musings

Wow...is this what it feels like?

2007-10-27T05:26:00.001-07:00

Ryan has started working on a portfolio for High School. No, he's not a fine art student, but one looking to be chosen for a Math, Science and High Technology group within his High School.

The application process is rigorous. 2 SEALED Teacher recommendations (from Math & Science teachers), test scores, grades, math requirements. He then needs to attend an interview (dressed in interview attire) and spawn a spontaneous essay when he gets there. Oh, and bring along a portfolio of his best work. He has 10 minutes in his interview to tell them EVERYTHING about him...who he is, how he came to be who he is, what his passion is in life. We have been working tirelessly on trying to keep his "resume" to one page! It's amazing all of the things that he has done in the past 5 years. He has also been asking others for letters of recommendations to be included with his portfolio (Principal, youth leaders, coaches, other teachers).

OMG...from a 14 year old! It has been hard not opening his sealed recommendations...just DYING to know what every word says about this being that I have been working on forming & guiding for 14 years.

If this is High School...I can only imagine how vulnerable we will all feel when college applications arrive. Unfortunately, these next years will be a blur too and college will be here all too soon.

1st day of school!

2007-08-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

The boys started school last week! Ryan had 1/2 day on Wednesday which was uneventful.

Thursday Ethan started Kindergarten. He was sooooo excited! He got to bring his lunch AND eat it there ;-) The day ended with a "tornado drill" Niiiiiice. Tornado touched down about 6 miles from the school.

But...in a proud mommy moment. As soon as school was let out, Ryan went and got Ethan from his classroom & got him to the carpool. She wasn't even scheduled to bring the boys home today (Ryan was supposed to have volleyball tryouts after school...canceled)...and...she brought them to her house & let me know they were with her.

With all the bickering the boys do...it's nice to know that when it REALLY comes down to it...it's great to have your big brother around!

62

2007-08-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

pounds that is :)

Beach!

2007-08-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

We were lucky enough to go to the air & water show on Saturday (in the middle of on & off rain showers). Ethan LOVED going to the "beach." He couldn't get enough of it! He just plopped right down in the sand and dug his hands right in! He was DYING to get into the water, but we stopped him!

My favorite moment...watching him make "sand angels." Do all kids do this, or just snow-bound kids that learn in the snow?

Makes my heart go pitter patter

2007-08-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Another VERY PROUD Mom moment...from my teenager!

He had volleyball camp at school this week & his coach is a new teacher at his school who will also be his homeroom teacher. We had "parent orientation" on Sunday & his teacher commented on Ryan's leadership ability & he is ALWAYS the one encouraging others to do their best & helping those in need! YEA!!! It's one of those things that we talk about A LOT...it's awesome when another adult notices it and takes the time to give you feed back!

Speaking of proud...he's completed his ENTIRE reading goal FOR THE YEAR...in the past 2 weeks. He's knocked out Eragon, Eldest and all 7 books in the Harry Potter series! He HATES to be behind and HATES to have deadlines looming. He was frustrated with himself when he didn't meet one of his self-imposed goals for his progress on his book! I wish I could be so goal oriented!

It's official

2007-07-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

We are doing something GOOD for our wallets and the environment! We bought a hybrid car today! It seems like we're turning a bit geeky (switched EVERY light in our house to CFL's months ago) and now the car....

Hey...if one recycled can, can power a television for three hours...imagine what a difference a car can make!!!

Officially making granola

S

2007-07-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

That's the size shirt I bought today...granted...they run slightly larger than other brands...but...I have NEVER bought a small shirt...let alone a workout shirt!!!

57 pounds down!!!

Hello old friend

2007-05-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

We all have them...somewhere...

I found mine about 2 months ago while I was cleaning out my closet. It's a pair of jean shorts that I remember wearing when I met my husband. Not the EXACT time I met him, but from that time. I have pictures of me wearing these shorts.

I tried them on when I found them, and to my amazement, I could fit into them...almost...my legs fit in, but there was no way I could snap & zip them.

Until this week...I tried them on, and they fit BEAUTIFULLY. I could actually wear them in public....thank goodness high waisted pants are making a come-back ;-) I'm not sure I actually WILL wear them in public, but it's a HUGE success for me. Without any REAL sacrifices....just better choices.

Disney is AMAZING

2007-03-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Saw Meet the Robinson's today...in 3D!

BEST part about the movie...the 3D glasses were AWESOME! They fit ALL sizes and were individually wrapped (everyone paid $2.00 for their own pair) and they were worth every penny!

I knew the 3D would be good, but it TRULY was amazing! If you're off to see this movie, see if you can find it in 3D...DEFINITELY worth the drive! After about 30 minutes even Ryan said he was "used" to it, and it REALLY feels like "you are there!"

You my squishy mommy

2007-03-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sooooo this is Ethan's latest phrase.

He just can't help himself, and as much as I TRY to tell him "I'm not squishy" he keeps finding places where I AM squishy.

I have no idea where it came from...he means really well, and it is ADORABLE how he says it...but...still....squishy? Wonder what he thought I was before I lost the weight?

Spring is ALMOST here!

2007-03-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Ethan wore short sleeves last week...he was SOOOO excited...but only because

"I don't need to push my sleeves up to wash my hands!"

perspective is everything

Compression shorts + polo shirt + hand weights = ICK!

2007-03-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this combo coming & going on a guy using the gym last week...ick!

Black compression shorts, light brown polo and hand weights. I'm sorry I had to watch him "walking" in front of me. I could have sworn it was a SNL skit!

The sweetest thing

2007-02-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

I took the boys to WI for the weekend for our annual middle school basketball tournament. Of course, we had LOTS of bad weather while we were there. White out conditions both Friday & Saturday evening.

I packed Ethan up Sunday morning to head out to get some coffee for me and breakfast for the boys.

I pulled up to Starbucks and they had JUST opened (it was 9:00!)...there was lots of snow/ice, so I'm sure things were a bit slow. They said to just pull to the window and they'll make the drinks then. I had to wait 10 minutes or so and then I pulled to the window.

The doors opened & the sweetest boy was there. Piercing blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair, hemp necklace, great smile..."what can I get for you" Hmmmm maybe a ride home?

But...alas...I was probably twice as old as he was, and I spit out my order just like I do every day.

I waited patiently for my drink to be ready...money in hand as the line was building behind me.

The doors opened. There he was again. Same smile, handing me my drink. He should have said, "my name is Rick and I'll be your enabler for the day." But as I handed him the money, he said, "don't worry about it." I said, "are you sure" He says "yes, have a great day dear"

SERIOUSLY....how could I not.

What a service to Starbucks and my ego. Not only was I a happy customer...I was a happy woman for the day :) It is amazing what a smile can do...not to mention I saved nearly $5 for the day ;-)

9 years ago

2007-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Ron & I went on a cruise that he earned from Cadillac. I wore a formal dress that I vividly remember squeezing into. I looked FABULOUS!

Nine years and another child later, the dress hung just. Not a prayer of me ever wearing again. Mostly because I didn't have an occasion to wear it, but also because it would NEVER fit. Now, I fitin that dress with PLENTY of room to spare...

baby steps.

Charlie Brown will never be the same again

2007-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

As a crazy Zach Braff fan who is straight off watching "The Last Kiss" I wandered into his blog today and found this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Of_mna-Rs

whispering

2006-12-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

"Baby Jesus in a nest"

My favorite words said by Ethan while at church on Christmas Eve

My favorite Christmas gift

2006-12-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

It happened this morning.

Ethan & I left early this morning to beat the crowds to see Santa at the mall. We needed to go to the "good" mall because they have a "good" Santa. My rule, not his. He'd be happy with any man in a beard and fake boots, but his mother prefers an older man with a real grey/white beard & moustache.

This was a special time for Ethan & me. We get time alone, but this was JUST for him. I went on the expressway to get there, his FAVORITE because he can watch the electrical towers and where the wires are going.

We didn't have to wait long and then we saw Santa. The moment is always over too soon.

Since we don't get to go to this mall too often Ethan was fascinated with the ramps and elevators AND the fact that it had a McDonald's INSIDE the mall! We went up the elevator and down the ramp to McDonald's. He was in heaven. We walked back up the ramp and down the elevator.

