ordinary grace

2010-12-20T23:15:00.001-05:00

would you believe it?

I miss blogging.

I miss reading them, I miss writing on mine.

Maybe a new year's resolution is cooking up.

We'll see....

2009-11-29T22:35:00.003-05:00

Just spent an hour catching up on all the blogs I haven't read in the past few months. I think the last time I must have read everyone was in September.

Sheesh! I am BEHIND!

Anyway, it reminded me how much more you get to know when you read the whole story instead of just a facebook status update.

Now don't get me wrong....I love my facebook. But I can tell that I've been missing out on the letter writing aspect of my friends' blogs.

So...if I haven't commented in a while, I'm sorry. I'll try and do better.

I have some extra work coming in that will force me to have a more organized schedule and now that NaNoWriMo is almost over (One more day 7K words to go!!) and the Army Ten Miler Training is over, maybe I can re-figure my free time pursuits.

Must find balance :-)

Anyway....happy first day of Advent to you.

Time to find peace and balance in all parts of our lives.

Cammie

2009-11-25T15:52:00.002-05:00

This is a long, sad post on the death of our cat. Sorry to be a downer....but I needed to process everything.

It's only a cat, I know that, but she still made me cry, and I am not even a cat person. It is not like we had owned her for ten or eleven years. It is not like she was pampered and adored. But she was our cat. She was a member of our family and having to be the one to give the ok to the doctor just plain sucked. No two ways about it.

It was time. I know that. I knew on Sunday night when I went upstairs to check on her and she gave me a clear look. The look said that she was done. That she was ready. It was as clear as if she had spoken the words out loud. I do not claim to understand; I certainly was not thinking of putting her down, so it is not like I was projecting my own thoughts. But it was there. Clearly.

And so I called the mobile vet on Monday. Asked about getting an appointment to look at our options since Cammie hates going to the vet office. Wanted to see what we could do to keep her comfortable. Kitty hospice if you will. And so an appointment was made for Wednesday.

Only by this morning, Tuesday, I could tell we would not make it to Wednesday. I called the vet again. Looks way worse. Tumor was still the same, but she was suddenly incontinent and having a hard time walking. Her breathing was shallow and labored. She groaned at me instead of meowing. It was such a sad sound. I realize she had not eaten in the last day and probably had not had much water either. I sat with her and made sure she at least got a little water in her, but she was still working so hard to breathe. My heart ached.

Vet agreed to come today to see what could be done for her. Pain meds administered, an IV bag hung and started, Cammie perks up a little, but still can not catch her breath. I have to admit, the little kitty iv was cute, even if it was sad. We agree she is not going to get better. It is time to hold her and love on her and help her to let go.

I snuggle in with her and tell her what a good cat she has been. The vet and I laugh about teaching her to use the litter box in the car on our road trip to North Carolina, I remind her that she can run after all the mice she wants in her next life, where she won’t hurt anymore. And I cry. A lot. My nose is stuffy, my head aches and I cry for an animal that I liked to pretend I did not much care for.

But we did care for her. All of us. She was faithful and loving and she never asked for much except a warm spot on the bed to sleep on, a basket to scratch and an occasional patch of sunlight to nap in.

Sometimes it really hurts to be the grown up. To be the one to make big decisions; to have to tell your kids about the realities of life and love. I swore after my last pet that I would not get another because it hurts too much to love so much. And I still feel the same way. I imagine I will say the same thing after our next pet too.

Goodnight Cammie Clementine. You saw us through the busy years of three boys four and under. Not many cats would have signed up for that gig. I hope you know how much you were loved.

guess i'm rotten

2009-11-11T00:41:00.002-05:00

Living in the land of, "Last one in is a rotten egg."

Last one up the stairs....

Last one in the car....

Last one in the shower.....

Last one. Last one. Last one.

My last one so loves this "game", but I have to admit it is driving me kind of crazy!

thoughts on a ten mile run

2009-10-05T21:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, six friends and I ran the Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C.

Yup...you read that right. I ran TEN MILES.

Can you believe it? Neither can I.

This year my new year's resolution was to learn to run so that I could do a 5k. By March I was able to run 3 miles without stopping. It was quite an accomplishment as I have NEVER run before. Ever. Anywhere. Even in high school, where we were all supposed to run the mile...I walked it.

So you can imagine my disappointment when the race I had wanted to enter filled up before I registered. But a bit of my bravado kicked in when I read about the annual army race.

I thought...."well, we've gotten up to 3 miles...whats 6 or 7 more? We have 7 months." And so I convinced my fellow training friends that we could learn to run that far. Mind you, learning to run 10 miles is an entirely different concept in mid-August than it was in April.

I saw a shirt at the race that said, "this seemed like a good idea three months ago."

Exactly.

But we persevered. We ran every Saturday (even on vacation!), we ran a lot during the week and somehow we made it to Sunday's race.

And I KICKED BUTT! (humility has never been one of my strong suits)

Not because I won---HA! I run 12 minute miles. The fellow that won finished before I was even at the halfway point.

But I kicked butt because I did it. I ran the whole way. Didn't stop. I had a great time---my wonderful husband brought the boys out to cheer me on and they even met me at the end with flowers. I was giddy with my friends, I was surprisingly fast at the end and today I am tired. But I am ready to look at the spring races and I am ready to see what might be next on my "to do" list.

A few memories from the day....

the joy of finding a real bathroom at the hotel before the race
the insane lines of people waiting for port a potties.
Cheering people on at the port a potties...while Karina yelled, "SUCK it olson"
The little old lady running in front of me (she HAD to be pushing 80)
The grandpas I passed who asked if I had vodka in my camel back
The absolute joy I felt when I saw my boys and my hubby cheering for me....I don't know who was more excited...me or them!
The bravery of the wounded warriors who were giving it their all during the race
The odd coincidence that the Rocky theme came on my MP3 player right as the band began playing it at mile 8
The thrill of seeing the finish line and knowing I still had enough left in me to sprint.

Wow. I know this is long and I know it's a bit braggy...but man...it was fun!

Thanks for reading this far.

Cherry Blossom 10 miler anyone???

Three months ago

2009-09-06T22:45:00.002-04:00

Three months ago, school was still in session and we were patiently awaiting the arrival of summer.

Three months ago, we were dreaming and scheming of the fun we would have at the pool, in the backyard, on the road.

Three months ago we had yet to tour the US Capitol, visit Luray Caverns, or pick peaches and blackberries.

Three months ago I still blogged (at least occasionally) instead of spending all my free time on Facebook.

Three months ago I had never run 8 miles. Or even *thought* about running 8 miles.

But it's a new school year and as many of you know, I like beginnings. So a new look to the blog and another try again at blogging.

Seems like I spend an awful lot of time starting over, instead of just plugging along. But my writing is seasonal and summer isn't for writing.

It's for berry picking, car trips, beach vacations and enjoying every minute possible with the handsome guys in my world.

Three months have gone by too fast again.

"stolen" from the school journal

2009-06-05T23:02:00.004-04:00

He may hate me later for posting this for all the world to see....but it was too darn sweet not to.

Like a panda

2009-05-22T10:14:00.002-04:00

Hi there.
Thanks so very much for the supportive comments, virtual (and real) hugs. I have gone back to read and re-read them a number of times.

I may not have a whole slew of readers, but the ones I have are superstars!

So thanks.

As for my panda quip.

Living in the DC region means we hear a lot about the panda bears at the National Zoo. And this week's news has been that one of the pandas seems to have had a pseudo-pregnancy. Meaning she was exhibiting all the signs of being pregnant, but after an ultra-sound the doctors have not found a fetus.

I'm kind of feeling like Mei Xiang these days. NOTE-- I really do not intend for this blog to become a chronicle of my monthly cycles, just bear with me for today. If you're not up for it, come back next post when I'm not talking pregnancy and TTC.

At the very least you've been warned.

Last week, I was exhausted. I could have napped every day. Twice. And I was also smell-sensitive. Every new smell turned my stomach--even good odors smelled off. I gave up eating pizza in New Jersey because the mushrooms smelled funny. That's serious y'all! The only time I have ever been so nose-sensitive was when I was preggers with my three guys. Then this week, I was late. And I'm not usually late. So you could see why I was genuinely thinking, "Maybe this month is 'it'?"

Or not.

Apparently I was on the same course as the Panda.

Not pregnant. Not expecting a baby on January 27,2009 (Yes, I looked up the due date calculator...I was a day late and up too late...sad I know).

But you know, in the end, I know how to react to one pink line. I've seen many, many more of those than the two pink lines on the stick.

And as excited as I was for the few days I thought "it" was possible, even likely, I'm ok with my status. Each month, a new chance, a new possiblilty. Three really awesome boys to remind me how blessed I am. And the realization that my body is not betryaing me. More about that in my next post.

At the very least, a good chuckle about sharing my ttc struggles with a panda!

Here we are...

2009-04-25T00:08:00.002-04:00

Well, well, well my friends. It has been awhile hasn't it.

You know Blogging has taught me a lot about myself. I realize I write when I'm stressed and I need a place to process my thoughts. And yet, on the other hand, I've also learned that sometimes I really want to write, but I'm afraid and so instead of blogging about what is on my mind I just avoid writing entirely.

Almost as if I'm too stressed to even write. But I think in the end, that is just fear. And a good friend and I were talking today about an entirely different subject, but she said something that struck me.

Don't let the fear win.

And all to often I do. I let fear make way to many decisions for me and it is something I need to work on.

One thing I know lots of bloggers struggle with is the fine line between diary/journal and public forum. For me, I think it would be easier sometimes if this was just public, if I didn't know who was reading my blogging thoughts. And so I wonder, do I write them down here for everyone to read....or do I get a journal and work through things myself? For those of you who know me in real-life, please don't take any offense. I'm happy to have you reading along with me. In fact, in a lot of ways reading about what is happening is even better, because then you can be "in the know" without me even having to say anything :-) Besides...most of what I write here is open book kind of stuff.

Anyway, I'm really rambling here. Bear with me...there's an actual post coming soon.

Today is Tres' birthday. My "baby" is 4. And I'll be totally honest....it's been a difficult day for me. I haven't written much about wanting more children....but lots of you already know me and know getting pregnant hasn't always been easy for us.

And so here I sit, not knowing whether or not all the baby stuff is done in our world. I know none of us have the benefit of knowing what the future holds, but this, i dunno, wilderness of sorts, hasn't been easy for me.

I like to be in charge (some would say bossy...and they'd be right) and so letting go of my notions of what our family *should* look like is tough for me. I always imagined, and even planned, for four kids. It just hasn't worked out that way. Yet. Maybe it will. Maybe it won't. I'm trying to let go and realize that maybe it just isn't meant to be...that God has other plans for us. I'm trying to live in the present. In my present...instead of wishing for something else.

