Happy Anniversary - Low Key Style

Today is our 2nd anniversary and we're doing what we do everyday.

(Most want me to say love one another, right? How boring!)

Hubs is outside playing with the boys, I fed Wee One and put him to bed, T.O. came inside after he had a "tooting accident" that required an underpants change and now he's singing:

"Can you help Maaayyy butt-EN maaaa pants...oh yeah...dude....butt-EN maaa pants."

It's what we do, day in and day out. We live, we handle the kids, we get dinner fixed and playtime had. In between there was a hasty "ooohhh, thanks" exchange.

Monday Mumbles

Good morning. Here are ten random things on my mind today. No particular order, as always.

1. Although Wee One is desperately uncomfortable in his own skin (literally, folks), I am thankful that he's "healthy" comparatively speaking. I WILL find a solution to help him, and I WILL make him feel better everyday, but things could be worse, and I know this.

2. T.O. counted in the car yesterday, and he kept counting....and kept counting.....we made it to 109, and then he decided that after 109 came....you guessed it. 10,000. It makes sense, right? Then ten....? Yeah? No? Okay. I set him straight. Soon we'll be counting all the way to 200! I can't WAIT! *sarcasm drip*

3. 11 year old went to his mother's this weekend. I fear what the school report will be today. After some visits with her, we tend to regress in our behavior. Maybe a quick email to the teacher to tell 11 year old "hi" from me....will keep his mind about him?

4. Did I mention, however, that he brought home an A on his math test last week? We were very proud considering he's been struggling a bit with this 5th grade math. I think it's more lack of application than understanding. I blame Hubs for this. I'm too busy in the evenings whining about dishes and laundry to help with math. No? Okay, fine. I'll help.

5. I haven't run into mean mommy at daycare drop-off lately, but today? I was driving to daycare and met Mean Old Man who thought I cut him off. Funny, though, there was a full car length between us AFTER I changed lanes AND he never had to tap his brakes because I eased in going the same speed as his lane....I gently flipped him off after he flashed his lights at me. He wasn't THAT old, don't worry.

6. Reflecting, I now wish I would have boxed him in. That would have been more fun. I was too busy being stunned that he really thought I was driving recklessly. I have changed lanes with much less maneuvering room AND without using a blinker, which I used with him. I think I might still be mad.

7. I need to google what we're supposed to exchange on anniversary #2. Anyone know off the top of your head? I will google it. But I have to buy it by tonight or tomorrow at lunch. Tomorrow's our anniversary and well...last year? He did better than me. I didn't think we were going to "do anything" for it, so I didn't. But he followed the tradition and got me a paper gift. He wrote a sweet poem and note in a card. Way to show me up, Hubs.

8. My sisters are honest. To a fault. You heard me, girls. TO A FAULT. But it's okay when I ask it of them. They never seem to like how I change my hair. If it's worn curly, they don't like it. If I straighten it, they don't like it. Long? Nah. Short? Eh. Not really. So yesterday when I saw them with my new 'do, I said "Go ahead and say what you think. Let's get it over with." So the sister who is never afraid to be mean says "I don't really like you with short hair." Gotta love that some things never change.

9. Come to think of it girls, that sort of reminds me of someone we're related to. He lives in Florida. How do you like THAT comparison???? (Love you big brother.)

10. Anybody feel like winning the lottery? I think I might buy a ticket. It's what's on my mind.

Weekend Report

WELL. I'll start off by asking - How was your weekend?

Because mine was NOT what it was expected to be and the rest of this will be about THAT.

So, did you answer? Did you comment on your weekend? I know it's only Sunday morning, but for me, you can go ahead and wipe it out - weekend. We're moving onto Monday.

Hubs and I were going to have a low-key date to celebrate our anniversary, which is coming up on Tuesday. My dad had already agreed to keep the boys, even OVERNIGHT if we wanted. WELL....

Then in comes the snow. Winter weather advisory. Even the poor birds are confused.

The last time I was supposed to get relief my mom was headed to town to hang out and we were going to get a date. Guess what happened then? A foot of snow was dropped on us and my mother as she was driving here. She made it, but we decided a date wasn't in the works with the roads and weather. I had a good time with Mom, but still.....really?

But of course Flu Bug hadn't really left me, it still hasn't, so I'm quite certain I wouldn't have been good company on a date anyhow. So cruddy weather, Flu Bug, Jayhawks losing (Janna Bee, you're in trouble), an itchy whiny Wee One.....

....he looks really grumpy here, doesn't he? But in my defense, he IS grumpy if Hubs isn't holding him. He whines for Hubs to pick him up. Such a BABY.

And then there was a T.O. who doesn't................stop.................talking.............all this equals a weekend well worth forgetting. But then Hubs helped T.O. find a constructive talking mechanism....reading Sorry! cards and playing a game while I.....

.....handled Wee One. He loves to rub heads, so we did. And the weekend wasn't a total waste. Before the winter weather arrived, I made my 10am hair cut with my fabulous hair-cutting friend. Anyone local need a new gal for your hair care needs? I'll hook you up. She's fab.

Looking out the window is a family favorite, obviously. When we're not spying on the neighbors,we're just opening the windows and enjoying whatever is outside to be enjoyed. Hubs showed the boys....snow. And cold air. I am shivering as I think about it. I can't WAIT for it to end. But they're obviously having a great time. Here's to finding silver linings. I guess the weekend wasn't so bad, after all.

And just as I was about to hit "publish" Hubs speaks up and says "I really enjoyed this weekend here with you guys. I know we didn't do much, but it was nice." Why do men have to go and ruin a perfectly good whine with some sweet? FINE....Wee One can ruin it. He just pooped his pants. :) I always knew my kids would have my back.

Neighborhood Spy-Dogs

***UPDATE*** Nothing. Nothing happened. The cop is no longer there. It was dark so we have no idea what happened down the street. My Jayhawks lost too, so now I don't feel good, I'm suspicious of my neighbors, and I'm grumpy. Very grumpy. Good night.

Me and Hubs. We had the binocs out and all. Sometimes we get cops on the street. And we peek. Oh yes we do. It's a very quiet street we live on, but a couple of the houses were rented out, and they always seem to draw the po-pos. One time, they moved in with like....five swat dudes. No lie. They peacefully took a man out of the house. We were told that the guy simply had a warrant out for his arrest. A couple of times it's been for elderly people being sick, so ambus came too. There have been a couple of fairly decent-sized fires.

Now there is a cop who came quietly up the street shining a large spotlight on house numbers trying to find a house....he finally parked and sat...and then a car drove up and went slowly by him and parked on the wrong side of the road two houses down. Then.....the cop car slid up on that car, people got out, one ran to a house, the other talked to the cop. The cop went up to the door and went inside.

He's still there. We're sitting here waiting....one eye on the basketball games, another with the binocs ready and aimed....

So Sorry

Mr. Flu Bug: Ah HA! Gotcha. You've been avoiding me for FAR too long.

Immune System: What do you MEAN, avoiding? I've just been busy...having a baby, feeding it...

Mr. Flu Bug: Exactly! You think it's okay to block me with all those goodies in your body? That's not fair. I haven't attacked you since....well, it was a long time ago.

Immune System: There is a reason for that, buddy. I like to run, keep lots of water in me....

Mr. Flu Bug: And this is where I saw your weakness! You haven't been running, you-

Immune System: I couldn't!!! Do you KNOW what it would have taken to hold the milk jugs in place???

Mr. Flu Bug: Not my problem. As I was saying....you stopped feeding Wee One, and so you stopped drinking as much water as you needed to flush out the likes of me. You got LAZY.

Immune System: I was tired of going to the bathroom all the time.

Mr. Flu Bug: The sacrifices you should make to avoid me seem small compared to the headache, achy neck, and shivers you've got...eh?

Immune System: Bite me.

Mr. Flu Bug: I already did. It's why you haven't sat at the computer and visited your blogland friends for two days. It's why you've gone to bed at the same time as your boys. It's why Hubs won't sleep with you in the bed, fearing he'll catch me. Smart man.

