(Is it obvious I believe in the right to keep and bear arms?)
On a distantly related note - if you get a chance you should watch the movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' The sacrifices of the past should never be taken for granted.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Another new toy
Well, Jim had his eye on a new toy and sealed a deal today. We are going to be the proud new owners of a PLR-16. It looks like this:
(Is it obvious I believe in the right to keep and bear arms?)
On a distantly related note - if you get a chance you should watch the movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' The sacrifices of the past should never be taken for granted.
(Is it obvious I believe in the right to keep and bear arms?)
On a distantly related note - if you get a chance you should watch the movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' The sacrifices of the past should never be taken for granted.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Post Thanksgiving post
My ex and I usually manage to work out holiday plans so our kids can spend time with both families. This Thanksgiving was no exception. We did our normal family thing with my parents, then I dropped the kids off around 1:30 on Thanksgiving day to spend the rest of the weekend with their dad and his family. All was good.
Until Sunday night when I had to go pick them up. Geesh. I left home at my normal time, not giving much thought to the fact that it was a heavy travel time because of the holiday. Since my ex and I live on opposite sides of the state, we both drive a good distance and meet in the middle. After I had been in the car for an hour, and had covered less than 30 miles, I had to call for some back up assistance so that the kids would be picked up on time. Luckily my mom was planning on meeting me and riding along part of the way. She got the kids picked up and then brought them back to the midpoint of my drive where they waited for me. Would you believe it took me three and a half hours to drive 71 miles? How insane is that?
I've driven in heavy traffic before and it doesn't bother me. But I swear it was bumper to bumper, stop and go for the entire 71 miles. My speedometer never got above 45 - and I was on the Interstate. I was listening to the radio and they kept saying go slow, it's slick, there are lots of accidents. Ummmm... I beg to differ. I was out there and it was NOT slick. There were a few cars (like THREE!) on the shoulder - and I do agree that those cars slowed things down. Everyone had to creep by and rubber neck - looking for an accident or blood and gore or whatever. I swear some people need to be smacked upside the head and told to just DRIVE!
Oh - and the return trip? No traffic - breezed on home. But the westbound lanes of the highway were still bumper to bumper in most places and stopped in some places.
On the flipside - since the situation was beyond my control, I tried to relax and just go with it. Sometimes when things are that crazy - you just have to laugh and enjoy the ride.
Until Sunday night when I had to go pick them up. Geesh. I left home at my normal time, not giving much thought to the fact that it was a heavy travel time because of the holiday. Since my ex and I live on opposite sides of the state, we both drive a good distance and meet in the middle. After I had been in the car for an hour, and had covered less than 30 miles, I had to call for some back up assistance so that the kids would be picked up on time. Luckily my mom was planning on meeting me and riding along part of the way. She got the kids picked up and then brought them back to the midpoint of my drive where they waited for me. Would you believe it took me three and a half hours to drive 71 miles? How insane is that?
I've driven in heavy traffic before and it doesn't bother me. But I swear it was bumper to bumper, stop and go for the entire 71 miles. My speedometer never got above 45 - and I was on the Interstate. I was listening to the radio and they kept saying go slow, it's slick, there are lots of accidents. Ummmm... I beg to differ. I was out there and it was NOT slick. There were a few cars (like THREE!) on the shoulder - and I do agree that those cars slowed things down. Everyone had to creep by and rubber neck - looking for an accident or blood and gore or whatever. I swear some people need to be smacked upside the head and told to just DRIVE!
Oh - and the return trip? No traffic - breezed on home. But the westbound lanes of the highway were still bumper to bumper in most places and stopped in some places.
On the flipside - since the situation was beyond my control, I tried to relax and just go with it. Sometimes when things are that crazy - you just have to laugh and enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
It's good
Don't you love when good things happen?
1. Found my favorite wine at a local grocery AND it was on sale!
2. Found jeans that actually fit Conner AND they were on sale!
3. Found a new book for Caleb in one of the series that he reads AND it was on sale!
4. Jim made dinner AND he cleaned up!
5. Everyone is asleep and it's peaceful and quiet in my house.
*sigh*
Yep, it's all good today.
And I didn't forget the wedding photo. Here's the family:
It's probably the first and only time that we will ever have color coordinated clothing.
1. Found my favorite wine at a local grocery AND it was on sale!
2. Found jeans that actually fit Conner AND they were on sale!
3. Found a new book for Caleb in one of the series that he reads AND it was on sale!
4. Jim made dinner AND he cleaned up!
5. Everyone is asleep and it's peaceful and quiet in my house.
*sigh*
Yep, it's all good today.
And I didn't forget the wedding photo. Here's the family:
It's probably the first and only time that we will ever have color coordinated clothing.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Small minds
Have you ever known one of those people who just has to try to bring you down when you are happy? I know one of those. I avoid contact most of the time, but every once in awhile a discussion has to take place. Guess what? The recent attempt was a complete and utter failure. I'm just too happy to let a small mind bring me down.
I heard from my friend Laura - she started a blog too! Here's a link to her if you want to check it out. And OMG - she makes jewelry! I can't wait to see it!
I'm still waiting on more wedding photos to come in. I'm waiting for my friend Pam to get her rear over to my house so I can download pictures from her camera. I know she has a ton that will be the "funny" photos (in other words - the pictures taken after alcohol was consumed.)
And now I'm going to go wash my hands and sanitize my house because every one I know has been getting sick with a tummy virus or something lately. Must clean and disinfect! Just say no to germs!
I heard from my friend Laura - she started a blog too! Here's a link to her if you want to check it out. And OMG - she makes jewelry! I can't wait to see it!
I'm still waiting on more wedding photos to come in. I'm waiting for my friend Pam to get her rear over to my house so I can download pictures from her camera. I know she has a ton that will be the "funny" photos (in other words - the pictures taken after alcohol was consumed.)
And now I'm going to go wash my hands and sanitize my house because every one I know has been getting sick with a tummy virus or something lately. Must clean and disinfect! Just say no to germs!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Where I've been
I've been a bad, bad blogger lately. But I promise I have the best of excuses. I was busy planning a wedding (mine). The wedding was this past weekend and it was wonderful and beautiful and perfect for us. Second marriage for both of us, so we kept it small and simple but it was everything we wanted. I still feel like I'm walking on air and I keep smiling for no reason. I told the kids that it felt like it was my birthday - only better - and amazingly - it STILL feels that way.
We had the reception at our house so I'm still putting things back together in my office. And I'm finding things that got left behind. Like the lime green Crocs and the pink tie-dye socks. And the sippy cup that is in the fridge (although I know who that belongs to).
Now I get to go through the fun process of getting my named changed on everything. Drivers license, bank accounts, social security, passport, insurance... Wow. Maybe I should do a Google search. I bet someone, somewhere has already posted a list that I could use to help me remember everything that needs to be updated.
You know how every once in awhile, when you are settled in a warm, cozy place with your favorite people or things around you - you will get a feeling of contentment, satisfaction, and peace and you can't help but smile a little? Well, I think I'm stuck there and it's such a good place to be. Even the thought of all the paperwork to change my name can't wipe the smile from my face.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated our day with us. We are blessed with wonderful friends and family. The kids are already trying to plan another party because they had so much fun - and the best part is that we are in complete agreement with them!
We had the reception at our house so I'm still putting things back together in my office. And I'm finding things that got left behind. Like the lime green Crocs and the pink tie-dye socks. And the sippy cup that is in the fridge (although I know who that belongs to).
Now I get to go through the fun process of getting my named changed on everything. Drivers license, bank accounts, social security, passport, insurance... Wow. Maybe I should do a Google search. I bet someone, somewhere has already posted a list that I could use to help me remember everything that needs to be updated.
You know how every once in awhile, when you are settled in a warm, cozy place with your favorite people or things around you - you will get a feeling of contentment, satisfaction, and peace and you can't help but smile a little? Well, I think I'm stuck there and it's such a good place to be. Even the thought of all the paperwork to change my name can't wipe the smile from my face.
Thanks to everyone who celebrated our day with us. We are blessed with wonderful friends and family. The kids are already trying to plan another party because they had so much fun - and the best part is that we are in complete agreement with them!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New game
I'm not a fan of reality TV but I was bored earlier this week and happened to stumble across Dancing with the Stars. It was actually fun to watch. I loved that Cloris Leachman was on there and it looked like she was having a blast! She may not be the best dancer but who cares?! She is 82 and she was doing the Salsa! Go Cloris!
Then my sister sent this clip to me. I about wet my pants because I was laughing so hard.
Then my sister sent this clip to me. I about wet my pants because I was laughing so hard.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Please explain
Finally posting a picture from the Homecoming parade last week. Here's my niece and her friend (who is also most awesome.) My dad is riding shotgun and smiling like a kid in a candy store. And of course, Jim is driving.
I went to the Homecoming game last Friday night too. We won - by a lot. Enough said. I felt bad for the other team - seriously. But they never really gave up, which was awesome.
And reminds me of the little old man that I see jogging through the neighborhood every morning while I'm sitting here working (or updating my blog.) When I say he's a little old man - I mean it. He's no taller than me, and he's thin, and he doesn't really jog or run, but shuffles along at a really fast pace. I have no idea how old he is - but he's out there every morning. When I see him, I always think *wow! I hope I'm that active when I'm older.* And then I feel guilty for sitting on my butt in front of the computer.
Totally different subject - but can someone enlighten me on this economics question? This past July, gas was $147 per barrel and we paid $3.85 per gallon on July 12. Now, gas has fallen to $86 per barrel and gas prices here are $3.19. Can someone please explain how prices can fall 40% per barrel, but the price at the pump only comes down 17%????? Or maybe someone can explain how the price can jump 30 cents overnight when there is a PREDICTION of a tropical storm in the gulf, but then it takes months for the price to drop back down after the PREDICTED storm does NOT happen.
And seriously - did no one notice that the whole mortgage/financial crisis started coming to a head at about the same time that fuel costs started skyrocketing? I won't go into my whole soapbox theory on this one - but think it through logically and you'll see where I'm coming from. Expenses go up, tight budget, decrease other spending, impacts other businesses/employees, loss of jobs/income, then loss of homes. (in a nutshell) Meanwhile, oil companies continue to post record breaking profits and taxpayers bail out AIG so they can send their executives on a half-million dollar trip to the spa.
Which brings me to the coolest and most creative idea ever. I have no idea where this idea came from because I got it from Jim in an email - but it makes a hell of a lot of sense to me. It was titled:
The Bob Economic Recovery Plan
"Hi All. I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend. To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S.Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend. Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads.
Put away money for college - it'll be there.
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs.
Invest in the market - capital drives growth.
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves.
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else.
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( 'vote buy' ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can 'never work.' But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to
use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or
in Washington DC. And remember, The Bob plan only really costs $59.5 Billion
because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam. Ahhh...I feel
so much better getting that off my chest.
Kindest personal regards,
Bob T. J. Birkenmeier
A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic "
I LOVE this plan. Crazy thing is that I believe it would work.
I went to the Homecoming game last Friday night too. We won - by a lot. Enough said. I felt bad for the other team - seriously. But they never really gave up, which was awesome.
And reminds me of the little old man that I see jogging through the neighborhood every morning while I'm sitting here working (or updating my blog.) When I say he's a little old man - I mean it. He's no taller than me, and he's thin, and he doesn't really jog or run, but shuffles along at a really fast pace. I have no idea how old he is - but he's out there every morning. When I see him, I always think *wow! I hope I'm that active when I'm older.* And then I feel guilty for sitting on my butt in front of the computer.
Totally different subject - but can someone enlighten me on this economics question? This past July, gas was $147 per barrel and we paid $3.85 per gallon on July 12. Now, gas has fallen to $86 per barrel and gas prices here are $3.19. Can someone please explain how prices can fall 40% per barrel, but the price at the pump only comes down 17%????? Or maybe someone can explain how the price can jump 30 cents overnight when there is a PREDICTION of a tropical storm in the gulf, but then it takes months for the price to drop back down after the PREDICTED storm does NOT happen.
And seriously - did no one notice that the whole mortgage/financial crisis started coming to a head at about the same time that fuel costs started skyrocketing? I won't go into my whole soapbox theory on this one - but think it through logically and you'll see where I'm coming from. Expenses go up, tight budget, decrease other spending, impacts other businesses/employees, loss of jobs/income, then loss of homes. (in a nutshell) Meanwhile, oil companies continue to post record breaking profits and taxpayers bail out AIG so they can send their executives on a half-million dollar trip to the spa.
Which brings me to the coolest and most creative idea ever. I have no idea where this idea came from because I got it from Jim in an email - but it makes a hell of a lot of sense to me. It was titled:
The Bob Economic Recovery Plan
"Hi All. I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend. To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S.Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend. Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads.
