time we left was that I had a wonderful evening. As Steve and I were chatting on the ride home about the party, we delved into the obvious cultural differences that were present at this very enjoyable evening we had just experienced. What I'm not so far removed from are people, whom I've since eliminated, best as I can, from my life, who would have been aghast at that party. People who would just as soon wish tragedy upon people I had engaged with that night. To go a little deeper, as I was questioning the racial hatred that infiltrates society, Steve pointed out that there are people who would have bombed that party tonight, simply because they are different... "there'd be a few less of 'em", they'd say.

I lost it. Completely and utterly lost it. What in the world could be so bad about being different that one person, or a group of people, could damn an entire culture... kill an entire race? What? Which threw me into an oracle of what in the hell can I do? What difference can I make to the people who simply want to be with their families, but can't because of something like political asylum? What kind of impact could I possibly hope to have on that?

I concluded that, actually, I can't impact those issues. But what I can do is continue to be the best person I can be and hope to pass those qualities on to my children. That is my contribution.

And I can celebrate monumental steps like the case of Loving vs Virginia. Today marks the 40th anniversary in which the US Supreme Court ruled the way which ended racial discrimination in marriages in the United States completely.

Unfortunately, some parts of society have yet to catch up with the past forty years. There are many places in the United States where interracial relationships, let along marriages, are disparaged to such degrees that people still face physical violence for simply falling in love.

Alone, I can't really do much, except to continue to embrace my 'awakenings'. If it means going against that which surrounds me, so be it. I've never understood hate and bigotry and I never will.

There'll always be puppies...

2007-06-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

Diva: Ooh, Look! It's Corbin Blue!!

me: You are only 4 years old, and you already know these teen heartthrobs, Diva?

Diva: Yep. I know Corbin Blue, 'cuz he's cuuuuute!

Steve: Cute like Steve?

Diva: You're not cute. You're a bawld maaan!

Steve: Aw, you're hurting my feelings!!

Diva: What? The puppies love you!

I'm so proud of him!

2007-06-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, y'all come here, see a post titled "I'm so proud of him" and just assume I'm going to go on and on, bleating about my son and how he picked a booger for the first time successfully or something else really Mommy related, and brag about it.

Nope. You couldn't be more wrong. Because my son is so advanced, he actually mastered 'booger-picking 101' at the ripe old age of 19 months... so ha!

This time, I'm bragging about my husband. I know I've done this before... gone on some sentimental rampage that took you deep within my mushy heart and to just how much I am completely and totally in love with this man.

BUZZ x 2!!! Wow! You're really on a roll today, huh? 2 for 2... almost struck-out, eh?

This time, my brag has nothing to do with me, or what he does *for* me. All him, and him alone.

Steve, as I've mentioned, is very political and, therefore, interested in politics. He is a registered member over at DailyKos, a liberal blog that has, in recent years, simply exploded. I read from time to time, but my interest in politics goes about as far as just sticking the tip of my pinkie toe in, not much more. I love to listen to his stories, recounts and just to hear him read, as he often does, to me.

Last week, we were sitting out on the patio and just started chatting away, as we often do. Steve posted a blog entry, recapping our talk. He decided to go on over to Kos and post it as a 'diary'.

He got a few reads, a few comments. Then, he came home late Wednesday from work and hopped online to check email, etc... as he usually does. Suddenly, I hear from the living room, "Jodie, Jodie! You've gotta see this! This is big!!!"

Steve's diary post, it seems, was 'rescued' over at Kos by the 'Rescue Rangers' and moved to, what was tantamount, to the front page!!!

(now, enter my disclaimer: I'm completely new to the world of blogging. If I've gotten any of the lingo or blogging terms wrong or inaccurate, please excuse me... like I said... I'm new)

But, I know enough to know that this was major for him!!! Very big!!! And I am so very proud of him!!

Unfortunately, I don't think Hallmark has caught up, quite yet, as I haven't found a "Congratulations for Making it Big in the Blogging World" yet. I'm sure they'll get there, but until then... my little blog post will have to do.

Steve, I'm so proud of you!!! Now, do as I said, and get out there and write, write, write. You have so much to say and so many people who want to hear it. No matter if you get published one time or one million... what you have to say will always be important to me.

:)

We just thought we were done with babies...

2007-06-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

We've tossed the idea around for a little while now about getting a dog. We've watched Nat with my parents' Lab / Shepherd mix and often thought that she 'needs' a dog, or as she says (with the thickest Southern accent you can imagine) "a big 'ole hound dawg".

We're hoping to move within the next year or so, and thought we had put off the decision to get a dog until we got into our new place and settled.

A friend of mine called the other day and mentioned that they are getting out of the puppy breeding business. She tells me she has 90, yes *90* dogs and puppies to get rid of. All of them 'pure' bred, most of them with papers... and they are free. She has five breeds, we ran down each of them and decided that none of them really 'fit' what we would be looking for.

Until, I phoned her the next day to let her know that some friends were interested in her Dachshunds, and I asked her if she didn't just have any 'mutts', perhaps one of the pure-breds had escaped their hatch and 'hooked-up' with one of the others (we were thinking a Lab / Husky mix would be perfect). She giggled and told me that they did have a few "Labradoodles".

Labra - WHAT?!?!?!?! What in the world kind of a name is that? So, we Googled. And became interested... not a bad breed, especially with kids, which is a must. Then, we see that in some areas, they sell for as much as $2500! Probably closer to half of that around here, but still. We'll never be able to afford that much for a dog and papers aren't an issue for us, so whether or not they have them is neither here nor there.

So, I phone my friend to inquire more about these 'Doodles', as I find they are so affectionately referred to in the breeder world. She has a litter of four, they are seven weeks old, she thinks two males and two females. Mom and Dad are also available, but we really aren't interested in older dogs if puppies are available.

Ok, bring 'em over and lets have a look at them. Steve heads out to Wal-Mart to pick up a small bag of puppy food and various other small bits, just in case we keep one, to save us from having to get back out later.

Then he springs it on me... "Jodie, you know, if there are two females, we may as well get them both, as to get one." WHAT??!?!?!?!? (seems I've been saying that a lot lately!) I happen to subscribe to this philosophy whole-heartedly. The first dog I owned after leaving home, I soon realized that two really are better than one. Fact is, you'll *have* to leave them sooner or later and one having company keeps them from getting bored and into much mischief when they are alone... yeah right! It'll just make for twice the mischief... you know that and I know that and Steve knows that, too. But it sounds good, right?

