7.26.2007
Jack's Doc Visit
We addressed Jack's frequent migraines at a doc visit today. Our doc wasn't thrilled at the frequency of his headaches and the fact that they often cause him to vomit. We have an appointment Monday morning to see if a "brain scan" is warranted, and I'll update when I know more about that. Say a prayer for my boy if you can.
After his doc appointment, I took him shopping all by himself. He got to pick out his school clothes without his pesky little brother and bossy little sister at his heels. He had so much fun. After the shopping was over, I took him to his favorite greasy diner for supper. Waffles, bacon and three giant glasses of milk. The kid is a bottomless pit. We were discussing how much fun our "date" was when Jack told me that one day he would "find him a lady and give her a date."
Oh my.
Say a prayer for my little casanova.
After his doc appointment, I took him shopping all by himself. He got to pick out his school clothes without his pesky little brother and bossy little sister at his heels. He had so much fun. After the shopping was over, I took him to his favorite greasy diner for supper. Waffles, bacon and three giant glasses of milk. The kid is a bottomless pit. We were discussing how much fun our "date" was when Jack told me that one day he would "find him a lady and give her a date."
Oh my.
Say a prayer for my little casanova.
7.25.2007
A List for Angela
5 Things I Liked About Today:
1. I got to meet Ang and Mrs. Ernestine for lunch at this lovely place. In the world of me, lunch with an adult is a rare and beautiful thing to be treasured, which it was and I did. I only hope I didn't bore them to tears. Did I? Don't answer that.
2. As far as I know, my underwear exhibition went unwitnessed. No neighbors have complained yet. It is my fervent prayer that Sam forget this incident as soon as possible, or at least before he goes back to school. The kid has a really, really big mouth, and he loves nothing more than telling a great story. Ug.
3. I went to JulieAnne's bakery and bought a half dozen sand tarts to ease my underwear induced humiliation. I'm sure there will be nightmares tonight.
4. There are 23 days until school starts. I think.
5. I liked the fact that only 1 of my 5 assorted tea sandwiches was laced with cucumber.
There you have it!
1. I got to meet Ang and Mrs. Ernestine for lunch at this lovely place. In the world of me, lunch with an adult is a rare and beautiful thing to be treasured, which it was and I did. I only hope I didn't bore them to tears. Did I? Don't answer that.
2. As far as I know, my underwear exhibition went unwitnessed. No neighbors have complained yet. It is my fervent prayer that Sam forget this incident as soon as possible, or at least before he goes back to school. The kid has a really, really big mouth, and he loves nothing more than telling a great story. Ug.
3. I went to JulieAnne's bakery and bought a half dozen sand tarts to ease my underwear induced humiliation. I'm sure there will be nightmares tonight.
4. There are 23 days until school starts. I think.
5. I liked the fact that only 1 of my 5 assorted tea sandwiches was laced with cucumber.
There you have it!
Caught with my pants down. Yes. Really.
Do you ever realize that your lip gloss is in the your daughter's room when you need it to finish your morning toilette, or perhaps your mascara is in the treehouse? It could be that your concealer is in your purse which is in the car, just like mine was this morning. I had a hot date for lunch, so I was trying to look my best presentable. I realized that my concealer was in my purse in the car. Apparently, the last time I had used it was for a drive-by cover up. (Ba-Dom-Bom-Ching!)
So, I'm scantily clad. We'll just leave it at that. If you are more curious than that, just picture a HANES HER WAY commercial or some such undergarment advertisement. That would be me. Like I said, I was getting ready to hit the road, and my state of undress was not priority. I was in a rush, or maybe I just wanted to match my children who are perpetually in their underpants and less.
To get to the meat of the story, I was rummaging through my purse which happened to be in the cargo area of the car. With the back hatch door lifted, my head stooped inside the cargo area, and my butt in the air, Sam opened the garage door for me. I have to say "for" me because he SWORE that he was just trying to give me a little more light to dig by. Ya know, it actually didn't dawn on me immediately that I needed to duck and cover. No, I'd say my reaction time was rather disappointing for a mother of three. I should've known to be ready to run. Instead, I was more worried about the garage door ripping off the lift gate of the car. At some point, I must've felt a draft because I jumped into the back of the car and pulled the hatch down behind me. Somewhere, someone designed a hatch that is as difficult as sin to close behind yourself as you jump in nakey. Anyway. After lots of screaming and wailing on my part, Sam was finally convinced to put the door back down so Mommy could crawl out of the car. In her underwear. I'm telling ya, the humilation was right up there with my naked frog dance. At least that one wasn't on public view.
I did find my concealer. Just so ya know.
So, I'm scantily clad. We'll just leave it at that. If you are more curious than that, just picture a HANES HER WAY commercial or some such undergarment advertisement. That would be me. Like I said, I was getting ready to hit the road, and my state of undress was not priority. I was in a rush, or maybe I just wanted to match my children who are perpetually in their underpants and less.