Put away money for college - it'll be there.
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs.
Invest in the market - capital drives growth.
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves.
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else.
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( 'vote buy' ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG - liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can 'never work.' But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to
use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or
in Washington DC. And remember, The Bob plan only really costs $59.5 Billion
because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam. Ahhh...I feel
so much better getting that off my chest.
Kindest personal regards,
Bob T. J. Birkenmeier
A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic "
I LOVE this plan. Crazy thing is that I believe it would work.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Cool Cars
Went to the Fireball Run thing last night. It was extremely cool. In a nutshell, it's an awareness event for Missing and Exploited Children. Each 'race' team sponsers a missing child and hands out flyers along the way. They traverse the United States, promoting awareness and handing out flyers. The cars they travel in are designed to attract attention and are just plain fun. For example - the "Back to the Future" styled car:
Yes, even the interior was like the car in the movie. It was incredible! Lots of other cool cars and a very unique and fun way to help find missing kids.
The event was held at the Bentley St. Louis dealership and of course, I had to take some photos. My favorite was this new lambo - it's matte black (not shiny) and looks like a Batman car:
I told Caleb it could be his graduation present (if I win the lottery.)
They also had a very sweet Triumph motorcycle:
It was parked next to a Harley. Then there was the really cool Oldsmobile.
And the Ford GT:
And so many other cool cars that I wanted to drive. I kept hearing this little voice in my head all night - it was singing "zoom zoom zoom."
Yes, even the interior was like the car in the movie. It was incredible! Lots of other cool cars and a very unique and fun way to help find missing kids.
The event was held at the Bentley St. Louis dealership and of course, I had to take some photos. My favorite was this new lambo - it's matte black (not shiny) and looks like a Batman car:
I told Caleb it could be his graduation present (if I win the lottery.)
They also had a very sweet Triumph motorcycle:
It was parked next to a Harley. Then there was the really cool Oldsmobile.
And the Ford GT:
And so many other cool cars that I wanted to drive. I kept hearing this little voice in my head all night - it was singing "zoom zoom zoom."
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Visual aids
Adding some photos today - to go with my past two weekends.
Here's mom on her birthday:
And here's Jim and Dad having fun with the dueling tree:
This is the corn maze crew:
Nephew Hayden hiding in the corn:
Going to a car thing tonight called the Fireball Run. The kids should get a kick out of checking out the cool cars and I'll have fun taking pictures. Tomorrow is the Homecoming event and I should have pictures to post on Friday. In the mean time - check out the sticky note experiments that Small Town Mom linked up. I agree with her - I could blow the office budget having fun like that!
Here's mom on her birthday:
And here's Jim and Dad having fun with the dueling tree:
This is the corn maze crew:
Nephew Hayden hiding in the corn:
Going to a car thing tonight called the Fireball Run. The kids should get a kick out of checking out the cool cars and I'll have fun taking pictures. Tomorrow is the Homecoming event and I should have pictures to post on Friday. In the mean time - check out the sticky note experiments that Small Town Mom linked up. I agree with her - I could blow the office budget having fun like that!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Happy Homecoming
Been a busy couple of weeks. My mom’s birthday was the 21st – Happy (belated) Birthday Mom! Jim and I went to celebrate her birthday and have some family time. We did a bit of target practice while we were there. Dueling trees are a blast.
The kids and I went down again this past weekend to spend the night. We stopped and wished a Happy Birthday to my BFF Pam’s dad. They had a surprise party for him at a park and so I had to make sure to stop by and give him a hug. I hadn’t seen her parents in ages, so it was fun. We did some letterboxing when we got home, then spent the evening just hanging out with my parents. We did a high speed corn maze on Sunday (because it was warm and there were LOTS of mosquitoes) and then had some ice cream from Zesto before hitting the road to come home.
Lots of miles racked up over the past ten days, and more to come. We are driving back for a homecoming parade on Thursday. My sister’s daughter is on Homecoming Court and Jim and I managed to secure a ‘classy’ ride for her to have for the Homecoming parade. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees the car we are bringing for her! We wanted to do a totally hot sports car – but apparently there are some ‘rules’ about having their legs right behind the seats and unfortunately – you just can’t do that in a Ferrari. So we got a Bentley instead. SWEET!
I’ll post pictures after the parade on Thursday. Jim will be driving and my dad is riding with him. It’s my dad’s 50th class reunion – and I think he will have more fun in the car than I would. Hard to believe – my dad’s 50th reunion, my sister’s 25th and my 20th – all in the same year. The kids and I will have fun watching the parade and yelling when they drive by and taking LOTS of pictures. Happy Homecoming! Go Jays!
The kids and I went down again this past weekend to spend the night. We stopped and wished a Happy Birthday to my BFF Pam’s dad. They had a surprise party for him at a park and so I had to make sure to stop by and give him a hug. I hadn’t seen her parents in ages, so it was fun. We did some letterboxing when we got home, then spent the evening just hanging out with my parents. We did a high speed corn maze on Sunday (because it was warm and there were LOTS of mosquitoes) and then had some ice cream from Zesto before hitting the road to come home.
Lots of miles racked up over the past ten days, and more to come. We are driving back for a homecoming parade on Thursday. My sister’s daughter is on Homecoming Court and Jim and I managed to secure a ‘classy’ ride for her to have for the Homecoming parade. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees the car we are bringing for her! We wanted to do a totally hot sports car – but apparently there are some ‘rules’ about having their legs right behind the seats and unfortunately – you just can’t do that in a Ferrari. So we got a Bentley instead. SWEET!
I’ll post pictures after the parade on Thursday. Jim will be driving and my dad is riding with him. It’s my dad’s 50th class reunion – and I think he will have more fun in the car than I would. Hard to believe – my dad’s 50th reunion, my sister’s 25th and my 20th – all in the same year. The kids and I will have fun watching the parade and yelling when they drive by and taking LOTS of pictures. Happy Homecoming! Go Jays!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
interesting morning
I’m sitting here this morning, watching the middle school kids wait outside for the bus. There is a group of four of them (five when Alicia is here) that get on at our stop. Apparently it isn’t ok to speak to each other in the morning, even though they all know each other. They also must stand approximately ten paces apart. I never knew four kids could take up so much room. And Caleb cracks me up – the door to the bus opens on our side of the street, but he crosses to wait with the other kids (not speaking to anyone) and then has to cross back over when the bus gets here. Every time he does it – I have this mental image of lemmings jumping off a cliff.
Conner’s window screamed for help this morning. She woke up early and was entertaining the cat by letting him look out the window. The cat was frustrated because the window was closed and he really wanted to sit on the ledge. It was also a little warm in her room, so I was trying to open the window. She has a folding butterfly chair that sits in way, so I was reaching over the chair and trying to tug up on the window at the same time. It took a few tugs, but I finally got the window open enough for the cat. While I was tugging it open, the window made some squeaking noises. To Conner’s ears – it wasn’t squeaking, it was screaming for help. I guess it didn’t want to be opened.
All in all, it’s been an interesting morning. The insane cat has had his fill of looking out the window, now he is searching for a cold spot to lie down. Did I mention that my cat doesn’t like soft, warm, cozy places? He would rather stretch out on top of the air conditioning vent, or the marble in front of the fireplace. I’m telling you – there is just something WRONG with him. I think it has something to do with the fact that he has to live with me, and we all know that I’m just a little twisted. Maybe it rubbed off on him.
Conner’s window screamed for help this morning. She woke up early and was entertaining the cat by letting him look out the window. The cat was frustrated because the window was closed and he really wanted to sit on the ledge. It was also a little warm in her room, so I was trying to open the window. She has a folding butterfly chair that sits in way, so I was reaching over the chair and trying to tug up on the window at the same time. It took a few tugs, but I finally got the window open enough for the cat. While I was tugging it open, the window made some squeaking noises. To Conner’s ears – it wasn’t squeaking, it was screaming for help. I guess it didn’t want to be opened.
All in all, it’s been an interesting morning. The insane cat has had his fill of looking out the window, now he is searching for a cold spot to lie down. Did I mention that my cat doesn’t like soft, warm, cozy places? He would rather stretch out on top of the air conditioning vent, or the marble in front of the fireplace. I’m telling you – there is just something WRONG with him. I think it has something to do with the fact that he has to live with me, and we all know that I’m just a little twisted. Maybe it rubbed off on him.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Animal weirdness and kid funnies
My cat is insane. Or stupid. Or maybe both. This morning I was hanging out with Caleb on the couch, trying to wake up. We have a couch with built in recliners (and it’s amazingly, incredibly comfortable) and I put the foot thingy up so we could stretch out. Of course, the moment the foot thingy went up, the cat darted over and had to investigate. He crawled under the couch and I didn’t think too much about it.
Caleb got up to brush his teeth and I grabbed a blanket to cover up my feet. I could feel these thumps and thuds under the couch. I thought the cat had found a toy and was playing with it. Caleb came back and looked under the couch – and realized the cat was stuck.
Seriously.
I guess the foot thingy had un-reclined just enough to trap him on one side. I laughed, then I let him out. He wasn’t very happy about being stuck, but as soon as he was out – he tried to crawl back in! Like I said – insane, stupid, or maybe both.
On a completely different topic – Conner had a bubble bath tonight. I surprised her and lit candles around the bath tub just for fun. After we got her hair washed, she put on an ‘imitation’ show for me. I left the bathroom and when I came back – she spun around in the tub, had bubbles around her mouth and chin, and said “I’m Santa!” and she burst into song.
But wait! There’s more! For her second ‘imitation’ – she removed the beard and put bubbles on the tip of her nose. Can you guess who she was? Her song gave it away – Rudolph the ‘white’ nosed reindeer. Her last ‘imitation’ was the best – she splashed everything off and became CONNER! I can’t wait for her next ‘imitation show.’ Who knows what she will come up with next!
And to wrap it up – Caleb wanted me to let everyone know that on September 11 – he made his babysitter call my office so he could talk to me. He was really upset and crying because he thought I was working in one of the buildings that got hit by an airplane. Geography wasn’t important to a five year old – he just thought his mom might be hurt. Awwwwwww. He’s always been thoughtful that way, but he was laughing right along with me this morning when the cat got stuck.
Now I have to go watch this bizarre show on Animal Planet. I didn’t catch the name but it has people on it who are using surgery, tattoos, and costumes to transform themselves into ‘animals.’ And I thought I had issues – those people make me look normal!
Caleb got up to brush his teeth and I grabbed a blanket to cover up my feet. I could feel these thumps and thuds under the couch. I thought the cat had found a toy and was playing with it. Caleb came back and looked under the couch – and realized the cat was stuck.
Seriously.
I guess the foot thingy had un-reclined just enough to trap him on one side. I laughed, then I let him out. He wasn’t very happy about being stuck, but as soon as he was out – he tried to crawl back in! Like I said – insane, stupid, or maybe both.
On a completely different topic – Conner had a bubble bath tonight. I surprised her and lit candles around the bath tub just for fun. After we got her hair washed, she put on an ‘imitation’ show for me. I left the bathroom and when I came back – she spun around in the tub, had bubbles around her mouth and chin, and said “I’m Santa!” and she burst into song.
But wait! There’s more! For her second ‘imitation’ – she removed the beard and put bubbles on the tip of her nose. Can you guess who she was? Her song gave it away – Rudolph the ‘white’ nosed reindeer. Her last ‘imitation’ was the best – she splashed everything off and became CONNER! I can’t wait for her next ‘imitation show.’ Who knows what she will come up with next!
And to wrap it up – Caleb wanted me to let everyone know that on September 11 – he made his babysitter call my office so he could talk to me. He was really upset and crying because he thought I was working in one of the buildings that got hit by an airplane. Geography wasn’t important to a five year old – he just thought his mom might be hurt. Awwwwwww. He’s always been thoughtful that way, but he was laughing right along with me this morning when the cat got stuck.
Now I have to go watch this bizarre show on Animal Planet. I didn’t catch the name but it has people on it who are using surgery, tattoos, and costumes to transform themselves into ‘animals.’ And I thought I had issues – those people make me look normal!
Monday, September 15, 2008
OFF switch for my brain
Listen. Listen very carefully. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of silence. Blessed silence. The kids are tucked into bed. Jim is out playing softball, hopefully winning AND avoiding mud at the same time. It’s ten o’clock and my house is comfortably quiet. I can actually hear the refrigerator humming if I listen carefully.
I love it when it’s quiet. I don’t even mind going on road trips by myself – because then I don’t have to listen to the radio, or engage in conversation – I can let my mind be quiet and simply appreciate the scenery as it flashes by. The moments when my brain slows down are few and far between, so I’ve learned to really stop and appreciate the times when it takes a break.