He phoned the boys, as we always include them in 'household' decisions, especially ones involving pets. They were ecstatic! They had both not only heard of the breed, but had seen it before and they both agreed that a Labradoodle is a 'cool' dog. He also spoke with them about potential names (Steve already had them picked out) and tried to sway them to agree with his picks. He'll phone them at the weekend for follow-up ;)

I told Steve that this was completely his decision... I know me and when it comes to making decisions about pets, I'm led only by my heart which becomes complete mush, especially around big, fluffy puppies. I knew that Steve would be way more practical... not that he doesn't have a soft-spot for them, as well, just that I knew he could stay way more grounded than I could dream of.

They arrive with the four puppies... turns out there are three females, one male. One of the females has short hair and looks like a lab. The other two have the longer, wavy hair and look like all the Labradoodle pictures we've since found on the web. Steve takes one look at them, says, "We'll have the two long-haired females. It was nice to meet you both, I have to shower so I can get off to work."

It was that simple... and now, I'd like to introduce you to Edmund and Bal drick...

... and Bunny found a purpose :)

They really do like each other...

2007-06-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the kids just did not get along with each other. Some days are better than others, most definitely, but yesterday was the kind of day that ends with the lecture that mentions things like "we all have to live together", why it is never ok to hit, "you only have one / two brother / sisters"... etc, etc. I'm never really sure how much of those lectures actually make it to their brains, what with the rolling of eyes and quiet sighs that just scream, "Mom, are you *done* yet?"

I was sitting out on the patio while the kids were swimming. This is what happened:

:: lots and lots of splashing around, screaming, laughing, and even some tears :: (this is typical)

me, yelling over the splashing: Mac, did you just tell your brother you love him???

Mac, looks at me as if to say "what in the hell are you talking about, Mom?": Yeah

my jaw drops

Mic: and I told her that she rawks!

my jaw drops even further...

Mac: See, Mom, we really can get along!

Couldda knocked me over with a feather (or that god-awful wind we have today)

Later on, heard from within the splashing and wailing: Mic to Mac: Mac, say, "Mic, you rawk!!!"

poor bunny

2007-06-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

The day of Mic's party, Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, this little tattered pink bunny appeared in our backyard. Nobody would claim it and nobody had any idea where it came from.

Poor thing is filthy, but has certainly been 'well loved'. It is missing one entire ear completely, and the other one looks like it's just barely there, torn and missing the tip.

I decided to 'adopt' said bunny, although I haven't named it, yet. We haven't even decided if it's a 'he' bunny or a 'she' bunny. We lean toward a 'she' since it's pink, but we are a tolerant household and accepting of all kinds around here.

Bunny lives on our patio. Not really sure it has a purpose, but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. I like to believe it has brought great comfort to whomever it used to belong to and would hate to see such a dedicated animal meets it's demise at the bottom of a trash can.

We check on the bunny from time to time, just to make sure it hasn't found a home elsewhere, and so far, it hasn't wandered. We include it in family pictures and picnics, but haven't taken it for a swim just yet. We'll have to find a new home for it should we decide to adopt one of the puppies set to visit in the next couple of days. I just don't think it could stand to loose another appendage.

So, here I am, thinking I've done a good thing. I've saved this bunny from the jaws of death and destruction, honestly thinking I've helped it in some small way. When I perched it on top of the half-fence that Steve built and turned around to snap a picture, this is what happened... Despite our shouting, "Don't do it, Bunny! Don't do it!"

It jumped. Guess the bottom of the trash can looked better than a life at our house...

Today, we had a picnic

2007-06-06T15:39:00.000-05:00

We're in the process of gathering all this stuff for our first camping adventure. Luckily, Steve knows what he's doing and serves me well as a guide.

One thing we picked up on a recent trip to Walgreens were three decent sized meal trays for the kids. Cool colors... lime green, bright pink and turquoise. At a buck each, I couldn't hardly pass them by.

The menu for today's lunch was corn dogs, chips and pineapple chunks (I was being lazy), all washed down with Steve's home-made root beer.

I remember when I was a kid (yes, I can remember that far back!) and sometimes *what* you ate your meal on just made it taste better. I think this was one of those times for my kids...

A Happy Freakin' WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

2007-06-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

I don't get it... I just don't get it.

In my 26 years of having them, I find absolutely *nothing* remotely happy about having my period (save a couple of times when I was really, really glad it showed up, but that was years ago).

Now, they have things called "Pad-o-Meter"s and "your time-o-month mantra"? Give me a freakin' break!

Slide the chocolate under the door and step away... s-l-o-w-l-y. And we'll all be friends.

But happy? Hardly.

Why?

2007-06-06T00:44:00.000-05:00

... because I can bring you a bowlful of M&Ms and call them "brain food". You just smile and say, "Thank you"

... because of that silly little thing you do with your tongue when you are concentrating

... because you let me be me

... because you protect me

... because you respect me

... because you gave me two more beautiful children

... because you have loved my children, from day one, unconditionally

... because minutes before leaving for our wedding, you took me in our room, my face gently in your hands and asked me if I was really sure

... because you waited

... because you are a wonderful father

... because you don't look at me funny when I bring a *bowl*ful of M&Ms, rather than just a handful

... because when I make the bed in the morning, your pillow isn't in the middle of your side, it's wedged up, right next to mine

... because you 'get' me

... because when you don't 'get' me, you try

... because you're honest, trustworthy and my foundation

... because it's cute, the way you cradle your head with your hand when you sleep

... because you appreciate me

... because you adore the things I do for you

... because what I think / feel / say actually matters to you

... because you actually think

... because you squirt the kids with the hose

... because you know when to laugh, when sometimes crying would be easier

... because you have a way of putting it in perspective

... because of your loyalty and undying dedication to me and our family

... because of your convictions

... because you make me laugh

... because you make me cry

... because of days like today

... because you 'know stuff'

... because you would give me your last Rolo

I love you because you're you.

I miss them

2007-06-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

I often post about my three children. Lest anyone forget, I do have two more. I only actually gave birth to three of them, but in all, I have five.

Tom and Joe are my step-sons. They live in England with their Mum. Fortunately, we get to talk with them very frequently on the phone. We don't get to see them anywhere near what we would like. Unfortunately, that's just the way it has to be, for now.

We make the most of those phone calls... laughing, talking, sometimes just sitting in silence. I love to hear their accounts of the going-ons and the day-to-day stuff they are involved in.

They are always on my mind... if not just because I'm thinking of them, but because I know how incredibly difficult this is on their Dad. His pain is my pain, and sometimes, it just gets to be a little much. They don't see it, they don't need to. They know he misses them, terribly. I know he misses them. I miss them. It's hard for all of us.

The three who live with us know they are their brothers. Not a day goes by when they aren't talked about, thought about, included. This is their home, too. There is so much love here for them and they know that.

Sometimes, distance can be a real nuisance. But, we have no choice but to keep going. We make the most of every single second they are with us and learn to appreciate those talks just a little bit more.

