is the moment both kids are in bed, and I sit down on the couch with the remotes, my laptop, the phone, and a big glass of water.
And tonight is no exception. DH is on 2nd shift, so supper and bedtime are all on me, so this time is even more enjoyable. And I might play racing on the Wii - we got a new game today - DH bought it "just for me". LOL Little Boy likes it, Baby sat next to me tonight with the other steering wheel and I pretty much had her convinced she was racing. She's really bad at it - she ends up going the wrong direction or stuck somewhere and the game goes on forever.
She hasn't been eating very well in the last couple weeks, and having Influenza A further messed her up. So I follow her around during the day with a sippy cup, trying to get enough fluids in her. So tonight when she didn't eat a single bite of her hot dog, green beans or fruit, I did give her a juice box when Little Boy had his nighttime snack.
Tomorrow I take Baby to the eye doctor in Morgantown to try to make up her appt. from the barf trip last month. Wednesday, DH will take Baby to the doctor in the morning and I'll drive Little Boy to Morgantown to see the metabolic doctor. We may have to go back at the end of the week to see his endocrinologist. That's a lot of driving; DH bought a AAA membership for us - just in case.
I'll be thinking of Little Boy the whole time I'm gone tomorrow. He was worried I wouldn't be home for his insulin shot at supper. I told him I'd be home - I just HAVE to be. I'm looking forward to Saturday. LOL
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Cough and a Sneeze
in my face!
Baby had a rough night - coughing and sneezing. I think she was dealing with post-nasal drainage. I've been trying to keep up with her on Benadryl. But she wasn't due yet, so I finally climbed into bed with her this morning about 3 am. She settled down, but not until she had coughed and sneezed on me multiple times. If I don't get sick, it sure will be a miracle.
It sure is nice to wake up to a sweet little kiss, a pat and Baby saying, "Mommy, it's time to get outa bed."
Baby had a rough night - coughing and sneezing. I think she was dealing with post-nasal drainage. I've been trying to keep up with her on Benadryl. But she wasn't due yet, so I finally climbed into bed with her this morning about 3 am. She settled down, but not until she had coughed and sneezed on me multiple times. If I don't get sick, it sure will be a miracle.
It sure is nice to wake up to a sweet little kiss, a pat and Baby saying, "Mommy, it's time to get outa bed."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
How They Met
The summer of 1984, when my sister Ang was still home, she, Dad, and I would sit up at night and play "How They Met". It was so silly, but we would laugh until our sides hurt. I think it's one of my favorite memories of that summer.
We would each have a piece of paper and we would write the name of a man, fold the paper and pass it. We'd add the name of a lady, fold it and pass it. We'd write the place they met, what he said, what she said, what he did, what she did, and how it ended. We used names from people at church, family members (and Dad had a huge pool to choose from!), people we knew from the race track, you name it. What silly combinations and situations we came up with!
Never would have imagined I'd have such an interesting "How They Met" story. In 1999, I found a Christian matchmaking website, and decided to be brave. It was all very safe - I could make up an anonymous screen name, the site had internal email, and I didn't have to share any personal information. I jumped right in - I wanted to make the most of the free trial. Soon, I was writing to 10 men! I entered my filters - single, never-been-married, didn't smoke, didn't drink, Baptist, active in church. Those were the most important. I kept all my emails in a notebook so I could keep everyone safe. There were a couple who were more serious about me, and I eventually found a way to shake them. There were a couple who were intriguing to me, who didn't reciprocate my interest level. If I saw someone who looked interesting, I'd send a quick, one or two sentence comment.
I saw DH's profile (no pic) and was intrigued. Everything he said about himself was so modest, and had a sweet spirit about it. I sent a note commenting on him playing guitar. He wrote back, and the rest of the guys were history! It seemed like a long time before I saw his picture. I was a bit afraid - I could tell I was really interested in him, but what if he was homely? When he did send me pictures, I prayed as they loaded on my screen. "Please, Lord, if he's homely, make him good-looking before the picture loads." LOL. The first picture I saw loaded slowly. I squeezed my eyes closed as it finished. And I finally peeked. Oooooo! He was handsome!
When I had filled out my profile, I had checked the box to indicate I felt I was average looking. Shortly after I received his pictures, I loaded a picture of myself. He wrote back saying he felt I was better than average! Well, that earned him a boat-load of points! Before long, we were emailing at least a couple times a day, sending email cards, and then the phone call. It was like 3 hours long! I couldn't get enough. From then on, we talked every day, and we shopped for a phone plan that wouldn't break the bank. For 6 long months we communicated. Not about where to go, or what movie to see, or what we wanted to do. We talked about ourselves, our past - present - future. But there was something we agreed to not say. We agreed that until we met in person, we would not say, "I love you."
We both knew that our relationship was good, but it was all long-distance. We didn't want to get so involved emotionally and then meet and not get along. But it didn't matter. When we would talk on the phone, we'd say good-bye and as I hung up, I'd make sure he had hung up and I'd say it - softly. He sent me pictures from the mountains here, and a pic of his house and I cried. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me I was looking at pictures of "home". Finally, 6 long months had passed and he was coming to Green Bay to visit - in January. I was so nervous and excited that day.
I had a hard time figuring out what to wear, I wanted to get to the airport a bit early, and I couldn't think straight. As I sat at his gate waiting, some people started walking in, waiting for their arrivals. The little plane landed, and finally the door opened. I watched the people getting off, eliminating them one by one. When I saw DH walk down the stairs and walk across to the terminal, it was odd. I knew his voice, I knew his face from pictures, but I didn't know his walk - his gait. I was adding the third dimension in my head. He came into the terminal, we said hi - both beaming smiles - and he kissed me! Knowing how reserved he is, that was a very brave thing for him to do. :0) It was the first of a million. It was hard to drive. I wanted to stare at him - take it all in. And I still feel that way. It's been 8 years, 5 months, 4 days since we were married, and I love him more and more each day.
We would each have a piece of paper and we would write the name of a man, fold the paper and pass it. We'd add the name of a lady, fold it and pass it. We'd write the place they met, what he said, what she said, what he did, what she did, and how it ended. We used names from people at church, family members (and Dad had a huge pool to choose from!), people we knew from the race track, you name it. What silly combinations and situations we came up with!
Never would have imagined I'd have such an interesting "How They Met" story. In 1999, I found a Christian matchmaking website, and decided to be brave. It was all very safe - I could make up an anonymous screen name, the site had internal email, and I didn't have to share any personal information. I jumped right in - I wanted to make the most of the free trial. Soon, I was writing to 10 men! I entered my filters - single, never-been-married, didn't smoke, didn't drink, Baptist, active in church. Those were the most important. I kept all my emails in a notebook so I could keep everyone safe. There were a couple who were more serious about me, and I eventually found a way to shake them. There were a couple who were intriguing to me, who didn't reciprocate my interest level. If I saw someone who looked interesting, I'd send a quick, one or two sentence comment.
I saw DH's profile (no pic) and was intrigued. Everything he said about himself was so modest, and had a sweet spirit about it. I sent a note commenting on him playing guitar. He wrote back, and the rest of the guys were history! It seemed like a long time before I saw his picture. I was a bit afraid - I could tell I was really interested in him, but what if he was homely? When he did send me pictures, I prayed as they loaded on my screen. "Please, Lord, if he's homely, make him good-looking before the picture loads." LOL. The first picture I saw loaded slowly. I squeezed my eyes closed as it finished. And I finally peeked. Oooooo! He was handsome!
When I had filled out my profile, I had checked the box to indicate I felt I was average looking. Shortly after I received his pictures, I loaded a picture of myself. He wrote back saying he felt I was better than average! Well, that earned him a boat-load of points! Before long, we were emailing at least a couple times a day, sending email cards, and then the phone call. It was like 3 hours long! I couldn't get enough. From then on, we talked every day, and we shopped for a phone plan that wouldn't break the bank. For 6 long months we communicated. Not about where to go, or what movie to see, or what we wanted to do. We talked about ourselves, our past - present - future. But there was something we agreed to not say. We agreed that until we met in person, we would not say, "I love you."
We both knew that our relationship was good, but it was all long-distance. We didn't want to get so involved emotionally and then meet and not get along. But it didn't matter. When we would talk on the phone, we'd say good-bye and as I hung up, I'd make sure he had hung up and I'd say it - softly. He sent me pictures from the mountains here, and a pic of his house and I cried. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me I was looking at pictures of "home". Finally, 6 long months had passed and he was coming to Green Bay to visit - in January. I was so nervous and excited that day.
I had a hard time figuring out what to wear, I wanted to get to the airport a bit early, and I couldn't think straight. As I sat at his gate waiting, some people started walking in, waiting for their arrivals. The little plane landed, and finally the door opened. I watched the people getting off, eliminating them one by one. When I saw DH walk down the stairs and walk across to the terminal, it was odd. I knew his voice, I knew his face from pictures, but I didn't know his walk - his gait. I was adding the third dimension in my head. He came into the terminal, we said hi - both beaming smiles - and he kissed me! Knowing how reserved he is, that was a very brave thing for him to do. :0) It was the first of a million. It was hard to drive. I wanted to stare at him - take it all in. And I still feel that way. It's been 8 years, 5 months, 4 days since we were married, and I love him more and more each day.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Sweet Valentine
My Sweet Valentine is looking a bit worse for the wear lately. He works so hard to help me around the house, is maintaining a 4.0 in his online courses, and goes off to work at all hours of the day - depending on where he is in his swing shift rotation.Last week, he moved his vacation week so that he could take care of Baby while I was at the hospital with Little Boy. My sweet husband did his best to pack necessities for me from my garbled instructions - he thought to include a sound spa - which may have been one of our most important items.
When we came home, there was a vase of yellow tulips for me, a balloon for Little Boy, and a welcome home sign. I was sweetly surprised, although I may have been too tired to verbalize it.
I look forward to the day when he and I are feeling better. Right now the romance stuff is on the back burner.
I wasn't expecting much today, but I was pleasantly surprised. I got a homemade card with a poem DH wrote for me, roses, a game, a movie and 2 books for us to work through together. And then the florist called this afternoon. He wanted to know if DH was home. I told him DH is at work. The florist said, "Well, there's a problem with his order. Well, not really a problem." He went on to tell me they had had a drawing to attract patrons, I guess. And Mike's and my name were drawn - for $100! I think that is so hilarious! DH is always talking about his terrible "luck". Maybe we're due.
Anyway. I remember our first Valentine's Day "together". It was just before he came to pick me up in Wisconsin. I was so lonely when he flew back to Maryland; we quickly decided that he would come back the next month to move me. All I could think about was being able to see him every day. Sadly, my work at the office did suffer. In fact, everything else suffered. But on Valentine's Day, my Sweetie sent me a dozen pale pink roses - my favorite. I know I was not able to think or talk of anything else at the time.
I still love to watch him while he's not looking. He's everything that I ever thought I wanted in a husband and so much more. I really am spoiled. He cooks, he cleans, does his own laundry, shares in taking care of the kids, and does all the "man" stuff, too. He rarely complains about the clutter and messes, and when I have no patience left, he fills in the gap.
God sure knew what I needed in a husband, and gave me the desires of my heart. My Dearheart!
I love you, Michael!
(This was the day after our engagement - March 2000.)
High winds
The roof of this building was literally peeled back as a result of the high winds we had last night. It looks like we're in for another night of it.
Back to the ER
So I went to my counseling session this morning. I was very torn as to whether to go between Little Boy's care and Baby's misery. I got up and got Little Boy's sugar reading and fixed his shot. I wrote out what he could have for breakfast so DH could take care of it. When I got home, I was upset to find Baby was still sounding wheezy. I called the children's clinic and they didn't have any open appts, but told me I needed to take her to the ER. So I wrote out lunch and snacks and packed up Baby. She has Influenza A - I knew that - and they said I could give her Robitussin DM. So we stopped at a store and picked some up and came home. She wasn't too happy when I gave it to her; apparently it doesn't taste as good as Children's Tylenol.
We are having very strong winds here today. School was on a delay, and my first trip to "town" I took DH's SUV - that was a mistake! Glad we are in for the evening.
We are having very strong winds here today. School was on a delay, and my first trip to "town" I took DH's SUV - that was a mistake! Glad we are in for the evening.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Poor Baby
Baby is so sick; when she coughs I can tell it hurts. She just cries, and wants me to hold her. Little Boy is outside for the moment, but I need to check his blood sugar and call the doctor. Could be interesting trying to talk above the crying if she insists on me holding her. I am hoping to talk to the main endocrinologist today. I've been talking to the other doctor for the last couple days, and Little Boy's BG has been running low in the middle of the day, but she didn't lower his dosage.
More later.
More later.
Almost too much to bear
DH went to the doctor Monday, b/c I sent him. He was talking to the intern about his cold sore being brought on by stress. She told him there are studies out there that suggest Type 1 Diabetes in children could be caused by a virus. So last night I Googled it.