Ever have one of those nights where your brain just won’t turn off? When you have lyrics from a song stuck in your head, or your mind is busily making lists of the things you need to do, or you can’t even count to 25 because you get distracted with another thought? Does your brain ever feel like that squirrel on the “Over the Hedge” movie – the squirrel named Hammy? Remember when he ingests some caffeine and starts talking and going bezerk? Yeah – that is my brain on a regular basis. I can be completely exhausted, physically and mentally wiped out – and my brain is still plugged in, zooming along, and not stopping for anything.
I’m just glad that my sister shares the problem with me. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten on the computer in the middle of the night because I thought of something and she immediately responds to my email. Then we have to start laughing (via email) and it goes downhill into goofiness from there. Sisters are the best.
Laugh of the day – the look on Jim’s face when he saw the floor in my office. I was cleaning out old papers and organizing files, but it looked like complete chaos and there was no place for him to step through. But hey – I knew what everything was and had a plan! The floor is clean now, files are organized and things are *mostly* put away.
Actually – the mess of stuff on the floor reminded me of my BFF Pam. Her room was always a disaster zone when we were growing up. I loved it. Now I’ve got two kids at opposite extremes – Caleb likes things neat and Conner likes things messy. And me – I just want my brain to shut-up so I can go to bed.
I love it when it’s quiet. I don’t even mind going on road trips by myself – because then I don’t have to listen to the radio, or engage in conversation – I can let my mind be quiet and simply appreciate the scenery as it flashes by. The moments when my brain slows down are few and far between, so I’ve learned to really stop and appreciate the times when it takes a break.
Ever have one of those nights where your brain just won’t turn off? When you have lyrics from a song stuck in your head, or your mind is busily making lists of the things you need to do, or you can’t even count to 25 because you get distracted with another thought? Does your brain ever feel like that squirrel on the “Over the Hedge” movie – the squirrel named Hammy? Remember when he ingests some caffeine and starts talking and going bezerk? Yeah – that is my brain on a regular basis. I can be completely exhausted, physically and mentally wiped out – and my brain is still plugged in, zooming along, and not stopping for anything.
I’m just glad that my sister shares the problem with me. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten on the computer in the middle of the night because I thought of something and she immediately responds to my email. Then we have to start laughing (via email) and it goes downhill into goofiness from there. Sisters are the best.
Laugh of the day – the look on Jim’s face when he saw the floor in my office. I was cleaning out old papers and organizing files, but it looked like complete chaos and there was no place for him to step through. But hey – I knew what everything was and had a plan! The floor is clean now, files are organized and things are *mostly* put away.
Actually – the mess of stuff on the floor reminded me of my BFF Pam. Her room was always a disaster zone when we were growing up. I loved it. Now I’ve got two kids at opposite extremes – Caleb likes things neat and Conner likes things messy. And me – I just want my brain to shut-up so I can go to bed.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Where were you?
‘An airplane just flew into the World Trade Center – a BIG airplane.’
I was working in the office and my cell phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and saw the babysitter’s number. My immediate response was ‘Great – one of the kids must be sick.’ I answered the phone and heard her asking in a strained voice if I was watching TV or listening to the news.
I thought she was over-reacting. Surely it couldn’t be anything too serious. I got on the internet and pulled up Foxnews.com and saw a Breaking News headline – but no details. Like so many others, my initials thoughts were ‘What a tragedy. Wonder how that could happen.’
I talked to some co-workers, who were also blissfully unaware, and we rolled the tv from the conference room into the office area and turned on the news.
Just in time to see the second Tower get hit.
My phone rang again. The babysitter asked if I was watching now. I mumbled some sort of answer and stayed on the phone – shocked into silence – but needing some type of connection to another soul.
From so many miles away, we stood as mute witnesses to the devastation and destruction of the collapsing towers. We watched the coverage of the attack on the Pentagon. We heard of the flight that crashed and of the passengers’ refusal to passively watch their nation under attack.
We worried.
We prayed.
We cried.
I left work early that day. I picked up my kids and felt like never letting them go again.
Today, they went to school in red, white, and blue. We won’t forget.
In the days following September 11, 2001, we reached out across the nation and grieved for the loss of so many lives. We also grieved as we lost our naïve sense of safety and realized that terrorists could and would strike us at home. We put aside our differences for a short while and let the entire world know that we were Americans. Skin color, religious preference, political views, sexual orientation, social status – all the things that divide our country – became immaterial as we helped each other cope with loss and trauma.
All the issues that divide our country are now back on the table, with venom and discord as side dishes. This nation is a melting pot with opinions of every creed and color. Yet let it be known that even as we argue amongst ourselves – we will stand together when attacked. We can pick on each other, but woe to the outsider who threatens us. We are still Americans, and as such, we are ALL family.
Seven years ago today – where were you?
I was working in the office and my cell phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and saw the babysitter’s number. My immediate response was ‘Great – one of the kids must be sick.’ I answered the phone and heard her asking in a strained voice if I was watching TV or listening to the news.
I thought she was over-reacting. Surely it couldn’t be anything too serious. I got on the internet and pulled up Foxnews.com and saw a Breaking News headline – but no details. Like so many others, my initials thoughts were ‘What a tragedy. Wonder how that could happen.’
I talked to some co-workers, who were also blissfully unaware, and we rolled the tv from the conference room into the office area and turned on the news.
Just in time to see the second Tower get hit.
My phone rang again. The babysitter asked if I was watching now. I mumbled some sort of answer and stayed on the phone – shocked into silence – but needing some type of connection to another soul.
From so many miles away, we stood as mute witnesses to the devastation and destruction of the collapsing towers. We watched the coverage of the attack on the Pentagon. We heard of the flight that crashed and of the passengers’ refusal to passively watch their nation under attack.
We worried.
We prayed.
We cried.
I left work early that day. I picked up my kids and felt like never letting them go again.
Today, they went to school in red, white, and blue. We won’t forget.
In the days following September 11, 2001, we reached out across the nation and grieved for the loss of so many lives. We also grieved as we lost our naïve sense of safety and realized that terrorists could and would strike us at home. We put aside our differences for a short while and let the entire world know that we were Americans. Skin color, religious preference, political views, sexual orientation, social status – all the things that divide our country – became immaterial as we helped each other cope with loss and trauma.
All the issues that divide our country are now back on the table, with venom and discord as side dishes. This nation is a melting pot with opinions of every creed and color. Yet let it be known that even as we argue amongst ourselves – we will stand together when attacked. We can pick on each other, but woe to the outsider who threatens us. We are still Americans, and as such, we are ALL family.
Seven years ago today – where were you?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Party lines, cell phones and pirates
Does anyone (besides me) remember party-line telephones? When you shared telephone service with several of your neighbors so you had to take turns using the phone? When I was growing up we had a party line phone that included my grandma (she lived next door) and a few other neighbors. We knew when grandma got on the phone that it was going to be tied up for awhile. It wasn’t that she was overly talkative, but she had friends that were.
One of our party line neighbors had a bad habit of leaving the phone off the hook. I guess they didn’t want to be bothered with calls. But that meant no one else on the system could make or receive calls either. In some ways, a party line system was a hassle because you had to wait your turn to use the phone. If you interrupted someone else’s call, you risked the wrath of your neighbors. It also meant that everyone knew your business because they could eavesdrop on your calls and you wouldn’t know. Unless they were heavy breathers or something.
Sometimes I think we’ve almost resorted back to party line systems. I can’t count the number of times that I have been in a public restroom (Target, Wal-mart, McDonalds, etc.) and someone is carrying on a conversation on their cell phone in the next stall over. I’ve gotten to listen in on everything from who’s doing who to where the party is to what lie will I tell the parents this weekend.
It really amazes me that people will talk on a cell phone while in a restroom. One of these days I am going to just say “Hey – why don’t you put that on speaker because I know your friend really wants to listen to me PEE!”
It’s like the old party line system – except now it’s not just your neighbors who know your business. Milly and Silly and their three girlfriends who were shopping at the mall and were all on their phones in the restroom are sharing their business with you, while you pee – whether you like it or not.
Geez people – if you are in a public restroom – hang up the dang phone. Some things just don’t need to be shared.
On a totally different subject – I heard about a Pirate festival that will be happening in Wentzville over the next three weekends. It’s sorta tied in with the whole Renaissance Festival concept, except focused on pirates instead of the Middle Ages. Sounds like fun and I think the kids will get a kick out of it. Here’s a link if you are interested - Pirate Festival.
One of our party line neighbors had a bad habit of leaving the phone off the hook. I guess they didn’t want to be bothered with calls. But that meant no one else on the system could make or receive calls either. In some ways, a party line system was a hassle because you had to wait your turn to use the phone. If you interrupted someone else’s call, you risked the wrath of your neighbors. It also meant that everyone knew your business because they could eavesdrop on your calls and you wouldn’t know. Unless they were heavy breathers or something.
Sometimes I think we’ve almost resorted back to party line systems. I can’t count the number of times that I have been in a public restroom (Target, Wal-mart, McDonalds, etc.) and someone is carrying on a conversation on their cell phone in the next stall over. I’ve gotten to listen in on everything from who’s doing who to where the party is to what lie will I tell the parents this weekend.
It really amazes me that people will talk on a cell phone while in a restroom. One of these days I am going to just say “Hey – why don’t you put that on speaker because I know your friend really wants to listen to me PEE!”
It’s like the old party line system – except now it’s not just your neighbors who know your business. Milly and Silly and their three girlfriends who were shopping at the mall and were all on their phones in the restroom are sharing their business with you, while you pee – whether you like it or not.
Geez people – if you are in a public restroom – hang up the dang phone. Some things just don’t need to be shared.
On a totally different subject – I heard about a Pirate festival that will be happening in Wentzville over the next three weekends. It’s sorta tied in with the whole Renaissance Festival concept, except focused on pirates instead of the Middle Ages. Sounds like fun and I think the kids will get a kick out of it. Here’s a link if you are interested - Pirate Festival.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cookies and BFFs
Conner came home last week and was bursting with the news that she got elected to be one of her class's student council representatives. She was excited, thrilled, and bouncing off the walls. Then she calmed down enough to tell me that there were only two kids (including herself) that wanted to do it, so she was going to get 'elected' no matter what. I had to laugh. We celebrated by making home-made cookies. Seriously. I didn't cheat and do the break-apart-and-bake kind. I dug out the recipes and we made sugar cookies.
I think everyone has favorites memories of making cookies - whether it be with parents, grandparents, other family, or friends. I still grin when I remember all the times my BFF Pam and I made cookies at midnight at her house. We would make the cookie dough, eat part of it, bake part of it - then leave the whole mess in the kitchen because we fell asleep on the couch. I'm still surprised her mom didn't kill us.
I had lunch with another BFF (Sandi) from school and we spent some time catching up. (Her mom always made chocolate gravy for breakfast when I spent the night.) Sandi has had four kids and looks amazing! Her youngest is just under a year old and I got to hold her! At least until she realized that I wasn't mom and then she was done with me. I'm not having any more babies myself - but I'll take every opportunity to hold one.
I'm trying to track down another BFF - Laura - because I heard some news about her son and want to give her a hug.
Conner came home with one other bit of 'news' last week. She found out a boy 'likes' her and she 'likes' him too. She wanted to call him, but we talked her out of it. I got all old-fashioned and insisted that he should call her first. (yeah, I know that was lame, but it was all I could come up with at the time.) I'm sooooo not ready for this. Ummm - someone just get me some Prozac now ok?
I think everyone has favorites memories of making cookies - whether it be with parents, grandparents, other family, or friends. I still grin when I remember all the times my BFF Pam and I made cookies at midnight at her house. We would make the cookie dough, eat part of it, bake part of it - then leave the whole mess in the kitchen because we fell asleep on the couch. I'm still surprised her mom didn't kill us.
I had lunch with another BFF (Sandi) from school and we spent some time catching up. (Her mom always made chocolate gravy for breakfast when I spent the night.) Sandi has had four kids and looks amazing! Her youngest is just under a year old and I got to hold her! At least until she realized that I wasn't mom and then she was done with me. I'm not having any more babies myself - but I'll take every opportunity to hold one.
I'm trying to track down another BFF - Laura - because I heard some news about her son and want to give her a hug.
Conner came home with one other bit of 'news' last week. She found out a boy 'likes' her and she 'likes' him too. She wanted to call him, but we talked her out of it. I got all old-fashioned and insisted that he should call her first. (yeah, I know that was lame, but it was all I could come up with at the time.) I'm sooooo not ready for this. Ummm - someone just get me some Prozac now ok?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Go Away Gustav
It's raining, it's pouring...
