Future site of The Greatest Tree House Ever Built 2007. Coming soon! Also coming soon, daffodils to a flower bed near you (er, me.)
The garden in repose. That is a really pretty way of saying the garden is dead for a while.
2.19.2007
Random Photos
A tea party in progress and an apparent interest in playhouse construction. Look how happy Piglet looks. He looks like he wants to squeal.
Future site of The Greatest Tree House Ever Built 2007. Coming soon! Also coming soon, daffodils to a flower bed near you (er, me.)
The garden in repose. That is a really pretty way of saying the garden is dead for a while.
Future site of The Greatest Tree House Ever Built 2007. Coming soon! Also coming soon, daffodils to a flower bed near you (er, me.)
The garden in repose. That is a really pretty way of saying the garden is dead for a while.
2.18.2007
These are a few of my favorite things......
(Bread. Cheese. Meat--aren't these the top 3 on everyone's Favorite Thing list?)
Our Sunday school class rotates bringing breakfast each week. Being the culinary artist that I am, we usually make a run through The Doughnut Palace on our Sunday to draw the short straw, er...provide breakfast.
However, most of the REAL women in our group PREPARE (i.e COOK) something to be served hot to the class. Yeah, I'm in WAY over my head with this group. They pretend to not judge me (afterall, it IS church), but you would have to be blind to not notice the barely veiled looks of disgust they shoot at me. Wait. That would be Mr. Pinkie throwing that look at me as he realizes that there ARE women who cook (I've tried in vain to convince him that cooking is SO 2006.) Fortunately, The Doughnut Palace makes a mean kolache. So far, no one seems to mind our meager contribution to the breakfast buffet, even if I do imagine them scoffing at me behind their glazed doughnut, "I bet she doesn't even own a saucepan." I can just hear them! Can't you? Maybe the voices in my head are getting out of control.
Recently, one of those over achievers who uses her kitchen for more than serving macaroni and spaghettios made the following foodage in an attempt to make me look bad. It was simply divine (if you weren't in the mood for a doughnut.)
Sausage Puffs
Ingredients:
1 can croissants
1/2 pound sausage
5 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Directions
Spread 1/2 of the croissant pieces on a greased cookie sheet. Fry the sausage, adding cream cheese while still warm and stir. Spread sausage mixture over croissant dough. Cover with other half of croissant pieces and crimp edges to make a neat roll. Rub 1 egg white over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Serves 4
Our Sunday school class rotates bringing breakfast each week. Being the culinary artist that I am, we usually make a run through The Doughnut Palace on our Sunday to draw the short straw, er...provide breakfast.
However, most of the REAL women in our group PREPARE (i.e COOK) something to be served hot to the class. Yeah, I'm in WAY over my head with this group. They pretend to not judge me (afterall, it IS church), but you would have to be blind to not notice the barely veiled looks of disgust they shoot at me. Wait. That would be Mr. Pinkie throwing that look at me as he realizes that there ARE women who cook (I've tried in vain to convince him that cooking is SO 2006.) Fortunately, The Doughnut Palace makes a mean kolache. So far, no one seems to mind our meager contribution to the breakfast buffet, even if I do imagine them scoffing at me behind their glazed doughnut, "I bet she doesn't even own a saucepan." I can just hear them! Can't you? Maybe the voices in my head are getting out of control.
Recently, one of those over achievers who uses her kitchen for more than serving macaroni and spaghettios made the following foodage in an attempt to make me look bad. It was simply divine (if you weren't in the mood for a doughnut.)
Sausage Puffs
Ingredients:
1 can croissants
1/2 pound sausage
5 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Directions
Spread 1/2 of the croissant pieces on a greased cookie sheet. Fry the sausage, adding cream cheese while still warm and stir. Spread sausage mixture over croissant dough. Cover with other half of croissant pieces and crimp edges to make a neat roll. Rub 1 egg white over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Serves 4
More Puppy Pics
I know this puppy doesn't belong to me. Darn it all. But how cute is she? I ask you. How. Cute. Is. She.
We're rotting at home with more fever (we actually think Jack may have Chicken Pox despite having the vaccine as a babe), and things are just puttering right along. I know what you're thinking. Believe it or not, we actually do have moments of health and vigor in this house. I know EJo and Amy can vouch for me. It seems like with kids you get hit with cycles of germs or something. It seems like we go for months, or longer, with healthy kids. Then, out of the blue, it's just one thing after another. We've had our share of one thing AND another lately. This too shall pass. Er, I hope.
It would seem that our President's Day holiday was ill-fated from the beginning, but we're starting to become immune (no pun intended) to the realization that school holidays are on the books merely to taunt and torment us. Know what? Spring Break is coming up, and I plan on being one step ahead of the game. I'm going to buy bulk. Lysol. Clorox. Wipes. Sprays. Aerosols. Gas masks. Flame throwers. HAZMAT suits. Body armor. Tanks. Napalm. We're going to be ready for everything Dr. Germ has to throw at us. C'mon Ebola. We're ready! (Not really. You can keep the Ebola.)
I wish I could remember some cute childhood anecdote for you. It would seem that my blog has become a dumping ground for posts about sick children. We're more than a germ! WE ARE! I'll have to think up a ridiculously clever entry about one or more of my offspring. Tomorrow. I'll post one tomorrow.
