Genealogy stuff

So I've been sucked into the vortex of family tree mania again. Thanks to the new show "Who Do You Think You Are?" My husband told me that he had signed up for a free 14-day subscription to Ancestry.com. There are only a couple days left. So now I feel this rush to find information while I can.

I found a marriage record for my maternal great grandparents! And I found a death record in TX for the right date parameters, but it's for an Unknown person with the correct last name. No other information listed. So I may have to send for the death certificate to see if there is any other information. And I keep searching for a birth record for my grandmother to see if there is any information on it.

I get so frustrated when I can't find the information that I have to walk away from it, or I'd be hopping in my car and driving to TX or MO or GA to search. I'm looking forward to going to WI this summer so I can do some research on my other maternal gr grandmother.

So while the kids nap, and the race is on but muted, I'll be surfing the net. Searching for clues and information.

I dare you to keep a straight face!

(Click on this picture to make it large!)

Can we make the sun wait

just a little while before waking us up?

Last night I woke up to see Baby standing by my bed. She said her belly was still hurting. She had an icky episode in the bathroom late last night. I was afraid to let her go back to bed alone. So I grabbed my pillow and got into bed with her. She went to sleep very quickly, and I lay there looking at her, rubbing her back and arm. She really can be a sweetie. At least while she's sleeping. LOL She woke up early, and I tried to keep her quiet while I dozed and while Daddy and Little Boy slept.

I'm going to pay for it all day with being tired and sore - that mattress kills me.

But just the chance to lay there and watch my baby sleep was worth it.

Is it even possible

to catch up on lost sleep? Or will I be tired and sleepy forever?

I've started trying to get to bed earlier, but I still can not wake up in the morning. I'm one of those people who really need at least 8 hours, but I've been trying to function on far less and it's not working.

Last night, DH and I went out to eat. Alone! We went to Denny's and then Walmart. I passed on dessert at the restaurant and opted instead for a candy bar at the grocery checkout. Less carbs - quicker - more selection. :0) It was a nice time away from the little people.

When we got home, DH called next door about the little people. They were getting baths. :0) Sweet. They didn't get into bed until after 10, but they were sure to get up just as early as ever. How is it that they look perfectly refreshed?

Yawn!

This is the set of Resurrection Eggs I bought online. They came in the mail today, and they are cuter in person than they were on the website.

The carton is plastic, and the cute little figures inside the eggs look pretty durable. I will be able to use these for a long time if nothing gets lost.

I'm going to use them with my kids and with the kids in my Sunday school class. Each egg has an object that teaches about one aspect of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The last egg is empty, just like the tomb.

Cool beans!

I'm confused

Someone I know is either senile, confused or evil. And I'm afraid to find out which one it is.

See, we have a big family reunion coming up this summer. One of my great aunts, who is evidently in contact with my mom, let her know about it and asked for my and my siblings' addresses. I sent them back to her the same day. And then I started wishing I could go. And I looked at some possible ways to get there. And then I approached my husband about going. And he said I could take the kids. We'll be gone for more than 3 weeks. As much as I'll miss my husband, I'm so excited to go.

So I've been impatiently waiting for information about it. I wrote back to my great aunt, and waited for a response. I wrote a couple of my aunts. One aunt said she was pretty sure it was on Sunday, August 8. The other aunt didn't respond. I started wondering why it would be on a Sunday. So I emailed a different great aunt. She wrote back right away. Saturday, August 7. Ok. I felt like she was a more credible source. She called the first great aunt who emailed me back. Her daughter said she mailed out the invitation 2 weeks ago, but none of my siblings have received anything. Great aunt 1 wrote that it will be on the first Sunday in August. That's the 1st. My cousin saw a post on Facebook and wrote that she thought it was Saturday the 7th. My second finally aunt wrote back, and said that's the correct date.

So I'm waiting to see if I get the official information. The paranoid part of me thinks Great Aunt 1 is up to something. Did she change our addresses so we wouldn't get the information? Is she telling me it's on Sunday so we will miss it? Is this all being orchestrated by the Evil One - my mom?

Or she could just be confused, and for whatever reason our information wasn't sent out. Or she could be senile. Although her emails didn't seem like that.

I DON'T KNOW.

But the fact that I needed to make sure I had the right dates before reserving our cottage made it all a little more urgent.

I think I can safely assume it's that weekend, and I can call about the cottage.

On a different note, it's raining here. Again. There is flooding north of us along the river. Thankfully we live high enough that we don't have to worry about flooding. Our back yard will be very soggy, though. I can still see patches of snow up on the hill across the street.

Little Boy was looking out the window and said, "Mommy, I can see little sproutlings in your garden!" Cute.

And the weather explains the painful hands and feet this morning.

Looking forward

to some sunshine!

My Sunday school lesson for tomorrow is about having a cheerful heart. I need to study and apply my own lesson, because I'm surely not feeling cheerful.

Kids got to play in their playhouse today. It was a nice break for us all. They got to play with toys they haven't seen for awhile, and Daddy had a quiet house.