To get to the meat of the story, I was rummaging through my purse which happened to be in the cargo area of the car. With the back hatch door lifted, my head stooped inside the cargo area, and my butt in the air, Sam opened the garage door for me. I have to say "for" me because he SWORE that he was just trying to give me a little more light to dig by. Ya know, it actually didn't dawn on me immediately that I needed to duck and cover. No, I'd say my reaction time was rather disappointing for a mother of three. I should've known to be ready to run. Instead, I was more worried about the garage door ripping off the lift gate of the car. At some point, I must've felt a draft because I jumped into the back of the car and pulled the hatch down behind me. Somewhere, someone designed a hatch that is as difficult as sin to close behind yourself as you jump in nakey. Anyway. After lots of screaming and wailing on my part, Sam was finally convinced to put the door back down so Mommy could crawl out of the car. In her underwear. I'm telling ya, the humilation was right up there with my naked frog dance. At least that one wasn't on public view.
I did find my concealer. Just so ya know.
7.24.2007
The Garden
Sophy has apparently been doing some gardening. She might as well, I've certainly let my duties go. She is out there most every evening digging around and clipping things.
The garden is sooo overgrown. I should be ashamed. But it's this rain. Honest. We've had so much!
Aretha is getting huge! (Aretha is growing on the arch.)
The garden is sooo overgrown. I should be ashamed. But it's this rain. Honest. We've had so much!
Aretha is getting huge! (Aretha is growing on the arch.)
The miles do add up.
I just logged on to map quest for a mileage quote.
For our trip on Friday to my d#$m Granny's 80th birthday bash to where all of our Texas family lives, we will have to drive 6 hours and 8 minutes. If you are not from Texas, that means that I will be driving from the state line (which is about 10 miles from my house) of East Texas to some point far West, and I'll still be a bazillion and 3 miles from any portion of the West state line of this fair state.
It's like when your friend buys a house with a 10 acre yard, and they're so happy with themselves. Secretly, you're thinking, "HAHA!! You have to mow it! Not me!! WHHEEEE!!!"
I'm thinking when Texas signed the title/deed to the state; all the little states around us were like, "SUCKERRRRRR!!!" Well, lucky for us the western portion doesn't need so much mowing as dusting. In large part, I guess we have to thank Mr. Santa Anna for our independence. Were it not for his Napoleonic views of himself, he might actually have been allowed to be president of Mexico for more than a day or two. Still, I'm not sure who we have to thank for our Biggie Sized Borders? Mr. Austin? Mr. Houston? Kinky Friedman? Moses Rose? Blue Bell Ice Cream? No wait. That is what is responsible for my "big borders." Snicker, snicker.
Bottom line. I could arrive in Memphis, Tennessee faster than I could get to the tiny town where my grandmother lives. If I drove West for another 12 hours from her house, I MIGHT reach the state line of New Mexico. Thank ya, though. I'll not be going that far.
So, we've got lots of road running, doctor appointments, and errands to see to. I do know I'll be seeing my mom's surviving siblings during our visit. There are about 7; I'm thinking, and my 42 first cousins. That is not a made up number.
Lucky for us Texas is a large state, huh? Else I might have married kinfolk.
I'm looking for family/ancestral (hello...is THAT a real word?) information on this trip. I'll be sure and present a book report on my family tree to the class when I return.
For our trip on Friday to my d#$m Granny's 80th birthday bash to where all of our Texas family lives, we will have to drive 6 hours and 8 minutes. If you are not from Texas, that means that I will be driving from the state line (which is about 10 miles from my house) of East Texas to some point far West, and I'll still be a bazillion and 3 miles from any portion of the West state line of this fair state.
It's like when your friend buys a house with a 10 acre yard, and they're so happy with themselves. Secretly, you're thinking, "HAHA!! You have to mow it! Not me!! WHHEEEE!!!"
I'm thinking when Texas signed the title/deed to the state; all the little states around us were like, "SUCKERRRRRR!!!" Well, lucky for us the western portion doesn't need so much mowing as dusting. In large part, I guess we have to thank Mr. Santa Anna for our independence. Were it not for his Napoleonic views of himself, he might actually have been allowed to be president of Mexico for more than a day or two. Still, I'm not sure who we have to thank for our Biggie Sized Borders? Mr. Austin? Mr. Houston? Kinky Friedman? Moses Rose? Blue Bell Ice Cream? No wait. That is what is responsible for my "big borders." Snicker, snicker.
Bottom line. I could arrive in Memphis, Tennessee faster than I could get to the tiny town where my grandmother lives. If I drove West for another 12 hours from her house, I MIGHT reach the state line of New Mexico. Thank ya, though. I'll not be going that far.
So, we've got lots of road running, doctor appointments, and errands to see to. I do know I'll be seeing my mom's surviving siblings during our visit. There are about 7; I'm thinking, and my 42 first cousins. That is not a made up number.
Lucky for us Texas is a large state, huh? Else I might have married kinfolk.
I'm looking for family/ancestral (hello...is THAT a real word?) information on this trip. I'll be sure and present a book report on my family tree to the class when I return.
Krunchy Club
We joined our local country club for the pool. Most people (heck, EVERYONE) that knows me probably laughs uncontrollably at the thought of me anywhere near a "club" or the "country" for that matter. The place does have a super nice pool and a nice dinner on Sunday afternoons, so those were big selling points. Ok, they were the only real selling points for me. Plus, it's about 4 minutes from our house. My daughter must not be the "country club" type either. As we pulled out today from a swim, she said, "Mom. I guess this is a pretty neat krunchy club."
Yep. She's a chip off the old, krunchy block.
Oh. And PS. Much to my happy surprise, I was able to see Ang who is in from London. She promises to update (ahem..hint,hint) her blog forthwith (is that a real word?) and with bucolic pics and everything! She happened by the school with her mom and witnessed the color frenzy that is my classroom! YAY!