Gustav has made landfall and migrated to Missouri. It's dreary and rainy and I want to go back to bed. My allergies decided to have a party last night and kicked it off with a fit of sneezing at about 1 a.m. I went to toss and turn on the couch so I wouldn't keep Jim awake with my sneezing and sniffling. I finally made it back to bed (mostly sniffle free) at 5:50 this morning. My alarm went off at 6:30. I REALLY want to go back to bed.
Say a quick prayer for my neice this morning. She's having hip surgery. Hope all goes well and she will be ready for track season by spring.
Conner wants to run for student council for her third grade class. I'm surprised and impressed. I helped write a mini-speech for her last night and she gets to read it today. She is still struggling with homework, but the extra time I'm spending with her seems to be making a difference so we'll keep it up.
And yeah - more time on homework equals less time for me to write. NOW you know why I've been so bad about updates! Between all the roadtrips and homework - it's been busy.
Gustav has made landfall and migrated to Missouri. It's dreary and rainy and I want to go back to bed. My allergies decided to have a party last night and kicked it off with a fit of sneezing at about 1 a.m. I went to toss and turn on the couch so I wouldn't keep Jim awake with my sneezing and sniffling. I finally made it back to bed (mostly sniffle free) at 5:50 this morning. My alarm went off at 6:30. I REALLY want to go back to bed.
Say a quick prayer for my neice this morning. She's having hip surgery. Hope all goes well and she will be ready for track season by spring.
Conner wants to run for student council for her third grade class. I'm surprised and impressed. I helped write a mini-speech for her last night and she gets to read it today. She is still struggling with homework, but the extra time I'm spending with her seems to be making a difference so we'll keep it up.
And yeah - more time on homework equals less time for me to write. NOW you know why I've been so bad about updates! Between all the roadtrips and homework - it's been busy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
bye-bye Bradford
We were all braced for a SEVERE thunderstorm last night. The warnings were predicting wind gusts of up to 80 m.p.h., damaging hail, and lots of lightning. We took the hanging plants down, pulled the flag in, turned the patio chairs upside down so they wouldn't blow away, and generally braced for impact.
Then it hit. We had one little microburst of strong wind, and it started raining. Not a downpour, just a nice steady rain. There was some lightning in the distance and some rumbling thunder. And that was about it. Bummer.
Fast forward to this morning - I guess that one microburst of gusting wind was stronger than I thought. We woke up to see half a tree in the backyard.
We had talked and talked about cutting the trees down - because neither of us like Bradford Pears. Guess nature decided to help us out and speed along the process. It's hot work to clean it up this way, but I'm not going to complain. Now we just have additional incentive to get rid of the rest and plant a REAL tree! I'm thinking a nice maple or oak...
Or maybe leave just one tree (but NOT a Bradford Pear) and landscape the hillside with some giant sized rocks. Obviously I really have no idea how to make that area look good.
Time to go load up the truck and take the tree-pieces to be turned into mulch. Any ideas when it might storm again? Maybe we'll get lucky and it will take down the rest of the tree!
Then it hit. We had one little microburst of strong wind, and it started raining. Not a downpour, just a nice steady rain. There was some lightning in the distance and some rumbling thunder. And that was about it. Bummer.
Fast forward to this morning - I guess that one microburst of gusting wind was stronger than I thought. We woke up to see half a tree in the backyard.
We had talked and talked about cutting the trees down - because neither of us like Bradford Pears. Guess nature decided to help us out and speed along the process. It's hot work to clean it up this way, but I'm not going to complain. Now we just have additional incentive to get rid of the rest and plant a REAL tree! I'm thinking a nice maple or oak...
Or maybe leave just one tree (but NOT a Bradford Pear) and landscape the hillside with some giant sized rocks. Obviously I really have no idea how to make that area look good.
Time to go load up the truck and take the tree-pieces to be turned into mulch. Any ideas when it might storm again? Maybe we'll get lucky and it will take down the rest of the tree!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gotcha
Got an email today that really warmed my heart. I just have to share...
INCREDIBLE STORY
....In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating
from Northwestern University.
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed his stupid ass against the railing, killing him instantly.
Probably wasn't the same elephant...
So - did you fall for it too? I was waiting for that warm, fuzzy ending... and instead - GOTCHA! I had to laugh and pass it along.
INCREDIBLE STORY
....In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating
from Northwestern University.
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully.
He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.
Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed his stupid ass against the railing, killing him instantly.
Probably wasn't the same elephant...
So - did you fall for it too? I was waiting for that warm, fuzzy ending... and instead - GOTCHA! I had to laugh and pass it along.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
a million little questions
Questions my kids have asked:
What’s the difference between poison and venom?
Why do we have toes?
Do cats fart?
If you were freefalling in the air, and got struck by lightning, would you be hurt?
Why does the hair on your arms stand up when you get cold?
Why do you start to like different kinds of food as you get older?
Why is it called learning about the birds and the bees when birds and bees have nothing to do with it?
What was the Cold War? What was the Berlin Wall and why was it built?
If you dig to the center of the earth, will there still be gravity?
Why do radio stations bleep the word God but not damn when the words are used together in songs?
When I grow up, can I have a ____________________ (insert any animal) for a pet?
What’s a mullet and what’s a headbanger and what’s a one-hit-wonder?
Yep – my kids like to challenge me. Sometimes I know the answers and sometimes I don’t – and sometimes I make up completely bogus, wacked-out answers just to make them laugh.
For example – We have toes so that when we are sitting on the couch eating ice cream, we can use our toes to change channels on the tv remote control that fell on the floor.
Or – If you dig to the center of the earth, you will find little miniature people living in a huge underground world and they secretly control the planet. You will also find all the toys and socks that you have ever lost. And yes, there will still be gravity.
It’s no wonder my kids think I’m warped – but it’s so much fun to watch their faces as they try to figure out if I’m being serious or not.
Now I have to go because my ice cream is melting and I have to practice my toe exercises for the day. (Channel up, channel up, channel down… channel down, channel down, channel up…. Mute on, mute off… mute on, mute off…)
What’s the difference between poison and venom?
Why do we have toes?
Do cats fart?
If you were freefalling in the air, and got struck by lightning, would you be hurt?
Why does the hair on your arms stand up when you get cold?
Why do you start to like different kinds of food as you get older?
Why is it called learning about the birds and the bees when birds and bees have nothing to do with it?
What was the Cold War? What was the Berlin Wall and why was it built?
If you dig to the center of the earth, will there still be gravity?
Why do radio stations bleep the word God but not damn when the words are used together in songs?
When I grow up, can I have a ____________________ (insert any animal) for a pet?
What’s a mullet and what’s a headbanger and what’s a one-hit-wonder?
Yep – my kids like to challenge me. Sometimes I know the answers and sometimes I don’t – and sometimes I make up completely bogus, wacked-out answers just to make them laugh.
For example – We have toes so that when we are sitting on the couch eating ice cream, we can use our toes to change channels on the tv remote control that fell on the floor.
Or – If you dig to the center of the earth, you will find little miniature people living in a huge underground world and they secretly control the planet. You will also find all the toys and socks that you have ever lost. And yes, there will still be gravity.
It’s no wonder my kids think I’m warped – but it’s so much fun to watch their faces as they try to figure out if I’m being serious or not.
Now I have to go because my ice cream is melting and I have to practice my toe exercises for the day. (Channel up, channel up, channel down… channel down, channel down, channel up…. Mute on, mute off… mute on, mute off…)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Compromising positions
So while we were on our mini-vacation I took some pictures. We went on a hike at a park nearby and had a great time. Those of you from Missouri might recognize the park when you see this shot....
We were on the Devil's Kitchen trail, which was really cool. The kids got to check out an 'almost' cave and see some cool rock formations.
And I made sure we paid a visit to the castle remains for a nice dose of history. For those not from Missouri - we were at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, near Camdenton. Lots of great trails, fantastic scenery, and a touch of history - what more can you ask for?!
But the high-light of the hike was when we caught two turtles in a compromising position. Conner wanted to keep them. Alicia had to poke at them with a stick. And all they wanted to do was get busy. I was trying really hard not to laugh. Poor turtles. Of course I had to take a picture.
Now the kids and Jim are suffering terribly for the hike in the woods. Even though we used bug spray, they ended up with chigger bites all over their ankles. We've stocked up on anti-itch lotions and antibiotic ointments and hopefully all will be well soon.
Oh - and one other note - today was the first day of back-to-school. I made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Caleb and Conner have decided my chocolate chip pancakes are better than IHOPs. WOOT WOOT
We were on the Devil's Kitchen trail, which was really cool. The kids got to check out an 'almost' cave and see some cool rock formations.
And I made sure we paid a visit to the castle remains for a nice dose of history. For those not from Missouri - we were at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, near Camdenton. Lots of great trails, fantastic scenery, and a touch of history - what more can you ask for?!
But the high-light of the hike was when we caught two turtles in a compromising position. Conner wanted to keep them. Alicia had to poke at them with a stick. And all they wanted to do was get busy. I was trying really hard not to laugh. Poor turtles. Of course I had to take a picture.
Now the kids and Jim are suffering terribly for the hike in the woods. Even though we used bug spray, they ended up with chigger bites all over their ankles. We've stocked up on anti-itch lotions and antibiotic ointments and hopefully all will be well soon.
Oh - and one other note - today was the first day of back-to-school. I made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Caleb and Conner have decided my chocolate chip pancakes are better than IHOPs. WOOT WOOT
Friday, August 8, 2008
Pathetic, really
I've been really horrible about posting lately. No excuses - just busy. Getting ready to head out this weekend for one last vacation blast before school starts next week. Nothing big or fancy - just a week at the Lake for sunshine and relaxation.
Caleb's been busy with football practice this week. Last night we had a brief but heavy downpour - right at the beginning of practice. It cleared off after a bit and I got some 'practice' shots.
Oh - and after those tough guy shots, I have to post this one. It's so cute!
I don't have any wedding plans to update - because I haven't made any. We have a date and a location and that's about it. No, I don't have a dress. Or a guest list. Or anything else. *excuse me while I have a small panic attack*
The kids aren't really ready to go back to school. I think summer has gone by faster than they thought it would. Part of me is ready for them to start school because it's easier to work when they aren't home, but I'm also a bit sad, too. Sometimes it's really nice to have one of those 'kid hugs' in the middle of the day. And the best way to recharge in the middle of the afternoon???? A tickle fight! Speaking of which - I think I'll go start one now.
Caleb's been busy with football practice this week. Last night we had a brief but heavy downpour - right at the beginning of practice. It cleared off after a bit and I got some 'practice' shots.
Oh - and after those tough guy shots, I have to post this one. It's so cute!
I don't have any wedding plans to update - because I haven't made any. We have a date and a location and that's about it. No, I don't have a dress. Or a guest list. Or anything else. *excuse me while I have a small panic attack*
The kids aren't really ready to go back to school. I think summer has gone by faster than they thought it would. Part of me is ready for them to start school because it's easier to work when they aren't home, but I'm also a bit sad, too. Sometimes it's really nice to have one of those 'kid hugs' in the middle of the day. And the best way to recharge in the middle of the afternoon???? A tickle fight! Speaking of which - I think I'll go start one now.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Story of Alferd Williams
Somehow stumbled across this story and had to share. You may want to read this background information first.
Alferd has appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show, and has been in the media quite a bit recently. His story is inspiring and reminded me of some little things that I take for granted every day - like being able to read the signs above the grocery store aisles.
Alferd has appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show, and has been in the media quite a bit recently. His story is inspiring and reminded me of some little things that I take for granted every day - like being able to read the signs above the grocery store aisles.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Stop killing me!
Yesterday went by too fast. Can we rewind and have a do-over? I don't really want to change anything about the day because we had a great time. I just want MORE time.
Jim had to work yesterday, so after some research on AtlasQuest, the kids and I headed out for some letterboxing. I made sure everyone had on bugspray and brought water because we were going to a park I hadn't visited before.
We spent lots of time at the park, and it was HOT. We took turns being the web-catcher on the trail. It took some willpower not to laugh at the girls when they did their "EW! I just walked into a web!" dance. (Just a side note - these are the same girls who fight each other to catch frogs.) No luck on the letterboxes. Bummer. Nice park though. I want to go back - when it's about twenty degrees cooler and the spiders have stopped stringing webs across the trails. We went home and re-energized and waited for Jim to get home from work. Then I talked him and the kids into trying for one more series of boxes. We had wonderful luck with those and added six boxes to our lists. Then we went to Red Robin (YUM!) and chowed down.