I'm so happy for so many of my friends who have welcomed new babies into their lives this past year. None of that makes me sad. But thinking that my baby days might be over....that does leave me blue. And so instead of writing about it and sharing my feelings, I haven't written at all. But I can only hold it in for so long, before it all comes spilling out. And today, instead of being a happy-birthday kind of day. It's been an emotional, teary kind of day. And I'm tired of holding back. So I'm writing about it. I'm naming it and claiming it. I'm not going to be afraid about sharing my crazy baby thoughts :-)

Ok, I'm a little afraid. This is the web...words like this last forever. But I thought I should at least tell you why I haven't written much lately. It's because I want to write about trying to have another baby and I wasn't sure if I really wanted that to be all out there, fully public. But not writing is harder than writing about personal stuff. It's like all my thoughts and feelings just get squished down and it drives me crazy.

So instead, I give you this. One big, long, emotional dump of a post. Sorry. Thanks for sticking with me if you've read this far.

And thanks for all your love and support.

Good night.

Random Quiz...I like them here better than facebook

2009-03-27T00:02:00.002-04:00

You Are a Whiteboard

You are a dreamer, a visionary, and a straight up idea person. You are very creative.

Even if the things you think up are a bit wacky, they often are brilliant.

You are an adept problem solver. You are always tossing around dozens of ideas.

You would make a good artist, designer, or architect. You do best when work feels like play.

What Office Supply Are You?

Five good things for today

2009-03-19T14:55:00.002-04:00

1. I've rearranged my office furniture. Moving stuff around always makes me happy.

2. I went to Costco with a friend today. I haven't been to a Costco since we lived in Washington state. It was damp and rainy out and I could have sworn I was in Silverdale.

3. March Madness has begun. Right now Tres is on top of the family brackets and loving that he has picked better than Daddy. Of course since he a #10 ranked team in the final four, my guess is that he should enjoy his reign at the top while it lasts.

4. I just heard about Paperbackswap. Go here and read all about it. Sounds like a very cool way to trade out books. I do most of my reading from the library, but I'm not as impressed with the libraries here as I've been in other places. This sounds like a very thrifty way to buy and share books without having to wait on hold lists at the library. Thanks to Nicole for sharing the idea.

5. March Madness. Oh, did I mention that already? Well....these next four days are some of my favorite of the whole year...so it's worth two entries. But since I said I'd mention five things, I'll bring up my running. I'm up to 3 miles which is more than I ever thought possible. I've tossed around the idea of running a longer distance race, but for now, I'm really excited about my first 5K coming up at the end of April.

How about you? Any good things for today??

The end of TV as we know it.

2009-03-05T22:35:00.002-05:00

Up until now in our home, the boys' television watching has consisted mostly of kid shows. For a long while it was PBS, then we moved to Noggin, Disney and the like. We don't watch much TV, but I am not opposed to limited amounts. It was a big deal when we moved to Boomerang. The boys discovered The Jetsons, Tom and Jerry and Wacky Races. A little more "high speed" but still ok with me.

Well, that's all changed.

Someone clue them into the 600's on DirecTV. In the 600 lineup one will find the Speed Network, Versus and Fuel. What's on these channels, you might ask?

Motocross
Drag Racing
Bull Riding
BMX
Extreme Sports

and my personal favorite...

Monster Truck Races

So now instead of Wonder Pets or Super Why, I can hear all about the new paint job on the monster truck. Or about the flames that shoot out of the drag racing cars. Or how the motorcycle guy almost ran over another guy. At ANY given time, some extreme "sport" is on one of these networks. You, too, can watch a Monster Truck race at any.time.of.the.day.

We already watch plenty of sports on the weekends. Somehow I had this illusion that we could stick with "educational" shows forever.

Ok, honestly, I knew they would grow out of Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. But Monster Truck races??? Really????

My only saving grace.....at least it's not wrestling!

Slow week

2009-02-27T21:47:00.002-05:00

We've still got sickies here....

So you know it's been a slow week when the two biggest pieces of excitement are the purchase of this and the announcement that our county will now accept all types of food-grade plastic for recycling. Yesss!!

The leaf blower and vac claims to mulch 16 bags down to 1. Yes, I probably should have made a purchase like that in October when my dear hubby was raking every spare minute of the day. But what drove me over the edge was having the dead leaves constantly in our garage area swirling around the door. I felt having all the dead stuff around was bad ju-ju or something. At the very least it can't be good for the allergy sufferers who live here. So now, I can blow them all into a tidy pile and then suck them right up into the automatic mulcher. Life is good.

As for my second piece of news, I know it doesn't sound very interesting. But after living in Washington State and Maine where we could recycle EVERYTHING, one of my biggest pet peeves about this area is how they would only accept "plastic bottles with a neck" (i.e. milk jugs or soda bottles). Up until now, everything else was verboten. But now....now we have a new non-sorting system and I can put any food plastics in the bin.

Yes, that's right....strawberry containers, yogurt cups, ketchup bottles.

And even better....we no longer have to sort and separate. So my newspapers can be right in with my un-collapsed cardboard and butter tubs.

Woo-hoo!

I'd like to pretend I'm joking about my level of excitement, but I am so totally not. I practically whooped with joy when I read the flyer about what we can recycle now.

It just makes life that much easier and I feel tremendously less guilty about our yogurt consumption when I know I don't have to fill the landfills because of it.

Anyway, I have to return back to my nurse duties and administer more motrin and gatorade.

Spring comes soon, right? With less germs too, right???

Until then you can find me poring over my leaf blower manual while I eat a cup of yogurt.

Oscar recap

2009-02-23T10:01:00.003-05:00

Slumdog--Brilliant all around! I'm so thrilled to see it get the recognition I feel it deserved!!

Penelope Cruz...talented and beautiful. I thought she had a lovely acceptance speech.

My one snarky comment, I love Reese Witherspoon, but that was not her best choice of dresses.

Who knew Hugh could sing so well. Fantastic!

I liked the tribute previous winners gave to each nominee. At first I wasn't sure about the concept, but after watching the first round, I thought it a lovely way to really recognize and honor the actors being nominated. Seeing clips from movies I haven't seen has never really encouraged me to go watch a performance. But hearing their peers talk about the role and seeing the sentimentality worked for me.

I did not like, however the blue screen with movie clips that was being shown in the background while the previous winners were talking. Kung Fu panda kept popping up on the screen at the weirdest times...did anyone else notice that?

Lots of lovely dresses. Some very nice speeches, some (expected) political ones....Danny Boyle is a treat, Kate Winslet admitted we all gave speeches with shampoo bottles.

Overall, a better show this year then many previous ones in my humble opinion.

Yea!!! Slumdog!!!!

Winter Haiku

2009-02-23T09:21:00.002-05:00

Two weeks, two sick kids
Fevers, Sleeping, lots of rest.
Basement still a mess.

tuesday afternoon

2009-02-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

Ugh. Not only do I have huge messes in the house to contend with, but I've been spammed with the best of the bloggers by the Chinese Character Spammer. If somehow, I passed this on to your blog...I'm so sorry.

Looks like the biggest pain is just deleting the spam. But really. What a pain.

So, apparently I can't post everyday. Even just posting one item a day, left me behind. But honestly, reading one item I've tossed isn't exactly Pulitzer material.

Good material to write about though....One of my Godson's had a birthday this weekend. Turned 3 and is getting too big, too quickly. Happy Birthday Little Man!! And my newest Godchild was baptized. I couldn't be there to hold her in my arms...but I was most definitely there in spirit.

Plus a dear friend in Maine had her third son last week.

So yeah, junky spam and a junky basement....but beautiful babies all around!

At that point where it feels hopeless

2009-02-10T15:56:00.002-05:00

but I know it isn't.

The basement challenge has only been on a week and I've already crashed and burned. I try, really, I try to a little every day, so as not to burn myself out.

But I just don't think I work that way.

I work under pressure, with deadlines, up all hours of the night.

And then I get exhausted, promise myself I'll be more organized next time and then proceed to avoid "big projects" until I'm backed into a deadline again.

You'd think I'd learn.

But then again, you'd think I know by now, that's just the way I am. I'm not sure if I should just accept my slacker ways, or if I should try and work on learning a new trick....all I know is the basement is still a disaster area and I want to stay up all night to finish it. But I know I should keep plodding along, one thing at a time.

Ideas? Advice? Words of wisdom from a reformed procrastinator? A good joke? I'll take anything at this point :-)

Our tax dollars hard at work

2009-02-06T20:35:00.002-05:00

One of the things I am learning about life in the DC region is that there a lot of people who think they are verrrry important here.

Case in point: Michael Chertoff compiled a book of his most memorable speeches to give to select employees of the Department of Homeland Security as a goodbye gift. Read more about it here.

Glad to see that 11K went to good use. Yup, 11 THOUSAND dollars. I'm sure most civil servants want to do nothing else but spend their free time re-reading old speeches from their boss.

And I'm sure that there wasn't any other way to spend those funds. Nope, I can't think of any after-school programs, or domestic violence shelters or even a neighborhood watch program that could use a few thousand dollars. Good thing someone thought of publishing a book of OLD SPEECHES.

My last point...yes, there is a place for posterity. Washington, Lincoln, a few other old guys left us with memorable words to inspire and remind us of our great country. But I'll bet you a dollar to nothing that THEY didn't decide their words should be published, THEY didn't spend taxpayer money on such foolishness. If Chertoff thinks his speeches were that special, he's welcome to write a book and sell it for as much as the market will bear. But I'm thoroughly annoyed that he thought the taxpayers should foot that bill.

That is all. I'll get off my soapbox now.
Hmmph!

Thursday night from the basement.

2009-02-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

an old formal dress.

Friday's goal is to get the bags of stuff actually out the door to Salvation Army.

Day one (or is it day 4??)

2009-02-04T23:05:00.004-05:00

Well I was off to a roaring start last night, but today, the motivation has subsided. Fear not, my friends, I will make it a point to get here and tell you what made it into the trash bin and/or donate pile.

It may not be thrilling, but it will be done.

Today-
Plaster mold kits for baby's hands. 4 of them. I only have 3 kids. With each one, I always said I'd get around to it. Never did. Time to go.

Garlic press. Doesn't work for bunk. Just squishes my garlic. Hmmph!

I'm hoping for some big ticket items tomorrow. And I realize I should probably take before and after pictures. But I have frequently promised pictures on this blog and then failed to deliver....so for now, I'll stick with words.

Throwing down the gauntlet

2009-02-04T08:06:00.004-05:00

Did you know a gauntlet was a glove? Neither did I. I always thought it was a sword or something. Either way....it's a challenge.