We walked back to the department store to get to our car. Ethan asked if he could ride the escalator down. I asked if he wanted to ride the bigger one up, he said, "no, just the little one down." So, we rode on the escalator just to go down and come back up again. While we were riding down, he pulled my hand closer to his face and leaned right into it. Then he kissed my hand as only a five=year old can do.

These are the moments you cannot plan, cannot force, and hold on to forever. He was SO happy to just have a few extra seconds doing something that HE wanted to do with me. I LOVED the ride so much that when we were back at our origination, I asked him if he wanted to ride again! He of course said he'd "lub" to ride again.

One minute of pure happiness for both of us.

I've done it too, but I will not do it again

2006-12-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays. I've said it a million times it seems, but I have also said it for the last time.

We have been bombarded with political correctness through the years and it seems like each holiday is being diluted into one with the "Happy Holiday" centiment.

Christmas cards clearly show trees and ornaments, and yet the greetings are Happy Holidays.

Are strangers REALLY offended if I were to wish them a Merry Christmas while they are Jewish or an Atheist? Does the mere mention of Christmas REALLY conjure up thoughts of the Christ child in a manger to EVERYONE that utters the word Christmas. Surely not. I would imagine most thoughts turn to the big man in the red suit who visits us on Christmas Eve.

Anyone who knows ANYTHING about the December holidays, should also know that the nights of Hannukah have ALREADY started. Granted, they may still have gifts to choose for each evening, but for the most part, this big hustle and bustle that is still occuring is for those of us that DO celebrate Christmas.

I have decided that although it might not be politically correct, WE celebrate Christmas, and from now on I will wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I will not force it on anyone, and those that re-coil will still be greeted with a smile and well wishes. I would not mind if someone wished me a Happy Hannukah. I think it's a great greeting, and a profession of the holiday that you do celebrate, and then I could return the greeting to them.

Merry Christmas to all!

We still in a bread bag

2006-11-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

These were the words uttered by Ethan while we were snuggling the other morning.

He often likes to climb into bed and "nuggle" for a few minutes before facing the world. I like to use it as a learning opportunity. For positional things, like who is on the end, who is in the middle, I know, I'm a dork. So, usually he says that we're making a cheese sandwich and promptly identifies who is the cheese and who is the bread.

Until this new twist. "You a bread, you a bread, and I a bread" I said, "oh, we're a bread sandwich?" He said, "No, we still in a bread bag."

I about died!

I'll answer to anything

2006-10-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ok...silence all the thoughts running through your head.

I'm talking about those calls in the middle of the night. They started nearly 13 years ago when Ryan was born. Every turn in the bed, every tossle, every whimper for mommy. I was always there.

Last night was a first. Ethan has been waking up a few nights a week to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. He calls for me, I say that I'm coming and then I get him up and he goes to the bathroom.

Last night, I heard Ethan call to me, I sat straight up in bed like always, said I was coming, only to find him fast asleep. I shuffled back to bed only to hear one of the smoke alarms beep. Low battery. I couldn't believe it. I am usually the only one that will hear these in the middle of the night...similarly, Ron has NEVER heard one of our children tossle or whimper in the middle of the night...soooo I was in search of the low battery to change it at 3:40 a.m.

Then...back to bed...everyone was sleeping soundly, including the smoke alarm.

Pavlov was right!

2006-10-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

We all learned about him in elementary school...He'd ring the bell, the dogs would salivate.

We encountered our own Pavlov-like experience.

Ethan's had strep far too many times this year. Last time he was going to be swabbed, the Dr. took the swab out of the wrapper, and he said "don't choke me." She said she'd go really fast if he'd just open his mouth. He opened his mouth, she moved the swab to within 6 inches of his mouth, and he made himself gag! She pulled away. She moved closer, and he gagged himself again. No fingers, or anything in his mouth, just the mere thought of the swab coming in was enough for him to gag!

It was something NO ONE in the room had seen before.

Poor boy...thankfully she swabbed quickly and didn't "choke" him.

4th time's a charm?

2006-10-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Ethan that is.

Poor boy...he'll have surgery yet again later this month. I'll schedule it on Monday. Saw the ENT today and one of the tubes he had placed in November last year has dislodged & is no longer operating properly. Of course, the other one is perfect.

Sooooo we're done with PE tubes, and on to T tubes. Larger tubes, meant to stay in a bit longer...2-3 years. Hopefully by that time he'll be through all of this and won't need another set.

This is on top of the 5 boughts of strep he's had this year...she's calling in 6 boughts although only tested + on 5 of them. He's not really a candidate for removing his tonsills or adenoids, because of other medical issues.

Hopefully he'll do well, and this will be the last time we'll do this....maybe the 4th set will be his lucky one!

The icing on the cake

2006-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

We all have those bad days...yesterday was mine...

Monday...tired from the weekend...Ryan has a volleyball game...runs late...panic to get Ethan from daycare on time...have two minutes at home to get kids settled before running off to school...change pants quickly...grab power bar & diet pepsi...get into car & race to school...

Not even five minutes into my ride to school I realize the dog has peed on my pants! I couldn't believe it! I thought I was doing so well, laid my pants out because I knew the schedule would be tight, and then raced to get changed and didn't even NOTICE that they were a bit damp...There aren't enough baby wipes in the world to make this ok...

Not only am I one of the oldest people in my stupid math class, now I'm the slob that smells like dog urine...ICK!!!!!

Why is it that spammers have bad grammar?

2006-08-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

Oh yea...that's right...they are losers that sit at home and menace people. I guess that doesn't take a college education.

"Dirty...

2006-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

that's how I like it."

Uttered today by my soon to be 13 year old while playing his nintendogs video game. The dog was filthy and needed a bath.

If he was 23 I'd be a bit more disturbed...still though...just hearing the words come from his mouth were a bit jarring.

Amazing

2006-05-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

There is this euphoric feeling...one cannot describe it properly.

To work so hard for something and be rewarded, and then have it completed.

Ahhhhhh....

It's the end of the semester again...the first class in my major is complete, and I wrecked the curve ;-) LOVE IT!

Who would have thought taking a Shakespeare and Psych class over two years ago would lead to this. I struggled through those classes and now I'm breezing through with a swagger I never knew I had.

Only one class this summer...I won't know what to do with myself ;-)

It never gets old

2006-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

That familiar sound that awakens me nearly every morning, must earlier than I'd prefer...the human alarm clock....

Mommy...Mommy....Mommy....

while I saunter into Ethan's room...this morning I was greeted with

"Happy...Happy Muder's Day....You a Muder...You see a flower?"

I can only imagine...all night long his little brain, thinking, remembering, trying to say JUST the right thing...

He said EXACTLY the right thing...made my day!

Bump bump bump

2006-05-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just when you think things are going along wonderfully...kids are great, school is great, work is great, life sometimes throws you this little bump in the road. Sort of a gut check I guess.

I got one today. I'm happily minding my own business when my boss asks me for a favor. The favor is for me to write a few paragraphs about myself. Huh? Turns out...he's tossing my name in the hat for a promotion to be named later. At this very moment, my stomach did a complete back flip and I about puked. Apparently there are some changes coming which might mean an opportunity for me.

Who said I wanted a promotion?

I've NEVER been the kind that has kicked others off the ladder to rise to the top. Perhaps it will ultimately be the downfall of my professional career. Instead, I choose to do my best and enjoy what is thrown at me. Money doesn't motivate me. Yes, I want to be paid fairly as everyone else does, but I just don't have that killer instinct.

I've been happy in my position for over 6 years, and with the same company for 18...the thing that scares me the most is...change

My paragraphs about myself are pathetic. Sappy, yes. Heartfelt, yes. Worthy of a promotion...probably not.

Perhaps this bump isn't that bad after all ;-)

Laurie Berkner Band & another shameless plug

2006-04-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

There are two new items in our home...

One is a Leapster L-Max and the other is a Laurie Berkner Band DVD. Both are HUGE hits for our pre-schooler.