Basically, it's possible my son would not have diabetes if some fool out there had washed their hands after using the bathroom. And had I been more vigilant about germy stuff, staying home and avoiding sick people, and had I kept up with the kids being on Reliv, Little Boy might be in a different boat.
My head knows that I can't "what if", but I feel like my job as a Mommy is to keep my kids safe. And I didn't. And it breaks my heart that my baby will have to deal with something so difficult for the rest of his life.
Basically, it's possible my son would not have diabetes if some fool out there had washed their hands after using the bathroom. And had I been more vigilant about germy stuff, staying home and avoiding sick people, and had I kept up with the kids being on Reliv, Little Boy might be in a different boat.
My head knows that I can't "what if", but I feel like my job as a Mommy is to keep my kids safe. And I didn't. And it breaks my heart that my baby will have to deal with something so difficult for the rest of his life.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Passed with flying ? colors!
So tonight Baby passed the dime. :0) Yea!
However, she's running a fever and wanting Mommy to hold her - constantly. I will be very happy if we can make it through the night without problems.
However, she's running a fever and wanting Mommy to hold her - constantly. I will be very happy if we can make it through the night without problems.
The Bottomless Pit
So I had hoped Little Boy's appetite would be at least a little curbed now that he's on insulin. But today he's been ferocious. He ate 3 eggs, 2 pieces of sausage, 2 pieces of bacon, half an English muffin w/ sugar free jelly, a small bowl of cheerios w/milk, and a drink of water. No sooner was he done, he was asking how long until snack time.
So for a snack he had a dozen Quakes. And he was soon asking for lunch. I wanted to wait before I took his blood sugar; it should be high after eating his snack. So when I took it, it was only 66! Eeek. I gave him a small can of apple juice he had saved from the hospital and checked it again in 10 minutes. 110 - whew!
He ate two hotdogs on the bun, a 1/2 cup of SF pistachio pudding, a helping of green beans, and a cheese stick for lunch. Plus his water. He finished and asked me to hold him on the couch b/c his belly was hurting.
NO KIDDING.
So the kids and DH are down for a nap and that's where I'm headed, too.
So for a snack he had a dozen Quakes. And he was soon asking for lunch. I wanted to wait before I took his blood sugar; it should be high after eating his snack. So when I took it, it was only 66! Eeek. I gave him a small can of apple juice he had saved from the hospital and checked it again in 10 minutes. 110 - whew!
He ate two hotdogs on the bun, a 1/2 cup of SF pistachio pudding, a helping of green beans, and a cheese stick for lunch. Plus his water. He finished and asked me to hold him on the couch b/c his belly was hurting.
NO KIDDING.
So the kids and DH are down for a nap and that's where I'm headed, too.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Just a couple thoughts
I feel a great weight on my shoulders to quickly get things figured out for Little Boy's diet. I know that for right now, I am mainly concentrating on counting his carbs. Eventually, I'll want to track his proteins and fats, too. And I'll want to find recipes for diabetic snacks and treats. But from what I've seen, it's a good thing we've never been a dessert-y family. Little Boy could have a half a cup of mashed potatoes or a small cookie. Doesn't seem like much of a trade fill-wise. It makes me sad that I can't just give him a cookie for being good without having to weigh the consequences.
The diabetic educator warned me there would be people who don't understand counting carbs; people who would second guess what I am feeding my son. And I've run into some of them already. People surprised at the amount of potatoes on his plate; people shocked that he can drink - gasp - fruit juice. People who don't understand that the sugar in milk has nothing to do with the percentage of milk fat.
And I don't have time to educate the world. So I have to ignore all those people and concentrate on my little boy, who at this moment is joyfully slurping away on a sugar-free popsicle.
The diabetic educator warned me there would be people who don't understand counting carbs; people who would second guess what I am feeding my son. And I've run into some of them already. People surprised at the amount of potatoes on his plate; people shocked that he can drink - gasp - fruit juice. People who don't understand that the sugar in milk has nothing to do with the percentage of milk fat.
And I don't have time to educate the world. So I have to ignore all those people and concentrate on my little boy, who at this moment is joyfully slurping away on a sugar-free popsicle.
Still on Dime Watch
So. How on earth am I supposed to find this thing if she does pass it? I could tell you how I checked yesterday, but I will spare you the icky details. Baby was sure curious. I keep asking her if she's going to eat more money.
Little Boy is doing ok. He woke up with a headache today, and I was afraid he wasn't going to eat his breakfast after I had given him his shot. Thankfully, he seems to be feeling a bit better, and is eating his sausage, eggs, English Muffin with Jelly and juice.
His blood sugar was good at 2 am, and at 8 am when I woke him up. He doesn't get it that when his numbers are good in the morning, he still gets a shot. I feel so badly for him.
Each night before supper, I call his doctor to give him Little Boy's numbers, and the doctor changes the insulin doses. It is very comforting to have direct access to the doctor. Little Boy gets a bit upset when he sees a "big" dose, but we explained that if he does well with the big one, there won't be little ones during the day. And I bought a bag of sugar-free candy, so when he takes his shot without fighting or fussing, he gets a piece. Seems to help for the time being.
I was doing some reading last night about menu planning for him, and it gets very complicated. So many percentages of fat and protein; counting carbs, etc. I finally closed the computer b/c it was making my head hurt.
Little Boy is doing ok. He woke up with a headache today, and I was afraid he wasn't going to eat his breakfast after I had given him his shot. Thankfully, he seems to be feeling a bit better, and is eating his sausage, eggs, English Muffin with Jelly and juice.
His blood sugar was good at 2 am, and at 8 am when I woke him up. He doesn't get it that when his numbers are good in the morning, he still gets a shot. I feel so badly for him.
Each night before supper, I call his doctor to give him Little Boy's numbers, and the doctor changes the insulin doses. It is very comforting to have direct access to the doctor. Little Boy gets a bit upset when he sees a "big" dose, but we explained that if he does well with the big one, there won't be little ones during the day. And I bought a bag of sugar-free candy, so when he takes his shot without fighting or fussing, he gets a piece. Seems to help for the time being.
I was doing some reading last night about menu planning for him, and it gets very complicated. So many percentages of fat and protein; counting carbs, etc. I finally closed the computer b/c it was making my head hurt.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Baby's 10 cents
So Baby decided to not take a nap today. She played back there and sang little songs. Daddy went in to check on her after a while and she told him she swallowed a coin. He said she had picked up a dime from my bedroom floor and took it to her room where she was holding it while he changed her didie. She apparently must have left it on her bed, and later, while she was supposed to be sleeping, decided to put it in her mouth.She wasn't complaining of feeling it in her throat, but I gave her a piece of butter bread to eat anyway. We'll be watching for it in a day or two. I'm wondering if she's feeling the need for attention or if we need to feed her more.
If it's not one thing, it's another.
Nothing is better
than sleeping in your own bed after sleeping in the hospital for 5 nights!
Little Boy is home, and we are adjusting.
Little Boy is home, and we are adjusting.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing
CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay does not apply to:
Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.
The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.
AMEN AMEN AMEN - Hopefully they will use this one-year stay to figure out how to fix their law!!!!
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay does not apply to:
Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.
The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.
AMEN AMEN AMEN - Hopefully they will use this one-year stay to figure out how to fix their law!!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I laughed out loud!
I was sitting here watching TV, surfing the web, like I usually do after the kids are put into bed.
I clicked on a story on Yahoo News and laughed out loud. Here's the part of the story that was so hilarious:
New Zealand inmate stroll stopped by pole
It was less than a Great Escape. Two New Zealand prisoners who were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse foiled their own getaway when they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, slammed into each other and fell to the ground. Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet.
It sounds like something from the Apple Dumpling Gang! I can just picture it! And I'm making myself laugh, again. Tears. Oh Boy!
I clicked on a story on Yahoo News and laughed out loud. Here's the part of the story that was so hilarious:
New Zealand inmate stroll stopped by pole
It was less than a Great Escape. Two New Zealand prisoners who were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse foiled their own getaway when they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, slammed into each other and fell to the ground. Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet.
It sounds like something from the Apple Dumpling Gang! I can just picture it! And I'm making myself laugh, again. Tears. Oh Boy!
A Sample of our Weather
I was standing on the porch in only short sleeves, jeans and slip on shoes to film this. Needless to say, I was quite cold by the time I came in. The pine trees are permanently crooked from the wind.
There used to be a third tree, but it fell on our house before Little Boy was born following a lot of rain and terrible wind. Of course it happened on a Sunday morning, and I was standing by the window when it fell. Thankfully, it didn't do very much damage. I'll have to see if I can find pictures of it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Are we really being protected?
As of February 10, 2009, a new law will be in effect to protect our children from lead and phosphates in products we buy for them.
H.R.4040
Title: To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Off the top, this sounds like our government has finally listened to concerned consumers. We are tired of toys made in foreign countries that contain lead and other dangerous chemicals being marketed to our children. In reality, our government has created a huge mess. Once again, Congress has jumped on a band wagon without carefully researching out the far-reaching implications.
According to an article in the Washington Post, manufacturers will be required to pay independent laboratories to test every component of a product to ensure the toy meets new standards for lead and for six other chemicals found in plastic toys. But the law also applies to all toys.
This law doesn’t end there. It applies to homemade items. If you make a craft for children ages 12 and under, you cannot legally sell it at a craft fair unless you have every component of each different type of item tested. Even if you use the same materials for the 30 different things that you sell, every component of all 30 have to be individually tested as a completed item, regardless of whether those materials have passed testing by other agencies or other manufacturers.
Happy Panda Baby, an online boutique for baby clothing, recently priced some testing for a baby bib they make and sell. They were given a quote from an accredited testing lab of $700. That test would need to be done on each color or style bib they make with that specific dye lot of fabric in order for them to state their products are certified.
According to the actual scope and wording of this bill (H.R.4040), as of Feb. 10, 2009, all products made and/or marketed to children under the age of 12 will have to comply with mandatory lead and phosphate testing for each component of each finished product they sell or face felony charges and hefty fines. They can then certify that their products are in compliance.
That means each part of each size and style has to be tested (fabric, thread, elastic, closures, wood, nails, screws, paint, etc.). And when you use up the materials you paid to have tested, and you buy a new supply, you have to have them tested, too. You cannot sell your item on ebay. You cannot sell it through an Etsy shop online. You cannot sell it to a next-door neighbor. The way the law is written, you cannot give it away without liability.
Maybe you don’t make a craft. Do you buy books for kids? Do you go to the library? New books for children will not be exempt from this law – including text books and library books. The cost of children’s books is about to skyrocket. Book manufacturers will have to test the paper products, the plastic dust jackets, the ink, and any other item attached to the book!
Oh, and it doesn’t end there. This law is retroactive. It applies to new children’s items that were made prior to the February 10 deadline. An amendment was made to partially exclude resale items. Resellers do not have to pay to have children’s items tested, but resellers cannot sell children’s items that exceed the lead or phosphates limits. If resale products are in violation of the new limits, the reseller could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
This bill includes a ban of resale items that have been recalled. (www.cpsc.gov) Rummage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill Stores, collectibles. The reseller is responsible to research whether or not the exact item’s model number is subject to a recall or safety alert.
This part of the law applies specifically to any “durable infant or toddler product”. Cribs, playpens, high chairs, tubs, carriers, strollers, swings, walkers… These products must meet a strict code. Well, that’s a good thing, right? This applies to manufacturers, distributors, child care facilities, family child care homes, stores, and anyone who owns a public place that accommodates children (restaurants and hotels, for example) What about churches? It will be a violation of the Public Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(1)) for any person to which this subsection applies to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib that is not in compliance.
The bill allows $118M for the H.R. 4040 Commission to implement the law. Per year. Plus another $1.2M in travel expenses. So they can find businesses and people who are not in compliance. And when they find a violation, the least fine allowed is $100,000. The highest fine? $15M. And then there’s the felony charges. All to protect you from that homemade bib or wooden high chair.
There is a huge grassroots effort to convince lawmakers to scrap this bill and write a bill that will protect our children without forcing a police-state on crafters, resellers and consumers.
If you are impacted in any way by this ridiculous law, I would urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives. I have written to to my representative and senator, but it appears the ramifications on our local economy may be lost on Washington.
I just want to make my little crafts and save up money for our Disney trip a couple years down the road. I feel so safe. HA
H.R.4040
Title: To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Off the top, this sounds like our government has finally listened to concerned consumers. We are tired of toys made in foreign countries that contain lead and other dangerous chemicals being marketed to our children. In reality, our government has created a huge mess. Once again, Congress has jumped on a band wagon without carefully researching out the far-reaching implications.
According to an article in the Washington Post, manufacturers will be required to pay independent laboratories to test every component of a product to ensure the toy meets new standards for lead and for six other chemicals found in plastic toys. But the law also applies to all toys.
