I can hardly believe that we have already flown by one week of summer break. It has been strange with Annie gone all week. A preview of things to come, I say. I can inform you that my laundry has been cut in half and I haven't cooked all week and not one person has complained about eating PBJ's one more time. Even so, I miss that girl!
Tomorrow, Abe tests for his Black Belt. This is a major milestone. I can't believe that he has been committed to this for almost three years with no break. Lots of kids take the summer off but not us. Randy tells me that this is a "life sport." You just don't take the summer off of a LIFE SPORT! Abe has put his all into this and we are very proud of him.
Last night, after karate, a major grocery run, a trip through McDonald's drive-thru, a stop at Game Stop (no Wii Fit!) and then ball practice, and then yet another grocery store on a hunt for Heinz Mustard (gluten free) I wondered how my brother (or anybody with MORE than one child) does it. I am exhausted. I feel as if I haven't been home or able to just hang out in forever. So hats off to all of you who are raising a house full of kiddo's. I have totally forgotten how we managed when the girls were little. Plus, I worked full time back then. I do have vague memories of Abby on the swim team and dragging Crabby Pattie, I mean Annie, along to all those swim meets, which were hours away.
May turns into June this weekend, which means that my little brother turns 40. We are also days away from welcoming, what is most likely, the last babies of my generation. I will be more than surprised if Sarah makes it to July. She is absolutely adorable but she has to be miserable. I fear her stomach is going to split down the middle. Like a big plump hotdog which has been left on the grill for too long. Poor mamma! The weirdest thing is the only place that is big is her tummy. She is so cute! Oh! and to top it all off my mom has a very big birthday coming up, as well.
I think we are in for one wild & crazy summer.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
we interrupt this procedure for technical difficulty
I had a dentist appointment yesterday. I thought it was for just a routine filling. I found out, after I arrived, they had to remove an entire metal filling. A very big one. A very old one.
Here is how it went:
3:10 - The entire left side of my mouth is covered with numbing gel and I am handed sunglasses to help with the glare of the light. I promptly put the sunglasses on. I have no idea why. I guess because they handed them to me.
3:15 - I visit with my dentist. I realize afterwards I have spent about 5 minutes talking with her about every day stuff while wearing goofy looking sunglasses.
3:20 I receive what feels like a dozen shots with a very big needle on the left side of my mouth. While she is doing this she asks me if I am always so anxious at the dentist office. I tell her only when I'm getting shot after shot. She then tells me that must be where my girls get their nervousness from. And come to think of it - she remembers that Randy gets all uptight, too. I ask her if she actually has patients who ENJOY GETTING THEIR TEETH WORKED ON? Well - some don't seem to mind it, she says. LIARS.
3:25 - I am rummaging through a basket of CD's to listen to a disc man (why didn't I bring an ipod?) She thought this might calm my nerves and help so I don't hear all that grinding they will be doing. I can't seem to make up my mind.
3:35 - I am finally over my gag reflex when all dental work comes to a grinding halt (no pun intended) because Ms. Dentist said that it is taking way too long to get that old filling out and something must be wrong with the tool. They ask me if I would be more comfortable sitting up and I decline. I enjoy the break with all the "mouth pillows" out of my mouth. They occasionally pop their heads in to check on me. I am told I may have to play musical rooms. Everybody tries to be funny at times like this. I am wondering who came up with the name "mouth pillow."
3:45 - Turns out there are workers in the basement and they shut something off thus making the grinding tool not work up to speed.
3:50 - We are moving full steam ahead. I am really stressed out. I kept telling myself how fortunate I was to be able to have my teeth fixed. What a blessing it was that I was sitting there in that chair. I should be happy to even have teeth. How many people in undeveloped countries don't? And I had legs to walk on to get to the dentist office. Why do I care about this little bit of uncomfortableness. I live in America. I get to vote. yada yada yada.
3:55 - I smell something funny and start to gag. This is when I want to ask if anybody has ever thrown up while having their teeth worked on. I fear I may be next. Breath in. Breath out.
4:15 - I am done! I take off those silly glasses. Ms. Dentist lets me know that I have 7 more metal fillings and none of them will last a lifetime. Maybe next time, since I hate the shots, we can do two at a time.
I realize where I am, exactly, in my life. At the age when stuff starts needing replaced. When things that aren't meant for a lifetime are expired. So it really doesn't matter that people say I don't LOOK old enough to have a 21 year old daughter. And that I LOOK so much younger than my husband. What really matters is that the stuff that holds me together is rapidly deteriorating. And that means there is no denying who I really am. On the inside, anyways.
Here is how it went:
3:10 - The entire left side of my mouth is covered with numbing gel and I am handed sunglasses to help with the glare of the light. I promptly put the sunglasses on. I have no idea why. I guess because they handed them to me.
3:15 - I visit with my dentist. I realize afterwards I have spent about 5 minutes talking with her about every day stuff while wearing goofy looking sunglasses.