So....I've been stuck inside the house a lot lately with the cold temperatures and wintery weather. Normally, I enjoy this time of year to cuddle up with a book and some tea and hide from the world for a little while, but this year as I mentioned before I'm feeling a bit more overwhelmed. I have a feeling it has much to do with the state of our basement. Flylady always says that you can't sleep well with storage or clutter under your bed, and I'm feeling that way about our whole house right now.

The basement has become a dumping ground for everything and anything. I feel like it is my underbed storage keeping me from enjoying the rest of my (reasonably) tidy house. So with spring cleaning around the corner, I've decided to tackle winter decluttering first. There are a lot of things in my basement that shouldn't be there. They belong in the trash or at Goodwill, but month after month, year after year they get moved to a new house and find a new storage spot. I'm finally tired of it.

So this month's challenge (notice how I'm starting it on the 4th of the month....nothing says organized like a last minute idea! HA!), is to get rid of one thing each day from my basement. Large or small, a big deal or an easy toss, I'm going to post each day for the rest of the month to tell you what is leaving my house.

Join me, won't you? And leave a note in the com box about what you're tossing for the next 24 days.

It must be February

2009-02-04T00:59:00.002-05:00

cause I'm buried in taxes and laundry.

Just livin' the dream.

Seriously, though, all is well here. It would be better if I was a more organized home-manager, filing person, but once I dig out all the tax papers things will be okey-dokey.

For now though, I'm trying to figure out doing our taxes as a rental property owner (that's a new one for us) and a teeny-tiny business owner...both of which lost money last year. Which is ok. I think.

It's a good thing I have til April to get it all done.

Yet another reason to buy local

2009-01-27T22:43:00.001-05:00

Honey sold in the US (but from China) is found to be high in banned antibiotics.

Really, I'm not a conspiracy theorist.

But leave my honey alone.

And really...when will we figure out that cheap goods and foods are KILLING US?

Is the cost savings worth it???

Now, I'm just mad. And I'm afraid to go make a cup of tea to soothe my nerves.

Blessings from God

2009-01-23T19:18:00.002-05:00

Please go read this article from the Washington Post (registration may be required, although Yahoo linked to it too, so you might be able to get to it directly).

In her own words, Mrs. Malual calls her children "blessings from God", which is so very true. How can we not help her in some way?

Please, if you are able in any way, think about donating something to her cause.

I can only imagine the challenges that face her and her family in the weeks and months ahead.

Yikes

2009-01-22T10:41:00.004-05:00

You'd think I'd write about the inauguration, but after being immersed in the DC scene for the whole weekend, I'm spent. Maybe I'll look back and offer my two cents, maybe I won't. Either way, I'm very proud of our country even though it was not my candidate sworn in this week. That and I thought that poem written for the event was way better when I read it than when I heard it during the ceremony.

But what I really want to talk about is that overwhelming feeling I have right now. The uh-oh, oh no feeling that comes when my basement is trashed, my office is an avalance of papers and my floors need to be swept. That overwhelming feeling that threatens to send me into hiding when I have a childbirth class to prepare for, basketball practice tonight and playgroup coming over in two hours. Suffice it to say, that the fact that I'm still sitting in my jammies is a bad sign.

I need a shot of caffeine, some kickin' music and a big dose of energy to get things done around here.

Wish me luck. Better yet, say a prayer for me!

Dreaming

2009-01-17T11:20:00.003-05:00

I've been enjoying hanging out on Facebook these last few weeks, but there is a downside. Seeing faces and hearing stories about people I haven't seen in 10 or 20 years leaves my subconscious dreaming about these people and places I used to know. But I want my dreams to be of things to come, not always of the past.

So I'm not sure if I keep looking back or if I get off Facebook and start planning my future.

Or maybe, I look for the middle ground.

Either way, the early morning dreams have been interesting. I wonder what I'd be processing in my head if I was doing something other that randomly scanning status updates on facebook?

Language of love

2009-01-16T07:50:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I realized that for the most part, my boys all call me by different names. For Sparky, I'm mommy, for Catfish--Mom and Tres calls me Mama.

I'm not sure why they've chosen different names for me....but it made my heart smile.

A note from the editor

2009-01-16T06:53:00.000-05:00

If anyone has started reading here because of a link from Margaret in Minnesota, I wanted to say Hi---and thanks for stopping by my corner of the world.

Feel free to take a look around and join in my random commentary :-)

oooh pretty

2009-01-11T22:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks Stacey for suggesting cutestblogontheblock.com!!

I'm out of my blogger rut---and happy with my design.

More Movie thoughts (live blogging while watching the Golden Globes)

2009-01-11T22:18:00.002-05:00

Is anyone else afraid of Revolutionary Road?

I think it looks really good...but I'm also afraid of how hard it might be to watch. I'm not sure I want to be privy to the intimate details of a marriage derailed.

Hmmm...maybe a rental.

On a side note, I do love the Golden Globes, because it is so much less stuffy than the other shows. Maybe it's the champagne.

More unsolicited advice...

2009-01-10T18:37:00.004-05:00

Or as I like to call it a movie review--

Go see this movie.

Best of the year---without a doubt (in my not-so-humble-opinion).

Really, stop wasting your time on Hollywood blah and go see Slumdog.

And then come back here so we can talk about it. Because I LOVED IT---and I want to chat about it with friends!!

*Warning* it does contain some icky stuff---violence and a gross out scene---but for adults---the story, the art direction, the cinematography more than make up for the ick factor.

That wide-eyed look

2009-01-10T10:27:00.003-05:00

We were at the pharmacy this morning waiting to pick up some allergy meds for Catfish when I noticed a new Dad also patiently waiting. My guess was that he was getting ready to bring his wife and new baby home and it was his job to go to the pharmacy to get any prescriptions that would be going home with mom.

I'm also guessing that he was a new dad. He looked like he hadn't slept much recently, yet he was still smiling. That, and he walked up to the pharmacy counter carrying a brand new, but empty, carseat. How can I tell it was new? Why no spit-up or other unmentionable stains of course. Plus it was far too stylish to be a hand-me-down.

And how can I tell he was a new dad and not a repeat father? Well I couldn't say for sure, but he just had this look. His expression was a mix of "ohmygosh---do you know what just happened in the last couple of days---it was a miracle---a MIRACLE---ohmygosh--I'm never going to get a good night's rest again----ohmygosh--I have so much to do."

I remember that look.

He was obviously excited and in a rush as he paced back and forth in the waiting room and it took all I could to not go over and offer him congratulations. In fact had he not gotten a cell phone call, I probably would have butted in and offered him all the best.

Because that is such a life-changing day. The day you get to bring a new little one home from the hospital isn't as exciting as the day of the birth. No, it is much more terrifying. Now you are on your own. You are a parent. I remember thinking I did not want to mess up or let anyone ever hurt my child. I remember how exciting and frightening and amazing it all was.

As I sat with Catfish and watched him play with his Leapster, I thought how quickly those moments pass from newborn haze to a six year old who never slows down. It is a miracle. And so even though I didn't get a chance to offer my congratulations and good wishes, I did offer a few prayers on his behalf.

Of course I could have totally and completely mis-read the entire situation, but I'm confident my thoughts and prayers will be useful no matter what exactly was going on at the pharmacy.
And I'm pretty sure that the look on his face, was the same wide-eyed one I remember on my husband's on our first day home.

Fun and games

2009-01-08T21:56:00.004-05:00

"Hey Mom!" comes the excited voice from the hallway.

"Yes," comes the weary response from the office.

"Wannna see how I slingshot my underwear like on a dartboard?"

????!!!

More about those resolutions...

2009-01-07T16:07:00.004-05:00

One thing I have particularly noticed in my resolutions is a desire for more routine, more order. I find myself wanting a better- run household, but also having the time to exercise, the time to write, the time to just hang out with my boys. Time certainly seems to be the operative word there. And yet, I do have the same amount of time in each day as any of us. Clearly I need to be better at managing it.

I don't work out of the home, I don't have deadlines to meet, but I do ramble throughout my days without much structure and while I can usually get by, there are times it absolutely does not work. I have "gotten by" for a long time, but it is so much harder to do when others depend on you and eventually something misses the cut.

I try to rationalize a goof up as a one time occurrence, but if I sit back and think, more and more things seems to be falling through the cracks. Like when I miss a bill (or two) by a few days because they went into my "mail pile" instead of a set time to "pay the bills" or a permission form is forgotten and a special note needs to be written to the teacher or a myriad of other examples where we just skate by instead of being ahead of the game. I know there will always be mistakes, I know I'm not perfect but Covey would say there's a lot of reactive around here and not much proactive.

And he'd be right.

So one change I'd like to make is changing how our afternoon snack goes. It may not seem like a big change, but I think it could have a big effect. Usually we all pile in from the car, the boys throw off their backpacks and rummage through the snack closet to grab the quickest carb they can find. Maybe a piece of fruit gets thrown in, but everyone scarfs something down on their own and goes about their business (video games, homework or outside play...me...I usually hide in the office).

I've realized we don't have any order here. Nothing is planned ahead for snack, therefore nothing really healthy is eaten. There isn't any chance to hang out and chit-chat, because we are all going in different circles, and I'm missing a pretty good chance to interact with my boys...to see how their day went without being intrusive and to make sure they fill their bellies with healthy food instead of just crackers and cereal.

So...this next week the goal is to plan out snacks. To have something ready to go so that when we get home, a healthy option is already out and available. So we can sneak in a few minutes of around the table time, without them realizing we are having "family time". And maybe, I'll have a new peg to organize my day around.

Goals and Resolutions

2009-01-04T20:53:00.001-05:00

In no particular order...

1. Write more. 2007 I had almost 200 posts, last year a mere 70-something. Although I did manage to bust out the beginnings of a novel in November, I miss writing here. So this year, I'm aiming for at least once a week and preferably 100+ posts. That should be a good combo of writing more posts and more frequently.

2. Edit above mentioned novel. That is actually going to be my January Resolution. I've sat on it long enough, it's time to go back and have look-see at what I did.

3. Try to make daily mass more often. I got spoiled in Maine going on Friday's with the school kids...it was too easy. It's been a year since we've left and I miss that chance to go without the hoopla of a Sunday.

4. Exercise. Not just because I ate 10 pounds of buckeye balls this Christmas, but because my boys need me to be healthy enough to keep up with them outside. So far, I've been to the gym three times since the 1st of the year, that's three times more than I went in December.

5. Grow up. Really. I mean, I need to keep my goofiness and the child-like wonder and all that. But its about time I started hanging my clothes up in the closet and picked out my clothes to wear the night before. My clothes situation is much closer to a whiny 10 year old's then a grown woman. It shouldn't be that hard to put clothes in the closet when they come out of the dryer. Right? Right???