This law doesn’t end there. It applies to homemade items. If you make a craft for children ages 12 and under, you cannot legally sell it at a craft fair unless you have every component of each different type of item tested. Even if you use the same materials for the 30 different things that you sell, every component of all 30 have to be individually tested as a completed item, regardless of whether those materials have passed testing by other agencies or other manufacturers.
Happy Panda Baby, an online boutique for baby clothing, recently priced some testing for a baby bib they make and sell. They were given a quote from an accredited testing lab of $700. That test would need to be done on each color or style bib they make with that specific dye lot of fabric in order for them to state their products are certified.
According to the actual scope and wording of this bill (H.R.4040), as of Feb. 10, 2009, all products made and/or marketed to children under the age of 12 will have to comply with mandatory lead and phosphate testing for each component of each finished product they sell or face felony charges and hefty fines. They can then certify that their products are in compliance.
That means each part of each size and style has to be tested (fabric, thread, elastic, closures, wood, nails, screws, paint, etc.). And when you use up the materials you paid to have tested, and you buy a new supply, you have to have them tested, too. You cannot sell your item on ebay. You cannot sell it through an Etsy shop online. You cannot sell it to a next-door neighbor. The way the law is written, you cannot give it away without liability.
Maybe you don’t make a craft. Do you buy books for kids? Do you go to the library? New books for children will not be exempt from this law – including text books and library books. The cost of children’s books is about to skyrocket. Book manufacturers will have to test the paper products, the plastic dust jackets, the ink, and any other item attached to the book!
Oh, and it doesn’t end there. This law is retroactive. It applies to new children’s items that were made prior to the February 10 deadline. An amendment was made to partially exclude resale items. Resellers do not have to pay to have children’s items tested, but resellers cannot sell children’s items that exceed the lead or phosphates limits. If resale products are in violation of the new limits, the reseller could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
This bill includes a ban of resale items that have been recalled. (www.cpsc.gov) Rummage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill Stores, collectibles. The reseller is responsible to research whether or not the exact item’s model number is subject to a recall or safety alert.
This part of the law applies specifically to any “durable infant or toddler product”. Cribs, playpens, high chairs, tubs, carriers, strollers, swings, walkers… These products must meet a strict code. Well, that’s a good thing, right? This applies to manufacturers, distributors, child care facilities, family child care homes, stores, and anyone who owns a public place that accommodates children (restaurants and hotels, for example) What about churches? It will be a violation of the Public Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(1)) for any person to which this subsection applies to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib that is not in compliance.
The bill allows $118M for the H.R. 4040 Commission to implement the law. Per year. Plus another $1.2M in travel expenses. So they can find businesses and people who are not in compliance. And when they find a violation, the least fine allowed is $100,000. The highest fine? $15M. And then there’s the felony charges. All to protect you from that homemade bib or wooden high chair.
There is a huge grassroots effort to convince lawmakers to scrap this bill and write a bill that will protect our children without forcing a police-state on crafters, resellers and consumers.
If you are impacted in any way by this ridiculous law, I would urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives. I have written to to my representative and senator, but it appears the ramifications on our local economy may be lost on Washington.
I just want to make my little crafts and save up money for our Disney trip a couple years down the road. I feel so safe. HA
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Weather is relative
I grew up in Northern Wisconsin. I can barely recall a couple days when we did not go to school in the winter. I remember one day Dad started taking us, but the roads were treacherous, and we had to go back home. It made me angry that the day was counted as an unexcused absence.
I went to college at Northland Baptist Bible College, and I remember a couple times when classes were cancelled because it was too cold to schlepp from the library across the field to the gym. We sure bundled up then - looooong skirts, looooong coats, and when it was very cold, we wore tall boots. There were a couple girls who wore long underwear under their long skirts and tall boots.
I lived in North-Central Indiana for four years, then off to Chicago-land for 3 years, Grant Park, IL for a year, and then I moved back to Green Bay for a couple years. In all those places, there were rare days when school was called off - like the ice storm we had in Indiana in 1991, I think? There was Christmas of 1992 or 3 when vacation was extended a week. But usually, we managed.
I moved to Maryland in February of 2000. We were married in August, and two days after we returned from our wonderful honeymoon in St. Ignace, MI, I started teaching. I dare say, there are more snow days here each year than many years put together in the past. We have fog delays, and the first year here, we had wind delays. Because the winds exceeded 50 mph, the buses couldn't safely travel on the roads. Now, there can be a skiff of snow on the roads, and school gets let out early. And even when we do get accumulations, and school is called off, we can drive down our "hill" (it's a small mountain) into town, and the roads can be clear.
If we drive up the mountain to the lake, (yes, I said up the mountain to the lake) the snow gets much deeper there. And people talk about how "bad" it is. But it's still nothing compared to the accumulation we had growing up. I remember one year in fourth grade when the snow along the road was almost up to the electric wires. And in high school when the snow drifts covered the front of the Kmart store and they had to dig a tunnel to get the doors open.
So, as I sit here listening to the sleet hit the oven hood vent, I am sure there will be at least a delay tomorrow. And I understand it, but really... It's all relative.
I went to college at Northland Baptist Bible College, and I remember a couple times when classes were cancelled because it was too cold to schlepp from the library across the field to the gym. We sure bundled up then - looooong skirts, looooong coats, and when it was very cold, we wore tall boots. There were a couple girls who wore long underwear under their long skirts and tall boots.
I lived in North-Central Indiana for four years, then off to Chicago-land for 3 years, Grant Park, IL for a year, and then I moved back to Green Bay for a couple years. In all those places, there were rare days when school was called off - like the ice storm we had in Indiana in 1991, I think? There was Christmas of 1992 or 3 when vacation was extended a week. But usually, we managed.
I moved to Maryland in February of 2000. We were married in August, and two days after we returned from our wonderful honeymoon in St. Ignace, MI, I started teaching. I dare say, there are more snow days here each year than many years put together in the past. We have fog delays, and the first year here, we had wind delays. Because the winds exceeded 50 mph, the buses couldn't safely travel on the roads. Now, there can be a skiff of snow on the roads, and school gets let out early. And even when we do get accumulations, and school is called off, we can drive down our "hill" (it's a small mountain) into town, and the roads can be clear.
If we drive up the mountain to the lake, (yes, I said up the mountain to the lake) the snow gets much deeper there. And people talk about how "bad" it is. But it's still nothing compared to the accumulation we had growing up. I remember one year in fourth grade when the snow along the road was almost up to the electric wires. And in high school when the snow drifts covered the front of the Kmart store and they had to dig a tunnel to get the doors open.
So, as I sit here listening to the sleet hit the oven hood vent, I am sure there will be at least a delay tomorrow. And I understand it, but really... It's all relative.
Sick, Sick, Sick
Fox News reports: "TOKYO — Seven diners in northern Japan fell ill and three remained hospitalized Tuesday after eating blowfish testicles prepared in a restaurant not authorized to serve the poisonous delicacy."
A couple thoughts. First - there are much larger parts of goldfish than the parts these idiots were eating. Second - anyone who eats food that is potentially life-threatening, and then gets sick, shouldn't be surprised. Third - anyone who thinks eating reproductive parts is a delicacy is sick already. Ewww.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sometimes my blond roots show themselves
So today I made three trips to "town" to go to the store. Trip #1 - I made it as far as McDs, where I was going to stop to get a soda and realized my wallet was still in the diaper bag from yesterday. Just glad there was enough gas to get me home. Trip #2 - filled up with gas and made it to WalMart. Got home and DH asked, "Where are the batteries?" Uuuggghhhh. Trip #3 - went to the grocery store and picked up batteries, band-aids and donuts for breakfast. I think I got everything.
We watched home movies tonight. Baby goes nuts when she sees herself. I really need to tape the kids. I forgot how dutchy Little Boy talked as a 2 year old. We got to see Baby eating her first cereal and her first veggies. Same reaction both times. And we got to see two instances where I put the camera down and it was still on which led to a bunch of wasted tape. Grr.
Poor Sweetie. He was so tired tonight, and had to go in for last shift. I should get to bed, because I won't get to sleep in tomorrow.
Tonight is Little Boy's first night with his alarm. Let's pray it works and we can work our way out of wetting the bed. He just sleeps so soundly. Kinda like me, but I don't wet the bed. Really.
We watched home movies tonight. Baby goes nuts when she sees herself. I really need to tape the kids. I forgot how dutchy Little Boy talked as a 2 year old. We got to see Baby eating her first cereal and her first veggies. Same reaction both times. And we got to see two instances where I put the camera down and it was still on which led to a bunch of wasted tape. Grr.
Poor Sweetie. He was so tired tonight, and had to go in for last shift. I should get to bed, because I won't get to sleep in tomorrow.
Tonight is Little Boy's first night with his alarm. Let's pray it works and we can work our way out of wetting the bed. He just sleeps so soundly. Kinda like me, but I don't wet the bed. Really.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Haircuts and Ice Cream
Baby and Mommy had hair appts. today; Little Boy came along for the ice cream. :0) We went to DQ for lunch, and the kids had their little helpings of ice cream. By the time we left, they were tired and I was frazzled. I turned on the A/C full blast toward the end of our trip home; there was NO WAY I was letting them fall asleep in the car. I had my collar pulled up around my neck and all the vents aimed at the back. I guess it worked.
We got home and within 5 minutes I had them tucked into bed. I have to say, I am much quicker at getting kids in bed than DH. I should have taken the opportunity to take a quick snooze myself, but I talked to my friend Tammy for an hour. I sure miss her. We hadn't talked since, let's see. Tuesday! LOL
It's jammie time and the wild animals are attacking Daddy. This is why bedtime drags on so late. Time to ring the bell.
We got home and within 5 minutes I had them tucked into bed. I have to say, I am much quicker at getting kids in bed than DH. I should have taken the opportunity to take a quick snooze myself, but I talked to my friend Tammy for an hour. I sure miss her. We hadn't talked since, let's see. Tuesday! LOL
It's jammie time and the wild animals are attacking Daddy. This is why bedtime drags on so late. Time to ring the bell.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Barfing Beauty strikes again
What can I say. I rushed around this morning, looking at the time every couple seconds to see if I could beat the clock. I got both kids dressed and settled in the living room to watch a cartoon while I washed, dried and curled my hair, put on makeup, and threw on some clean clothes. 15 minutes. Not bad.
So I sent Little Boy to G&Gs next door and Baby and I flew down the road. I had to stop to get gas and I thought we were on our way, but I had to stop and close the gas cap and cover. Oops. And then I got onto the freeway and HAD NO WIPER FLUID! Apparently, the line or the nozzles were frozen. It was baaaad. I had to stop and pour bottled water on the windshield and when that was gone, I had to scoop icky dirty snow and use that. And it was cold and windy going over the Eastern Continental Divide. I finally stopped at a gas station once we got off the freeway and washed the windshield. And didn't buy gas. Is that bad? I don't know.
I called the Eye Clinic to let them know we were going to be 15 min. or so late. They said we'd be fine. Sure. Fine. I pulled into the lot, got our parking tag and just as I was pulling into a parking spot, it happened. She barfed. Repeatedly. I redialed the clinic and explained we would not be coming in. The lady - bless her - asked if I could clean her up and bring her in. I sadly laughed. She said the next open appt. was April 20-something. I was succumbing to the fumes. I didn't know what to do. Until I got out and opened up Baby's door. Nope. NOT going in. It was worse than baaaaad.
I got her out, took off her coat, cleaned her off a bit and sat her on the other side of the back seat. Poor Boo. She was crying and I wanted to cry. I got the huge stash of napkins I keep in the glove compartment, all the wipies from her diaper bag and the last little splash of bottled water and did what I could. I had her sit on her coat and we went in search of a store. I found a dollar store - so thankful for them - and found her a new shirt/pant outfit, a fleece lined pant outfit so she'd have a semblance of a coat, new socks and new shoes. 2 sizes too large, but they only had two sizes left - one too small and the ones that were too big. Oh well. We paid and then I changed her in their bathroom - put the barfy clothes in a plastic bag, and went out to the car. I had bought Clorox wipes and paper towels, and did the best I could. I bought her a drink bottle and put some Coke in it. Really seemed to help her tummy.
I called the doctor's office to see if they could squeeze us in. Nope. But our doctor did say she'd move some of her clinicals around and get us in soon. Great. Another trip. Baby cried. But I could tell she was feeling better and we went to Sam's. On a positive note - the windshield fluid started working.
A couple hundred dollars later, and we were on our way home. I stopped to get some food for me and gave Baby a baggie with Cheerios in it and some more Coke. We had to take the long way home (added about 45 min.) to pick up gourmet cat food. Dumb cat. Long story short - Jack's sister Shadow had severe food allergies - couldn't eat any cat food with chicken by-products so I fed them both the same thing. Shadow has since died, but since Jack has been eating that food for 8 years, the vet recommends we not change his food. It has to be purchased through a vet and the closest vet who carries it in stock is 45 min. away. And it's expensive. So today his royal highness will be eating Rabbit and green pea pate.