Everyone showered (again) when we got home then we settled in for a family game of Call Of Duty 4 on the Playstation. Caleb is the best player and I'm the worst, but we have a blast playing. He loves it when I play because I laugh every time he kills me. Or we do silly things like jumping on cars and then blowing up the cars to see how high the body will fly. Once in the game Resistance: Fall of Man, we put a grenade on a merry-go-round (that just happened to have a body on it) and then started spinning it to see what would happen. The body slid off and the grenade blew up. Not nearly as exciting as we hoped. Yes, we are warped. Then again, it's just a game.
Sample conversation from game:
Conner - 'Stop killing me! You've killed me four times already! Go pick on someone else. Mom, Caleb keeps killing me.'
Me - 'Caleb - stop killing your sister. Come kill me instead - but you can only use a knife! No guns or grenades!'
Caleb - 'Conner! Don't kill me now! I have to go find Mom and kill her. Hey - do you want to help me?'
Me - 'Conner - don't help Caleb - come and help me! Maybe we can gang up and kill him before he kills us!'
Yep - we are a warped family. Oh, Caleb's awake now and has asked to play so I have to go and be killed again. And if you are curious - Yes - today's agenda includes more letterboxing. (I hope!)
Jim had to work yesterday, so after some research on AtlasQuest, the kids and I headed out for some letterboxing. I made sure everyone had on bugspray and brought water because we were going to a park I hadn't visited before.
We spent lots of time at the park, and it was HOT. We took turns being the web-catcher on the trail. It took some willpower not to laugh at the girls when they did their "EW! I just walked into a web!" dance. (Just a side note - these are the same girls who fight each other to catch frogs.) No luck on the letterboxes. Bummer. Nice park though. I want to go back - when it's about twenty degrees cooler and the spiders have stopped stringing webs across the trails. We went home and re-energized and waited for Jim to get home from work. Then I talked him and the kids into trying for one more series of boxes. We had wonderful luck with those and added six boxes to our lists. Then we went to Red Robin (YUM!) and chowed down.
Everyone showered (again) when we got home then we settled in for a family game of Call Of Duty 4 on the Playstation. Caleb is the best player and I'm the worst, but we have a blast playing. He loves it when I play because I laugh every time he kills me. Or we do silly things like jumping on cars and then blowing up the cars to see how high the body will fly. Once in the game Resistance: Fall of Man, we put a grenade on a merry-go-round (that just happened to have a body on it) and then started spinning it to see what would happen. The body slid off and the grenade blew up. Not nearly as exciting as we hoped. Yes, we are warped. Then again, it's just a game.
Sample conversation from game:
Conner - 'Stop killing me! You've killed me four times already! Go pick on someone else. Mom, Caleb keeps killing me.'
Me - 'Caleb - stop killing your sister. Come kill me instead - but you can only use a knife! No guns or grenades!'
Caleb - 'Conner! Don't kill me now! I have to go find Mom and kill her. Hey - do you want to help me?'
Me - 'Conner - don't help Caleb - come and help me! Maybe we can gang up and kill him before he kills us!'
Yep - we are a warped family. Oh, Caleb's awake now and has asked to play so I have to go and be killed again. And if you are curious - Yes - today's agenda includes more letterboxing. (I hope!)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Best race ever
I think everyone has a bit of car geek in them. My inner car geek starts drooling when it sees a Bugatti.
Drag racing a fighter jet. Sweet!
Drag racing a fighter jet. Sweet!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Could you repeat that please?
Overheard today:
Conner – “Play with me Caleb! I’m bored. Why won’t you EVER play with me?”
Caleb – “Conner, mom put stuff on my legs and it has to dry.”
Conner – “What did mom put on your legs?”
Caleb – “Some stuff for poison ivy.”
Conner – “EEEWWWWWW! Caleb has poison ivy infested legs! Don’t touch me!”
And to keep things fair….
Caleb’s interpretation of the Ballroom Blitz song:
…And the man at the back said
Everyone attack and it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said
Fire on the walrus it’ll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz….
Infested legs. Fire on the walrus. I don’t know where they get it. Honestly.
Conner – “Play with me Caleb! I’m bored. Why won’t you EVER play with me?”
Caleb – “Conner, mom put stuff on my legs and it has to dry.”
Conner – “What did mom put on your legs?”
Caleb – “Some stuff for poison ivy.”
Conner – “EEEWWWWWW! Caleb has poison ivy infested legs! Don’t touch me!”
And to keep things fair….
Caleb’s interpretation of the Ballroom Blitz song:
…And the man at the back said
Everyone attack and it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said
Fire on the walrus it’ll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz, ballroom blitz….
Infested legs. Fire on the walrus. I don’t know where they get it. Honestly.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Crayons Unite!
It’s that dreaded time of year again – back to school shopping time. Is it just me or have school supply lists gotten longer and longer? I’ll be off to hunt down composition notebooks, highlighters, two-pocket plastic folders, and the ever elusive “Expo Dry Erase Markers – 2 count, medium point, NOT low odor.” One of the lists that I saw was even specific about colors for notebooks and folders. They had to be Blue, Yellow, Purple and Green. Sounds like all the colors of a nasty bruise.
Ever notice that there is always at least ONE thing on the school supply list that is hard to find? Why is that? Retailers are great about making copies of supply lists available in stores, which is great. But do they actually read the lists and try to stock up ahead of time? I think they must not or else I wouldn’t have to scour the internet for dry erase markers. Sure – you can find lots of packs with multi-colored pens, broad tip pens, low odor pens – but that isn’t what I need.
And crayons. Can we talk about crayons? Do you realize how many partial boxes of leftover crayons I have? Is there a crayon recycling place where I can ship these? Surely they could be melted back down into their respective colors and made into new, whole crayons again. I know crayons are not expensive but I would rather ‘recycle’ the stubby ends than throw them away. Honestly, do you know any kids who like to color with the broken/leftover pieces?
There is one thing we used to buy (back when I was a kid, you know – a hundred years ago) that isn’t on the supply lists. Can you guess? Watercolor paints. Remember those rectangular boxes with the little ovals of color in them? Didn’t you hate it when some other kid would use your paints and get the colors all muddy?
I’m off now to Google “crayon recycling” and see what I can come up with. The stubby pieces in the art box are giving me the evil eye. I think they are conspiring with the leftover watercolor paints to stage a rebellion. Or maybe they are in league with the paper clips and rubber bands that multiply in my desk drawer. Whatever the case may be – I better figure out a way to take care of things before they watch Pinky & the Brain and figure out a way to take over the world.
Ever notice that there is always at least ONE thing on the school supply list that is hard to find? Why is that? Retailers are great about making copies of supply lists available in stores, which is great. But do they actually read the lists and try to stock up ahead of time? I think they must not or else I wouldn’t have to scour the internet for dry erase markers. Sure – you can find lots of packs with multi-colored pens, broad tip pens, low odor pens – but that isn’t what I need.
And crayons. Can we talk about crayons? Do you realize how many partial boxes of leftover crayons I have? Is there a crayon recycling place where I can ship these? Surely they could be melted back down into their respective colors and made into new, whole crayons again. I know crayons are not expensive but I would rather ‘recycle’ the stubby ends than throw them away. Honestly, do you know any kids who like to color with the broken/leftover pieces?
There is one thing we used to buy (back when I was a kid, you know – a hundred years ago) that isn’t on the supply lists. Can you guess? Watercolor paints. Remember those rectangular boxes with the little ovals of color in them? Didn’t you hate it when some other kid would use your paints and get the colors all muddy?
I’m off now to Google “crayon recycling” and see what I can come up with. The stubby pieces in the art box are giving me the evil eye. I think they are conspiring with the leftover watercolor paints to stage a rebellion. Or maybe they are in league with the paper clips and rubber bands that multiply in my desk drawer. Whatever the case may be – I better figure out a way to take care of things before they watch Pinky & the Brain and figure out a way to take over the world.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Nesting hawks
Caleb and I had one of the "WOW" experiences this evening.
We went for a walk on a trail while Conner was at gymnastics. While we were walking, we could hear birds calling to each other and I thought it sounded like hawks. Self-doubt set in because we were in the middle of the city and surely there wouldn't be any hawks that close to people. Ummmm... it WAS a hawk. Actually, it was more than one. It was a pair of hawks.
We started on an open area of trail, then headed into a wooded area. As soon as we got in the wooded area, we could see the hawks and had one swoop right over our heads - within a foot. It stopped ahead of us and sat on a branch staring at us.
We froze. We were whispering about it and watching it to see what it would do. It looked at us for awhile and then flew a bit further down the trail to its nest. Yes - it was building a nest in the top of a tree that was right off the trail. We very quietly walked on past so we wouldn't disturb it again.
On the way back, we didn't notice the hawk in or near the nest which was a bit disappointing. Then we saw that it was hiding under an evergreen right at the edge of the woods. I'm guessing it had found a rabbit or some other tasty treat but we didn't see any evidence of prey when we walked by. (Another person on the trail startled it away before we got close.)
Ever notice that little moments like this are what stick with you? Although Caleb might argue and say that it was just as much fun when I jumped on the cart in the parking lot at Target and told him to push me to the car....
We went for a walk on a trail while Conner was at gymnastics. While we were walking, we could hear birds calling to each other and I thought it sounded like hawks. Self-doubt set in because we were in the middle of the city and surely there wouldn't be any hawks that close to people. Ummmm... it WAS a hawk. Actually, it was more than one. It was a pair of hawks.
We started on an open area of trail, then headed into a wooded area. As soon as we got in the wooded area, we could see the hawks and had one swoop right over our heads - within a foot. It stopped ahead of us and sat on a branch staring at us.
We froze. We were whispering about it and watching it to see what it would do. It looked at us for awhile and then flew a bit further down the trail to its nest. Yes - it was building a nest in the top of a tree that was right off the trail. We very quietly walked on past so we wouldn't disturb it again.
On the way back, we didn't notice the hawk in or near the nest which was a bit disappointing. Then we saw that it was hiding under an evergreen right at the edge of the woods. I'm guessing it had found a rabbit or some other tasty treat but we didn't see any evidence of prey when we walked by. (Another person on the trail startled it away before we got close.)
Ever notice that little moments like this are what stick with you? Although Caleb might argue and say that it was just as much fun when I jumped on the cart in the parking lot at Target and told him to push me to the car....
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
dynamic days and second weddings
Mom called this morning because my horoscope was showing that I was going to have a DYNAMIC day. Five stars. WOOHOO.
I'm still waiting.
While I'm waiting for something dynamic to happen, I'm pondering the dilemma of what to wear to get married. I've been looking at dresses online and I guess I'm way too picky because nothing I've seen has really caught my attention. I'll keep looking for that "second marriage" category that has dresses for people who don't want to wear white or ivory, but still want something pretty. If you find it before I do - send me a link.
And stop laughing. I used to wear dresses every day - in grade school.
I'm still waiting.
While I'm waiting for something dynamic to happen, I'm pondering the dilemma of what to wear to get married. I've been looking at dresses online and I guess I'm way too picky because nothing I've seen has really caught my attention. I'll keep looking for that "second marriage" category that has dresses for people who don't want to wear white or ivory, but still want something pretty. If you find it before I do - send me a link.
And stop laughing. I used to wear dresses every day - in grade school.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My BIG Surprise!
Ok, vacation is over and I'm back home. Tanned and tired.
I got a HUGE surprise while sitting on the beach Sunday evening. Jim and I were sitting in our beach chairs, watching the kids play in the water and dig in the sand. The sun was going down, the weather was perfect, and he proposed.
Yep, pulled a ring out of his pocket, slipped it on my finger and asked me to marry him. I was laughing and crying at the same time. The kids were in on it and so was my dad - they knew he was going to ask and had seen the ring - but managed to keep it a secret.
I'm still in shock and incredibly happy. What a guy! (and OMG - what a ring!)
I got a HUGE surprise while sitting on the beach Sunday evening. Jim and I were sitting in our beach chairs, watching the kids play in the water and dig in the sand. The sun was going down, the weather was perfect, and he proposed.
Yep, pulled a ring out of his pocket, slipped it on my finger and asked me to marry him. I was laughing and crying at the same time. The kids were in on it and so was my dad - they knew he was going to ask and had seen the ring - but managed to keep it a secret.
I'm still in shock and incredibly happy. What a guy! (and OMG - what a ring!)
Monday, July 7, 2008
vacation
I'm on vacation this week - and loving every minute of it. Lots of sun, sand, surf, and swimming. And I got a big surprise too. More on that at another time - but the kids and my dad were in on it. The guys went fishing today. Jim caught the biggest fish of the trip. They grilled it tonight and said it was tasty.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
on a mission, or... not
I was on a mission tonight, but then I got sidetracked. Ever had that happen? You know the old saying - best laid plans and all that?