I love shopping and seeing something they might like. Whether it be an OU folder for school or a guitar poster for Joe or OU (sense a 'theme' here?) golf club covers for Tom. It's nice, sending them a little piece of America... a little piece of 'home'.

I miss Tom putting The Diva to bed... so does she. I miss Joe tossing the football around with Mic. I miss Mac snuggled up next to her big brothers, sharing the "Chicken Run" she got for her birthday.

I miss them.

let them be little

2007-06-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, especially while they are sleeping, I just stare at my kids. Not a creepy, stalker, over-bearing mom stare, but the nostalgic, longing, almost sad stare that comes with realizing that they aren't babies anymore.

It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle. The "eat your carrots!", "stop hitting your sister / brother / the cat!", "if I have to tell you one more time to pick that up...!" days sometimes seem to outnumber the real, truly meaningful ones.

Don't get me wrong... every single second I have with my kids is meaningful. It's just that sometimes, I stop and look at how things are today and wonder where in the hell the time went? It seems like only yesterday, I was a basket case because Home Health had to come visit my 4-day-old to place her under bili lights. Or that I had failed my son miserably because I chose not to breast-feed and then had to play the 'formula juggle' just to find one that didn't make him look like a cooked lobster (actually, I still agonize over that one). It seems like only yesterday that I was on that operating table, praying to God that my youngest would come into this world healthy and viable and that she wasn't too early.

The time will come soon enough where they won't want me to pick out their clothes. I won't be the first one they come running to when something makes them happy. They won't care if I sit down for a meal with them. They won't cry out my name and come looking for me when they get hurt.

I long for the days of sleepy babies on my shoulder, drool puddles left behind. Tiny baby socks to keep those tiny baby feet warm. Those little chubby fingers holding onto mine during a middle of the night nursing. Nursing. Cheering for the first steps, first waddles... the crash on the diaper covered bottom. Baby belly laughs.

But, I do, at least, know enough to cherish what I do have... right now. Those 'just a little less chubby' fingers, rubbing my cheeks as I kiss her good-night, just because she knows I like it. The kiss on the cheek and a reassuring "Mommy, I love you" out of the blue, for no reason at all, because he just understands 'my' needs sometimes. That every time we take an outing alone, my oldest will turn to me and say, "I love hangin' out with you, Mom. You're fun."

I have so many hopes, dreams, desires for them. But, not too soon, ok? Let's just enjoy today because we have it. And for now, I'll let them be little.

So, he's not only ginormous...

2007-06-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

... he also isn't soaking up the local dialect very well.

Pulling up into the parking lot at Academy, he points and says, "I like those trucks with the pinched waist."

WHAT???

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY???

Did you actually just say the words *pinched* and *waist* while referring to a pick-up truck in COWBOY COUNTRY?????

In my most 'I'm being supportive to my British husband, who isn't quite as used to Oklahoma as I might like to think' voice: "Honey, that's a step-side."

I love him. I truly do love him.

So, we've decided to go camping

2007-06-03T18:22:00.000-05:00

We've been brainstorming about activities to fill our summer days. Since we're on a tighter than tight budget, one idea we tossed around was camping. Steve's been an avid camper for years, so he's armed with the 'know-how'. I did some camping when I was a kid and although I'm sure I didn't absorb, or really pay attention to, the camping tricks and techniques my Dad had, I simply love the outdoors.

When I spoke with the kids last night (they are with their Dad this weekend), I mentioned that we were thinking about camping this summer. They were beside themselves with excitement! Couldn't really not follow through, now, could we?

We decided to go out for a drive today to scope out potential sites and areas. We started with Keystone Lake. Found some wonderful areas to pitch a tent... places we think the kids will have an absolute blast. Off to beg, borrow and steal (well, we won't really *steal* anything) whatever isn't tied down so as to make this venture as inexpensive as possible.

One of our stops was at the bottom of the Keystone Dam. Steve and I popped out there once last summer and the river was so dry, you could pretty much walk all the way across it. The dam is open now, the first time in about two years. The view was amazing! So, of course, we snapped a few shots.

Last summer, all of this area, just past the shrub line, was rocky. People would sit on the rocks and fish. We were able to walk all the way to the bottom of the ramp and circle back around to trample on the rocks, ourselves.

In this picture, you can see at the bottom of the ramp, the water level has risen to cover it. The ramp actually extends much further out, past the present water line. In the distance, you can see the steps and handrails that led down to the rocks, now covered with water, as well (we don't have a clue who these people are!). Didn't stop them from fishing, though! I wasn't sure how they managed those bobbers... the current was amazing! But, they kept reelin' them in!!!

Happy Summer!! Happy Camping!!!

I cleaned the kitchen...

2007-06-02T23:14:00.000-05:00

... and in about 2.2 seconds, he messed it up, again.

I love you, Sweetie, I reeeeaaalllly love you!

;)

a true lesson in researching before you post...

2007-06-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

About my "farting gene" post... sheesh... I thought we women stuck together!!! How wrong I was!!!

Blogging over time

2007-06-02T18:30:00.000-05:00

My most recent two posts, about farting and politics, were written over a period of time. Meaning, that I didn't just sit down and get it out in one blogging session. For whatever reason, either the kids were up to no good and needed adult intervention or the cats were ripping some poor reptile's appendages off in the bathroom, it just took me a while to get them done.

I'm not happy with them, either. When they both started out, trust me, they were way better in my head than how they came out.

I've just told my dear hubby that the next time I start out posting and don't finish it soon after starting to stop me. Yeah, sure... he'll get right on that!

the fart 'gene'

2007-06-02T18:19:00.001-05:00

In my 35, nearly 36, years of existence, I have come to the conclusion that the scientists got it all wrong. Genetically speaking, the 'x' and 'y' chromosomes are not what make the difference between males and females... it is, to put it simply, the "Fart Gene".

Men have it, women don't. Plain and simple. Quite frankly, I could end this post right here... enough said... but, I'll take a moment to elaborate, shall I?

It's just innate, that men are more fascinated with their own flatulance, way more than women are. Unless you've been locked in a biodome, strictly inhabited by females your entire life, you've witnessed it. Everybody has. And it starts early. I'll wager a guess that not much research has actually been documented, so we'll just assume that it rears it's ugly head sometime in the early childhood stage of development.

There is a whole range of 'fart facination' out there... and I've lived with both extremes, but let me tell you... all men have it. It is probably relevant here to mention that there aren't many people out there who haven't experienced this phenomenon with my ex-husband around. Anyone who met him, with the exception of my parents, saw it. That alone would have been grounds for the divorce! Current hubby, I have to admit, is rather more polite about it, at least with other people. But, believe me when I tell you that that prim and proper accent is just a smokescreen!!! He farts, people!!! And he can be incredibly 'manly' about it, as well!!! (I'm probably sleepin' on the couch tonight for that, but it's worth it!! Right????)