We're rotting at home with more fever (we actually think Jack may have Chicken Pox despite having the vaccine as a babe), and things are just puttering right along. I know what you're thinking. Believe it or not, we actually do have moments of health and vigor in this house. I know EJo and Amy can vouch for me. It seems like with kids you get hit with cycles of germs or something. It seems like we go for months, or longer, with healthy kids. Then, out of the blue, it's just one thing after another. We've had our share of one thing AND another lately. This too shall pass. Er, I hope.
It would seem that our President's Day holiday was ill-fated from the beginning, but we're starting to become immune (no pun intended) to the realization that school holidays are on the books merely to taunt and torment us. Know what? Spring Break is coming up, and I plan on being one step ahead of the game. I'm going to buy bulk. Lysol. Clorox. Wipes. Sprays. Aerosols. Gas masks. Flame throwers. HAZMAT suits. Body armor. Tanks. Napalm. We're going to be ready for everything Dr. Germ has to throw at us. C'mon Ebola. We're ready! (Not really. You can keep the Ebola.)
I wish I could remember some cute childhood anecdote for you. It would seem that my blog has become a dumping ground for posts about sick children. We're more than a germ! WE ARE! I'll have to think up a ridiculously clever entry about one or more of my offspring. Tomorrow. I'll post one tomorrow.
2.12.2007
Can you see this?
I'm a little picture shy due to my last 2 entries being sucked into a black hole of cyber space. Hopefully, this works. If so, you should be looking at the sweetest puppy girl known to mankind. Her name is Pappy Jo, and she is my mom and dad's new baby!
2.11.2007
2.05.2007
Home Again, Home Again...Jiggity-Jog!
Little Man Sam started running a high temp on Thursday night, and it's been a rough couple of days since then. His spirits have been up, but we were very concerned about him a time or two. When Sam gets still and quiet, it's time to pay attention. So far today, his temp is around 100, which is low considering where it has been. Hopefully we're on the downhill side of this. Most of his symptoms were very flu-like, so who knows? He has been one sick fellow. So, here we are at home. Again.
I thought I'd use the time today (when I'm not tying Sam down to the couch in order to rest) to get caught up on some phone calling, Lysol scrubbing. We recently found out that the league we play tball/baseball with will not be operating this Spring. WHAT?!?! We haven't begun to tell the boys yet. They will be crushed. There are other leagues nearby, but all of our friends play in the old league. We're not sure what we'll do, but we have to decide soon. The nearest league ends it's sign ups this week. Jack is still getting ready for some Fun Runs later on this Spring and a triathalon at the beginning of the summer, so we'll have that to keep him busy. I'm very interested in the swim team in our area or possibly getting them in a kid's gym program. This past summer was very interesting for me because it was the first year that I felt that I had big kids that I had to 'entertain.' The days we didn't find a pool or an outside activity (on days that it wasnt' 120 degrees), the kids were happy to just watch tv or wander around the yard. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem turning them loose with their own imaginations, but sometimes unstructured imagination can be dangerous...at least at our house. Until we can afford an inground pool (hopefully in the next 3-4 years), we will be chasing summer activities. I don't want my kids growing up with their noses stuck to a television screen and their heart rates below 55 beats per minute. Hehe. Gee, do I digress, or what? And what is with my grammar, run-on sentences, and such today? Oh well. It's a sick day. So there (sticking my tongue out at you.)
Plans are still under way for The Greatest Tree House Ever Built '07. If no one pukes or runs a fever during the week of Spring Break, we will be building a tree house. I am so excited about this project. The kids are beyond excited about this project. Garden Daddy is a little less than thrilled, but he'll get over it! HAHA! The kids have the days marked on the calendar and are counting down, so he really has no choice but to comply with our wishes! Poor guy.
This post has taken me about 2 hours to finish due to various children running around (Sophy has a pair of panties on her head) when they should be resting. I better wrap this up.
I thought I'd use the time today (when I'm not tying Sam down to the couch in order to rest) to get caught up on some phone calling, Lysol scrubbing. We recently found out that the league we play tball/baseball with will not be operating this Spring. WHAT?!?! We haven't begun to tell the boys yet. They will be crushed. There are other leagues nearby, but all of our friends play in the old league. We're not sure what we'll do, but we have to decide soon. The nearest league ends it's sign ups this week. Jack is still getting ready for some Fun Runs later on this Spring and a triathalon at the beginning of the summer, so we'll have that to keep him busy. I'm very interested in the swim team in our area or possibly getting them in a kid's gym program. This past summer was very interesting for me because it was the first year that I felt that I had big kids that I had to 'entertain.' The days we didn't find a pool or an outside activity (on days that it wasnt' 120 degrees), the kids were happy to just watch tv or wander around the yard. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem turning them loose with their own imaginations, but sometimes unstructured imagination can be dangerous...at least at our house. Until we can afford an inground pool (hopefully in the next 3-4 years), we will be chasing summer activities. I don't want my kids growing up with their noses stuck to a television screen and their heart rates below 55 beats per minute. Hehe. Gee, do I digress, or what? And what is with my grammar, run-on sentences, and such today? Oh well. It's a sick day. So there (sticking my tongue out at you.)