3:20 I receive what feels like a dozen shots with a very big needle on the left side of my mouth. While she is doing this she asks me if I am always so anxious at the dentist office. I tell her only when I'm getting shot after shot. She then tells me that must be where my girls get their nervousness from. And come to think of it - she remembers that Randy gets all uptight, too. I ask her if she actually has patients who ENJOY GETTING THEIR TEETH WORKED ON? Well - some don't seem to mind it, she says. LIARS.
3:25 - I am rummaging through a basket of CD's to listen to a disc man (why didn't I bring an ipod?) She thought this might calm my nerves and help so I don't hear all that grinding they will be doing. I can't seem to make up my mind.
3:35 - I am finally over my gag reflex when all dental work comes to a grinding halt (no pun intended) because Ms. Dentist said that it is taking way too long to get that old filling out and something must be wrong with the tool. They ask me if I would be more comfortable sitting up and I decline. I enjoy the break with all the "mouth pillows" out of my mouth. They occasionally pop their heads in to check on me. I am told I may have to play musical rooms. Everybody tries to be funny at times like this. I am wondering who came up with the name "mouth pillow."
3:45 - Turns out there are workers in the basement and they shut something off thus making the grinding tool not work up to speed.
3:50 - We are moving full steam ahead. I am really stressed out. I kept telling myself how fortunate I was to be able to have my teeth fixed. What a blessing it was that I was sitting there in that chair. I should be happy to even have teeth. How many people in undeveloped countries don't? And I had legs to walk on to get to the dentist office. Why do I care about this little bit of uncomfortableness. I live in America. I get to vote. yada yada yada.
3:55 - I smell something funny and start to gag. This is when I want to ask if anybody has ever thrown up while having their teeth worked on. I fear I may be next. Breath in. Breath out.
4:15 - I am done! I take off those silly glasses. Ms. Dentist lets me know that I have 7 more metal fillings and none of them will last a lifetime. Maybe next time, since I hate the shots, we can do two at a time.
I realize where I am, exactly, in my life. At the age when stuff starts needing replaced. When things that aren't meant for a lifetime are expired. So it really doesn't matter that people say I don't LOOK old enough to have a 21 year old daughter. And that I LOOK so much younger than my husband. What really matters is that the stuff that holds me together is rapidly deteriorating. And that means there is no denying who I really am. On the inside, anyways.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
boys will be boys
A few months ago when the reality hit that for the first time in eight years, Abe would need a real babysitter (somebody that was not related to him in one way or another) the negotiations began. Should we put him in daycare, use the YMCA or have somebody come to the house? My first choice would have been Aunt Sarah but that was not possible because of her condition. And after her condition she will be in no condition to have another nose to wipe so on to plan B! My dad is retired what about him? That would be lots of driving and with the price of gas and the fact that the next thing my dad is teaching Abe is how make home-made brew, we decided to use Grandpa as a backup.
When the girls were little they went to daycare but for a few summers we had a middle school girl come to the house. Nobody was really in favor of sticking the little guy in daycare (he would have LOVED it) and really, since we only needed somebody for 3 hours a day we decided to have somebody come to our house. Long story - short- we have found the perfect girl and this morning I left her and my wild & crazy little boy home alone. I take much comfort in that she has two little brothers herself. I am not even worried!
Here is the funniest thing - at 7 this morning he came into my room, dressed for the day, and asking "When does Mikaela get here?" He was so excited! I made him climb back into bed and told him if he has plans on getting up at 7 am every morning then we are going back to an 8 pm bedtime.
Then when Mikaela actually arrived - he wouldn't even come downstairs. Go figure.
When the girls were little they went to daycare but for a few summers we had a middle school girl come to the house. Nobody was really in favor of sticking the little guy in daycare (he would have LOVED it) and really, since we only needed somebody for 3 hours a day we decided to have somebody come to our house. Long story - short- we have found the perfect girl and this morning I left her and my wild & crazy little boy home alone. I take much comfort in that she has two little brothers herself. I am not even worried!
Here is the funniest thing - at 7 this morning he came into my room, dressed for the day, and asking "When does Mikaela get here?" He was so excited! I made him climb back into bed and told him if he has plans on getting up at 7 am every morning then we are going back to an 8 pm bedtime.
Then when Mikaela actually arrived - he wouldn't even come downstairs. Go figure.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Who said the tougher the job the greater the reward?
It has been a rough week. In more ways than one. I am still standing (the power of prayer) but I feel myself going down for the count and this frustrates me to no end. I will remain standing even if it kills me. If I can live 3 months without wheat, rye, barley and oats - I can survive this latest round of what, apparently, seems to be my new life.