Sometimes I think it's God's way of saying - hey, chill out. Or what's the old saying - if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.
So I got sidetracked. I enjoyed every minute of it. Instead of doing what I had planned, I spent some quality time catching up with a friend. Now, I'm going to relax, watch Animal Cops on TV, and carve some more stamps.
Animal Cops is the new favorite TV show in our house. When the kids are here, we all usually end up piled on the living room floor - or my bed - talking about the show and wondering what will happen to the animals. Conner wants to adopt every one of the critters, and sometimes so do I. Last night on the show they rescued tigers and bears. It was fantastic and by far my favorite ever episode.
You know - I used to get tense when things didn't go the way I 'expected' them to go. I would get bent out of shape and grouchy. Sometimes I still do - probably more than I want to admit. I'm trying to be more flexible because I've figured out that sometimes the curve balls are what you really need. Like catching up with a friend tonight - I needed that even though it wasn't what I had planned. I didn't plan on watching Animal Cops tonight, or carving stamps - but I know Conner will want to talk about the show and will be happy that I watched it, and Caleb will be happy that I worked on his stamp. And I will get the satisfaction of seeing them smile. Yeah - keep the curve balls coming - I'm starting to like them.
Sometimes I think it's God's way of saying - hey, chill out. Or what's the old saying - if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.
So I got sidetracked. I enjoyed every minute of it. Instead of doing what I had planned, I spent some quality time catching up with a friend. Now, I'm going to relax, watch Animal Cops on TV, and carve some more stamps.
Animal Cops is the new favorite TV show in our house. When the kids are here, we all usually end up piled on the living room floor - or my bed - talking about the show and wondering what will happen to the animals. Conner wants to adopt every one of the critters, and sometimes so do I. Last night on the show they rescued tigers and bears. It was fantastic and by far my favorite ever episode.
You know - I used to get tense when things didn't go the way I 'expected' them to go. I would get bent out of shape and grouchy. Sometimes I still do - probably more than I want to admit. I'm trying to be more flexible because I've figured out that sometimes the curve balls are what you really need. Like catching up with a friend tonight - I needed that even though it wasn't what I had planned. I didn't plan on watching Animal Cops tonight, or carving stamps - but I know Conner will want to talk about the show and will be happy that I watched it, and Caleb will be happy that I worked on his stamp. And I will get the satisfaction of seeing them smile. Yeah - keep the curve balls coming - I'm starting to like them.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Homer moments
Have you ever had a moment where you felt like Homer Simpson? DOH!
I had one of those this weekend. Ok, if I was completely honest, I probably had about four of them.
Ever worn Crocs (or any flipflops) and walked across a wet concrete floor? Ummm, I don't recommend it. I did that this weekend. Guess where I ended up? On my butt.
I wasn't even graceful about falling down. I was in a hurry and walking quickly through the garage to grab something out of the house. The floor was dry, but I guess there must have been a spot where water had dripped from the car's air conditioning system. Of course - my foot found that very spot. One leg went forward, the other went backward, my arms were flapping everywhere, and I crash landed. DOH!
I started giggling as I got up. Jim had that 'Oh my God, are you ok?' look on his face, and then he astutely looked away like he hadn't seen me fall. Which made me laugh harder. I announced to the world "DANG - DID YOU SEE ME JUST BUST MY ASS??? WASN'T THAT HYSTERICAL?!" He rolled his eyes and grinned and told me to hurry up.
Or how about this one? We were at the park because of the whole hide a letterbox promise. We found the perfect spot under the roots of a tree, on an embankment, slightly off the paved trail, with lots of natural cover. I was hiding the box and Jim was getting rocks to cover the hiding spot. He had climbed down the embankment to get a couple of rocks from the creek and tossed them up to me (of course I MISSED catching them.) Anyway - he got the rocks and then climbed back up. I'm trying to keep my balance and shift the rocks into place. (Did I mention the rocks were the size of my HEAD???)
While I'm manuevering the rocks, I feel something shift in my pocket. My cell phone chose that moment to make a break for freedom. I watched my phone bounce merrily down the embankment, do a couple of really cool looking layout flips in the air (flip phone and it OPENED itself up), and make an awesome dive into the creek. While open. And on. DOH!
I looked at Jim and gave him my best puppy-dog eyes and asked if he would please retrieve my phone from the creek. Amazingly, he had missed the whole thing. He went down the embankment again - grabbed my phone and popped out the battery. I wanted to do the whole "here he comes to save the daaaayyyy" singing thing - but I was too bummed out.
Lucky for me - I had a happy ending. I took the phone completely apart (those little screws are a pain!) and took the hair dryer to it. I made sure it was absolutely dry then put it all back together. Popped the battery back in, said a few prayers, waved a magic wand, sprinkled fairy dust, etc., and turned it on. It WORKED!
WOO-HOO! Now I just need donuts and I'll be completely Homer-ized. Except I won't be bald.
I had one of those this weekend. Ok, if I was completely honest, I probably had about four of them.
Ever worn Crocs (or any flipflops) and walked across a wet concrete floor? Ummm, I don't recommend it. I did that this weekend. Guess where I ended up? On my butt.
I wasn't even graceful about falling down. I was in a hurry and walking quickly through the garage to grab something out of the house. The floor was dry, but I guess there must have been a spot where water had dripped from the car's air conditioning system. Of course - my foot found that very spot. One leg went forward, the other went backward, my arms were flapping everywhere, and I crash landed. DOH!
I started giggling as I got up. Jim had that 'Oh my God, are you ok?' look on his face, and then he astutely looked away like he hadn't seen me fall. Which made me laugh harder. I announced to the world "DANG - DID YOU SEE ME JUST BUST MY ASS??? WASN'T THAT HYSTERICAL?!" He rolled his eyes and grinned and told me to hurry up.
Or how about this one? We were at the park because of the whole hide a letterbox promise. We found the perfect spot under the roots of a tree, on an embankment, slightly off the paved trail, with lots of natural cover. I was hiding the box and Jim was getting rocks to cover the hiding spot. He had climbed down the embankment to get a couple of rocks from the creek and tossed them up to me (of course I MISSED catching them.) Anyway - he got the rocks and then climbed back up. I'm trying to keep my balance and shift the rocks into place. (Did I mention the rocks were the size of my HEAD???)
While I'm manuevering the rocks, I feel something shift in my pocket. My cell phone chose that moment to make a break for freedom. I watched my phone bounce merrily down the embankment, do a couple of really cool looking layout flips in the air (flip phone and it OPENED itself up), and make an awesome dive into the creek. While open. And on. DOH!
I looked at Jim and gave him my best puppy-dog eyes and asked if he would please retrieve my phone from the creek. Amazingly, he had missed the whole thing. He went down the embankment again - grabbed my phone and popped out the battery. I wanted to do the whole "here he comes to save the daaaayyyy" singing thing - but I was too bummed out.
Lucky for me - I had a happy ending. I took the phone completely apart (those little screws are a pain!) and took the hair dryer to it. I made sure it was absolutely dry then put it all back together. Popped the battery back in, said a few prayers, waved a magic wand, sprinkled fairy dust, etc., and turned it on. It WORKED!
WOO-HOO! Now I just need donuts and I'll be completely Homer-ized. Except I won't be bald.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
learning new stuff
Today I'm learning a few things. First - I'm learning how to create a codex binding for a book. Yeah, I know - what the???
Blame it on letterboxing and my brilliant idea to plant a box ourselves, which thrilled the kids. Once I mentioned something about us creating a box - that was all she wrote. Since then, I've had to figure out how to hand-carve stamps. (I made a frog for Conner and a ladybug for Alicia. I'm still working on the lion for Caleb.) Hand-carving stamps, hand-making books... I almost sound crafty or maybe it should be crazy...
So Conner calls me this morning. She asked what I was doing, which wasn't much since I had just gotten home from checking on a friend's dogs. She asked if I would plant her froggy letterbox today. Of course I fell victim to the whole divorced-parent-guilt and said sure I will.
Thus, I'm learning to make a log-book. I can't keep it simple and go buy something. Noooooo. I have to make it 'special' and do it by hand. I followed the instructions on Atlasquest.com and SUCCESS! Step-by-step instructions that I can actually follow - and they worked!
The other big thing I've learned today - patience. Glue doesn't dry instantly so DO NOT MESS WITH IT until it is dry. *sigh*
Here's the end result - hand carved stamp and hand made journal.
Blame it on letterboxing and my brilliant idea to plant a box ourselves, which thrilled the kids. Once I mentioned something about us creating a box - that was all she wrote. Since then, I've had to figure out how to hand-carve stamps. (I made a frog for Conner and a ladybug for Alicia. I'm still working on the lion for Caleb.) Hand-carving stamps, hand-making books... I almost sound crafty or maybe it should be crazy...
So Conner calls me this morning. She asked what I was doing, which wasn't much since I had just gotten home from checking on a friend's dogs. She asked if I would plant her froggy letterbox today. Of course I fell victim to the whole divorced-parent-guilt and said sure I will.
Thus, I'm learning to make a log-book. I can't keep it simple and go buy something. Noooooo. I have to make it 'special' and do it by hand. I followed the instructions on Atlasquest.com and SUCCESS! Step-by-step instructions that I can actually follow - and they worked!
The other big thing I've learned today - patience. Glue doesn't dry instantly so DO NOT MESS WITH IT until it is dry. *sigh*
Here's the end result - hand carved stamp and hand made journal.
Friday, June 27, 2008
20 years ago (almost)
Got an email earlier this week about my high school reunion. I cannot believe it's been almost 20 years. There's a website set up to help get everyone back in touch and I have to admit I've been looking at it daily. (Sometimes more than once a day.) Which is weird because I didn't like high school when I was there. I did everything I could to NOT be there. But it's fun to see pictures and read about what everyone has been doing. I've known some of these people since grade school!
Ever watched that High School Reunion TV show? I was flipping through TV channels the other day and stumbled across it. I have no idea what channel or anything - but I started watching. Here were all these adults, 20 years later, talking about what they were like in high school - and how much has changed. Then after the commercial break, when they were actually together as a group - OH THE DRAMA!
The 'fun guy' was divorced because his wife (who was the 'drama queen') had cheated with his best friend. So the fun guy shows up first, then the ex-wife/drama queen, and THEN the guilty best friend. (who everyone else wanted to beat up) It was better than a soap opera.
I was going to get more flood photos last night, but I did something funky with the camera battery. First - I forgot the battery but remembered the camera. Went home and got the battery. Made a stop at Barnes and Noble, then went to the levee to get photos. Popped the battery in the camera and... nothing. I don't know what the heck I did - but the battery wouldn't work. Took it back home and put it on the charger. One minute later - it was working. Explain that one! I'm going to try again this afternoon. It's really incredible to see so much water.
Hoping to get some aerial shots soon. Jim knows someone who took some and I hope he'll let me post them.
Got a new washer yesterday. It has a see-thru door on the front. I think I hypnotized myself watching the sheets tumble around last night. Doesn't take much to entertain me!
Ever watched that High School Reunion TV show? I was flipping through TV channels the other day and stumbled across it. I have no idea what channel or anything - but I started watching. Here were all these adults, 20 years later, talking about what they were like in high school - and how much has changed. Then after the commercial break, when they were actually together as a group - OH THE DRAMA!
The 'fun guy' was divorced because his wife (who was the 'drama queen') had cheated with his best friend. So the fun guy shows up first, then the ex-wife/drama queen, and THEN the guilty best friend. (who everyone else wanted to beat up) It was better than a soap opera.
I was going to get more flood photos last night, but I did something funky with the camera battery. First - I forgot the battery but remembered the camera. Went home and got the battery. Made a stop at Barnes and Noble, then went to the levee to get photos. Popped the battery in the camera and... nothing. I don't know what the heck I did - but the battery wouldn't work. Took it back home and put it on the charger. One minute later - it was working. Explain that one! I'm going to try again this afternoon. It's really incredible to see so much water.
Hoping to get some aerial shots soon. Jim knows someone who took some and I hope he'll let me post them.
Got a new washer yesterday. It has a see-thru door on the front. I think I hypnotized myself watching the sheets tumble around last night. Doesn't take much to entertain me!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Smile Game
We met my mom yesterday to pick up a part for the washer. It's amazing how fast laundry piles up when the washer doesn't work. Anywho - Caleb asked if we could play the Smile Game while we were at McDonalds. We had to explain the "Rules" to everyone (meaning Conner, Alicia, and Mom).