Immune System: Well, you need to leave. I have basketball to watch tonight, and blogs to catch up on. I'm heading to the drug store on the corner now.....

Mr. Flu Bug: Drugs will only mask me! Just ask Tom Cruise. I'll still be here, dancing...when they wear off. See you then!

Office and Music Policies

I've never understood them.

Don't allow music unless you have earphones. Really.

You tiptoe around politics and religion, so why can't we be more cautious about musical tastes? I don't like yours, but I have to endure it because you don't have headphones? NO. I refuse. I'll call you out. I don't care how old you are. Yup, that's right. I just asked a 60 year old woman if her earphones were broken because I wanted to offer mine to her if they had. I pretended to not care that I could hear her music, but that was my underlying suggestion.

I don't get it. We have to be crammed into these tiny little areas together, and you're going to subject me to your music? It's one thing if we're sitting close enough together and I can HEAR it and sing along...but if all I get to hear is bits and pieces when the singer gets loud, forget it. It drives me bonkers. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. It's like someone popping gum over and over and over....and over....and over.

I think I've about had it with office and cubicle jobs. Seriously, I might open the window and jump. Unless I get a corner off where I can shut the damn door or be in charge and tell you earphones or NOTHING....I might have to go crazy and have to be put away. Please....put me away. I desperately need a nap.

Monday Mumbles

Here are ten random things that are on my mind. They're just ten things in no particular order. And yes, they're late. No grumbling.

1. Holy mother of pearl, I canNOT keep my eyes open. What is wrong with me?

2. I just scored Wee One an allergy consult tomorrow afternoon. Please, doctor, help us get his bumpy body fixed up. They're minuscule little bumps, really not noticeable unless you're dressing him or scanning his skin for weirdnesses, but they're there. They also don't appear to bother HIM...which makes me wonder if I should just let them be? Nah. I need to know what's causing them. It's irking me.

3. Marriage is a weird thing. I find it true that people say "marriage is work" and "marriage isn't easy". But I'd think...at some point...you just get used to one another and it does get easier. And if this were so, then why would couple who are elderly still fight? You know that your partner won't change their mind, they never have...so why even bicker? Just to get the blood pumping? There is a couple that works here, and I always wonder about this whenever she comes to peck at him.

4. I am starting to wonder who really reads my blog because after I made those couple of posts about the lady in the blue pull-over, she wore a different shirt on Thursday, and ANOTHER different shirt on Friday! I was amazed, and a little worried. But the new shirts looked good. Gotta give her that. Today she's back to the pull-over.

5. The Jayhawks are in the Sweet Sixteen. Just needed to make sure you don't forget this point. It makes me happy and helps me look forward to the weekend. As if I needed anymore help with that.

6. My eyes are starting to close. Literally.

7. I pulled out shorts from my closet this weekend to see what fits and what doesn't. I was so excited to fit into a pair, I strutted to the living room and did a spin for Hubs. I said "Look! These are size X!" I twirled again and he said "No they're not." I was feeling sure of myself and pulled out the tag with my rear in his face, and he said "Yeah. Size Y." So I slunk back to the bedroom and found another pair. I mistakenly (I thought this word was spelled mistakingly, but spellcheck put me in my place. I love learning new things.) thought they were size X and tried again. I failed again.

8. Please don't take mumble #7 as a complaint about size Y. I like size Y. The shorts are cute, and size Y is a nice one year post-baby size.

9. No, I will not tell you what size X or Y is. You better not ask.

10. I watched some Sex And The City dvds last night from season one. I do believe I'll be doing this again tonight. I forget how funny this show really was. Thank you, Hubs, for turning me onto it.

I'M A JAYHAWK

ROCK

CHALK

JAYHAWK

SWEET SIXTEEN!!

Cleaning Crisis

So, I was thinking. Friend (mentioned here) was talking about cleaning her house and she's been going from room to room, doing whatever it is that she deems "cleaning". Usually most people consider the following involved in cleaning:


organizing
dusting
rearranging
tossing
vacuuming
folding


There are lots of other options, but when I think of cleaning, especially spring cleaning, I think of getting rid of things you no longer need, making room, straightening up rooms, shelves, closets, under beds....

...but what if you don't feel as if you can get rid of anything? And you have no more room to put more stuff? What if you THINK baby day are over, but because it's not a permanent fix (yet), you want to be safe rather than sorry? And your house is really small? How many times can I really rearrange everything to pretend like it's clean? How many times can I shift things from one corner or room to another corner or room?


All of this stress over HOW to clean has me tired. And dusting makes the allergy-suffering boys in the house sneeze. I can't throw anything out in case another fun-loving baby surprises should bless us, but we're out of room to store all the loads of STUFF that come with babies. I guess that leaves me with vacuuming and folding. Hmmm.

My mom loves to clean. Or at least she's really good at it. I can wait until she comes back this way. For now, I'll watch some basketball.

Funny Lady

Downtown here where I live and work, they have recently (2 years ago recently) built a great entertainment district. There is a large courtyard where people can congregate and they have large screen televisions on display, which is extremely ideal during March Madness. I am a known (and vocal) Kansas Jayhawk fan, and they played today. I ventured down to this courtyard to watch some of the second half of the game. I ended up sitting on a very large ceramic plant pot ledge with a lady. Her friend stood next to her. This lady was funny, laughing, having a generally great time. She was a fellow Jayhawk fan, and one thing they say about Jayhawk fans....they know how to drink. I just think this is important for what happened here in this exchange:

TV announcer: "There's only 89 seconds remaining in the game and North Dakota State is trying to hang in there."

*pause while we wait for the teams to get to the free throw line*

Lady: "It LOOKS TO ME....like there's...." *squinting and leaning forward*...."a minute and TWENTY-nine seconds to go."

*pause for me to contemplate my response*

Me: "Well...I think that's also...89 seconds."

*pause for calculation*

Lady: "Haaaaahaaaaa haaaa haaaa! I guess it is! Haaa haaaa!" *slaps me on the arm and squeezes in a grandmotherly fashion*

You have to love March Madness. It just brings people together.

Been Busy

I hope this finds everyone having fun and doing well. I have a couple of "here's what I've been doing" moments to share with you. Please take a peek.

Here is the invite that I'm making for Wee One. As you see, it's very simple. I've learned about myself that I do "clutter" scrapbooking sometimes, so I am working on it and keeping it simple.

I won a gift from Debra!!! I was really excited to get it in the mail this week. The card, the envelope...it made me want to get myself some stationery this weekend. Aren't these patterns on the coin purse and card holder adorable? I love them. :) Thank you, Debra!!

Wee One enjoys putting food in his mouth, and then sticking his tongue out and feeling it FALL OUT. Love new tricks.

The boys are all playing together sometimes. It's cute. I think Wee One causes trouble, but what else is new? If you look at T.O., you will see he's having to try very hard to hide his little "peace" sign with his fingers. I can't get him to take a picture without it.

Comment Consideration

As you all know, I love reading your comments and I always feel like I want to start a conversation with each of you after reading what you have to say. Here is my little blurb about a few of the comments over the past couple of weeks.

Erin said...
I was going say ... red-shirt him. Then he'll be a better athlete than the others in his class. But you addressed that. :)

Great minds think alike, Erin. Great minds love the Jayhawks think alike.

Dorkys Ramos said...
Now you KNOW I (virtually) ran over here as soon as I saw "Wee One's 'Best'" on my blog roll ;)

I have been meaning to tell you....with my new camera, the videos are a little skewed when I play them back on my computer. The sound doesn't match up with the motion of the video. NOW, I don't know if this is the camera or the computer since it's the exact same SD card I have always used. I plan on testing out a video upload this weekend.

Aubrey said...
OMGosh! Dorkys had me cracking up! Chopped off hand...

It WAS T.O.'s hand...T.O. grabbed his hand when he started wailing, but it obviously didn't do much in the way of comfort.

Debra said...
I think chocolate should be it's own major food group.

Do you have any connections in public health???

ChicagoLady said...
Isn't it amazing when your kids finally "get" what you're saying to them?