6. Establish a better routine around the house. Michelle was speaking of this just the other day and it's true. I fuss an awful lot at the boys for leaving their stuff out and not having any order to their toys, their rooms, their days---and then I come into my office where I have a million projects open and out and piles of mail precariously placed on any flat space. Flylady, would be ashamed. I'm ready to try and teach through example.

7. Love on my boys, my husband. I can be wickedly selfish sometimes and I need to remember how blessed my life is...I need to remember to hug everyone more and smile and to exude calm around the house.

Lofty goals, no doubt. But I tell them to y'all so you can keep me honest and see how I'm doing. I know, they aren't original in the least, but they are what I need to focus on now, and that's good enough for me.

The Epiphany

2009-01-04T20:43:00.002-05:00

New year, new blog template (some day, I hope someone will teach me how to make fancy blog pages instead of my sad rotation through the ones Blogger has to offer---but that is another post for another day).

Today I want to write about Three Kings Day or The Feast of the Magi. This was one of my favorite days to celebrate when we lived in Spain. It was always a day filled with parades and family time and the joy of little ones.

That was back before we had little ones of our own and I always used to say that when we had kids, we would celebrate like the Spaniards. Our gifts would arrive with the Three Kings and we would have another round of celebrating. I always loved how the Spaniards focused on baby Jesus at Christmas and gave gifts to their families on Three Kings' Day. But alas, Santa is much busier here in the states than he was in Spain and so we don't do much with the Three Kings and instead find ourselves immersed in all the wonder of Christmas on the day itself.

So, just in case you packed up all of your Christmas stuff up this weekend, remember that the 12 days of Christmas go until the 6th. I'll admit to ditching our tree yesterday (it really was becoming a fire hazard) but our lights and nativity scene are still up and they'll stay that way for a few more days. January is long and cold enough as it is. I for one, still need some Christmas light for a few more days.

That and some of the candy the Three Kings used to toss during the parades.

Need a laugh??

2008-12-05T10:24:00.000-05:00

Go here. Be sure to click on the picture in the story.

I dare you not to laugh.

Long time gone

2008-12-02T21:54:00.003-05:00

I know, I know. I'm the only one stopping by here anymore these days.....

But I have proof that I have not been merely avoiding Blogger and wasting away in front of the TV.

I, dear friends, am a nanowrimo winner. What's that you ask? A lovely little contest which challenges you to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. Anyone who reaches the 50,000 mark, wins. Yea Me!!

So, I began plotting and planning in mid-October and it basically consumed my life for the last six weeks. No blogging, no reading the newspaper or magazines at my doorstep. Heck, there wasn't even a lot of laundry or cooking being done at my house. But there is a novel on my desktop (that I wrote!!) and a mucho-grande sense of satisfaction for getting it done.

I hope to resume more blogging with the new year. For now, editing awaits. That and catching up on folding laundry.

Election Night

2008-11-04T23:32:00.002-05:00

No matter where you stand on the issues, no matter what your party preference, it is a testament to our amazing country to watch the election coverage. I have no love for election campaigns, but I am always captivated by the actual election.

Watching people vote, seeing people involved, watching our country choose a leader in a peaceful and civil way--it makes me so very proud to be an American.

There was beauty in both McCain's concession speech, and in the energy of the crowds awaiting Obama in Grant Park.

Tomorrow we wake up and begin a new chapter. We work together and put divisiveness aside. We are Americans and we never give up on our ideals.

On the mend

2008-09-25T18:16:00.002-04:00

Thanks for your prayers.

I'm groggy and a little sore, but I'm still here.

Thank goodness.

I'd like to say I wasn't worried, but I was---and it was so good to know you were with me in prayer. I fully believe it helped!

More details later...for now, more soup and sleep.

insight

2008-09-24T18:54:00.003-04:00

Apparently I write when I am busy and overwhelmed, but not so much when things are sailing along.

For what it's worth, I suppose that gives you some insight to my psyche.

Which brings me to tonight's post.

I'll be having a minor surgical procedure tomorrow and I'm nervous. I trust that it really is minor and that my doctor is capable...but it is my first time having any kind of surgery (unless you count my wisdom teeth being pulled when I was 18) and I'm feeling unsettled.

And so I'm here---asking you to send prayers and positive thoughts my way.

They would be most appreciated.

I'll update when I'm able and if you're up for it, I may even divulge all the sordid details ;-)

Thanks y'all.

She's here!!

2008-09-05T19:12:00.002-04:00

Selah Grace arrived this afternoon!!! 7lbs. 2 oz, 19 1/2 inches. Mom and baby are doing well. I'm sure they are all exhausted, but they did it!!! From what I know, she was amazing; no epidural, no pitocin---just did it on her own. Rockstar!!

I''m so thrilled for my sister and her husband! Becoming a mom can be an overwhelming journey, but she has handled it so well thus far.

My prayers are with them as they begin this new phase!!

Welcome Little One!!

Labor day three days later

2008-09-04T21:47:00.004-04:00

Whooo-weee do I have updates to make!!

There's been road trips, vacation pictures, first day of school fun (and a few tears too!)

But first things first.

My baby sister is in labor right now with her first-born.

I don't have too many details, but if you would say a quick prayer for her, her hubby and baby girl "Earl" I would most appreciate it.

My guess is baby won't be here until sometime tomorrow---so I promise to keep you updated. We're all so excited for them and for the beginning of this amazing new phase in their life!!

Thanks y'all---and I promise more pics of recent weeks to come soon.

(I say that a lot don't I??--someone should remind me of all the promises I make around here!)

Vacationland

2008-08-15T09:21:00.003-04:00

We've made our way to Maine for the last of our summer trips. What an amazing summer we've had thus far...I feel so lucky to get one last vacation in before school starts!

On the way up, we stopped in Newport, RI and Plymouth MA. We had some amazing seafood at Scales and Shells and then toured the Mayflower II and Plimouth Plantation. Since we already visited Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown earlier this summer, Plymouth and the Pilgrims seemed like the perfect last fit to the puzzle.

For the next few days, we'll just be playing in Maine. The plan is to visit lots of friends, eat at our favorite restaurants and sing along like goofballs in the car. It may not be restful, but it will be fun.

Repeat after me...

2008-08-12T10:33:00.001-04:00

Watching the Olympics, does not automatically make one an Olympian.

*ouch* After doing nothing but relaxing all summer, I attempted a hike along the GW parkway yesterday. And by hike, I mean a 4 mile walk uphill both ways while pushing a double stroller. While the nature walk was beautiful and filled with wildlife, my shins and ankles are screaming this morning. Thank God for motrin.

Again, watching the Olympics, does not automatically make one an Olympian.

What's in my news

2008-08-08T09:56:00.004-04:00

Now, I'm not a Hillary fan, but this certainly seems to be a slap in the face to her. She was the one running for office, she was the trend-setter, and yet the Democrats want her husband back again.

Hmmph!

This story on the other-hand...is amazing! It is why the Olympics are so compelling. Remarkable, fascinating, goose-bump giving. Go read it. Now. And then come back and tell me you didn't cry.

(yes, I know you have to register...do it anyway, it is worth it!)

Wow!

Morning update

2008-08-06T08:09:00.002-04:00

We got to meet Michelle and her lovely family yesterday. Well, we actually met a few weeks ago when I accosted her in the commissary and said, "Aren't you Michelle the blogger?" She was very gracious that day and didn't even think I was a stalker ;-)

So yesterday was an actual "playdate" instead of random talk in the produce aisle, and we had a very nice afternoon. It ended up being more of a mommy playdate since my boys decided to be shy the entire time we were there. This is a bit of a challenge for me to understand since I'm not sure I have any shy DNA, but it was fine. Of course as soon as we left they were all chatter..."can they come to our house?", "they were really nice", "they had great toys" and the like. Go figure.

Last night was my favorite day of the month. BUNCO! or is it BUNKO? Either way, it is a good amount of red wine, some fun neighbors and a bunch of laughs. This morning Cecilia is here and all is well in the world. I'm moving a bit slower due to the wine and the early morning wake up call from Tres, but soon my cup of tea will kick in and my floors will be clean. Life is good.

I'm biased of course...

2008-08-04T11:27:00.002-04:00

but aren't they handsome???!

days to remember

2008-08-04T10:27:00.006-04:00

Over the weekend we were invaded by paleontologists, knights in shining armor, metro riders, skydivers, football players, Native American Indians, artists, gallery owners, pirates, ninjas, teachers, students and baseball players.

And you thought you had a busy weekend!

All I can say is that it has been pure joy to watch my boys run around and create their own worlds with each other. There have been a few minor squabbles as they've dug for dinosaur teeth and held art exhibits---but overall they have been lost in their imagination. I'm lucky enough to have overheard bits and pieces of their days; the laughing, giggling, whispering and scheming. In this world sticks are muskets, swords and, baseball bats; backpacks are parachutes, briefcases, and armor.

Youth may be fleeting, but the dog days of summer are just long enough for them to imagine all the places they want to visit; to pretend they are people from far away lands, with exciting and adventurous jobs.

Ten years from now, they might not remember these days, but I'm pretty sure I'll count them as some of my favorite ones.

hair coloring (or lack thereof) Part two

2008-07-28T21:38:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I got my hair cut and I knew that this would be the last of the remaining color. I could see lots of gray hiding on the under-layers, and with the way my hair is styled I just knew with this trim I would finally see all my gray.

So. Hmm. Wow. Never walked into a salon and walked out feeling 10 years older. But I like it, I really do. I just have to adjust to how dark and how white it is. Really. I have thought of myself as having brown hair for so long, the black seems really, really black. And the white/gray. Wow. Bright white ;-)

Hubby tonight referred to me as George. As in Clooney. Not sure if meant the color or the short cut, but he said it with love and so I'll take it.

Part III about my hair ramblings to come soon.

I know. I know. You just can't wait!

Time to 'fess up

2008-07-22T22:19:00.004-04:00

Here's what I've really been up to this summer.

It is terribly exciting....are you sure you can handle it???

I've decided to stop coloring my hair.

Shocking. I know.

Stand back. Stop the presses. Here comes the gray. Or grey. Which is it really?

Anyway, if you will allow me a bit of naval gazing, here is the back story. My hair is short and very dark. I've always thought of it as a dark brown, but as I'm seeing it again without any added color, it is mucher closer to black. Funny, I never thought it was.

I've known for a few years that quite a few greys were mixed in there, but I had found a great stylist in Maine AND a good home color for back up. What more could a girl want? But then I read more and more about going natural. And it began to intrigue me.

She recently did it. Here is her beautiful reveal!

So did she, and wrote a book in the process. More on the book later.

I had always been happy with my coloring and colorists, but after much reading and thinking (and realizing that I HATE the process of home coloring and I can't afford DC prices for salon color), I started to consider seeing just how much grey was hiding in there. With such short hair, I have always had to do something every three to four weeks or it just looks tacky and I am wayyy to vain to go with tacky. Tacky maybe in my clothes, in my attitude, but not my hair.