I was in the bathroom for some "me" time. I colored my hair and got an overdue shower. I think my hair turned out ok. It's lighter than it was, but the gray is covered.

Daddy is working second shift. So after he left, I put the kids down for their nap. And then I took a short nap this afternoon. The kids came out and not-so-kindly woke me up. So they got to play in their rooms for awhile.

Tonight was showers. Daddy usually does shower duty because it hurts my back so bad to lean in and help them. But they did quite well, and there were no tears when we washed hair. They are playing now, and soon it will be bedtime. I love to hear them play (when they aren't fighting). A couple minutes ago they had a small squabble, but they figured it out.

We have to remember to change our clocks tonight. I'm not happy about losing an hour of sleep. I guess it's a good thing I got a short nap.

Baby told me the other day that I should call her "Big Girl" on my blog instead of "Baby". I don't know if I can do that. She needs to stay my baby a little longer.

Looking forward to my quiet time tonight after they are in bed and before Daddy gets home. But I'm looking forward to him getting home, too.

Never thought he'd say

"Stop chewing on the missiles!"

Daddy said to Baby who was chewing on Little Boy's missile launcher.

Rain

We're getting a cold rain today. I told the kids it was a perfect day to play in their playhouse if they would promise to stay in it.

I don't know if they will get out there after their nap or not. It's already getting dark.

So this morning my husband went to get the results of his bloodwork and to get the rest of his physical. His bad cholesterol is a little high, but everything else is good. I dread my turn!

It's been such a dreary day. I have been in more pain lately, and I'm sure the weather has a lot to do with it. I took a little nap this morning when DH got back from his appointment. I sleep with the heating pad as long as I can stand it. But when I get too hot it has to go.

My flowers are poking up out of the ground. Hopefully they will survive the starving deer. Maybe the food being put out by my neighbor across the street will keep them over there? We can hope!

Typical Day

Counting carbs, protein, fat,
mixing fruit, veggies, snacks, treats,
juice for lows, shots for highs,
lather, rinse, repeat.

More excitement

Little Boy has decided he wants a fireman birthday party this year. I'd like to make it a surprise party at a fire station.

So, "luckily" for us, Daddy's sister is married to a volunteer firefighter at the lake. So I sent her a message asking about renting the fire hall for the Saturday of Little Boy's birthday. She called me this afternoon. If Uncle reserves it, it's free. So now he is just going to check to see if the date is available.

I had some fun today looking at party supplies.

Now if Little Girl could narrow it down from the 5 or 6 themes she wants, we'll be doing good.

I did it

Tonight I let the pastor know I won't be "doing" VBS this summer. I also told him that I won't be teaching Sunday School for more than a month in July and August. He said he was sad; that they would miss my "expertise" in regards to VBS. "But you'll be able to help us out with teaching, right? ...If we move VBS to June?"

"No - I need a break." And Little Boy is going to be doing some summer school. I don't want him starting 2nd grade with his weak reading skills.

I explained - exciting news, here - that I'm planning to take the kids to Indiana and Wisconsin for 3+ weeks! I'm so excited, and anxious, and dreading some of the drive, but mostly excited. I already have a large portion of my packing list written. I'm expecting a couple brochures this week for cottages on the lake near where I grew up. 2 weeks at the lake. And then there's a big family reunion at the end of the 2 weeks that I want to take my kids to. It will probably be their only chance to meet many of my family members who are older. The big downer is not being able to go as a whole family. We're going to have to leave Daddy at home to work and hold down the fort.

I'm hoping he'll enjoy some peace and quiet, and not miss us too much. And I hope we don't miss him too much. Ok. I'm making myself sad.

But I cannot WAIT. 19 weeks and counting!

It's a beautiful day!

Yay! Spring could be on its way!

Saturday morning

Baby woke me up early this morning. I took her out to the living room so Daddy could sleep a little longer. It wasn't long until Little Boy was up, too. They watched cartoons while I dozed on the couch. I finally got up at 8:30 and went to McD's for breakfast. (They ALMOST messed up the order, but I caught it on the screen!)

Nothing makes Mommy happier than not having to fix breakfast on a Saturday morning!

Unless it's not having to cook Sunday lunch! LOL

Grapefruit, take me away!

I use a preprinted shopping list when I grocery shop. I put it together when Little Boy was an infant. I had gone to the store to get formula, and a couple other things, and I got home with a trunkful of food and stuff, but no formula. That's when I knew I had to make a list.

I wrote down the words on the aisle markers, and then listed the things the things in those aisles that I buy with an extra "other" spot. There is a check box by each item. Many times as I look at the list before I go shopping, the list prompts me to check on basics.

There's a separate column for toiletries, household and baby things. And there's space at the bottom to write special items.

I found some amazing deals at Walmart - I bought some clothes in bigger sizes for both my kids. Wrangler cargo jeans were on clearance for $5! So I bought two pair in Little Boy's current size, and a pair in a larger size. The larger size fit around the waist/rear, but were a tad too long. The current size pairs were snug around his belly. I took the other two back and bought his current size in a husky size. They were too big. Thankfully they have the adjustable waist. I didn't know fitting boys' pants was so complicated. I mean, it's not like they have hips or anything.

