Kaylen has a new thing that she says. We will say "No, thanks anyway." whenever we turn down something down (such as "Would you like more soup?" "No, thanks anyway."). Kaylen has turned this saying into something quite funny. She will say "Nothanksanyway" and runs it all together like it was just one word. Cracks me up! I just love to hear her say it.
Another funny thing she says is "Sorry." whenever she doesn't want to do what you ask her to do. This goes sort of like this: "Kaylen, please go take your cup and pick it in the sink" She will say "Sorry. No." It's just so darn funny that I can't help but giggle each and every time she does it. :)
She has a million other little things she says or ways she says things but those are the only two I can think of right now. I tell you, life with this girl is interesting and very, very amusing!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Bullet Dodging
Have you ever had that feeling that you just dodged a gigantic bullet that was heading your way? It's an amazing feeling, isn't it? Relief. Sweet, sweet relief.
The test results I was anxiously awaiting came back with an "all within normal range". THANK GOD! I won't go into detail because well....it's personal and all but this was a scenario that could have easily gone either way (underlying medical condition). Easily. And with the pain I am having all signs pointed to not a good result from the labs. So - even though I still have the pain, I am so incredibly relieved that it isn't what I feared. Maybe it is just a deeply pulled muscle. A virus that landed someplace and just needs to work itself out or maybe a scar tissue issue. I will have a follow-up appointment to discuss all with my doc but the sweet relief I have from the "all normal" report has me walking on air.
So now I can put away my fears of needing various medical supplies such as a portable oxygen concentrator. (Sorry - I just couldn't resist sneaking in a pay to blog assignment into an otherwise way too real and serious post. *grin*)
Life feels so much brighter today and I am fully enjoying each and every second.
To quote Lynilu's tagline: Life is Beautiful!!
The test results I was anxiously awaiting came back with an "all within normal range". THANK GOD! I won't go into detail because well....it's personal and all but this was a scenario that could have easily gone either way (underlying medical condition). Easily. And with the pain I am having all signs pointed to not a good result from the labs. So - even though I still have the pain, I am so incredibly relieved that it isn't what I feared. Maybe it is just a deeply pulled muscle. A virus that landed someplace and just needs to work itself out or maybe a scar tissue issue. I will have a follow-up appointment to discuss all with my doc but the sweet relief I have from the "all normal" report has me walking on air.
So now I can put away my fears of needing various medical supplies such as a portable oxygen concentrator. (Sorry - I just couldn't resist sneaking in a pay to blog assignment into an otherwise way too real and serious post. *grin*)
Life feels so much brighter today and I am fully enjoying each and every second.
To quote Lynilu's tagline: Life is Beautiful!!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Trip to the Zoo
Saturday we took the kids to the zoo. It was a perfect zoo day - cool and overcast with small spurts of sun. For me, there is not much worse than a hot summer day at the zoo so I was thrilled with the weather! :) The kids were so excited they were bouncing off the walls. I'm not sure what their favorite parts of the day were as it has changed every time we talk about it. Kaylen loved petting the goats and Kelton loved the bird show but then, smelling bobcat pee seemed to be a highlight as well. :)
For me, I just loved watching the kids experience it all...well, not all as there is no way we could see everything in the six hours we were there. I just loved watching their faces light up with excitement. We saw the Winged Wonder exhibit which was a greenhouse type structure FULL of butterflies. They were everywhere! Several times Dakota and I both had hitchhikers on us which never failed to elicit laughter from the kids.
It was a really great day and kind of took out mind off the fact that this was the last carefree Saturday until winter break. Hard to believe that both Dakota and Kelton will be in school very, very soon.
Here are a few pictures to share:
For me, I just loved watching the kids experience it all...well, not all as there is no way we could see everything in the six hours we were there. I just loved watching their faces light up with excitement. We saw the Winged Wonder exhibit which was a greenhouse type structure FULL of butterflies. They were everywhere! Several times Dakota and I both had hitchhikers on us which never failed to elicit laughter from the kids.
It was a really great day and kind of took out mind off the fact that this was the last carefree Saturday until winter break. Hard to believe that both Dakota and Kelton will be in school very, very soon.
Here are a few pictures to share:
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Word to the Wise
You might want to skip watching Bridge to Terabithia and If Only if you are already sad, worried, stressed out and basically a basket case. I'm just saying.......
And Dakota...there is a reason I like happy, romantic comedies. Next time *I* pick the movies. :)
And Dakota...there is a reason I like happy, romantic comedies. Next time *I* pick the movies. :)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Nothing to Say
I have nothing really to say tonight. I'm tired and whipped and glad the day is over. I had the great joy of having a not all that much fun medical test this afternoon and for the 24 hours proceeding it I was on a clear liquid diet. I don't feel all that well when I don't have real food in 24 hours. Not to mention that test, while billed as "you may experience some discomfort during the procedure" was actually quite painful. Thank God nothing of any significance showed up because you won't see me running to join the sign up line for that again anytime soon.
On a slightly happier note; Kelton is loving day camp and again was very, very sad that the week is ending. So what's a mom to do? I signed him up for the final week. I really hadn't planned to do it thinking I wanted him all to myself for the two weeks before school starts but he is having so much fun and is so happy that I felt it was the right thing to do for him. I love sneaking in early and watching him with the group - he seems so big now, a real kid who can listen and follow directions and interact with people all without me standing by him. When did my baby grow up to be this amazing person?
I talked quickly with his group teacher today to see how things are going and again, I received a beaming report. In my head I do this little happy dance and song that goes sort of like this: "I have a great kid! I have a great kid!" I know it's shallow and all but it makes me feel so darn proud of him and well...honestly, of myself. It makes me feel like I'm a good parent after all...and sometimes that is hard to remember. Outside validation is always nice. :)
On a slightly happier note; Kelton is loving day camp and again was very, very sad that the week is ending. So what's a mom to do? I signed him up for the final week. I really hadn't planned to do it thinking I wanted him all to myself for the two weeks before school starts but he is having so much fun and is so happy that I felt it was the right thing to do for him. I love sneaking in early and watching him with the group - he seems so big now, a real kid who can listen and follow directions and interact with people all without me standing by him. When did my baby grow up to be this amazing person?