We got home and I took Baby's clothes off her - I am sure they smelled like barf. I got her settled and it was back to the garage to clean up the car. I ended up dismantling her car seat to get to all the belts. And I removed the seat cover and threw it, the belts and all Baby's clothes in for a couple cycles.
I have to say, I think I earned a gold star for the day. DH's comment? "You didn't go in?!"
I might have to barf on his shoes.
So I sent Little Boy to G&Gs next door and Baby and I flew down the road. I had to stop to get gas and I thought we were on our way, but I had to stop and close the gas cap and cover. Oops. And then I got onto the freeway and HAD NO WIPER FLUID! Apparently, the line or the nozzles were frozen. It was baaaad. I had to stop and pour bottled water on the windshield and when that was gone, I had to scoop icky dirty snow and use that. And it was cold and windy going over the Eastern Continental Divide. I finally stopped at a gas station once we got off the freeway and washed the windshield. And didn't buy gas. Is that bad? I don't know.
I called the Eye Clinic to let them know we were going to be 15 min. or so late. They said we'd be fine. Sure. Fine. I pulled into the lot, got our parking tag and just as I was pulling into a parking spot, it happened. She barfed. Repeatedly. I redialed the clinic and explained we would not be coming in. The lady - bless her - asked if I could clean her up and bring her in. I sadly laughed. She said the next open appt. was April 20-something. I was succumbing to the fumes. I didn't know what to do. Until I got out and opened up Baby's door. Nope. NOT going in. It was worse than baaaaad.
I got her out, took off her coat, cleaned her off a bit and sat her on the other side of the back seat. Poor Boo. She was crying and I wanted to cry. I got the huge stash of napkins I keep in the glove compartment, all the wipies from her diaper bag and the last little splash of bottled water and did what I could. I had her sit on her coat and we went in search of a store. I found a dollar store - so thankful for them - and found her a new shirt/pant outfit, a fleece lined pant outfit so she'd have a semblance of a coat, new socks and new shoes. 2 sizes too large, but they only had two sizes left - one too small and the ones that were too big. Oh well. We paid and then I changed her in their bathroom - put the barfy clothes in a plastic bag, and went out to the car. I had bought Clorox wipes and paper towels, and did the best I could. I bought her a drink bottle and put some Coke in it. Really seemed to help her tummy.
I called the doctor's office to see if they could squeeze us in. Nope. But our doctor did say she'd move some of her clinicals around and get us in soon. Great. Another trip. Baby cried. But I could tell she was feeling better and we went to Sam's. On a positive note - the windshield fluid started working.
A couple hundred dollars later, and we were on our way home. I stopped to get some food for me and gave Baby a baggie with Cheerios in it and some more Coke. We had to take the long way home (added about 45 min.) to pick up gourmet cat food. Dumb cat. Long story short - Jack's sister Shadow had severe food allergies - couldn't eat any cat food with chicken by-products so I fed them both the same thing. Shadow has since died, but since Jack has been eating that food for 8 years, the vet recommends we not change his food. It has to be purchased through a vet and the closest vet who carries it in stock is 45 min. away. And it's expensive. So today his royal highness will be eating Rabbit and green pea pate.
We got home and I took Baby's clothes off her - I am sure they smelled like barf. I got her settled and it was back to the garage to clean up the car. I ended up dismantling her car seat to get to all the belts. And I removed the seat cover and threw it, the belts and all Baby's clothes in for a couple cycles.
I have to say, I think I earned a gold star for the day. DH's comment? "You didn't go in?!"
I might have to barf on his shoes.
We're off to see the Wizard
the wonderful wizard of eyes!
Today is another jaunt to the pediatric eye doctor for Baby. It's been 4 months, I think. And I am pretty certain we'll need to patch again. Her eyes have definitely gotten worse. These trips end up being an all-day affair. But we do get to go to the "big store" - Sam's Club. :0)
Well, I have things to do. I'll post again later.
Today is another jaunt to the pediatric eye doctor for Baby. It's been 4 months, I think. And I am pretty certain we'll need to patch again. Her eyes have definitely gotten worse. These trips end up being an all-day affair. But we do get to go to the "big store" - Sam's Club. :0)
Well, I have things to do. I'll post again later.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
No Obama worship allowed in MY house
Reporters gushing over Obama ad nauseum, mobs of people who have gotten what they wanted, but have no clue what they asked for, the hooplah made over the first half-white president, and just the fact that I'm not always the most gracious loser. All these things have contributed to my not watching the inauguration.
How many days until the next election?
How many days until the next election?
Monday, January 19, 2009
I can say I tried
So I made the bean recipe today. Let's just say the half cup or so of dried beans that are left will look great on some little kid's artwork. The recipe took a lot of standing time, it took a long time to fix (almost 2 hours, I think), and it was just icky.
Little Boy started out with that look. The look that said he was going to cause trouble. I explained that it was something new, and that we were all going to try it for the first time. I fixed a salad to go along. I am sure he enjoyed the salad even more compared to the main course. Baby's first comment was, "Ewww. Yuck." But they both cleared their plates. DH and I took seconds, but I couldn't make myself finish.
I don't think we're really "bean people". DH said he was surprised I even tried it, as much as I despise beans. I guess I was thinking they would be different than say, kidney beans. They are in the respect that the shell is not as thick, and the taste was fairly bland. DH said it wasn't as bad as the Rachel Ray dish. Well, there's a glowing endorsement! LOL.
I told the kids, who started balking a bit toward the end, that it is not a family favorite, and I wouldn't be making it again. Little Boy said, "Ffffssshew". Guess that sums it up for me, too.
Little Boy started out with that look. The look that said he was going to cause trouble. I explained that it was something new, and that we were all going to try it for the first time. I fixed a salad to go along. I am sure he enjoyed the salad even more compared to the main course. Baby's first comment was, "Ewww. Yuck." But they both cleared their plates. DH and I took seconds, but I couldn't make myself finish.
I don't think we're really "bean people". DH said he was surprised I even tried it, as much as I despise beans. I guess I was thinking they would be different than say, kidney beans. They are in the respect that the shell is not as thick, and the taste was fairly bland. DH said it wasn't as bad as the Rachel Ray dish. Well, there's a glowing endorsement! LOL.
I told the kids, who started balking a bit toward the end, that it is not a family favorite, and I wouldn't be making it again. Little Boy said, "Ffffssshew". Guess that sums it up for me, too.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Truth
So recently, I read the following statement:
"...nothing that you read (about us) on the internet or in print is true unless it is approved by us."
This struck me as a very self-absorbed statement. How can a person approve truth? Either it is or it isn't. It's a statement that basically verified the accusations of control and manipulation.
Seriously sounds like something my mother would say.
I've heard this, too: "There's his viewpoint, her viewpoint, and the truth." Isn't that closer to being accurate?
"...nothing that you read (about us) on the internet or in print is true unless it is approved by us."
This struck me as a very self-absorbed statement. How can a person approve truth? Either it is or it isn't. It's a statement that basically verified the accusations of control and manipulation.
Seriously sounds like something my mother would say.
I've heard this, too: "There's his viewpoint, her viewpoint, and the truth." Isn't that closer to being accurate?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I forgot
So last night I tucked the kids into bed, sat down to watch a couple shows, surfed the net, got ready for bed, talked to DH when he got home from work and crawled into bed. And I forgot to soak the beans. So we'll save them for another day. Not tomorrow, because it's our McD's day. Maybe I'll remember tomorrow night. Oh well.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A New Adventure
So maybe you think this is funny, but I've never cooked dried beans before. I bought a bag of dried cranberry beans. They are so pretty they HAVE to taste better than "regular" dried beans, right?
I'll soak them overnight and make this recipe with them tomorrow:
Ingredients:
2 T Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
¾ lb. Italian Sausage; Sweet
1 medium Yellow Onion; Peeled And Chopped
2 small Carrots; Peeled And Chopped
2 Stalks Celery; Chopped
2 T Fresh Parsley; Finely Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic; Peeled And Minced
2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
2 c. Dried Cranberry Beans; Soaked Overnight
1 pounds Broccoli Rabe; Peeled And Cut 2"
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage, and cook, browning on all sides, for about 15 minutes. Remove sausage from pan, cut into large pieces, and set aside. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook for 2 minutes more. 3. Return sausage to skillet. Add beans and enough water to cover, about 3 cups. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce liquid by half, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli rabe, mix well, cover, and cook until rabe is tender, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and serve.
Notes: Cranberry beans are usually only found in autumn. If you cook this in another season, you can substitute white beans.
Ok – so I plan to use plain broccoli since I don’t think our store carries broccoli rabe, I’ll use dried parsley and I’ll skip the celery since I don’t have any and didn’t put it on my shopping list for some brain-drained reason. And I bought ground sausage which I’ll have to brown in large chunks. Hopefully, it will still work. Hmm. Maybe I should put this on hold. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I'll soak them overnight and make this recipe with them tomorrow:
Ingredients:
2 T Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
¾ lb. Italian Sausage; Sweet
1 medium Yellow Onion; Peeled And Chopped
2 small Carrots; Peeled And Chopped
2 Stalks Celery; Chopped
2 T Fresh Parsley; Finely Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic; Peeled And Minced
2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
2 c. Dried Cranberry Beans; Soaked Overnight
1 pounds Broccoli Rabe; Peeled And Cut 2"
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage, and cook, browning on all sides, for about 15 minutes. Remove sausage from pan, cut into large pieces, and set aside. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook for 2 minutes more. 3. Return sausage to skillet. Add beans and enough water to cover, about 3 cups. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce liquid by half, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli rabe, mix well, cover, and cook until rabe is tender, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and serve.
Notes: Cranberry beans are usually only found in autumn. If you cook this in another season, you can substitute white beans.
Ok – so I plan to use plain broccoli since I don’t think our store carries broccoli rabe, I’ll use dried parsley and I’ll skip the celery since I don’t have any and didn’t put it on my shopping list for some brain-drained reason. And I bought ground sausage which I’ll have to brown in large chunks. Hopefully, it will still work. Hmm. Maybe I should put this on hold. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
50 Things
I was recently browsing a blog where a lady listed 100 things about herself. I decided 50 was plenty.
1 I’m not ashamed of my age – 40.
2 I think fresh snow is the most beautiful thing.
3 I love to kiss my children’s feet.
4 I could live on chicken – it’s the most versatile meat.
5 I don’t like chickens. They are stinky, dirty and mean.
6 I used to read a stack of books a week.
7 I am a TV addict. I think it has to do with being TV deprived as a kid.
8 I hate repetitive sounds. My kids can drive me completely nuts.
9 My least favorite song – A Horse With No Name.
10 I don’t have a favorite song.
11 Counted cross stitch makes me angry.
12 The thought of the smell of cigarette smoke makes me nauseous.
13 If I ever go back for more school, it will be for something artsy.
14 I wish I was a lawyer at least once a week.
15 I have 2 friends who don’t irritate me.
16 I jumped off a cliff – 30 feet down into 80 feet of water.
17 I flew to Miami by myself.
18 Complex math makes my head hurt, but I can figure the answer if I have to.
19 I like my middle name.
20 I envy/admire the Amish lifestyle without wanting to experience it.
21 I could cry every time I see an animal that was killed on the road.
22 I love all things peanut butter, but I don’t particularly like peanut butter.
23 I have anger issues.
24 I hate housework.
25 I second-guess everything I do, and analyze everything.
26 I can spot a hypocrite very quickly.
27 I refuse to choose sides – I HATE it when people expect me to.
28 My dad has been gone longer than I knew him. That makes me very sad.
29 I’d love to travel through the United Kingdom.
30 I love Mexican food, but I can’t remember the last time I ate any.
31 I used to think Seafoam green was pretty.
32 I used to draw house plans and ladies’ shoes.
33 I took an aptitude test and was told I should have been a milliner.
34 I hate reptiles.
35 I think birds are evil.
36 My eyes are grey and green.
37 I hate how much I resemble my mother.
38 I talk more than I listen.
39 Loud chewing bothers me. Thanks, Dad.
40 I can be very petty.
41 I remember incidents from when I was only 3.
42 I remember things very vividly – it gets to be draining.
43 I go blank when people ask me my cell phone number.
44 I love Diet Coke, but it doesn’t love me.
45 I used to get hives from eating bacon.
46 Dora the Explorer’s voice is worse than squeaking balloons.
47 I love Easter.
48 I feel like I should be able to fix everything for everyone.
49 I love to be alone, but I hate feeling lonely.
50 I hear harmonies in music even before I “hear” the melody.
Oh - here's 51 Poor grammar is like a rock in my shoe. I cannot ignore it, but I try.