Happy USA, Ang.
Jack's dental appt. went well.
I remembered!
Hoohoo.
Pizza's here.
Drooool.
Yep. She's a chip off the old, krunchy block.
Oh. And PS. Much to my happy surprise, I was able to see Ang who is in from London. She promises to update (ahem..hint,hint) her blog forthwith (is that a real word?) and with bucolic pics and everything! She happened by the school with her mom and witnessed the color frenzy that is my classroom! YAY!
Happy USA, Ang.
Jack's dental appt. went well.
I remembered!
Hoohoo.
Pizza's here.
Drooool.
7.23.2007
Ahhhh, now this is the life!
Jack just made breakfast for Sam and Sophy. Deep breath. In. Out. Remain calm!! ((Sniff, sniff)) I've waited for this day for sooooo long! This opens up a whole world of possibilities! ((Evil laugh inserted here.))
7.22.2007
Pioneer Woman is my hero.
As a rule, I try to stay as far away from my kitchen as possible. Not long ago, I started reading through Pioneer Woman's blog and became inspired (yes, it's true) by her recipes, food photos, and such. Do you ever get the impression that things like cooking and sewing and ironing are like things that the instructions came to you printed in a foriegn language? No? Well, maybe it's just me then. That is, until I found P. Woman. Check out her site if you think I lie, but I promise you...I do not fabricate. Tonight for supper we had her tenderloin, corn pudding, and twice baked potato recipes. TO DIE FOR, and yet I still live...to cook another day.
Wanna know something even more awe inspiring? I decided to make the twice baked spuds into a casserole. She called for milk in her recipe, yet on a whim, I used heavy cream (sllluurrpp...) and smushed it all together much like you would do for the restuffing into tater skins, except at that point, I smushed in the potato skins and threw it all into a baking dish and topped it with cheese and TA-DA! It was so amazing! I CAN COOK! WHO KNEW?? Not GardenDaddy, I assure of that. He definitely didn't know!
Head on over and check her out! She's awesome, and her husband is a hunk. And so is his brother. And some guy named Matteo. HOT TAMALES! Speaking of, I wonder if she makes those.
Wanna know something even more awe inspiring? I decided to make the twice baked spuds into a casserole. She called for milk in her recipe, yet on a whim, I used heavy cream (sllluurrpp...) and smushed it all together much like you would do for the restuffing into tater skins, except at that point, I smushed in the potato skins and threw it all into a baking dish and topped it with cheese and TA-DA! It was so amazing! I CAN COOK! WHO KNEW?? Not GardenDaddy, I assure of that. He definitely didn't know!
Head on over and check her out! She's awesome, and her husband is a hunk. And so is his brother. And some guy named Matteo. HOT TAMALES! Speaking of, I wonder if she makes those.
7.21.2007
Nanny McPhee
Does anyone else out there love her as much as I? No. There is no possible way. The movie is genius. Magical. I love it almost as much as I love sand tarts from JulieAnne's bakery. So there.
7.20.2007
Pics Again
This was the morning we were leaving. Don't they look sad?
This is such a subdued photo of Sam. I love it...except for the GIANT SHADOW in the pic. Pffffft.
Weep for the enemy.
This is such a subdued photo of Sam. I love it...except for the GIANT SHADOW in the pic. Pffffft.
Weep for the enemy.
Beach Pics
We rented a pontoon in Destin and cruised the sand bars. There was the cutest little ice cream boat selling frozen snacks and playing ice cream music. TOO CUTE! Who knew such a thing existed? We found several areas where we were able to wade in knee to waist deep water and let the kids fish around for hermit crabs. The water was so clear and calm...not the first wave! It was really nice. If you're ever in Destin, rent a pontoon (and pack a picnic.) The lovely photo above was one sand bar stop we made. The pic below is of First Mate Jack. 
The babies that I birthed have become so foriegn to me. I don't know who the children below are. Where are my babies? Well, they're cute kids....no matter who they belong to.
Sophy + Water = Happy Girl
Ok. So this isn't the beach, but it was Jack's first helicopter ride. Notice how he is sprinting towards the aircraft? He was realllly excited. This is in Mobile at the USS Alabama.
An Ode To Mike Rowe
Your eyes are alive
They are very squinty
I'm sure if I were close to you
Your breath would smell so minty
Sometimes you are sarcastic
Always you are funny
You've inseminated cows
I don't think you've inseminated a bunny
I laugh right along when you do what you do
But I cringe when you cringe while you're shoveling poo
Don't worry Mike
Don't you fret
I'll always watch
When you're grooming a pet
You're my hero
You're a thrill
The only problem
You're NOT Gryll(es)
They are very squinty
I'm sure if I were close to you
Your breath would smell so minty
Sometimes you are sarcastic
Always you are funny
You've inseminated cows
I don't think you've inseminated a bunny
I laugh right along when you do what you do
But I cringe when you cringe while you're shoveling poo
Don't worry Mike
Don't you fret
I'll always watch
When you're grooming a pet
You're my hero
You're a thrill
The only problem
You're NOT Gryll(es)
Bend it like Posh Spice.
