Little Ivy

I may have told you all this before, but I've been thinking of it this morning and laughing.

My mom has a fake tree with flocking on it. Actually, she has many trees, but she was getting out this particular tree and setting it up on a day that Ivy was over. Ivy must have been either 3 or 4. When my mom took it, already assembled out of it's storage box, she was watching Ivy's face, which went from astounded to disgusted. My mom said, "Ivy, don't you like my tree?" Ivy said, "Well Mema, I do. But it's kinda dusty." She was referring to the white flocking! Now that's a lot of dust!

I think that she may have a career in being on a team of business plan consultants with that type of management style!

Unexpected Vacation

This is a glass half full or half empty item. Depends on the way you look at it. My company is going to do vacation differently next year, and they waited to tell us last Friday. Which means we have days we use or lose. I have a LOT of days. Nine to be exact. I was saving them for our girls' weekend and for a possible spring road trip with Joel.

Thankfully, the HR guy is being pretty flexible with me. I will get to take 5.5 days before the end of the year. And unexpected vacation is definitely a HAPPY HAPPY thing. I've been needing a vacation. So two weeks off starting at noon minus Tuesday when I need to come in and wrap up any loose ends? Pretty dang happy about that.

10 Great Things About the Holidays

1. focus switches from work to family
2. school breaks
3. the majority of people that I meet are in a festive mood
4. Christmas carols
5. New Year's resolutions
6. Christmas outfits for the kids
7. Santa
8. Nativity scenes
9. lit up houses
10. eggnog

I have no idea why

Hendrix's favorite joke is when his brother or his sister lean over, put their butts in his face and sing, "Shake your bootie, shake your bootie"

He cracks up like you wouldn't believe. Almost where he can't even breathe because he is laughing so hard. Which just makes the other 2 crack up and do it some more.

My kids are odd.

Raisin Bran

Seriously.

Last week I had a craving for raisin bran. And when I have a craving for something it normally takes over my life. And in this case, it's been true.

I will eat it in the morning with Becken for breakfast. I'll have it by myself for a snack late at night when I can't sleep. I sometimes eat it for lunch or dinner, standing over my American Standard sinks because I don't want to fix anything else for myself.

I got on the scale this morning and had lost 3 pounds!!! Without changing anything else but putting Raisin bran into my routine. They should have a raisin bran diet along with the special K diet. I still can't believe that the scale moved that much! I've been butting up against that number for months now.

I heart Raisin Bran!

should I?

Have you all seen the ads all over the place asking moms to go back to school and get their degree? Every time one pops up on my screen, I think about what it would take for me to complete my bachelor's degree. I have no idea what I would complete it in, but it would be nice to have it done.

I have been looking at WGU an online university. I like the listings that I have seen. Mostly, I really like their photo of the campus. Maybe I'm just wishing for the college lifestyle, not the actual degree since I'm focusing on the campus so much.

Another Bec-ism

Hendrix was crawling around on the floor tiles
in the kitchen. Ivy was swinging a rope around her and it came close to where Hendrix was. Becken says, "IVY!!! Be careful! You almost hit the baby! He's special. He's from the HOSPITAL." If you need to assert your special-ness to Bec, just tell him that you are from the hospital and you're good in his book.

fire

in our new house, we have a gas fireplace. One of the best things that this house has brought to me is the way that Hendrix and I spend the early waking times. After I hear him call to me at about 4, 5, or 6 in the morning, I bring him to the living room. I turn one of the armchairs towards the fire and we sit there watching the flames. He also loves to watch the shadows across the ceiling and along the wall. It is a very peaceful way to wake up and enjoy the baby.

My team is on TV!

OK, my team sucks this year. Ok, today is the big matchup where we are going to be trounced. But, at least I get to see it with my own eyes.

Go Cougs!

Update at 6:43 p.m.
I had to take Henry out of the house to stop watching the game. It was even too difficult for him to watch and he is a baby. And, did I say, "trounced"? I meant, TROUNCED. (this does not make me happy, yet I'm thinking that Katie will really get some happiness out of this post.)

Help for my little brother

This Thanksgiving, my youngest brother was not home celebrating. He was in a local drug rehab facility, trying to get clean. I sent him a card. My other brother visited him. The fact that he is there and safe, was what I was very thankful for yesterday. Although, when we were all asked what we were thankful for, I said, "my garbage disposal". Which is true. But in my heart I was thankful for the help for the almost baby of the family.

the world wide web

I just got through setting up dinner plans with one of my favorite people in the world. My bud from kindergarten, who now lives in CHINA!! Seriously. Before we were computer savvy, she and I would go on forever without connecting. Our socializing consisted of one of us dropping by each other's moms houses. Just randomly hoping to catch each other.

But no more. For years now, I know her exact plans and she knows mine. I watch her house while she is gone and give her updates on if her lawn is being mowed on time. She sends me digital photos of all of the amazing places she visits that I wouldn't see unless for her.

When I first heard of the world wide web, I thought that I'd have less use for it than I would for a Honeywell Barcode Scanner, which actually isn't a very needed item in my line of work. but as it turns out, I can barely go a few hours without jumping onto the web. I don't think that I have a future in foretelling trends.

Finished!

Yesterday we signed papers completing the sale of the little house! I kind of don't know how to feel besides very relieved, yet still a bit cautious until we close on the big house.

It's nice to be surprised (in a good way) by your emotions. I had thought that I'd be crying and upset and wistful leaving the house that I had brought all of my children home to. The house that I was married in. The house that my grand aunt and uncle built. But I didn't feel that way at all. I felt ready.

And now I feel excited to move in more surely to the house that we are in. It feels like a goal accomplished.

Having the money from the sale is odd. it is in the bank account, waiting for instruction on how to apply it to the new mortgage, old debt, etc. We are hoping to have a little bit to play with, hopefully taking miss ivy to CA (needing anaheim motels) this summer. And possibly do some updating of the outside and inside of the house.

We are ready.

spumante champagne

At my old office, T and I would have wine and sushi fridays. Since we moved, we had let the ritual go by the wayside. Mostly because I was pregnant, but also because our new office isn't close to any wine or sushi.

This Friday I brought in champagne and sushi to celebrate a couple of big tasks that I had accomplished that morning. We were giggling and enjoying ourselves to the fullest, wondering how we had forgotten to resume our Friday treat, not caring about the wrinkle treatment we will need for our laugh lines.

Today was Sunday and we were in the office for a soap making session. T showed up with champagne. Ah, I love my life.

a quick visit with a sweet friend

While there are many things about my life that leave much to be desired, one good thing about my life right now is how attuned I am to the blessings I do have.