1 I’m not ashamed of my age – 40.
2 I think fresh snow is the most beautiful thing.
3 I love to kiss my children’s feet.
4 I could live on chicken – it’s the most versatile meat.
5 I don’t like chickens. They are stinky, dirty and mean.
6 I used to read a stack of books a week.
7 I am a TV addict. I think it has to do with being TV deprived as a kid.
8 I hate repetitive sounds. My kids can drive me completely nuts.
9 My least favorite song – A Horse With No Name.
10 I don’t have a favorite song.
11 Counted cross stitch makes me angry.
12 The thought of the smell of cigarette smoke makes me nauseous.
13 If I ever go back for more school, it will be for something artsy.
14 I wish I was a lawyer at least once a week.
15 I have 2 friends who don’t irritate me.
16 I jumped off a cliff – 30 feet down into 80 feet of water.
17 I flew to Miami by myself.
18 Complex math makes my head hurt, but I can figure the answer if I have to.
19 I like my middle name.
20 I envy/admire the Amish lifestyle without wanting to experience it.
21 I could cry every time I see an animal that was killed on the road.
22 I love all things peanut butter, but I don’t particularly like peanut butter.
23 I have anger issues.
24 I hate housework.
25 I second-guess everything I do, and analyze everything.
26 I can spot a hypocrite very quickly.
27 I refuse to choose sides – I HATE it when people expect me to.
28 My dad has been gone longer than I knew him. That makes me very sad.
29 I’d love to travel through the United Kingdom.
30 I love Mexican food, but I can’t remember the last time I ate any.
31 I used to think Seafoam green was pretty.
32 I used to draw house plans and ladies’ shoes.
33 I took an aptitude test and was told I should have been a milliner.
34 I hate reptiles.
35 I think birds are evil.
36 My eyes are grey and green.
37 I hate how much I resemble my mother.
38 I talk more than I listen.
39 Loud chewing bothers me. Thanks, Dad.
40 I can be very petty.
41 I remember incidents from when I was only 3.
42 I remember things very vividly – it gets to be draining.
43 I go blank when people ask me my cell phone number.
44 I love Diet Coke, but it doesn’t love me.
45 I used to get hives from eating bacon.
46 Dora the Explorer’s voice is worse than squeaking balloons.
47 I love Easter.
48 I feel like I should be able to fix everything for everyone.
49 I love to be alone, but I hate feeling lonely.
50 I hear harmonies in music even before I “hear” the melody.
Oh - here's 51 Poor grammar is like a rock in my shoe. I cannot ignore it, but I try.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Feeling Blah
So I just can't kick this feeling. I haven't taken my Wellbutrin for ages, and I definitely think now would be a good time to get a refill. I am not interested in finishing anything. Who am I kidding? I'm not even interested in starting anything. I finally did a load of my own clothes because I HAD to. DH has been washing clothes for the kids. I get meals on the table, but when my kids decide it's the worst thing they've ever been fed, it makes it even more difficult to put effort into it. (How dare I put tiny pieces of broccoli into their salads!) DH has also been helping keep the kitchen clean. I guess I did go grocery shopping Saturday. But I felt like I was pushing a cart full of bricks. (No, it wasn't a cruddy cart.)
I hate running into people. "Oh! Hi! How ARE you?" puke puke
I really should get off the computer and finish writing my - ahem, cough, cough -Christmas I mean New Year's cards so I can get them into the mail before February. Sigh.
Blah.
I hate running into people. "Oh! Hi! How ARE you?" puke puke
I really should get off the computer and finish writing my - ahem, cough, cough -
Blah.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Aaarrrrgh! Insurance companies are the worst!
Back in October, my ENT doctor wanted me to get tested for allergies. The doctor's office contacted the insurance company to pre-authorize the charges. They called BCBS two times to make sure it was covered. When the testing was done and they submitted the bill, BCBS denied their payment. So, the office coded it differently, and resubmitted it.
Today the doctor's office called to say that BCBS is still refusing to cover the charges, and the doctor's office will cut the bill in half if we will pay it. I don't know what the other options would be, but does anyone have an extra $500 lying around to pay my bill?
I told the lady that my husband takes care of our bills and insurance stuff, so I'd have to talk to him and get back to her. I could just cry.
Today the doctor's office called to say that BCBS is still refusing to cover the charges, and the doctor's office will cut the bill in half if we will pay it. I don't know what the other options would be, but does anyone have an extra $500 lying around to pay my bill?
I told the lady that my husband takes care of our bills and insurance stuff, so I'd have to talk to him and get back to her. I could just cry.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
When God says "no"
I've always known, in theory, that God is a loving Father, even when He doesn't grant our hearts' desires. Now, I think, He shows us even more love by not granting our desires.
As a parent, it is much easier to just give my children what they ask for. But because I love them, I don't give them things that I know will not be good for them down the line.
Recently, God has shown me two clear instances where my heart was broken or I was disappointed and now I am millions of times better off because of it.
I think of other areas in my life where I struggle with being hurt and wondering why things are as they are and I am reminded that God is in control. Maybe some day I will look back and be thankful for those situations, too.
As a parent, it is much easier to just give my children what they ask for. But because I love them, I don't give them things that I know will not be good for them down the line.
Recently, God has shown me two clear instances where my heart was broken or I was disappointed and now I am millions of times better off because of it.
I think of other areas in my life where I struggle with being hurt and wondering why things are as they are and I am reminded that God is in control. Maybe some day I will look back and be thankful for those situations, too.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's gonna be a doozie
If this year is anything like this morning, it's going to be a ride. I went 5 rounds with Baby; she dumped out a set of puzzle foam blocks and scattered them all over the dining room floor. When I told her to pick them up before getting out any more toys, she told me, "No. YOU pick them up!"
When I had won the fight, she picked them all up and came and hugged me and apologized all on her own. I made sure she knew what a great job she did picking them up, and she got lots of hugs and kisses.
And now I feel a huge headache coming on. It's a good thing I don't drink.
When I had won the fight, she picked them all up and came and hugged me and apologized all on her own. I made sure she knew what a great job she did picking them up, and she got lots of hugs and kisses.
And now I feel a huge headache coming on. It's a good thing I don't drink.
It's 2009
I do hope it will be a good year. And if I can get back into the swing of things and maybe get back on meds, it will even be a happy one.
DH had to work last shift last night, and my two little people were in bed. I watched the end of a movie and flipped the channel to Fox to watch the ball drop. Then I turned off the TV b/c all the people kissing was making me sick. And I went to bed.
Woo hoo.
DH had to work last shift last night, and my two little people were in bed. I watched the end of a movie and flipped the channel to Fox to watch the ball drop. Then I turned off the TV b/c all the people kissing was making me sick. And I went to bed.
Woo hoo.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Things I want to do in the New Year
I want to start a list of things I want to do in 2009. It will not be a list to add pressure, so much as to attempt at least some of the things. It is a list that is not concrete or complete from the start. And it is not listed in order of importance, but just as things came to mind.
1) Memorize more Scripture.
2) Write a set of lessons on the Tabernacle for my SS Class.
3) Clean my room.
4) Clean the den.
5) Clean the basement. (I see a trend...)
6) Make home-made marshmallows - I found variations: pumpkin, strawberry, cinnamon
7) Pick our own fruit and veggies at local farms - or at least buy some at the farmers' market
8) Keep working on my new craft to make some money.
9) Take my kids to the Pittsburgh Zoo.
10) Go away for a couple days with my husband.
11) Take the kids to the Wilds in Ohio - an African animal park
12) Lose weight.
13) Read 4 books.
14) Get more organized - get back to using my organizer notebook
15) Be a better wife.
I think that's a pretty good start. I just feel that having goals is important.
1) Memorize more Scripture.
2) Write a set of lessons on the Tabernacle for my SS Class.
3) Clean my room.
4) Clean the den.
5) Clean the basement. (I see a trend...)
6) Make home-made marshmallows - I found variations: pumpkin, strawberry, cinnamon
7) Pick our own fruit and veggies at local farms - or at least buy some at the farmers' market
8) Keep working on my new craft to make some money.
9) Take my kids to the Pittsburgh Zoo.
10) Go away for a couple days with my husband.
11) Take the kids to the Wilds in Ohio - an African animal park
12) Lose weight.
13) Read 4 books.
14) Get more organized - get back to using my organizer notebook
15) Be a better wife.
I think that's a pretty good start. I just feel that having goals is important.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Christmas Morning
Just thought I'd share a couple pictures with you.
This is Christmas morning at our home.
This is Christmas morning at my in-laws' home.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
I'm so glad it's over.
I have not been in the mood for Christmas this year. I don't know exactly why; I've thought about why, but nothing jumps out at me. But here are some strong contenders:
1) We have no snow.
2) I'm homesick, but I don't have a home to be sick for. And if I start thinking about the holidays parent-less, I can't function.
3) I figured I'd get less-than-exciting gifts, and I was right.
4) We cut back on spending this year - that one actually has pros and cons. In the end, I think I cut back. :o{
5) I never did get to spend a day baking for all the elderly neighbors. I might still do it. Next week. Maybe.
6) I kept thinking of all the things I wanted to get done, and feeling pressured and guilty.
7) I KNEW that my in-laws were going to go overboard and I would be left trying to fit the mountain of toys in my house. And they did.
8) A guy from college is in the last stages of ALS, and he and his family have weighed heavily on my heart. I remember our last Christmas with Dad, and it was not an easy time for any of us.
9) I spent a majority of my free time finishing up a craft I sold to my therapist. That was a first - me, walking out with a check from her.
I tried to fake it for my kids' sake and even for DH's sake. I baked half a batch of sugar cookies that never got frosted. DH and son put up the Christmas tree. I let the kids decorate it; the bottom branches looked...like a 3 year old decorated them. DH rearranged them and added the glass balls Christmas Eve.
I went shopping Christmas Eve Day - that was nuts. I needed to get some stocking stuffers for all of us, and I wanted to get another gift for Baby. I don't keep track of what I spend on each kid to the penny, but I try to keep it somewhat fair. I don't think they would care so much now, even though Little Boy thought she had more packages under the tree than he did. But I do not want them to look back somewhere in the future and wonder why Little Boy got a new steam engine, and Baby got a plastic set of kitchen appliances - a fraction of the cost.
Christmas Day. DH and Little Boy got up, then me, then Baby. The kids were so excited. It was nice to see that. They opened the gifts in their stockings, and we ate breakfast. I figured that way, we could have some family time before DH's parents and sister came over. Last year they came before we finished breakfast. The kids finished breakfast, opened all their gifts from us and were playing with their things when SIL called. "When are you guys coming down?" DH told her the kids had just finished opening all their gifts. She tried to hurry us, but I said the kids needed some time to actually enjoy their stuff. So we went down a half hour later. I just knew there was a mountain of stuff next door and I guess I wanted my kids to enjoy some normalcy before we went.
We got there, and his parents and his sister had already exchanged gifts and she had loaded her things into her vehicle. I can't help but feel a bit suspicious. His parents had told us that we were NOT to buy them gifts. We got Granddad a nerf gun to play with Little Boy, and we got
Grandma more memory for her computer. Apparently, my SIL bought DH's parents some big gifts. I cannot figure out what on earth is going on.
DH got an iPod Touch, a fancy wrench, an expensive surge protector, and a game. I got a new crock pot (I asked for), a small baking dish, a dish for baking monkey bread, and a wipe-off calendar for the fridge. I guess it bothers me that there is such a big discrepancy in what they spent on us. And I would bet my SIL got way more than DH.
I know stuff isn't important. And I did get what I asked for. I got the crock pot from IL's and DH got me the two Narnia movies. He also got me two refills for my Xyron. And my Christmas flower arrangement 2 weeks ago. And I know he loves me and does so much around the house. Way more than he should have to. And like Anna reminded me, not everyone has the same love languages.
Is it possible to have all of them? I feel overly needy, or greedy. And guilty. And fat. BLAH!
1) We have no snow.
2) I'm homesick, but I don't have a home to be sick for. And if I start thinking about the holidays parent-less, I can't function.
3) I figured I'd get less-than-exciting gifts, and I was right.
4) We cut back on spending this year - that one actually has pros and cons. In the end, I think I cut back. :o{
5) I never did get to spend a day baking for all the elderly neighbors. I might still do it. Next week. Maybe.
6) I kept thinking of all the things I wanted to get done, and feeling pressured and guilty.
7) I KNEW that my in-laws were going to go overboard and I would be left trying to fit the mountain of toys in my house. And they did.
8) A guy from college is in the last stages of ALS, and he and his family have weighed heavily on my heart. I remember our last Christmas with Dad, and it was not an easy time for any of us.
9) I spent a majority of my free time finishing up a craft I sold to my therapist. That was a first - me, walking out with a check from her.
I tried to fake it for my kids' sake and even for DH's sake. I baked half a batch of sugar cookies that never got frosted. DH and son put up the Christmas tree. I let the kids decorate it; the bottom branches looked...like a 3 year old decorated them. DH rearranged them and added the glass balls Christmas Eve.