I'll admit it. I'm a tabloid-celeb stalking junkie. Who knows why? Certainly not me. The Beckham clan fascinates me. I think Vic is about as smart as a TicTac, but I did watch her Welcome to America special the other night. I laughed really hard at a lot of things that I do not think were intended as comedy. Maybe that is why I like celeb news. It makes me feel, I dunno, intelligent in comparison. And the Cruises. Man, they are CREEPY! Their ever-growing list of cronies is even creepier. Which is why I suppose my Hollywood fascination will have to remain second fiddle to my obsession fascination with Mike and Bear.
Coming soon, An Ode To Little Mikey Rowe
Coming soon, An Ode To Little Mikey Rowe
7.18.2007
The Chronicles of Aqua Lung
Edited to say: E.Jo! I will post pics! Good idea. And yes, m'am! I had some serious fume buzzing going on. There was some question as to whether or not I should be allowed to drive home, but in the end, my co-workers who were there yesterday patted me on the back and said, "Well, be careful." We care for each other a lot, as you can see! Oh, and when I pulled into the garage, I crashed into some things. "Some things" being bicycles and the occassional scooter. You know, small things. HA! :-)
In case you were wondering, I did end up in a cloud of paint fumes yesterday afternoon. The results were mixed. My bookshelves are now beautiful shades of pink, purple, lime, and garnet. My short filing cabinet is aqua, and the door to my classroom closet is turquoise. My tall filing cabinet is banana yellow. I'm on the hunt for sheer curtains with banana, lime, garnet, purple, and watermelon polka dots. It's coming together nicely, but there is something on my mind that I have to share with you. I can't sit back and leave these words unspoken. You would think that there would be strict warnings on the spray paint cans instructing you to NEVER spray paint indoors. How could the makers of spray paint be so derelict in their duties? What's that? There are instructions stating to NEVER spray paint indoors? Hhhmmm. Must've missed those. Or thought they didn't apply to me. Or something. Ahem. Needless to say, I have a nice case ofblack aqua lung now. So, uh...yeah. Spray painting indoors. Bad. Scratch that one off the list. ((Random side note: the giant window was open. It just wasn't enough. Again, bad idea.)) How do I know it was a bad idea? Well, my aqua lime colored lungs are hurting, and I had the shakes until about 10:30 last night. I'm just saying. Paint outside people. 'Cause...Duh!!! ((Random side note #2: I am aware there are blatant health warnings on spray paint cans regarding painting indoors. In case you couldn't detect the sarcasm dripping from my words here. Ha! I'm just not berry good at thinking rules apply to me. Because my body is obviously impervious to biohazards and chemicals. PFffffft.))
Mommy of GardenPinkie and Pop of GardenPinkie will be going out of town tomorrow for 12 days, and they asked if the kids could stay the night with them tonight. HECK YEAH! Wahhoooo. I'm loving the random grandparent sleepover invites we get these days! DaddyPinkie and I are going to see a movie and grab some dinner. GET OUT OF TOWN! Unexpected grown-up time! SCORE!
In case you were wondering, I did end up in a cloud of paint fumes yesterday afternoon. The results were mixed. My bookshelves are now beautiful shades of pink, purple, lime, and garnet. My short filing cabinet is aqua, and the door to my classroom closet is turquoise. My tall filing cabinet is banana yellow. I'm on the hunt for sheer curtains with banana, lime, garnet, purple, and watermelon polka dots. It's coming together nicely, but there is something on my mind that I have to share with you. I can't sit back and leave these words unspoken. You would think that there would be strict warnings on the spray paint cans instructing you to NEVER spray paint indoors. How could the makers of spray paint be so derelict in their duties? What's that? There are instructions stating to NEVER spray paint indoors? Hhhmmm. Must've missed those. Or thought they didn't apply to me. Or something. Ahem. Needless to say, I have a nice case of
Mommy of GardenPinkie and Pop of GardenPinkie will be going out of town tomorrow for 12 days, and they asked if the kids could stay the night with them tonight. HECK YEAH! Wahhoooo. I'm loving the random grandparent sleepover invites we get these days! DaddyPinkie and I are going to see a movie and grab some dinner. GET OUT OF TOWN! Unexpected grown-up time! SCORE!
7.17.2007
The Trash Can of Inspiration
A big thing is happening in the little town where I teach. We're getting a new high school. It may not sound like much to you, but you'll just have to believe me when I tell you there hasn't been a new building resurrected in this town since about 1964. Possibly later. With the building of the new school, my campus is moving to the NOT-AS-OLD campus that the previous high schoolers vacated, since the middle school campus we had been using was built before or during Segregation for the black students of the community. Yesterday was day one of room work. I mostly emptied boxes, filled book shelves, etc. Not to tell you every mundane decision I made, but I did ditch desks in favor of lots of tables and chairs from our old science lab. These tables are solid wood and will be around long after I'm gone from this institution of insanity knowledge. The tables were painted black at some point, I assume, to match the black Formica tops. Since this is the same school district I attended 5th-12th grades, I assume these are also the tables where I sat in middle school as I destroyed dissected frogs, sheep hearts and cow eyes. Ahhh, the fun memories. I love dissection, but I digress. Back to the trash can of inspiration. So, last night I returned to Lowes (where you may recall I just gifted them with $1,500) and purchased the cutest trash can with bright summer colors and flip flops. This then led to me cruising to the spray paint aisle where I picked up aqua, fuchsia, orange, and lime paint. We're not allowed to paint the white walls, but stand back everyone...Room #3 is about to become INSPIRED!
