Playdates, Children and Guns
Which of those things don't belong? Yeah - kind of a no brainer but here is my question; how do you handle bringing up the question about guns in the home when you are letting your child go somewhere to play?
This question, of course, covers not only your child's (or your) friends homes but also the homes of relatives.
How does everyone else handle, or expect to handle, this issue?
Our home is gun free. But I know that this won't (or hasn't) been the case in the homes of friends and relatives and now that Kelton is getting old enough that friends are coming here without parents and he is going into other homes without me I am getting concerned.
So I need to figure out language to work into every situation when playdates are arranged. I find myself worrying about offending the parents but then I do a quick internal check and think "Umm...offend the parents or risk my child being killed. Not really a toss up, is it?"
I guess I could say something like "Kelton would love to come play with (insert name here). Given kids curiosity though I have to ask if there are any guns in the house." Beyond that, I'm at a loss.
And what is they don't tell me the truth????
How are others handling this? At this point I am feeling like my only option is to have all the kids here to play instead of sending him into someone else's house.
I'm so freaked out about this stuff....it only takes an instant for a life to change - or end.
And I thought being pregnant was stressful and scary.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
More Weekend Stuff
Saturday we were struggling with trying to come up with something fun to do on a cloudy, cool day with rain threatening. We came up with going to The Water Resources Education Center . I had expected there to be a ton of people there since it's a free activity and a good way to burn a few hours but we were the only ones there for almost the entire two hours we were there. The kids favorite place was Puddles Place which is where all the toys are kept. We all had a pretty good time playing together.
After we returned home we set about getting some chores done and one of them was screening up the entrance the bees had been using to get under the house. We had been watching and hadn't seen any activity so we thought we were home free. Umm.........NO! After Dakota had screwed the last screw into place what, oh what, arrived on not one but BOTH sides of the screen? Bees. One inside and one outside. She removed a corner of the screening and left the area. The bee guys are coming back out on Friday. This is the third time in a month. They are sending out their top guy this time around. Let's hope it does the trick.
And jumping right from Saturday to Sunday afternoon......
Late yesterday afternoon, after returning from the fish hatchery I pulled out the slip 'n slide for the kids. They had a blast! Here are a few pictures from yesterday.
Today has been a low key day. The kids have been playing quietly and watching a bit of tv here and there. I think they needed a down day as much as I did today. :)
Saturday we were struggling with trying to come up with something fun to do on a cloudy, cool day with rain threatening. We came up with going to The Water Resources Education Center . I had expected there to be a ton of people there since it's a free activity and a good way to burn a few hours but we were the only ones there for almost the entire two hours we were there. The kids favorite place was Puddles Place which is where all the toys are kept. We all had a pretty good time playing together.
After we returned home we set about getting some chores done and one of them was screening up the entrance the bees had been using to get under the house. We had been watching and hadn't seen any activity so we thought we were home free. Umm.........NO! After Dakota had screwed the last screw into place what, oh what, arrived on not one but BOTH sides of the screen? Bees. One inside and one outside. She removed a corner of the screening and left the area. The bee guys are coming back out on Friday. This is the third time in a month. They are sending out their top guy this time around. Let's hope it does the trick.
And jumping right from Saturday to Sunday afternoon......
Late yesterday afternoon, after returning from the fish hatchery I pulled out the slip 'n slide for the kids. They had a blast! Here are a few pictures from yesterday.
Today has been a low key day. The kids have been playing quietly and watching a bit of tv here and there. I think they needed a down day as much as I did today. :)
Still Going Strong
In case you have been wondering, I'm still working out on the treadmill. I no longer can claim X-number of days in a row as I have taken breaks here and there (such as going to the beach for three nights) but I am regularly getting in five days a week. I have to admit that I have a hard time getting in work outs during the weekend. Once we have our slow family wake-up routine done, coffee ingested and the paper read I find that there just isn't time to work out *and* get out and about early enough. Maybe it's a convenient excuse, I don't know. But hey - at least I'm still getting in my time. I read somewhere that you shouldn't work out seven days in a row and that a break each week should be factored in. It makes sense but again, maybe I just want it to. :)
I do wish for a magic diet patch though. Don't we all?