He especially likes the "Letters on the Loose" cartridge for his Leapster (it has Prof. Quigley on it, the same guy that does the voice for the word whammer and fridge phonics).

Laurie Berkner is the FIRST thing Ethan has ever asked for, and he asks for it every time he sees her commercial...she does a lively bunch of tunes while she plays her guitar. Check eBay for her DVD (she only has one), it's much cheaper than the $20 + S&H from her website :) and it comes with a CD.

Until next year

2006-04-18T18:24:00.001-07:00

I have seen you for months...walking the sidewalks...standing with a sign, adorned in red, white and blue. I look forward to seeing you holding your sign, always smiling, sometimes with a friend across the street.

You've seen him...not the Quiznos cup, not Mr. Twinkie...I'm talking about the man dressed up like Uncle Sam just in time for tax season.

This man appeared just after Christmas...cold weather and all...a man who could be homeless, past 40, and always dressed in his Uncle Sam outfit holding the name of the tax service on his sign.

Today, his sign said "Thank you"

Sure as taxes, Uncle Sam was at his post every day...until next year...

Who knew?

2006-03-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

I found the best laundry tip in a parents magazine.

Those strange wrinkles in your pants...after the washing machine, shake them out several times to remove the wrinkles...then put in the dryer.

I completely blame my mother for my not knowing this. Is this common knowledge? Perhaps it ist he fact that she taught me how to do my laundry at 7, and I've been on my own since then. Maybe she told me, and I've blocked it out...except...I'm not sure my polyester pants would wrinkle like this in the early 1970's ;-)

Brain overload

2006-03-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

While we were watching our favorite game show last night, Ethan pointed out that he could see the dog's penis. I told him that was great...who else had a penis...he said that he did...and that Ryan did...and that Daddy did...and that I did...

Sorry to burst your bubble kid...but...no penis here...

poor child looked at me like a confused dog...he sort of cocked his head sideways and just looked at me, and looked at me, and is probably still thinking about it at this moment. I had to tell him that only boys have a penis...still...sideways dog look.

......still thinking about it.......

Can you tell?

2006-03-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

I'm completely avoiding homework and passing the time until The Amazing Race begins in 20 minutes....just a few more posts and it will be time for the Race

In just a few days I too will be doing the race...into a Math exam, into a Communications exam and a paper I should have written a week ago for my Psych class....

Ignorance is bliss...tonight...I'll watch the race & do laundry

Hungry Girl rocks

2006-03-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of her?

Do you get her newsletter?

A friend turned me on to her a few months ago, and I have been reading her daily e-mails ever since.

She just rocks...from Starbuck's makeovers (much much healthier) to taste tests of new products, her daily e-mails are something to look forward to

hungry-girl.com

Check her out...I don't get anything for this, but she has some great healthy tips that will get you through the day :)

Speaking of names

2006-03-21T18:29:00.000-08:00

Ethan is still at that somewhat endearing age of calling you to get up in the morning. Sort of like the official blessing that the sun has shown and the rooster has crowed, so it is time to awake.

His internal clock has already adjusted two weeks early, and each morning at 5:20 he is awake and then awakens the entire house.

This morning...he begins by talking to himself...some quiet mumbling...followed by quiet "Mommy" about a thousand times....after about the millionth "Mommy" I decided to get up out of bed and at least brush my teeth and pretend I would start my day...I came out of the bathroom to...

"Joowee, Joowee, Joowee" again about a thousand times...I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently, when Mommy doesn't work, resort to my real name...maybe he should try Melissa ;-)

Can I have your name, please?

2006-03-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

It's the inner Larry David in me that comes out at the worst times.

I was picking up lunch today and the person taking my order asked for my name, so they could call me when my order was ready.

Apparently, this is to avoid the endless numbers being called over the speaker, and to make my dining experience much more enjoyable.

Except...who wants to hear their name belted over the loud speaker by a person who barely speaks English? Seriously. Does this make me want to go there more often? Perhaps it is to awaken the 70+ crowd that cannot figure out their number on the bottom of their receipt, or is startled by the vibrating lighted square when their order is ready. To me though, I'm not thrilled with having my name echoing through the restaurant....

Until recently.

I have started giving them fake names. Melissa sounds especially nice coming from the Hispanic man who has created my food...almost sounds exotic.

There are some critera associated with the fake names...they must sound nice, they must be easy to pronounce, and above all, I will not spell my fake name to the cashier.

I have had all kinds of names running through my head while waiting in line, but I just can't do most of them...My mind always goes to crazy names...Candy, Amber, Felicity, and a whole host of stripper and hippie names.

But for today...I was Melissa...a repeat, which works well in a pinch...still exotic today.

Anyone watch Love Monkey

2006-03-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

I guess not...it was cancelled after three episodes.

In case you missed it (and you probably did) the gist is...the guy from Ed worked for a big time record label and got fired for wanting all the right things, then went to work for an indie label, no money, no resources, but heart in all the right places.

Craziest thing...all the musician drop ins....it was sort of like Will & Grace already in episode one with all the musicians coming and going, and ones that I don't think I ever really wanted to see!

Anyway...the musician that "Ed" signed on his indie label was a guy that has this wonderfully whispy/breathy voice with a real sense of soul to it. He was one of the best parts of Love Monkey...and...he's just released his first CD...his real name is Teddy Geiger...it's on iTunes...worth 30 seconds of your time to check it out...

....and no...I'm not working for an indie record label ;-)

Muggy Muggy

2006-03-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's my favorite two words Ethan says right now.

When we were young, my siblings and I used to rub noses with our mother and say Ugga Mugga. We always thought it came from her, but as I came to find out, my mother never taught us that, it was one of our childhood babysitters. I think my mother felt a bit crushed as we each taught our children how eskimo's kissed while saying Ugga Mugga.

Ethan is an extremely affectionate child...one of his favorite phrases is "lots of kisses" as he kisses you nearly everywhere, hands, arms, elbows, feet...you get the idea.

He is always so close and touching me everywhere that I have tried to focus him onto something new. We've been rubbing noses. I tried to get him to say ugga mugga, but it's just so cute when he says Muggy Muggy I cannot correct him. So from one generation to the next, with a slight change, muggy muggy it is.

Don't hate me

2006-02-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

One of the best pieces of advice I received from someone when I started back to school was that I didn't want to be "the smart old lady in the front of the class who is always raising her hand and answering the questions."

It happens sometimes when classes are small and you're twice as old as everyone else in the class, and might even be older than the professor. You tend to stick out. Especially when you're the one that always has extra pencils, has tissues, has extra video tapes, has tape, has a stapler and is just generally more prepared than the average college student.

I try to surround myself with my own peer group. I thought I found a woman in my latest class, she's even older than I am, and it seems as though us older gals tend to skew the grades a bit...heck, we've been there, done that before, and are there giving it 110%, not like those silly pups that have just discovered $5 beer cups at their favorite Frat house.

I'm feeling all proud of myself...there are only 3 tests in the class I'm in right now, and his questions are HARD...they're multiple choice, but he tries to trip you up at EVERY step. I checked the grades online...class average 31/50. GREAT. My grade 46/50. WAHOO. AND...he's curving up 3 b/c the class did so poorly, so it's really 49/50. In this lecture of 138 people, the average is 31...I was shocked. I about burst into the room, and talked with my peers who about choked me b/c they didn't do as well...this other woman in her last semester got a 38/50.

So...I'm sure she won't talk with me again because I have now become the "smart old lady that doesn't raise her hand, but is messing up all of our curves."

Oh, and there IS one of those annoying girls who DOES raise her hand and make a big stink about everything in our class...you know the one...the one that makes a point just so SHE can say she made the point, even though it's completely repeating what was said before her.

It has started

2006-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Puberty that is.

For about a year, Ryan has been a bundle of hormones. Now at least he has something to show for it.

Two fresh bunches of underarm hair. They're the ickiest things I've ever seen. He is very proud of them though. Of course, I had to ask if he had hair anywhere else, of which he pulled up his shirt and I got to see his baby bare chest. He actually wanted me to check his back just to be sure he wouldn't need any maintenance (we've seen Hitch recently and the back waxing had a profound affect on him ;-)).