In other exciting news, we're going swimming today with our church's children's groups. Every Tuesday, the children's departments meet for a Fun Day, and today is a swimming party. Even though it's a disruption to my paint fume sniffing aspirations, I guess we'll go. I plan on being in a cloud of paint by late afternoon, though. Just so ya know.
Let's see. What else? Dirty Jobs is a new epi tonight. Deep breath in....deep breath out....deep breath in....deep breath out. My sweet, little Mikey Rowe. Ahhhh.
More? Alrighty. Hhhmmm. We'll be making three road trips in the next 6 weeks or so. The last weekend in July we are heading to my grandmother's 80th surprise birthday bash in West Texas. She isn't doing very well, and this may be the last time we all have to see her. We call her my d@*# Granny because that is what she calls herself. Cusses a blue streak, she does. For example, after walking into her house, she would likely tell you (in her gruff smoker's voice) "Come over here and kiss your d@*# Granny." She's quite....colorful. I guess after birthing 13 babies, you just sort of get rough around the edges. Where was I? Road trips. The first weekend in August, we'll be heading to South Louisiana to visit with DaddyPinkie's sister and her family. Last but not least, we plan on traveling to Hot Springs, Arkansas the third week of August to visit with GardenPinkie's dad/step-mom. I know what you're thinking. Take a bucket! You're catching on to how we roll!
In other exciting news, we're going swimming today with our church's children's groups. Every Tuesday, the children's departments meet for a Fun Day, and today is a swimming party. Even though it's a disruption to my paint fume sniffing aspirations, I guess we'll go. I plan on being in a cloud of paint by late afternoon, though. Just so ya know.
Let's see. What else? Dirty Jobs is a new epi tonight. Deep breath in....deep breath out....deep breath in....deep breath out. My sweet, little Mikey Rowe. Ahhhh.
More? Alrighty. Hhhmmm. We'll be making three road trips in the next 6 weeks or so. The last weekend in July we are heading to my grandmother's 80th surprise birthday bash in West Texas. She isn't doing very well, and this may be the last time we all have to see her. We call her my d@*# Granny because that is what she calls herself. Cusses a blue streak, she does. For example, after walking into her house, she would likely tell you (in her gruff smoker's voice) "Come over here and kiss your d@*# Granny." She's quite....colorful. I guess after birthing 13 babies, you just sort of get rough around the edges. Where was I? Road trips. The first weekend in August, we'll be heading to South Louisiana to visit with DaddyPinkie's sister and her family. Last but not least, we plan on traveling to Hot Springs, Arkansas the third week of August to visit with GardenPinkie's dad/step-mom. I know what you're thinking. Take a bucket! You're catching on to how we roll!
7.15.2007
The Baby IS Alive
Ok, so if Life would slow down at all, I might be able to update about our trip! We came home to a totally dead fridge! YAY! I guess this was fates way of paying us back for someone not puking during our vacation, although Jack had a migraine last night and emptied it like 3 times before finally falling asleep. Luckily, all 3 up-chuck events made it into some variety of waiting receptacle. In the meantime, I had about 15 different ice chests scattered throughout the kitchen/breakfast nook/dining room, so everytime someone needed a drink of milk, or an apple, or a Capri Sun......well, I had to put on my hip waders and dive in. By the end of the day, I felt like I was playing Memory with coolers instead of cards. So, guess what we did today after church? A trip to Lowes. To buy a fridge. A stupid fridge. Because we're disgustingly wealthy and have $1,500 to drop whenever we feel like it. Right after a vacation. And right before school clothes and supplies are around the corner. Yep! We're crazy like that.
Honestly, I couldn't tell you which brand we bought, but I do like it way more than the old box. It's very smart and well, it's cold. Which is a just an added bonus when you're me.
My GrandPinkiePop wants to take the kids tomorrow to the airport where he works to ride in a helicopter, but I have to go toShawshank school tomorrow to see my new classroom and attempt to set some things up. I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove, and I can't WAIT to see some of my old students. It's crazy how much you miss the little armpits angels . Perhaps I'll wrap up at in my room early enough to make it to our appointed helicoptering. I'll be sure and take pics!
Speaking of babies who are alive (haha, you wondered what the title was about...right?), remember Baby Alive? Well, in 2006 she made a come back, complete with lots of cooing, burping, self-blinking eyes, wrinkling nose with sniffing sounds when she says "Uh-Oh, I made a POOP", and the excretory extravaganzas that you remember from childhood that looked like Baby had been eating something radioactive/nuclear.
Santa brought Sophy a Baby Alive this past Christmas, and I want to tell you right now. All joking aside. This doll is THE creepiest thing to ever wear a preemie diaper and suck a paci. Seriously. She SUCKS a paci. The manual encourages the "mommy/owner" to "give the doll her paci" in the event that she "won't stop crying." Yes. It happens. PinkieDaddy slammed a door earlier. Guess who woke up from her lloonngg beauty rest? Baby Alive. She cried for over 10 minutes. Sophy came and got me and said, "Mom. Is there something you can do to make her hush?" I had to rummage around in her crib for her PACI to stick in her MOUTH so she would SHUT UP! What then? She deep breathes like a phone sex operator. Know why? Because she CRIED FOR 10 MINUTES! It's insane. Insane! And I bought her. With money! I should've been saving for the fridge.