Plans are still under way for The Greatest Tree House Ever Built '07. If no one pukes or runs a fever during the week of Spring Break, we will be building a tree house. I am so excited about this project. The kids are beyond excited about this project. Garden Daddy is a little less than thrilled, but he'll get over it! HAHA! The kids have the days marked on the calendar and are counting down, so he really has no choice but to comply with our wishes! Poor guy.
This post has taken me about 2 hours to finish due to various children running around (Sophy has a pair of panties on her head) when they should be resting. I better wrap this up.
1.29.2007
Show me the money!
This morning I wore my leather jacket. I can't tell you the last time/place that I wore the jacket (well, prior to the morning's events.) On the way to school, I noticed that the pocket was rather full of coins, so I stuck my hand in to find about $4 worth of quarters just begging me to buy a sausage biscuit from my favorite greasy spoon. Ahh, my mouth was salivating. The biscuit was going to be so flakey and warm. The thought of such a treat made my morning errands (read: drudgeries) seem petty.
My heart was warmed by the very thought of that yummy breakfast sandwich. I even debated with myself. Should there be jelly on this biscuit? If so, what kind. In the end, it was no. No, there would be no jelly to muck up the taste of the biscuit/sausage melding together in perfection.
The moment of bliss finally arrived. When the cashier (who I know personally and whose 4 children I have taught) rang up my order total, I reached into that lucky pocket and pulled out.....a fist full of game tokens. STUPID. STUPID. GAME TOKENS. Game tokens from Party Central (think Chuck E. Cheese on crack if you've not had the misfortune of attending a birthday party at such a joint.)
Cashier Girl collapsed into giggles, as did several patrons seated near her. I was mortified. Mostly because I had no other cash to my name. Not even my debit card was with me. I may never recover from the shame.
My heart was warmed by the very thought of that yummy breakfast sandwich. I even debated with myself. Should there be jelly on this biscuit? If so, what kind. In the end, it was no. No, there would be no jelly to muck up the taste of the biscuit/sausage melding together in perfection.
The moment of bliss finally arrived. When the cashier (who I know personally and whose 4 children I have taught) rang up my order total, I reached into that lucky pocket and pulled out.....a fist full of game tokens. STUPID. STUPID. GAME TOKENS. Game tokens from Party Central (think Chuck E. Cheese on crack if you've not had the misfortune of attending a birthday party at such a joint.)
Cashier Girl collapsed into giggles, as did several patrons seated near her. I was mortified. Mostly because I had no other cash to my name. Not even my debit card was with me. I may never recover from the shame.
1.28.2007
Where we go for all of our homework help.
Cats really do make the best homework tutors. Thomas helps Jack with his homework every night. She's a killer at subtraction. She has promised to teach me how to knit, but her schedule is really tight these days--what with story problems and spelling words and such. Thomas is the sweetest kitty ever. She's even forgiven us for the whole 'we thought you were a boy kitty so we named you Thomas thing.'
1.26.2007
Ahhh. Finally! Puke on a non-holiday! That's more like it.
I know why we're puking. Because after this horrendous bug made the rounds through every household within a 20 mile radius of us, I had the audacity to proclaim that we had 'dodged the bullet.' Nay. No dodging. This was one of those sneak attack, hiding in the bushes, lying in wait bullets. Last night, shortly after my blog entry about lottery commercial songs and beautiful sisters, our very own Beautiful Sister violently emptied it in her bed. Then in the toilet (about 4 times). Then in a H'ween Bucket (about 8 times). All of this within 2 and a half hours. Enter: Mr. Suppository. Shortly after Mr. S arrived on the scene, Beautiful Sister fell asleep until 4 AM (at which time she tossed it up again 3 times.) Enter: Mr. Suppository2. We've only had one spewing since 8 AM, so all is right with the world for now.
Sometime in the middle of the night, I remembered Sam was supposed to dress up like he was 100 years old for the 100th Day of School Party today. Siigghh! So this morning, as I inserted suppositories and cleaned up things I won't describe (Your Welcome), I found a white t-shirt and wrote "I AM 100 Years Old" on it in large, black letters, slipped it over Sam's head, and Wa-La! TRAGEDY AVERTED!
I'm sure his teacher will not be as pleased with his costume as I was. Or maybe he'll be all the rage.
Beautiful Sister begged us several times last night to please 'buy her some roses.' Knowing her daddy, she'll get her wish. Poor gal. She's melted into the couch right now with the orange jack-o-lantern bucket clutched between her fingers. I swear that pumpkin is laughing at us.
Sometime in the middle of the night, I remembered Sam was supposed to dress up like he was 100 years old for the 100th Day of School Party today. Siigghh! So this morning, as I inserted suppositories and cleaned up things I won't describe (Your Welcome), I found a white t-shirt and wrote "I AM 100 Years Old" on it in large, black letters, slipped it over Sam's head, and Wa-La! TRAGEDY AVERTED!
I'm sure his teacher will not be as pleased with his costume as I was. Or maybe he'll be all the rage.
Beautiful Sister begged us several times last night to please 'buy her some roses.' Knowing her daddy, she'll get her wish. Poor gal. She's melted into the couch right now with the orange jack-o-lantern bucket clutched between her fingers. I swear that pumpkin is laughing at us.
1.25.2007
Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow is..
Mr. Pinkie is at a wake for his step-grandmother this evening. I ordered pizza in lieu of cooking, and we just wrapped up the homework/bath time dance. We'll be in bed shortly! Ahhh, the bed......