I try and build up and am told that my expectations are too high. I try and be lovingly honest and am told I am not supportive. I have had words pierce my heart this week and am not feeling the love much at all. I feel like that proverbial doormat. Only this doormat that is also a bank. And a laundry mat. And a cook. Except not such a good cook. Suddenly, everybody is a critic. Example - Abe ate sour cream just last week (and announced that he LOVED it!). Tonight - he refused to touch anything that had that "white stuff" on it. Hello?! And heaven forbid I complain about too much texting. Who pays that cell bill, again? Hello?! That would me be me.
All I ever want in return is a little Aretha, which ain't happening. So now that brings me to my next question...
Is it way too late for "Love and Logic?"
It has been a rough week. In more ways than one. I am still standing (the power of prayer) but I feel myself going down for the count and this frustrates me to no end. I will remain standing even if it kills me. If I can live 3 months without wheat, rye, barley and oats - I can survive this latest round of what, apparently, seems to be my new life.
I try and build up and am told that my expectations are too high. I try and be lovingly honest and am told I am not supportive. I have had words pierce my heart this week and am not feeling the love much at all. I feel like that proverbial doormat. Only this doormat that is also a bank. And a laundry mat. And a cook. Except not such a good cook. Suddenly, everybody is a critic. Example - Abe ate sour cream just last week (and announced that he LOVED it!). Tonight - he refused to touch anything that had that "white stuff" on it. Hello?! And heaven forbid I complain about too much texting. Who pays that cell bill, again? Hello?! That would me be me.
All I ever want in return is a little Aretha, which ain't happening. So now that brings me to my next question...
Is it way too late for "Love and Logic?"
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
no kisses no nothing
Our neighborhood school "loops." What that means is that the class stays together for two consecutive years with the same teacher. It makes for way less transition and for kids who struggle with change (I have one of those) or for moms who struggle with change (that would me) looping is great. It also makes the last day of school not so bad. You have the comfort and security of seeing the entire gang in a couple of months. Same room. Same desk. Same teacher.
However, we found out Friday that Abe's teacher has taken a job in another town and so his class has been up in the air. I have heard that they may have found somebody to teach the class next year. I have high hopes that this will all work out and that this class gets to stay together!
So today - Abe and I walked to school. We talked to his teacher a bit and then the bell rang. As he was hanging his backpack up and all the kids started coming down the hall I asked him if he was too big to give me a kiss. He said he was. I knew he would say that! darn it! His friend, Kelsey, stopped by to tell me hi and I asked her if she would give me a hug. She said no but the look on her face was priceless. I kissed the top of Abe's head and as I was walking away I heard the kids asking him why his mom is so weird. Sorry, buddy.
Why did he have to grow up so fast and why does 3rd grade seem so much older than 2nd?
And where did all our baby's go?
However, we found out Friday that Abe's teacher has taken a job in another town and so his class has been up in the air. I have heard that they may have found somebody to teach the class next year. I have high hopes that this will all work out and that this class gets to stay together!
So today - Abe and I walked to school. We talked to his teacher a bit and then the bell rang. As he was hanging his backpack up and all the kids started coming down the hall I asked him if he was too big to give me a kiss. He said he was. I knew he would say that! darn it! His friend, Kelsey, stopped by to tell me hi and I asked her if she would give me a hug. She said no but the look on her face was priceless. I kissed the top of Abe's head and as I was walking away I heard the kids asking him why his mom is so weird. Sorry, buddy.
Why did he have to grow up so fast and why does 3rd grade seem so much older than 2nd?
And where did all our baby's go?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
State of exhaustion
The crazy 6 days are all over. We have a high school graduate in the house. The Chicago troops have come and gone and Abe has 2.5 days left of 2nd grade.
I am very tired. Abe is really tired. Annie is more than tired. And Randy is extremely tired.
When I catch my breath I will tell you all about the festivities.
And I am so thankful that I am looking at a three day weekend this weekend. That is really what is getting me through this day.
I am very tired. Abe is really tired. Annie is more than tired. And Randy is extremely tired.
When I catch my breath I will tell you all about the festivities.
And I am so thankful that I am looking at a three day weekend this weekend. That is really what is getting me through this day.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Happy 8th Birthday!
Eight years ago our life as we knew it was changed forever. We were blessed with a bouncing baby boy!
He is a unique little guy. His sisters have been more like mamma's than sisters. He has been raised as a baby AND an only child. He is wise beyond his years and at the same time is a crazy wild mad man.
He has made each of us look at life through the eyes of a child again. He has made me give more thought into what life will hold tomorrow.
I was more than fine raising two girls. I felt blessed beyond measure having "sisters." I thought my cup was already overflowing how did I know that God could bless me more? Once again I am glad that He is in control and not me. I would have missed out on being a mommy to a son. This job is so important. Every day I think that I am raising this little guy to be a husband and father some day and I want him to be the very best at both!
He climbs. He flips. He is almost a black belt. He love bugs. He loves dogs AND cats. He eats almost anything. He loves to cook. He loves to bake. He loves wii. He is a big brother to little cousins. He is an uncle. He is a perfect mixture of Abby and Annie. He draws. He writes. He reads. He likes things neat & tidy (YEA!) He is not scared. He will cry. He smiles - a lot. He tells jokes. He asks all the right questions. He is cute. He helps me. He has a big heart.