Yesterday while in a nearby town for my son's swimmeet, I got to meet up with Karianne. Not for long, not one-on-one with good, deep conversation, but for a stretch of time long enough to remind me that in the friend department I am over-blessed, if that's even possible.

It's a mystery.

At the new house, we have no mailbox. I'm thinking that we either have one of those communal boxes somewhere in the neighborhood or that we have to pick it up at another location.

I haven't changed our address yet. So many people give me a weird look when I tell them that. It's just that I didn't feel secure in the fact that our move would be permanent, so why mix up the mailman in the meantime? I wonder how I find out about this mail situation? Guess I'll have to talk to the neighbors!

I like the fact that we still have this tie to the little house. Kind of like I'm just letting go a tiny bit at a time, not really saying goodbye yet. And, all of my friends know how to find me, least of all through web directory. I'm still here. And I'm still there. At least for another week or so.

We have hi-speed!

the move has been crazy. boxes everywhere that seem to multiply behind my back. But getting to know little things about the new house makes me feel secure. Like I'm falling in love with where I'm at.

One of the things that I love about this house, that I just found out about is that it has 9, read it, NINE cable outlets! to get the computer set up, complete with hard drives and everything has just made me feel a little bit more at home.

Parent-Teacher conferences

OK. so chris and I just experienced our very first parent/teacher conference on Monday afternoon. I'm happy to report that all was well in the reporting of Miss Ivy's progress in Kindergarten so far. The most uncomfortable part was sitting in discount classroom furniture with our knees up to our ears. Thank goodness we are short to begin with! Anyway, although I'm reassured that Ivy is right on track with her school involvement, I'm even more convinced that to be a kindergarten teacher, you have to be a little bit off. I'm glad that part of parenting is over until spring.

Life as a single mom

Life as a single mom is busy, busy, busy! At times, I feel proud of myself for handling it all, my job, the kids, our home. Since my kids dad lives in California (and only visits them two or three times a year), I am truly doing this solo. Fortunately, I have my sister and her family living nearby, as well as a few reliable babysitters to help me through. I also belong to a group of single moms with children from China. Finding them has been one of the best gifts ever! We try to get together once a month or so which allows our daughters to socialize with other kids that have families similar to theirs, and lets the mom lend each other ideas and support. Last weekend, we attended a Halloween party. Here are some photos.

10 on Tuesday

10 things you want right now but can't afford

1. another son from Ethiopia
2. for myself and my extended family to be debt free
3. a breast reduction and lift
4. tummy tuck
5. live in nanny
6. netbook
7. to get my hair done at the salon
8. pedicure at a salon, not one of those nail places
9. bigger house without a mortgage
10. go back to school to finish up my Bachelor's, but instead of needing LSAT prep, I'd finish with an art degree.

How lucky I am

Tonight DH got home from work after 8. I had cooked a whole turkey dinner, because I needed to cook stuff that I took out of the freezer. When it began to look like it was going to be a late night, I told my sister that I was bringing dinner to her house. I owe her so many meals for all of the times she has fed us!

So anyway, me and the kids head over there and stay for a couple of hours. When we get home, DH had just gotten home and started to clean up from his work day. I had flashes of times when I had been home, cooped up with the kids, wishing for a live chatwith another adult and although it totally isn't his fault, I would be so angry that I would take my frustrations out on him and we would all end up miserable.

But tonight was different. Instead of full rage, I only felt a twinge of irritation. And then I was able to bring it around and realize how cruddy he had it today instead of it all being about me. At my sister's house there are at least 4 adults to help me with the kids. It makes such a difference and I'm so lucky to have such support. Actually, we all are so lucky to have each other.

finding what you had lost

I could be a test case for Suze Orman! You know how she says that you have a certain amount of $ around that you don't even realize if you aren't taking care of your finances or home. Well, not some much in actual cash, but yesterday while organizing the shelves over the washing machine, I found:

A portable dvd player that works!

Bec's Thomas DVD that has been lost for over a year!

A brand new set of rechargable batteries for my camera, that I was just about to order online! But then I got sidetracked looking at netbooks, so that was a good thing!


That's over $100 of stuff that I thought I had to replace! VERY HAPPY!

sugar cereal

I love junk food. Insanely love junk food. It's just so good. there are many a monday that rolls around where my body is screaming for nutritious foods because over the weekend, I've indulged way too much. In sugar and in fat. (so much for reading the free directories
on the back of the boxes!

So, tonight it's Saturday night. It's time for a bowl of Frosted Flakes. I really think that I'm 4 years old. Or at least my tastebuds are!

A Happy Friday Fill In

1. I have a history of really loving fall weather.

2. Continuing to be in a good mood when others aren't is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) whole wheat bagel with cream cheese and raspberry jam

4.My husband is making his living on the road.

5. So that's it, that's the happy truth.

6.Anything is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having the kids home, tomorrow my plans include getting the laundry under control and Sunday, I want to see what happens, hopefully kind of adventurous, but not enough to need Bronx medical malpractice lawyer
!

doing something different

I have been going stir crazy around here. Chris works from 845 to 730 every day. Sometimes he's home a bit later, or a bit earlier, but that is the norm. Until Christmas when it will be a lot later.

So, being here with the kids for so long in the evenings by myself has been rough on all of us. Until I had the brilliant idea of evening field trips! I have only done them for the past two nights, but it has worked out great.

Last night, we went to the movie store at 630. tonight at 630, we walked to my sister's house and played there for an hour. It was always around 630 that our witching hour began. And no one was happy. But this way, we are all diverted before the ickiness starts.

Now, I'll have to keep thinking about where to go each night. Any ideas?

the best decision ever

this may seem like a small thing to get such a great title, but I swear, almost every day for the past almost 10 months, I have thought about this.

One thing about being a mom that I absolutely despised has been washing bottles. And I mean, I hated it. After the first month with Ivy and then with Bec, I would absolutely dread having to wash bottles. And bottle rings. And nipples. Yuck.

So, with Hendrix, I switched to the Platex nurser bottle. And my life has been amazingly better. I still have to wash rings and nipples and bottles but not with the frequency of before. and ever day that I use these bottles, I think, "I'm so glad that a switched." And then I think about what a genius I am about some things. This is definitely one of them.

patchouli oil

today I put my fave patchouli oil on my pulse points after I got out of the shower. (Wouldn't it be great if our favorite scents were also fat burner
s?) Anyway, when I went into the kid's room to help Bec put on his clothes, he said, 'It smells so good in here!" then he grabbed some clothes to smell them and he shook his head. Then he grabbed my arm and smelled it and said, 'Mom, it's you. You smell good." Ah, my heart. Ivy normally says, "What stinks?" :)

quiet in my house

the house is so quiet today. The kids aren't here and neither is Chris. I've turned off every electrical noisemaker that I can. The computer is on mute. It is sunny, but with all of the quiet, it could be winter here. I could be out sitting in my outdoor furniture all bundled up and enjoying the cold. It is a very gentle kind of day. I love it when the activity calms.