If there are peeping Tom's in our neighborhood, we've surely given them a good laugh this evening...for lots of reasons, but mostly for dancing in the middle of the living room to a lottery commercial. It's the song. The commercial has the catchiest tune. It's like one minute were playing with Legos, picking up socks, and drinking juice. The next minute we're all bobbing, weaving, and shaking what we got like crazy people in the middle of the living room. Commercial ends, we're all back to whatever it was we were doing before. We ain't right.
Speaking of not being right, Sam was getting dressed in his bedroom after bathtime. I was just about to go in his room when I heard him singing, "Sophy is so beautiful" all sweet and sappy (this is NOT like him.) So, I said, "WHAT? SOPHY IS BEAUTIFUL?" He was so embarrassed and hid in the closet and screamed, "LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU STINK!" Hehe. I love that kid. It wasn't long after that when Jack ran into the room shouting, "Mom. Quick. There is dog thief on Inside Edition!" It's all the important stuff around here. ONLY important stuff.
Tomorrow is the 100th day of school, and Sam has to dress up like he is 100 years old. Funny, I FEEL like I'm 100 years old after the week I've had. I probably look it too. Maybe he could take me in for show and tell. "See kids! I told you my mom was 100 years old."
1.18.2007
Tivo + Me = Happiness
I love me some Tivo. How strange and wonderful to be able to pause the news, rewind to catch the weather, record 2-3 shows while watching another, record various titles under a season pass that allows you to NEVER have to endure a forgotten episode of Survivor or Lost or...gasp, American Idol (more on this later.) I look back now on all of the years of television that were lost in shuffle of diapers, feedings, pukings, etc. When you have 3 children under the age of 4, that happens. But oh boy! Not anymore! Don't get me wrong, we're still insanely busy. It's different now, though. We're able to record any number of mindless shows to watch once the kids are abed.
Happy sigh.
Here is our current recording list:
Lost - Of course, the show is OFF more than it's ON, but we endeavor to persevere. I read somewhere this season will consist of 17 back to back episodes. We'll see! I'm pretty much over my Lost obsession, but I will most definitely follow it until the end, which I also read is in the works. The writers of the show didn't want it to be the show that ran for "2 seasons too many," so the final season is already being planned. No word on when that is. Anyone know?
Survivor - The season just ended, but I'll be locked and loaded for the new season. Sometimes Survivor lets me down. Sometimes the "characters" aren't as interesting as other times. I'm really annoyed at the producer's inability to think up some other locale than an island setting. It would be really neat to see some different terrain. Think of what it would mean to the survivor's SURVIVAL. I think the purpose of the show is getting diluted because the players of the game have figured out how to survive the island setting ahead of time AND how to play the game by watching/learning from previous mistakes of previous players. I'd like a really big location shake-up, but I'm sure they'll never host the show in an area where you can't wear a bikini. Skin sells. Still, I'm a fan and will continue to watch. Favorite season of all time? Australia. Colby. ((Although Rupert pulled a close second some seasons later.))
Medium - I have no idea why I watch this show, but what can I say? I'm weak.
Dirty Jobs - TOP OF THE TIVO'ing list. Mike Rowe is my boyfriend. When this show leaves television, I will mourn and wear black. I love this show. For one thing, Mike Rowe is about as sarcastic as a human can be. He has a very twisted sense of humor. It's love, I tell you.
Man Vs. Wild - My latest Discovery channel addiction. Bear Grylles is my back-up boyfriend in the event that Mike Rowe ever cheats on me. This show is amazing. At least once per episode, Mr. Pinkie and/or myself will be like, "Huh. I didn't know that." I like the fact that he takes real life situations where people have been killed, like the Kim Family's father in the Oregon wilderness, and dedicates an episode to showing you how to survive if you were in that situation. Of course, there are the locations like the Costa Rican rainforest. Yeah, I'll probably never go there, but it's pure entertainment nonetheless. He makes no excuses for the survival choices he portrays saying that you will almost always make bad decisions in a survival situation, but the important thing is to keep making decisions and try everything possible. He's my hero. And my boyfriend. Don't worry, Mr. Pinkie is aware of the situation.
American Idol - It's like a bad crack habit that I can't kick (I assume.) It's just that...well, this show is as much of a fishbowl as Survivor is. There are 3 types of people on Idol, 1.) extremely talented people who need to be discovered, 2.)people who can sing on key, but need to stick to the church choir, and 3.) flat-out, weirdo, manic people who have no idea (and how does that happen)that they can't sing. Not only can they not sing and don't know it, they seem to have no clue that the rest of us are sitting at home with our mouth's agape in horror and awe. Like last night, the 2 little (one was actually huge) guys that were obviously out on a trip from their Group Home without a supervisor or counselor. Simon compared one of them to a bush baby or a jungle monkey..oh, it was dreadful. Normally, I laugh at the ridiculous people and their humiliation. Even if they're pitifully unintelligent...I know. I know...I'm being honest. But these 2 guys...they broke my heart. WHAT ON EARTH? I mean...their parents, their caregivers (because they were BOUND to have caregivers)...WHO let them out to traipse around Seattle on their own and embarrass themselves in front of THE WORLD...HELLO? Ok, so despite those 2 people, I find the bulk of the tryouts to be, far and away, more entertaining than anything else the rest of the season has to offer. My favorite winner to date...probably Chris Daughtry, but I liked Carrie Underwood and Kelli Clarkson. My favorite Idol ever was the kid last season with the amazing voice, asthma and bad teeth whose mom looked really sick. He was such a nice guy. As if I know him. HA!