The SMILE GAME
Rule 1 - You cannot leave the restaurant until you see someone smile. They don't have to smile at you, they just have to be smiling.
Rule 2 - You can smile at people but you can't tell them about the game (at least not until AFTER they smile back.)
Rule 3 - The person you see smiling can be anyone - someone in the drive-thru lane, an employee, etc. People on tv do NOT count.
Rule 4 - If only two people are playing the game, both people have to see the smiling person. If more than two people are playing, then at least two players have to see the smiling person.
Rule 5 - The game works best at fast food places, the mall, big stores like Wal-Mart, etc. Any place will do, but some places will take longer than others.
Rule 6 - No matter what - HAVE FUN and spread some smiles!
That's it. Caleb and I created this game one day while at McDonalds. I made an observation that it seemed like we were the only happy people there. So we started people watching and made it into a game. Would you believe it took 30 minutes before we saw someone smile??? It was INSANE!
Luckily, it only took five minutes yesterday. Guess it's hard not to smile back when you have three kids and two adults smiling at you.
Go ahead - I double dog dare you to play the Smile Game.
We also created a new word yesterday. The word for the day is:
REMEMBERIZED: (Noun) when someone tries to remember something they memorized.
The SMILE GAME
Rule 1 - You cannot leave the restaurant until you see someone smile. They don't have to smile at you, they just have to be smiling.
Rule 2 - You can smile at people but you can't tell them about the game (at least not until AFTER they smile back.)
Rule 3 - The person you see smiling can be anyone - someone in the drive-thru lane, an employee, etc. People on tv do NOT count.
Rule 4 - If only two people are playing the game, both people have to see the smiling person. If more than two people are playing, then at least two players have to see the smiling person.
Rule 5 - The game works best at fast food places, the mall, big stores like Wal-Mart, etc. Any place will do, but some places will take longer than others.
Rule 6 - No matter what - HAVE FUN and spread some smiles!
That's it. Caleb and I created this game one day while at McDonalds. I made an observation that it seemed like we were the only happy people there. So we started people watching and made it into a game. Would you believe it took 30 minutes before we saw someone smile??? It was INSANE!
Luckily, it only took five minutes yesterday. Guess it's hard not to smile back when you have three kids and two adults smiling at you.
Go ahead - I double dog dare you to play the Smile Game.
We also created a new word yesterday. The word for the day is:
REMEMBERIZED: (Noun) when someone tries to remember something they memorized.
Monday, June 23, 2008
leapin lizard
Went letterboxing again yesterday. Found a lizard along the way. He ran up the tallest thing he could find - which happened to be Jim.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Floods and photos
Jim's been busy working some extra hours, but got some great photos of the local flooding. Water has started coming over one of the levees here. There is a secondary levee which is a really good thing in this case. But a lot of wildlife has been displaced. I uploaded the photos and they can be found here.
We've done some more letterboxing and I'm learning how to carve stamps so that we can start planting a few boxes. I've got a whole series created - now I just have to figure out where to plant them. I have ideas - I just need to go find spots and work on my clues.
Neighbors got home from vacation - YIPPEE! I've missed them and I know Caleb has too. He's been overwhelmed with too many girls and needs his guy time again.
We're off to the grocery store to restock tonight. I swear three growing kids can eat more than a herd of cattle.
We've done some more letterboxing and I'm learning how to carve stamps so that we can start planting a few boxes. I've got a whole series created - now I just have to figure out where to plant them. I have ideas - I just need to go find spots and work on my clues.
Neighbors got home from vacation - YIPPEE! I've missed them and I know Caleb has too. He's been overwhelmed with too many girls and needs his guy time again.
We're off to the grocery store to restock tonight. I swear three growing kids can eat more than a herd of cattle.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Smile!
Took the kids letterboxing last week - just to make them get outside and stretch their legs. It was hot and humid, but I sorta got them to smile for me. And we found the letterbox and even saw some familiar names. I'm ready to go seek a few more!
Now I just have to convince them to play along. I know they enjoy it when we are actually hunting for a box, but getting them in the car to go look is the hard part. I think they must be part hermit. Or maybe they just don't like the heat. So what if it's 100 degrees outside? Wimps.
We are going 'back home' on Sunday to spend the day with my parents. I know a bunch of letterboxes were recently planted, so maybe I can sweet talk everyone into hunting for them with me. Then again - since it's Father's Day - maybe we'll do what Dad wants. What a concept! (smacking self on the head) Geez.
Now I just have to convince them to play along. I know they enjoy it when we are actually hunting for a box, but getting them in the car to go look is the hard part. I think they must be part hermit. Or maybe they just don't like the heat. So what if it's 100 degrees outside? Wimps.
We are going 'back home' on Sunday to spend the day with my parents. I know a bunch of letterboxes were recently planted, so maybe I can sweet talk everyone into hunting for them with me. Then again - since it's Father's Day - maybe we'll do what Dad wants. What a concept! (smacking self on the head) Geez.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
can I get fries with that?
So much news to catch up on...
Caleb got the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence at the awards ceremony at school at the end of May. That was really exciting. Then we spent part of that weekend in Jeff City for my nephew's birthday. The last day of school was June 2, which was a field day. It was warm, but the kids had a great time.
Now we are officially in summer mode. Kids running in and out all day long - me trying to work. (actually, they have been really good so far) I set some ground rules and everyone is working within those for now. I'm sure by the end of summer they will be pushing the limits, but I try to bend enough that they don't feel too restricted.
Caleb has been in football camp this week in the afternoons. He also started working out in the mornings with weightlifting. He's decided to become more active and get fit - which has in turn inspired me to start walking again. Conner is in a longer gymnastics class one day a week, but she is so active the rest of the time that she never gains weight. Alicia is active too - so between the three kids - they should help keep me motivated.
They've been swimming at Jim's sister's quite a bit and playing with her new puppy dog. Conner has been begging to get a dog here, but we just aren't quite ready for it. We did some dog-sitting for a girl-scout friend over this past weekend. She has two big German Shepards and a smaller mixed breed. Her dogs were so much fun and very well behaved. Hopefully she will ask us to dog-sit again because we had fun playing with them. Amazingly - she gave us a sno-cone maker as a thank you - so of course the kids are thrilled with that.
We have a pair of doves living in one of the plants on the front porch. I love to listen to them coo at each other. The cat likes to watch them. He makes weird chirping noises and his tail twitches like crazy. If I don't raise the blinds so he can watch them, he gets mad and bats at them. Then smacks my leg with his paw. Not that he is spoiled or demanding.
I know I haven't mentioned everything, but it seems like summer is flying by already and I need to find more time to post. We're off to football and gymnastics this afternoon/evening - and a soccer game too. Don't even ask me how I'm going to work dinner in around all this stuff. I'm thinking it might have to be a fast food night. We haven't done that in awhile, so I won't even pretend to feel guilty. If I walk while Caleb is at football practice - then it won't matter if I have fries. Right?????
Caleb got the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence at the awards ceremony at school at the end of May. That was really exciting. Then we spent part of that weekend in Jeff City for my nephew's birthday. The last day of school was June 2, which was a field day. It was warm, but the kids had a great time.
Now we are officially in summer mode. Kids running in and out all day long - me trying to work. (actually, they have been really good so far) I set some ground rules and everyone is working within those for now. I'm sure by the end of summer they will be pushing the limits, but I try to bend enough that they don't feel too restricted.
Caleb has been in football camp this week in the afternoons. He also started working out in the mornings with weightlifting. He's decided to become more active and get fit - which has in turn inspired me to start walking again. Conner is in a longer gymnastics class one day a week, but she is so active the rest of the time that she never gains weight. Alicia is active too - so between the three kids - they should help keep me motivated.
They've been swimming at Jim's sister's quite a bit and playing with her new puppy dog. Conner has been begging to get a dog here, but we just aren't quite ready for it. We did some dog-sitting for a girl-scout friend over this past weekend. She has two big German Shepards and a smaller mixed breed. Her dogs were so much fun and very well behaved. Hopefully she will ask us to dog-sit again because we had fun playing with them. Amazingly - she gave us a sno-cone maker as a thank you - so of course the kids are thrilled with that.
We have a pair of doves living in one of the plants on the front porch. I love to listen to them coo at each other. The cat likes to watch them. He makes weird chirping noises and his tail twitches like crazy. If I don't raise the blinds so he can watch them, he gets mad and bats at them. Then smacks my leg with his paw. Not that he is spoiled or demanding.
I know I haven't mentioned everything, but it seems like summer is flying by already and I need to find more time to post. We're off to football and gymnastics this afternoon/evening - and a soccer game too. Don't even ask me how I'm going to work dinner in around all this stuff. I'm thinking it might have to be a fast food night. We haven't done that in awhile, so I won't even pretend to feel guilty. If I walk while Caleb is at football practice - then it won't matter if I have fries. Right?????
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
catching up
Last week Conner had a gymnastics 'performance.' The girls got to go through some fun routines and show off for parents. It was a hoot! They each got presented with a medal and my dad bought her some flowers.
The kids went to visit their dad over the holiday weekend, and we went to the Lake of the Ozarks. I have to admit, I didn't do much except relax and catch up on some reading. There was an attempt to play golf (while I tagged along in the golf cart, my nose stuck in a book) but then a storm came up and the group stopped after 9 holes. A brief lull in the storm gave us time to get back to the house and cook some dinner, and then a second wave of nastiness hit.
Yes - that is rain gusting off the roof of the dock. Wild, wild weather weekend. From what the forecast says - more wicked wacky wetness is on the way. (sorry, I couldn't help myself with the w's. Hopefully the weather will calm down soon. I really don't want another year where we go straight from heating to air conditioning. Hey Mother Nature - are you listening? Take a prozac and give us a break!
The kids went to visit their dad over the holiday weekend, and we went to the Lake of the Ozarks. I have to admit, I didn't do much except relax and catch up on some reading. There was an attempt to play golf (while I tagged along in the golf cart, my nose stuck in a book) but then a storm came up and the group stopped after 9 holes. A brief lull in the storm gave us time to get back to the house and cook some dinner, and then a second wave of nastiness hit.
Yes - that is rain gusting off the roof of the dock. Wild, wild weather weekend. From what the forecast says - more wicked wacky wetness is on the way. (sorry, I couldn't help myself with the w's. Hopefully the weather will calm down soon. I really don't want another year where we go straight from heating to air conditioning. Hey Mother Nature - are you listening? Take a prozac and give us a break!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
the poetry of predators
First, the big news - Conner lost a tooth. It came out overnight on Sunday night. We thought it was gone, but I searched her bed after she left for school and found it. The tooth fairy paid a visit last night and left her some cash. Now she wants her tooth back and doesn't care about the cash.
She also asked if it would be bad to glue the tooth back in. Or maybe we can make a necklace of teeth.
And wear bones in our hair and dance around a bubbling cauldron.
So anyway - heard an awful commotion from the back yard yesterday. The birds ceased their singing and were screeching and squawking. I thought the sky might be falling so I trotted over to the door to look. (Don't you go look when you think the world might be ending?)
So I'm scanning the ground and the trees, thinking maybe there was a snake or something. That would be cool because I could catch it and show it to the kids after school (and then of course, set it free in the neighbor's yard.) Hmmm... no snakes.
Then I look UP. On top the shed is a young hawk. (Hawklet?) Ok, WAY better than a snake but I'll skip the catching it part. I very quietly step backwards so I can grab my camera but he notices the movement.
moving
very
slowly
just
one
more
step
Grabbed the camera and eased my way back to the door. He had moved from the top of the shed to the fence, but I was still able to catch this shot of him.
Isn't he handsome?! I think he was looking for a baby bunny snack, but he was out of luck today.
I know it's totally crazy, but I think predators are the coolest. I respect the jobs they do in nature. I respect their capacity for violence. Yeah, the cute fuzzy fluffy critters are nice too, but nothing compares to the sleek lines of a big cat or the howl of a wolf. A predator in action is sheer poetry in motion.
Maybe I've spent too much time watching the Discovery Channel, but my sympathies are with predators - not prey. Or maybe it's because I was at a park last year and lost count of the rabbits. No predators = over population = destroyed vegetation = no more habitat = starving critters.
So let there be predators and let nature do it's thing - without the intervention of people.
She also asked if it would be bad to glue the tooth back in. Or maybe we can make a necklace of teeth.
And wear bones in our hair and dance around a bubbling cauldron.
So anyway - heard an awful commotion from the back yard yesterday. The birds ceased their singing and were screeching and squawking. I thought the sky might be falling so I trotted over to the door to look. (Don't you go look when you think the world might be ending?)
So I'm scanning the ground and the trees, thinking maybe there was a snake or something. That would be cool because I could catch it and show it to the kids after school (and then of course, set it free in the neighbor's yard.) Hmmm... no snakes.