In case you have been wondering, I'm still working out on the treadmill. I no longer can claim X-number of days in a row as I have taken breaks here and there (such as going to the beach for three nights) but I am regularly getting in five days a week. I have to admit that I have a hard time getting in work outs during the weekend. Once we have our slow family wake-up routine done, coffee ingested and the paper read I find that there just isn't time to work out *and* get out and about early enough. Maybe it's a convenient excuse, I don't know. But hey - at least I'm still getting in my time. I read somewhere that you shouldn't work out seven days in a row and that a break each week should be factored in. It makes sense but again, maybe I just want it to. :)
I do wish for a magic diet patch though. Don't we all?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
New Camera Bliss and a Trip to the Fish Hatchery
This morning we headed out our annual trip to the local fish hatchery. The kids love it there mostly, I think, because they get the feed the fish. The day was muggy and overcast down here but once we got up the gorge there was plenty of blue skies. It was a beautiful day to be out and about.
Check out these pictures that Dakota took today. I am amazed at the clarity. WOW!
Here are some other pictures taken on our outing:
And a couple of Kaylen that I am really loving.
PS..Keep reading. I posted the rest of the beach story. :)
This morning we headed out our annual trip to the local fish hatchery. The kids love it there mostly, I think, because they get the feed the fish. The day was muggy and overcast down here but once we got up the gorge there was plenty of blue skies. It was a beautiful day to be out and about.
Check out these pictures that Dakota took today. I am amazed at the clarity. WOW!
Here are some other pictures taken on our outing:
And a couple of Kaylen that I am really loving.
PS..Keep reading. I posted the rest of the beach story. :)
The Beach Trip, Part Two (Finally!)
I have been trying to get back to write about the rest of the beach trip but alas, there just never seems to be the time. I thought I would be able to get to it Friday or Saturday but by the time evening rolls around, all I really want to do is hunker down on the couch with Dakota and watch an episode (or two) of The Gilmore Girls. We also managed to watch two movies from Netflix this weekend, too. So - as you can see, it hasn't left much time for blogging. :)
Now where was I? Oh right - Day 2. Day two is when we met up with Brenda and family on the beach. But first, after breakfast, we ventured into the small town of Nahalem. It was by accident, actually, that we ended up there. We were just following the road to see where it went and BAM! There we were. There were some great little shops to browse through - which is one of our favorite things to do. We didn't end up going back with much though - Kelton bought a notebook for $1.10 and Kaylen brought 4 small bracelets for $1.00. I found a really amazing coffee-related piece of wall art but for $50 I left it for someone else. :)
After our trip to Nahalem, we headed back to the hotel and got ready to go our to the beach to meet up with Brenda. You should have seen Kelton's face light up when he spotted Carson! They were only a few houses past our hotel and I swear Kelton ran every sandy inch of it. The initial greeting was a bit standoffish - I think neither one knew what to expect - but within seconds they were hugging and squealing. I can't even tell you how happy it made my heart to see them together again. These guys had spent many, many days together before Carson's family moved last September (at least once a week Brenda and I headed out to the mall with the kids to hang out) and they've been talking with each other on the phone a couple times a week lately. They are amazing friends and that was still quite clear in the limited amount of time they had together last week.
And I LOVED seeing Brenda again! It's weird though - since we talk every single day on the phone, there wasn't a huge amount of catching up to do - we just switched immediately back into step and talked about what had happened since our last phone call a couple days before.....which was really nice! I love having a friend like Brenda. Love, love, love it.
Brenda and I met for coffee and shop-browsing the next morning which was so much fun! It's amazing how much we can find to chat about - even after all these years. Dakota had taken our two little ones down to the beach while I was with Brenda and they had such a great time! They dug holes which filled with water, Dakota wrote their names in the sand and they each sat inside their name for a photo, they built sandcastles and went on a treasure hunt. By the time I got home (2 hours after I left) they were back in the room, cleaned up and completely exhausted. Poor pups! :)
We let them rest for a little bit and then headed out for lunch and ice cream.
Once they were all jazzed up on sugar (!!) we headed back to the hotel to change and head back to the beach to play with Carson and Katie. Oh my goodness what a grand ol' time they all had!