Happy sigh.
Here is our current recording list:
Lost - Of course, the show is OFF more than it's ON, but we endeavor to persevere. I read somewhere this season will consist of 17 back to back episodes. We'll see! I'm pretty much over my Lost obsession, but I will most definitely follow it until the end, which I also read is in the works. The writers of the show didn't want it to be the show that ran for "2 seasons too many," so the final season is already being planned. No word on when that is. Anyone know?
Survivor - The season just ended, but I'll be locked and loaded for the new season. Sometimes Survivor lets me down. Sometimes the "characters" aren't as interesting as other times. I'm really annoyed at the producer's inability to think up some other locale than an island setting. It would be really neat to see some different terrain. Think of what it would mean to the survivor's SURVIVAL. I think the purpose of the show is getting diluted because the players of the game have figured out how to survive the island setting ahead of time AND how to play the game by watching/learning from previous mistakes of previous players. I'd like a really big location shake-up, but I'm sure they'll never host the show in an area where you can't wear a bikini. Skin sells. Still, I'm a fan and will continue to watch. Favorite season of all time? Australia. Colby. ((Although Rupert pulled a close second some seasons later.))
Medium - I have no idea why I watch this show, but what can I say? I'm weak.
Dirty Jobs - TOP OF THE TIVO'ing list. Mike Rowe is my boyfriend. When this show leaves television, I will mourn and wear black. I love this show. For one thing, Mike Rowe is about as sarcastic as a human can be. He has a very twisted sense of humor. It's love, I tell you.
Man Vs. Wild - My latest Discovery channel addiction. Bear Grylles is my back-up boyfriend in the event that Mike Rowe ever cheats on me. This show is amazing. At least once per episode, Mr. Pinkie and/or myself will be like, "Huh. I didn't know that." I like the fact that he takes real life situations where people have been killed, like the Kim Family's father in the Oregon wilderness, and dedicates an episode to showing you how to survive if you were in that situation. Of course, there are the locations like the Costa Rican rainforest. Yeah, I'll probably never go there, but it's pure entertainment nonetheless. He makes no excuses for the survival choices he portrays saying that you will almost always make bad decisions in a survival situation, but the important thing is to keep making decisions and try everything possible. He's my hero. And my boyfriend. Don't worry, Mr. Pinkie is aware of the situation.
American Idol - It's like a bad crack habit that I can't kick (I assume.) It's just that...well, this show is as much of a fishbowl as Survivor is. There are 3 types of people on Idol, 1.) extremely talented people who need to be discovered, 2.)people who can sing on key, but need to stick to the church choir, and 3.) flat-out, weirdo, manic people who have no idea (and how does that happen)that they can't sing. Not only can they not sing and don't know it, they seem to have no clue that the rest of us are sitting at home with our mouth's agape in horror and awe. Like last night, the 2 little (one was actually huge) guys that were obviously out on a trip from their Group Home without a supervisor or counselor. Simon compared one of them to a bush baby or a jungle monkey..oh, it was dreadful. Normally, I laugh at the ridiculous people and their humiliation. Even if they're pitifully unintelligent...I know. I know...I'm being honest. But these 2 guys...they broke my heart. WHAT ON EARTH? I mean...their parents, their caregivers (because they were BOUND to have caregivers)...WHO let them out to traipse around Seattle on their own and embarrass themselves in front of THE WORLD...HELLO? Ok, so despite those 2 people, I find the bulk of the tryouts to be, far and away, more entertaining than anything else the rest of the season has to offer. My favorite winner to date...probably Chris Daughtry, but I liked Carrie Underwood and Kelli Clarkson. My favorite Idol ever was the kid last season with the amazing voice, asthma and bad teeth whose mom looked really sick. He was such a nice guy. As if I know him. HA!
15 Things You Don't Know About Me
((This is the most retarded title ever. I mean, after I tell you these things, then you'll know them...which makes the title...well, pointless. Right?))
1. I am phobic about boat travel.
2. I am not supposed to drive at night..you know, the whole night blindness thing. Still, it's kind of fun.
3. My first strawberry was consumed at the age of 17. The avocado was shortly thereafter.
4. I learned to swim in a stock tank on a peanut farm.
5. While in middle school, I used to hide under my brother's beds and listen to their phone conversations. I am still not ashamed of this and would do it again in a heartbeat.
6. Big cats, like lions and jaguars, pee on me on sight. It's happened 3 times in my life at separate zoos.
7. I've never eaten an orange.
8. My mouth used to (HA!) get me in trouble a lot.
9. My favorite color is pink.
10. My favorite number is 5. It turns up a lot in my life. For example, I am currently seventy FIVE dollars overdrawn.
11. If I could be any animal, I would be a bird.
12. I collect glass birds. Fenton birds.
13. I drink a pitcher of tea a day.
14. Cooking is not my favorite past-time.
15. I've always secretly wanted my own pet guinea pig.
1. I am phobic about boat travel.
2. I am not supposed to drive at night..you know, the whole night blindness thing. Still, it's kind of fun.
3. My first strawberry was consumed at the age of 17. The avocado was shortly thereafter.
4. I learned to swim in a stock tank on a peanut farm.
5. While in middle school, I used to hide under my brother's beds and listen to their phone conversations. I am still not ashamed of this and would do it again in a heartbeat.