Before you know it, he'll actually be admitting he likes girls.

Profound, or not so...

2006-02-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Vanity license plates.

I swear, there are times when I believe I live in Larry David's mind.

What posesses people to make such statements. I'll start with the license plates that Ron had when I met him...RONBO 64. Screams studmuffin...right? NOT! What a dork! Thankfully these were retired shortly after we met ;-)

So, how does one come up with such a profound statment to let the world know about. I think it's sort of like picking artwork for your office...you want it to say something about you, but it must portray EXACTLY the right image.

So, we start with names, and last names which of course must be some shortening of your last name, all vowels excluded, intials of you and your spouse, initials of your kids, pet's name, pet's breed, car brand (my favorite is when this doesn't match the current vehicle...we live near LEXMOM who is currently driving a Toyota), and the obligatory VW Bug people that must have BUG somewhere in their plate along with a flower in their vase.

Then there's work stuff, including motherhood (we live near former PROMOM who screamed at her kids NON STOP...she has since moved to a horrible shortening of their last name), REMAX 1, etc.

My dad struggled with the obligatory sports car vanity plate...if you have a vehicle in the $100K+ category you CANNOT under any circumstance show up with a state issued plate...your car will deny you and you will be made fun of by every other car out there....so there's GOOOFAST, IBLWBYU which are at least appropriate.

My current favorite works in two languages. The plate read OUIIIII. Works well as WEEEEE and YESSSSS.

I know, I'm a complete dork. I fully blame it on my parents and their obsession for long car trips when we were children. I didn't have anything else to do other than stuff my sister into the carbon monoxide ridden wheel well (because there was MUCH more space there) and then look at license plates out the window for hours on end while listening to the Carpenter's on the eight track.

I guess the moral to the story is...if you can't think of something completely clever...donate the extra money you'd spend on vanity plates to charity.

How does it know

2006-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

iTunes that is...how does it know that I would LOVE to hear Etta James singing At Last?

Of course, I could do without some of the other suggestions, but for now I'm happy belting along with Ms. James.

A True Olympic Event

2006-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Undressing and re-dressing a sleeping child. Bonus points if the child remains sleeping through the entire event. Double points if you've changed every stitch of clothing.

can you smell that?

2006-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

It's new car smell!

Our entire garage is permeated with the wonderful new car smell.

There's something about leather, and carpet and just taking it all in and learning about a new vehicle.

Ron works at a car dealership and one of the hazards of working there is the constant twinge to get a new car. Everyone's getting one. You get to see every used car taken in and wonder if it would fit into your fleet.

We have been working on getting a new car for a few months...but...Ron needed to minimize our fleet by TWO before he did this...and...his boss' boss asked him on Friday what he was waiting for...and...then made us a GREAT deal on both of our vehicles along with an employee discount on the car we have been dreaming of. Ok, we're suburban dorks with two kids...it's a Toyota Sienna XLE...it's not as fun as many of the cars I'd love to have, but for us, now, it's EXACTLY what we've been looking for.

This also marks a milestone in our life...Ron and I have FINALLY (after about 10 vehicle purchases) made a RATIONAL decision on a vehicle. Ron always has it in his head that he needs it all...needs the best, fully loaded with all kinds of ridiculous things that mean nothing after they're purchased. We had a bit of a cooling off period while we patiently listed our cars and waited for a buyer...this was KEY to Ron's level-headedness (along with a boss who kicked some sense into him ;-))

Ryan is a mustang freak, and was really bummed to see his baby go...he had dreamed of driving it one day, but insurance alone would keep him permanently out of it, and to save him from his own Ferris Bueller day, we'll all be better because it's gone.

Ryan has named our new van the "Silver Bullet"...not quite like the "Batmobile" I had when Ryan was Ethan's age, but it will do.

Our Saturday night...part 1

2006-01-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Ryan had a dance last night.

Remember those middle school dances? Everyone packed against the walls, just sort of trying to avoid the opposite sex?

This is his second school dance, and there are a few ground rules for the dance. EVERYONE MUST slow dance, or there are stiff consequences at school on Monday (seriously). EVERYONE must have good manners when asking and being asked to dance (i.e. you can't say the boy smells and you'd never dance with him in a million years ;-)).

Soooooo there were 6 slow dances. 3 that were ladies choice, 3 that were guys choice. Ryan danced 4 times. And I'm THRILLED to know who he danced with. Not the fast and easy cheerleader, not the cutest girl in the class. He asked 2 sort of geeky but smart girls, and one very smart girl asked him to dance, and then the really smart, very cute girl asked him to dance. This poor girl had already been stalked by a big breasted 6th grade boy already, so I'm sure Ryan was a safe haven with his arms stretched out wide.

Interesting things that happened at the dance as quoted by Ryan.

"there was some mixed grade kissing"
"Daniel ALMOST kissed a girl and then was crying afterwards" not sure if she rejected him, he didn't have enough time to make his move, or what exactly happened. (funny thing about this boy, his father reported near the end of the dance that his son had asked for a nicely pressed shirt, cologne and a stop at the convenient store for mints before the dance!)
"Andrew danced with 3 girls and was rejected by one"
"I danced all of the slow dances that I asked and was asked to dance"

They all had a great time and were very shiny & sweaty when they were finished.

Golden Globes + Tivo = Perfection

2006-01-17T04:04:00.000-08:00

It's award season folks...and I have finally found the perfect way to watch one...completely by accident. Kids were in bed and I had a minute to myself so I turned on the Golden Globes. I had already seen a few updates online, so I knew they were in progress. I watched an award or two and then was off to another chore...thankfully...my Tivo didn't miss a beat and was recording the live stuff...ahhhhhhh....walk away for ten minutes and I was able to breeze through the boring stuff (really, do I need to see every clip of every drama and musical/comedy movie nominated) and skip to the good stuff.

Here were a few things I did catch in my abbreviated watching.

AnTony Hopkins & Gwyneth Paltrow. First about Gwyneth...she's getting that Madonna thing happening where you live in England for a while and now sound even MORE full of yourself than you did before. Second, the dress...is she serious? Not only did she have her bra strap hanging out during her Cecile B. award, but the dress was hideous! The lace looked like it was from Wal Mart and the skirting on her dress also looked like an awful mis-match! Ok, I'll cut her a bit of slack because she's at that ackward pregnancy stage, but I didn't know awards show dresses were to be bought/borrowed with "room to grow." Mr. Hopkins...if you are getting one of these "lifetime achievement" awards, I suggest you actually THINK about it ahead of time! Of all the awards though, this one seemed to be the best produced...loved seeing those old clips in small doses and when I was saying "where is silence" we were greeted with a super-sized clip...

Melanie Griffith...sister...it's time to blaze away that tattoo...we all know who your man is, and there is no need to continue to flaunt it. You both are too old and wrinkled to be flaunting it...you can have each other. To the camera guy who still thinks she's hot...you need to get a life!

George Clooney...shot glass in the eye...priceless...nothing like an awards show with food/drinks at the table to bring out the REAL person.

The Geezer screenwriter who thanked his 30 year old typewriter...'nuf said

Felicity Huffman...love her...and...hate that she felt the need to thank her "tv family" those women of Housewives.

Terri Hatcher...still feels the need to let everyone know she is there...has to butt in while the producer is trying to gather himself and offer a running commentary...although it was only one comment, really, this was HIS moment, now get out of the shot woman!

John Travolta...what exactly was he trying to say about the Male Actors? I guess everyone in LA already knows what his secret is...perhaps he was trying to let everyone else in America know now???

Uncle!

2006-01-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

I give. Really, I give NOW!

Friday the 13th has been the capper to an AWFUL week...

All was great until Wednesday rolled around...6 year old refrigerator dies. Nice. Call repair guy, who can schedule evening appointment...he'll be here tomorrow. Thursday between 4 & 8 came and went and not a sign of the repair guy.