Farmville

Yep, me and Ivy have been playing Farmville for a few days now and we are hooked like hungry fish!

We check our progress at least twice a day, discuss which gifts to send and who to send them to. We look forward to doing chores on other farms to help with our experience and our bank account. We are currently saving up for a cow. One of Ivy's dreams!

There are alot of concepts that work really well into a pre-k (almost K) curriculum as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure that many would disagree since it is screen time, but we are having fun and enjoying something together.

And having a farm without having to actually weed, water and harvest? Along without having to deal with overflow and the need of effective weight loss supplements for the huge amount of produce? It's a winner on all fronts for me!

Avon Calling

have you ever had something in your life work out for the better? kind of where you knew it would be a good thing, but then it turned into something that was better than you expected? Not totally wonderful or amazingly awesome, but better? Well, that's what Avon has been for me.

A little history. At daycare, we have 20 full time staff. They used to have a pretty regular Avon lady that would come in to take and deliver orders. They were always so excited when their Avon showed up. I could tell that it was an Avon day just by their attitudes when I'd walk in the office. Then their Avon lady ditched them. I looked into the program and told them that I'd step in for them. It only cost 10 to join and it looked pretty easy and fun.

I'm loving this gig. It is really easy and fun. Especially since the clientele was already in place. And when they say that the product sells itself, it is true! I even have some clients outside of the day care as well just because they heard that I was selling Avon. The money is minimal especially since I end up ordering for myself as well. It doesn't provide me the funds for affordable health insurance but it buys me a coffee here and there.

And they have fun stuff. It lets me be girly and lets me shop without having to get out of the car. Seein what people buy is neat too. Some of my staff has tastes that I never would have guessed. the whole experience has been a surprise.

Friday Fill In 8/14

And actually, it is Saturday!!

1. When will we ever decide what to do about this house?
2. Harry Potter was the last good movie I saw.
3. Everything has its beauty but housework.
4. Reuben is what I had for dinner.
5. I'd like your Medicare supplement to be enough for you to live on.
6. Right where I am is where I want to be right now.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing my kids and Chris, tomorrow my plans include a funeral and Sunday, I want to go to the farmer's market!
Posted by Janet at 9:05 PM 105 comments Links to this post

acorn squash

one of the last things that my dad ever gave me was a large amount of squash. He had gotten a huge trunk full of all different types of squash. It was in the parking lot of my littlest brother's high school stadium where he was playing football. I remember thinking how much I loved my community at that moment. Living in an agricultural area, not even thinking about needing moving companies New York.

I have always loved baked acorn squash. And now, whenever I have one, I think of my dad. and even better, I think of my dad providing for me.

I'm baking a squash right now that was a gift from our housekeeper's garden. The kids ate corn from her first harvest. The smell in the house is heaven. My kids are full with quality food, given to them with love. It's a good night.

money in the mailbox

This week Chris and I each got a check from 2 different car insurance companies. Of course, they were for money that we had already spent with them, but hey, I'll take a refund over a bill any day! His check was in the 40s while mine was in the 30s.

I once got a check for .99 . No complaints from me!

Big Love

Yes, experiencing Big Love in the real world is wonderful. But so is watching Big Love episodes on dvd.

I have loved Ginnifer Goodwin since Mona Lisa Smile and everything that I've seen her in since has just made me love her even more. Such a doll. Chloe Sevigny's character scares the crud out of me. And I wish that I could be more like Jeanne Tripplehorn's character, Barb.

Each time I watch, I identify with each of the wives. The writers do a great job of making them all so human and "normal". In fact, I had just watched the episode where Bill has to look into alarm systems for their homes when I ended up having to buy one for us as well. All of my concerns were also the wives' concerns too. Real life in the home and on the screen.

Finding a New Blog

This weekend I read Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich. and save for the introduction, I loved it. And turns out, she has a blog! One that goes along the same lines and was started in 2007 and is still going.

I'm spending my spare time now reading all of her past posts. From the beginning. In between months, I do laundry. I'm liking this distraction.

here's the link
http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

Copying Kelly V

From her facebook update, I copied Kelly and decided to listen to some showtunes on Pandora. For the past hour, Henry and mommy have been singing and dancing. (Okay, maybe just Mommy and Henry is a willing captive audience)
Our latest cuts have been:
lucy in the sky with diamonds from across the universe
la vie boheme from rent
my favorite things from the sound of music
Defying Gravity from Wicked

What variety! I'm enjoying every minute of it. Hendrix, not so much...

benefits

Since I'm self employed, the benefits that I receive at my job are paid for by me.
Which is good and bad because I have a lot of benefits that aren't of the traditional form, like Blue Cross North Carolina, or paid vacations.

DH on the other hand has the opposite. Not alot of non traditional benefits like flexibility or payscale amounts. But he has the corner on health insurance, paid vacations and retirement plans.

Whenever someone in a "creative" or self employed field asks me how to make the free lance money work the best, I respond by telling them to marry someone that very good job benefits. In this case, the best scenario is that opposites attract.

Drive In

After tonight's dinner at our famous local drive through, I'm going to need to start taking Solo Slim!

DH has family in town from the middle of the country. Tonight while it was time for dinner, the deciding choice was to head to the above restaurant.

We hardly ever eat there, but when we do, oh, how we love it. We had burgers, onion rings, a buttterscotch shake and soda pop. Only DH and I went from our immediate family and our bill was over $30, but it was worth it. My only regret was that I should have had a caramel shake instead of butterscotch. Next time.

enjoying my kids

A lot of times, the care of having children is difficult. Even at times can be described as frustrating, upsetting and tiring.

But, there are also times, hopefully more frequent than the other times that are very enjoyable and make you feel so totally in love, once again, with your kids. And makes you so thankful that you even have kids.

I'm learning that having an easy baby makes for an easy lifestyle. Also having my older kids growing up makes things very easy too. We were able to take all of the kids out of town this weekend for a special trip to see and ride Thomas the Train. (I'll post photos later) With our first baby, there would have been no way that we would have been able to take her anywhere close to doing anything like that. Even going to the store was too stressful. I would have rather had colon cleansing.

On Saturday, it couldn't have gone any better. They were all so good. And Chris and I have learned travel tricks as well. Like setting out for our destination right before nap time and wearing them out as much as possible before that. Putting on a pull up on the recently potty trained kid to avoid accidents. Packing little snacks and toys. Letting them bring their "computers" to play with while they are awake.

Maybe we'll end up doing these things more often.

Feeling Capable

Not actually being capable, but feeling capable. I hope that makes sense.