6. Big cats, like lions and jaguars, pee on me on sight. It's happened 3 times in my life at separate zoos.
7. I've never eaten an orange.
8. My mouth used to (HA!) get me in trouble a lot.
9. My favorite color is pink.
10. My favorite number is 5. It turns up a lot in my life. For example, I am currently seventy FIVE dollars overdrawn.
11. If I could be any animal, I would be a bird.
12. I collect glass birds. Fenton birds.
13. I drink a pitcher of tea a day.
14. Cooking is not my favorite past-time.
15. I've always secretly wanted my own pet guinea pig.
1.17.2007
Sophy Claire
Girl. Girl. Girl. Sophy is 195% girl. She is so dainty and prissy. She can't stand to have chipped nail polish, loves shoes and clothes, and dreams of being a glittery mermaid with diamonds in her hair. All of these girlie persuasions make it a little hard to visualize her, then, asking her brothers, "Hey. Wanna go fight?" She loves nothing more than a good tussle. She usually imparts as much pain as she receives. She has learned; however, that squealing in pain (even if it's a fake squeal) usually causes a momentary window in which she can get a better foot hold, hand hold, hair hold, etc.
Kindergarten is calling. As of August, all 3 kiddos will be in school. Sophy in kindergarten, Sam in first grade, and Jackson in third. I'm scared. Mostly because I know what Sophy is capable of. We had actually considered skipping kindergarten with her, but socially we do not feel she is up to the challenge. Academically, she is reading on about a second grade level, she is adding/subtracting, spelling, doing her brother's homework on request, etc. It's because of the latter that we've had to intervene on several occassions. I've caught most things that she has completed, but some things still get by me. At least we know she can do the work, right?
She is constantly leaving me notes on the fridge that say I LOVE YOU MOMMY or I LIKE PRESENTS or ITS MY BURTHDAY. Hehe. Lately she's been telling me that we're "sisters." Fine with me! As long as she doesn't ask me "wanna fight?"
Kindergarten is calling. As of August, all 3 kiddos will be in school. Sophy in kindergarten, Sam in first grade, and Jackson in third. I'm scared. Mostly because I know what Sophy is capable of. We had actually considered skipping kindergarten with her, but socially we do not feel she is up to the challenge. Academically, she is reading on about a second grade level, she is adding/subtracting, spelling, doing her brother's homework on request, etc. It's because of the latter that we've had to intervene on several occassions. I've caught most things that she has completed, but some things still get by me. At least we know she can do the work, right?
She is constantly leaving me notes on the fridge that say I LOVE YOU MOMMY or I LIKE PRESENTS or ITS MY BURTHDAY. Hehe. Lately she's been telling me that we're "sisters." Fine with me! As long as she doesn't ask me "wanna fight?"
Sam
So, we've covered the fact that Sam lost his first tooth. It wasn't exactly a loose tooth, but the ball that came along didn't seem to mind that the tooth wasn't exactly loose. $3 later, we've recovered from the bloody trauma.
Kindergarten is going good. Sam loves his teacher so much, and I love her so much too! She's great. We're really working on our basic reading skills which is not his favorite thing to be learning right now. He's finally starting to show some interest, so I'm hoping he'll start to pick it right up. Whereas Jack is more of a loner and happy to be that way, Sam seems to make friends where ever he goes. He has a different tale every day of some kid or other that he hooked up with at school. This could be good news or bad news for our future. He tries very frequently to get Sophy to his handwriting, homework sheets. She usually obliges, and I am forced to intervene. More on this in my Sophy update.
As I type, Sam is giving Sophy a horsey ride around the house on his back. I'm always frightened when they're getting along. It's seems safer, usually, when they're not on the same page. If they are ever together, it pays to look into their activities. Never good. Never. Like the time he tied her to the basketball goal with lots and lots of ropes (she agreed to this part). Shortly after securing the ropes, he walked away and told her he was going to get his pet bear to come eat her. Sophy didn't appreciate the humor and became hysterical with fear. Sam thought it was hilarious. Don't feel too bad for too long. Once she was untied, she promptly attacked him like the pet bear he wished he had.
Kindergarten is going good. Sam loves his teacher so much, and I love her so much too! She's great. We're really working on our basic reading skills which is not his favorite thing to be learning right now. He's finally starting to show some interest, so I'm hoping he'll start to pick it right up. Whereas Jack is more of a loner and happy to be that way, Sam seems to make friends where ever he goes. He has a different tale every day of some kid or other that he hooked up with at school. This could be good news or bad news for our future. He tries very frequently to get Sophy to his handwriting, homework sheets. She usually obliges, and I am forced to intervene. More on this in my Sophy update.
As I type, Sam is giving Sophy a horsey ride around the house on his back. I'm always frightened when they're getting along. It's seems safer, usually, when they're not on the same page. If they are ever together, it pays to look into their activities. Never good. Never. Like the time he tied her to the basketball goal with lots and lots of ropes (she agreed to this part). Shortly after securing the ropes, he walked away and told her he was going to get his pet bear to come eat her. Sophy didn't appreciate the humor and became hysterical with fear. Sam thought it was hilarious. Don't feel too bad for too long. Once she was untied, she promptly attacked him like the pet bear he wished he had.