Thursday...Ethan puked during nap time...poor guy...Plastic Surgeon noticed his really large tonsills yesterday and today puking with 103 fever. I can deal with this...one dose of motrin and my monkey was back to normal...until...the smallest bit of water crossed his lips at 6:30 and it all came back out...quick call to the Dr because now I know he has strep and have to convince the wonderful super-charming phone person that I am NOT bringing my child in "just because he has a temperature" that he probably has strep and I KNOW my child. Fine...last appointment of the day...7:30. Race to the Dr appointment where Ethan throws up in the waiting room...thankfully they had a bucket at the ready...Dr looks at tonsills...red...feels lymph nodes...swollen on both sides....Ears...clear (thankfully)...strep swab...positive! GREAT! I wanted to go choke that woman at the phone bank who I could CLEARLY see while walking out of the office...just a quick neener neener neener would have worked as well.

Get home at 8:40 and get Rx filled for Ethan. Home at 9.

Friday...all is well...Called new repair company...they'll be out at 4:00...4:00 comes and goes and no sign of them...they finally showed up at 5:50 and said the compressor was working (whew) but something else wasn't and because it's a sealed system and sold as a complete compressor kit, it will cost $800 to repair. Of course...we're about 18 months out of warranty. Sucks!

One semi-quick trip to the store and we are now the proud owners of a brand spanking new refrigerator. Not much different from the one we have now, although Ryan is happy, it's stainless. I'm happy because I can set the exact temperature of the freezer and refrigerator, instead of using those silly cooler/warmer knobs that you know really don't work right...and...always having to double check with the thermometer. Ethan's happy too...he got a pretzel and a ride in the elevator at the mall ;-) Ron...he just wants to know the model number of the stupid refrigerator for some silly reason.

clap clap clap yea!!!

2006-01-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited! I got a letter (all of you blues clues fans need to stop singing now!) today from school...normal everyday letter from the finance office...except...this one said "CONGRATULATIONS" on it!

I applied for a couple scholarships for this semester, it was very limited as to the ones I could apply for (I'm out of district, not a recent HS graduate, don't work for Starbucks or a bank ;-)) so I applied for two. Both only covered a limited amount of Textbooks. Got my first rejection letter back a couple weeks ago...and I just about forgot about the other one, until tonight.

Who would have thought $200 would have made me THIS excited?! I'm walking on air! I already bought my books (and have been trolling through e-bay looking for cheap books) and now I don't have to pay for my books! My books will come to about $175 (for 2 classes) and up to $35 of the scholarship can be used towards supplies. NOW I know why they have $4 notebooks at the book store. Not that I would frivolously spend the scholarship $, but I'm DEFINITELY getting myself a notebook and pen or two to cover myself for the semester!

The thank you note is going out tomorrow...think that will help my chances of getting another scholarship in the summer?

Winter fun!

2006-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Liz Andrew & Ryan

Even without real snow, we're lucky enough to be able to have the kids ski! Saturday was their first day and Ryan and his cousins Andrew & Liz hit the "slopes" to have some fun. It was the first time on skis for Liz and as you can see, she's getting along fabulously! Ryan (as usual) convinced her to get on one of the bigger hills after her lesson. She said "he made me come over here, but he showed me how to stop too." That's my boy...he can talk anyone into anything if he really wants to. When we were ready to leave, he was giving her a lesson on how to do a hockey stop. Liz had been on skis all of 3 hours and already he's showing her the fun stuff.

Two years ago

2006-01-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Ryan had a student teacher in school...Mr. Z. There are certain people that you just seem to click with. Ryan REALLY clicked with Mr. Z. All the boys loved Mr. Z because he was young, energetic and genuinely had fun with them. The girls loved him because he was young and cute.

He was lucky enough to finish his student teaching and was accepted a job to teach 4th grade, in the very classroom he student taught in.

Everyone was thrilled!

Towards the end of the school year, we found out that he had non hodgkins lymphoma...major bummer...but...he had a GREAT attitude, and WONDERFUL girlfriend, supportive family and supportive work environment. He received treatment and started his first day of school in October 2004.

Ryan was thrilled...Mr. Z was his track coach!!! Track had the largest turnout of kids ever...because Mr. Z was coaching! April rolls around and Mr. Z needed to have tests done...not good...cancer is back. He left the very next day. Since then he's gotten married (we were lucky enough to be a part of his proposal during the 3-5th grade dance last year on Valentines day) and undergone a world of chemo and transplants. He also started a foundation to help others that may not have as supportive of an environment while undergoing treatments. One of the things he's doing is bringing gift baskets filled with goodies to those in cancer treatment. He's just amazing!

Tomorrow is his first day back at school. After months of asking Ryan how he was doing, with no updates, tonight he finally told me he saw Mr. Z at school on Friday, and he starts back tomorrow. Amazing.

Highway robbery - part 2

2006-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've decided it's everything associated with a University

Parking pass? This on top of the $50 I got to pay for the pleasure of attending new student orientation (you cannot register until you pay the fee and attend!) and the $124 Semester student fee...ah yes...for the pleasure of attending their school, and the technology fee...

Now...a parking pass. I have NO IDEA where in the world I need to go, but it looks like I have ok parking ;-) This might be the only perk for commuting students...primo parking...at a fee of course!

Sooooo proud

2006-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

On two fronts.

First, Ryan had his second basketball game (ever) on Thursday. Their first game wasn't a huge success...they lost 23-0...yes...not a SINGLE point. Thursday though, guess who scored the first points (of the season ;-)). Ryan! He was SO excited, and really felt the pressure...it was a lay up with two defenders hot on his trail...he did great though and kept his cool :)

Last night we went to my neice's basketball game. She cheers for the varsity team (as a freshman) and before the game she got to sing the National Anthem! Not only did she do it flawlessly (a capella no less!) but she didn't miss a beat...from singing to flying and doing her twist downs for the player introductions. Ethan said at the game "Lizzie go up, and round and round."

I'm finally doing it!

2006-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

It only took me about 4 months, but I have FINALLY signed myself up for a Dinner by Design time! It took a new location and a $50 off coupon to get me going!

So, I called to register...turns out one of the owners is a neighbor of mine (I'm so bad, I just don't hang out with the neighbor girls like I used to be able to...see what happens when you drop out of Bunco?) who always seems to have her hands in everything and is wonderful at EVERYTHING she does. A bit pushy for my tastes, but sometimes I need a bit of a push ;-)

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it's 2006! It's even hard to type.

We celebrated the New Year with Ethan at 9:00 (it must have been midnight somewhere) and he had lots of fun popping the poppers and collecting the confetti. We tucked him into bed shortly after and he was happily clutching his confetti as he fell asleep.

Ryan and I planned to stay awake until 11:00...we just pretend we're on Eastern time for the evening. Thank GOODNESS for the Giants game, or I would have been asleep by 9:30! Ryan was very funny, watching over me, watching every time my eyes closed completely and quickly waking me. We laughed and joked and he called me a big loser about 10 times.

We did turn on Dick Clark right after the football game and it was fun to watch him again this year after his year off. Ryan enjoyed staying up late and I enjoyed the company. We both made it to 11:05 and then it was lights out!

Ron fell asleep around 9:00 ;-)

Early addictions

2006-01-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Ethan - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I think we've watched it 20 times since Christmas in bits & pieces)

Ryan - RuneScape - egged on by my sister who is MUCH better than he is, but is just a phone call away for "stuff" when he dies :)

Highway robbery

2006-01-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Textbooks! Thankfully I can search online bookstores and ebay to find them a bit cheaper, but sometimes there is just NO choice! Last semester I paid $209 for my Spanish "textbook" and it was completely online! No ability to print, no ability to sell the book back!

This semester $109 for a psychology book...of course they've packaged it along with another CD so you HAVE to buy from the bookstore.

Makes me feel better that I saved $10 on my communication book and $40 on my geometry book

Christmas 2005

2005-12-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

There are certain things that always seem to highlight our Christmas.

Kids up early & anxiously waiting for 6:00 to arrive so they can "storm the castle" aka mom & dad's so they can open presents. This year was no different. I heard whispering at 5:45 followed by giggling and then foot traffic in the hallway. Ryan woke Ethan up and then got him up and they camped out in Ryan's bed until the magical hour.