Then I look UP. On top the shed is a young hawk. (Hawklet?) Ok, WAY better than a snake but I'll skip the catching it part. I very quietly step backwards so I can grab my camera but he notices the movement.
moving
very
slowly
just
one
more
step
Grabbed the camera and eased my way back to the door. He had moved from the top of the shed to the fence, but I was still able to catch this shot of him.
Isn't he handsome?! I think he was looking for a baby bunny snack, but he was out of luck today.
I know it's totally crazy, but I think predators are the coolest. I respect the jobs they do in nature. I respect their capacity for violence. Yeah, the cute fuzzy fluffy critters are nice too, but nothing compares to the sleek lines of a big cat or the howl of a wolf. A predator in action is sheer poetry in motion.
Maybe I've spent too much time watching the Discovery Channel, but my sympathies are with predators - not prey. Or maybe it's because I was at a park last year and lost count of the rabbits. No predators = over population = destroyed vegetation = no more habitat = starving critters.
So let there be predators and let nature do it's thing - without the intervention of people.
Monday, May 19, 2008
busy busy busy
We had a busy weekend! We went to the Armed Forces Day parade and celebration. Took some great pictures. Jim's sister has a new chocolate lab puppy and my kids were loving all over it.
Caleb tried his skills on the climbing wall.
Then we got to watch a very skilled pilot land a helicopter in the parking lot. And yes - I was almost directly underneath this thing.
So after all that excitement, we went bowling. I stink at bowling. Really, really, really stink. But I have fun and don't really care about my score. I just like sliding around in the bowling shoes. They make 'moonwalking' easy!
We did lots of other stuff too - like puppy-sitting, watching a soccer game, hanging out with the neighbors, etc. I think I need a weekend to rest up from my weekend.
Caleb tried his skills on the climbing wall.
Then we got to watch a very skilled pilot land a helicopter in the parking lot. And yes - I was almost directly underneath this thing.
So after all that excitement, we went bowling. I stink at bowling. Really, really, really stink. But I have fun and don't really care about my score. I just like sliding around in the bowling shoes. They make 'moonwalking' easy!
We did lots of other stuff too - like puppy-sitting, watching a soccer game, hanging out with the neighbors, etc. I think I need a weekend to rest up from my weekend.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
bubble wrap and baby bunnies
Wednesday was a busy night. We were entertained with the rare and exciting Bubble Wrap Dance - courtesy of Conner.
Then she saved a baby bunny from certain death.
And in between these incredible feats of skill, she played tag, rode her bike, rode her scooter, changed clothes four times, and did her homework. Then she had dinner and ate more than four lumberjacks.
Oh yeah - remember the cat trying to catch his tail while balanced on the railing? I actually caught him on camera. He's my psycho kitty.
He did it again this morning, but he fell this time. It was scary but he was back to attacking shadows within a few minutes. I think he will be avoiding the railing for oh... say... the rest of his life?!
Then she saved a baby bunny from certain death.
And in between these incredible feats of skill, she played tag, rode her bike, rode her scooter, changed clothes four times, and did her homework. Then she had dinner and ate more than four lumberjacks.
Oh yeah - remember the cat trying to catch his tail while balanced on the railing? I actually caught him on camera. He's my psycho kitty.
He did it again this morning, but he fell this time. It was scary but he was back to attacking shadows within a few minutes. I think he will be avoiding the railing for oh... say... the rest of his life?!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
arrrgh...what DO ya want?
Every time someone asks me what I want, I want to answer with...
"I want to sing and dance, I want to sing and dance..."
Or if asked my opinion...
"I don't like it. I don't like it and I don't want to do it."
I always knew it was from a song. I only recently was curious enough to Google it. It appears I was traumatized by Ray Stevens at an age when my brain was still impressionable. For whatever reason - it's those weird things that stick with you. I found this on YouTube and even though it's not the original skit (far from it), it still cracked me up. Plus I know Caleb will think it's funny.
Actually, I think Ray Stevens was a genius. I'm hoping to warp my children's brains later tonight by exposing them to the streak and the squirrel that went berzerk. I can also finally show them why my sister and I say "Hello Margaret...It's me again" when we call each other back and forth.
Remember Jim Stafford? He was a favorite too.
Have to admit - that stuff is classic - just not in the Beethoven way.
"I want to sing and dance, I want to sing and dance..."
Or if asked my opinion...
"I don't like it. I don't like it and I don't want to do it."
I always knew it was from a song. I only recently was curious enough to Google it. It appears I was traumatized by Ray Stevens at an age when my brain was still impressionable. For whatever reason - it's those weird things that stick with you. I found this on YouTube and even though it's not the original skit (far from it), it still cracked me up. Plus I know Caleb will think it's funny.
Actually, I think Ray Stevens was a genius. I'm hoping to warp my children's brains later tonight by exposing them to the streak and the squirrel that went berzerk. I can also finally show them why my sister and I say "Hello Margaret...It's me again" when we call each other back and forth.
Remember Jim Stafford? He was a favorite too.
Have to admit - that stuff is classic - just not in the Beethoven way.
Monday, May 12, 2008
hurdles, high jumps, & highways
Went to watch my niece at a track meet on Saturday. She's amazing. I took a few pictures that actually look decent. She competes in the 100 meter hurdles...
and the high jump....
She also does the triple jump and the 4 X 100 relay. Her team took first place in the District so they were happy. (She placed either first or second on all her individual events.) I never thought a track meet would be all that exciting - but it was a lot of fun.
Of course yesterday was highway time. Kids were with their dad this weekend, so that meant lots of driving on Friday and again yesterday. Yes, I realize it was Mother's Day and they were supposed to be with me but his work schedule complicates things. We changed the schedule for May so that he would be able to spend time with Caleb and Conner. I wasn't thrilled and it kinda sucked to be away from the kids. Ok, so it REALLY sucked. Lucky for me - I have the world's best ever significant other. He spent the day just hanging out with me. We slept in, watched part of a movie, then went to visit my mom and picked out some plants at a nursery. (We took his mom out to dinner on Saturday evening. It was wonderful!)
I ended up having a really good day, even though the kids weren't with me until the evening. My pep talks to myself must have worked. Either that or maybe it was because Jim knew I was down and he made an extra effort to make sure I had some fun.
And just in case we weren't having enough fun - I found killer rabbit slippers! Monty Python fans rejoice! These are on the shopping list for Christmas!
and the high jump....
She also does the triple jump and the 4 X 100 relay. Her team took first place in the District so they were happy. (She placed either first or second on all her individual events.) I never thought a track meet would be all that exciting - but it was a lot of fun.
Of course yesterday was highway time. Kids were with their dad this weekend, so that meant lots of driving on Friday and again yesterday. Yes, I realize it was Mother's Day and they were supposed to be with me but his work schedule complicates things. We changed the schedule for May so that he would be able to spend time with Caleb and Conner. I wasn't thrilled and it kinda sucked to be away from the kids. Ok, so it REALLY sucked. Lucky for me - I have the world's best ever significant other. He spent the day just hanging out with me. We slept in, watched part of a movie, then went to visit my mom and picked out some plants at a nursery. (We took his mom out to dinner on Saturday evening. It was wonderful!)
I ended up having a really good day, even though the kids weren't with me until the evening. My pep talks to myself must have worked. Either that or maybe it was because Jim knew I was down and he made an extra effort to make sure I had some fun.
And just in case we weren't having enough fun - I found killer rabbit slippers! Monty Python fans rejoice! These are on the shopping list for Christmas!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
crazy cat
I was too slow with my camera today. My cat was balanced on the railing. Not at the safe end where it was a short drop to the stairs and landing. He was at the deep end.
He was well balanced - front feet BETWEEN back feet with his rear hanging over one end, tail dangling and twitching below. And what exactly was he doing???
HE WAS TRYING TO ATTACK HIS OWN TAIL - THROUGH THE RAILING!
I was afraid to move. I wanted to grab him so he wouldn't fall. I wanted to bust out laughing. I wanted to get my camera and take a picture.
Then he realized I was watching, and he jumped down and sauntered off.
"I didn't do it. Nobody saw me. You can't prove it."
Next time crazy kitty - next time I'll get ya!
He was well balanced - front feet BETWEEN back feet with his rear hanging over one end, tail dangling and twitching below. And what exactly was he doing???
HE WAS TRYING TO ATTACK HIS OWN TAIL - THROUGH THE RAILING!
I was afraid to move. I wanted to grab him so he wouldn't fall. I wanted to bust out laughing. I wanted to get my camera and take a picture.
Then he realized I was watching, and he jumped down and sauntered off.
"I didn't do it. Nobody saw me. You can't prove it."
Next time crazy kitty - next time I'll get ya!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
D.A.R.E. graduation
Caleb had his D.A.R.E. graduation on Monday night. His school is blessed with a great D.A.R.E. officer who really cares about the kids and it shows in countless ways.
The kids got their D.A.R.E. diplomas and a few got to read essays they had written about staying drug-free. Caleb was hoping to read his essay and was disappointed that his wasn't chosen. But there was a BIG surprise in store for him (and for us.) At the end of the ceremony, the D.A.R.E. officer announced that the fifth grade teachers had selected a boy and a girl from each classroom that they considered to be role models and leaders. Guess what?! Caleb's teacher had selected him as the boy from her class. He was totally shocked and embarassed when he went on stage to get his certificate. I know he was thrilled and I was so happy for him that I started crying. Mom and Dad were with me and Mom was crying too. I know - we're total goofballs but it was so cool.
We tracked down Caleb, his teacher, and the D.A.R.E. officer after the ceremony. I had to get pictures and I had to say thank you. I can't even express how it felt to watch Caleb get that kind of recognition. Yes, I was proud, but mostly I was just happy to see him grinning and laughing.
Conner was pretty excited for her brother too. But she was more excited about the new shoes that she got. Pink and blue and green, kind of tattered looking. I swear she doesn't get shoe fever from me. Really! I swear! (I'm such a liar!)
The kids got their D.A.R.E. diplomas and a few got to read essays they had written about staying drug-free. Caleb was hoping to read his essay and was disappointed that his wasn't chosen. But there was a BIG surprise in store for him (and for us.) At the end of the ceremony, the D.A.R.E. officer announced that the fifth grade teachers had selected a boy and a girl from each classroom that they considered to be role models and leaders. Guess what?! Caleb's teacher had selected him as the boy from her class. He was totally shocked and embarassed when he went on stage to get his certificate. I know he was thrilled and I was so happy for him that I started crying. Mom and Dad were with me and Mom was crying too. I know - we're total goofballs but it was so cool.
We tracked down Caleb, his teacher, and the D.A.R.E. officer after the ceremony. I had to get pictures and I had to say thank you. I can't even express how it felt to watch Caleb get that kind of recognition. Yes, I was proud, but mostly I was just happy to see him grinning and laughing.
Conner was pretty excited for her brother too. But she was more excited about the new shoes that she got. Pink and blue and green, kind of tattered looking. I swear she doesn't get shoe fever from me. Really! I swear! (I'm such a liar!)
Friday, May 2, 2008
determination
I am determined to think positive today.
So what if it's raining - that means my flowers and plants will grow!
So what if I feel like a bloated pig carcass - the scale still says I've lost weight!
So what if Conner is using an inhaler - she slept through the night without coughing!
So what if my computer locks up occassionally - at least I have a computer!
So what if things don't happen according to MY timetable - I need to learn patience anyway!
So what if my kids are awesome and wonderful and creative and smart - oh wait - see, it's working!
I also have the best neighbors in the world. (Hi Amy!)
And the best family. (Hi Mom & Dad & Hi Sis!)
And the best 'special friend' HA! (Hi honey!)
And his family is the best too! (Hi Sharon! Hi Tami!)
I can always find things to complain about - but today, I'm determined to NOT complain. It's a good day and I've got lots of reasons to smile.
So what if it's raining - that means my flowers and plants will grow!
So what if I feel like a bloated pig carcass - the scale still says I've lost weight!
So what if Conner is using an inhaler - she slept through the night without coughing!
So what if my computer locks up occassionally - at least I have a computer!
So what if things don't happen according to MY timetable - I need to learn patience anyway!
So what if my kids are awesome and wonderful and creative and smart - oh wait - see, it's working!
I also have the best neighbors in the world. (Hi Amy!)
And the best family. (Hi Mom & Dad & Hi Sis!)
And the best 'special friend' HA! (Hi honey!)
And his family is the best too! (Hi Sharon! Hi Tami!)
I can always find things to complain about - but today, I'm determined to NOT complain. It's a good day and I've got lots of reasons to smile.
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