I talked quickly with his group teacher today to see how things are going and again, I received a beaming report. In my head I do this little happy dance and song that goes sort of like this: "I have a great kid! I have a great kid!" I know it's shallow and all but it makes me feel so darn proud of him and well...honestly, of myself. It makes me feel like I'm a good parent after all...and sometimes that is hard to remember. Outside validation is always nice. :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Reality Check Anyone?
I wonder how many times in a week I walk by something for the second or third time in a day and think "Why is that still here? Why hasn't someone put that away yet?"? Ummm...who do I think it going to come by and put it away? The magic housekeeping fairy that resides with us?
For crying out loud - you'd think I'd know by *this* point in the game and that I am the only one who is going to pick it up and put it away.
And yet...why do I feel ticked off every time I remember that? *sigh*
Where does one sign up for a magic housekeeping fairy anyway?
For crying out loud - you'd think I'd know by *this* point in the game and that I am the only one who is going to pick it up and put it away.
And yet...why do I feel ticked off every time I remember that? *sigh*
Where does one sign up for a magic housekeeping fairy anyway?
Tick Tock
Are watch collections commonplace? I mean, do lots of people collect watches? Dakota does. She has many, many watches. Ones with rottweilers, Stitch, guitars, digital, non-digital, pocket watches and hamilton watches. Expensive ones, mid-priced ones and inexpensive ones.
Whenever I am stumped for a gift I know that I can't go wrong with a watch.
Now here is the funny part. With all these watches you would think that she would wear one every day, right? I mean, she has a bazillion to select from. But nope. It's a rare day when the woman actually wears one. In her defense, most of them need new batteries but still.....
It's just another reason why I love her. She's just so darn whacky. :)
Whenever I am stumped for a gift I know that I can't go wrong with a watch.
Now here is the funny part. With all these watches you would think that she would wear one every day, right? I mean, she has a bazillion to select from. But nope. It's a rare day when the woman actually wears one. In her defense, most of them need new batteries but still.....
It's just another reason why I love her. She's just so darn whacky. :)
The Ol' Inbox
This week my email inbox has been filled with not much of a personal nature. I'm not sure why (vacations maybe?) but even my normally busy list-serves are quiet. I'm sure everyone is gearing up for the start of the school year and taking care of all the last minute summer stuff and squeezing in a few extra vacation days here and there. I know that, for us, our "to do" list is growing as well. Does anyone else feel like September is actually more like the start of a new year than January is?
Anyway - back to my inbox.....I have somehow managed to get onto the mailing list for different types of software. I'm not sure how that happened but happened it has. I receive ads for the newest versions of Adobe this, that or the other thing, i-Tune upgrades (which I don't even have!), financial reporting software and Shockwave (whatever that is). I just have no idea how or why I am suddenly getting an influx of this stuff but I am very grateful that the vi*agra ads have seemed to have stopped. :)
Anyway - back to my inbox.....I have somehow managed to get onto the mailing list for different types of software. I'm not sure how that happened but happened it has. I receive ads for the newest versions of Adobe this, that or the other thing, i-Tune upgrades (which I don't even have!), financial reporting software and Shockwave (whatever that is). I just have no idea how or why I am suddenly getting an influx of this stuff but I am very grateful that the vi*agra ads have seemed to have stopped. :)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Dress Up Photos
Per a suggestion from Holly in the comment section of the orginal post, here are photos from today's dress up time. This was, of course, at the end when most of the "big fun" was over but I still think they are pretty funny. :) Enjoy!
Playing Dress-Up
Kaylen is cracking me up today. She seems to be all about dressing up. The kids have a huge selection of dress-up stuff ranging from costumes to jewelry and it's a rare day when someone isn't dressed up in some sort of manner.
Lately Kaylen has been dressing like a princess. Well - at least that is what she says she is dressing as. :) I think my favorite outfit was when she wore her princess pull-up, a long white beaded necklace, a tiara, an Elmo slipper on one foot and a plastic high heel on the other. Yes - that was it. But she pranced around the house like she was all made up for the grand ball dance. "Me a princess!" she would say over and over.
Not to be left out, Kelton will usually play prince to her princess. Now that's a sight to be seen! It usually involves the Buzz Lightyear costume and a backpack. I'm not sure how that says "prince" to him but it does and who am I to say otherwise?
I love being a mom. I love my kids and I am so thankful for all the giggles they give me.
Lately Kaylen has been dressing like a princess. Well - at least that is what she says she is dressing as. :) I think my favorite outfit was when she wore her princess pull-up, a long white beaded necklace, a tiara, an Elmo slipper on one foot and a plastic high heel on the other. Yes - that was it. But she pranced around the house like she was all made up for the grand ball dance. "Me a princess!" she would say over and over.
Not to be left out, Kelton will usually play prince to her princess. Now that's a sight to be seen! It usually involves the Buzz Lightyear costume and a backpack. I'm not sure how that says "prince" to him but it does and who am I to say otherwise?
I love being a mom. I love my kids and I am so thankful for all the giggles they give me.
More Recalls for Toys - Approx. 9 MILLION!
Oy! This is all starting to make me *very* nervous. I guess there is a lot to be said to letting kids play with rocks and sticks. *sigh* Seriously? They are recalling 9 million MORE toys? And oh hey - these aren't just new ones in the past few months...some date back to a 2003 release date
***snipped from: http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://www.comcast.net/data/news/2007/08/14/739000.xml&cvqh=itn_toys****
WASHINGTON - Mattel recalled 9 million Chinese-made toys Tuesday, including Polly Pocket play sets and Batman action figures, because of dangers to children from lead paint or tiny magnets that could be swallowed.