The kids were completely exhausted from their day so we didn't stay too long. Kelton was anxious to get back to the room but he also really wanted to show Carson where he was staying. So we packed up all our stuff and Brenda and Carson came over to the hotel for a bit. It was fun to watch the kids running wild in the room while Brenda and I sat on the couch and talked. This was the last time we'd be together since we were heading home in the morning. Finally it was time to say goodbye - the boys hugged and hugged and hugged. It was so sweet and sad. I know they miss each other as much as I miss Brenda. Thank goodness for free long distance! :)
The next morning we woke up to the rain pouring down so after morning coffee, a light breakfast and some time sitting in front of the gas fireplace; Dakota took the kids down to the beach for a final play session and I stayed behind to pack. As I packed, I would go out on the deck and watch them playing. I just love watching them all together. I could hear the laughter all the way on the deck. Since it was raining the beach was all but empty. I have to say, the rain made it much easier to pack up the car and drive home.
We had such a great time at the beach (though really, I think it would be impossible not to have a great time when you are on the coast!) and, as usual, we are already looking forward to our next trip.
I have been trying to get back to write about the rest of the beach trip but alas, there just never seems to be the time. I thought I would be able to get to it Friday or Saturday but by the time evening rolls around, all I really want to do is hunker down on the couch with Dakota and watch an episode (or two) of The Gilmore Girls. We also managed to watch two movies from Netflix this weekend, too. So - as you can see, it hasn't left much time for blogging. :)
Now where was I? Oh right - Day 2. Day two is when we met up with Brenda and family on the beach. But first, after breakfast, we ventured into the small town of Nahalem. It was by accident, actually, that we ended up there. We were just following the road to see where it went and BAM! There we were. There were some great little shops to browse through - which is one of our favorite things to do. We didn't end up going back with much though - Kelton bought a notebook for $1.10 and Kaylen brought 4 small bracelets for $1.00. I found a really amazing coffee-related piece of wall art but for $50 I left it for someone else. :)
After our trip to Nahalem, we headed back to the hotel and got ready to go our to the beach to meet up with Brenda. You should have seen Kelton's face light up when he spotted Carson! They were only a few houses past our hotel and I swear Kelton ran every sandy inch of it. The initial greeting was a bit standoffish - I think neither one knew what to expect - but within seconds they were hugging and squealing. I can't even tell you how happy it made my heart to see them together again. These guys had spent many, many days together before Carson's family moved last September (at least once a week Brenda and I headed out to the mall with the kids to hang out) and they've been talking with each other on the phone a couple times a week lately. They are amazing friends and that was still quite clear in the limited amount of time they had together last week.
And I LOVED seeing Brenda again! It's weird though - since we talk every single day on the phone, there wasn't a huge amount of catching up to do - we just switched immediately back into step and talked about what had happened since our last phone call a couple days before.....which was really nice! I love having a friend like Brenda. Love, love, love it.
Brenda and I met for coffee and shop-browsing the next morning which was so much fun! It's amazing how much we can find to chat about - even after all these years. Dakota had taken our two little ones down to the beach while I was with Brenda and they had such a great time! They dug holes which filled with water, Dakota wrote their names in the sand and they each sat inside their name for a photo, they built sandcastles and went on a treasure hunt. By the time I got home (2 hours after I left) they were back in the room, cleaned up and completely exhausted. Poor pups! :)
We let them rest for a little bit and then headed out for lunch and ice cream.
Once they were all jazzed up on sugar (!!) we headed back to the hotel to change and head back to the beach to play with Carson and Katie. Oh my goodness what a grand ol' time they all had!
The kids were completely exhausted from their day so we didn't stay too long. Kelton was anxious to get back to the room but he also really wanted to show Carson where he was staying. So we packed up all our stuff and Brenda and Carson came over to the hotel for a bit. It was fun to watch the kids running wild in the room while Brenda and I sat on the couch and talked. This was the last time we'd be together since we were heading home in the morning. Finally it was time to say goodbye - the boys hugged and hugged and hugged. It was so sweet and sad. I know they miss each other as much as I miss Brenda. Thank goodness for free long distance! :)
The next morning we woke up to the rain pouring down so after morning coffee, a light breakfast and some time sitting in front of the gas fireplace; Dakota took the kids down to the beach for a final play session and I stayed behind to pack. As I packed, I would go out on the deck and watch them playing. I just love watching them all together. I could hear the laughter all the way on the deck. Since it was raining the beach was all but empty. I have to say, the rain made it much easier to pack up the car and drive home.