Honestly, I couldn't tell you which brand we bought, but I do like it way more than the old box. It's very smart and well, it's cold. Which is a just an added bonus when you're me.
My GrandPinkiePop wants to take the kids tomorrow to the airport where he works to ride in a helicopter, but I have to go to
Speaking of babies who are alive (haha, you wondered what the title was about...right?), remember Baby Alive? Well, in 2006 she made a come back, complete with lots of cooing, burping, self-blinking eyes, wrinkling nose with sniffing sounds when she says "Uh-Oh, I made a POOP", and the excretory extravaganzas that you remember from childhood that looked like Baby had been eating something radioactive/nuclear.
Santa brought Sophy a Baby Alive this past Christmas, and I want to tell you right now. All joking aside. This doll is THE creepiest thing to ever wear a preemie diaper and suck a paci. Seriously. She SUCKS a paci. The manual encourages the "mommy/owner" to "give the doll her paci" in the event that she "won't stop crying." Yes. It happens. PinkieDaddy slammed a door earlier. Guess who woke up from her lloonngg beauty rest? Baby Alive. She cried for over 10 minutes. Sophy came and got me and said, "Mom. Is there something you can do to make her hush?" I had to rummage around in her crib for her PACI to stick in her MOUTH so she would SHUT UP! What then? She deep breathes like a phone sex operator. Know why? Because she CRIED FOR 10 MINUTES! It's insane. Insane! And I bought her. With money! I should've been saving for the fridge.
7.13.2007
Throw Mama From the Car
It may be a few days before the world stops flashing by my eyes like so many fence posts, passing 18 wheelers, cows, hitchers, McDonald's and truck stops, but I promise to update with TONS of pics from the trip as soon as my land legs are back! Daddy Pinkie lets me drive when we make long car trips, so I've had the distinct priveledge of driving TO and FROM Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Uhm. Yeah, I wanted to throw mama from the car more than once!
For now, I'll leave you with an entry from Jack's journal:
July 12, 2007
My family is in Jackson Mississippi. Our hotel has bunkbeds. Sophy has to sleep on the couch. I want pancakes for supper at Shoneys and Dad says no. I think IHOP is around the corner. Mama told me to write down things I want to remember.
For now, I'll leave you with an entry from Jack's journal:
July 12, 2007
My family is in Jackson Mississippi. Our hotel has bunkbeds. Sophy has to sleep on the couch. I want pancakes for supper at Shoneys and Dad says no. I think IHOP is around the corner. Mama told me to write down things I want to remember.
- Sam getting stung by a jellyfish and crying.
- Riding on the boat to crab island.
- Big Kahunas
- Riding in a helicopter at Mobile Alabama
- Touching owl poop pellets at the museum of natural science in Jackson Mississippi.
- Going to the train exhibit.
- Going on the giant USS Alabama in Mobile.
- Riding the waves at the beach on my new surfboard.
- The swimming pools at our beach house.
- Seeing the dolphins near crab island.
Interesting Side Note: It did not rain on us once while in Florida. It rained on us 8 times from Alabama to Louisiana, and it began raining at home about 15 minutes after we pulled into the garage.
7.10.2007
((Why can't I type in the title line? STRANGE DAYS! ))
Hello from sunny Florida! We're having a grand time, and the kids will be on a sun/sand high for weeks to come. We're mostly sunburned and lovin' life. My FIL, aka Mr. Wonderful, brought his laptop with him, so I'm lovin' life at the moment also! We were so afraid that the rain we've had at home would follow us here, but it hasn't rained one drop! Having said that, I'm sure it will flood tommorow. Like biblical flooding.
Sam just returned from surfing with Daddy Pinkie and Jackson and informed me that he was stung by a jellyfish. He is rather proud of himself. Sophy is now crying because she wasn't stung by a jellyfish. We're a crazy bunch. We love pain. Apparently.
We spent the morning here and had a wonderful time. It's our third year in Florida to spend with the Big Kahuna, and the kids wait all year to return there. When we entered the water park this morning, the kids were chanting and rocking the car. It's was pretty scary for the parents. We went down every slide known to man, sloshed in wave pools, blasted through tunnels, swam through waterfalls, etc. We actually avoided the major crowds we've encountered in the past. It was super nice for the majority of the day. By the time we left, it was crowding up, but who cares? We were leaving. Pah.
As I type, Sophy is attempting to draw a Leatherback Sea Turtle in her memory book. Not that we've seen one, of course. She's wishing. In other news, Sophy is working on the tan of my dreams. How unfair is it that my 5 year old looks Brazilian while her mommy looks Norwegian. Or Irish. Or...well...white? I ask you, how fair is it? NOT FAIR. That's what.
Jack is really enjoying this vacation. He has really turned into quite the surf junkie. He's on the waves every waking minute we're here. I'm so glad he's old enough to enjoy this trip in a way he never has before....right down to the annoying surf slang he's throwing around like a really Anglo person. It's comical, trust me.
Sam and his red headed self has actually avoided The Royal Sunburn, and for that I am thankful. Lets just hope we can hold out.
I may not be able to update before we head home, but rest assured, we are having a ball. Tomorrow we're renting a pontoon and heading out to a sandbar/lagoon area in Destin to float for the day. Sam's sunburn luck may run out with that jaunt on the books. We're planning on floating from 9 until 1, eating on the boat, etc. Should be fun. We also have reservations for dinner tommorow night at the place we go every year for our "fancy dinner." I can't wait. They have seriously wonderful Italian food.