Even as the massive recall was announced, company officials warned that it could grow as Mattel implemented more rigorous testing measures to ensure toy safety as the industry gears up for the holiday-buying season.
The government warned consumers to check at home and make sure their children were not playing with any of the recalled toys.
Nancy A. Nord, acting Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman, told reporters no injuries had been reported with any of the products involved in Tuesday's recalls. She explained that the scope of the recalls was intentionally broad, to "prevent any injuries from occurring."
Several injuries had been reported in an earlier Polly Pocket recall last November. In all, at least one U.S. child has died and 19 others have needed surgery since 2003 after swallowing magnets used in toys, the government said.
The new recall includes about 9.3 million play sets that contain small, powerful magnets, including Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, and 253,000 die cast cars that contain lead paint. Many of the magnetic toys are older and may have been purchased as early as 2003.
In a conference call with reporters, Mattel chief executive Bob Eckert said the company is stepping up its oversight and testing in its production processes. As a result, he noted, more recalls may occur.
"There is no guarantee that we will not be here again and have more recalls," Eckert said, adding "we are testing at a very high level here."
Mattel, in a full-page ad Tuesday in some U.S. newspapers, said the company was "one of the most trusted names with parents" and was "working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children."
The recall was the latest blow to the toy industry, which has had a string of recalled products from China. With about 80 percent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are worried shoppers will shy away from their products.
It was also the second recall involving lead paint for Mattel in two weeks. Earlier this month, consumers were warned about 1.5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price toys that contain lead paint.
Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and under current regulations, children's products found to have more than .06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.
"There is no excuse for lead to be found in toys entering this country," Nord said. "It's totally unacceptable and it needs to stop."
Toys recalled Tuesday include 253,000 "Sarge" car figurines from the movie "Cars," because the surface paint could contain lead levels in excess of federal standard. The 2 1/2-inch, 1-inch high car looks like a military jeep.
Also recalled were 345,000 Batman and "One Piece" action figures, 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets, 1 million Doggie Day Care play sets and 7.3 million Polly Pocket dolls and accessories.
In the newspaper ads, Eckert said "nothing is more important than the safety of our children."
"We have already taken steps to further ensure the safety of our toys," he said.
Nord said the company has stopped selling the recalled products, instructed retailers to pull them from the shelves and made a production change. Mattel is also offering replacement products.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which negotiated details of Mattel's recalls, reported that in the previous recall of Polly Pocket play sets Nov. 21, 2006, three children had been injured by swallowing more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.
When more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.
In March 2006, another toy company, Mega Brands Inc., recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets after one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in them.
Two weeks ago, Mattel's Fisher-Price division announced the worldwide recall of 1.5 million Chinese-made preschool toys _ featuring characters such as Dora the Explorer, Big Bird and Elmo _ over lead paint.
Mattel launched a full-scale investigation into all of its factories in China and discovered the latest problem during that investigation, Nord said.
Eckert said the recall decision was made at the end of last week.
In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Eckert said that the correct paint for the "Sarge" cars was sent to a subcontractor, who apparently "chose not to use the paint."
Days after the Fisher-Price recall, Chinese officials temporarily banned the toys' manufacturer, Lee Der Industrial Co., from exporting products. A Lee Der co-owner, Cheung Shu-hung, committed suicide at a warehouse over the weekend, apparently by hanging himself, a state-run newspaper reported Monday.
Consumers should call Mattel at 888-597-6597 for information about the recalled toys with magnets, or 800-916-4997 for information about the recalled cars.
***end snip***
You can go here to see a visual listing of the toys involved.
***snipped from: http://finance.comcast.net/www/news.html?x=http://www.comcast.net/data/news/2007/08/14/739000.xml&cvqh=itn_toys****
WASHINGTON - Mattel recalled 9 million Chinese-made toys Tuesday, including Polly Pocket play sets and Batman action figures, because of dangers to children from lead paint or tiny magnets that could be swallowed.
Even as the massive recall was announced, company officials warned that it could grow as Mattel implemented more rigorous testing measures to ensure toy safety as the industry gears up for the holiday-buying season.
The government warned consumers to check at home and make sure their children were not playing with any of the recalled toys.
Nancy A. Nord, acting Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman, told reporters no injuries had been reported with any of the products involved in Tuesday's recalls. She explained that the scope of the recalls was intentionally broad, to "prevent any injuries from occurring."
Several injuries had been reported in an earlier Polly Pocket recall last November. In all, at least one U.S. child has died and 19 others have needed surgery since 2003 after swallowing magnets used in toys, the government said.
The new recall includes about 9.3 million play sets that contain small, powerful magnets, including Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, and 253,000 die cast cars that contain lead paint. Many of the magnetic toys are older and may have been purchased as early as 2003.
In a conference call with reporters, Mattel chief executive Bob Eckert said the company is stepping up its oversight and testing in its production processes. As a result, he noted, more recalls may occur.
"There is no guarantee that we will not be here again and have more recalls," Eckert said, adding "we are testing at a very high level here."
Mattel, in a full-page ad Tuesday in some U.S. newspapers, said the company was "one of the most trusted names with parents" and was "working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children."
The recall was the latest blow to the toy industry, which has had a string of recalled products from China. With about 80 percent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are worried shoppers will shy away from their products.
It was also the second recall involving lead paint for Mattel in two weeks. Earlier this month, consumers were warned about 1.5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price toys that contain lead paint.
Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and under current regulations, children's products found to have more than .06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.
"There is no excuse for lead to be found in toys entering this country," Nord said. "It's totally unacceptable and it needs to stop."
Toys recalled Tuesday include 253,000 "Sarge" car figurines from the movie "Cars," because the surface paint could contain lead levels in excess of federal standard. The 2 1/2-inch, 1-inch high car looks like a military jeep.