To be continued.....

where I've been

2008-07-19T15:48:00.003-04:00

physically---all over the state of Virginia.

mentally----feeling like the following blog post is exactly what has been on my mind: This was written by Elizabeth in response to a question about spending "alone time" online. You can read the post in its entirety here.

"Most of our genuine friendships, most of the contacts that will fill us rather than deplete us, are the ones we nurture face to face and the ones where we are nurtured in return. They'll be the friends who watch your first baby when you go to the hospital to give birth to the second. They'll be the friends who sit in stunned silence at playgroup while the doctor on the phone tells you that you must arrange for a CT scan immediately. And they'll be there when your hair is falling out and you need a second opinion on a wig. They'll help you move and set up housekeeping in your new house. They'll be the extra set of hands you need the first time you attempt to nurse both your baby and your toddler following an unexpected C-section.They'll understand how fragile you are in the months after your first child leaves for college and they will be kind, very very kind, when the whole world seems like a hostile place.

I can't tell my young correspondent how much time to spend online. I can't even seem to set those hard, fast parameters for myself, but I can offer this: make sure the time you spend is really nurturing you. Make sure it's making you a better wife, a better mother, a better Christian. Your time is so precious and your time alone is so scarce. Make it count. Make it matter.

So I haven't been online much this summer, but we've been having a wonderful time.

Hope you are enjoying yours!

Pictures of all our adventures soon....really....I mean that.

Home again (but not for long)

2008-07-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

We're back. Quick updates--
The shower and visiting with family---wonderful!
The weather--hot, but not uncomfortably so.
Mom's garden---GORGEOUS!
We swam in the lakes, played mini golf, rode Grandpa's tractor, drove boats, caught lots of fish-- I mean really, what more could the boys ask for????

Hubby's family is flying in today for a long fourth of July weekend.....I'll have to catch up more later.

Happy Independence Day!

vacationing in NC and a visit to space

2008-06-22T22:34:00.004-04:00

First off, we're having a lovely time with my parents, sister and brother in North Carolina. G. had her baby shower yesterday and it was so nice to get to meet so many of her in-laws. "Earl" is definitely one beloved little girl! G and A certainly are blessed to have so many family members and friends supporting them!!

Next up, you only have a few more days to include your name (or the name of your nearest space junkie) on-board the Lunar mission. Go here for more info---just click on the link on the right that says "Send your name to the moon!" Pretty nifty! You can even print a certificate that says you've been included.

Enjoy your week!!

Just a reminder

2008-06-17T22:12:00.002-04:00

For any of you who fell in love with Carrier as much as I did, the follow-up show, Another Day in Paradise, airs Wednesday night (tomorrow or today, depending on when you are reading this). Check your local PBS schedule.

I can't wait!!

Scientists urge moms to wait for due dates....

2008-06-17T08:04:00.002-04:00

I try to stay off my birthing soap box here....although I thought this was important
enough to post...

Expectant Moms Should Wait Out Due Date For Deliveries, Experts Urge
ScienceDaily (Jun. 16, 2008) - Many parents become anxious toward the end of a
pregnancy, when women are sleepless, fatigued and finding it difficult to perform
their daily activities. Technology during the past 10 years has made labor induction
easier and more successful, and now, more than ever before, deliveries are planned
during the last few weeks of pregnancies.

But studies are showing that a delivery even two weeks early can be associated with
newborn complications, according to Dr. Celeste Durnwald, a maternal-fetal medicine
specialist at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

"There is still ongoing development and maturation of the fetus, even in those last
few weeks," notes Durnwald. The consequences of being born early include problems
such as jaundice, poor feeding, inability to sit in a car seat without breathing
difficulties and, rarely, premature lungs.

These situations are usually not life threatening, but can lead to increased
hospital stays, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and days of anxiety
for the new parents.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that a full term
pregnancy is one that has completed 39 weeks. Because of the many recent medical
advances, patients and physicians are choosing to push the date of a delivery
earlier than ever before, even to 36 weeks gestation, a full month ahead of the
mother's due date. Nationwide, the number of deliveries in this gestational age
range increased dramatically in the past decade.

In 1996, 6.9 percent of all births occurred between the 34th and 36th weeks of
gestation. In 2005, reports showed 8.1 percent of all births occurring between the
34th and 36th weeks.

Some of these early births are scheduled for good reason, in response to health
concerns for baby or mother. "Certainly, a medical problem with the mother's health,
or suspected fetal jeopardy can sometimes necessitate a delivery earlier than
otherwise anticipated. Maternal hypertension and poor fetal growth are common
reasons. The rate of infant deaths and stillbirths is going down, while the rate of
'late preterm births' or 'near-term births' is going up," Durnwald says.

Now, obstetricians are working to slow down the rate of "late preterm births" or
"near-term births"; to figure out what the current criteria for preterm births are;
and to make sure those criteria are met.

"Healthcare providers and parents must weigh the risks and benefits of the 'late
preterm births,' realizing there are potential complications for a newborn," notes
Durnwald.

"Even though those last few weeks can seem like months to the patient, I try to
emphasize the importance of delivering at a gestational age when the baby gets to go
home with the mother and does well in the nursery," says Durnwald.

Monday funny

2008-06-16T17:36:00.001-04:00

The Meaning of Life

I stole this (shamelessly, I might add) from Julie at Happy Catholic. She credits her friend Cyndie. Whomever wrote it....it's a funny one!

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will l give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.

For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family.

For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren.

And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you. Enjoy and Thank God everyday for what you have.

yard sale success

2008-06-14T18:50:00.003-04:00

Well this was, by far, our best yard sale ever.

We cleared almost $7000.

Yup. 7K. Almost (actually it was about $6925).

How? You ask.

Simple.

$125 worth of baby clothes, small kitchen appliances and little tykes toys.

$6800 for hubby's truck. Which wasn't really for sale, but nonetheless sold within the first hour.

As hubby was loading a backyard table and chairs into a gentleman's car, the fellow jokingly said that what he really wanted was a truck just like ours. Since my hubby is never one to miss an opportunity, he replied, "Really. How about a test drive?"

Within minutes both guys were tooling around the block in our red truck negotiating a deal. Both the gentleman's wife and I just stood there and chuckled. She originally purchased two sippy cups and our patio set; I don't think a new vehicle was on her list.

Truth be told, my hubby has talked for some time now about looking for a new vehicle. He reads the ads all the time and pours over consumer reports. So when the opportunity to sell presented itself literally in our front yard, it made sense to go for it.

So for Father's Day, I guess Daddy gets a new car. Only we don't have one picked out yet. Hmmm....good thing the bus line runs near our house!

As for me, I'm more than pleased to have several shelves in my basement cleared. I'll take my $125 and be happy ;-)

Who needs a big sale anyway???

Feeling prolific today

2008-06-13T22:33:00.002-04:00

Totally stealing this from the other Ordinary-Grace.

Five things Friday--Five things I would like to do in my lifetime.

1. Write a book
2. Visit Australia
3. Learn to sing (or at least be better at faking it)
4. Improve my posture
5. Meet with distant Irish and Italian relatives

Cooking Meme

2008-06-13T22:14:00.003-04:00

I've been tagged by Joanna for a cooking meme. And since answering questions is more fun than getting ready for tomorrow's garage sale, I thought I'd oblige.

The rules for Memes:

1. Answer the questions.
2. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
3. Tag at least 3 other bloggers.
4. Let them know you've tagged them by commenting on their blog with an invite to participate.

When was the most recent time you were burned?

Recently I've started baking our bread for the week, and the oven has to be at least 450. I have a terrible habit of reaching in as soon as I open the door to grab the bread without giving the air a chance to dissipate. Quite a few minor steam burns from that. And one really bad burn from grabbing the stoneware with only a dishcloth instead of an oven mit. Lessons learned.

Can you cook?

Yes. If I want to put the time and effort into it, I am a decent cook. I can follow a recipe, but I don't necessarily think I'm a "natural" chef.

If yes, name your 3 specialties:

1. Baked Ziti
2. Honey Mustard Chicken
3. Firecracker Salmon

If yes, do you like to cook?

Depends. Mostly yes, but I don't mind having the reputation of not being able to cook ;-) Saves me from too much work. If I have the time, energy and right supplies, I actually quite enjoy cooking. Just don't tell anyone.

If no, do you want to be able to cook?

I'd love to take some basic techniques classes.

What color is your kitchen?

Orange. Bright, amazing Orange.

Do you bake?

Yes!

If so, name your three specialities:

1. Nana's Fruit Tart
2. Brownies
3. Ribbon Cookies

If yes, do you like to bake?

Yes, I just have no willpower so I try not to do it too often, otherwise I won't fit in my kitchen.

If no, do you want to bake?

N/A

What color is your apron?

One black, one white.

I'm tagging Vivi, Tania and Ann-Krestene.

Toothless

2008-06-12T07:39:00.003-04:00

Sparky lost the first "big one" this week. It was the third tooth he's lost, but the first one to really make him look like a jack-o-lantern. Losing the two bottom teeth was cute, but losing the top tooth...well, now he's official.

As I held the little piece of enamel in my hand, I found myself flooded with a bunch of thoughts.

1. Wow, these suckers are strong.

2. Isnt' God amazing?? To craft each tooth...each tiny one and then to have a plan for new, bigger ones to follow. Nifty stuff.

3. Oh, how much we suffered for each of these!!! (Sparky was a dreadful teether!)

4. My baby is growing up.

There are plenty of milestones in life where you think, "Wow, my baby is getting bigger!" First steps, first day of school, so many "firsts" to remind us that this time with our children is fleeting. Soon it will be the first crush, first time driving a car. Oh my.

Watching Sparky navigate this year has made me realize just how fast the years are going by. I vividly remember him as a cranky, drooling baby fighting the pain of each new tooth. And now, he's an almost second-grader, full of energy and spark, living in a new home and making new friends. Wow. His 7th birthday is coming at us fast....in that same amount of time he'll be 14 and starting high school. Double wow.

I don't envy the tooth fairy---she must have to think these same thoughts a hundred times over with each house she visits. I'm glad I only have to watch over my own guys. Sparky is out three teeth and Catfish seems to have one loose already. Tres wishes he had a wiggly one so he could make some money. I'm just wishing for the patience to live in the moment and to be thankful for each stage and age.

Why there hasn't been much posting since April

2008-06-05T22:41:00.009-04:00

It is only now that our season has ended, do I feel like I have a moment to look back and say how awesome it was to hang out with this crew for the past two months.

I thought this was Virginia not Kansas

2008-06-04T17:12:00.002-04:00

Tornado watch in our area + school pick up time = one crazy afternoon.