On the way home, we're stopping in Jackson, Mississippi for the night. We're going to the Museum of Natural Science in Jackson before we leave town. All three kids are about to explode with excitement over this impending visit, thanks to Night At the Museum. They are convinced that they will see a T-Rex that comes to life. I'm hoping not.
Better scoot. Dinner plans aren't nailed down, and I'm starving!
Happy Sunshine!
Hello from sunny Florida! We're having a grand time, and the kids will be on a sun/sand high for weeks to come. We're mostly sunburned and lovin' life. My FIL, aka Mr. Wonderful, brought his laptop with him, so I'm lovin' life at the moment also! We were so afraid that the rain we've had at home would follow us here, but it hasn't rained one drop! Having said that, I'm sure it will flood tommorow. Like biblical flooding.
Sam just returned from surfing with Daddy Pinkie and Jackson and informed me that he was stung by a jellyfish. He is rather proud of himself. Sophy is now crying because she wasn't stung by a jellyfish. We're a crazy bunch. We love pain. Apparently.
We spent the morning here and had a wonderful time. It's our third year in Florida to spend with the Big Kahuna, and the kids wait all year to return there. When we entered the water park this morning, the kids were chanting and rocking the car. It's was pretty scary for the parents. We went down every slide known to man, sloshed in wave pools, blasted through tunnels, swam through waterfalls, etc. We actually avoided the major crowds we've encountered in the past. It was super nice for the majority of the day. By the time we left, it was crowding up, but who cares? We were leaving. Pah.
As I type, Sophy is attempting to draw a Leatherback Sea Turtle in her memory book. Not that we've seen one, of course. She's wishing. In other news, Sophy is working on the tan of my dreams. How unfair is it that my 5 year old looks Brazilian while her mommy looks Norwegian. Or Irish. Or...well...white? I ask you, how fair is it? NOT FAIR. That's what.
Jack is really enjoying this vacation. He has really turned into quite the surf junkie. He's on the waves every waking minute we're here. I'm so glad he's old enough to enjoy this trip in a way he never has before....right down to the annoying surf slang he's throwing around like a really Anglo person. It's comical, trust me.
Sam and his red headed self has actually avoided The Royal Sunburn, and for that I am thankful. Lets just hope we can hold out.
I may not be able to update before we head home, but rest assured, we are having a ball. Tomorrow we're renting a pontoon and heading out to a sandbar/lagoon area in Destin to float for the day. Sam's sunburn luck may run out with that jaunt on the books. We're planning on floating from 9 until 1, eating on the boat, etc. Should be fun. We also have reservations for dinner tommorow night at the place we go every year for our "fancy dinner." I can't wait. They have seriously wonderful Italian food.
On the way home, we're stopping in Jackson, Mississippi for the night. We're going to the Museum of Natural Science in Jackson before we leave town. All three kids are about to explode with excitement over this impending visit, thanks to Night At the Museum. They are convinced that they will see a T-Rex that comes to life. I'm hoping not.
Better scoot. Dinner plans aren't nailed down, and I'm starving!
Happy Sunshine!
7.06.2007
Texas, Our Texas
Texas is drowning. It has been raining for 4 weeks, and last night it rained from 10pm until 5 o'clock this morning. Rural roads and highways in our county are closing. The people in the Hill Country areas, where we vacationed a few weeks ago, have it worse than we do here in East Texas. I love it, but I think it's starting to frighten the children. Our nightly prayers have started ending with, "and please let it stop raining."
On the TO DO LIST today:
Grocery shopping for the trip
Take kids to see a movie (you know..since IT'S RAINING)
Get pedicure
Load the car
Get swim meet gear together
...gee, it seems like I'm forgetting something.......
On the TO DO LIST today:
Grocery shopping for the trip
Take kids to see a movie (you know..since IT'S RAINING)
Get pedicure
Load the car
Get swim meet gear together
...gee, it seems like I'm forgetting something.......
7.05.2007
Brita!
Where are you in Florida? We will be in Ft. Walton! Hopefully it won't rain there next week. EEK! We've been to Florida for several years in a row now, and it has never rained. I'd say we're past due for a RAINY time!
7.04.2007
Beach Packing Remembered
As the Pinkies switch into PACK LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT mode, I'd like to leave you with beach packing memories from last year. We'll be blazing a trail to Florida immediately after the swim championships on Saturday, but not before my yearly GYNO appointment tomorrow (now there is an entry you're dying to hear about, I'm sure), and a pedicure on Friday that I have been dreaming about for weeks. As Mr. Pinkie so sweetly put it, "You have nursing home feet." Eeewwweee.
Way down South where the black water flows...
I mean, Happy Fourth of July!
With a momentary reprieve from therainy monsoon season that has settled upon us, we hurriedly festooned our Mule (no, not the HEEHAW kind) for our neighborhood's annual parade/picnic. Once the Freedom Wagon was ready to ride, we dashed off to the parade route. The kids enjoyed waving at the old folks and babies scattered along the route (I've read this post several times and with each reading I giggle as I imagine old people and babies SCATTERED along the roadside...which is sick...yet funny...er, well...nevermind), and one of our offspring was WAY too fond of ringing the blasted cow bell that was smuggled aboard. I still hear that stinking bell in my head....