Happy 8th birthday little buddy. Your Mama loves you!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Fly Little Birdies, Fly
Save the best for last. Last but not least. One last time. Last one home. Last Dance. Last chance. At last.
I have been thinking a lot about how my life has been full of "lasts." Some happy. Some sad. Some don't really matter.
Like last night at Wal-Mart. Suddenly, I couldn't remember the last time that Abe rode in the cart. He is way too big - but still, I can't remember the last night I heave hoed him up in that seat. I don't remember the last time I at dinner at my Grandma's. I don't remember the last time I played my saxophone in the jazz band.
I do remember my last day of high school. I remember that we practiced graduation outside. I remember the sun and the birds. I did not like high school. I was more than ready to move on. That was a happy last for me.
Today is Annie's last day of high school. While other kids are more than excited to be finished with this chapter of their lives, she is not. She is one of those rare (odd?) kids who has loved her high school years. She has been surrounded by great friends, each of whom she loves dearly (me, too). And they seem wise beyond their years. Great parenting?! They all have GREAT parents!
I am so proud of Annie and her friends. They are very close and have been for years. They have had their share of differences and hit snags but always work through it. They are great at relationships, which is a great life skill, by the way.
I want them to know that even though these days at MHS may be over, they will cherish the memories that they have of these past four years for the rest of their lives. They will think that the best music came from "their time" and one day soon they will wonder why that same music is being played on the oldies station. These friends will be the ones who look forward to those creepy high school reunion weekends and reminiscing about the "good ole' days."
Congratulations class of 2008! I expect nothing but greatness from each and every one of you. I am sure you will turn this world upside down and I can't wait!
...and I will try not to cry on Saturday but I can't promise anything. I'm starting to get that feeling in my stomach and finding it very hard to swallow.
I have been thinking a lot about how my life has been full of "lasts." Some happy. Some sad. Some don't really matter.
Like last night at Wal-Mart. Suddenly, I couldn't remember the last time that Abe rode in the cart. He is way too big - but still, I can't remember the last night I heave hoed him up in that seat. I don't remember the last time I at dinner at my Grandma's. I don't remember the last time I played my saxophone in the jazz band.
I do remember my last day of high school. I remember that we practiced graduation outside. I remember the sun and the birds. I did not like high school. I was more than ready to move on. That was a happy last for me.
Today is Annie's last day of high school. While other kids are more than excited to be finished with this chapter of their lives, she is not. She is one of those rare (odd?) kids who has loved her high school years. She has been surrounded by great friends, each of whom she loves dearly (me, too). And they seem wise beyond their years. Great parenting?! They all have GREAT parents!
I am so proud of Annie and her friends. They are very close and have been for years. They have had their share of differences and hit snags but always work through it. They are great at relationships, which is a great life skill, by the way.
I want them to know that even though these days at MHS may be over, they will cherish the memories that they have of these past four years for the rest of their lives. They will think that the best music came from "their time" and one day soon they will wonder why that same music is being played on the oldies station. These friends will be the ones who look forward to those creepy high school reunion weekends and reminiscing about the "good ole' days."
Congratulations class of 2008! I expect nothing but greatness from each and every one of you. I am sure you will turn this world upside down and I can't wait!
...and I will try not to cry on Saturday but I can't promise anything. I'm starting to get that feeling in my stomach and finding it very hard to swallow.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
love me or leave me
From Wikipedia, and I quote:
The Type A and Type B personality theory (or Type A and Type B behavior pattern) divides the characteristics and tendencies of people into two groups, (though subsequently there also has been added other types along the same theory of behavioral type grouping.)
Theoretically, people who fall under Type A generally exhibit characteristics such as being:
I am the only type A in my entire family. That would include my own parents, my children & my brothers and their wives. And of course, my husband (DUH!)
Days like today I would love some company. Just sayin'. OK?
The Type A and Type B personality theory (or Type A and Type B behavior pattern) divides the characteristics and tendencies of people into two groups, (though subsequently there also has been added other types along the same theory of behavioral type grouping.)
Theoretically, people who fall under Type A generally exhibit characteristics such as being:
- time-conscious
- highly competitive
- direct and more assertive and less relaxed
I am the only type A in my entire family. That would include my own parents, my children & my brothers and their wives. And of course, my husband (DUH!)
Days like today I would love some company. Just sayin'. OK?
he knows big words!
Thanks to my friend Pam, Abe has been making these really cute clay stars.
This morning I told Abe that we were going to give the green star that he made me to one of Annie's teachers and he could make another one. I told him that Pam had made some flowers that said "grow" and maybe he could make some of those, too.
This is what he said, "We can't be copying everything that Pam does. Isn't that plagiary?"