I've resigned myself that my son will not be able to escape it. As much as I try to raise him to be a polite little chap, he already has the ability to fart on demand. And he does. Much to my dismay. I suppose, at this point, I can only try to teach him when it is appropriate to share that talent and when it isn't.

So, I plead with the biologists and geneticists out there... for the love of Pete (whoever the hell he is)... please, please find a way to isolate that buggar and rid us of it at once!!!!!

Politics (this one's gonna be long...)

2007-06-02T18:04:00.001-05:00

Alan Jackson sings a song called "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning". Catchy enough. It's about 9/11 and asks the question all of us will undoubtedly remember. For the record, I was sitting in my living room with my almost three-year-old and my four-month-old. I was just sitting down after breakfast to turn on "Blue's Clues" for Mac when I thought I'd pop over to NBC just to see what Katie was up to for the day. Just in time to watch the second plane, live.

I mention this song, because part of the chorus says "I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real political man, I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you, The difference in Iraq and Iran". I'm not a singer, certainly not of simple songs... my husband, the K.J. can attest to that... he often mentions something about howling and glass shattering... I'm definitely not what I would consider 'political' (I'll get into this a bit more - it's kinda the purpose of this post). Don't watch CNN much, as I pretty much stick to the local CBS station where I daily watch, or at least listen to, the local news, and I try, daily as well, to stay informed of national and international goings-ons. Sometimes, this is done via my highly informed, news-addicted husband, and sometimes, I actually get to watch the CBS Evening News (with Katie Couric... my girl!).

As a teacher, one of my main goals with my students is to help foster independent thinking. As a Special Education teacher, this can sometimes prove to be extremely challenging, especially considering that I mainly teach teenagers with emotional disturbances (one might argue, correctly, that simply *being* a teenager is an emotional disturbance in and of itself, but I'm talking above and way beyond the normal *weird* stuff that makes them teenagers). I try to instill in them, they would probably say I preach it, a desire to gather information from several sources. I encourage them to go out and find sources that they feel they can trust... do their research and probe and poke until you find trustworthy sources. Then, take all the information they have available to them and make their own decisions, draw their own conclusions. Sometimes, I feel like I've had a break-through or two, sometimes, I honestly feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. Either way, I come home at the end of the day at least feeling like I did my best.

But, this isn't about my career choice, it's about politics. (ADHD much?) I've been working on this post for almost a week now... life just gets in the way. So, I'm gonna wrap it up *now*... I'm just gonna spew it and offer apologies later.

My husband is very much a political person. We have a balance that works for us... we both allow each other the space and support to think and believe what we will. We don't always agree and certainly aren't necessarily passionate about the same things. However, politically speaking, I've learned a lot from him in the (almost) three short years I've known him... and happily hope to spend a lifetime educating each other about the things that matter to each of us.

So, politics... I've never much looked past my little hole in the world... suburbia Oklahoma (is that even a phrase??), loosely translated... rednecked. Don't get me wrong... I'd say that I had a wonderful upbringing with parents who I always *knew* loved me, unconditionally. I was raised with discipline coupled with the freedoms necessary to make me who I am today. I always questioned what was fed me, intellectually. Didn't necessarily voice my wonderings, but they were there. I think I turned out ok... I'd venture to say others would agree, others, not so much.

Like most people around me, I grew up thinking that America was just the be all that ends all (or however that goes). We have all these freedoms and inalienable rights granted us by The Constitution. We are A-1 Superpower... others fear us... others want to *be* us. I couldn't have been more wrong. Take, for example, this war we are in. Now, I will sadly admit that I don't pay attention like I should, to the politics and policies that got us to where we are. But I do know this... we went to war because Saddam had WMDs, right? He didn't. We went to war with Iraq because *somebody else* flew planes into our buildings. How much sense does that make? Absolutely none. Again, even this self-proclaimed political 'dummy' can see that.

I never really thought much outside of my State, heck, didn't really think much outside my hometown, or my home, for that matter. When I was getting ready to go to Europe for the first time, Steve was surprised that I had made it to the age of 32 without ever having needed a passport. I didn't have the first clue how to go about getting one (in the end, it wasn't that difficult, thank goodness!). I explained to him that for us, international news is more like 'What's happening down in Texas?'. I suppose that has a lot to do with the sheer size of the States, but, never the less, I just didn't pay much attention to anything that went on outside of the 'border'.

I'd challenge those narrow-minded thinkers, just like I used to be, to take a gander... wander 'outside of your box' and have a peek at how others do it. Maybe, just maybe, we haven't gotten it all correct. It is just quite possible that someone else might actually have a better idea about doing things, like health care, than us.

I'll save my rant about health care for another day, but suffice it to say that America has really messed this one up. Quite frankly, I'm appalled at the way my country treats its sick... not to mention its children and elderly.

I say all of this to say this... I'm a registered Republican, that's just what I am. I vote. Every single time I can, I vote. I *never* vote straight-party... I vote my conscience. I have two rules about voting... 1) I ALWAYS do it, and 2) I NEVER tell anyone, not one single person, how or for who I vote. I do my research, consider my sources, think independently and vote. And I will always vote. I figure that's the only way I can continue to complain!!!

my husband is Ginormous

2007-06-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

My husband is a Limey (I'm not). That means, just in case you don't know, that he is originally from England. Yep, immigrated all the way over here just for me (that story is another post entirely). As I've mentioned before, I absolutely adore him, and I can say the same for my in-laws. As I've joked before, I've finally gotten in-laws that I cherish and wouldn't ya know... they live on another freakin' continent!!!

Now, while we both speak the same language, English of course, we often joke that he actually speaks English, while I (and all of us 'Merikens) speak 'American'. Each day, I learn more and more just how true that statement is. He calls England and America "two countries separated by a common language". He will tell you that that was probably the most difficult thing in adjusting to a new life around these here parts. First of all, ya don't get many Brits in this fly-over-state, so when he has to say something, or ask for something, say at a store, he always has to say it twice, because the first time, they are only hearing the accent, not the actual words. Secondly, they only listen to the accent!!!!!

Now, this can come in pretty handy for him, we've come to learn, especially when requesting something from a female (or a 'light in his loafers' male). For example, he needed to request some medical records from his visit to the emergency room a couple of years ago. He asked me if I would call to get what he needed... I was busy pulling gum out of someone's hair or mud from ear canals or something else freakishly weird... so he had to do it himself. Now, I *know* how Medical Records departments work around here... had I called, I would have been told that he would have to come in, sign a release and pay a nominal fee to have said documents couriered to where ever it was they needed to go. Period... no ifs, ands or buts... He calls and some sweet Southern Belle, no doubt mesmerized by his 'sexy' accent proceeds to tell him that it'll be no problem... she'll get right on it... he didn't have to go in... didn't have to pay a dime... didn't even have to sit on hold. Done. The very next day, no less. Sheesh. Although, we've come to use this to our advantage and know when to toss that sexy accent around to get what we want!!!