I secretly think they "get" it a lot more than they let on. It all just depends on if their mood radar is set on the "tantrum at the drop of a hat" or "suck up" side of the meter.

mo.stoneskin said...
I hope poor T.O. Got waffles in the end?

Oh, dear only male reader...NO he didn't get waffles!! Do I look like a sucker mommy who runs to the grocery store in the early morning hours?? :) He got them the NEXT day.

Heather of the EO said...
Now I'm going to go find you on facebook :)

And now we are friends there too.

Stephanie E said...
Hey lady! How did you find out where they were from? I so what to know that! But hi! How are ya!?

I've been meaning to fill you in. Email me and I can square you away. Kudos to Katie for setting me up.

ChicagoLady said...
Here I am, sitting here, waiting. Waiting for you to post something. Don't make me stalk you! LOL

You know I loved this comment, right? You made my Sunday.

***REGARDING THE BIRTH CONTROL POST***
Thank you all for responding. I really enjoyed the insight you provided about your beliefs and I am thankful that you feel comfortable enough on my blog to express your opinions.

bernthis said...
You plucked your eyebrows? I consider that a very productive day.

It's rare, trust me.

joanofalltrades said...
I love Coke too. I think you should continue to kill that mean mom with kindness.

I will do my BEST. I've thought of this comment when I see her.

Jimmy Gillispie said...
I think maybe you should change the name to "Monday Grumbles" haha!!!

Hellooooooooo, little brother. That is NOT an alliteration. And who doesn't love an alliteration???

So Not Mom-a-licious said...
Crap, you don't drive a moped do you? hahaha!
Oh, I saw your post. Don't you worry...I will avoid YOUR CAR wherever you are! LOL

Danielle said...
I forgot it was St. Pat's Day. So did my mother. She and I spent the day together (in Lawrence), and as we were headed downtown and realized how busy it was, she said, "Oh..we can't go downtown today...it's St. Pat's!!!"

You got to be in Lawrence for the day? I'm jealous. But good work on the inadvertent "correct apparel" pick.

I'm So Sorry!

I haven't been around to read blogs at all today or much of yesterday....I WILL! I am in the process of hand-making Wee One's birthday invites. I'm not much of a crafter, but I did it for T.O. and I figured I better do handmade ones for Wee One. :) I'll show you pictures of them tomorrow, but I'll also be around to read you all!!

Let's Discuss Greeting Etiquette

We've all been there. Should I....shouldn't I...say hello? Raise my hand in greeting? Nod in acknowledgement? Go for the handshake? The hug?



Everyday I have this discussion with myself. It always stems from this one lady at work, you remember her. The one with the blue pull-over? Every morning she finds it necessary to greet all of us in her area. That's really nice, right? (she JUST did it, just now) Except it's not. I guess the gesture is polite, yes, but I see you ,every single day and frankly....I like to just sit down, get my bearings, and take a deep breath. And she frequently uses the wrong name when greeting me. I've gotten used to it, but there might be a day when I'm tired of it.

So, in lieu of this battle with myself, let's discuss a few other instances where we just don't know what to do, or what to say.

The bathroom:
This situation can be even more disturbing if someone exits their stall knowing that everyone in there KNOWS you just stunk it up. I generally don't have a problem with bowel movements, everyone has them and I live with 4 males. It's natural to feel comfortable with it. But let's face it, most women have trouble with this. And I feel comfortable saying this for most women because of all the women who will SIT....for hours, if they had to....before they exit in front of someone. I mean, can that be comfortable, really? Or do you go ahead and pull your pants up and just pretend to be buckling your belt for ten minutes? I admit I will try and wait for someone who's gone in there before me to exit before I do anything unsavory, (we all pooh, don't pretend we don't) but that's to be courteous to their senses. And have you noticed that no matter what you're doing in the bathroom or what another patron is doing, some just will NOT chat with you in there? Even if you both just went to wash your hands! It's like talking in the bathroom is against their religion. Weird.

The sidewalk:
This might be different for people in large cities, but for me, I tend to make eye contact with anyone I pass along the sidewalk. I usually smile, as well. And for those that I pass frequently (guards, traffic patrol, parking attendants) I will say hello or nod and smile in greeting. Most respond politely, but there are some people who do NOT like being bothered on the sidewalk. But what I really like....(please don't hate me for this)...are those who busy themselves specifically to avoid contact and then trip on the sidewalk because they're in such a hurry. I giggle. I do. I can't help it.

The cafeteria:
Here is one place I don't like to be bothered too much if I am dining alone. I don't mind sitting alone at lunchtime and I usually have a book to read, a letter I'm writing, or I'm on the phone. I will smile and chat while I get my food, but once I'm seated and engrossed in my task, I prefer to be left to myself. I have encountered a server in the cafeteria here at work who, while I was on the phone having a rather heated discussion just STOOD THERE at my table. I finally looked up at him and gave him the SHOO motion. Really? Did I NOT have my head down, talking in a very low voice? I might as well have stamped "bother me and die" on my head guessing from how I felt, but he just stood there like he had first dibs to chat with me once I was done. This caused me to NOT frequent his grill for a couple of weeks because I felt he pushed the line trying to be friendly. But a girl's gotta eat, so once he apologized for that, I was back to grubbing.

Tell me when you least like being chatted up. There are plenty of instances, I couldn't fit them all in....but I'd love to hear your stories if you've got the time.

Hot Hot Hot

Yeah, you read that right. I have been awarded a "Hottie" badge ribbon sticker button. But don't you worry, Cammie awarded me this because I make her smile. Which I think is far better than just being "hot" in the Cameron Diaz/Jessica Biel/Angelina Jolie way. I mean, who wants a great smile, perfect teeth with a killer rear-end and lips to pucker-die for?? I'd much rather make people smile.

If you don't know Cammie and enjoy a really great tale-spinner who articulates well and is funny as ALL GET OUT...visit her. Be sure to let her know you came from a "Hottie" award winner. It doesn't get you anything, but it'll give you a chance to type Tooj and silently mouth "two-jah".

Birthday Plans....

....are on the move.

Felt the need to share.

Wee One turns one next month. We like to do big family and friend parties for the first birthday celebration, but since he's only one and can't do much (and Wee One is a bit of a grouch around large crowds) we've created (okay, Hubs idea) a good plan.

Bowling. We are going to have a bowling party for his first birthday! Instead of having the guests sit and stare at him which would have been fine for T.O., but not for Wee One, the guests (aunts, uncles, cousins, friends) can all be busy bowling and enjoying themselves. The older kids can use bumpers, and Wee One will walk around and ensure that all guests are cared for. LIKE...a good host should, right?

Should be a good time. Any and all family members reading this....be prepared for your invite. Also, it should be noted that any adult that comes and doesn't bowl (with the obvious exception of great-grandparents) must bring a doctor's note excusing yourself.

Pssssttt - hey! you!

Somebody please tell me I'm not the only person in the world NOT wearing green today. I'm not actively boycotting St. Patrick's day, but the only green thing in my closet is this disgusting maternity shirt that has a permanent grease stain right between the boobs. Even Hubs, who scoffs at such holidays (his direct quote was "Look at me, do I look Irish to you?") bought some green whistle neck-wearing thingy so that he was considered festive at work.

Am I alone here in my no-green attire? Even the chick who wears the same thing everyday (NOT kidding...I mean, there might be 5 different blue pull-overs and five different jean skirts in her closet, but she always wears them. Everyday. Without fail.) has on a green undershirt. Under the blue pull-over of course.

Somebody make me feel better about feeling like a Scrooge. A Leprechaun Scrooge?

***UPDATE*** Mo Diva - Is pink okay? I have on a pretty knit pink skirt. :)

Monday Mumbles

Here's a list of ten random thoughts I am having on this glorious Monday. They are in no particular order, just ten things. Happy Monday.

1. I saw Mean Mommy pulling in this morning as I was leaving daycare. I couldn't help but draw comparisons to her vehicle make and model to 11 year old's mother's vehicle. I'm just sayin'.....