Yesterday I tackled the abyss that is my children's room. And I had an idea of what I wanted to get organized. And I did what I thought would work. And I think that it just might work although now it is all demolished again.

But the framework is there. The tools to get it back are in order instead of scattered here and there around the house. I'm wondering if you guys can tell that I'm talking about Bec's trains and accessories here. They are overwhelming, but he loves them so much, we can't leave any of them put away when the train playing begins. At some point, maybe this can help us meet in the middle. Making for a happy boy and a happy mama.

10 things that made me happy today

Here was a post that had been lurking in the archives waiting to be published for a few weeks. It still makes me happy to read it so I'm posting it today

1. had lunch with my very best friend which we haven't done in over a year.


2. made a bank deposit


3. worked on a dear friend


4. got a coupon for a book that I've been really wanting after I saw it advertised on televisions


5. went to the library to pick up many books on hold


6. found a pair of sunglasses at my mom's that look great on me


7. got to talk to Chris on the phone


8. all of my kids got individual time with me


9. hid my car in the garage to avoid door to door salespeople


10. new facebook friends

Educated

I went to college in the beginning for the wrong reasons. Honestly, I had no idea what else to do. My boyfriend was going. I had friends going. My step dad had graduated from the University that I attended. I liked it, but I liked the college atmosphere more than the actual learning that I did. Apart for my art history class, which is my absolute favorite ever. (I still have the textbooks and the class was 19 years ago!)

I remember the day that I quit college. I just woke up and knew that I wouldn't be going back. I didn't even withdraw, which was a huge mistake because it totally messed up my GPA if I ever want to go back.

It took me awhile to figure out what I was going to do with my life. One day I asked myself where I was the happiest in my life. My answer was when I was getting a massage at a local day spa. And with that, my career was clinched.

I still love learning new things within the massage community. there are always new techniques and theories to try out. New products to research. And although it wasn't a college education, I feel that my education is more valuable because it really means something to me besides a piece of paper.

Cheese Pizza

I love pizza. I'm the kind of girl that likes different toppings, trying different combinations and pretty much eating any and all pizza that comes into my personal space. My favorite pizza is pineapple with fresh tomato.
It wasn't until I had Becken that I began having cheese pizza. Plain cheese seemed like such a waste. Like a blank canvas, or something unfinished. I never chose cheese as a choice from a pizza buffet. I mean, what's the point of that, right? Well, Bec loves plain cheese pizza. It's his favorite. And since I had him all to myself today, I treated him to a full cheese pizza. And then I ate about half of it. It was really really good. In a simple, dressed down manner. It almost felt like it was cleaner than any other pizza I'd had. This whole experience has me thinking in a different direction. Sometimes less really is better.

Membership

I'm not normally a joiner of any kind. In fact, I try to stay away from anything "club" like on a whole.
But with the certain death of my beloved treadmill, it was time to take matters in to my own hands regarding my exercise situation.
I could replace my treadmill. And I just might do that come fall or winter. But, for some reason, Chris' gym where Ivy has tennis lessons has been calling to me. Maybe it's because I'm there often for ivy's lessons? And to visit my friend who is a massage therapist there. And to swim with my kids and her kids. I must be feeling more comfortable, instead of feeling like an outsider.
My friend could get us in to use the pool when she isn't working, but I found that there were many times on the weekends and during the week when she wasn't available that I wanted to take the older 2 kids swimming. And then I started remembering how much I used to love taking water aerobics before I had kids. And then an unexpected check comes my way in almost the exact amount to join for 3 months. I took it as a very strong hint to join up.
I joined on Tuesday and I have been swimming every single day on my own or with one of the kids. Today I picked up Bec early and just the 2 of us spent the afternoon together. Late at night, I have went swimming in the twilight and then hot tubbed in the jacuzzi under the stars. By myself. Heaven. I tell you, Heaven.
It's been a wonderful choice. (xcept for when I tried to ride the stationary bike for 15 minutes on level zero and thought that i was going to have a heart attack and a stroke!) Let's hope that I keep it up. So far it's made me very happy.

Changing Something for the Better

I have always enjoyed that when I go to my sister's house, she has music on. Either someone's ipod or a radio station is playing. And then there is spontaneous dancing by everyone when we are cooking, or eating or just talking. That is how we grew up, and I have a lot of memories of dancing (texas swing and the 2step) with my daddy in the kitchen. So fun. And now, so touching.

My siblings and I know a ton of old country songs, tons of Motown and 60s music. We can sing along with a lot of songs. And I think that is because they were always the background to everything. Chris is amazed at the oldies we can lipsynch to.

Well, there is a quick fix for that! All of this week I've been playing Pandora Radio on the computer as soon as the kids and I walk in the door. It's been pretty noisy and a whole other level of chaos in the house, but the benefits outweigh those. I hope that this will become one of those habits that just become routine.

Doing Something Well

Writing this cracks me up. Ivy believes that I make the best cocoa ever. She won't let her dad make cocoa for her, because I make it so well. I never thought that I would be renowned with my daughter for my hot chocolate making abilities. Maybe my skills as a massage therapist and a frequent avoider of barcode scanners while shopping for the family's clothes.

Want the recipe? It is sooooo complicated.

1. Run the warm water.
2. Empty a packet of swiss miss into a cup with a lid.
3. Fill 1 inch from top with water.
4. Put on cup lid.
5. Shake.

SOOOOO GOOD!!! (According to Ivy)

HA!

Sparkle Water

I have friends that honeymooned in Europe and mentioned that they did not enjoy the water in the restaurants in Italy. It was always fizzy. They began to order their water plain by the end of the trip.

This is something that I cannot understand. I absolutely love "sparkle water" as we call it in our house. We buy Perrier by the case in 12 oz bottles. And to me and Chris it is such a treat. We rarely drink plain bottled water, always opting for the bubbly. I even mix it with juice for the kids calling it "apple pop" as they only get real pop once on fridays as a celebration for the weekends. If I ever had to write a slimming pills review, I'd surely include my sparkle water hint.


It sure helps me get my water consumption up when I like the kind of water that I'm drinking. But, as one drawback, it is horrible when it goes flat. You just have to make sure to tighten the cap as best as possible!

Looking In the Mirror and Liking What You See

Today has been kind of crazy in a "Saturday with tons of stuff to do" way. A cousin of mine is having a house warming party today and has requested a certain dish that I make for events like this. It is very involved so it takes a bit of time. Chris was invited to golf in a tournament at the same time as the get together, so I was going it alone with my brood of offspring.

As things got closer to the time to go, I kept thinking to myself that I needed to get myself ready as well. I had already showered and let my hair dry. I had gotten dressed in semi clean clothing. I hadn't done any colon cleaning,
but that was about it. :) When I popped into the bathroom to check out the status of my face and hair in the mirror, I looked up and thought, "not bad at all." And walked away doing nothing to said face or hair. Now how happy is that?