Sparky rode his bike to school this morning, but when I saw the dark, thick clouds building outside, I thought we'd meet him at school with the car and drive home instead. As I was trying to load his bike into the car, a teacher opened the school door and yelled that there was a tornado watch (or warning...which is more serious??? Regardless, she had SERIOUS written all over her face) and to get inside quick.

Ooooo-K....just a little panic on my face.

So I ran back over to the car, grabbed Catfish and Tres and said we had to get inside NOW. Thankfully they knew I meant business and they were fast. We got into the school and that's when I realized this was not a drill. All the kids were in "the position". You remember, on your knees, head tucked, with hands over your head. The lights were out and the school was silent. We were quickly ushered into a computer lab and told to get under a desk. I got a little mama bear going on and told the teachers that I wasn't going to be in the school but not with my first grader. They told me I had to stay put, that he was just next door, but I'm no good at listening sometimes. I walked to the next room, spotted Sparky and told him to come with me now.

Thank God we were at least together for all of it.

As it stands, I don't think any tornadoes touched down in our neighborhood. I haven't checked the news yet to see if there were any nearby. But it was black outside and very windy (gusts 50-60 mph), and heavy downpours. The school did lose power and we stayed under our desks for the better part of the hour.

I have to give two big thumbs up to our school administration and teachers. I thought they handled it exceptionally well, especially with the added chaos of having the warning occur right at dismissal. After the worst seemed to go by, they did allow those of us who were in the building to take our children home. We didn't stop for backpacks, lunch boxes or even Sparky's bike...we just said a quick prayer of Thanksgiving and left. I'm not sure how the rest of the kids were dismissed, but I'm glad to be home now, power back on and skies clearing.

It was scary. It is only now, almost two hours later that my hands have steadied. I'm so very glad I was able to hold my boys in my arms throughout the entire ordeal. I'm so thankful our school practices this drill frequently and that everyone responded exactly as they should have; at least I have seen firsthand that if I wasn't able to be there, that they were truly safe and secure. But most of all, I'm just thankful it is over. Although it was a good opportunity to sit with the boys and honestly demonstrate how God is with us no matter what, how our prayers can keep us calm, I'm just really, really thankful it is over.

summer

2008-05-30T22:54:00.003-04:00

Too much introspection is never a good thing, and for the past weeks (months now maybe) I've been wallowing around in my own thoughts. I'm sure it's why I've blogged less. I'm sure there's more to analyze and discuss, but nah, not tonight. I'm saving all that for some monster posts later.

Tonight I want to talk about going to the pool. A very Virginia thing to do (or so I'm told). Growing up in Florida everyone had a pool or knew a neighbor who did; that's just the way it was. So I was surprised when we moved here that so many neighbors talked about "joining the pool." It sounded so very country club, so la-ti-da (is that how you spell that...is it la-de-da??? I don't know...for my hometown girls, it sounded very Royal Oak or La Cita). And yet, why should I be surprised? Certainly since moving here, I have felt like I've gone back to the Brady Bunch era. Houses from from the 60's and 70's, kids still playing free range in the neighborhood, neighbors who actually (GASP) know each other and socialize. Some days it feels a little Stepford-ish but for the most part, it's pretty darn cool.

So we joined the pool. When in Rome, do as the Romans and all that.

Tonight was our first foray into the pool scene and I was a tiny bit nervous. Would it be fancy-schmancy? Could we pass as "pool types?" I'd never lived in a place where people joined the pool, but apparently here in Virgin-ja (as Tres likes to call it), it's pretty common. Lots of neighborhoods have pools and lots of people join them, not just the rich and fabulous.

So yeah, we're pool people. The boys and I had a great time. There were tons of kids there, everyone was welcoming and the pool was big enough for everyone to have fun, but not so big I couldn't manage my crew on my own. Totally fun....the good feeling where the minute you walk in, you think to yourself, "Man, that was a good investment for the summer!"

Summer sun, a warm breeze and the ice cream truck in the neighborhood. Maybe all the introspection was just the last bit of the winter blahs. There still may be a monster post one day, but for now, I'm looking forward to the next few months at the pool.

To Do

2008-05-23T19:02:00.002-04:00

On my to-do list this week:

Grocery Shopping
Return Emails and Phone Calls
Make friends with an Iraqi National seeking asylum and then take her apartment hunting
Continue to work on potty training Tres
Register for CCD for next year

Pretty standard week, I'd say. Managed to accomplish everything on my list. Oh, but wait. Number three wasn't actually on my list, but it is how I spent yesterday.

You just have to love living near a world capital.

Here's how it went. Tres, Catfish and I rode the metro into Pentagon City to go to the fab mall they have there for a quick lunch and some speedy shopping. On the way home from the mall, a lovely lady sat right next to Catfish--this freaked him out a bit since he is used to having his own aisle on the metro, so at the next stop he kindly excused himself and went to sit on another unoccupied window seat. As he passed by the lady, she bent over and kissed the top of his head and just smiled. I tell you, she just radiated niceness.

As we reached the station she began to ask me questions about whether or not this was a nice area and were there reasonable apartments nearby? I told her a few tidbits about what we liked here and then we parted ways. I headed up one escalator and she walked over to the bus lines.

Two minutes later, something (I dunno, the Holy Spirit, her kind demeanor, SOMETHING) made me turn around and go back to look for her. I found her talking to a taxi driver and I initially just thought I'd give her my number or offer to point her in a good direction, but before I realized what I was doing, I asked her if she wanted a ride to the apartment she was going to see. She graciously accepted and we walked over to my car.

Now mind you, at this point, I have NO IDEA who she is, why she is here, nothing. I have merely just picked up a stranger at the train station and offered to drive her around my neighborhood. And yet somehow, it wasn't odd at all.

Once we settled into the car she told me that she was from Iraq and had been living in another city further south for a few months. She and her family have been in exile in Jordan since 2004 but she was in DC to apply for asylum. She's a grandmother and an engineer who worked for several international companies and now hopes to bring the rest of her family here.

I told her a little about my family and how we just moved here; about how I can only imagine how difficult it must be to try and start over in a new country without knowing the areas or the people. She told me over and over how she had always tried to do good in her life and how God was taking care of her now with this trip. I agreed that God was good and at the same time, told her this wasn't something I normally did. I mean, I may have a tiny wild side----but picking up strangers at train station and ferrying them about town isn't on my usual list of escapades.

We drove around for about an hour, talking and sharing--just enough. We didn't discuss politics or world events, but families and having babies. She phoned her friend that would be meeting her at the train station and we agreed on a drop off point. As I pulled up to the station we exchanged phone numbers and a hug. She said she would keep me in her prayers. I told her that she and her family would be in mine as well.

And then I went through the drive-thru at Popeyes and headed over to the carpool line for Sparky. My Iraqi househunting trip had come to an end.

It was a most bizarre afternoon.

I don't know why she decided to sit next to my family on that particular train. I don't have any idea why I was compelled to follow her in the metro station. I'm sure my sons thought their mom had gone off the deep end by inviting a stranger into our car. And I'm thankful my husband wasn't completely taken off guard by my re-telling of the events (he knows me SO well). I don't have any explanations for any of it. I'm just glad to have had the day go the way it did. It left me giddy. It gave me hope for the future. It certainly won't change world affairs but it reminded both of us that there are nice people in the world to connect with. It was a bizarre afternoon, but absolutely perfect.

I wish only the best for my new Iraqi friend.

very cool

2008-05-22T19:41:00.001-04:00

This story was passed on to me recently....what a lifesaving gift she is giving!!

Why is it....

2008-05-21T20:45:00.003-04:00

that dentists try to have a conversation with you while your mouth is wide open, packed with gauze and entirely numb?

And why doesn't dental floss come in a family size container? I'm tired of trying to track down itty bitty little white boxes of floss.

Can you tell where I spent my morning?

Remnants

2008-05-19T15:52:00.002-04:00

I attended an estate sale this weekend. My husband will graciously disagree and say that I staked out and hovered over an estate sale this weekend. But that is merely a difference of opinion. Regardless, it stands that my elderly neighbor recently moved to an assisted living facility and with no family nearby, her distant relatives opted to sell everything in the house.

Wow.

My neighbor and her husband moved into their home in 1972 and I'm pretty sure everything looked exactly the same Saturday as it had for the last 30 years. A complete museum of life.

And while I will certainly admit to making a few purchases (namely a sweet retro-modern white leather rocking chair a 1940's typewriter), it was incredibly odd to wander around a neighbor's home and pick over her things.

In one sense, it reminded me of cleaning out my Grandfather's house last year after he passed away. But, then again, my neighbor is still very much alive. She took her most valuable possessions to her new home, and yet her house was still full. Full of memories and the stuff that accompanies those memories. So much stuff. Postcards of vacations, china and silver, political buttons, books, clothes, knick-knacks, paintings. Her house wasn't cluttered, in fact it was exceptionally tidy, but it was full. Full of things that transform a house into a home, but things that were no longer needed.

By the end of the sale yesterday, I took one last walk through the house. At this point, I wasn't looking for any more bargains, I just felt the need to see what was left of her life. What didn't sell; what wasn't determined to be useful. Kitchen goods, old Christmas decor, a few pieces of furniture, lots of books, clippings of newspaper obituaries stashed in a desk; some of these would go on to the next estate sale, most would just go in the trash.

I freely admit to being overly-sentimental. I wasn't saddened by what I saw left behind, and I certainly wasn't too sad to make a few purchases. But it was worth reflecting upon. What do we really need in our life? What is beautiful and worth having? What will be left for our loved ones to clean up? Could I ever just walk away from my life and my stuff to let others rummage through it?

Even as I lugged the 30 pound typewriter into my dining room, I felt the need to clean out the basement, to purge and get rid of the excess. I remember hearing about nuns living their senior years in a room with only a few books and their bed. I'm not sure I would want a life that austere, but I certainly don't want to leave everything to the highest bidder. Somewhere in the middle lies beauty and simplicity. Somewhere there is balance between the typewriter and the trash can.

random rant

2008-05-15T23:02:00.003-04:00

Yes, we all know that gas and grocery prices are going sky high.

But did the folks at Edy's ice cream think they could honestly get away with shrinking my ice cream container and leaving the price the same???

I like my family sized container. Sheesh, up the price, but don't give me LESS ice cream.

Hmmph!

*update* apparently I'm not the only one miffed by the shrinking size. Here you'll find another blog entry about the grocery shrink ray AND a letter from the CEO of Edy's with regards to their decision (scroll all the way down to the bottom of the comments). Yes. I am a bit obsessive.

A letter for my friends (online and IRL)

2008-05-12T15:37:00.000-04:00

Today as we honor our mothers and at the same time are celebrated by our children, I want to take a moment to give thanks for you --my friends who have walked along the path of motherhood with me.