2. I'll try and be nice. Mean Mommy DID make her daughter say good-bye when they were leaving Friday. However, it's not her daughter who has issues with being polite. She always says hello and good-bye, even if she IS using the wrong name.

3. I believe weaning is complete. He won't be offered it anymore, and it's making him angry with me. I mean, he was angry anyhow...always clinging to Hubs like I was part of the death squad coming to take him away, but now he's reeeeeeeeally angry with me. And it doesn't make me feel good. Hopefully he'll get over it soon.

4. 70 degrees here today, and sunshine. I can't wait for this to be the LOW temperature of the day. Soon.

5. For being so "about your body and it's natural intentions", anti-breastfeeders are starting to get under my skin. Because they've chosen not to breastfeed their children, they harp on the PUSHINESS of breastfeeding moms. Keep in mind no one has said that I am one of them (which I'm not; I never talk about it except to say I am going to pump). But it's almost as if they are ANGRY with those moms who advocate it, and they purposefully comes up with examples to counteract the health benefits of doing it. I'm sorry you don't find it beneficial, that's your opinion. But to try and prove that it's NOT beneficial to make yourself feel better is GETTING. ON. MY. NERVES. I'm a little upset because of Wee One right now, so they better watch it. I might just blow.

6. You know, come to think of it, I'm a little grumpy that my Jayhawks did so poorly in the Big 12 tourney too. I might go off because of that. And you know what else? I have to grocery shop tonight and that does NOT make me happy. They better watch it.

7. Let's switch gears. I felt some love this weekend from ChicagoLady. I love that you left that comment about waiting for me to post. It really brightened my Sunday even if you were being silly, so thank you. You faithful commenters have no idea how much fun I have reading what you have to say. I love that blogland creates blogfriends, and I hope that I express my joy in reading your blogs as well.

8. I haven't been pumping or nursing for nearly 2 days, but I'm still starving. Somebody help me. I could eat an entire pizza, I think. I might want to get started running sooner rather than later.

9. I think I need some new shoes. I might need to splurge soon, get some cute work shoes. While I'm at it, I need to get some new running shoes, summer wear, a swimsuit, a beach house......Lottery, anyone?

10. Features on email are getting too extreme. This lady at work is collecting orders for sandwiches from a friend of hers who makes specialty sandwiches and delivers them in. She sent an email to everyone, telling them the time she needs the orders placed. I read the email and deleted it. No biggie right? She just called me and asked if I was ignoring her! I was like...what? She said "You just deleted my email." I'm thinking technology could slow down a notch.....my email is a split screen so I can still read an email without it appearing to have been read, so she must have thought since I didn't unbold it, I didn't read it. Untrue, friend. But now that I think about this....maybe it's not technology that needs to slow down, it's the attitudes? I'm just sayin'.....

Weekend Report

One should always be ready to accept the consequences of things for which they ask. I mentioned in a post last week (maybe the Mumbles?) that I needed to probably think about going out on a date with my husband, and that my sisters, who read the blog, should put a bug in my dad's ear for the obvious need - a baby-sitter. WELL, I was at odds with Hubs at the end of last week and into Friday evening/Saturday morning. I specifically say that I was at odds because he was NOT at odds with me. It is/was my issue with him, but he wanted to "get along". Seriously? I hate that. Stop being NICE when I don't feel like reciprocating. How annoyingly grown-up.

Anyhow, we get a phone call from my father just before noon on Saturday. Hubs and I had just been sitting at the table discussing what we were doing for the day. I was trying to convince him I wanted to run my errands for the day without him, and he was wanting to make it a family experience. Grrrrrrrr. When the phone rang, I said,

"T.O.! Grandpa is on the phone...."

He ran and picked it up. After a few minutes of T.O. doing the game they do (it's a "thing" with Gpa and him...."hey you chicken"...."hey ladybug"..."hey giraffe"...."hey crocodile"...that kind of "thing") I made him put Grandpa on speakerphone.

Gpa: "HEY there!! I heard you needed a baby-sitter!" (exclamation points are valid, he yells on the phone. It's where I got it from.)

Me: "Oh...um....maybe. Who told you? Which of the kids read the blog? The girls or my brother?"

Gpa: "Oh...I have my ways! I read your blog." (my dad has no idea what a blog is and has no idea how to turn a computer on. this is a lie.)

Me: "Oh, okay then. You're full of it. We were just discussing what to do, and-"

Gpa: "Bring T.O. and O.J. on down here and I can watch them while you and Hubs go do whatever! We can hang out!"

Me: "Ummm...oh. Okay. We'll finish discussing it and call you back and let you know if we're on our way."

Dang it. I had to 1) confess that I'd mentioned the need for a date on the blog (Hubs doesn't read it) which would mean I gave in slightly, even if not to his face and then 2) actually hold up my end and do the date.

Saturday report:
We got in the car and Hubs decided he was taking control, even got in the driver's seat. That was bold (no pun intended on the bold typeface), considering I'm usually the driver wherever we go and he knows I like the control. And then he made the decision to go to the bank up here in the city instead of in the city of our final destination so we could get it out of the way. Usually I have to make these decisions, so that was weird. We got to my dad's and dropped off the kids, gave him some simple instructions for them and we took off. AGAIN, Hubs = driving. He's getting on my nerves with this take charge attitude by now. I gave in and controlled the radio, however.

He controlled the day, the destinations, and it was actually *gasp* nice. We meandered around town in the car, went downtown (in my college town) and hit a couple of shops. We picked up a present for Wee One's birthday which is next month. Then we discussed an early dinner and my suggestion won out. Hubs was being VERY amiable. We hit up my favorite hometown Mexican restaurant, and then we drove around town and looked at old houses and neighborhoods, houses that I'd never paid much attention to, but really found I loved.

Since I secretly found that I was having a decent time, but I also knew I wanted to see Friend (from the questions post), I asked him if we could stop over and say hi to her before getting back to my dad's. At this point I figured he'd break and suggest I see her next weekend. Instead, we picked up a bottle of wine and actually ended up over at her parents' place and shared it with them and visited for awhile. It was a lovely end to a "decent" day. I still didn't admit to Hubs it was good, but he might have known. I won't ask. I'm stubborn like that.

Today we lounged here at home for the morning trying to decide to if we wanted to DO anything. I finally suggested taking T.O. and Wee One (11 year old was still away for spring break, he has since returned this evening) to the movies, Paul Blart, Mall Cop. Hubs and I had a good time, it was cute. T.O. is always great at the movies, and Wee One...surprisingly, wasn't terrible. He hollered out a couple times and Hubs took him outside. The first time he came back asleep (YESSSSSSSSSSS!) and the second time was near the end so he stood down in the hallway and watched and he walked him around a bit.

All in all, the weekend was a recovery weekend for Hubs and I, and a great one for T.O. He had nearly zero crying. Wee One had a great day Saturday, and a not so good day today, but all in all I'll take 50/50 with him. 11 year old appears to have enjoyed his grandmother's over break, so all kids are here and happy. I guess not much else can be asked for. I hope that all of you had a wonderful two days as well.

Teaser

This is just to notify some of you wonderful blogland friends....a weekend report is coming soon!!

I would like this...please.

It would be a great new thing in my closet for post-nursing, pre-summer love.

Friday Hang-Ups

Do you have some days where, no matter which direction you turn, you get hung up on something? You try to do something, but it just doesn't work out? Today's been a bit like that for me. Let me walk you through a few examples.

There is a mean mommy at daycare. I know the kids have only been going for a month and I've probably only seen this particular mommy....ohhh, 6 or 7 times, but she's mean. Just trust me. Sometimes, you can just FEEL a mean spirit, you know?. And I don't think she likes her child, either, the way she just bosses and dumps her off. Each time I run into her, I've tried being pleasant, but when I saw her yesterday I wanted to trip her. And maybe...just maybe....accidentally on purpose get her bitchy probably fake blond curls caught up in my high heel. Oops. So, anyway, as I was saying...hang-ups. I keep trying to be nice, make eye contact, say hello. Her daughter apparently loves my child whom she calls by the wrong name, as she did yesterday. I purposefully called his name loudly to wait for me after her daughter erred, but that mean mommy didn't correct her daughter upon hearing my SUBTLE correction. And you know what? She barely held the door open for me when we arrived at the entrance even though my hands were full with Wee One and the massive amount of things that attend daycare with him.
The hang-up? Being nice. I couldn't today. I just couldn't.