Also recalled were 345,000 Batman and "One Piece" action figures, 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets, 1 million Doggie Day Care play sets and 7.3 million Polly Pocket dolls and accessories.
In the newspaper ads, Eckert said "nothing is more important than the safety of our children."
"We have already taken steps to further ensure the safety of our toys," he said.
Nord said the company has stopped selling the recalled products, instructed retailers to pull them from the shelves and made a production change. Mattel is also offering replacement products.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which negotiated details of Mattel's recalls, reported that in the previous recall of Polly Pocket play sets Nov. 21, 2006, three children had been injured by swallowing more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.
When more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.
In March 2006, another toy company, Mega Brands Inc., recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets after one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in them.
Two weeks ago, Mattel's Fisher-Price division announced the worldwide recall of 1.5 million Chinese-made preschool toys _ featuring characters such as Dora the Explorer, Big Bird and Elmo _ over lead paint.
Mattel launched a full-scale investigation into all of its factories in China and discovered the latest problem during that investigation, Nord said.
Eckert said the recall decision was made at the end of last week.
In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Eckert said that the correct paint for the "Sarge" cars was sent to a subcontractor, who apparently "chose not to use the paint."
Days after the Fisher-Price recall, Chinese officials temporarily banned the toys' manufacturer, Lee Der Industrial Co., from exporting products. A Lee Der co-owner, Cheung Shu-hung, committed suicide at a warehouse over the weekend, apparently by hanging himself, a state-run newspaper reported Monday.
Consumers should call Mattel at 888-597-6597 for information about the recalled toys with magnets, or 800-916-4997 for information about the recalled cars.
***end snip***
You can go here to see a visual listing of the toys involved.
Monday, August 13, 2007
PS...
PS to tonights post......
Thank you for all the comments to my "adventure" last Thursday with that mom. I want to answer all your comments but I'm not sure when I will find the time. Maybe it will be a post in and of itself tomorrow. :)
I haven't decided what to do about her.......time will tell.
Keep reading though - I posted about our weekend. :)
Thank you for all the comments to my "adventure" last Thursday with that mom. I want to answer all your comments but I'm not sure when I will find the time. Maybe it will be a post in and of itself tomorrow. :)
I haven't decided what to do about her.......time will tell.
Keep reading though - I posted about our weekend. :)
Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig
Miss me? :) As you may remember, we traveled up to see my family this past weekend and I have to tell you, I had a great time! My brother's house is amazing and beautiful and perfect for hosting a family of four. :) We had free run of the entire main floor (two bedrooms, a gigantic bathroom and a living area complete with couches, TV, tons of floor space and a piano). It seriously couldn't be a more perfect set up. Upstairs is three bedrooms (well, a master (and bath) and two other rooms used as offices). another gigantic bathroom, the living room, dining area and huge kitchen. The view from the front deck is even better in real life than in photos and the back deck has a hot tub and stairs leading to the backyard which was equipped with a trampoline and play structure (not yet moved out by the previous people). The kids were in heaven on that trampoline and I have to say, little Miss Kaylen can jump! I'm not sure where she gets her coordination and balance from but that girl can jump circles around me...and everyone else!
Besides the amazing house though I had a really great visit with James and Cara (and I don't think we drove them *too* nutty! *grin*) as well as my sister, brother-in-law, niece (and kids), dad and a cousin and his family. I kid you not, we packed a lot into not quite 48 hours.
We arrived in town Friday around 1pm and we stopped by Cara's office so that we could follow her to the house. We unpacked and settled in a bit and then the kids went wild in the yard for a few hours. Soon, it was time to head over to my sister's house (about 50 minutes away) for her birthday bbq. I was glad to see that she looked so well after her surgery last month and while she is still recovering, she looked good! When we first arrived there Kelton's cousin, her mom, brother and my brother-in-law were down the lane on the water and Kelton couldn't wait to see them so I agreed to walk with him down to meet them. Oh the joy that arises when they see each other - it just never gets old!
We stopped on the way back to pet and feed a couple of goats who have a pasture down by the water and, as you can see in one of the pictures below, Kelton ate a couple blackberries. :)
We got back to the house and settled in for dinner - which is crazy nutty when you have a 6 year old, a 5 year old and two 2 year olds plus 10 adults. My dad was there which I was really happy about because it gave me a chance to visit with him. About 8:30pm we said our goodbyes and, taking Cara with us (James took my dad home), started out on the hour drive back to the house. We hadn't gone all that far when I thought to ask Cara if they had a coffee maker (I suddenly remembered that Cara isn't a big coffee drinker and James doesn't drink it at all.). They didn't - so I made a stop at WalMart to buy one and all the necessary fixings. It's not pretty thing if I go without coffee in the morning and there were no nearby coffee places that Cara could think of.
We finally arrived back at the house about 10 and amazingly enough, the kids hadn't fallen asleep on the way back. I'm sure it had something to do with all the silly songs we were singing. :) We got them to bed without wasting any time and we quickly followed.
The next morning we hung out at the house and played A LOT on the trampoline. Around lunchtime my cousin and his family, along with my dad, showed up for a bbq. Again, it was crazy nutty but a lot of fun. The kids (and Dakota) all got to play in the hot tub which they loved! Then it was food time and more play time. At one point on the trampoline, Kaylen noticed that her cousins toes where painted pink, just like Cara's were, which made her want HER nails painted pink. It wasn't long before all four kids were lined up getting finger and toe nails painted. It was too funny!
I left to take my dad home about 4:30 (it's about an hour drive each way) and I really enjoyed having that time with him. Once we got back to his apartment I went inside for a bit to see his new cat. I'm so glad he has a cat and I can clearly tell how much those two love each other. Mr. Tom Cat was even waiting at the door when my dad opened it. Very sweet.