I went shopping Christmas Eve Day - that was nuts. I needed to get some stocking stuffers for all of us, and I wanted to get another gift for Baby. I don't keep track of what I spend on each kid to the penny, but I try to keep it somewhat fair. I don't think they would care so much now, even though Little Boy thought she had more packages under the tree than he did. But I do not want them to look back somewhere in the future and wonder why Little Boy got a new steam engine, and Baby got a plastic set of kitchen appliances - a fraction of the cost.
Christmas Day. DH and Little Boy got up, then me, then Baby. The kids were so excited. It was nice to see that. They opened the gifts in their stockings, and we ate breakfast. I figured that way, we could have some family time before DH's parents and sister came over. Last year they came before we finished breakfast. The kids finished breakfast, opened all their gifts from us and were playing with their things when SIL called. "When are you guys coming down?" DH told her the kids had just finished opening all their gifts. She tried to hurry us, but I said the kids needed some time to actually enjoy their stuff. So we went down a half hour later. I just knew there was a mountain of stuff next door and I guess I wanted my kids to enjoy some normalcy before we went.
We got there, and his parents and his sister had already exchanged gifts and she had loaded her things into her vehicle. I can't help but feel a bit suspicious. His parents had told us that we were NOT to buy them gifts. We got Granddad a nerf gun to play with Little Boy, and we got
Grandma more memory for her computer. Apparently, my SIL bought DH's parents some big gifts. I cannot figure out what on earth is going on.
DH got an iPod Touch, a fancy wrench, an expensive surge protector, and a game. I got a new crock pot (I asked for), a small baking dish, a dish for baking monkey bread, and a wipe-off calendar for the fridge. I guess it bothers me that there is such a big discrepancy in what they spent on us. And I would bet my SIL got way more than DH.
I know stuff isn't important. And I did get what I asked for. I got the crock pot from IL's and DH got me the two Narnia movies. He also got me two refills for my Xyron. And my Christmas flower arrangement 2 weeks ago. And I know he loves me and does so much around the house. Way more than he should have to. And like Anna reminded me, not everyone has the same love languages.
Is it possible to have all of them? I feel overly needy, or greedy. And guilty. And fat. BLAH!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Things that made me smile - another one
Baby and Little Boy have been especially intrigued with the names of Santa's reindeer. Baby likes to say, "Dash away, dash away, dash away all!" Many times she forgets the "all" on the end and just keeps repeating "dash away".
DH has been singing Rudolph, and Baby laughs; when he gets to the "most famous reindeer of all" part, he puts in Little Boy's name.
The kids were playing in the living room and Little Boy ran to his room. Baby looked at me and said, "I'm 'Splitzen'!" And ran to see Brother, leaving Mommy in the living room laughing out loud.
DH has been singing Rudolph, and Baby laughs; when he gets to the "most famous reindeer of all" part, he puts in Little Boy's name.
The kids were playing in the living room and Little Boy ran to his room. Baby looked at me and said, "I'm 'Splitzen'!" And ran to see Brother, leaving Mommy in the living room laughing out loud.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Things that made me smile
Baby decided she did not want to be a lamb for the Christmas program. I asked her what she wanted to be. She wanted to be a giraffe. Hmm. Could have been a highlight.
Little Boy hollered from the other room: "Ouch! Mommy! I stubbed my toe on those groceries! But it didn't hurt because I have a strong toe knuckle."
I told Baby the other night that we were going to go to Walmart after we finished eating our dinner out. She looked at me, clasped her hands, and said, "Oh Mommy. I am so pleased!"
I was trying on frames today, looking for a new pair of glasses. I asked Baby what she thought about the pair I picked. "Mommy, you look great!" The lady asked her if she wanted a job.
Little Boy hollered from the other room: "Ouch! Mommy! I stubbed my toe on those groceries! But it didn't hurt because I have a strong toe knuckle."
I told Baby the other night that we were going to go to Walmart after we finished eating our dinner out. She looked at me, clasped her hands, and said, "Oh Mommy. I am so pleased!"
I was trying on frames today, looking for a new pair of glasses. I asked Baby what she thought about the pair I picked. "Mommy, you look great!" The lady asked her if she wanted a job.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monkey Poop Coffee
Ok - that is the most ridiculous, disgusting thing I could ever imagine.
Not only is it appalling, it is apparently quite exclusive. $5 a cup. Beans that went THROUGH a monkey! Carefully selected, undigested, supposedly washed. Yum. Grind 'em up and steep 'em in boiling water.
I'm so glad I'm poor.
OH YEAH! The way I got onto that topic? Baby walked into the living room tonight with a dish and announced, "Oh no! There's squirrel poop in my coffee!" DH told me that it wasn't as far-fetched as one might think, and then told me about the monkey poop coffee. Eww.
Not only is it appalling, it is apparently quite exclusive. $5 a cup. Beans that went THROUGH a monkey! Carefully selected, undigested, supposedly washed. Yum. Grind 'em up and steep 'em in boiling water.
I'm so glad I'm poor.
OH YEAH! The way I got onto that topic? Baby walked into the living room tonight with a dish and announced, "Oh no! There's squirrel poop in my coffee!" DH told me that it wasn't as far-fetched as one might think, and then told me about the monkey poop coffee. Eww.
Icy Day
Everything is covered in a coat of snow and ice this morning. Thankfully, the driveway and road seem to be clear enough.
Little Boy slept next door last night. He'll be home in a couple minutes, and then the noise level will raise considerably. We had a quiet evening with Baby last night. I think she enjoyed getting all our attention.
My new nephew was born early this morning! I am so glad he's here, and he's healthy, and cuter than anything! I had hoped he'd wait so his Mamma could get her list done, but the things on that list can wait!
It's a good day; ice and all.
Little Boy slept next door last night. He'll be home in a couple minutes, and then the noise level will raise considerably. We had a quiet evening with Baby last night. I think she enjoyed getting all our attention.
My new nephew was born early this morning! I am so glad he's here, and he's healthy, and cuter than anything! I had hoped he'd wait so his Mamma could get her list done, but the things on that list can wait!
It's a good day; ice and all.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What is up with barfing?
So Baby was sitting on the couch this morning whining. She wanted her cup and something to eat. I got her a breakfast bar, and went to fix Little Boy a bowl of cereal. She started hollering that she barfed. I checked on her and she had spit up a lot of phlegm on her blankie. I got her a clean blankie, and went back into the kitchen. She repeated. I got her another blankie, and went back to her room to look for an old cloth didie for her to hold. She repeated, only this time she got off the couch and hit the floor, the coffee table, her knit hat, her stuffed kitten. Granted, it was mostly water and some yellowy-green gunk, but .... the smell. That's what always gets me the worst.
So she's in the tub and Little Boy is cruising around.
My kids have barfed more in the last month or so than they have their whole little lives. What is up with THAT!
So she's in the tub and Little Boy is cruising around.
My kids have barfed more in the last month or so than they have their whole little lives. What is up with THAT!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Another kind of moon
So my daughter and I are home tonight while the guys are next door. She was being silly and pulled down her pants and didie. When I asked her what she was doing, she turned around so I could see her little heinie and she laughed!
Ok - I laughed the first time, but then I told her it wasn't funny anymore. Apparently, she has decided it still is.
Ok - I laughed the first time, but then I told her it wasn't funny anymore. Apparently, she has decided it still is.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Full moon and high blood pressure
I know the full moon was last Friday, but I'm feeling like it could have been today! Here are some pictures DH took from our front porch at the moon coming up over the mountain across the road.
Here is a picture of the most pathetic donkey you will ever see.
I had 4 pieces of brown felt and 35 minutes. Good thing I called to ask. At 6 pm I was told Little Boy was going to be a donkey in the Christmas program that started at 7 pm. Practice started at 6:15 pm. I grabbed stuff and ran out of the house. Needless to say, my blood pressure was up. And sadly, his horrible little costume was NOT the worst part of the program. The married couple heading it up were given way more than they were capable of handling.
So glad Grandma and Granddad were able to get out and see how great the program was. (ROLLING EYES!)
Here is a picture of the most pathetic donkey you will ever see.
I had 4 pieces of brown felt and 35 minutes. Good thing I called to ask. At 6 pm I was told Little Boy was going to be a donkey in the Christmas program that started at 7 pm. Practice started at 6:15 pm. I grabbed stuff and ran out of the house. Needless to say, my blood pressure was up. And sadly, his horrible little costume was NOT the worst part of the program. The married couple heading it up were given way more than they were capable of handling.
So glad Grandma and Granddad were able to get out and see how great the program was. (ROLLING EYES!)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Ladies' Christmas party and our Friday night
So, Thursday, I ran around like a mad-woman, fixing food up to the last minute, washing my hair, getting ready and changing clothes, dressing Baby, and the ladies showed up a couple minutes after 7. All 6 of them. I know of at least one person (who reads this blog) who told me she was coming who didn't show up. What happened? She wasn't afraid of the rain at 40 degrees, was she?
We visited a bit, had a devotional, had our jingle gift exchange, ate and ate and ate, and then exchanged cookies. And soon after, the ladies left, and Baby and I were here alone. And I was basically left a cripple.
My house was beautifully clean, until you looked in MY room. That's where I stashed all the stuff I didn't know what to do with, or didn't have time to deal with. Oh well. I was ahead of the game this year. Instead of ending up with a pile of stuff, I used banker's boxes. That way, each box was from an area. When I need to find something, I find the box from that area and I can easily find what I want.
I told my husband that one of these years I would get our house clean for real. But it won't be for the ladies' Christmas party. I am not hosting it next year. DH told me good, b/c he wasn't going to let me, anyway.
Friday was a total recuperation day. I wasn't able to get off the couch until about 12:30 to fix the kids some lunch. After that I puttered around. Friday for supper we went to Denny's. It is nice to take the kids out to eat now that they can behave in public. We came home and DH and I had pies from McDs and the kids had vanilla shakes from there. Little Boy told us he had really eaten too much, and his belly hurt. I gave him some gas drops; I thought that would help.
About midnight, he came into our room. We had just gotten into bed and turned off the light. He was soaked from his belly to his knees. We found clean jammies and changed his bedding. DH put him in the shower and about 4o minutes later, we had him tucked back into bed. As I was tucking him in, there was a niggling thought that he didn't look like he was completely well.
A little before 2, I heard him get up and go into the bathroom to pee and he got a little drink. About 5 minutes later, he was standing in our doorway - he had barfed in his bed. So DH and I got up. I took the boy, DH took the bed. How thankful I am for a husband who will do that! I got my son's clothes off, got him sprayed off in the shower and ran him a bath. We left him in there until we got things taken care of in his room.
We finally got him back into bed, armed with a barf bag and clear, practiced instructions on how to use it. And I got into bed. DH stayed up; he waited for hot water and got a shower, and then came back to bed. I hope he wasn't resentful that I was asleep and VERY likely snoring my head off.
Today, we've made Little Boy stay calm and as inactive as you can keep a 5 year old boy. We think he ate something that didn't agree with him, or he just ate too much. But we don't want to chance it. His face looked overly flushed. He thought maybe he should stay home and not go to the Christmas program tomorrow evening. "I might barf while I'm singing, Mommy."
Good try, huh?
We visited a bit, had a devotional, had our jingle gift exchange, ate and ate and ate, and then exchanged cookies. And soon after, the ladies left, and Baby and I were here alone. And I was basically left a cripple.
My house was beautifully clean, until you looked in MY room. That's where I stashed all the stuff I didn't know what to do with, or didn't have time to deal with. Oh well. I was ahead of the game this year. Instead of ending up with a pile of stuff, I used banker's boxes. That way, each box was from an area. When I need to find something, I find the box from that area and I can easily find what I want.
I told my husband that one of these years I would get our house clean for real. But it won't be for the ladies' Christmas party. I am not hosting it next year. DH told me good, b/c he wasn't going to let me, anyway.
Friday was a total recuperation day. I wasn't able to get off the couch until about 12:30 to fix the kids some lunch. After that I puttered around. Friday for supper we went to Denny's. It is nice to take the kids out to eat now that they can behave in public. We came home and DH and I had pies from McDs and the kids had vanilla shakes from there. Little Boy told us he had really eaten too much, and his belly hurt. I gave him some gas drops; I thought that would help.
About midnight, he came into our room. We had just gotten into bed and turned off the light. He was soaked from his belly to his knees. We found clean jammies and changed his bedding. DH put him in the shower and about 4o minutes later, we had him tucked back into bed. As I was tucking him in, there was a niggling thought that he didn't look like he was completely well.
A little before 2, I heard him get up and go into the bathroom to pee and he got a little drink. About 5 minutes later, he was standing in our doorway - he had barfed in his bed. So DH and I got up. I took the boy, DH took the bed. How thankful I am for a husband who will do that! I got my son's clothes off, got him sprayed off in the shower and ran him a bath. We left him in there until we got things taken care of in his room.