Crosswords

My mom always did Crosswords when I was growing up. She's amazing at them. That puzzle gene was passed on to me. I love them so much.

A few weeks ago when we went to Arkansas, there were several times mom and I were in the same overstuffed chair working a crossword together. I think Joel noticed.

I bought a new book, and Joel's started working them with me. It's so sexy! ;)

Busy-ness

I think that I've found the secret to a happy family on the weekends. Staying busy.

Husband has joined my brother's softball team and our family is all the better for it. All weekend has revolved around some sort of sports and being outside. Actually enjoying the super warm weather. (did I just write that? can't be!) Watching the kids enjoying all that there is to offer.

I remember thinking this weekend how much having the kids has brought to my life. I was out and about, loving just being with them and being active. In my pre kid life I would have been out to coffee probably, heading to a bookstore, then home to read. Possibly trying to play piano.
Trying to stay in the vicinity of air conditioning. And, as I now see, missing out on the fun.

Thinking back to the Easter weekend, we have been running and enjoying every weekend since. And on each weekend I can remember either Chris or I saying, "what a nice weekend".

Letting Go

Sometimes, in the midst of not being happy, and having happiness be kind of far off, levels of unhappiness can feel actually feel like happiness.

Recently I have begun to let go of an issue that has been eating away at me. Although this issue is still causing unhappiness in my life, the sharing of the issue has brought happiness. Does any of that make sense?

Now if I could only let go of my desire for the perfect ephedrine diet pills, I might be ecstatic.

ear plugs for my sanity

don't laugh. But, there are times that the only way I can handle one more minute in a small house with 3 vocal children is to wear a pair of ear plugs. The cheapie ones that I cut down to fit into my ears. I can still hear everything that is going on, but the sound is so much more tolerable. So now that I'm thinking of it, ear plugs not only make me happy, but allow for my family to be happy as well, averting a mommy meltdown.

I should buy a pack for my office too!

Learning

sometimes I consider, first off, finishing my BS in education, and then continuing on for my MS Curriculum. Mind you this is only a vague consideration as I would need something very flexible and conducive to learning with 3 jobs and 3 kids. Plus something affordable. That would actually be amazing, but as I'm coming to learn, there are programs out there that would fit that even come from accredited colleges. At this time in my life, learning almost anything new makes me feel competent and alive. Who knows what the future will bring?

Thursday 13

Thirteen things that made me happy today:

1. dancing with Ivy
2. dancing with Hendrix
3. chicken alfredo for dinner
4. putting a clean quilt down for bedtime tonight
5. walking to my sister's in the cold night air
6. Big Love series
7. a small glass of o.j. after dinner
8. having the dishes be done
9. the lawn service mowing and trimming
10. comments on Facebook
11. Becken seeing a calf for the first time in his life and telling me how soft it was.
12. an empty garbage can
13. my mom gave me a bottle of carrot juice from her costco trip

What is more fun than

a group of motorcycle accident attorneys? Probably a whole lot of things, but having 2 computers for a family of 5 is for surely one of them!

I have been resistant to having another computer. I don't like the amount of money that was spent on our new system. It is very nice, don't get me wrong. But Elvis and I have a BOND, I tell ya. I cannot accept a new computer into my heart yet.

One thing that I didn't realize is that although we got a new computer, I can still have Elvis. In fact, it is so much better, because I have Elvis almost all to myself now. Right now, I'm at the kitchen table, happily typing away while the daughter and the husband are playing Tiger Woods golf on the new computer in the living room.

So, having something turn out much better than I expected, really makes me happy!

Fun stuff in the mail

What is more fun, or causes more happiness than coming home to find shipping boxes, mailed to you, with much anticipated mercandise or presents? Not many things that I can think of!
This week, I came home at lunch and there was a box in the screen door, filled with books for my kids, passed down from a friend of my mom's. Also, my treadmill replacement part finally arrived, which made me very happy until I tried to replace it and my treadmill is still dead. Lastly, I got my wig in. I cannot wait to try it out. Hopefully tomorrow night when we head out to dinner on date night. It just depends on how hot it is supposed to be, because I am not torturing myself with a sweaty, itchy scalp. That is not happiness!

A tub of cetaphil

I have a ton of stuff to update you guys on about Henry. I have spent the last 6 weeks going to doctor appointments for this tiny baby and his skin. Most of our time is spent dipping him in a vat of cetaphil which works only if it is applied in very large quantities as many as 12 times a day.

Thankfully, it works. Thankfully, it is over the counter. Thankfully it is affordable, which is a lot more than I can say for his formula which is a whole other story.

newness

Is that a word? Well, we got a new computer. Elvis has now been reduced to the main computer for Bec, but truth be told, I still use it when I can. I knew that Chris was close to breaking down to finally get the high speed that his impatience requires. He did not get the huge speaker system, so that is a relief. We surely don't need a stereo cabinet in any place in this house.

Now that I'm re reading this post, it really doesn't sound happy. But I assure you, I'm happy with his choice. It just takes some getting used to.

It's me again.....

Hi, My name is Natalie. I'm not new, but gosh has it been FOREVER since I was able to find blogging time! So, you ask, what has spurred me to start typing again? I finally replaced my laptop! wwwwwwoooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooo!

My birthday was Saturday and I decided to get something I really wanted. :)

I hope to be regularly viewing this page, if not posting. *sigh* I'm excited to be here.

Variety

As some of you know, I recently cut my hair short. I don't mind it short at all, I like it that way for the most part, but, I need to be sure to keep variety in the mix. The day that I decided to chop it all off, I found a new girl that could do a weave if I wanted to wear fake hair for a few weeks. Knowing that this option existed made me all the braver to get the short cut. Next week I am going to try a new option as well. I just ordered a cheap wigs! We'll see how it goes! I'm all about the options baby!

Date Night

Joel and I eat out a lot, but when we do, it doesn't always feel like a "date." Saturday we had our first date night since getting married. I bought a dress. He planned a dinner at a nice sushi restaurant and then we saw the movie Duplicity. We had a really good time. After getting on each others' nerves a few times the last few weekends, it really helped to go out and be flirty with each other again.

A final chuckle to leave you with: Joel wasn't the only one who liked me new blue sundress. The wind REALLY loved it, and I came VERY close to reenacting a Marilyn Monroe moment. Joel couldn't help but snicker as I was doing my best to keep my skirt at my knees! Next time I need to remember to wear a slip! I wore my new black lacy panties for Joel to see—not anybody else! ;)

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

I adored this book. I was able to forget myself and really get into the text. What a vacation. Here are some of the quotes that I wanted to remember.