I had an eye doctor's appointment. I wear glasses and contacts, and it'd been nearly 2 years since I'd last gone. Pregnancy and nursing prevented it, and me being lazy, although we overlook that reason. I fully intended on getting both contacts AND glasses. I'm out of contacts and my glasses are 4 years old, I think. 3 or 4. But do you know what they wanted out of pocket to get BOTH??? $268. I won't do it. It's not that important. I ended up only $83 lighter, old glasses in hand, but new contacts. At least now I can run without tripping over imaginary potholes. And yes, that's happened.
The hang-up? I'm sad. Sad I didn't get new frames. I might splurge later in the year.

I love Coke. I need Coke. It's my daily lifeline. I limit myself to one a day (generally speaking), but it's my splurge. I rarely drink alcohol, I don't do desserts that often, I don't gamble...I just love Coke. Today for lunch, however, I chose to get a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza, and do you know that Pizza Hut has Pepsi products? I knew this and was prepared, so I got a Dr. Pepper with my food. It's rare that I get DP, but I felt good about this decision. At the time. Now? I desperately want my Coke.
The hang-up? I have no cash to get one out of the vending machine and I consequently have a slight headache. But that could also be from the contacts that are in my eyes.

So, enough moaning. Here are a few things I did do right today:
I mailed a long overdue snail mail letter.
I refrained, until now, from getting onto my blog at work and posting.
I didn't say mean things to a guy upstairs whose team won last night when mine didn't.
I balanced my checkbook.
I plucked my eyebrows.

How good or hang-uppy has your Friday been?

Birth Control - What About It?

Over the past few months, I have had several discussions about birth control. Some of these are with my husband. Some with my friend referenced in the What they REALLY Think post. Some are with a new acquaintance who happens to be Catholic.

The conversations with Hubs essentially cover the following bases:
1. We know we want it.
2. I think we want it to be permanent.
3. We "might" disagree as to who gets to "make" it permanent.

The conversations with Friend essentially cover the following bases:
1. Stories about the kids help her maintain her control method, whatever it may be.
2. Changing diapers in front of her reinforce the maintenance.
3. We argue about what is easier - children or pets.

The conversations with Acquaintance essentially cover the following bases:
1. She educates me on why "true, studious, fully committed Catholics" consider birth control of any medicinal or physical substance (pill, condom, sponge, diaphragm, etc) to be sinful.
2. She explains how they justify the use of scientific ovulation kits to be sure they don't fornicate during cyclical periods.
3. Me asking questions to understand how they justify intentionally not getting pregnant by abstinence versus intentionally not getting pregnant with physical barriers.

Now, I will explain that I didn't have strong feelings one way or the other about this topic. I still don't think that I do. Personally, I have always been weary of taking anything that altered by body and the way it ran. This fear wasn't based out of anything religious, it was based out of fear of altering what was already working just fine. Because of this fear, I also don't enjoy taking vitamins, iron pills (when I was pregnant), cough syrup, Tylenol, Advil...the list is endless. I think water and exercise can save people a LOT of money in simple medicines.

The conversations I've had with Acquaintance though, made me wonder about other religions and how they view birth control. Personally, the more she talked about how they found it okay to abstain to avoid being pregnant but not okay to take a pill to avoid pregnancy, the more confused I became. She used the old saying "the ends don't justify the means" or vice versa, however it goes. She also stated that it was the alteration of what God wants and created your body to do (ovulating) which is sinful. Do you think?

To me, personally, I kept coming back to the fact that she's using science to make sure she doesn't pro-create as God intended, and others use science to ensure it doesn't happen either. She said abstinence isn't a sin, though. Altering your body IS. I'm curious, all...what do you think?

I posed the question about taking medication for any reason. If God created our bodies, and he put disease in our bodies, why is it okay to block those diseases from spreading? The response was that if things are harming our bodies, it is not sinful to try and fight them off. We still have lives to lead and children to raise, and it's okay to try and scientifically fix that and alter our bodies. They're both choices, no?

I guess my main "I don't get it" part is this: Both actions alter how our bodies are going on about their life. They both attempt to prevent something from happening. If having babies is God's will for us and we block it, it's sinful she says. If having disease and struggling with it is God's will, it's okay to "fix" it, she says. I just can't help but think she (and those who think like her) are simply bending the rules to fit what they want to agree with, and what they don't. Am I wrong for feeling this way?

Please feel free to post anything you wish about this, positive or negative, in support of her ideas or not. I want to hear how others feel about this-others from her faith, those not from her faith, those who don't follow a certain faith at all. Feel free to use the comment section on this post to have dialogue with one another, if you feel compelled to respond to other commenters.

I like to get different perspectives. I like to learn how others come to the conclusions they do, how they come to live out the lives they are. Help me help myself.

Silent Stalker(s)

This is simply a wave hello. I've mastered some blogging tricks and would like to anonymously call out some consistent silent stalkers.

Washington State?
Norway?
Virginia?

I'm fairly familiar with my loyal readers and their locations, but a few locations keep popping up and I don't think I'm getting comments from them. Which is fine...don't get me wrong. But keep this in mind - I have comment moderation on my blog, so if you'd like to drop a line in response to any posts but don't want the comment published....just put that request in your comment. :)

That's all.

I'll put up a "real" post this evening. Not that anyone sits in anticipation of a TOOJ post, I know...but I'm just letting you know.

What T.O. REALLY Thinks - Daddy Style

Minds out of the gutter, people. It said Daddy Style. I wanted to follow up the previous post with T.O.'s second interview. He enjoyed the one about Mom (that'd be me) so much, he requested more questions the following day. So I decided to see what he thought about Hubs. Should be good, right?


1. What is something that Dad always says to you?
Stop watching cartoons because TV is boring. But little kids can watch three five five. Little kids need to know how to do important things.

So, yeah....three five five or 355 is CNBC. He's trying to turn T.O. into a news junkie like himself. GRrrrrreat.

2. What makes Dad happy?
Not crying.

3. What makes Dad sad?
Yelling.

4. How does Dad make you laugh?
By doing the same things as Wee One. Wee One goes "Waaaaaaaaaa!" and Daddy goes "Waaaaaaaaaa!"

5. What was Dad like as a child?
Like me, I think. He had the same skin and hair. But not the same shoes.

Hate to break it to ya, kid, but your hair is more like mine. And you're pretty fair-skinned for a mixed kid. I know you want to be like Daddy...but...you're cuter this way. Get used to it.

6. How old is Dad?
32

7. How tall is Dad?
As tall as that building right there.

Hahahahahahahaha!!! I WISH your Daddy were that tall! Well, not THAT tall...but you know...taller. Ha!

8. What is Dad's favorite thing to do?
Doing the same things as Wee One.

9. What does Dad do when you're not around?
Goes to his work and working on the computer so he doesn't make his boss mad.

10. If Dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
Driving because he sometimes drives fast but doesn't get in a wreck.

Ummm, you need help, T.O. Your mom is an awesome driver, as her next post will explain. But in the meantime, it's time you learned something about 2005. The spring, to be exact. CRASHBOOMWRECK!!!!! Not because he was speeding though. So really, you were wrong on all accounts. He doesn't speed too often, but he's not a great driver.

11. What is Dad really good at?
Cleaning.

What the heck?? Are you serious? I know what's happening...Dad spends his time bragging about all the things he "pretends" to do around here, so that's what T.O. thinks he's doing all the time. Cheater.

12. What is Dad not very good at?
Playing against me at real outside basketball.

13. What does Dad do for a job?
Works for hisself.

14. What is his favorite food?
Pasta.

15. What makes you proud of Dad?
When he helps me clean my room.

16. If Dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Diego

17. What do you and Dad do together?
Sometimes we go to the store. Play games. And go to Blockbuster to get some movies and games.