I found some cute tops for Baby for $2 and Hanes sweat shirts and pants were on clearance for $1. I don't worry about her as much since I could always sew her clothes much more easily than his.

But back to my list. I start at the back of the store and work my way forward. Milk, eggs, butter, cheese. And then I work my way through the aisles to the front. Many times I can skip a couple aisles because there is nothing on my list. That seems to help me not pick up unnecessary food stuff. I stop before the frozen section and work my way down the meat section, and then back up the center aisle of frozen foods - usually I don't buy anything from there - it's mostly quick convenience food and we don't eat much of that. I look at the fruit and veggies; I sometimes shop at another store that has better produce if I don't like how the stuff looks. And lastly, I get any frozen food I need.

But back to the produce section. I stopped by the citrus fruit and it was all so fragrant! I picked up a large grapefruit and smelled it. Ahhh. I love the scent of grapefruit! In my mind I'm trying to figure out why I like the scent even better than the other citrus fruits. I don't know. But as I was smelling it, I kept thinking, "I'd love to be sitting somewhere warm, eating a fresh grapefruit off the tree - alone. Ahh!"

Don't get me wrong (especially you, Dear, when you read this). I love my kids and I LOVE my husband, but there's just something about being alone. Even if it's just in your imagination. Completely carefree and relaxing - not worrying if the others are ok or safe or healthy or happy. In the smell of that grapefruit, I was THERE. And then I thought, "I hope no one is looking at me right now. Smelling this grapefruit I don't plan to buy. With a goofy smile on my face and my eyes closed." And I was back to reality from my quick trip.

I should have bought that magical grapefruit and figured out a way to wear it around my neck! LOL

Irritated

This is supposed to be my husband's week of vacation. But "we've" scheduled appointments this week like "we" didn't realize it was a vacation week. Even though it's marked in "our" appointment book very clearly in the margin. I mean, we didn't make any plans to leave town, so why not, right? Because I'm an idiot?

What was I thinking?

Monday - DH's school
Tuesday - Little Boy's Art class in the AM and Baby's Ballet in the PM
DH's haircut in the evening
Wednesday - Little Boy's therapy and Insurance agent meeting
Thursday - Ladies' Fellowship meeting at church
Friday - Clear for now
Saturday - Clear
Sunday - Clear

And because it's a long weekend b/c of DH's shift, we actually had an additional 2 1/2 days. But they're filling up, too.
Monday - DH's school
Tuesday - DH blood work appt., Art, Ballet
Wednesday - Little Boy dentist appt. in the AM

I think we need to pack our bags and leave town Friday, and come back Monday. Even if we only go to the nearest hotel. I think we need a break.

As for the insurance lady coming tomorrow morning, I hope my attitude toward her is better by the time she gets here.

I know I wrote a post about her last year, but I couldn't find it. I wanted to throw her out the door when she told us Little Boy wasn't eligible for life insurance. It had not been very long since his diagnosis, and I don't think she was very tactful. I don't want her coming into my house. Oh. And she called to me from the other room, "Tammy, you can come in here. You don't have to be afraid of me."

First of all, I'm not afraid of people. I was fixing dinner, avoiding her b/c I was feeling grungey (sp?) and I don't like insurance stuff. Her tone of voice was condescending. I wanted to come out and ask her to leave.

I don't think one day's notice is enough. Why didn't she make the appt. earlier? I have to scurry around now and clean up my messy living room b/c of her. So she's not walking into the friendliest environment tomorrow.

Fraud?

So yesterday we went to the dog breeder’s house. We were looking at the puppies he had, and I zeroed in on a cute, little, fluffy white dog. It had the brightest eyes, and such a sweet smile. You know what smile I mean – the one that says, “Take me home, and I’ll love you forever.”

We don’t want a big dog, so before I got too wrapped up I asked the breeder how big the dog would be full-grown. The guy laughed a little, and said, “I’m surprised you picked that breed.” See, he had a couple different breeds, which is unusual. Most breeders pick one breed and stick to it. But he had different ones. I asked him why that was so unusual.

“His first wife had one of those from us.” Huh? Whose first wife, and why would I care?

“HIS.”

And he nodded toward my husband.

“Huh?” Cloudy, foggy brain. Can’t compute.

“His first wife’s name was Sydney. She bought one of our dogs. Not long after that, she was killed. It was awful.”

I was completely stunned. What was he saying? I looked at my husband in disbelief. This guy had to be nuts. There was no way. My husband had never been married before. When we got home, I called my MIL. I asked her about Sydney. She was really quiet. Then she sighed a huge sigh of relief. “I’ve been holding my breath for ten years waiting for you to find out about her. She was the most wonderful woman. And beautiful, tall and skinny.”

I was just numb. Devastated and numb.

So this morning when we woke up, I asked him about her. I told him what the breeder said, I told him what his mom said, and he shook his head. He was lying there denying EVERYTHING.

“You have some crazy dreams, Dear.”

LOL. I sure do.

"And NO dog!"

Sure. His first wife can have one, but I can't. Humph.