Ron reduced to tears. I'm not sure if it is because I always get him the BEST most thoughtful gifts, or if it hits him what a schmuck he is that he has gotten me a completely thoughtless generic gift (this year it was a pizza pizaz).

Way too many gifts to find new homes for. I made the annual trek to Target to retrieve storage bins to corral the "stuff" and put some order back into my life.

This was the first Christmas that Ryan fully didn't believe in Santa. It was a bit bittersweet, but he had forgotten most of the things he asked for, and I found a way to sneak a few extra things in for him so he COULD be surprised.

Necessity is the mother of invention

2005-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

The underwear fairy is here to stay! It was a stroke of genius to invent her and today she brought Ethan a Bob the Builder tool belt, but only if he'd stay dry all day today. His tool belt was waiting for him on the kitchen table when he got home tonight.

Funniest thing was after he got his tool belt, he didn't want to use the potty...amazing how the underwear fairy might just appear and take back the tool belt for non compliance...lol

I've never seen him hop-to quite so quickly. I'm wondering what other types of fairies there are.

Day two was a huge success! Wish me us luck, tomorrow we're heading downtown which means a long-ish car ride and a complete change in schedule. I think the underwear fairy will be along for the ride ;-)

Why is it....

2005-12-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

that poop in a diaper is far less foul than poop in underpants?

Yes, we're potty training Ethan. My little monkey boy finally seems ready to make a run at it. We failed miserably this summer, and I have decreed Christmas vacation potty training time.

We had a visit from the underwear fairy last night who not only delivered underpants, but also took every single diaper in our house! My defiant four year old succumbed to the tale and happily peed on the potty all day long.

ooo rah

One wonderful day without diapers (except for the poop part)

How did this happen

2005-12-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

There are only THREE days until Christmas! Seriously, how did this happen?

Thankfully all the teacher gifts are done (that is a huge task), shopping is done, and I'm on a wrap as needed basis.

Schoooooooooooool's out!!!

2005-12-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhh I never remember how great the feeling of being done is...but...this semester is over! I'm officially on break until 1/17. Two more A's to add to my record, and I have one class to finish up, but it's "only" math. I'll finish it up over break :)

Feels good to be done!!! No looming deadlines, papers or tests....ahhhhhhhhh

FedEx AND Apple rock!

2005-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

I've been anxiously tracking my iPod these past few days. I got an e-mail from Apple EARLY Tuesday morning that they received it, found the problem and were processing a new iPod to be sent to me.

Friday morning I got an e-mail that said it was being sent along with the FedEx tracking number. Great...coming straight from Taiwan...it should be here Tuesday.

Ding Dong...it's Saturday morning and FedEx JUST delivered my iPod...one day from Taiwan to Chicago, not bad. I told the FedEx delivery woman that this wasn't supposed to be here until Tuesday, she said I was right, but if they get it in, they're delivering it! What a pleasant surprise on a Saturday!

Remember when

2005-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

there wasn't an internet

when you couldn't track packages...you just pressed your nose on the window waiting for it to arrive

When there wasn't eBay

When there weren't iPods

When we sent EVERYTHING by mail

When only a few people had fax machines

When only a few people had VCR's

When there were those awful bag cell phones (remember how cool they were?)

When video games were played with a joystick

What did we do with ourselves? Seriously! While I'm tracking purchases on eBay and watching every movement through UPS. Funniest thing is what I'm dying to get is a portable GPS. The kids won't know what life was like before GPS.

It's just amazing

Fizzzzzzzzzzzzle

2005-12-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

just barely making it at the end of the semester.

The excitement of new books, notebooks, pens and pencils has long worn off and all that's left are a couple exams and one more conversation in Spanish with my professor. Then a few weeks off to rest and get ready for the next bunch of classes.

School will be exciting again with a fresh batch of classes!

From drought to ice age

2005-12-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

That was Ryan's comment on the way to school today while he was pondering the "next big snow storm" that should hit us tomorrow. Another 3-5" and it isn't even January!

I'll pay the extra nickel

2005-12-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

Why does Jiffy Lube use the cheapest, crappiest windshield washer solvent ever invented? I think it's blue colored water. It freezes when it's 30 degrees, and we're in Chicago. Hello. It does get cold here and I'd like to use the solvent in the winter.

Apple Rocks!

2005-12-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

My iPod needs service, so I logged a service request on Friday. Today I received the return box, complete with great packing foam AND tape to seal the box to return it to Apple.

Now THIS is customer service.

Hopefully they'll fix my iPod just as efficiently!

My best fwiend

2005-12-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ethan has determined he has a best friend.

He has one at daycare, he has one at pre-school and he has his best friend William (who is also his cousin).

I have no idea where he picked this up, but at 4, I think it's great to play the field a bit and spread out your best friends. Seems as though he has it figured out!

Movies with a message

2005-12-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

I'm the sort of geek that goes to movies a lot...and...sometimes when I'm not terribly interested in the movie, I start to look for other things that interest me...maybe it's special effects, maybe it's dialogue, maybe it's the score.

I try not to know too much about movies before I see them, basic underlying story, genre, and that's about it.

Sometimes though, the underlying message has a way of coming out and hitting you smack dab between the eyes.

I'm one of those that thinks Spielberg has one of those messages in his Star Wars movies...heck...good guys/bad guys there must be something he's trying to get to all of us, right?

So we saw Narnia this weekend. It's a wonderful movie. Those children, OMG, they're just the type that you'd like to take home with you! Big eyes, cute turned up noses, freckles all over their faces and they come complete with English accents. We went on a snowy evening which lent itself to all kinds of Narnia talk on the way home.

So I'm sitting there enjoying the movie when Ryan says to me, "Aslan is Jesus." I about fell over. Ok, he's 12, what does he know...but...continue with the movie and it walks you straight through the crucifixion and resurrection. The movie is VERY moving, especially taken with this additional context.

Ryan read the book last year for school (It's been MUCH longer since I've read the books), and since he goes to a parochial school, they thoroughly discussed this and all the angles that CS Lewis is thought to have put into this series.

This is a wonderful movie for Christmas-time...even if you all you want is to skim the surface there is plenty to enjoy, beautiful children, snow as far as you can see, the cutest beavers on earth and an adventure.

I could scream!

2005-12-07T04:42:00.000-08:00

Each year, this responsibility falls on my shoulders, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Shopping for Christmas gifts for the kids is always fun for me. Choosing each gift with care, wrapping it with the anticipation of seeing their face and then finding a storage location for all the new wonderful gifts.

This year is MUCH different than every other Christmas. Ryan fully knows that we are Santa (FINALLY!). I had hoped for a couple years that he would know the truth, but when he woke up Christmas morning hearing "a cladder on the roof" I knew we were in for another year of Santa tales. This year though, he knows what he's getting. I always have been pretty bad at hiding presents at home, but this year I seem to be exceptionally bad at it, or Ryan is especially snoopy now. He pretty much knows EXACTLY what he's getting either because he's seen it, or has just guessed it. I remember when I was young the time when I was completely let down by Christmas morning because I too knew what I was getting...it was still wonderful, but the wonder was gone.

So, how do you get the wonder back?

These things suck bad!

2005-11-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

It's just something you need to do. We made the decision to take our children for immunizations, because we feel it's the right thing to do. Our schools mandate certain things before school begins and this is one of them.

The first ones are the hardest...those shots into your baby at two months old...they scream like bloody murder no matter what. I always gave them Tylenol in the car before we even got into the Dr's office just to help ease the pain.

Things have changed quite a bit between Ryan & Ethan. The NASTY DTP/DTAP/MMR's are just not the same...they're not crabby for DAYS like they were in the past.

Turns out...colleges too require them, and when you're way too old to be attending college, your high school is defunct and your pediatrician is probably dead, you too get to get immunizations.

Let me tell you something...as a recent victim of two needles bearing the Tetanus and MMR vaccine...these things suck BAD! I have a welt on my arm the size of a quarter, and it's hard as a rock! I feel like someone slugged me in the middle of the night! I took the advil yesterday and it didn't help one little bit!

My poor babies! I can only imagine what I put Ryan through if this is the "good" stuff.