This morning I told Abe that we were going to give the green star that he made me to one of Annie's teachers and he could make another one. I told him that Pam had made some flowers that said "grow" and maybe he could make some of those, too.
This is what he said, "We can't be copying everything that Pam does. Isn't that plagiary?"
nine one one
Me: What did you do with Chloe's old collar?
we put a brand new pink polka dot collar on her after her haircut.
Abe: I put it with my collection.
Me: Your collection? Your collection of what?
Abe: Old used dog collars. I've been collecting them for a while now.
Me: How many do you have and why would you want them?
Abe: A couple. In case of an emergency and she needs a different one.
Me: Please tell me they are not in the house....
we put a brand new pink polka dot collar on her after her haircut.
Abe: I put it with my collection.
Me: Your collection? Your collection of what?
Abe: Old used dog collars. I've been collecting them for a while now.
Me: How many do you have and why would you want them?
Abe: A couple. In case of an emergency and she needs a different one.
Me: Please tell me they are not in the house....
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
because we don't have enough to do...
For graduation open houses
For the first grade teacher Annie helps. (Abe made that JOY star!)
For the first graders Annie has spent the entire year with.
this and that and the other
On Mothers Day Randy stained our deck. Not because we wanted a change or even because of the open house coming up but because it looked awful and he has been bugging me for three years to let him "treat" the wood with something. I finally gave in - mostly because it is much cheaper than replacing the deck in the long run and because it WAS looking shabby. He also put up some birdhouses for me and I adore them!
I have printed off tons of pictures at Wal-Mart one-hour photo for the scrapbook. Annie has been working her tail off and her book is finished!
This morning, I took the dog for a shampoo and haircut. Annie has a haircut today, too!
You will be pleased to know that today we are cleaning ceiling fans (Randy is so sweet to volunteer for this).
I'm also getting together with some friends to work on shower invites for Jack & Sophie. Isn't it funny that I am in the middle of high school graduation for my baby girl AND working on a shower for a baby girl (and her brother) we haven't even met yet! When they graduate from highschool Annie will be 37!
I have lots of plans for the next few days but I'm not thinking about them right now. Today (and probably always) my life is better lived one day at a time. Less chance of me becoming overwhelmed and more chance of me enjoying every minute of it!
I have printed off tons of pictures at Wal-Mart one-hour photo for the scrapbook. Annie has been working her tail off and her book is finished!
This morning, I took the dog for a shampoo and haircut. Annie has a haircut today, too!
You will be pleased to know that today we are cleaning ceiling fans (Randy is so sweet to volunteer for this).
I'm also getting together with some friends to work on shower invites for Jack & Sophie. Isn't it funny that I am in the middle of high school graduation for my baby girl AND working on a shower for a baby girl (and her brother) we haven't even met yet! When they graduate from highschool Annie will be 37!
I have lots of plans for the next few days but I'm not thinking about them right now. Today (and probably always) my life is better lived one day at a time. Less chance of me becoming overwhelmed and more chance of me enjoying every minute of it!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Three of a kind.
I have a new food processor. I probably don't really "need" it, technically. However, since going gluten free and subsequently ceasing to eat out I am making a lot of different and really good food! Stuff that I need a food processor for. Food like hummus and guacamole. Plus, I like to know that the food I am eating has whole food as the ingredients. Nothing like "red dye #9". See? I can justify that purchase! So, Abe and I were going to start with something very basic. Onions. I pulled out the food processor and the instructions. We chopped the onion in chunks and threw them in. I pressed "pulse" and nothing happened. I took it apart and put it back together. I DO know that the lid has to lock for it to work. Back in the olden' days I had a little Oscar. Still didn't work. I got the book out again. Hmmmm. What the heck? That is when I realized that it wasn't plugged in AND the cord was still all wrapped up in plastic. Abe really thought this was funny!
Yesterday, we went to celebrate Mothers Day at DQ. I turned to tell my brother something and notice that he is holding a half eaten icecream cone. Anytime that my family gets together for anything - it is crazy. Mostly because we have so many kids and mostly because it just is. It's who we are. We are all a little crazy. So - my first thought is that is Henry's icecream cone and he is just holding it while Henry runs around wildly in circles around Dairy Queen. I just make the comment that he better not forget and take a bite out of that cone. Icecream cones are made with wheat and thus - off limits for us celiacs. He gasped. He was shocked. It was HIS icecream cone and he had already eaten half. Had he forgotten that he had celiac or had he forgotten that icecream cones were off limits?
This morning, when I woke Abe up, I told him to grab his tennies and bring them down to save a trip back upstairs. He did. After breakfast I heard him screaming by the back door. He was rummaging through the bench where we keep lots of our shoes. He couldn't find his tennis shoes anywhere and he knew that he had just seen them. "Buddy, you just saw them because you carried them down from upstairs five minutes ago and they are sitting right here beside your chair!" And he thought me forgetting to plug in the food processor was funny?