You all have taught me to be a mom. It is as simple as that. Yes, of course, there are some things instinctive, some learned from my own mom, but in my heart I know many of the lessons of mothering have come from my friends.

Some of you shared your mothering insight long before I had my own children. Through your examples, I learned what to expect; I tucked away tricks and tips to be used if I ever became a mom. You were role models, guides, the older sisters I didn't have. Even without knowing if I would become a mom, I watched and learned.

Since becoming a mom, it is my friends who keep me smiling, keep me sane. Without you all, playgroups and carpool would be dull, and I would certainly feel lost on this journey. You all are in the thick of it right with me. We read the same parenting books, compare notes and struggle with the same choices. You understand my frustrations, and my pure joy. You offer ideas and suggestions for everything from teething to potty training to moving with kids. You have mothered me as well with your support, your willingness to listen, your hugs.

Motherhood is a gift (and what a gift at that---what other present guarantees we will be spit upon, bitten and yelled at??). But the gift isn't only in watching my children grow and develop. Equally important is the gift of friends to walk this journey with. Friends who share what their mothers taught, who inspire me, who remind me what an amazing life we live.

On this Mother's Day, I am so thankful for each of you. In a myriad of ways, you have shown me the blessings of being a Mom. And although my boys don't realize it and probably won't ever truly understand it, I know they are thankful for you too.

With all my love, Happy Mother's Day!

Denise

Good Deal

2008-05-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

30% off your entire Gymboree purchase Thursday, May 8th-Sunday, May 11th.

coupon code: CFCIRCLE

oh yeah

2008-04-23T22:35:00.003-04:00

I'm back.

Turns out, I still have things I like to write and ruminate about.

And of course I have a bizillion posts zipping around my head, but for now that's where they'll stay. I need to ease myself back into the blog-waters.

For now, goodnight. Sleep tight.

Genetics or Raisin Bran....

2008-04-23T22:19:00.003-04:00

I found this story online today. If the research is true, I guess if we ever do end up preggers again, I can pretty much count out any pink purchases.

Especially telling is the following paragraph:

The odds of an XY, or male outcome to a pregnancy also went up sharply "for women who consumed at least one bowl of breakfast cereal daily compared with those who ate less than or equal to one bowl of week," the study reported.

When you consider that I probably ate two to three bowls per day with each of my pregnancies, it's not surprising I had boys. It's surprising they weren't born with cheerio shaped birthmarks.

Thoughts, ideas?

Regardless, I'd rather cereal and a balanced diet as an explanation for boys than raging testosterone any day.

nutty

2008-04-23T22:11:00.000-04:00

You Are a Pistachio

You are funky, freaky, and a total character.

You're very different than anyone you know.

There's no way you're changing the way you are...

Which is good, because no one wants you to change.

What Nut Are You?

Taking a break

2008-03-26T20:53:00.002-04:00

I'm sure by now you've noticed that my goals of writing more frequently just aren't happening right now. In fact, nothing seems to be happening in an orderly fashion in our home right now. Maybe it is the move finally catching up with us, maybe its the weather, maybe its just me, but I'm proclaiming an official break with the blog.

Not forever, mind you, just for a few weeks to try to reorganize a real life and not just one in the blogosphere. Lately I feel that even when I'm not posting, I'm thinking about a post or checking other blogs repeatedly to see what is new with other folks. And as much as I love to read and learn from the blogs...I can tell it is taking too much time right now.

So I'm going to try not only writing less, but reading and general web-surfing less. The computer needs to be fun free time...not hiding from my family and shirking household duty time ;-)

See you in a few weeks.

(If I had to guess, I'd say sometime mid-April)

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T17:04:00.003-04:00

I am humbled and blessed by all that we shared this Easter.

I hope yours was a happy one.

Thank you to my parents for driving up to spend the weekend with us. Thank you to the priest and parish family at our new church for putting together beautiful and meaningful services all weekend. Thank you to our neighborhood for organizing an egg hunt and scavenger hunt for all the youngsters. Thank you to all the bloggers who continue to inspire me to learn more about my faith.

May your Easter Season (it's not just about the day you know!) be a blessed and happy one!

Catholic Writers' Conference Online

2008-03-19T17:07:00.002-04:00

I've just learned about this conference and it sounds interesting. Is anyone you know signing up for it? Are you? I'd love to learn more about it.

conundrum

2008-03-19T16:02:00.003-04:00

Focused and prayerful as we head into the end of Lent,
but also distracted and excited as we pick tourney brackets for March Madness.

Such is life with boys.

toddler logic

2008-03-14T13:34:00.002-04:00

We've been working on manners around here lately, especially with Tres. The prime example being that one should not say, "YUCK!" when presented with lunch or dinner options.

Yesterday, as I changed a rather smelly diaper of his (yeah, yeah, he will eventually be potty trained), he loudly announced, "YUCK!" and then quickly added, "I mean, no thank you."

New Math

2008-03-09T10:47:00.006-04:00

Here's the background for this post---
Sparky and Catfish are signed up to play T-Ball.
The Little League Organization is short on coaches and managers.
Hubby and I are now Manager and Coach of eight little Marlins.

What have we done?

But that is another post for another time.

What we need to do is take some of the pre-requisite "learn to be a coach" classes that our Little League designed. Luckily one of the classes was online and so I happily sat in front of the computer for an hour last week and learned all about proper hitting, proper fielding and other coaching strategies.

Why do you care? Because you love me.

No really. You are still reading because presumably I have something interesting to say. And I do. Right now.

The piece I found to be most interesting in all of our training was that in order to be an effective coach we should remember the 5:1 ratio. According to research done by Gottman (1994) people function at their best when the positive interactions outweigh negative ones by 5 to1. In fact, Gottman and his colleagues were able to correctly predict which newlyweds would divorce 94% of the time, after watching only one 15 minute session of interaction.

FIFTEEN MINUTES!!??

(See here for more information on the research).

FIFTEEN MINUTES and they could tell whether or not a couple would make it. WOW.

Obviously the point of including this in our coaches' training was to remind us to be positive with the kids, to encourage and praise them along with offering correction. Beyond that, however, I am simply stunned by this research.

Even before reading this, I had been feeling like most of my conversations with the boys were Pick this up-Do your homework-Please empty the dishwasher-stop hitting your brother-

And it was getting old. They weren't listening to me and I was tired of repeating myself.

In fact I was so tired of it all one day, I hid in the office and did an online coaching program and let the boys run amok in the TV room. I started learning about being a good coach, and in the process realized I've been missing the boat on communicating with my family.

I realize no one is perfect, and I certainly don't think I'm a "bad" mom, but I do think my ratio needs to be a little better around here, with my hubby, with my kids, even with myself.

I hadn't hear of this research before (have you??), but it makes so much sense to me.

So there you have it...new math to work on as a family.
5:1

yummy

2008-03-07T20:56:00.000-05:00

You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

You life your life in a free form, artistic style.

You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy.

Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it.

Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

I love caffeine...

2008-03-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, I shouldn't indulge.

But oh my goodness....I can get so much done when I have a tall nonfat chai to start my day!

Today we went to our first Music Together class (at least our first one here; we've attended in Washington and Maine as well), went to a story time, the library and since I've been home I've had a most productive office hour......mailed out some over-due letters, finished a few emails, returned a few phone calls. I even managed to call my old dentist to get the records forwarded before my appointment with the new dentist.

(What I haven't had time for apparently is a minute to stop and slow down to correct my grammar---RUN ON SENTENCES BEWARE!)

But anyhoo...I'm off to put away laundry before my caffeine rush fades and I pass out on the couch for the remainder of the afternoon.

Phew! I even talk faster when I have my chai (my hubby will definitely attest to that)!

Happy Friday to you all!

Online Deals

2008-03-05T11:55:00.003-05:00

Now, I am not as thrifty as compared to some other internet savvy types, but I have had REALLY good luck at this site.

If you shop online, check there before you click the checkout button. A few clicks and you can get tons of different coupon codes---no registration required. I just got free shipping from JC Penney and 20% off at Eddie Baur. WOOHOO!!

I'm here

2008-03-04T13:53:00.002-05:00

Just not too much going on.

Hope you're having a good and peaceful day.

So are you a stay at home mom...

2008-02-29T21:36:00.003-05:00

having one of those days where you wonder if what you do matters?

Go here and read this.

Wow.

h/t Ordinary Time

This is just plain scary

2008-02-29T13:44:00.006-05:00

Now I don't want to be a fear-monger and incite panic, but even 10 instances out of 10 million is too many. We shouldn't be in danger from our shoes.......warning....pretty gnarly pictures enclosed.

Thanks to my mom for sending this as an email....

*UPDATE*
The pictures were skeeving me out, so I had to delete them off my blog, but if you link through to snopes there is another link where you can find the pics. Trust me, it is scary stuff.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This checks out on snopes.com...so if you're planning to buy your summer footwear from Wal-Mart, think twice!

Subject: China Made

REMEMBER THE PAINT ON KIDS TOYS .

Hi,
This is very true! Our government has to be extra careful on these cheap imports from China, especially clothes and foot wear. The Chinese are using some cheap, but very strong chemicals in their manufacturing. Cheap can be expensive, when it causes problems, such as in the following pictures! At the same time, some of these chemicals, may be fatal.

Halfway there

2008-02-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the half-way point between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

How's Lent going for you?

Have you given anything up?

Are you praying extra, giving alms, fasting?

Whether you are having a faith-filling Lent or you feel lost in the woods, take the time today to know that Easter is coming soon.

My own Lent---'eh. Somedays I feel focused and tuned in....others I'm not really paying attention as much as I think I should be. So at the half-way point, I know I can buckle down and really try to give it my best. Try to be charitable in my actions, gentle in my voice, humble in my thoughts.

No one says you have to a "perfect Lent"---better that we've tried and failed a few times than to not try at all.

On the lookout

2008-02-28T13:56:00.002-05:00

We have hit the age of internet awareness in our home and so it is time to ask my faithful readers a question.

Do you have a good internet filter you can recommend? Both Sparky and Catfish would like to go online and check out age appropriate sites. I don't have a problem with that, and 99% of the time I expect to be right next to them on the desk, but all it takes is one wrong click and you know the rest----way to much information coming their way.

So I know we need a filter---Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Does Play Doh Count?

2008-02-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

In case you missed the recent segment on NPR discussing the value of ordinary play, here is the link.

Go and read it. I'll wait.

So what do you think? I found it interesting....very interesting. I can't help but wonder though, what about the toys we own and encourage our children to use? Are they all bad?

I completely agree with the argument against over-scheduling. Kids who are in organized activities for the entirety of their day forget how to entertain themselves. After all, since there is always a scheduled event or upcoming activity, why should a child find a way to keep themselves occupied when a counselor/karate instructor/coach will just direct each part of the day.