Sadly, it did rain on our parade. Actually, it misted on our parade. We arrived back to the Picnic HQ house, set up the tables, munchies, hot dogs, etc. just in time for the skies to open up, and HELLO...we're back in Seattle again. THE RAIN IN SPAIN STAYS MAINLY IN THE PLAIN, but the rain in East Texas is DRIVING ME INSANE! Hahhaa. Actually, I love, love, love the rain. It could rain every day for all I care. Lucky for me, I may be getting my wish for the indefinite future. So, where was I? Oh yes. It rained. Luckily, Picnic HQ belongs to a super-nice family with an ENORMOUS house, drive, carport area. Several families (we weren't one of them) were graciously prepared with pop up tents, canopies, etc. Totally saved the day.
At some point, the monsoon turned into...well, hhhmm. What does a monsoon turn into when it gets angry? I dunno. All I know is that it was emptying buckets of rain. Thankfully there was no lightening or thunder, so the kids had a FIELD DAY playing in the rain. Somewhere after about an hour of hanging out, my fun-o-meter was at TILT, and I begged Mr. Pinkie to take us home. In the mule. The one with NO roof. In the downpour. It showed no signs of letting up you see. So, we bit the bullet and raced home in the pouring rain while our teeth chattered and the kids squealed. I won't tell you how many buckets of rainwater I was able to squeeze out of my underwear.
For now, we'll just think of the fun we had.
With a momentary reprieve from the
Sadly, it did rain on our parade. Actually, it misted on our parade. We arrived back to the Picnic HQ house, set up the tables, munchies, hot dogs, etc. just in time for the skies to open up, and HELLO...we're back in Seattle again. THE RAIN IN SPAIN STAYS MAINLY IN THE PLAIN, but the rain in East Texas is DRIVING ME INSANE! Hahhaa. Actually, I love, love, love the rain. It could rain every day for all I care. Lucky for me, I may be getting my wish for the indefinite future. So, where was I? Oh yes. It rained. Luckily, Picnic HQ belongs to a super-nice family with an ENORMOUS house, drive, carport area. Several families (we weren't one of them) were graciously prepared with pop up tents, canopies, etc. Totally saved the day.
At some point, the monsoon turned into...well, hhhmm. What does a monsoon turn into when it gets angry? I dunno. All I know is that it was emptying buckets of rain. Thankfully there was no lightening or thunder, so the kids had a FIELD DAY playing in the rain. Somewhere after about an hour of hanging out, my fun-o-meter was at TILT, and I begged Mr. Pinkie to take us home. In the mule. The one with NO roof. In the downpour. It showed no signs of letting up you see. So, we bit the bullet and raced home in the pouring rain while our teeth chattered and the kids squealed. I won't tell you how many buckets of rainwater I was able to squeeze out of my underwear.
For now, we'll just think of the fun we had.
7.03.2007
I lied.
I lied about The Drought.
I just recalled a conversation between myself and my only daughter that I should like to record for posterity.
Me: Sophy did you cut your hair in Sunday School this morning?
Sophy: Uhm. Nope.
Me: Are you sure? What's this weird spot here? Looks like you made a tiny snip?
Sophy: Uhm, hmmmm. Nope.
Me: You'll be in bigger trouble for lying than cutting your hair.
Sophy: I'm sorry, Mom. Yes. I didn't mean to.
Me: Ok, Sophy. I'm glad you told me the truth. Don't cut your hair, ok?
Sophy: (After a long, strained silence) Uh, Mama?
Me: Yes?
Sophy: I'm really sorry about cutting that OTHER little girl's hair.
Me: ((Mouth hanging open...unable to speak.))
Sophy: It's ok. It's ok.
Me: Sophy, please tell me that you didn't cut someone else's hair!
Sophy: I don't want to lie!
Me: Who was it?
Sophy: I don't know who she is.
Me: What color is her hair?
Sophy: White.
Me: Sophy, this is bad. How much did you cut?
Sophy: Don't worry, Mom. She'll never miss it.
I just recalled a conversation between myself and my only daughter that I should like to record for posterity.
Me: Sophy did you cut your hair in Sunday School this morning?
Sophy: Uhm. Nope.
Me: Are you sure? What's this weird spot here? Looks like you made a tiny snip?
Sophy: Uhm, hmmmm. Nope.
Me: You'll be in bigger trouble for lying than cutting your hair.
Sophy: I'm sorry, Mom. Yes. I didn't mean to.
Me: Ok, Sophy. I'm glad you told me the truth. Don't cut your hair, ok?
Sophy: (After a long, strained silence) Uh, Mama?
Me: Yes?
Sophy: I'm really sorry about cutting that OTHER little girl's hair.
Me: ((Mouth hanging open...unable to speak.))
Sophy: It's ok. It's ok.
Me: Sophy, please tell me that you didn't cut someone else's hair!
Sophy: I don't want to lie!
Me: Who was it?
Sophy: I don't know who she is.
Me: What color is her hair?
Sophy: White.
Me: Sophy, this is bad. How much did you cut?
Sophy: Don't worry, Mom. She'll never miss it.
A drought.
Despite the fact that it has been raining every day since May 15th or June 7th--take your pick, I am feeling as if I am experiencing a blog drought. I'll post (I just spelled it POAST..oh. my. gosh.) after we return from Florida on July 15th.
Happy Monsoon Everyone!
Happy Monsoon Everyone!
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