18. How are you and Dad the same?
Daddy has just a little bit of hair, but I think it's the same color as mine.

Stop trying to be like your Dad kid. Your hair is mine. Or mine is yours....whatever.

19. How are you and Dad different?
We don't have the same seats. In the car.

Mom and Dad really laughed hard at this one.

20. How do you know Dad loves you?
Because he loved me before when I was born.

21. What does Dad like most about Mom?
That she's beautiful.

This little survey did NOT help my image at all. I am the ring lover but Daddy just thinks I'm beautiful? Again, what the heck????

22. Where is Dad's favorite place to go?
Blockbuster

What Do They REALLY Think?

I have seen a certain questionnaire around Blogland that I found entertaining. Moms ask their children what they think. Specifically, what they think about MOM. I decided to put an extra twist into my little game. 11 year old is visiting his grandmother for spring break so he did not participate. Besides, he's really good about giving me the answer I WANT to hear and not always the answer he THINKS. In other words, he already knows how to skew the results. I thought that my best girlfriend would be a good source of unfiltered truth, so she and T.O. agreed to play my little game and answer the following questions. I have added some "notes" to a few that needed further clarification. You might understand their answers, but I felt the need to clarify. You'll see why.

1. What is something that mom/tooj always says to you?
TO - Well that is a hard question.......**paused and confused as to how he's supposed to answer, thinking there is a right answer** You love me.
Friend - That I'm being a brat.

2. What makes mom/tooj happy?
TO - Me not crying.
Friend - Conoco Coke

3. What makes mom/tooj sad?
TO - Crying.
Friend - Her family not getting along.

4. How does mom/tooj make you laugh?
TO - makes jokes
Friend - By singing.

5. What was mom/tooj like as a child?
TO - Doing the same things as me except crying.
Friend - Mean. She stole my boyfriend in the 5th grade.

Do you SEE a crying theme? At least I know he's listening, even if he's not following directions.

6. How old is mom/tooj?
TO - ....31?
Friend - 31.

7. How tall is mom/tooj?
TO - As tall as that flag that has the red, white, and blue on it.
Friend - Taller than me. :(

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
TO - Kiss me and hug!
Friend - Run with me!

9. What does mom/tooj do when you're not around?
TO - do work.
Friend - Take care of the boys.

10. If mom/tooj becomes famous, what will it be for?
TO - 'Cause you're famous.
Friend - Reality tv star

So was T.O. trying to say I'll be Paris Hilton? And I needed to follow up with Friend and she what show she sees me on...I wonder....

11. What is mom/tooj really good at?
TO - Beating Uncle Jimmy in Wii tennis
Friend - Talking.

I am taking the talking as a compliment and there's nothing anyone can say to change my mind.

12. What is mom/tooj not very good at?
TO - Beating me at Wii bowling.
Friend - Singing. Again.

13. What does mom/tooj do for a job?
TO - Work at your computer.
Friend - Something with numbers.

14. What is her favorite food?
TO - I think pizza.
Friend - Pizza.

15. What makes you proud of mom/tooj?
TO - Kissing and hugging me.
Friend - Her mom skills.

16. If mom/tooj were a cartoon character, who would she be?
TO - Tasha from Backyardigans
Friend - Brian (the dog) from The Family Guy

I don't watch The Family Guy, so I had to ask who Brian was. She proceeded to tell me the dog. At first, I was like....say WHAT? But she responded with "I love Brian. He is the 2nd best character on the show. Brian is loyal and serious, but has a great sense of humor."

17. What do you and mom/tooj do together?
TO - Watch cartoons and American Idol.
Friend - Just talk.

18. How are you and mom/tooj the same?
TO - Sometimes we do the same things.
Friend - We aren't.

19. How are you and mom/tooj different?
TO - We have different hair and different skin.
Friend - How much space do I have?

20. How do you know mom/tooj loves you?
TO - Because you loved me when I was a baby and I didn't cry when you changed my diaper like OJ does.
Friend - She is always there for me.

21. What does mom/tooj like most about dad/Hubs?
TO - He gave her a ring.
Friend - 1st response: N/A - that's just weird. Oh, not MY dad? Hubs? She thinks he's a pain in the mailto:!@.

She followed up with "I know that's not all you think about him, but it's all you verbalize (to me). Poor guy."
**Mental note to self - brag on Hubs to Friend more often. Blah.**

22. Where is her favorite place to go?
TO - Price Chopper
Friend - Home

Price Chopper is the local grocery store. Yeah. It's not my favorite place, needless to say.

Monday Mumbles

Top ten things I'm thinking about this Monday. They are in no particular order, just ten things. Happy mumbling today.

1. This morning, T.O. asked for waffles for breakfast. I could not give him any, we had none. T.O. asked for a glass of milk, but I could not give him any, we had none. Who thinks I need to go shopping? To the store I go tonight.

2. I desperately wanted a store-bought hot chocolate this morning. There is a Scooters coffee just down the street from my work, but getting there would have required me walking down a big hill, and therefore having to walk BACK up it to get to work. I decided on the next best thing - rich, creamy chocolate milk from the bottle downstairs in the cafeteria. Not to mention it's cold outside and I didn't feel like being cold anymore.

3. A lady that I sit next to here at work came in and said she fell down while walking to work this morning. That must hurt, and I feel badly for her.

4. My brother (the one who took those pictures in the last post) came up to my house Saturday night to hang and play some Wii. Sunday? He slept on our couch...pretty much....alll....day. We started calling him Nursing Home Jim.

5. People will spend all day complaining about daylight savings time. That's what's happening right now.

6. I succumbed to the masses and (temporarily) joined Facebook. I just feel too OLD for this thing. It came about as a college kid only thing...you HAD to be associated with a college to join it back in the day. My sisters and brothers were in school when it blew up. So to me, it feels weird to be on it. I know, I know....I'm the weird one.

7. At daycare drop-off today, Wee One's regular teacher just had her schedule changed to be there when we arrive. He didn't cry one bit. In fact, you know what that turd did? He went right to...REACHED for her from my arms....whined to get to her. I seriously don't know if I like the crying better or THIS better. I almost cried this morning because he wanted HER and not me. At least T.O. still loves me. (Wee One finally did stare at me long enough to feel bad about it and reached back over to let me hold him for a hug and kiss good-bye.)

8. I think it might be time to suck it up and go to a movie with Hubs. I don't like the theater all that much - all that candy bag rattling, popcorn smacking noise. BUT...he likes the movies and we haven't done anything together for awhile. I might call in some troops to baby-sit this weekend and see about going and doing something "grown-up" with him.

9. Sisters, I know you read this. Feel free to call me up and offer your services if you aren't travelling to Mom's this weekend. Otherwise, put a bug in Dad's ear if you see him during the week.

10. We have some yard waste that needs picked up. Unfortunately, our trash day is Monday and I needed to call in the pick-up before the truck left the place at 7am. SOoooooo, the waste has to sit at our house for another week. I was asked by Hubs to call it in last week and I forgot. Oops. In my defense....I forgot. How can I be expected to remember it all? He left the prescription cream for Wee One at the school over the weekend, so at least I have some collateral on him if he tries to throw a fit. It's always best to arm yourselves, ladies. Gentlemen, beware.

Weekend Report

I have spent the past two days with my boys. We went to an annual pancake feed with my dad, my brother, and my two sisters. We then went to visit my Granny for a bit. After that, we traveled to my dad's house and watched basketball, played a board game, and hung out. My brother took the following pictures with my new, fun camera for me. I occasionally get bothered that I don't have any pictures showing me playing with my children, so he helped me out. Thanks, brother!

Wee One loves to wrestle and grab and pinch his brothers. No exception was made for me.
Yes, that is Run DMC tee shirt on Wee One. The photo-taking brother gave it to him for Christmas. He's got a knack for picking out silly tee shirts for the boys.