We had such a great time at the beach (though really, I think it would be impossible not to have a great time when you are on the coast!) and, as usual, we are already looking forward to our next trip.
Friday, July 20, 2007
My Son
My son has a conscience. You have no idea how relieved his other mom and I are to see it coming into play. Normally, non-truths tend to spill fromm him pretty easily but I am quick to catch him, get the truth and explain why we don't lie but last week something happened....he actually got away with a lie.
I was folding laundry in my room and, next door in Kelton's room, the kids were playing. Kaylen had been "helping" me put away laundry and Kelton was mostly just hanging out. Suddenly I heard a horrific noise - like wood shattering with a few metal sounds thrown in for good measure. I flew into the room and found Kaylen sitting in the top drawer on her side of the dresser and Kelton standing across the room. Kelton's middle drawer was clearly broken in some manner.
I demanded to know what had happened to the drawer and Kelton told me that Kaylen had climbed in it and it broke. Ok - I could buy that. She was, after all, still sitting in the top drawer on her side. It wasn't hard to buy that she had used the drawers as a ladder and one broke. She has a bad habit to scaling up the dresser to sit on the top of it. (It's a 6 drawer dresser, three drawers on each side. They share it.)
I sent both kids out of the room while I worked on figuring out what had happened and how/if it could be fixed. It turned out that the drawer runners had been pried from their tracks in the back. I wasn't sure how a 27lb kid could have put that much force on the drawer but figured that she must have jumped in it or something. It wasn't pretty and I had no clue how I could get it fixed as nothing I tried was working. An hour later, Dakota arrived home from work to find me with various tools stacked around me, cussing at the dresser.
In the end, we finally were successful in repairing the drawer and life moved on.
That was last Friday.
Last night while Dakota was getting the kids ready for bed, Kelton got quiet and said there was something he needed to tell her but that he was scared she would be angry. After reassuring him that she might be a little angry at first she would do her best to fix whatever it was. He confessed about the drawer. He had been the one who broke it because he wanted to sit in a drawer like Kaylen (which for the record is a big no-no for everyone). Dakota talked with him about the situation and then they decided that Kelton would tell me. So he did.
I'm so proud of him for coming out with the truth! We talked about how lies can make you icky inside and sad (not the first time he heard all this but now he had a point of reference on which to draw). Suddenly, he looked like a different kid - like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. I was so, so proud of him and told him so. We talked about how much better it is to tell the truth than to walk around knowing you lied.
He has a conscience!! Now if only the lesson would stick the first time around. :)
PS..I haven't forgotten to share the rest of the beach trip. I will probably write more tonight or tomorrow. Stay tuned! :)
My son has a conscience. You have no idea how relieved his other mom and I are to see it coming into play. Normally, non-truths tend to spill fromm him pretty easily but I am quick to catch him, get the truth and explain why we don't lie but last week something happened....he actually got away with a lie.
I was folding laundry in my room and, next door in Kelton's room, the kids were playing. Kaylen had been "helping" me put away laundry and Kelton was mostly just hanging out. Suddenly I heard a horrific noise - like wood shattering with a few metal sounds thrown in for good measure. I flew into the room and found Kaylen sitting in the top drawer on her side of the dresser and Kelton standing across the room. Kelton's middle drawer was clearly broken in some manner.
I demanded to know what had happened to the drawer and Kelton told me that Kaylen had climbed in it and it broke. Ok - I could buy that. She was, after all, still sitting in the top drawer on her side. It wasn't hard to buy that she had used the drawers as a ladder and one broke. She has a bad habit to scaling up the dresser to sit on the top of it. (It's a 6 drawer dresser, three drawers on each side. They share it.)
I sent both kids out of the room while I worked on figuring out what had happened and how/if it could be fixed. It turned out that the drawer runners had been pried from their tracks in the back. I wasn't sure how a 27lb kid could have put that much force on the drawer but figured that she must have jumped in it or something. It wasn't pretty and I had no clue how I could get it fixed as nothing I tried was working. An hour later, Dakota arrived home from work to find me with various tools stacked around me, cussing at the dresser.