I stayed a bit and then said my good-byes and headed back to James' house. Since it was an hour drive I decided to call my sister and she and I talked the entire way. It helped the time go by quickly and it was nice to be able to talk with her without having to say "Hang on a sec...Kelton, please give that back to your sister." or "Hang on again....Kaylen, we don't hit!" a million times in 10 minutes.
By the time I got back to the house the kids had already had their dinner and were getting ready for round two in the hot tub. They were both so tired though that it took only about 10 minutes before Kaylen was asking to get out so she could go to bed. Both kids were out cold by 7:30pm.
The adults had dinner and then we settled in to watch a slide show of the photos taken during the day. Cara took control of my camera early on in the day and all I can really say is this: my memory card hold 1168 photos. Why do I know this? Because that's how many photos Cara took. (ok - I took maybe 60 of them) She got some really good shots too! I deleted about 500 last night when I downloaded them but that means I kept 668 - with most of them being from ONE day! Pretty funny!
Yesterday morning we got up and packed up everything. We had breakfast, played for a bit (yep - you guessed it. On the trampoline.) and then hit the road at 11am. We drove for an hour and stopped in at my sisters for about an hour (we had made plans to go through mom's jewelry box). We hit the road again for about an hour and then made a stop at the cemetery before driving 3.5 more hours home. We arrived home around 5pm and we were all exhausted!
It was a really good weekend though and I already want to go back. :)
This morning was Kelton's first day of his second session of day camp. He is loving it just as much (maybe more now that he knows what to expect and knows some of the kids) as the first week. Hard to believe that in 22 short days my baby will start kindergarten.
Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
Besides the amazing house though I had a really great visit with James and Cara (and I don't think we drove them *too* nutty! *grin*) as well as my sister, brother-in-law, niece (and kids), dad and a cousin and his family. I kid you not, we packed a lot into not quite 48 hours.
We arrived in town Friday around 1pm and we stopped by Cara's office so that we could follow her to the house. We unpacked and settled in a bit and then the kids went wild in the yard for a few hours. Soon, it was time to head over to my sister's house (about 50 minutes away) for her birthday bbq. I was glad to see that she looked so well after her surgery last month and while she is still recovering, she looked good! When we first arrived there Kelton's cousin, her mom, brother and my brother-in-law were down the lane on the water and Kelton couldn't wait to see them so I agreed to walk with him down to meet them. Oh the joy that arises when they see each other - it just never gets old!
We stopped on the way back to pet and feed a couple of goats who have a pasture down by the water and, as you can see in one of the pictures below, Kelton ate a couple blackberries. :)
We got back to the house and settled in for dinner - which is crazy nutty when you have a 6 year old, a 5 year old and two 2 year olds plus 10 adults. My dad was there which I was really happy about because it gave me a chance to visit with him. About 8:30pm we said our goodbyes and, taking Cara with us (James took my dad home), started out on the hour drive back to the house. We hadn't gone all that far when I thought to ask Cara if they had a coffee maker (I suddenly remembered that Cara isn't a big coffee drinker and James doesn't drink it at all.). They didn't - so I made a stop at WalMart to buy one and all the necessary fixings. It's not pretty thing if I go without coffee in the morning and there were no nearby coffee places that Cara could think of.
We finally arrived back at the house about 10 and amazingly enough, the kids hadn't fallen asleep on the way back. I'm sure it had something to do with all the silly songs we were singing. :) We got them to bed without wasting any time and we quickly followed.
The next morning we hung out at the house and played A LOT on the trampoline. Around lunchtime my cousin and his family, along with my dad, showed up for a bbq. Again, it was crazy nutty but a lot of fun. The kids (and Dakota) all got to play in the hot tub which they loved! Then it was food time and more play time. At one point on the trampoline, Kaylen noticed that her cousins toes where painted pink, just like Cara's were, which made her want HER nails painted pink. It wasn't long before all four kids were lined up getting finger and toe nails painted. It was too funny!
I left to take my dad home about 4:30 (it's about an hour drive each way) and I really enjoyed having that time with him. Once we got back to his apartment I went inside for a bit to see his new cat. I'm so glad he has a cat and I can clearly tell how much those two love each other. Mr. Tom Cat was even waiting at the door when my dad opened it. Very sweet.
I stayed a bit and then said my good-byes and headed back to James' house. Since it was an hour drive I decided to call my sister and she and I talked the entire way. It helped the time go by quickly and it was nice to be able to talk with her without having to say "Hang on a sec...Kelton, please give that back to your sister." or "Hang on again....Kaylen, we don't hit!" a million times in 10 minutes.
By the time I got back to the house the kids had already had their dinner and were getting ready for round two in the hot tub. They were both so tired though that it took only about 10 minutes before Kaylen was asking to get out so she could go to bed. Both kids were out cold by 7:30pm.
The adults had dinner and then we settled in to watch a slide show of the photos taken during the day. Cara took control of my camera early on in the day and all I can really say is this: my memory card hold 1168 photos. Why do I know this? Because that's how many photos Cara took. (ok - I took maybe 60 of them) She got some really good shots too! I deleted about 500 last night when I downloaded them but that means I kept 668 - with most of them being from ONE day! Pretty funny!
Yesterday morning we got up and packed up everything. We had breakfast, played for a bit (yep - you guessed it. On the trampoline.) and then hit the road at 11am. We drove for an hour and stopped in at my sisters for about an hour (we had made plans to go through mom's jewelry box). We hit the road again for about an hour and then made a stop at the cemetery before driving 3.5 more hours home. We arrived home around 5pm and we were all exhausted!
It was a really good weekend though and I already want to go back. :)
This morning was Kelton's first day of his second session of day camp. He is loving it just as much (maybe more now that he knows what to expect and knows some of the kids) as the first week. Hard to believe that in 22 short days my baby will start kindergarten.
Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
Stuffed Animals Galore
My daughter is obsessed with stuffed animals. It seems we can hardly go anywhere without her finding one that she just *has* to have! She is pretty cute and sweet about it and we usually give in (luckily she goes for the small ones) because it makes her so happy but I kid you not, between the two kids we have three good sized storage bins full of plush animals. It's crazy!
Kelton calls them "buddies" and Kaylen calls them "friends" and there is no way I can even consider giving any away at this point. I swear they have a running inventory list in their head of each and every one of their stuffed pals. They play with them, too. It's a rare day when Kaylen doesn't have a couple friends in her doll stroller, wheeling them around the house or taking them "to the park" (she takes them out and gives them turns in her swing). A couple days ago two of her friends were sick and she found a play phone so she could "call the doctor".
Kelton tends to be a bit more rough with his buddies. They fly through the air, slide head first down the slide and often smash into each other. Long gone are the days when he cradles them in his arms and just loves on them....unless of course it's bedtime. It's then that I always know there will be a bunch of his guys lined up on his bed for him to sleep with.
I love watching the kids with their stuffed friends but I wouldn't mind if they were happy with the ones they have and no longer felt the need to add more. I guess that say will happen soon enough though so for now I'm just sitting back and enjoying the ride! :)
Kelton calls them "buddies" and Kaylen calls them "friends" and there is no way I can even consider giving any away at this point. I swear they have a running inventory list in their head of each and every one of their stuffed pals. They play with them, too. It's a rare day when Kaylen doesn't have a couple friends in her doll stroller, wheeling them around the house or taking them "to the park" (she takes them out and gives them turns in her swing). A couple days ago two of her friends were sick and she found a play phone so she could "call the doctor".
Kelton tends to be a bit more rough with his buddies. They fly through the air, slide head first down the slide and often smash into each other. Long gone are the days when he cradles them in his arms and just loves on them....unless of course it's bedtime. It's then that I always know there will be a bunch of his guys lined up on his bed for him to sleep with.
I love watching the kids with their stuffed friends but I wouldn't mind if they were happy with the ones they have and no longer felt the need to add more. I guess that say will happen soon enough though so for now I'm just sitting back and enjoying the ride! :)
Thursday, August 09, 2007
My Beautiful Boy
As promised, here are the photos of Kelton that were taken earlier this week. Aren't they amazing? I love, love, love them!!
(PS - if you havne't read todays saga, then keep reading. You are in for a treat! :) )
(PS - if you havne't read todays saga, then keep reading. You are in for a treat! :) )
And there's more.....
I forgot to share with you this little nugget;
While I was still spinning a bit from the lunch conversation (before going to the restroom) I tried, tactfully, to change the subject. She had mentioned in an email to me that she would need to leave the mall by noon in order to get to an assertiveness support group so I took this opportunity to ask her about it.
I said "So - what do you talk about at your support groups?" and this was her response: "Oh you know - I don't know you well enough to tell you about it."
EXCUSE ME?? You knew me well enough to ask about my sex life but you don't know me well enough to tell me about a support group you go to??
She did say "It's helping me think about myself more." Ummm...yeah - not sure that's so much a necessity. How about thinking about others??
But wait - there is even more! Here is an email I received from her tonight. I am posting it as is....do you think someone will tell her about spell check one of these days?
**********SNIP**********
Hi Casey,
Thanks for meeting us.It might be fun for the kids to meet at a park. Anyway I wanted you to know I wasnt askin if you were momogumis because you have a female mate.
I knew a girl in highschool later when we were both married we hung out a little then she asked if we wanted to swap.it upset me i was only in my late 20s .So I just like to let people know ahead .
You have great kids..Enjoy yor trip. We might go there on our anniversary in August.
Hope to hear from you again.
********END SNIP************
Seriously? SERIOUSLY????????
I'm thinking about sending an honest response because it feels weird not to respond in some way. Now I just have to find a way to tactfully tell her how very much she offended me. OY!
Do you think there might be a place that she can go for rehab? Clearly not (well - I guess I shouldn't say "clearly not" LOL!) drug rehab but maybe something like it?
While I was still spinning a bit from the lunch conversation (before going to the restroom) I tried, tactfully, to change the subject. She had mentioned in an email to me that she would need to leave the mall by noon in order to get to an assertiveness support group so I took this opportunity to ask her about it.
I said "So - what do you talk about at your support groups?" and this was her response: "Oh you know - I don't know you well enough to tell you about it."
EXCUSE ME?? You knew me well enough to ask about my sex life but you don't know me well enough to tell me about a support group you go to??
She did say "It's helping me think about myself more." Ummm...yeah - not sure that's so much a necessity. How about thinking about others??
But wait - there is even more! Here is an email I received from her tonight. I am posting it as is....do you think someone will tell her about spell check one of these days?
**********SNIP**********
Hi Casey,
Thanks for meeting us.It might be fun for the kids to meet at a park. Anyway I wanted you to know I wasnt askin if you were momogumis because you have a female mate.
I knew a girl in highschool later when we were both married we hung out a little then she asked if we wanted to swap.it upset me i was only in my late 20s .So I just like to let people know ahead .
You have great kids..Enjoy yor trip. We might go there on our anniversary in August.
Hope to hear from you again.
********END SNIP************
Seriously? SERIOUSLY????????
I'm thinking about sending an honest response because it feels weird not to respond in some way. Now I just have to find a way to tactfully tell her how very much she offended me. OY!
Do you think there might be a place that she can go for rehab? Clearly not (well - I guess I shouldn't say "clearly not" LOL!) drug rehab but maybe something like it?
Well now.....
....*that* was different.
I went to the mall this morning to meet that mom from Matching Moms and at first it was ok but as the hour wore on, it was more and more *not* ok. Kelton enjoyed talking with her - which was good.