Ok... so where was I going with this... today, as he was chatting to his oldest son on IM, he was told that 'Nanny said I need to talk to you'... uh-oh... you can read all about Steve's reaction here, but I'll go on with my version, anyway... Eldest son proceeds to tell him that Nanny (Steve's Mom, or Mum, as the Brits would say) thinks he has put on quite a bit of weight since he has been here (a little over two years now). Steve and I think this is quite funny, since we have both been keeping an eye on our ever decreasing waist lines recently (I'm down thirty pounds!!!). Steve, who is six foot tall, came to the States weighing in at 196 which wasn't heavy for him at all. He weighed in at a whopping 174 this morning, a weight he says he hasn't been at since he was about 30. Again... irony!!!

So, Steve phones his Mum a little while later to inquire as to the pudgy comments apparently directed at him from 5000 miles away. He can't get through the conversation before he hands the phone to me. I swear, she could barely stop laughing long enough to tell me that in the Christmas card we sent (it had the pic of all of us - the one on my blog) his face was looking quite round!!! At this point, I'm burst out in laughter, because one, it just sounds so adorable, this proper English woman giggling and telling me her son looks a bit round, and two, well, it was just funny!!!!! Through my laughter, I try to tell her that maybe it's just because he didn't have any hair (he decided to start having me shave him bald last summer - 112 degree temps will do that to a guy!!)... and I promise her that the shorts he bought during his first summer here can't even be held up with a belt these days. Then, through her screeching wails, she blurts out, "Yes, he was looking quite GINORMOUS!!!"

I have never in my life heard that word, ginormous, let alone applied to my husband, who's nickname is Twig. Needless to say, the laughter continued for several more minutes until I could finally compose my self, as did she, and let him resume the conversation with his Mum.

It was great to hear her voice :) I miss them... they are wonderful people. *And* what wonderful ammo and name-calling I've put in my back pocket when Steve starts misbehaving!!!

a copy-cat post

2007-05-31T12:52:00.001-05:00

with apologies to Tom & Joe...

Your Monster Profile

Behemoth Child

You Feast On: Lasanga

You Lurk Around In: Corn Fields

You Especially Like to Torment: Crybabies

What's Your Monster Name?

Tomorrow

2007-05-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day of school for my two older kids. The last day of 2nd grade for Mac... the last day of Kindergarten for Mic. The Diva starts pre-k next year (please, take a moment to say a prayer, mantra, whatever you like, for her teacher-to-be... she's gonna need it!)

I'm so very proud of my kids. They both will have awards assemblies tomorrow... and if all of the stars are aligned just right with the planets, I will be able to attend both.

Mic is stoked, thinking he is going to get a perfect attendance award (not sure about that one... but, I'll go with him on it for now).

Mac... this story is quite cute... they had a reading 'contest' of a sort. For reading a certain number of books (I can't recall the number, off hand), they get ice cream (they are combining an ice cream sundae party with their awards assembly). For five more books, they get toppings. For five *more* books, they get to add cookies. And, finally, for five *more*, they get to pick a prize from the treasure chest. Before school today, Mac had her cookies and set out today to earn the surprise. Guess what??? She got it!!! We'll find out tomorrow what it is :)

Mac keeps offering to share her sundae with me... Mic is promising to show me a good time in his classroom tomorrow. I've done something right :) It warms my heart to see such giving children whom (my apologies to the grammar police... I'm too lazy to look it up) are a product of us :)

Oh, and lest I forget The Diva... she only got out of bed *12* times tonight to tell me she loves me / get a kiss / get a hug / give a kiss / give a hug. Monster!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of pics to share tomorrow.

Until then... good night!

life's speed limit

2007-05-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

Does life have a speed limit? Who gets to decide just what that limit is? Are there 'police' who can ticket you for going too fast or too slow? Should there be safety rules?

I reckon you could consider general health a good indicator of what a speed limit should be. In that case, your body would be it's own police... if you are going too fast, and you are physically compromised... then something will crash... a heart attack, for example. I suppose the safety rules, in this case, would be kinda like common sense... eat right, exercise, etc, etc, etc.

But what I'm talking about, I suppose, is more of an emotional speed limit. Ever have one of those days / weeks / months / LIVES, where you feel like you are just full throttle all the time? I mean, top speed, never slowing down, just going, going, going?

This, for me, translates to giving, giving, giving... to everyone around me. (I have to offer my disclaimer at this point... to all of those close to me who read this: Please, please do NOT read this to say that you are sucking the ever lovin' life out of me... YOU *aren't*... and you'll get it, in the end... I promise :) )

It's like life is sucking the life out of me. Constantly demanding that I give to everyone and everything around me, with or without my choosing.

A few things to clarify... 1) my kids - I would, without question, lay my life down for my children. I *never* feel like they are a burden to me. That's not to say that they aren't demanding... they absolutely are! They do suck the life out of me... but understand, that it is life that I happily give... rather enjoy having it sucked from me ;) 2) my husband - the true light of my life. My true love (insert cheesy moment here). I adore him, cherish him and love him with all I am. I quite happily give everything I possibly can to him, never feeling as if it's a burden... quite the opposite... giving to him keeps me going some days. I was just telling him, last night, that this is quite unusual for me, actually *enjoying* my mate's company after being with him for any length of time... at this point, in my previous long-terms, I've, to put it bluntly, grown weary of my 'significant's' company. Not the case at all with him. And that makes me happy :) 3) my family - pretty simple here... generally speaking, we just don't do that to each other. We happily give and take without resentment or misgivings. We're just there for each other... and that's understood.

Back to life... I suppose it's hard to explain. Life. The ins and outs of everyday stuff... just sucking the life outta ya. I, much to my dismay, tend to devote way too much energy to things that really don't deserve that amount of attention. I don't really understand it. Sometimes, I even do it at the expense of either #1, 2, or 3 above. How backwards is that? Slowly, I'm learning how to truly put things into perspective and to no longer be the doormat for certain people to wipe their feet on... a position I, at one point in my life, just unconsciously assumed... over and over again. Maybe it became expected? Maybe it just became auto-pilot for me? Who knows... and does it really matter?

So, what in the world does this have to do with a speed limit for ... what? What in the hell was the title of this post, anyway??? Jeez, Mrs. Rambler... go off on tangents, much? Helloooooo... remember us.... we're the ones who so graciously stepped into your little corner of the web to have a peek at your blog... yoo-hoo!!! We're beginning to wonder whyyyy-yyyyy?!?!?!??!