Great news for me...I get to have them again in 30 days...oh goodie goodie goodie!

It's hard to believe it's been four years

2005-11-29T04:51:00.000-08:00

since you stormed into our lives.

Yes, we planned and waited for you for a long time, but we didn't quite anticipate the impact you would have on our lives.

This past year has been especially amazing. The world has been opened to you and you have now discovered the word "why." I thought a while ago that somehow we would miss out on all these wonderful things with you, but you keep reminding me that we just get all of them at your own time.

We took a trip to Indiana last month with Auntie Lisa and she laughed for quite a while because taking a trip with you is very different than traveling with your cousins. You are so observant and have a comment for everything. You know EXACTLY what road we are on if we have been on it before, and remember some landmark. "I go under choo choo tracks" "I go over choo choo tracks" "I go by sideways red light green light" "I go by fire house" Our trip to Indiana was no different. You were pointing out every electrical tower and that it was "holding wire" we were going "under holding wire" and next to holding wire. You were thrilled they were doing construction on the road, because you saw MANY Construction trucks, construction barrels and lots of rubble to talk about.

You are picking up new words every single day and are really grasping what each of them mean.
We finally seem to be through the rough years of toddlerhood and are thoroughly enjoying our pre-schooler. You love being a pre-schooler too as you board the bus with your yellow backpack that matches your yellow winter coat.

You love every moment each day throws at you...you love pretending to be Bob the Builder, and I will happily play along and be Wendy as long as you want my little Bob. Sometimes, you'd rather do it "water" (later) and you are very quick to say "I sowwy" when even two months ago you had no concept of the word.

You still have this way about you that brightens everyone's day. Many people comment on your bright attitude and charm. You still bee bop your way through life with the best outlook and really don't let anyone get you down.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Remember when you were a kid

2005-11-27T18:14:00.000-08:00

and you got a brand new pair of gym shoes. There's nothing better! You could ALWAYS run faster and just had that extra spring in your step!

I got a new pair of gym shoes over the weekend and I felt like I was 6 again getting all set to wear them out...and then...one of the shoelaces is missing it's plastic thingy at the end of it! Seriously! Brand new shiny shoes with a defective lace!

I know, I can get a new lace, but they're NEW and why should I...I just want to lace it and then dash off but noooo...I almost resorted to a piece of tape over the end just to lace it, but couldn't bring myself to doing it. I just tossed them aside and wore my old dirty slow shoes instead.

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

2005-11-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Yup, we got our Christmas tree this weekend, and it smells wonderfully in the house!

I'm thankful for Oliver Platt

2005-11-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

Word to the wise...when you have a night out to yourself, don't go out on a limb and choose a movie that you THINK will be good...do the research first!

I was suckered into another movie blindly...Ice Harvest...it's an ok movie, but I just wasn't in the mood for it really. I guessed the plot at about the 30th minute and this "dark comedy" was much more dark than comedy.

Oliver Platt though is great...HE is the comedy and levity in an otherwise strange and boring movie.

Great Grandpa has a new bed

2005-11-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

These were Ethan's words as he saw his Great Grandfather in his casket at the funeral on Saturday.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

My Grandmother was the most clear I have seen her in years. She seemed to really have a handle on exactly what was going on. The people were a bit fuzzy, but she knew that her husband died, and he wasn't coming home again.

Ethan was so sweet, he probably gave Grandma 20 kisses in 2 days, just wanting to hop up and hug and kiss her, and she adored and savored every one. It always amazes me how accepting young children are of all types of people. Grandma is in a wheelchair and he didn't even question it once. This was how she was. I watched him climb onto my Aunt's lap and cuddle and stroke the back of her neck right when she needed it the most. Somehow this child knows exactly what people need, exactly when they need it.

I was utterly amazed at the arrangements that had been made, everything perfect. Grandpa planned it all himself years before. He wrote his own obituary, picked the funeral home, planned his funeral and had fully paid for all the arrangements. He wanted to be sure it was all the way HE wanted it, and no one else would have to worry about it.

Happy Father's Day

2005-11-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

My Grandfather was moved to hospice care Thursday evening and we went to visit him today.

I'm sure he had no idea what was happening when my sister & I and our five children invaded his room. He was happy to see each of the kids and happy that we came to visit.

My Grandmother came to visit for a while as well.

It was really special to see the two of them together, still completely in love after 64 years of marriage. She still wanted to comfort and take care of him even though she is in the mid stages of Alzheimers, I guess love really does conquer all. They still were very cute together, both of them looking for that common thread that brought them together so many years before, music. My Grandfather kept saying that he wanted to sing a song. My mom visited yesterday and she knew the very song he was trying to remember. We brought the song for him today along with the words to Blessed Assurance so we could sing with him. My Grandmother was so sweet singing and humming along as though they were still in the church choir.

We were finishing up our visit and Grandpa says "Happy Father's Day" because it MUST have been the reason all the kids were there to see HIM today. I will always remember that moment, and how special he must have felt to have all of us making such a fuss over him, and just like so many Fathers' days before, all coming to spend time together as a family.

Love you Grandpa...Happy Father's Day!

Our little trooper

2005-11-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

We took our first trip to urgent care yesterday...Ethan tripped and hit his eye on the corner of a bookcase!

Here is the progression of his injury. The first picture is last night, the middle picture is this morning (I didn't want to pull his shirt up over his injury, so I left it on all night) and the last pictures is from this evening. Poor little guy woke up this morning, and I thought his eyelid was sealed shut from the dermabond...in reality, it was swolen completely shut!

Despite it all...he's still laughing!

A tale of two Halloweens

2005-10-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

Halloween in our house has changed quite a bit in the past few years. Ryan is just about done with Halloween and Ethan wants to trick-or-treat for weeks! Ethan has played with the candy from the Fall Festival for days and has sorted it into buckets and boxes and shared and re-shared, and has asked us all to say trick-or-treat a hundred timesThese two pictures depict the difference in the Halloween Celebrations the boys had at school. Ethan, fully decked out in his costume, while Ryan has an orange shirt with a cute skelleton on it. Happy Halloween!

five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

2005-10-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

How do you measure a moment in a year?

This morning, that moment was captured at 4:42 a.m. when Ethan declared his awakeness and continued to be LOUD.

Where have you gone daylight savings time?

Another life lesson

2005-10-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is one that I taught Ryan today. When you spill something and you're trying to quickly clean it up, do not use an orange napkin!

Oh, and if you do decide to use an orange napkin, when you see it starting to make the carpet bright orange, stop using the napkin and ask for help.

Thank goodness for Bissell's spot bot ;-)

Just the two of us...

2005-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

...and a bunch of customers from work and co-workers that continue to validate the reason you don't hang out with them socially.

We took a two hour boat ride on Lake Michigan and although it was chilly, it was a beautiful sunny day. We had a terrific lunch highlighted by the chocolate fountain!

I love fall

2005-10-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Farms and hay rides are a few of my favorite things about fall. One man remarked in line behind us "nothing like going to the pumpkin farm and dropping $60 for a day." You know what...I don't really care. We've spent more on sillier things (just imagine what Ron has bought from infomercials!), and this is something I absolutely cherish.

Hay rides aren't what they used to be. The one we go on every year doesn't even have hay on it. It's a wooden trailer with sides and benches and a teeny tiny bail of hay. I really don't care. It's something we do as a family every year and it's an essential part of fall.

Why? E-cause

2005-10-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Oh yea, it's REALLY old now...

Ethan already answers his own question of Why? with E-cause...brilliant!

"I'll cut your grass for you"

2005-10-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Positively the BEST response I've ever gotten to a gift...let alone a wedding gift...let alone for a wedding I have YET to go to!

Wedding registries irk me. Maybe it's not so much the registries, it's what is on them.

When did it become ok for me to furnish your entire home including bed linens & mattress pads for every bedroom you own?

I guess I can remember those days when my mother told me to register for things in many categories and price ranges. Ah yes, the never ending wedding showers and then the wedding gifts too.

I painfully search through the registry for something reasonable (I'm DEFINITELY not buying something that you think is maybe a stretch and I think should be included on an infomercial), and something that is long lasting (as in I'm not buying pillows for your bed that you'll replace in a year), and something memorable.