"You are the true master of death, because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts that he must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying." p. 721

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" p 723

"Simply to be alive to watch the sun rise over the sparkling snowy hillside ought to have been the greatest treasure on earth, yet he could not appreciate it " p 350

Happiness Is

Having a fresh salad with lots of vegetables and ranch dressing and pepper. Craving the salad. Actually wanting to eat the salad. The feel of the crunch in your mouth. Yum. Not having to factor in diet pill into the budget is a cherry on top.

So lucky

There are times that I forget I have a baby. Sometimes, I am out shopping and see women holding an infant and think, "God, How cute is that?" And then I remember that I have one of those at home! And I get to cuddle him and love him and raise him almost all on my own. And I have 2 more to share in the joy. Sometimes having a faulty memory can put you in the best mood!

Not Cooking

Yeah!!

Last night C came into the kitchen while I was cooking his dinner. I had a huge headache that had started earlier in the day and continued to get worse. He then told me that he realized that I don't seem to eat dinner very often and that it doesn't make sense for me to have to cook a separate meal every night for one person, so, he said that I don't have to cook his meal anymore. He would take care of it himself once he came home from work.

Hallelujah!

It only took him 9 years to realize the above, but at least he realized it!! I wonder if it is because he hasn't been liking the meals I've been choosing lately? Oh well, I'm free!!

The Smell Of

Play-Doh!

The kids got a huge Play-Doh activity center for Christmas this past year. It is one of the treats that we put aside, away from the other, every day toys. Today Ivy is home with me for the afternoon and she has been playing contentedly with the activity for over an hour! That is unheard of for her!

The kitchen smells wonderful.

Henry giggles!

On Thursday I was doing some computer work at the office. My sister was standing beside me, holding Henry upright and facing towards me.

I looked at him and said in a funny voice, "Henry, do you want to go to Tio's house tonight or do you want to go to basketball practice and be the basketball?" And he CRACKED up! My sis and I cracked up. And I asked him again. And he cracked up again! We were all laughing and he thought that it was the best thing.

Now that I think about it, it was the best thing. I just love that kid.

A Waving Statue of Liberty

I don't know how widespread Liberty tax service is, but we have a few here in my town. To advertise, they have people dress up in Statue of Liberty costumes in front of their offices and smile and wave to people.

Everytime I see these people I crack up laughing. Who would have thought that seeing tax preparers would bring such a smile to my face.

Lower Heating Bill!

We insulated the attic at the beginning of the Winter. This Winter has been so, so much colder than the previous years we have lived here (as in like 10-15 degrees colder), that we didn't see more than a tiny reduction on our heating bill. Well, yesterday I got a bill in which the average temp this year was only 4 degrees colder than last year, and the bill was cut in HALF! Obviously I don't expect it to be that great of a difference every month, but it was just good to see our hard work pay off finally!

Chocolate Cake Shooters

I never did follow up with the $100 shopping spree and thank goodness I didn't!

Today I watched my beloved Cougs lose to our rivals. To ease my pain, I had quite a few chocolate cake shooters. YUM!!

To also ease my pain, C asked if I wanted to go buy a Wii. Excuse me? I have wanted one for 3 years, thank you very much!!

Now we are home. He is making mac and cheese while reading Wii set up directions. H is asleep. I and B are watching cartoons trying to be patient for the game set up.

Apart from the WSU loss, today has been wonderful. And I'm sure it is in large part due to the title of this post...

Hopefully, I'll be this happy tomorrow! I know that the led lighting isn't going to be helpful to stave off a hangover. Maybe I'll stick to lights out!

text

I'm not really sure where this came from, but Hubby sent me this text today in response to a text that I sent him thanking him for filling up my car last night.

"Ur welcome. Now take $100.00 and go to target and have on urself because ur awesome and i luv u."

I almost texted back, "who stole my husband's phone?" but I didn't.

I hope that was the real deal. I also hope that it doesn't have an expiration date on it. I couldn't make it to Target today.

Would it be really rude to ask if I could pay off one of my Visa's instead? Or have the cleaning lady for a few more hours this month? Target would make me happy. Either of the other two would make me ecstatic.

Yard Sale Date Set

For next week at my cousin's house! Sometimes I hear about the date and get flustered because I know that I have tons of stuff to get rid of, but just can't bring myself to sort and price and haul. Other times I feel pretty neutral about it, thinking that even if I don't have stuff to sell, I can still hang out with family and Ivy can hang with her best friend and second cousin without setting up an alternate play date.

Or, like this week, I am so jazzed to be involved in the yard sale loop. And why is that, you ask? Because you should see the tire sized bags full of crap that I've been collecting all year! Including almost all of my maternity clothes and donated baby items that I did not use. Of course, none of it is priced. BUT, I know where these large bags are stashed and I cannot tell you how wonderful it will be to haul them out of here! We're gonna need a barcode scanner for this sale.

Let's hope that the weather holds...

10,000 steps

Actually, it is 10,636 steps that I have stepped since 9 a.m. this morning. Yes, gals, the pedometer is back on the waistband. My treadmill still isn't fixed from October, and I don't feel like buying Ephadrasil hardcore. That translates to 7.33 miles according to my mode button.

And what a difference going to work makes! Yesterday I walked 4.96 miles and the day before 5.27. Both of those days included sitting on my rear watching movies, so I shouldn't be too surprized.

Too Quiet Son

Do you remember when custom rubber stamps were all the rage a few years ago? When everyone was stamping their own cards and there were stamp parties instead of tupperware parties?

Well, one of my custom stamps was recently put to use by my son and his best friend.

Yeah, I told Chris that they were being too quiet.

Continual Happiness Blog

In a time of family troubles, I reached out to Carrie and Kelly to help me remember some happy things in life. And, true to form, they have followed through and led my mind down a path to positivity instead of the path well traveled to worry.
I want you guys to know how happy it makes me to see new posts. To remember that happiness exists everyday even if I'm not feeling it at the moment.
For the rest of you, feel free to post as you feel the little happinesses in your life. It really helps to share the wealth and pass it along. Love to us all. Friendships like these are a whole other type of wholesale insurance term life insurance.

Special Delivery

Last night one of my girlfriends stopped by for a drink. We started talking about movies and she has seen about everything while I have seen almost nothing. We talked about The Changeling and The Secret Life of Bees.

She went home and I started dinner. I got a call from her on my cell telling me to open the door. I was wearing the baby, dishwater and laundry running, while Ivy and Bec had both ears. When I opened the door, she handed me both movies that she went and rented for me! She said, "here ya go" and turned around and left. So sweet.

If I had an extra ticket to somewhere fun, I'd buy her some Zero Halliburton luggage and off we would go to enjoy some time off!