Jack Ryan
I have one child simmering in the tub, one vegged out in front of the tv, and one tucked away with a book somewhere. Seems like a good time to update about the 2 guys and the doll. Guy #1 is less than 6 months away from being 9, uh-huh...NINE, years old. Eek. He is still my most likely to be reading a book somewhere. We're still leaning towards space, flight, and airplane topics. He can sit for hours with a book on trains or space travel and be perfectly content. Sometimes I worry because he is so placid and laid back. He takes orders very well from Guy #2, and usually this concerns me. As Guy #1, you'd think he was the boss of the crew. Nope. That role falls to Guy #2. The good news is that Guy #1 usually totally ignores the dominating ways of Guy #2, and it would probably be in his best interest to continue ignoring him. At least, this is what I keep telling him.
A few nights ago, Jack woke up in hysterics. Sobbing, crying, etc. When I finally got out of him what was wrong, I felt so bad for him. Turns out that he had a nightmare about me. He dreamed that I was in the forest picking flowers and 10 hunters came out of the woods and shot me. So...yeah, I was disturbed then too! I can't imagine where this came from. It isn't something we've heard about or seen on tv. We're very selective about our television viewing, so I don't know. Needless to say, I won't be picking flowers in the forest anytime soon. Hehe.
Jack has really gotten interested in exercise, jogging, etc. We recently bought him a pair of jogging shoes, and we're looking into some kid Fun Runs scheduled for the spring. If all goes according to plan, he'll be participating in an IronKids Triathalon on June 2nd. This will entail a 100 yd swim, 1 mile run, and 3.2 bike ride. He is so excited, and he is really doing his part to get ready for it. He is constantly begging us to let him go jog, so we're just backing him up on this one. We can't all be Derek Jeter, eh? I guess it wouldn't be so bad to have an Iron Man in the family!
A few nights ago, Jack woke up in hysterics. Sobbing, crying, etc. When I finally got out of him what was wrong, I felt so bad for him. Turns out that he had a nightmare about me. He dreamed that I was in the forest picking flowers and 10 hunters came out of the woods and shot me. So...yeah, I was disturbed then too! I can't imagine where this came from. It isn't something we've heard about or seen on tv. We're very selective about our television viewing, so I don't know. Needless to say, I won't be picking flowers in the forest anytime soon. Hehe.
Jack has really gotten interested in exercise, jogging, etc. We recently bought him a pair of jogging shoes, and we're looking into some kid Fun Runs scheduled for the spring. If all goes according to plan, he'll be participating in an IronKids Triathalon on June 2nd. This will entail a 100 yd swim, 1 mile run, and 3.2 bike ride. He is so excited, and he is really doing his part to get ready for it. He is constantly begging us to let him go jog, so we're just backing him up on this one. We can't all be Derek Jeter, eh? I guess it wouldn't be so bad to have an Iron Man in the family!
1.15.2007
The Story of the Tooth Fairy
As everyone knows, the Tooth Fairy lives in a recently remodeled birdhouse upgraded to fairy specifications. Her newly added front porch allows her to relax on her not-so-frequent night off, watch the sunset with her pet mosquito, and sip a soothing nectar of sugar-free orange juice with a splash of sparkling water. I've been told the secret location of her fairy cottage is in a hidden garden somewhere near Florida. Of course, that's probably a rumor. It's in this quaint little cottage, hidden by rose bushes, day lilies, and climbing jasmine that Toothie (as she is known by her closest bossoms) operates a very lucrative fairy dust operation to help offset travel expenses. Of course, bulk fairy dust is missing the one special ingredient that helps Toothie slip through key holes and under pillows, so we need not fear a rash of home invasions and pillow snatching. All is safe. It's about time now. Toothie is saddling up her trusty steed, a blue iridescent butterfly named Bicuspid, to head out into the wintry night. We're ready Toothie. We're ready.
10 Most Interesting Comments of the Day
10 most interesting comments of the day as quoted by Sam.
10. HELP! HELP! ((Blood running down his chin)) SOMEBODY HELP ME!! (Turns out he lost a tooth. An un-loose tooth, but a tooth nonetheless.)
9. When the Loose Fairy comes, how does she know where you are? (Mr. Pinkie and I laughed and laughed. Wonder how the Loose Fairy feels about Sam sullying her pristine reputation. She went from being an icon of innocence to "loose" in the blink of an eye.)
8. If we glue the tooth back in, do I still get the money?
7. Are my teeth plastic?
6. ((With a rag tied around his head/jaw, a golf club for a walking stick, and a very exaggerated limp)) I think I need to be absent tomorrow with this big hole in my mouth.
5. How many days until I can eat again?
4. (Topic change) Mom. How do they get babies out of your tummy? (I knew this was coming one day....) ((I took a deep breath and told him the truth. That babies come out of your belly button. Don't frown. You don't know Sam like I do.))
3. Gee. Do belly buttons stretch really hugely?
2. ((Pulling a stuffed puppy out of his pretend-impregnated tummy)) SOMEBODY HELP! SOMEBODY HELP! There's a puppy stuck in my belly button! ((Ack.))