Here, my little mama's boy T.O. showed me some love. But notice he never lost eye contact with the camera. He's a ham like that.

He seriously never loses sight of the camera.

Wee One saw T.O. and I wrestling and practically jumped out of Hubs' lap to get down and join us. He may not look happy here, but he was. Sort of.

Growin' Before Our Eyes

As parents, we tend to say things that indicate our children are growing up too quickly, leaving their youth behind for the daunting task of becoming teenagers and adults. Some days, however, we don't really FEEL that they're growing this quickly. Some days? We think they're regressing. Don't you catch yourself saying something similar to "Stop acting like a 2 year old."

Well, yesterday, T.O. the 4 year old, literally grew up before my eyes. I love these moments. They make me feel proud when I see that he's progressed to another level. I feel that I finally did something right, that he heard me and actually responded with thought and care.

Wee One had a doctor's appointment and more often than not, T.O. has to tag along. He typically behaves well. I really can't complain about his prior visits when he literally just visits. There were always moments during the visit, though, that he had to be asked to be a bit quieter, not talk to me when the doctor was mid-sentence, etc. He's 4, I understand he doesn't always get it. But each time we're there, I try to HELP him get it.

We were in the car on our way yesterday morning. We had the following conversation:


Mom: T.O., I really need your help today.

T.O.: Okay.

Mom: No, I really, REALLY need your help. You always act good when we see the doctor, but sometimes you are playing too loudly when I am talking to the doctor. I need you to be sure to be quiet when she talks, okay?

T.O.: Okay. This time when the doctor asks me if I want a cookie, I will say yes.

Mom: Okay, that's great. You can have a cookie, but only if she asks you if you want one. Don't ask for one. But T.O., what I really need from you more than anything is to listen to the doctor when she talks. I need you to help mama find out how to help O.J. feel better. Do you understand what I am asking of you?

T.O.: Yes, mama, I can do that. You need me to act like an adult for you.


He GETS it. He got it. And I don't exaggerate his speech, if you're wondering. If he spoke toddler speak with words mis-pronounced or slurred, I'd indicate that. I like writing in "real" tongue so you can get the gist of the conversation. But T.O. is very articulate, and speaks clearly.

And most of all? He really did act like an adult for me while we were there. When the nurse was taking down the information about why we were there, she asked me to describe Wee One's rash. While I fumbled for the words, T.O. jumped in and gently said to me, "Mama, it IS red sort of. The bumps are red." What a great big little adult I have growing up before my very eyes.

P.S. He loved his cookie. And so did Wee One.

Love Affair

Hershey Kisses, I love you so....

Hershey Kisses, don't you know....

Wherever I go,

Whatever I do,

I'll be coming back for you.

Nothing starts a Friday morning off better than some chocolate and sunshine.

Happy Friday everyone.

Wee One's "Best"

DR, there is no video YET. I haven't found the patience to listen to the crying and record it at the same time. When it happens, I want to stop it. To put me out of my misery. But here's a snapshot just for you. I hope this takes away from your (and anyone else's) desire to have one of these. I mean, seriously.....people LAUGH at cute crying pics, but it's not cute. Or funny. It makes you crazy. :)

Goobily Gobbily

Don't you sometimes just want to say that?

Goobily Gobbily.

I feel that way about lots of things at the moment, but what's crazy about Goobily Gobbily is that it can be both positive AND negative.

I feel GG Negative about Wee One's skin right now. "Contact Dermatitis" is all the rash appears to be. Did I mention that he had to go see the doc this morning? He's got a funky linear rash on his shoulder/neck, raised little bumps almost like poison ivy, but not. It doesn't appear to bother him but it bothers me. Actually, it bothers Hubs more. This poor kid has been Mr. Sensiskin since birth, and it freaked me out at first, but I've grown accustomed and just treat it best I can. I can't wait for him to grow out of it. It seems his face has a bit already; it's baby smooth more often than not now adays.

I feel GG Positive about the weather. I stepped outside this morning and said "GG!" At 10am it was 67 degrees. I loved it. Dropped the kids off at daycare and off I went, windows down, radio loud, saying "GG" with a huge grin on my face.

I feel GG Negative about the Jayhawks and their duddish ways of play last night. But I'm not THAT GG Negative because they're young and this is more what I expected this season. I personally think they've been overachieving a bit...but don't tell the fanatics...they might stone me.

I feel GG Positive about this weekend. For no particular reason. I have no plans. But it's the weekend, semi-decent weather is predicted, my kids will be able to go outside. I think a visit to the park might be in order.

I feel GG Negative about eating the apple I got in my lunch from Panera. I chose the apple over the chips because I really should make a conscious effort to eat better. I just can't force myself to do it. It would help if I HAD to, but unfortunately I fortunately have a great metabolism and can't seem to rationalize the better diet when I look in the mirror. I know I know, you might stone me for this, but it's true. Hey, at least I recognize the importance of habitually good eating, so I force my kids to enjoy apples and things...they crave fruits and eat veggies just fine.

I feel GG Positive that Wee One might be walking soon. He's getting a bit more daring. If he starts walking soon, maybe he'll really burn off energy and need to eat more. He needs to gain weight. He's so petite.

I feel GG Positive that T.O. is enjoying school, talking about friends, and learning new songs.

I feel GG Positive that 11 year old is handling this school year like a good big kid. We've struggled in the past with getting "kinks" worked out from his prior "home training", but it seems like he really gets it now. Yea for 11 year old, and back pat for Hubs and myself.

I feel GG Positive for all of my blogland friends. I enjoy you, your blogs, your comments, your lives that you share. I find this little cyber world fascinating, it's just a darn shame we couldn't all be clumped together in the same vicinity and do this gabbing over hot cocoa. Or latte. I'll take the cocoa, but you already knew I liked the chocolate.

(Apparently spellcheck does NOT like my term goobily gobbily. Should I request a M-W update?)

Ponderings of Pre-School Drag Out

T.O. is four. He won't be five until August 19. In the state where we are, you have to be five by July 31 to be eligible for public school kindergarten. I hate missing cut-offs, and this one is especially troublesome.

***I don't want to fork over more daycare/pre-school money.

***I don't want to hold him back from the next stages of learning and maturing just because his father and I didn't accidentally have too much fun back in 2003.

***Did I mention the money thing?

Here's the deal. He can continue school where we just enrolled him because they have private kindergarten for the same price we're paying now for pre-school. Great. No increase. But I wanted a DROP TO ZERO dollars for daycare once the fall of 2009 rolled around. Who wouldn't? Well, those who CHOOSE private school...thumb's up to ya. But I was a public school girl, and figured the kids would be okay there so long as I was the main motivator behind their education. (pssst - Here's where you infer that I'm saying the public schools aren't the problem with our children, it's the parents. I do believe there are poorly trained and unqualified teachers, yes. But children should get a bulk of the REAL lessons from us. Just my take.)

So, back to T.O. Say we do the private kindergarten for 09-10 school year. Guess what? Our state STILL doesn't have to accept him into the first grade public school system. They still enforce the age cut-off (I think because kindergarten isn't actually required..?? I could be wrong.) SO...we would be looking at:

Private kindergarten
Private first grade

That's 2 1/2 more years of daycare for him, topped off with oh crybaby Wee One's cost of daycare. ( I have a picture to post later, Dorkys, you're gonna love it.)

Some make the argument that boys are actually doing better when they are held back. I get that. Some are just not emotionally ready to sit in a classroom, etc. Unfortunately, T.O. gets rave reviews from his teachers, was tested and is ready, can do some easy reading, is now doing math flash cards (finger counting is so cute).....so I don't want to hinder him. It's not like he's got the genetic make-up to become an NBA or NFL star. He COULD, however....take up golf....

T.O.???? Get your clubs!!!! Let's hit the course.

Comment Consideration

I love getting comments, I love reading what you lovelies think about my small little part of the world. I love to interact, get points of view, have REAL TALK. I am a nerd by nature, and relish in its consistency. You leave comments and I smile, I think...and now I post. Here are some I wanted to feature and share my reactions.