Ok... so, you feel like you just keep going, non-stop... giving all along the way. Going... never-stopping. I fall into bed... every ounce of my body hurting (related to previous 'pain management' post). Literally crashing, night after night. Sometimes, having to be awoken by my 8 year-old in the morning, because I either, forgot to set the alarm, or just turned it off and went back to sleep. Maybe I, in someway, thought I could just 'skip' that particular day... wouldn't that be nice? If you could see a tough day coming and just hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your life for that particular day. My problem is, the people who would *need* to read that sign, would just ignore it and walk right on in.

Ok, so apparently no real point to this post... but for some strange reason... I feel just a little bit better.

Tomorrow should certainly be easier... and, hopefully, hang steady for a few afterwards :)

Mic's first kiss

2007-05-28T17:16:00.000-05:00

He's my only boy. The other two are (obviously) girls. I suppose every mother, in a way, dreads the day her boy comes home with his first girlfriend (or boyfriend, whatever the case may be). I still get to enjoy those big baby blues looking up at me at bedtime, announcing, "Mommy, when I grow up, I'm going to marry YOU!" Never mind all the reasons that will never happen, I cherish each and every time he tells me that.

Today, my boy had his first kiss. :: sniff :: :: sniff :: I wasn't quite ready for it... I had no time to prepare myself, no inclination whatsoever that this was coming... It just happened, out of the blue... and luckily, there was a camera around, so we could capture this 'rite of passage' for my son...

:: sigh :: Thank goodness that's out of the way!

somebody do the freakin' dishes!

2007-05-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, so we had the party on Saturday. Which means Friday night and Saturday morning were spent in a hurried frenzy of cleaning. Now, we're not dirty people, but we're busy people. Three young kids, two of 'em in school, The Diva comfortably on her throne at home (for the time being). I work full-time outside of the home, Steve works full-time as The Diva's caretaker and the School Dad, not to mention the kazillion other irons he has in the fire. So, housework falls below life and just slightly above poking our eyes out with a soldering iron on our list of things to do. Don't get me wrong, we always have clean clothes to wear and the amount of mold in the toilet at any given time has yet to approach 'the cure for cancer' level... although, we've gotten scarily close!

So, yesterday was spent with our feet up, kids in and out of the pool... doing absolutely nothing... zip, zilch, nada!!! We just relaxed and had fun... Mic got a tattoo making sword thingy for his birthday, so by bath-time, the kids were covered in various pirate ship, skull and other pirate related tattoos. The kids requested a 'family movie night', so we copped and let them watch Beethoven's 4th (I had *no* idea they made a fourth one... it's actually kinda cute... kind of a Beethoven meets Freaky Friday). Popcorn and chocolate were the 'treats du jour'... they got to stay up late since we didn't have school today. KFC was the dinner menu... I'm tellin' ya... we didn't do a darn thing yesterday!!!

Today, however, someone simply MUST get off their ass and wash the dishes. The sink is piled so high, I have to rearrange just to fill the coffee pot. Steve and I sat down for a bowl of cereal just a few minutes ago. He said he had to wash a spoon just to be able to eat... I, on the other hand, used Nat's Gerber baby spoon (you know, the one with her name on it... c'mon... all you Mommies know you did it, too!)... because I couldn't even *get* to the sink, let alone wash a spoon (not really sure how he managed). I was going to take a picture to post here just to show you how awful it is, but thought better of it when I realized that that would be a really stupid thing to do... why in the world would I even consider doing a thing like that????

The upside????


..

our Saturday

2007-05-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

Whew! Am I tired! Busy weekend, and it's only half over!!!

Just to update... the tragedy that was Mic's Friday... He came home unscathed! Apparently, he avoided a visit to the Principal's office... can you imagine his disappointment?? His consequence for hitting that kid was to miss out on the picnic in the park, and since the in school-suspension program happened to be full on Friday, he had to spend the time with one of the pre-kindergarten classes. I would imagine this sentence probably seemed worse than ISI to him... pre-k!?!?! egads!!! It turned out to be not so bad, tho... the class he had to go to turned out to be the teacher we have selected for Nat (our 4-year-old) to be in next year. So, she either was pleased to start meeting members of our family, or began to dread having any of his siblings in class... he was in there, after all, as a punishment. I think it will all work out for the best... my husband and I have both met and chatted with this teacher, and feel quite confident that all will work out just fine :) (and anyway, Mic said he got to play games and watch movies with the pre-k-ers, so even he came home with a smile on his face!)

So, we got the dreaded Friday out of the way... I did, however, take the opportunity to show him that the anticipation of the event is sometimes way worse than the actual happening. Whether or not he got that life lesson is yet to be seen, but I did my Mommy duty, nonetheless!!

Yesterday, we had Mic's birthday party. I won't go into the gory details... but it was a hit!! This was the first time since his Dad and I have been separated, about 3 years, that we have been able to have a party that included both sides of Mic's families in one place, to celebrate for the kids (the first time because, the grown-ups can't behave any better, sometimes much worse, than the kids... but I'll save that for a later vent). We had 40 or so people all in one place, just for him.

I've mentioned before what a great kid Mic is... and yesterday was no exception. He continues to amaze me with his kindness and gentle ways. The kid is only 6, right? As he was opening presents, he would take the time to read the card first... I mean actually *read* the card... not just rip open the envelope to have a peek so he could see who the gift was from... he would read the entire card... you could see his little lips moving as he was getting through it. All this, while he had a mass of other children around him trying to get him just to rip open the package. He didn't... slowly and methodically, he'd pass me the card, tell me who it was from, then turn his attention to the present. He didn't just rush through the gift, either... if he had a bag with several items in it, he would take each one out individually, look it over, tell me what it was, then hand it to me before moving on to the next thing in the bag. Amazed me!!! Handed me bits of paper and trash along the way... most kids would just dig themselves out from under a pile of ripped up wrapping paper and tissue and bags when the 'present opening ceremony' was finally over... not him :) Later on, in the evening, he sought me out, just to tell me, "Mom, I've really had a great party!"

And he was right... I'm pretty sure a great time was had by all!!! Steve and I got the opportunity to visit with some friends we just haven't had the time to sit down and spend time with lately. We had a Jupiter Jump and the swimming pool, of course, so all of the kids always had something to do... which left little chunks of time for the adults to sit around and chat. It was great!!!

We eventually broke out the karaoke when things started to settle down, and didn't shut it down until the last bunch left around 11:00 (the party started at noon!). Nat crashed on the couch around 10:00... bless her heart, she just couldn't do it for one more second... she tried... oh, how she tried... but she just couldn't.