Yesterday, we went to celebrate Mothers Day at DQ. I turned to tell my brother something and notice that he is holding a half eaten icecream cone. Anytime that my family gets together for anything - it is crazy. Mostly because we have so many kids and mostly because it just is. It's who we are. We are all a little crazy. So - my first thought is that is Henry's icecream cone and he is just holding it while Henry runs around wildly in circles around Dairy Queen. I just make the comment that he better not forget and take a bite out of that cone. Icecream cones are made with wheat and thus - off limits for us celiacs. He gasped. He was shocked. It was HIS icecream cone and he had already eaten half. Had he forgotten that he had celiac or had he forgotten that icecream cones were off limits?
This morning, when I woke Abe up, I told him to grab his tennies and bring them down to save a trip back upstairs. He did. After breakfast I heard him screaming by the back door. He was rummaging through the bench where we keep lots of our shoes. He couldn't find his tennis shoes anywhere and he knew that he had just seen them. "Buddy, you just saw them because you carried them down from upstairs five minutes ago and they are sitting right here beside your chair!" And he thought me forgetting to plug in the food processor was funny?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP!
It is my dad's birthday today. Could we possibly cram one more thing into the month of May? Oh! We we still have a parade,two additional birthdays and a graduation. And somebody is going on a cruise. That would not be me. In case you wondered.Back to my dad. He is all retired now and has such a life of leisure. Just like my friends who are stay-at-home moms! My dad. The stay-at-home-dad. If ya'll just invited him to your play dates and coffees he would come and join you. For real. He loves that kinda stuff.
Dad - I hope you had the most wonderful birthday. We'll celebrate so much more on Friday. That's what it's all about these days. Making your birthday go on and on. It's not about the actual date as long as we get together. OK?
Happy Birthday and many more! I probably don't tell you enough but I am proud to be your daughter and I love you very much. You're the best!
Dad???? Can you hear me? Do you even read this? Have I told you lately how you are really good at cleaning ceiling fans? I have a few that are pretty dusty and I know how you feel about dust.....you are my most favorite dad....
stuff to do in a really short amount of time
I was up until 2:30 a.m just laying in bed with my mind going around and around. Like something was really loose in my head. FINALLY, at 2:30 I prayed that I could please just fall asleep and not awake until the alarm went off. I'm not sure why I used prayer as a last resort but I really finally did fall asleep. Until 5:00 a.m. when the alarm went off for Randy. I was so fortunate to roll over and fall right back asleep for 2 more hours.
So today I decided I needed to get myself a to-do list going so I wouldn't lay there tonight tossing and turning while thinking of everything that I have to get done. Wanna hear some of my list? This about covers my next 10 days.
So today I decided I needed to get myself a to-do list going so I wouldn't lay there tonight tossing and turning while thinking of everything that I have to get done. Wanna hear some of my list? This about covers my next 10 days.
- Start Annie's scrapbook
- Cruise meeting with other moms about upcoming girls trip
- Get stuff for picnic on Friday
- Make bread for picnic so I can actually take something along to eat
- Work on Annie's scrapbook
- Get Abe to a sleepover after the May Day parade on Friday
- Buy groceries for open house
- Plan meals and buy groceries for when Chicago kids are here
- Get everything organized for Stella and Abe's birthday BBQ
- Finish shopping for my dad's birthday gift
- Try and figure out something for my mom for Mothers Day
- Work on Annie's scrapbook
- Get pictures to my brother so he can make a slide show for open house
- Clean my house. I mean REALLY CLEAN my house.
- Get the attic cleaned and ready for the kiddo's
- Work on Annie's scrapbook
- Go to May Fete? Maybe
- Dust all my ceiling fans (DAD???)
- Pack Abe a lunch for field day. Really important not to forget this
- Figure out where Abe is going Thursday after school since he gets out at 12:30 ( I did get this done)
- Work on Annie's scrapbook
- Figure out what to do about the 20 or so graduation open house invites sitting on my kitchen counter.
- Tanning. Wishful thinking.
- Figure out what to do about ordering Annie's mac.
- Bake a chocolate birthday cake
- Prepare all the food for open house
- Balloons, table decorations, etc for open house
- Did I mention work on Annie's scrapbook. I'm really scared I will forget this.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
paid in full
I am a list maker and a list checker type of person.
So it is a glorious day today when I can mark something very big off of my list.
We made the final payment on daughter #1's parent-plus college loan BEFORE daughter #2 starts in the fall.
Yippee!!
Now we have to hunker down again to get daughter #2 paid off BEFORE her baby brother goes to college. That would be in 2018.
Yikes!
Thank goodness we spaced out our kids. (That would have been MY idea - thankyouverymuch)
So it is a glorious day today when I can mark something very big off of my list.
We made the final payment on daughter #1's parent-plus college loan BEFORE daughter #2 starts in the fall.
Yippee!!
Now we have to hunker down again to get daughter #2 paid off BEFORE her baby brother goes to college. That would be in 2018.