Woman Interrupted said...
Hmm. Wouldn't have figured you for such a chick-flicker!

I laughed when I read this. I like getting comments that show me what YOU all think of me, or how I might come across on my blog. Maybe it's all the sports talk I do? Well, just today...I admitted on Erin's blog that I love the Golden Girls. What do you think about that?

{april kennedy} said...
See! Told you I was starting me day off with your mumbles!

*Ahem* April? You missed Monday Mumbles yesterday. Just sayin'.... ;)

Dorkys Ramos said...
OMG my face lit up when I saw Mumbles Update on my blog roll. So sad.

Listen up, DR. It is NOT sad that I was able to bring joy to your day. No matter how trivial the mumbles update might have been, at least you smiled!

Erin said...
Thank you for keeping the dialog going. I think it has to be discussed to be understood.

You're welcome. This is all I want from posts that are serious or possibly controversial. I just want a way to communicate and open ourselves up to some discussion. I have the fortune of having my husband here to ask questions of, to "sound stupid" without sounding stupid in real life. I can ask him what it feels like when things are said, or inferred, what it means, where it comes from. We, as Whites (who don't FEEL racism or racist) may not GET why other cultures get offended. I know I haven't always understood, and so I asked. I researched. I think it's good to have people with whom we can talk about serious stuff. Now back to the fun....

joanofalltrades said...
I love going to sporting events. T.O. looks like he enjoyed himself. I don't remember the bucket game. What's that?
KatieSaysSo said...
I totally remember the bucket game from Bozo..are you kidding? Bozo rocks.

So, I get these two responses to the One on One Time post. I laughed. "Joan"...Bozo's Grand Prize Game. Bozo was pretty great. I really wanted to go be in the audience.

So Not Mom-a-licious said...
I have a whole bag of chocolates I need you to eat for me too! I'm too sick to eat. And I can't taste them anyway. Yet, they still end up in my mouth. Hmm, that's weird.

Uhhh....yeah. I'm still waiting on those chocolates. Did you finish the entire bag? I can't seem to stop eating chocolate....maybe we should meet up for CA meeting?

ChicagoLady said...
For those of us with no kids and no plans for kids, I'd like to have the option of getting the plumbing removed. Now THAT would be heaven!

Yeah, I'm trying to get Hubs' plumbing removed. I still have some convincing to do, think....men are SO sensitive about their parts. Sheesh.

bernthis said...
After I had my kid, I swear I could have cared less who saw my yahoo. Mercifully, nobody asked.

Nobody? Nobody at all? Not even the guy you had ice cream with in that one webisode? I don't know why...but I still haven't gotten over the dread of the "scoot down a little closer to the edge...just a bit more....now open your knees a little...". I cringe. Every time. I'm tensing up right now typing this.

Kirsty said...
Oh MY GAAWRSHAMEN!!! AMEN!! I am SOOOOO your anti-snot-sniffing-soul-sistah.

Kirsty, you and the others...you made me feel so much better about my neurosis. THANK YOU. I will gladly accept the title of "anti-snot-sniffing-soul-sistah".

Whitney said...
Sweet... a chronically burping co-worker. You know, she could have massive amounts of stinky flatulence.

I had to laugh. You got me. I'd rather take the burps than the toots. Thanks for reminding me that things COULD be worse.

And I think that's today's lesson, folks. Life COULD be worse....so whatever you might be stressing about...just know, it could be worse.

To a Land....

Far, far away from my norm.

I am about to take you someplace I didn't think I'd ever venture in this blog.

Reality TV. And fashion.

Yes, I admit it. I do OCCASIONALLY watch some of that stuff. On the radio yesterday morning, I was hearing all this blah blah about The Bachelor. Now, I am "with it" enough to know that Jason was the guy, he was rejected by the last bachelorette, and that he's a single dad who is cute. That last bit might be subjective on my part, but so what? It's my blog. I have not watched an episode of this show this year, but they hyped up the finale, so I wanted to watch.

What I have to say about watching it last night will in no way give away spoilers for those who Tivo or DVR stuff. I still don't have one of those contraptions. That's for another techno-post though.

At one point they went to commercial. Please tell me if anyone else saw this or maybe you've all seen it and I'm really behind on my good commercial knowledge. There was an ad for Radioshack. A couple was on a tandem bicycle talking about blah blah. The chick was up front, the guy in the back. She had armpit hair so long it was flying in his face. Please, someone, tell me you've seen this commercial. I was laughing so hard, it was so gross....oh, and to top it off, the hair was red. I don't know why that makes it better...but it does.

About the fashion. I liked Melissa's dress. The torso part, anyhow..I really liked the wide straps and the higher cut that didn't bust out cleavage. I thought it looked really nice. And I'm not a fan of yellow often, but it was a nice color, I thought.

Oh, and for how it all played out? Eh, it was fine. I didn't care one way or another, I wasn't emotionally invested. I am just happy that Ryan and Trista are still together. They were my faves. Okay, HE was my fave. Who wouldn't want a tall, sensitive, poetry writing firefighter around?

Monday Mumbles

Good morning. Here are the weekly Mumbles to get us started off right. Just ten random things that I am thinking about this morning. They are in no particular order and none take up more brain space than another.

1. I sincerely dislike having people ask me "are you okay now?" as if to imply that I wasn't okay before. And just because I ask questions to ensure I don't make the same mistake twice doesn't mean that I am frustrated. If you can't answer the question, just say say. If you don't WANT to answer the question, just say so. But please....don't tell me to "just do it this way, it'll click later". There was a reason I had As in school and you were average. I wanted to learn more QUICKLY. Thank you and have a nice day.

2. Phew. Got that off my chest. This *SIGH* takes up its own mumble spot.

3. I AM frustrated, however, by how much it's been bothering me that Wee One is such a daddy's boy. I know, I know...he stayed home with him for nine months, blah blah blah. But seriously...babies should want mama. Is it because daddy has more meat on his shoulders, maybe?

4. I played in the snow yesterday with T.O. I did this during the first half of my much anticipated basketball game. Oh the things we sacrifice. I have to admit my mind was NOT on playing.

5. Already dinner plans occupy my mind. What should I cook? Do I have any meat thawed? Maybe I can skate by with a "kiddy" meal tonight? Wait! I think I have some pasta and chicken....that could be what we do.

6. Surprisingly, the cut back from 2 pump sessions at work to just one has been going smoothly. (I couldn't let a mumble go without a TMI item, right?) Wee One is such a turd about drinking right now (teeth maybe?), I am just fine giving it up. Well, okay, not "just fine"...but I'm getting there. It's surprising me how hard it's been to stop nursing when he obviously cares not a lick for me. You'd think his daddy was the one milking himself all these months.

7. **belching**


8. It was 14 degrees this morning when we left our house. In approximately 4 days, it'll be 72. I can't stand keeping all sorts of different layers around the house "just in case".

9. Did I ever mention that I did get myself that new camera I had been talking about? Nothing fancy, but I love it. The latest pictures you've seen were from it...The Takeover....and the pictures from T.O. and I at the game. It's a very nice little camera and it makes me happy. Even if Hubs and Wee One do not.

10. Jayhawks. Basketball. March Madness. I love it. I love them. All of these three things make me happy. What I am disturbed about is HOW I should approach the poor gentlemen upstairs who were rooting for the team playing the Jayhawks yesterday and got slaughtered 90-65. Should I "nere nere nere nere" them...should I smile and say "ouch"....or maybe a sympathy card that reads "The Tigers suck. But it's okay...I still like you." Because, let's face it....ensuring that I still like them is priority #1.

Must Read - JBern

I call her JBern, without her permission. Her name is Jessica Bern. I suggest that if you have not yet discovered her in the blogland that we all inhabit, then take a peek. If you don't at first jive with her style (I don't see how you couldn't...I find her hilarious and my opinion is solid, right?), just remember....she's "Hollywood". Keep reading. She's asked that we all take a good look into her webisode, posted on the right side of her blog. Here's a shout-out for her.

BERNTHIS can be found here.

Enjoy, and happy Sunday to all of you.