If you had asked me yesterday, at say, oh... 11:00 a.m., how I thought the party would go... I honestly wouldn't have been able to speculate. As I mentioned, this is the first time in a while, that my family have been in the company of my ex-in-laws. Lets just say there has been a bit of tension, for various reasons, and it'd have been anyone's guess how everyone would have behaved. I honestly had no worries about my family... we've talked, we're close, and to put it bluntly, they know how to behave themselves. But, the ex and his family... well, there is some pretty strong resentment held by some... resentment of lots of things and for lots of reasons... mostly, only known by them. I guess it's never easy, is it?

To sum it up... all went well... for Mic. And that's exactly the way it should be. It was, after all, all about him.

bless his heart

2007-05-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

I've talked a bit about my son, Mic. As I've said before, he has the gentlest spirit, the kindest heart and is just an all around 'good kid'. Bragging: he was reading when he was only four years old... and I mean *reading*... at four... not 'almost five'... he was only four. He has a special kind of wit about him... a wit uncommon to most kindergartners I have known. He has this way of just coming up with stuff that leaves us scratching our heads and saying, "He did *not* just say that!". To put it simply, he's just enjoyable.

Mic is a boy. My only boy. And he has the tendency to be a boy... ornery and mischievous. Sometimes, this gets him into trouble, both at home and at school. Home is easy... he does something he shouldn't, as all kids are bound to, we deal with it, try to teach a lesson or two, and move on. School is a little different, however. We have no control over the consequences he must face when he gets in trouble at school. Mic is having a hard time understanding that.

He got in trouble today, at the end of the day. So, this behavior will have to be addressed tomorrow. I should say here, that he has a wonderful teacher... she's, as she says, 'got his number'... and we totally support the way she handles our son. Communication is great with the school, from the principal to the aide in the classroom. Absolutely no complaints. So, he will have to pay a visit to the Principal's office tomorrow.

Uh-oh. He's not taking that too well. I talked with him about consequences and actions and choices. We always try to give our kids choices. We try to guide them to make the right choices, at the same time, realizing that they will mess up... that's their job... and it's our job to teach them. So, I talked with him about making choices that aren't so wise and having to take the consequence, that the consequence for today's incident will be decided by his principal. At this point, Mic seems to think that I have some sort of say in the matter, begging me to give him 'one more chance'.

Here's where it gets tough... I'm a self-proclaimed "softy" when it comes to my son. I admit it... and I'm not ashamed. With tears streaming down his little terrified face, he tells me, in between sobs, that he "can't be a strong boy tomorrow. I don't want to take my 'sequence' " (by the way... this was just off the 'cute factor' scale - he was trying to sound so grown-up, saying 'consequence'). Oh, no... heart... breaking... can't... take... it... somebody... make... him... stop!

So, I stress to him that this is happening because of the bad choice he made today, that he actually doesn't have a choice tomorrow. He must go to the principal and face the music. He is absolutely crumbling. Then... he did it... curls up into the fetal position... still crying... and he says, "I'm so stupid!" "No, Mic, *you* are not stupid... what you did wasn't very smart, though" He should have come with a warning label... *WILL MAKE YOUR HEART MELT WHEN SAD* He's that good, I tell ya!

So, he fell asleep sobbing (more heart-breaking)... after telling me that he just doesn't want to go to school at all tomorrow.

His birthday party is Saturday. I tried to tell him to just get through tomorrow, take whatever he must... be strong... then, when tomorrow is over, he has Saturday to look forward to. He didn't buy it.

So, if ya think about it... say a prayer, send a vibe, chant a mantra... whatever your flavor, if this post pops into your head at anytime during the day Friday. Cross your fingers that he (and I, for that matter!) gets through it unscathed.

Good Morning

2007-05-23T06:06:00.000-05:00

I love my mornings. I sit, right now, on my patio, with my hot cup of coffee, listening to the wind chimes just enjoying this brief period to myself.

I purposely get up a little bit early just so I'll have this bit of time to myself. Before I have to get the rugrats up to start their day. Two of my three little darlings have already appeared, but I managed to give them each a cat and send them back to bed so I can get my last half hour of peace.

In a few minutes, it'll all be over. The hustle and bustle of the morning will begin. Yelling at someone, "Where's my blue shirt???"... "Mom, I forgot to tell you that my teacher needs 30 cupcakes baked and ready to go by 9:00" (ok, that's was an exaggeration... that actual scenario has never happened, but all you Mommies -and Daddies- know exactly what I mean). The scurrying around to get hair just perfect and teeth brushed and clothes neatly on.

So, off I go, to finish putting myself together before I begin an even better task of being the Mom.

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday, Son!

2007-05-22T06:03:00.000-05:00

Today is Mic's birthday. Today, he turns six years old. I watch everyday, in amazement, this little boy become a man. I always tell people that he has the kindest spirit... and that makes me proud. He has his true *boy* moments, which make him all the more interesting, but through it all, he remains gentle, and true to himself.

Six years ago today, my little man made his appearance. And ever since then, the world has been a better place :)

Happy Birthday, Son!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Pool's open!!!

2007-05-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Steve got the pool ready. The kids have been so excited... they were at their Dad's this weekend, but called to get periodic updates as to the status of the pool. They just couldn't wait to get home from school so they could hop in. Now, the water temperature is only about 73 degrees... no way I'm gettin' in there... but it doesn't phase them, as I've mentioned before.

Mic's birthday is tomorrow and we are having his party this Saturday. Swimming is one of the activities on the menu, along with a Jupiter Jump (or Bouncy Castle for you Brit readers). Pool will be good and broken in by then, as it's almost impossible to keep the kids, especially Mac, out of it once it's up and running for the season.

I broke out the camera just a bit too late to catch Mic... he's like his Mother... temperature has to be darn near pushing 80 before it's even bearable. So, as I snapped these shots, he was inside, cozy and dressed, but still shivering!!

My little fish... (isn't she just gorgeous???)

The Diva and I went shopping this afternoon to get her a new swimsuit. She really thinks she's *it* because she has a suit that shows her back!!! When I was snapping these pictures she was extremely angry at something (sometimes I just give up trying to figure out what, exactly, has made her mad)... but she stopped, mid-tears, to model the new suit...

See, I told ya... *Diva*

Happy Swimming!!!!

sickening sweet

2007-05-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

So, I've posted before about my adoring hubby. Probably enough to give anyone a cavity. I know, sick, isn't it. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect... well, to anyone else but me I suppose. To give you but a small example of his indiscretions... as I we sit here, out on the patio in the perfect furniture my perfect husband made with his perfect hands, he's next to me, laptop in tow passing gas. Yep, folks, he *is* normal. Now, I'll probably pay for that... putting it out there in 'cyber-world' that he farts. Probably pay bigtime. That's ok... I'll just remind him of the amazing foot rub he got while we were catching up on "Grey's Anatomy" an hour ago. (for those who know me, yes, I said *foot* rub... that's how much I love him. for those who don't know me... I should mention that I DON'T DO FEET. ew.)