A Phone Call

I'm sorry if I sound gushy. I promise I won't write only posts about Joel now that I'm married, but I have to say this.

Joel just called me as he was walking to get dinner. I just love how he loves to call me. I'm really not saying this in a mushy way. I'm saying it in a way that I am amazed that a guy can be like this. I'm saying it in a way that says I am so stupid that I wasted years of my life talking to guys who never seemed to love calling me on the phone.

It's an awesome feeling to know that this guy thinks I'm really cool, and he loves the fact that he is with me. He tells me everyday I'm beautiful, and he says it in a way that makes me believe he truly sees my beauty every time he looks in my eyes. He enjoys my sense of humor and my talents. He isn't afraid of commitment. He isn't annoyed by me—he actually thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread.

He's mature. He isn't a coward. He's a true man.

I honestly didn't know that existed anymore. I'm glad he found me. :)

Pancakes for Dinner

Today my aunt called me. She asked me to come across the street to her house for pancakes tonight. (Something the children will actually eat.) With my husband gone from morning until night on school days, it gets lonesome at times, as well as monotonous. So the change of scenery was perfect. Plus, I didn't have to cook!

A Little Help From My Friend

My single gal co-worker (Kim) came over to the house on Wednesday and helped me out a ton. She was exactly what I needed. We focused on the living room and bedroom. We moved all the gifts out of the living room and rearranged the furniture around the way that I imagine would look best. It looks sooooo much better. Mind you, all the bachelor furniture is still in there, but at least I know that my idea for furniture arrangement works. :)

Then we put together the other nightstand that I had purchased. And we put things up in the bedroom while watching LOST.

There is still PLENTY to do, but I feel that order is coming. And it was nice to have a friend over.

Watching my kids at play

Although the weather is still pretty cold and overcast, I took the older two kids to the park today.
Instead of walking the short distance, we drove. Instead of totally bundling them up, I threw a hat and their coats on them quickly. I had the feeling that if I didn't get them out of the house in a very fast manner, that it might all fall apart.
I parked very close to the playground, rolled down the car window and started to read my book while they played. After a time, they caught my eye when they were playing on the merry go round.
They weren't fighting, they were getting a long. They weren't yelling, they were laughing. And I was captivated. I layed my head down in the open window with the cold air on my face and took it all in. I almost fell asleep, and it was one of the most contented moments I have had with the older two recently.
At some point, I hustled them back to the car. It was a wonderful little trip.
Of course, if I had the option of playing with some wii accessories, it might have been a totally different story.

Remember me?

Well, thanks to Kelly, I revisited this blog and realized how slack I've been on keeping up with everyone here. Honestly, I feel like I don't even know half of you anymore and I'm sure some of you will wonder who on earth I am too. I'm so sorry to be so delinquent lately! Forgive me.

To fill you all in, I'll use a trusty bullet-point list. Here is what has been happening with me lately:

• I started my new job on September 25, 2008. I am Program Director for the Corinth Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. I love the job. I get to do a lot of neat things and there is some travel involved too, which I like. It is a good job.
  
• I still run my Etsy vintage store and it has been doing well. I hit 600 sales there not long ago so that was very exciting.
  
• I bought a house in January - my first forray into homebuying! It was such a long process but the house is now mine and that feels good. I'm in the process of getting a few things repaired, painting, ripping up carpeting, etc. It is a 100+ year-old bungalow in a delightful part of town. I'm excited!

• The other major thing... I met a boy. :) His name is Jack and I really like him a lot. He is originally from Texas but working on his Master's in Central Mississippi right now.
  

(Yes, he is tall. He is 6'7" so he towers over me. No worries about ever wearing heels that are too high!)

So... those are the major points of news with me. Lots of little points of news but those are the biggies. Again, sorry to be so lax in staying-tuned. I hope that we can all catch-up, either by email or phone!

xo,

Karen Beth :)

Warm Clothes

When we were little and my mom was doing laundry, she would call out to us when she took clothes out of the dryer. We would all jump on the couch and she would pile the warm clothes on top of us. It was the best feeling.

Ivy doesn't like to do this. She gets too hot. But on the occasion that Chris gets out laundry, sometimes I'll have him pile them on me. It takes me back and makes me smile.

And not needing a Chicago injury lawyer makes me smile too!

Unite!

Well girls, I was talking to Karianne last week, and I think it is about time we met. Here are my thoughts. Let me know how many of you might be up for it.

I'm thinking we should plan a year in advance. That way, it is on the calendar and you can save for it (money-wise and vacation-wise).

I'm curious about your thoughts on January 2010 or February 2010. I would think that the prices on tickets should be low because travel would be low around that time of year. I don't mind spring or summer either, but I also don't want to compete with family vacation times and holidays. I would be curious if it is better for you gals with kids to meet before school starts or after. Please let me know your thoughts because I can be quite flexible. Those of you with kids have to do more arranging.

My other thought is location. Since we are spread all over the freakin' country (coast to coast), I know it would be best to meet somewhere in between. Joel and I have a HUGE 5 bedroom house that is filled with single mattresses. It will probably take a year before we will have everything in order, but it would be the perfect location because I could offer free lodging! Also DFW is an international airport; so the flight options are more vast.

Over the next year, we could be looking online with Orbits and Travelocity and Southwest for the best priced flights. And since I wouldn't be purchasing a ticket, I could handle breakfasts and a few meals. :)

The city of Fort Worth offers lots of fun things to do if we want to do more than huddle in the house and giggle our hearts out. There is the Stock Yards, Billy Bob's, and plenty of country music entertainment.

So what do you say? If we don't plan ahead, you know we will never do this. Now that I have an awesome house, I would love to invite you ladies to it! :)

Get back to me!!!! :)

The Microwave

We do not have a dishwasher and I don't want one. I get a kick out of doing my dishes old school. Our stove/oven is the one that Chris grew up with. Pretty much all of our appliances are old and that fits me just fine. We even have discount bedroom furniture

Our microwave is ancient. And I love that thing. It is huge, so we use it as an extra storage shelf that holds a lot of things. It has absolutely nothing digital on it. The timer is a dial. The start button is an actual push button that is about 2 inches wide.

One of the first sounds that Ivy and Bec could mimic was the "ding" of the microwave. So sweet. One day, I should keep track of how often I use it. My hot packs alone would be at least 3 times a day. Every once in a while one of us will bring up replacing it, but the other one is normally being rational and will bring up all of the great features it has that cannot be replaced. I'm dreading when it finally decides it's time is up.