When she first arrived at the play area, she introduced herself and I did the same. Then we sat and watched the kids run around. We did small chit-chat like are you from this area. what does your partner do, etc (though she had a lot of trouble spitting out the word partner...she said "I don't know what to call your...umm....your..." so I jumped in and said "Dakota is my partner.". Then Kelton started getting bored and wanted to go do something else. Then Kaylen needed to go potty. She said "That's ok - I don't want to stay in this area anyway." So great, we headed up to the library (yes, we have a library in our mall) because the children's area is overflowing with toys, puzzles and books for the kids plus it has a nice restroom. We were there about 15 minutes and the kids were having a great time when she said "Want to go walk around? I do." and I'm thinking "NO! The kids are happy and busy. I want to just let them be until they get restless." The kids had heard her though and they decided it was time to leave. *sigh*
So we walk oh - I don't know - the length of the library and are just about to cross in front of the food court when she said "Don't you get them lunch here when you are at the mall?" I replied "Sometimes - but mostly we go home to eat." and she said "Oh. Well I want to get lunch for E and me." And what choice was I left with? My two started yelling for McDonalds. Fine. Only - "McDonalds? Oh we don't eat *there*." to which I said "Oh - then I guess we'll meet you at a table."
So they went to get pizza and cookies and we met up at a table.
Then the fun began. She gets all jittery and says
"Do you have trouble making friends because you are gay?"
"No. Not at all. I think as a stay at home mom, it's just hard to meet people."
"Oh really? I would think you would."
(excuse the crap out of me????)
*stunned silence for me*
Then she says:
"I figured it would be ok to meet with you once and then I could see about your morals and values. I am monogamous and I think that is very important."
stunned I say "Oh." then a few beats of silence and I say "Well - Dakota and I have been together for 13 plus years." I figured that would answer her WILDLY inappropriate comment/question.
Apparently not.
After lunch the kids wanted to go to the restroom so we went and on the way back she pushes her stroller next mine and does this weird aside whisper:
"You didn't really answer me. ARE you monogamous?"
I was freaking SHOCKED and way over the top offended! Was she seriously asking me this as if it was her business? And was I going to answer her? Would she have asked this question if I were married to a man? I could feel my blood starting to boil and I said "Yes." in a kind of snotty way and she said "Oh good. You just never know." to which I replied "You know, I don't know any gay couples who AREN'T." She said "Really? Well my brother isn't." to which I said "Is he in a long term relationship?" "No - he was married and cheated on his wife with a man and now he is gay and he hasn't had a relationship since then." I said "Well - that's not really NON-monogamous." and then turned my attention to my kids.
On our way out of the mall (wouldn't you just know that we parked outside of the same store) she started asking about "We're you married before?" "No. I said to which she replied "Well - how did you get the kids? They look so much like you."
(can you feel my eyes rolling)
"We did artificial insemination using a donor. And actually, Kelton looks so much like Dakota."
Well that confused her. She mumbled and stumbled and I just let her.
We couldn't reach the parking lot soon enough for me.
Wow. I don't know - color me odd but I think the things she asked, they way she asked and how quickly she asked was completely inappropriate and I have to say, I was/am incredibly offended by the "monogamous" inquiry. Sheesh.
She wanted to exchange phone numbers but I was quick on my feet and said that the phone was really hard for me with the kids and that email was much better.
Oy. Truly this makes me want to remove my listing from Matching Moms. Ugh.
I went to the mall this morning to meet that mom from Matching Moms and at first it was ok but as the hour wore on, it was more and more *not* ok. Kelton enjoyed talking with her - which was good.
When she first arrived at the play area, she introduced herself and I did the same. Then we sat and watched the kids run around. We did small chit-chat like are you from this area. what does your partner do, etc (though she had a lot of trouble spitting out the word partner...she said "I don't know what to call your...umm....your..." so I jumped in and said "Dakota is my partner.". Then Kelton started getting bored and wanted to go do something else. Then Kaylen needed to go potty. She said "That's ok - I don't want to stay in this area anyway." So great, we headed up to the library (yes, we have a library in our mall) because the children's area is overflowing with toys, puzzles and books for the kids plus it has a nice restroom. We were there about 15 minutes and the kids were having a great time when she said "Want to go walk around? I do." and I'm thinking "NO! The kids are happy and busy. I want to just let them be until they get restless." The kids had heard her though and they decided it was time to leave. *sigh*
So we walk oh - I don't know - the length of the library and are just about to cross in front of the food court when she said "Don't you get them lunch here when you are at the mall?" I replied "Sometimes - but mostly we go home to eat." and she said "Oh. Well I want to get lunch for E and me." And what choice was I left with? My two started yelling for McDonalds. Fine. Only - "McDonalds? Oh we don't eat *there*." to which I said "Oh - then I guess we'll meet you at a table."
So they went to get pizza and cookies and we met up at a table.
Then the fun began. She gets all jittery and says
"Do you have trouble making friends because you are gay?"
"No. Not at all. I think as a stay at home mom, it's just hard to meet people."
"Oh really? I would think you would."
(excuse the crap out of me????)
*stunned silence for me*
Then she says:
"I figured it would be ok to meet with you once and then I could see about your morals and values. I am monogamous and I think that is very important."
stunned I say "Oh." then a few beats of silence and I say "Well - Dakota and I have been together for 13 plus years." I figured that would answer her WILDLY inappropriate comment/question.
Apparently not.
After lunch the kids wanted to go to the restroom so we went and on the way back she pushes her stroller next mine and does this weird aside whisper:
"You didn't really answer me. ARE you monogamous?"
I was freaking SHOCKED and way over the top offended! Was she seriously asking me this as if it was her business? And was I going to answer her? Would she have asked this question if I were married to a man? I could feel my blood starting to boil and I said "Yes." in a kind of snotty way and she said "Oh good. You just never know." to which I replied "You know, I don't know any gay couples who AREN'T." She said "Really? Well my brother isn't." to which I said "Is he in a long term relationship?" "No - he was married and cheated on his wife with a man and now he is gay and he hasn't had a relationship since then." I said "Well - that's not really NON-monogamous." and then turned my attention to my kids.