Over Spring Break, the kids and I planted sunflower seeds. We each got our own little seedling tray with 8 tiny pots. Mic and Nat got greedy, putting two seeds in each of their pots, while Mac and I just put one seed per square. We labeled the trays, each of the kids, then Steve and I shared ours. A few weeks later, voila! We had plants. We all thought it was pretty cool, even though Mic and Nat's trays were heaving compared to the rest of ours'.

Anyway, we picked the best four plants, one from each tray. Planted all four into a very large terracotta patio planter to sit and wait for us to get off our lazy bums and prepare a place in the yard for them to be permanently transplanted. The plants themselves are looking a bit peckish these days... they've definitely kept growing, almost two feet tall, each of them. But they look a tad 'ill'... Steve suspects they may be diseased or bug infested, but we're going to go ahead and give it a shot.

So, we're surveying the yard, shovel in hand (him) today, wondering where to plant the four (six if you count the two-per-pot cheaters). Steve finds a spot and starts digging. He had to put quite a bit of effort and work into getting the (approximately) four foot by two foot patch of earth dug up. A LOT of work. I tried, but I had my rubber shoes on and they just weren't up for the job (far be it for me to go inside and actually change them!). So, he continues until the ground is just right to accept the sunflower plants that will probably die, anyway.

I'm watching him do this, all the while thinking... he's going to all this hard work and trouble just for the kids (and me). He loves seeing their little eyes light up with amazement at nature's work, and he's making a canvas for which they will observe this.

So, the next time (although, there hasn't really been a first, has there?) I blog to bitch about him, as I'm sure I will (after all, isn't that what all good wives who blog do?)... I must remind myself to look back on this post and remember what he's really about :)

White Shirt WARNING

2007-05-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

Ok... I should probably put a disclaimer here and describe my 4-year-old to you, my N, a.k.a. "The Diva". I'll leave that for you to discern from the flavor of previous and yet-to-come posts. You're probably saying something along the lines of "Yeah, well, she hasn't seen MY 4-year-old"... I know, I know... most of us have 'em... heck, we've had four before her... and yes, preschoolers can be monsters. But, you don't know The Diva!!!

We had pizza for dinner the other night. After a serious pre-soak and a good washing, this is what her shirt looks like (can you tell which hand she eats with?)...

(disclaimer #2: after previewing this post... this picture doesn't do it justice!!!)

Know what she said to me when I asked her why on earth she would do that to her shirt? "Well, Mommy, you should have given me a napkin!" Little stinker! (by the way, the napkin I *did* give her was found under her chair after dinner)

Off to buy Clorox...

the purpose of blogs

2007-05-19T17:42:00.000-05:00

So, now that I'm off and running with this blog thing, I've recently been thinking about it's purpose. Or, rather, my purpose for starting it.

Why do people blog? I'd venture to say that a few do it simply because it's the thing to do, at the moment. I'll take that. Some do it because they've seen others do it and enjoy doing it, so they, too, want to see what all the fuss is about. I'll take some of that one, too. Some people blog because their lives are actually that interesting, or they have something to say that is genuinely worth reading. Nah... boring life here, and I've never thought of myself as a very eloquent writer... so, don't put me down for that one.

Which leads me to think that some people really just need to 'get it out'. To have a place where they can put their feelings, thoughts, plots, etc... Especially when something is really icky, or eating away at you... I can completely see that. Putting it down on paper, or, in today's world, that could translate to blogging it... gets it out of your head. I've personally experienced that one, although, I'm not so sure I'd file that one under my reason for blogging.

I'd certainly love a place to put it all, but would I then turn around and not only tell people about it, but actually point them in the direction of said blog? Hell no. If I'm going to put it all out, I'm going to do it completely and totally anonymously... nobody, I mean nobody, is going to know it's me.

A friend of mine said that she thought of starting a blog for just that reason. She's bearing a pretty heavy weight on her shoulders right now, and just needs a place to let it all out. However, there could be a real danger if the wrong people got word of this place... she could very well risk relationships and people who are very close to her. So, what does she do? Well, to answer for her specifically, although, that was really a general question... she didn't do anything. She didn't get a place to put it all out. Rather, she, like others, started a blog, yet continues to write with that 'filter' in place. The 'I know people are reading this so I have to be careful of what I put down in case (enter name here) reads this' filter. C'mon, we all have 'em. Even my husband, who generally comes from the school of "if they don't like what I type, then they don't have to read it", which, I may add, I subscribe to... for everyone but myself. He thinks about what he writes before he publishes it. Probably to a lesser degree than me, but, still, he does it nonetheless.

So, is there a way of truly remaining anonymous? I'm sure it's possible. Haven't really investigated it that much. I'm sure there are thousands who do on a daily basis.

Just not me. Yet.

useless ramblings

I know I keep saying this...

1000 Miles in 24 Hours - The Report

Update

Jeez?!?! Update much?

Merry Christmas

Yes We Did!

Early bird...

10 years ago today...

Have you tried geocaching, yet?

Boredom?

Happy Birthday, Steve!

What I've Really Been Doing...

Absence - explained

Happy Birthday, Mic!!!

PSA

No more waiting!!

No news is...

Not that I'm superstitious or anything...

I stand corrected

So Productive (and my 100th post)

see our chicks LIVE

Can't. Stop.

Linky LUV

Itchy

Chick update

Mic got a promotion!!

Our Chicks

the chicks are hatching

Today

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Five years ago today...

Finally!!!!

What a day

Tomorrow

Happy for my Hubby

Which came first?

Our Christmas

Tea for Two

'Tis the season

Let there be light!

In The Dark

Dear Santa,

You've just gotta try this!!!

I'll never get it

I've failed

Yet another Mommy Brag!!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

Wordless Wednesday

Bah-Humbug

transformed

My "baby"

Sherry

Slowed to a (non-existent) crawl

Things you have to do but just don't want to...

Blatant plagiarism

The boy and the Diva

Funky feelings

Funk

I wish I could help

Today is special

It gets worse...

I'm shocked!

Give a girl a fish, she'll eat for a day. Teach a girl to fish...

just when I'm convinced he's not gay

We survived to do it again another day!

Friday morning bitch

I went to a party last Saturday night

There'll always be puppies...

I'm so proud of him!

We just thought we were done with babies...

They really *do* like each other...

poor bunny

Today, we had a picnic

A Happy Freakin' WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

Why?

I miss them

let them be little

So, he's not only *ginormous*...

They really do like each other...

So, he's not only ginormous...