Yikes!
Thank goodness we spaced out our kids. (That would have been MY idea - thankyouverymuch)
Monday, May 5, 2008
A Very Happy 29th Birthday
I decided the best day of the week to have a birthday is Sunday! It really seems like you get a lot of bang for your buck. Since my birthday falls at the busiest time of the year (OK - it may run a close second to December) we almost always have a school program or PTO icecream social on my birthday. So yesterday - the entire day felt special. We went to church - how can it get better than that on your birthday? And then we headed out to eat lunch at PF Changs. Shop. Go out for icecream. My perfect day with my special family.
Since we had such a great time eating gluten free at PF Changs on our anniversary I was all up for going there on my birthday. We rarely eat out anymore and it was the kids first time for eating there so I was very excited.
We got in right away (reservations!) and had a really nice waiter. The bummer was that we were seated at a table and I really prefer a booth. But - I decided not to say anything and try and not be so picky(me not picky? ha ha). I was especially glad I hadn't said anything after he made the comment that Sunday diners are the crankiest of the entire week. Since it was a birthday dinner we all ordered drinks! Coffee and Dr. Pepper.
Just like last time - the manager, a very young manager, came and talked to me about the menu and how he would personally be overseeing my meal. This surprised Annie because she has never seen such service before. She said that must be how it feels to be a celebrity. I know. Just call me Reese Witherspoon.
When our food came I asked Annie and Randy if they felt that was going to be enough or should we order another dish. The manager said not to worry that he would go to the kitchen and have something made just for us. Annie made the comment that she bet we wouldn't have to pay for the appetizer. What was an extra $14 at this point?
Randy and Annie each picked dessert from the dessert tray and the manager came to check on us. He started asking me if it was hard to go out and eat because he knows what his kitchen staff goes through when somebody comes in with food issues and I was honest with him. I told him we drove 60 miles just for lunch because I knew I could eat AND it was my 29th birthday. This surprised him (the driving 60 miles NOT that I was 29- SHUSH!). About that time our waiter came by with our ticket. The manager grabbed it from him and told us lunch was on him. The ENTIRE lunch. Not just the appetizer. Not just the dessert. Lunch! AND he gave me a coupon for a free appetizer and a free lunch bowl!
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch?
Since we had such a great time eating gluten free at PF Changs on our anniversary I was all up for going there on my birthday. We rarely eat out anymore and it was the kids first time for eating there so I was very excited.
We got in right away (reservations!) and had a really nice waiter. The bummer was that we were seated at a table and I really prefer a booth. But - I decided not to say anything and try and not be so picky(me not picky? ha ha). I was especially glad I hadn't said anything after he made the comment that Sunday diners are the crankiest of the entire week. Since it was a birthday dinner we all ordered drinks! Coffee and Dr. Pepper.
Just like last time - the manager, a very young manager, came and talked to me about the menu and how he would personally be overseeing my meal. This surprised Annie because she has never seen such service before. She said that must be how it feels to be a celebrity. I know. Just call me Reese Witherspoon.
When our food came I asked Annie and Randy if they felt that was going to be enough or should we order another dish. The manager said not to worry that he would go to the kitchen and have something made just for us. Annie made the comment that she bet we wouldn't have to pay for the appetizer. What was an extra $14 at this point?
Randy and Annie each picked dessert from the dessert tray and the manager came to check on us. He started asking me if it was hard to go out and eat because he knows what his kitchen staff goes through when somebody comes in with food issues and I was honest with him. I told him we drove 60 miles just for lunch because I knew I could eat AND it was my 29th birthday. This surprised him (the driving 60 miles NOT that I was 29- SHUSH!). About that time our waiter came by with our ticket. The manager grabbed it from him and told us lunch was on him. The ENTIRE lunch. Not just the appetizer. Not just the dessert. Lunch! AND he gave me a coupon for a free appetizer and a free lunch bowl!
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch?
Friday, May 2, 2008
Ordinary People - Extraordinary Life
I had a phone call a couple of weeks ago from a girl I went to school with. It is time for our highschool class reunion. 25 years! Holy Cow! Somebody please pinch me! I immediately called one of my best friends from growing up. Her and I definitely don't talk often enough but as soon as we start it's like no time has passed at all. We had fun catching up and then she said the only way she would even go was if I went. Some things never change. That is how we were and I still find comfort in that. You know - "the more things change the more they stay the same!"
There were only 29 people in my graduation class and I think 27 of us were together since kindergarten. 13 girls. 14 boys. Or it could have been 14 girls and 13 boys. If I wasn't so lazy I would figure it out and give you the exact ratio but it was pretty much split down the middle.
There were three different girl groups. From third grade until 9th grade I bounced between two. I don't have many good memories of those times. Mostly, me trying to be somebody I wasn't so I could fit in with people who only wanted to be my friend if I was like them. Which I really wasn't. I guess I should clarify. We all wanted to please ONE girl. The one who called the shots and would make our life miserable if we didn't conform to her rules of life. Why did it matter what store our swimming suit came from? Why did we care? I wised up at the age of 15. Not near soon enough.