1. If I swallowed my tooth and it came out my hiney, would it bite me?
10. HELP! HELP! ((Blood running down his chin)) SOMEBODY HELP ME!! (Turns out he lost a tooth. An un-loose tooth, but a tooth nonetheless.)
9. When the Loose Fairy comes, how does she know where you are? (Mr. Pinkie and I laughed and laughed. Wonder how the Loose Fairy feels about Sam sullying her pristine reputation. She went from being an icon of innocence to "loose" in the blink of an eye.)
8. If we glue the tooth back in, do I still get the money?
7. Are my teeth plastic?
6. ((With a rag tied around his head/jaw, a golf club for a walking stick, and a very exaggerated limp)) I think I need to be absent tomorrow with this big hole in my mouth.
5. How many days until I can eat again?
4. (Topic change) Mom. How do they get babies out of your tummy? (I knew this was coming one day....) ((I took a deep breath and told him the truth. That babies come out of your belly button. Don't frown. You don't know Sam like I do.))
3. Gee. Do belly buttons stretch really hugely?
2. ((Pulling a stuffed puppy out of his pretend-impregnated tummy)) SOMEBODY HELP! SOMEBODY HELP! There's a puppy stuck in my belly button! ((Ack.))
1. If I swallowed my tooth and it came out my hiney, would it bite me?
If I have to tell you ONE more time.....
I have said this one little phrase about 1,997 times today. Ack. It's starting to leave a rancid taste in my mouth. About 2 hours ago, I dropped the aforementioned phrase for a more pleading, "Why? Why would you do that when I just told you to stop?" Followed up by, "Now you're sister has green marker eyebrows." After that I was answered with a quickly delivered, "I dunno, fish head...she likes it that way," while the offending red-headed 6 year old ran off to shoot the cat (once again, for the 219th time since lunch.) I finally just dropped all pretense at verbal reprimanding and leveled the dreaded 'look' at anyone who dares to step in the visual path of the stare. It didn't work in case you were wondering.
It's a school holiday for corn's sake. I don't want to beat anyone today. Ya know? Why can't we all just get along? Why must we stuff ourselves into pillowcases and fall on one another as we topple over lamps and giggle like insane, crazy people? Is it completely necessary that we hover a finger 2 mm over any given sibling's skin while they scream in obvious terror at the thought of being touched...by a finger?
As a last ditch effort, I did what any Mommy would do on a 31 degree, icey road, tree crackling day (if you wouldn't, please don't tell me.) I bundled them up, layers, toboggans, jackets, and tennis shoes and made them jog to the end of the block and back. Twice. ((Evil laugh inserted here.)) THAT worked in case were wondering.
In even more disturbing family news, Sophy has bemoaned the fact on numerous occassions today that she wasn't endowed with certain anatomical features (ahem) that her brothers were blessed with. To the point of tears and very specific requests made to rectify the situation. Why, she pleaded, would they have such handy equipage and she did not? Who had forgotten to give it to her, she wanted to know. Could we buy one at Walmart was the next question. She cried silently in her room for a while. Mourning the loss of her manhood that never was. Boy, wouldn't she be disappointed to learn about the fun mother nature has in store for her womanliness down the road? Let's hope that is a long, long, long way off. First, we have to get over our missing parts. Or, part, as it were.
It's a school holiday for corn's sake. I don't want to beat anyone today. Ya know? Why can't we all just get along? Why must we stuff ourselves into pillowcases and fall on one another as we topple over lamps and giggle like insane, crazy people? Is it completely necessary that we hover a finger 2 mm over any given sibling's skin while they scream in obvious terror at the thought of being touched...by a finger?
As a last ditch effort, I did what any Mommy would do on a 31 degree, icey road, tree crackling day (if you wouldn't, please don't tell me.) I bundled them up, layers, toboggans, jackets, and tennis shoes and made them jog to the end of the block and back. Twice. ((Evil laugh inserted here.)) THAT worked in case were wondering.
In even more disturbing family news, Sophy has bemoaned the fact on numerous occassions today that she wasn't endowed with certain anatomical features (ahem) that her brothers were blessed with. To the point of tears and very specific requests made to rectify the situation. Why, she pleaded, would they have such handy equipage and she did not? Who had forgotten to give it to her, she wanted to know. Could we buy one at Walmart was the next question. She cried silently in her room for a while. Mourning the loss of her manhood that never was. Boy, wouldn't she be disappointed to learn about the fun mother nature has in store for her womanliness down the road? Let's hope that is a long, long, long way off. First, we have to get over our missing parts. Or, part, as it were.
1.13.2007
A New Dog in the Family
My parents finally made the BIG commmittment and bought a LITTLE dog today! Hehe. Mind you, we've never really been a small dog family. I guess the Pinkie's started the trend with the our YorkiePoo, Pongo. We live in a neighborhood and have no fence, so we needed/wanted a small pup who wouldn't need to romp and roam. Boy did we get that one right. He's a lazy sloth! HA! My brother's family just bought their children a Papillion (small dog, GIANT ears) a week ago. My parents were so happy when all of the kids left home because that meant they no longer had to care for a dog! I guess, lately, they've been lonely because my mom requested we help her find a Papillion for her own. I believe "Pappy Jo", as my mom has already named her, will be ready in about a week. The kids are so excited! I can't wait to see her...teehee.
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