On our way out of the mall (wouldn't you just know that we parked outside of the same store) she started asking about "We're you married before?" "No. I said to which she replied "Well - how did you get the kids? They look so much like you."
(can you feel my eyes rolling)
"We did artificial insemination using a donor. And actually, Kelton looks so much like Dakota."
Well that confused her. She mumbled and stumbled and I just let her.
We couldn't reach the parking lot soon enough for me.
Wow. I don't know - color me odd but I think the things she asked, they way she asked and how quickly she asked was completely inappropriate and I have to say, I was/am incredibly offended by the "monogamous" inquiry. Sheesh.
She wanted to exchange phone numbers but I was quick on my feet and said that the phone was really hard for me with the kids and that email was much better.
Oy. Truly this makes me want to remove my listing from Matching Moms. Ugh.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Wish Me Luck!
I joined Matching Moms a few months back and, until a week ago, I hadn't really had the chance to meet up with someone. The point of the site is to match moms with similarly aged kids and general mom-interests. I've had several emails inquiring about getting together but for some reason, they all seemed to live 40 minutes away, which I personally feel is too far to travel to meet up with someone on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I was looking for someone local as in IN the same city - and last week, someone contacted me. She is 43 years old with a 2 year old son and, after exchanging a couple emails, we set up a meet-n-greet at the mall for tomorrow morning.
I'm nervous. I'm rather shy until I get to know people and meeting new people is really outside my comfort zone. So send me good thoughts that it all goes well...and hey, if it doesn't I'll be at the mall and retail therapy is always a good thing! :)
The Weekend
I mentioned yesterday that we are going to visit my family this coming weekend and I have to tell you, I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again. After being with them for five solid weeks back in April and May, it's been hard to be back down here and away from the daily happenings. I miss everyone.
While we've been gone, my brother and his girlfriend moved out of their townhouse in Seattle and into a five bedroom house up the freeway a bit (yes, I said five bedrooms and yes, it's just the two of them. Can you imagine? I would seriously LOVE all that space!!). I've only seen pictures but from what I can tell, it's a nice piece of real estate! My brother jokingly told me (at least, I think he was joking) that he will be charging a dollar a minute to look at the view. :)
From the photos Cara sent, I think it will be worth every penny! Apparently they aren't too far from the beach either which will delight the kids (and me). I can't wait to get inside the house and poke around - I love exploring new places.
While we've been gone, my brother and his girlfriend moved out of their townhouse in Seattle and into a five bedroom house up the freeway a bit (yes, I said five bedrooms and yes, it's just the two of them. Can you imagine? I would seriously LOVE all that space!!). I've only seen pictures but from what I can tell, it's a nice piece of real estate! My brother jokingly told me (at least, I think he was joking) that he will be charging a dollar a minute to look at the view. :)
From the photos Cara sent, I think it will be worth every penny! Apparently they aren't too far from the beach either which will delight the kids (and me). I can't wait to get inside the house and poke around - I love exploring new places.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
My Big Boy
The kids and I headed out to the mall this morning for Kelton's 5 year old/kindergarten photo and I have to say - I really think I have one of the cutest little boys alive. I'm not biased or anything either. *big grin*
I can pick up the photos Thursday after 5 and you can be sure that I will be scanning them in as soon as I walk through the door. They are so, so cute!!! He really looks like a big kid. Amazing. The photo studio I took him to puts them on-line and I have been to their site a few times just to stare at them. *happy sigh*
In other news, we are heading up to the Seattle area this weekend to see my family. It's the first time we will have been back since we left the day after my mom's funeral. I definitely feel the stress of it all. I plan to stop by the cemetery on the way back down to visit the grave. The marker was placed a few weeks back - I have a feeling it's going to be very surreal.
My brother and Cara just moved into a gigantic house with 5 bedrooms so we are lucky enough to be able to stay with them. I'm looking forward to seeing the new place and hanging out with my family. It's going to be a busy weekend (which ones aren't for us?) but I am so glad to be going back up. Saturday is the three month anniversary of my mom's passing and in those three months I have had more than a few moments of breaking down and losing it along with a couple panic attacks and a new, incredibly heightened sense of fear of not being around for my own babies until they are old enough to be in the world without me (is there ever really an age for that? I don't think so.). Losing my mom has really changed the way I view life - and how I view my children and my dreams for them. It's something I never would have seen coming.
And on *that* cheery note; let me again just say how adorable my son is. I can't wait to share the portraits with you.
I can pick up the photos Thursday after 5 and you can be sure that I will be scanning them in as soon as I walk through the door. They are so, so cute!!! He really looks like a big kid. Amazing. The photo studio I took him to puts them on-line and I have been to their site a few times just to stare at them. *happy sigh*
In other news, we are heading up to the Seattle area this weekend to see my family. It's the first time we will have been back since we left the day after my mom's funeral. I definitely feel the stress of it all. I plan to stop by the cemetery on the way back down to visit the grave. The marker was placed a few weeks back - I have a feeling it's going to be very surreal.
My brother and Cara just moved into a gigantic house with 5 bedrooms so we are lucky enough to be able to stay with them. I'm looking forward to seeing the new place and hanging out with my family. It's going to be a busy weekend (which ones aren't for us?) but I am so glad to be going back up. Saturday is the three month anniversary of my mom's passing and in those three months I have had more than a few moments of breaking down and losing it along with a couple panic attacks and a new, incredibly heightened sense of fear of not being around for my own babies until they are old enough to be in the world without me (is there ever really an age for that? I don't think so.). Losing my mom has really changed the way I view life - and how I view my children and my dreams for them. It's something I never would have seen coming.
And on *that* cheery note; let me again just say how adorable my son is. I can't wait to share the portraits with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)