Alone Time

My husband picked up a full-time college course load this past semester, and is still working around 3 full days per week. We don't see him a lot, which means I'm alone with the children the bulk of the time. Don't get me wrong; I love them! However sometimes I am just so touched out! Tonight he was finally home and I went and cleaned out the basement, and did several loads of laundry while I was doing it. I even folded the laundry down there, all alone. Even though it was work, it was refreshing for my spirit. I needed the stillness. It give me so much contentment.

Redbox

I love Redbox (the DVD kiosks). The DVD's are only .99 per night. They have a fairly decent selection. And every Monday, they issue a promo code for one free night. (happy number 1) As a big fan of Nicholas Sparks, I've been waiting for Nights in Rodanthe to come out on DVD. To my delight, Redbox got it! (happy number 2) I thought everyone would surely have rented up their supply before I got to them, but my aunt went yesterday afternoon and found it in stock, and picked it up for me. (happy number 3) Today the only thing I have to do, is take Forest to Tae Kwon Do. It's a rainy, dreary day, and it feels like the perfect excuse to curl up on the couch in the afternoon, fold laundry and watch the DVD. (happy number 4)

-Carrie

White Russian

A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I were able to head out for drinks after a basketball game. We didn't have to get right home to relieve the sitter, so we enjoyed trying out a new bar in town.

Reading through the drink list, I thought that a White Russian sounded really good. I can't believe that I hadn't had one before, since it turns out that it is a classic. I loved it. First of all, it was very pretty and secondly it tasted like a very thin milk shake, which I love as opposed to thick milk shakes.

Well, I headed to the liquor store and now the White Russian is my drink for the beginning of 2009. Last year it was a Mango Martini. Just another thing to add to my list of phases. I can see myself this spring, under the Flowering trees enjoying this drink in the open air.


Cheers!

Abreva

I have a cold sore. I freaking hate cold sores. I had to take a tranquilizer last night because I was so uncomfortable. (Yes, I know that I'm a tad over the top, but I really hate cold sores) Anyway, I can tell that I'm going to get a cold sore if I allow my lips to get chapped. I try really hard to not let that happen, but sometimes it gets away from me. Last week I told Chris, "I think that I'm getting chapped lips. That means a cold sore."

And yesterday, there it began. And I'll tell ya, it is a doozy too. I can't remember a worse one than this one, in fact, there may be two!

Abreva is my savior during these times. I live with Abreva smeared all white and attractive all over my sore. I have no shame when it comes to pain relief. I'm sure that it will only be a few more days before it is all of the way gone. Thank goodness I don't have any celebrity appearances to do between now and then!

Lawrence Welk

My dad's grandparents used to move the furniture, watch LW and ballroom dance in their living room every week as a couple. This is one of the only stories of them that have been passed down to me from my dad and I have always adored it. I'm sure that many couples in their time did the same thing, but it always stood out to me as one of the most romantic things that I'd ever heard of. Although it probably took place under discount bathroom lights.


So, every once in a while, while flipping channels, I'll come across Mr. LW. I then grab the kid closest to me and "waltz" them around the room and tell them about their great-great-grandparents, Bertha and Oneseme. Then I tell them that Papa Kenny, Grandma Ding and Grandpa Pat are dancing with us.

Compromises

Yesterday I was able to skip out on my MIL's birthday dinner. C and I struck up a deal where I could have the afternoon and evening to myself while he took the three kids. Then on this coming up Sunday, Super Bowl, I would take all three kids and give him a free afternoon and evening to watch the game with his dad.

This was the perfect arrangement for both of us. Although we still keep in contact by phone, only unlocked phones for this family, having time to yourself and being able to decide how to spend it is so freeing.

Luckily for me, my sister and mom and I had already been planning a Super Bowl party for my side of the family anyway. I'll have a lot of extra hands to help with my 3 rugrats while I gorge myself on party food.

Heading back to work

I miss my job! I miss my work!

I get to go back in tomorrow for an appointment! Yeah!

My mom was going to keep Hendrix, but got called out of town, so my Aunt gladly stepped in to watch him. She is so excited. I was panicked because I thought that I'd have to reschedule or cancel my client, but my aunt came through, thank Goodness.

What a difference between heading back to work with Ivy and Bec. Working was the last thing I wanted to do. Now, only 5.5 weeks later, I'm ready!

Things that turn out ok

Yesterday was a day that was not happy. I didn't have to research a lawyer but it was pretty bad.

But looking back on things this morning, the day actually could have been much worse. And I'm thankful that it was what it was when it came down to it.

Being able to see the positive makes me happy. Not super happy, but realistic happy. Dealing with reality happy.

Happiness is a happy baby!

Here's a look at:

*bottom teeth (by the way, she just barely cut a top one, and is working on the one beside it)

*reviewing what happens during meal-time -- Mommy claps and says "Yay" whenever I take a bite, so I think the thing to do when I'm in my highchair is clap and smile!

*yeah, she still is not very fond of food, and I can't even see her eating her birthday cake in a few months, but she will attack a cup.

Watching Basketball

Watching my nephew play basketball for my old high school team chokes me up. Sitting in that same gym as a senior, I never could have thought that I'd be there, just a few short years (ha) later watching him out on the court. The same gym where I employed best fat burner indoor tennis techniques.

And then having my 3 year old son join in the fun with the rest of the family just makes it that much more special. The family atmosphere of enjoying a game together can't be matched. I love basketball season.

Wonderful Winter Weather

Here in WA, the winter changes. Last week, we had temps around 50 with rain. This week has been foggy and slick. Every day I wake up and check outside to see what has happened through the night. It is always a surprise. A mini surprise every morning to look forward to.

One day this week, I woke to fog and sun. Bright but muted. It was one of the most beautiful mornings that I could remember in my life. And as I drove Bec to nursery school, down more into the valley, it got darker, colder and the fog more dense. In a matter of just a few blocks, change again.

By the end of the day, it was all fogged in again. So far this week, I keep playing that day's weather over and over. A beautiful memory.

As long as this weather holds, I wont be needing a diet pill because this cold calls me outside. It's in the summer when I can't leave the a/c that I need a bit of help.

Sanford and Son

Although I don't have home theater seating, I have been watching a ton of television while the baby eats. I have expanded my television channels to include tvland which shows the classics. If you want to hear me laugh out loud, just come on over while I'm watching Sanford and Son. I rarely laugh as well as I do while I'm engrossed in that show.

The clothes, the jive talk, and the topics. What's not to love?

Cravings

I thought that with the ending of my pregnancy, the ending of my pregnancy cravings would have stopped.

Nope.

Guess what I asked for in the hospital? Lime jello and a lime popsicle. Did they have them? Nope. Only cherry.

I have drank at least 2 packets of Lime Kool Aid since leaving the hospital. And bought a bottle of limeaid.

And did you remember the craving for Spicy Italian Subs from my local Subway franchise?

Yep. Had half of one last week.

And they are all soooooo good!