In the end, we finally were successful in repairing the drawer and life moved on.
That was last Friday.
Last night while Dakota was getting the kids ready for bed, Kelton got quiet and said there was something he needed to tell her but that he was scared she would be angry. After reassuring him that she might be a little angry at first she would do her best to fix whatever it was. He confessed about the drawer. He had been the one who broke it because he wanted to sit in a drawer like Kaylen (which for the record is a big no-no for everyone). Dakota talked with him about the situation and then they decided that Kelton would tell me. So he did.
I'm so proud of him for coming out with the truth! We talked about how lies can make you icky inside and sad (not the first time he heard all this but now he had a point of reference on which to draw). Suddenly, he looked like a different kid - like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. I was so, so proud of him and told him so. We talked about how much better it is to tell the truth than to walk around knowing you lied.
He has a conscience!! Now if only the lesson would stick the first time around. :)
PS..I haven't forgotten to share the rest of the beach trip. I will probably write more tonight or tomorrow. Stay tuned! :)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
We're Home!
We have returned from our few days at the beach and we had a great time!! The weather was outstanding (except yesterday when it was raining like crazy which was totally ok with me since we were heading home anyway) and we spent hours playing in the waves and digging in the sand. We explored the town - which didn't take too long since it's sort of a hole in the wall place - and drove into nearby towns to explore them. We've never stayed in the Rockaway Beach area before (only going through it on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory two years ago (see post here)) and except for being exceptionally close to the water; I wasn't all that impressed it with. It's great if your goal is beach, beach and more beach but we're a family who likes to explore and shop and go out for meals in addition to enjoying time in the water and on the sand. Not so much the place for that. Still - the beach was great and I am glad we went. :)
We arrived around 11AM on Sunday and our first stop was a place called Flamingo Jim's. I had been told it was a great place with a bit of everything - and it did not disappoint. We ended up spending $40 pretty easily. The kids each picked a couple small items, Dakota and I bought really cool coffee mugs and then we all helped pick some salt water taffy. After that we went in search of a place for lunch. Umm...yeah - that was an adventure. We finally ended up at finding a place that was open and serving lunch and settled into a booth. The food was nothing special but it was food and did the trick. The place did have a great view though. :)
Once we finished lunch we drove to the hotel to check in and settle into the room. The place was nice enough - definitely a beach hotel which is great because it's on the beach and not great because most of the places that we've stayed seem to skip the regularly updating and upkeep that should happen. I guess because they don't have to worry about people *not* coming (again - they are right on the water) this tend to get overlooked. Still though - it was decent enough and the view made me immediately forget about the shoddy carpets. :)
It didn't take long for us to change into beach gear and head out into the gorgeous afternoon. Kelton and I ran in and out of the waves for probably close to an hour. At first I wasn't crazy about getting soaked to the skin but soon enough I was just that - and having a great time. Dakota and Kaylen stayed up on the sand building castles and digging holes. They finally joined us for a few minutes but just a couple of wave-dives into it, Kaylen was done and wanted to go back to the room. I took her up and left Dakota and Kelton playing for a while longer.
It was a really great first day!
More to come.....
We have returned from our few days at the beach and we had a great time!! The weather was outstanding (except yesterday when it was raining like crazy which was totally ok with me since we were heading home anyway) and we spent hours playing in the waves and digging in the sand. We explored the town - which didn't take too long since it's sort of a hole in the wall place - and drove into nearby towns to explore them. We've never stayed in the Rockaway Beach area before (only going through it on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory two years ago (see post here)) and except for being exceptionally close to the water; I wasn't all that impressed it with. It's great if your goal is beach, beach and more beach but we're a family who likes to explore and shop and go out for meals in addition to enjoying time in the water and on the sand. Not so much the place for that. Still - the beach was great and I am glad we went. :)
We arrived around 11AM on Sunday and our first stop was a place called Flamingo Jim's. I had been told it was a great place with a bit of everything - and it did not disappoint. We ended up spending $40 pretty easily. The kids each picked a couple small items, Dakota and I bought really cool coffee mugs and then we all helped pick some salt water taffy. After that we went in search of a place for lunch. Umm...yeah - that was an adventure. We finally ended up at finding a place that was open and serving lunch and settled into a booth. The food was nothing special but it was food and did the trick. The place did have a great view though. :)
Once we finished lunch we drove to the hotel to check in and settle into the room. The place was nice enough - definitely a beach hotel which is great because it's on the beach and not great because most of the places that we've stayed seem to skip the regularly updating and upkeep that should happen. I guess because they don't have to worry about people *not* coming (again - they are right on the water) this tend to get overlooked. Still though - it was decent enough and the view made me immediately forget about the shoddy carpets. :)
It didn't take long for us to change into beach gear and head out into the gorgeous afternoon. Kelton and I ran in and out of the waves for probably close to an hour. At first I wasn't crazy about getting soaked to the skin but soon enough I was just that - and having a great time. Dakota and Kaylen stayed up on the sand building castles and digging holes. They finally joined us for a few minutes but just a couple of wave-dives into it, Kaylen was done and wanted to go back to the room. I took her up and left Dakota and Kelton playing for a while longer.