We finally got him back into bed, armed with a barf bag and clear, practiced instructions on how to use it. And I got into bed. DH stayed up; he waited for hot water and got a shower, and then came back to bed. I hope he wasn't resentful that I was asleep and VERY likely snoring my head off.
Today, we've made Little Boy stay calm and as inactive as you can keep a 5 year old boy. We think he ate something that didn't agree with him, or he just ate too much. But we don't want to chance it. His face looked overly flushed. He thought maybe he should stay home and not go to the Christmas program tomorrow evening. "I might barf while I'm singing, Mommy."
Good try, huh?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Can I just go to sleep?
I cannot get myself in the mood for Christmas. I would really love to just crawl into bed, go to sleep, and wake up in January. How's that for Scrooge-y? I don't feel like decorating, shopping, baking ... nothing. If I didn't have kids, I don't think I'd bother. I don't know why I'm feeling this way, either.
But I know I'd feel guilty forever, so I guess we'll just have to do something.
Bah humbug.
But I know I'd feel guilty forever, so I guess we'll just have to do something.
Bah humbug.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I can walk?
We spent the morning cleaning Baby's room. I had to make room for the toys in the living room. Everything is in there now. While we were working, Baby said, "I have blood!" I looked over at her, and there was a miniscule speck of blood where a tiny scab had been. We went into the bathroom and I blotted the blood. As I was putting a band-aid on her, she asked, "I can walk?"
And I thought I was dramatic.
And I thought I was dramatic.
Friday, December 5, 2008
We took down the crib
Baby's last nap in her crib.It was a big day here. We took down the crib. It's been in that room for 5 1/2 years now, and I cried. We're done with having babies, and that's a good thing, but I sure miss having an infant, in theory, anyway.
I straightened things up, put a vinyl sheet and a new mattress pad on the bed, and re-made the bed with Baby's cute bedding.
She was so excited to sleep in it. I'm watching her on our TV monitor - she's been in there for awhile now. I've had to go in twice and DH went in once so far. She's in there talking and singing, so it may take awhile for her to go to sleep. 
At least I'm still changing didies for a couple more days. I guess that should be incentive to embrace this stage a bit more.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Glad THAT's over!
So as we were walking out the door today, the hospital called. The dentist had a cancellation, and Little Boy was moved up. So when we got there we didn't have to wait so long.
He did NOT like the idea of taking off his clothes, especially to put on a GOWN. He didn't want to take off his shoes, and he did NOT want to get up on "that bed." DH and I eventually had to "help" him. And when it was time to drink the sleepy syrup, he balked. He did not want to go to sleep! We finally got him calmed down and he drank it. Within a couple minutes, he started smiling like a goofball, and had a difficult time keeping his head up and his eyes straight. DH and I were trying to not laugh at him, but when we did, he didn't seem to mind. I had brought along some little activity things for him to do and he was attempting to color a picture with markers. It was funny.
They moved him over closer to the OR, and the dentist came out to talk to us. The nurses were talking to him, trying to keep him occupied. One nurse asked him, "(his name)? Is that the name you go by? (his name)?" He shook his head no. I asked him what he wanted to be called.
He leaned forward, with a funny smile on his face, and his head tilted down so he was looking at my out of the tops of his eyes, and said, "Mr. (our last name)." DH and I were about to roll on the floor. It was like he was a funny drunk. When we told the nurses, dentist and anesthesiologist, we were all laughing. And so was Little Boy. He kissed us good-bye, and they wheeled him away. I kept trying to think of how funny he was, and not think about where he was going and what they were going to do to him.
We heard him coming when they brought him out to recovery. He was NOT happy anymore. He wanted them to take those silver teeth out! And he wanted to finish coloring his picture for the nurse! And he wanted that IV out of his arm, the heart monitor patches off, the blood pressure clip OFF his toe, and he wanted to get rid of the gown! We gave in on all counts, and then for about 45 minutes tried to convince him to take a nap. I finally got onto the gurney with him - quite the sight - and he fell asleep. Once I was sure he was sleeping, I got off of there.
Aunt Cathy stopped by when he woke up. He was much sweeter, but still a bit dopey. We stopped and ate supper at Denny's and came home. We had a great seat to watch the town Christmas parade where we were stuck in traffic. We got home, got Baby from G&Gs (another whole story about HER day!), and put them in bed. All by 8:30 pm.
And as I was writing this, our pastor called to see how things had gone, and to let us know they were stopping by tomorrow about noon to give Little Boy a little gift. Very thoughtful and nice, but my house isn't company ready. I'll have to give it a swipe in the morning. I don't have the energy to do anything right now.
He did NOT like the idea of taking off his clothes, especially to put on a GOWN. He didn't want to take off his shoes, and he did NOT want to get up on "that bed." DH and I eventually had to "help" him. And when it was time to drink the sleepy syrup, he balked. He did not want to go to sleep! We finally got him calmed down and he drank it. Within a couple minutes, he started smiling like a goofball, and had a difficult time keeping his head up and his eyes straight. DH and I were trying to not laugh at him, but when we did, he didn't seem to mind. I had brought along some little activity things for him to do and he was attempting to color a picture with markers. It was funny.
They moved him over closer to the OR, and the dentist came out to talk to us. The nurses were talking to him, trying to keep him occupied. One nurse asked him, "(his name)? Is that the name you go by? (his name)?" He shook his head no. I asked him what he wanted to be called.
He leaned forward, with a funny smile on his face, and his head tilted down so he was looking at my out of the tops of his eyes, and said, "Mr. (our last name)." DH and I were about to roll on the floor. It was like he was a funny drunk. When we told the nurses, dentist and anesthesiologist, we were all laughing. And so was Little Boy. He kissed us good-bye, and they wheeled him away. I kept trying to think of how funny he was, and not think about where he was going and what they were going to do to him.
We heard him coming when they brought him out to recovery. He was NOT happy anymore. He wanted them to take those silver teeth out! And he wanted to finish coloring his picture for the nurse! And he wanted that IV out of his arm, the heart monitor patches off, the blood pressure clip OFF his toe, and he wanted to get rid of the gown! We gave in on all counts, and then for about 45 minutes tried to convince him to take a nap. I finally got onto the gurney with him - quite the sight - and he fell asleep. Once I was sure he was sleeping, I got off of there.
Aunt Cathy stopped by when he woke up. He was much sweeter, but still a bit dopey. We stopped and ate supper at Denny's and came home. We had a great seat to watch the town Christmas parade where we were stuck in traffic. We got home, got Baby from G&Gs (another whole story about HER day!), and put them in bed. All by 8:30 pm.
And as I was writing this, our pastor called to see how things had gone, and to let us know they were stopping by tomorrow about noon to give Little Boy a little gift. Very thoughtful and nice, but my house isn't company ready. I'll have to give it a swipe in the morning. I don't have the energy to do anything right now.
Dental Day
This was taken in the morning, before we left.
Today Little Boy goes in for his dental work. I felt so bad giving him a couple ounces of apple juice for breakfast. When I told him that was all he'd get for the morning, he was so pitiful. "But what if I get hungry?" I told him he will get hungry, but reminded him how he gagged getting his x-rays, and that the dentist doesn't want him to throw up when he's getting his teeth fixed. He understood that, but while he was playing in the tub, I went into the kitchen, closed the door and guiltily ate my bowl of Cheerios.
He has to be at the hospital at 11:30, is supposed to go in for surgery at 1:30 which should take a couple hours, and then he'll be in recovery for a couple hours. So, basically, we'll be there all day. DH worked 16 hours yesterday/today. I'm sure he'll be great company today. (rolling eyes)
He just asked me if he could go to G&G's when we get home before his nap. Boy is he off.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
N is for Nest
Little Boy is working on the letter N right now. N is for nest, and we are learning from nests that our Father provides good things for us. Today, he made a nest from brown clay, and Mommy added a white bird and 3 white eggs at his request. Baby was mollified by playing with play-doh.
Then Little Boy was invited to help Grandma decorate the tree. Baby was appeased by making a couple ornaments for presents for G & G. Little Boy ate lunch with G&G. Baby was pacified by going to Bessie's shop for ice cream. She was not happy to learn that LB was napping next door, but resigned herself to munching on her "Chickie Nuggets". When she woke up and learned that he was still there, she was not a happy camper. She just asked where he was, and I told her he went to eat dinner with G&G and she cried. I keep reminding her that she will get to spend time there tomorrow while LB is at the hospital getting his teeth fixed. And I bought her a Sleeping Beauty bottle of bubble bath, but she is not happy that I told her she could take it with her next door tomorrow and G&G could give her a bath. She wants a bubble bath "right nooooooooowwwwwww."
Poor little baby.
Then Little Boy was invited to help Grandma decorate the tree. Baby was appeased by making a couple ornaments for presents for G & G. Little Boy ate lunch with G&G. Baby was pacified by going to Bessie's shop for ice cream. She was not happy to learn that LB was napping next door, but resigned herself to munching on her "Chickie Nuggets". When she woke up and learned that he was still there, she was not a happy camper. She just asked where he was, and I told her he went to eat dinner with G&G and she cried. I keep reminding her that she will get to spend time there tomorrow while LB is at the hospital getting his teeth fixed. And I bought her a Sleeping Beauty bottle of bubble bath, but she is not happy that I told her she could take it with her next door tomorrow and G&G could give her a bath. She wants a bubble bath "right nooooooooowwwwwww."
Poor little baby.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday at Home
We are staying home today. It is raining. And freezing. And we live on a mountain. Not a good combination, unless you are hoping to get a new car after wrecking the one you own. I called the sub about a half hour ago when it was barely misting. Now it's RAINING.
And both my kids have stuffy noses. Not the end of the world, but Little Boy has his dental surgery Thursday, and I need to get him healthy before then. Church isn't the place to do that.
So DH worked last shift last night and we are going to have a quiet morning while he sleeps.
Guess we won't be getting McD's for lunch. Rats.
And both my kids have stuffy noses. Not the end of the world, but Little Boy has his dental surgery Thursday, and I need to get him healthy before then. Church isn't the place to do that.
So DH worked last shift last night and we are going to have a quiet morning while he sleeps.
Guess we won't be getting McD's for lunch. Rats.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Day 2008
We had a nice Thanksgiving. It's been very laid back and relaxing. Thursday, I ran to the grocery store in the morning. I really expected it would be packed, but there were only a few people wandering around. I needed to pick up enough basics to get us through the crazy days to come.
We had a quiet morning, a light lunch, and put the kids down. I took an hour nap and got up and made sweet potatoes and rolls. When the kids got up, we walked across the yard to the in-law's house and sat down to a delicious meal. DH's sister and her husband were there so there were 8 of us.
Somewhere near the middle of the meal, Little Boy decided to announce that Mommy has had intestinal problems in more detail. I told him that was last week, Mommy feels much better now and that we don't talk about that at the table. Daddy chimed in, Grandma chimed in, Granddad chimed in, and when I looked at Little Boy, his little eyes were full of tears. Daddy took him in the other room to comfort him, and I said he must have been embarrassed. Poor kid.
Don't we all have that problem at one time or another? No, I don't mean the norovirus. I mean, saying something without thinking and completely mortifying ones self? I remember a couple times. One recently. I was saying something, and the whole time I was talking, I was thinking, "Stop talking, stop talking, STOP TALKING." But while my head was thinking that, my mouth just kept blabbing away.
The book of James has always been a favorite. I feel I've made huge strides since I got saved in 1989. I was the most sarcastic person I knew. I know I was attempting to protect myself from other people's comments. But I realized I was being more caustic than sarcastic. I made a concerted effort to change that. I have worked over the years on not being negative, not gossiping, not talking without listening, and yet, there I was, not able to stop my mouth.
So, when I think of poor Little Boy, sitting there with his eyes full of tears, embarrassed, I can empathize. And I made sure to tell him how very much I love him.
We had a quiet morning, a light lunch, and put the kids down. I took an hour nap and got up and made sweet potatoes and rolls. When the kids got up, we walked across the yard to the in-law's house and sat down to a delicious meal. DH's sister and her husband were there so there were 8 of us.
Somewhere near the middle of the meal, Little Boy decided to announce that Mommy has had intestinal problems in more detail. I told him that was last week, Mommy feels much better now and that we don't talk about that at the table. Daddy chimed in, Grandma chimed in, Granddad chimed in, and when I looked at Little Boy, his little eyes were full of tears. Daddy took him in the other room to comfort him, and I said he must have been embarrassed. Poor kid.
Don't we all have that problem at one time or another? No, I don't mean the norovirus. I mean, saying something without thinking and completely mortifying ones self? I remember a couple times. One recently. I was saying something, and the whole time I was talking, I was thinking, "Stop talking, stop talking, STOP TALKING." But while my head was thinking that, my mouth just kept blabbing away.