Obviously, I'm not saying there shouldn't be any enrichment activities (my boys have been involved in several different ones), just not every day, every school vacation and the entirety of the summer. We have a motto around here and it is "free-range boys".

But the NPR piece seems to imply that playing Star Wars with a Light Saber is somehow less creative and "free range" than play from 100 years ago where being a Pirate meant using a stick for a sword. And that is the point I want to disagree with.

Yes, having a store-bought toy may be more "limiting" in ideas, but many toys are springboards to other ideas; kids will only stick with a scripted use for a toy for so long. Witness the Ninja Turtles that ride in the Little People Bus and the jogging trampoline that is a race track for cars. Using play doh to make pizzas instead of homemade dough is creative and stretches the imagination and the norms for toys. We have enough guilt as parents, I don't think we need the added guilt of worrying about stunting creativity because we allow action figures in our home.

In the end, I think there is 100% no- doubt-about-it that over scheduling affects free play, concentration and imagination. I disagree with the idea that toys contribute to this. Toys can be a creative force, as long as our kids have the free time to use them.

h/t Melissa Wiley

I think I'm in love...

2008-02-27T16:24:00.002-05:00

I have given in and I have no regrets.

I hired a cleaning lady.

Michelle was kind enough to offer me the name and number of Ms. C, who cleaned for her when she lived in this neck of the woods.

Let me just tell you, this lady is gooooooood.

I mean, she cleaned out my toaster oven.

And she scrubbed my tea kettle. I don't know if I have ever scrubbed the outside of my tea kettle.

Oh yeah, its love at first sight.

Now I just have to figure out which kid doesn't get to eat this week to afford it. Kidding--just kidding.

Honestly, the mental sanity is worth any penny pinching we may have to do. When I signed up for this gig, I distinctly remember it was "staying home with the kids" not "staying home to mop floors and scrub toilets." And right now, my kids need my attention and my focus, not my yelling at them because I HAVE to mop and I HAVE to scrub the potty. So the yelling goes away and Ms. C comes to clean. And our rebate/refund from the feds does go to strengthen the economy.

And yes, it may seem high-falutin...but oh....it seems worth it. Did I tell you she cleaned the toaster oven?????

before bed update

2008-02-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

I wanted to log on and blog about us, about what we did today, and how I think everyone is on the mend here.

I wanted to post those pictures of the office, the lost tooth and Baltimore that I've been promising to put on the blog.

I wanted to pay the bills, comment on an Essay in Time Magazine and fold some laundry.

But none of that is really going to get done tonight.

My brain is too tired and my bed is calling me. So I'll leave you with this....we are feeling better after 6 days of fevers and coughs (actually only Catfish is sick, the rest of us are just suffering from Cabin Fever). And although I thought Tres was coming down with the flu bug, I'm hopeful that he has avoided it.

Thanks for the thoughts of health and wellness you've sent our way.

Good night!

Oh and please say an extra prayer for fellow blogger Nicole, who will be having her baby tomorrow!

update

2008-02-26T07:21:00.001-05:00

The flu has hit.

I think that says it all.

Thankfully we seem to have a "mild" strain.

Blogging to resume later.

so much to post, so little time

2008-02-21T13:35:00.002-05:00

We had kid excitement around here as Sparky lost his first tooth yesterday. It has been wiggly for a month now, but yesterday before lunch it wiggled right out. He was so excited to have it happen at school because the teachers have a tooth keeper necklace that the tooth-loser gets to wear for the day. I, however, was bummed. I wanted to be there to see the moment.

Of course by time it was bedtime the tooth had disappeared from the tooth-locket-necklace and so there were a few tense moments as we scoured the living room looking for it. You would not believe how many tiny pieces of white stuff we found on the floor. Hard, white stuff, but not the tooth. Hmmm.....that's a bit scary. Crumbs maybe?? Ewww....

But anyway, I finally decided to shake out the rug and lo and behold out came the tooth. Sparky was overjoyed, and the tooth fairy was back in business.

I still want to write about our day trip to Baltimore, beginning potty training with Tres and the midnight visit from the tooth fairy...but real life calls and I need to watch the bird feeder with the boys.

To be continued.

life in the mid-atlantic

2008-02-20T17:14:00.003-05:00

Monday, 75 degrees and sunny.

Wednesday 31 and snowing. Real snow. Big, fat, fluffy flakes that are sticking to the ground.

Stoopid Groundhog.

tick tock tick

2008-02-20T10:14:00.002-05:00

I recently replaced the batteries in a clock that never had a home in our last two houses. The clock now proudly sits on our fancy-schmancy new desk in our office (pictures of the office re-do, coming soon, I promise!!!). The whole darn set up just makes me feel peachy. Nice clean desk, nice orderly office supplies, even the office chair which I've never liked now fits in the scene.

Is there a point to all of this rambling? Why yes, there is.

The clock ticks and tocks. Shocking, I know, but in my digital world, I think this is the only "real" clock we have in the house, and now it is next to the computer. Counting down my every.single.second while I am online.

It makes goofing off on the net seem terribly unproductive.

Tick. Shouldn't you be doing the dishes?
Tock. Are the kids watching TV again?
Tick. Well at least if you're online, why don't you write that email?
Tock. NOOO not that site, be productive, don't wander aimlessly to the end of the internet.
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Tock.

Grrr...it is enough to make me use hubby's laptop in the kitchen.

I'd like to say that the clock reminds me to be thankful for each minute, to watch how I use my time and to be productive with my days. But it doesn't. Since I tend to procrastinate, the clock just reminds me that the minutes are ticking away.

So the choice on my end is do I choose to be thankful and productive? Or do I hide in the kitchen?

I'll give you a hint. The kitchen counter is a much warmer place to type than the office with the drafty windows.

Ahhh...life is good

2008-02-15T11:39:00.002-05:00

The sun is shining for a second day in a row and life is good. I am such a creature of the weather. It is a good thing the Seattle area wasn't as dreary as people make it sound, otherwise I never would have survived out there!

So we did manage a baked ziti on the table and served by 6 p.m. Phew! I completely forgot to make meatballs though, so good thing there was plenty of extra cheese to account for some protein in the meal.

Today's task is to finish up the office. It is the last bastion of chaos from the move, but now that I have a new desk and I found cute curtains, I'm ready to tackle the beast. I'll try to remember to get before and after pics, so you too can share in my joy.

And did I mention the sun is shining?? I even saw a robin in my backyard. Life is good.

Happy St. Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

Are you making your Valentine anything special for dinner? I have all the intentions of making a Baked Ziti, but I have yet to make my sauce, so if that is the plan I better get on it.

I wanted to scan the Valentines Sparky and Catfish made for us, but my computer is not acknowledging we have a scanner at the moment (actually it hasn't since the move), so I can't think of another way to share the love. Ah well, I'll save that for another day when I'm feeling more techie inclined. Suffice it to say, they were darn cute and will go straight into the keeper bin. I try not to keep too many of their crafts and creations, but these are just too sweet to pass up.

Ok, got to get cookin'--I'll let you know if it all turns out ok.

Ok, WHAT?

2008-02-13T16:05:00.003-05:00

First of all, thank you for the kind words and phone calls from yesterday's downer post. I've spent a long time today just reading and chilling out and generally avoiding my to-do list and I think by tomorrow I'll be ready to dive back into life.

That being said, one of the things I read was an article in today's Washington Post "Pairs with Spares". It is all about Polyamorists who are in multi-faceted relationships. Triads and quads and V's where they have multiple partners; sometimes they interact with each other and live as one big happy family, sometimes they just have all these separate relationships.

Let me repeat myself, Ok, WHAT???

I read this entire article with my jaw wide open. Seriously?! This exists??

There is a whole Poly movement out there apparently. They even have conventions are so people can learn the art of communicating in a poly relationship, how to raise kids in a poly-family, and even a cuddle conference. I'm not making this up, I swear. Although I did recheck the date to make sure it wasn't April 1st.

The polys adamantly deny that it is all about sex. Its about communication and conversation loving yourself enough to know one isn't enough, according to several polys that were interviwed.

Ok, WHAT?

Really, I don't mean to be close-minded. And I recognize that there are different ideas of what constitutes family and a healthy relationship. But for one of the groups to argue that their triad merely makes it easier to raise kids ("How do people do it with only two adults?? She wonders) and for another to talk about how they just have different needs for love, it all just smacks of selfish bunk.

And I mean that in the nicest uncloseminded way.

Relationships involve commitment. Yes loving one person is difficult. Yes, you may have to sacrifice and trust and you may even get hurt in the process. One of the reasons cited for poly relationships was that one person simply can't fulfill all your needs; they can't be lover, best friend, confidant, wii partner. Well, DUH! Get some friends, develop relationships that are trustworthy and balanced, volunteer, find a hobby. No one should expect their spouse to meet their every need.

But this poly stuff....Wow, I had never heard of such a thing. Swingers yes, but that's just sex and we KNOW those people are damaged goods. But to try to suggest that a poly life is better, more loving, more natural is wrong on so many levels. Love is meant to be shared, yes. But the love a person should have for their partner should be a committed, trusting, full love. Not the bits and pieces leftover from another relationship.

I'll step off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening. And really, I don't mean to offend anyone reading this if you happen to know a poly. I just honestly have a hard time understanding this as a model for a healthy relationship.

2008-02-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

Who is Your Ideal TV Boyfriend?

Created by BuddyTV

Ok, so I've never seen the show, but it describes my guy pretty well nonetheless :-)

HT: Matilda

Looking for something

2008-02-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

It is one of those gray February days that makes winter seem unending. And while we aren't getting blasted by a snowstorm, we are expecting ice and sleet, which makes me want to curl up under the covers and hide for a few days.

I want to hide from the unorganized stuff still lining the hallway, from the piles of laundry that never go away, from myself.

I'm not trying to have a pity party here, just being honest. About 99% of the time, I'm pretty happy-go-lucky, but there are days where I just feel blue and blah. Most of us have those days...whether we admit it or not. I know even the saints had their days.

It is, however, when I wish my fairy godmother would swoop in and stock the freezer with home cooked meals, clean the floors and send me to a remote beach for a few weeks (where I could lounge around with margaritas and a few good books....a girl can dream can't she??)

We haven't been sleeping well around here, I'm pms-y, I haven't been praying as often as I'd like (or writing for that matter), so I realize how everything contributes to my funk. I'd just like to know what the first step is in walking toward the positive.

My needs and wants.....an orderly house, well-mannered kids, help with the daily chores, time to think/reflect/pray. I don't need perfection, but I do need something more than I've got right now.

I do have a loving husband, a strong faith, good friends, a roof over our heads and food to feed us.

I have too much in so many ways, why is it that on these gray days it still feels empty?