It was a really great first day!
More to come.....
Beach Photos
I've run into a small glitch with my beach photos. There are so many incredible ones that I am wanting to showcase them somehow. But how? I was kicking around some ideas in my head while I went about doing laundry and dishes this afternoon and I came up with a couple different options. The first one would be finding a multi-frame photo collage but I am not a huge fan of that option. Personally, I find the layouts of collages hard to work with. You have to be sure that you find photos that go the right direction for each slot and, on the whole, it's too small to really be a powerful focal point.
Then I thought about the free standing tri-fold photo collages. I've seen them in other homes and they really look great but the problem I have with them is, for my house, we don't have that kind of floor space (the kids are fortunate to have tons of fun toys). The photo frames in the unit seem to universally hold 5x7 or 8x10 photos, which is great because they are big enough to really make a statement, but all the photos seem to need to be in the up and down direction and my photos, for the most part, are longways. So that option is out.
Suddenly it came to me! Why not a digital picture frame? I could splurge and buy one for the fireplace mantle! Talk about a focal point for a room! The photos would rotate through at regular intervals and I could enjoy each and every one. Definitely something to think about!!
I've run into a small glitch with my beach photos. There are so many incredible ones that I am wanting to showcase them somehow. But how? I was kicking around some ideas in my head while I went about doing laundry and dishes this afternoon and I came up with a couple different options. The first one would be finding a multi-frame photo collage but I am not a huge fan of that option. Personally, I find the layouts of collages hard to work with. You have to be sure that you find photos that go the right direction for each slot and, on the whole, it's too small to really be a powerful focal point.
Then I thought about the free standing tri-fold photo collages. I've seen them in other homes and they really look great but the problem I have with them is, for my house, we don't have that kind of floor space (the kids are fortunate to have tons of fun toys). The photo frames in the unit seem to universally hold 5x7 or 8x10 photos, which is great because they are big enough to really make a statement, but all the photos seem to need to be in the up and down direction and my photos, for the most part, are longways. So that option is out.
Suddenly it came to me! Why not a digital picture frame? I could splurge and buy one for the fireplace mantle! Talk about a focal point for a room! The photos would rotate through at regular intervals and I could enjoy each and every one. Definitely something to think about!!
I'm Just Saying....
I love, love, love my lcd monitor! I was just sitting here looking at my computer desk area and suddenly I remembered my old monitor - the one right before this one. It was huge! I never had working space around that old monitor but with my lcd flat screen monitor I have lots of room. Of course, that also means I have room for things to pile up like notes and the kids game cd's. Minor clutter aside though - I really love this monitor. :)
I love, love, love my lcd monitor! I was just sitting here looking at my computer desk area and suddenly I remembered my old monitor - the one right before this one. It was huge! I never had working space around that old monitor but with my lcd flat screen monitor I have lots of room. Of course, that also means I have room for things to pile up like notes and the kids game cd's. Minor clutter aside though - I really love this monitor. :)
Saturday, July 14, 2007
We're Sooooooo Gone!
Well...almost. :) This time tomorrow we will be on the beach! Bring it on!!! We've spent all day running around getting things done so we will be ready to go bright and early I can not wait!!!
Can't you just hear the waves crashing????