The book of James has always been a favorite. I feel I've made huge strides since I got saved in 1989. I was the most sarcastic person I knew. I know I was attempting to protect myself from other people's comments. But I realized I was being more caustic than sarcastic. I made a concerted effort to change that. I have worked over the years on not being negative, not gossiping, not talking without listening, and yet, there I was, not able to stop my mouth.
So, when I think of poor Little Boy, sitting there with his eyes full of tears, embarrassed, I can empathize. And I made sure to tell him how very much I love him.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Little Boy's prayer request
My son loves snow. He has asked all summer long when it would snow. So when he got up this morning and saw two inches on the ground, he was super excited. He was outside at 7:30 am, and again about 8:30. But the sun came out and he was very upset. I told him it would snow again.
He sat at the front window and asked Jesus to make the sun go behind the clouds and send more snow. "Please, Jesus."
So this is what we saw out the window while we were eating lunch. He told me, "Mommy, Jesus answered my prayer!"Monday, November 17, 2008
Faith of a little child
Little Boy and Baby are playing with their "magic" wands. Little Boy was covered up with a blanket, and Baby had the wand. She said, "Magic, magic. Hocus, pocus, pocus!" She got closer and looked under the blanket - "Are you still there? Ugh." And she looked at the wand like it must be defective.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Froggy Day
Baby woke up this morning and looked out the window.
"Oh, man. It's a froggy day." And she leaned her chin on her hand.
We went down the hill to town and she and Little Boy were relieved that there was not fog down there. It's a different world up here; that's for sure.
"Oh, man. It's a froggy day." And she leaned her chin on her hand.
We went down the hill to town and she and Little Boy were relieved that there was not fog down there. It's a different world up here; that's for sure.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
So disappointing
This morning I got the kids ready and in the car in plenty of time to make it to story time at the library. We got about 2 blocks away and the traffic was backed up. The fireman waved us around and down a side street - they weren't letting anyone through. We went around the town, got gas, and I thought maybe we could get to the library from the other direction. Nope. So - plan B - we came back to our town and stopped at the library here in town to pick up some books I have on hold, but it was closed. Baby cried when we climbed back into the car.
Plan C - I decided to take them to Bessie's shop for lunch if she was working - we drove past and she wasn't working. They started crying, again. So we picked up Happy Meals on the way home, and had a picnic in the living room. Maybe we'll make it next time.
Plan C - I decided to take them to Bessie's shop for lunch if she was working - we drove past and she wasn't working. They started crying, again. So we picked up Happy Meals on the way home, and had a picnic in the living room. Maybe we'll make it next time.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Smarmy love
My kids like to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition, but it airs during church Sunday nights. We have a DVR that holds 2 hours of programs, so we get home, change into jammies and settle in to watch EMHE. We were on our way home last night and Little Boy and Baby were not getting along very well in the back seat, nor were they quiet. I told them they needed to be good, or I wasn't going to allow them to watch EMHE. Here's what DH and I heard: "Oh {sister} (he said her name), I love you so much!" "Oh, you are my best brother!" "Oh, let me hold your hand." "I love you, my brother." DH and I were in the front seat trying to not laugh or barf at the same time. It was hysterical. How smarmy!
So, we got home and backed up the recorder and were watching the end of the race and the recorder froze and turned itself off. So much for EMHE. Little Boy looked at me and said very sadly, "I guess we'll have to wait for next week." Poor little boy - all that mushiness for naught.
So, we got home and backed up the recorder and were watching the end of the race and the recorder froze and turned itself off. So much for EMHE. Little Boy looked at me and said very sadly, "I guess we'll have to wait for next week." Poor little boy - all that mushiness for naught.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Our celebration dinner
Last night we had a celebration dinner. We had steak, curly fries, baked beans, green beans and Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. I pulled out the pretty glasses for Husband and me, and pulled out the Denny's rocket cups with curly straws for the kids. We had a "toast" - 4 more years - 4 more good years for our family. Had John McCain pulled off an upset, it would have been much more exuberant.
After dinner, my son was walking through the living room and put his fists in the air as he chanted, "John Mc-Cain, John Mc-Cain!" I hugged him and told him that's how I felt, too.
I had to make a conscious decision to have a good attitude last night. I know I am overly competitive and the stakes in the political election are so high that I know I could very easily fall into depression. Knowing I need to trust the Lord and that everything is in His control doesn't just magically fix the way I feel. But I know my kids need to see from me that everything is going to be ok - that God will take care of us. My son told me he is sad John McCain didn't win.
I have a long way to go in accepting Obama as MY president.
After dinner, my son was walking through the living room and put his fists in the air as he chanted, "John Mc-Cain, John Mc-Cain!" I hugged him and told him that's how I felt, too.
I had to make a conscious decision to have a good attitude last night. I know I am overly competitive and the stakes in the political election are so high that I know I could very easily fall into depression. Knowing I need to trust the Lord and that everything is in His control doesn't just magically fix the way I feel. But I know my kids need to see from me that everything is going to be ok - that God will take care of us. My son told me he is sad John McCain didn't win.
I have a long way to go in accepting Obama as MY president.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
57 Million Patriots
In spite of yesterday's tragedy, I am encouraged that there were over 57,000,000 people in our country did NOT vote for Obama.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Completely sickened
I am sickened that Obama has won. I cannot ever see myself referring to him as "President". I am physically ill, and I told my DH that if it were not for my children, I would be in bed all day tomorrow with the blankets pulled up over my head.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Early morning adventures
are for the birds. LOL. I am definitely not a morning person. Unless you mean staying up until the wee hours of the morning, of course.
This morning the alarm clock went off at 5:10 am and then I received a wake-up call from my husband 5 minutes later. I had to get myself up and get a shower, get dressed and ready to leave the house at 7:10. See, I am one of those lucky people chosen to serve for a month as a jurist, and this morning was our initiation service.
I am actually hoping to be chosen as a jurist, because I think the whole process is so interesting and critical for our country.
I need to close my eyes for a couple minutes while the kids play quietly. Then I'll rouse myself long enough to put something on 2 plates for the kids to eat. Hope it's edible. I'm sure the kids will feel the same way.
This morning the alarm clock went off at 5:10 am and then I received a wake-up call from my husband 5 minutes later. I had to get myself up and get a shower, get dressed and ready to leave the house at 7:10. See, I am one of those lucky people chosen to serve for a month as a jurist, and this morning was our initiation service.
I am actually hoping to be chosen as a jurist, because I think the whole process is so interesting and critical for our country.
I need to close my eyes for a couple minutes while the kids play quietly. Then I'll rouse myself long enough to put something on 2 plates for the kids to eat. Hope it's edible. I'm sure the kids will feel the same way.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
I Hate People
Ok, I know - we are supposed to love as Christ loved us. But there are at least a couple dozen times throughout the day when my sinful flesh takes over, and I don't even come close to that holy virtue.
Like today. It started out with such promise! My sweet husband worked all night long, but he stopped at the quick mart and brought home milk and eggs. (I haven't made it to the store yet this week.) AND he brought home McDonald's for breakfast! (I usually buy donuts or sweet rolls for Sunday AM - I don't cook on Sunday's.) He helped me get the kids dressed, he put the car seats in the car, and he helped get the kids into their seats. Then he went into the house to try to get some sleep while I took the kids to church.
I had 5 kids in class today. I am amazed that each week I have a different combination of kids, but I always have more than I used to. If I could only get them all to come on the same Sunday, I'd have a full room! They were excited as we started building our model of the Ark of the Covenant - so many things to learn from it!
And then... I gathered my things after class, gathered my son from his class, and made our way to the sanctuary. I was hoping the pastor's wife had remembered that I have requested Baby be taken straight to the nursery from her class, but no. I know she must have a million things on her mind each Sunday, but I have asked repeatedly. I got Little Boy settled into the pew, and took Baby down to the nursery.
No worker. So now I'm stuck in the dilemma I've been in way too frequently lately. Do I stay with Baby and leave my 5 year old to sit upstairs alone? Do I get her occupied long enough to dash back up and grab my son or direct a deacon to have my son sit with someone? Do I trudge back up the stairs with Baby in tow to find someone to work in the nursery or to collect my son to join us in the nursery? Do I wait for the deacon who comes around to get a head count? Or should I get my children and just go home.
And the anger sets in. Even when a nursery worker shows up, they show up after the service has started, and I get to walk into the service late - all the way to the front of the church where we sit each week. Many times, the person comes downstairs after the first song has been sung and says, "I was sitting there and just looked at the bulletin. I had no idea I was supposed to be in the nursery!" And I lie - "It's ok; I understand."
I don't understand. If I am scheduled to participate in the services in some way, I make sure I don't forget. I take my participation seriously. What I do to prepare allows others to worship in a more meaningful way. And so, there I sat. Frustrated, concerned, irritated, and yes, angry.
While I was pacing in the church basement, I located my crock pot from Tuesday - I made potato soup and a huge tray of sandwiches for the dinner our church put together for the special pastors' service during our week of revival. But I couldn't find my tray. It's a heavy, aluminum baking tray - 15x10x2 - and it was no where to be found. The pastor's wife pulled a couple trays out from the cabinet, but I don't think they were mine - they didn't look big enough. I'll look at them again tonight with a tape measure in hand. And I am partially to blame - I do not have my name on it. But. I feel like in our tiny church, I should be able to take items from my home to church with the anticipation that I will be able to take those same items home again.
Don't get me started on the drive home. Just let me say, that there are very few people in our area who actually passed a test to get their drivers' licenses. And I don't know where I picked up the two snarling, barking animals in the back seat. Surely, they are not the cute, lovable, clean children I took with me this morning.
So, while I get frazzled, I don't actually HATE people, but I think I need a good nap.
Like today. It started out with such promise! My sweet husband worked all night long, but he stopped at the quick mart and brought home milk and eggs. (I haven't made it to the store yet this week.) AND he brought home McDonald's for breakfast! (I usually buy donuts or sweet rolls for Sunday AM - I don't cook on Sunday's.) He helped me get the kids dressed, he put the car seats in the car, and he helped get the kids into their seats. Then he went into the house to try to get some sleep while I took the kids to church.
I had 5 kids in class today. I am amazed that each week I have a different combination of kids, but I always have more than I used to. If I could only get them all to come on the same Sunday, I'd have a full room! They were excited as we started building our model of the Ark of the Covenant - so many things to learn from it!
And then... I gathered my things after class, gathered my son from his class, and made our way to the sanctuary. I was hoping the pastor's wife had remembered that I have requested Baby be taken straight to the nursery from her class, but no. I know she must have a million things on her mind each Sunday, but I have asked repeatedly. I got Little Boy settled into the pew, and took Baby down to the nursery.
No worker. So now I'm stuck in the dilemma I've been in way too frequently lately. Do I stay with Baby and leave my 5 year old to sit upstairs alone? Do I get her occupied long enough to dash back up and grab my son or direct a deacon to have my son sit with someone? Do I trudge back up the stairs with Baby in tow to find someone to work in the nursery or to collect my son to join us in the nursery? Do I wait for the deacon who comes around to get a head count? Or should I get my children and just go home.
And the anger sets in. Even when a nursery worker shows up, they show up after the service has started, and I get to walk into the service late - all the way to the front of the church where we sit each week. Many times, the person comes downstairs after the first song has been sung and says, "I was sitting there and just looked at the bulletin. I had no idea I was supposed to be in the nursery!" And I lie - "It's ok; I understand."
I don't understand. If I am scheduled to participate in the services in some way, I make sure I don't forget. I take my participation seriously. What I do to prepare allows others to worship in a more meaningful way. And so, there I sat. Frustrated, concerned, irritated, and yes, angry.
While I was pacing in the church basement, I located my crock pot from Tuesday - I made potato soup and a huge tray of sandwiches for the dinner our church put together for the special pastors' service during our week of revival. But I couldn't find my tray. It's a heavy, aluminum baking tray - 15x10x2 - and it was no where to be found. The pastor's wife pulled a couple trays out from the cabinet, but I don't think they were mine - they didn't look big enough. I'll look at them again tonight with a tape measure in hand. And I am partially to blame - I do not have my name on it. But. I feel like in our tiny church, I should be able to take items from my home to church with the anticipation that I will be able to take those same items home again.
Don't get me started on the drive home. Just let me say, that there are very few people in our area who actually passed a test to get their drivers' licenses. And I don't know where I picked up the two snarling, barking animals in the back seat. Surely, they are not the cute, lovable, clean children I took with me this morning.
So, while I get frazzled, I don't actually HATE people, but I think I need a good nap.
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Our Wildlife Neighborhood
Our vacation day at the lake
Throwing rocks
Life at Home
Baby is reading a catalog
Reading can be dangerous
Something reminds me of Witchiepoo
The Cavalry has arrived!
Sunday Morning
You can't wear the helmets