Ok, I am insane.

The wedding is in 3 weeks, and already two weeks ago the registry items were WELL picked over. I made my decision...I went to the store to print the registry and of course...they can't order it there...it's not in the store, it's out of stock. Fine...I'll call around or go downtown to get it. I had tried their online store which sucks, but would try it again.

Somehow, when I checked this time...the place settings they registered for must have been discontinued as they were reduced from $75 to $30 a place setting. They had them in stock and I quickly ordered 8 sets. I couldn't in my right mind order a few sets and fill in with something else (maybe a food processor...lol) and if it was discontinued what if no one else was able to find them...

Soooo the gift arrived today & since they were "doing things to the house, they didn't know what it was" SUUUUUUUUUUUUURE...but...who cares, I'd do the EXACT same thing. He gets props in my book for saying he DID open it & LOVES them & can't believe we got them. He was gushing so much that it was embarrassing. He said he'll request songs for the band to play for us, he'll sit us at the head table, he'll come clean my house, and the one I agreed to...I'll cut your grass for you...lol!

Inviting, Cozy, Cottony

2005-10-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Larry David's description of a bra. I never quite thought of it that way.

I respectfully disagree

2005-10-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was reading the newspaper this weekend and came across a list of 5 CD's every guy should own. So, I cut it out and decided to investigate.

The list is:
Chet Baker's It could happen to you
Al Green's Greatest Hits
Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers
Air - Premiers Symptomes
Kraftwork - Trans-Europe Express

Ok...you can't go wrong with classic jazz, so I'll agree with Chet Baker, and Al Green is a sure way to a woman's heart, and Rolling Stones hit many generations...I get the first three. Since I wasn't familiar with the other two I did a bit more looking...Air & Kraftwork are both late 20th Century and in the eletronic genre. Ok, I'll give them a try.

Are you kidding me?

One sounded like Ross's rendition of keyboard music on Friends and the other didn't sound like ANYTHING remotely listenable!

Funny thing is...the list doesn't have an author listed...wonder why.

Soooo who made this list and why wasn't Billy Joel on the list? Not that I'm a huge Billy Joel fan, but sheesh...If the Rolling Stones hit many generations, so does BJ...right? What about Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr or for the younger crowd Michael Buble...all classics as well.

I'm officially taking my scrap of paper and trashing it where it belongs.

Why?

2005-10-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

It came out of his mouth two times yesterday....

Why?

Many parents of nearly 4 year olds hear the word and it's like nails on a chalkboard. It's the first time I have heard Ethan ask why.

He was wondering why there wouldn't be birthday cake at the party we were going to. I guess when you're 3 and eagerly anticipating your own birthday party, every party should have a cake!

It's always the little things that make life wonderful...today...it was in a tiny three-letter word.

It's wedding season

2005-10-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

We have two weddings to go to in the next 30 days.

I thought we were past these days.

Ron picked up his tuxedo today...he says he feels like Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny. I gave him the checklist of things he needed to be sure to pick up along with his tux...button covers, shoes, tie, vest, shirt, pants and jacket and to be sure to try it ALL on before he left the store. We're good...everything fits.

I still have no idea what I'll wear on Sunday...thankfully I have two more days to figure it out.

I'm still waiting for Durmot Mulroney to pick me up...maybe he didn't get my check.

To edit....or not to edit...that is the question

2005-10-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Somehow this feels like a safe spot...

Nice, quiet, just me and a few invited close friends...just a way to air random thoughts...spelling errors and run-on sentences don't matter...

Until...a friend from real life starts searching for your blog.

Thankfully, he knows me well, and will probably (hopefully) laugh at the references to him that are found here....

....I have decided not to edit...

what will be, will be

lesson 1 - humility

2005-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

It happens when you come in DEAD LAST in the football pool

A Rite of Passage

2005-09-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ryan is at camp this week with his class from school.

Since we both attended the same school, I too went on this trip when I was in 6th grade.

It is such a wonderful trip. The camp is about an hour away, and they sleep inside in bunk beds and it's not really roughing it, except for the fact there is no make up, no hair dryers, no hair products, etc. Not much of a sacrifice for a boy who shaves his head, but for the girls, it might be tough.

I remember fondly this trip and the wonderful time we had...bonding with our teachers...bonding with other adults...and forming deeper bonds of trust and knowledge within our peer group.

We get to visit Thursday night...right after they have their night hike and they scare the PANTS off of them. Nothing like your teacher walking towards you from within the dark lake to bond a group together ;-)

It's a great trip to talk about death and dying while doing cemetery rubbings, doing outdoor cooking canoeing, fort building, water tests and lots of other fun things like dropping pudding from the 2nd floor window into the kids' mouths below...

Ahhhhh to be 11 again.

Sage = avocado

2005-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

OMG! Did you know that 2005 Sage is VERY similar to the avocado that I grew to hate in the 70's.

I only realized it as I was thumbing through the new Crate & Barrel catalog and then noticed the paint chip for our newly painted bathroom...the walls of my bathroom perfectly match just about every green item in the catalog...

and then...

the horror...

I think my walls are Avocado Green!

I'm calling them Sage, and I'm not telling anyone else!

Itunes continued

2005-09-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

The BEST part about the itunes saga is the password Ryan changed our account to...

"ryanisthebestever"

No one will ever figure that one out...lmao!

3 songs times 3

2005-09-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, apparently Ryan has the patience that his mother has...

I got the bill today from itunes...yes, he got 3 songs, but apparently he clicked on each of them 3 times...

Squealing like a school girl

2005-09-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I just checked the status of my application to a "real" university...you know...one of those you transfer to after you finish your Gen Ed junk at the community college...or...at least that's MY plan since the community college is only $75/credit hour and the "real" university is $150/credit hour and 45 minutes away....

I have a student ID number, and a registration date...and...I could see all my credits there along with a long list of things I still need to complete to graduate.

The inner joy is like nothing I've ever felt. Yes, I remember the first time I was accepted to a university...I was 18 and stupid...what did I know...I was doing what I was supposed to do.

Now, it's a calling.

There's something about stretching, and doing more than what you know you're capable of doing, and being rewarded with feedback that you never expected (both good and bad) but the struggle to do it, and learn, and stretch, and succeed is amazing, and not at all like it was when I was 18 and discovered David Letterman and barely squeaked by in even my easy classes! (You'd never know I was in school and have taken umteen writing classes from the size of THAT run-on sentence...sheesh!)

This is just the beginning

2005-09-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

I came home from work on Friday and checked my e-mail. I had a message from apple letting me know my password was changed successfully.

I always thought these were a bit of a nuisance, but filed them when I received them.

This time, I didn't change my password.

I asked Ryan, did you change my password?

Ummmm yea, I couldn't figure your other one out and I wanted to get a few songs on the ipod.

Funniest thing is...my password hint is obviously too easy as he knew it ;-)

Thankfully, he only purchased 3 songs and there were ones I had been meaning to get :)

Chapter 3

2005-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

The washing machine is fixed...Ron fixed it last Friday!

We're soooo handy....what would have been a $300-$400 service call and repair...we fixed for under $100!

We've come a long way!

There's nothing better

2005-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Than silencing a confident man in a football pool by beating the pants off of him two weeks in a row.

Corpse Bride anyone?

2005-09-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, the movie junkie saw another movie on opening day.

I can't resist another Burton-Depp-Elfman collaboration.

Ryan was about as excited as I was, and Ethan was pretty much along for the ride...he's always up for popcorn ;-)

This is a wonderful movie...Tim Burton is just brilliant (have I mentioned this before) and I think this is one of those movies that you could see many times and uncover another hidden meaning...

Here's just one that is blaring and you get the gist of it from the trailers, but if you don't want to know any more...don't read this ;-)

When they are on earth...they carry out the story in black and white...dry, sullen, boring, depressing, durge-like music...when they go to the afterlife...filled with color and excitement....

Think on that one for a while ;-)

Funniest part of our experience...I asked Ethan after the movie what it was about...my boy of few words said "corpse."

Ryan says..."what IS a corpse anyway."