I was telling my brother about the big reunion and told him I was not at all excited. He asked if it was because I felt I was too ordinary. You know what? That was it. I don't have a PHD after my name (two of them do). I don't even have CPA after my name (several of them do - and I should, too, DANG IT!). I'm not executive VP of a fortune 500 company.
As I was talking to little brother last night he informed me that he was sitting around and thinking about his ordinary life and how much he loved it. In fact, it made him want all of us to go the park and have an ordinary hamburger cook out. He said these ordinary days were the days that his kids would always remember. Once again, I am reminded I need to focus on what I do have and not what I don't have. When will I ever learn?
So I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and am rising up to what is my ordinary life. Some of it is actually extra-ordinary. I'm very repetitive. I guess I need to be reminded over and over. I am glad I am not my own mother! I would drive myself crazy.
There were only 29 people in my graduation class and I think 27 of us were together since kindergarten. 13 girls. 14 boys. Or it could have been 14 girls and 13 boys. If I wasn't so lazy I would figure it out and give you the exact ratio but it was pretty much split down the middle.
There were three different girl groups. From third grade until 9th grade I bounced between two. I don't have many good memories of those times. Mostly, me trying to be somebody I wasn't so I could fit in with people who only wanted to be my friend if I was like them. Which I really wasn't. I guess I should clarify. We all wanted to please ONE girl. The one who called the shots and would make our life miserable if we didn't conform to her rules of life. Why did it matter what store our swimming suit came from? Why did we care? I wised up at the age of 15. Not near soon enough.
I was telling my brother about the big reunion and told him I was not at all excited. He asked if it was because I felt I was too ordinary. You know what? That was it. I don't have a PHD after my name (two of them do). I don't even have CPA after my name (several of them do - and I should, too, DANG IT!). I'm not executive VP of a fortune 500 company.
As I was talking to little brother last night he informed me that he was sitting around and thinking about his ordinary life and how much he loved it. In fact, it made him want all of us to go the park and have an ordinary hamburger cook out. He said these ordinary days were the days that his kids would always remember. Once again, I am reminded I need to focus on what I do have and not what I don't have. When will I ever learn?
So I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and am rising up to what is my ordinary life. Some of it is actually extra-ordinary. I'm very repetitive. I guess I need to be reminded over and over. I am glad I am not my own mother! I would drive myself crazy.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
the best gifts in life are free
I will admit that my anxiety level has been at record levels. I am struggling with one of my kids walking straight into a fiery inferno of huge college debt that she will be paying on well into her forty's. FYI - this generation of kids (unless they are blessed to have parents or grandparents with the ability to write that tuition check) are having to finance their education 20 and 30 years. That means they may make their last college loan payment around the age of 45! I don't think college is an option these days. I just think it needs to been done financially smart.
Abe has had to endure many of this family growing pains while he is growing up himself. He has seen one sister move to the city and then get married. And he isn't even out of second grade yet. He is the one who misses his daddy the most while Randy has been working 14 hour days to try and keep this family afloat. I think most kids are oblivious to how much their daddy works and Abe feels it every single day. He also feels that I have been a little stressed, too! He knew that I was freaked out over a huge boil, that appeared out of nowhere, on my face.
Last night, my little care taker Abe asked me if I would like my birthday gift early. Inside that gift bag full of tissue paper I found the best gift I have ever received. He printed the letters of my name with a special meaning for each one. He used a very fancy font and it was all centered on the page. On the top right hand corner, he had attached a home-made tissue paper flower with pipe cleaner. The fact that he doesn't even know how to spell my name makes it more precious to me.
This is what brought me to tears....
Super Hero
Tiger
Energetic
Proven to be the best mom ever
Hero for being my mom
Amazing
Never failed for Abe
Yellow flowers
Abe has had to endure many of this family growing pains while he is growing up himself. He has seen one sister move to the city and then get married. And he isn't even out of second grade yet. He is the one who misses his daddy the most while Randy has been working 14 hour days to try and keep this family afloat. I think most kids are oblivious to how much their daddy works and Abe feels it every single day. He also feels that I have been a little stressed, too! He knew that I was freaked out over a huge boil, that appeared out of nowhere, on my face.
Last night, my little care taker Abe asked me if I would like my birthday gift early. Inside that gift bag full of tissue paper I found the best gift I have ever received. He printed the letters of my name with a special meaning for each one. He used a very fancy font and it was all centered on the page. On the top right hand corner, he had attached a home-made tissue paper flower with pipe cleaner. The fact that he doesn't even know how to spell my name makes it more precious to me.
This is what brought me to tears....
Super Hero
Tiger
Energetic
Proven to be the best mom ever
Hero for being my mom
Amazing
Never failed for Abe
Yellow flowers
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