Unless we find internet connection somewhere, this will be the last you hear of me until the end of the week. WoooooHooooooo!!!!!!!!! Here we go!!!
Well...almost. :) This time tomorrow we will be on the beach! Bring it on!!! We've spent all day running around getting things done so we will be ready to go bright and early I can not wait!!!
Can't you just hear the waves crashing????
Unless we find internet connection somewhere, this will be the last you hear of me until the end of the week. WoooooHooooooo!!!!!!!!! Here we go!!!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Look What I Have!! Since we are going to the beach this weekend I jumped the gun and bought my new camera. We have half the money for it from the pay to blog stuff that Dakota and I've been doing so, providing everything goes as planned, we'll have the other half in about two weeks and can pay off the credit card we put it on. Yay!!!!!!!
I am loving this camera!!!! Check out these photos:
Clearly I should have used the flash on this last one but still! Aren't they great??
I still love my tiny camera, don't get me wrong. I love the way it is so easy to carry with me and that it takes amazing photos, too. My new one, once I learn the ropes of it, will allow me to capture more "portrait" quality which I am all about. :) But still - my little camera is still near and dear to my heart. I mean seriously - just look at these I captured on Monday at a spur of the moment romp in the sand. Chances are good that I will *always* have my small camera with me where my new one is a bit tougher to toss into my purse. :)
Student Loans
Dakota's loan papers for school are due in any day now. I have to admit, they always give me butterflies in my tummy when I see that envelope in the mailbox. I know what it means.....another semester is looming ahead and with it, more money on the every growing loan balance.
It won't be long before the calls begin again about student loan consolidation. I'm not a huge fan of trying to do finacial type things over the phone so I know we will be working with an on-line company. For me, on-line stuff is so much easier and gives me time to read, digest, make sure I have all my questions answered and then complete an on-line application. If I'm not mistaken though, you have to wait until you are finished with school to consolidate but since we are a mere (!) two years from that point, I guess it's time to start doing some research. Clearly there are huge benefits to consolidating - smaller monthly payments, locked in interest rate, working with one financial institution instead of several, etc.. Everyone knows that consolidation loans save you money so it's a good bet that we'll be doing it when the time comes since we will be owing an amount equivalent to the national debt. Though I am grateful for Dakota receiving student loans because without them, she would certainly not be attending law school. Let's face it, without student loans, many of us would never have an undergrad or a graduate degree. Student loans are great to have available, no doubt about it.
Has anyone else consolidated their student loans? Care to share your experience?
Dakota's loan papers for school are due in any day now. I have to admit, they always give me butterflies in my tummy when I see that envelope in the mailbox. I know what it means.....another semester is looming ahead and with it, more money on the every growing loan balance.
It won't be long before the calls begin again about student loan consolidation. I'm not a huge fan of trying to do finacial type things over the phone so I know we will be working with an on-line company. For me, on-line stuff is so much easier and gives me time to read, digest, make sure I have all my questions answered and then complete an on-line application. If I'm not mistaken though, you have to wait until you are finished with school to consolidate but since we are a mere (!) two years from that point, I guess it's time to start doing some research. Clearly there are huge benefits to consolidating - smaller monthly payments, locked in interest rate, working with one financial institution instead of several, etc.. Everyone knows that consolidation loans save you money so it's a good bet that we'll be doing it when the time comes since we will be owing an amount equivalent to the national debt. Though I am grateful for Dakota receiving student loans because without them, she would certainly not be attending law school. Let's face it, without student loans, many of us would never have an undergrad or a graduate degree. Student loans are great to have available, no doubt about it.
Has anyone else consolidated their student loans? Care to share your experience?
Happy Second Blogiversary to Me!!!Two years. It all began two years ago today with a simple heading that read: In the beginning.... and since then I have shared ups and downs and everything in between. You've been here as I struggled and as I triumphed. As I made mistakes and as I grew. It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?
Thank YOU for being a part of all this. Without you all, I would just be a sad, pathetic, lost soul writing to no one - just writing and sending things out into space. I guess none of us could really have blogs if it weren't for our blog buddies who come by, read our stuff and leave comments to show us they are here and they are listening. Blogs have taken on a life of their own, don't you think? Friends from my real life no longer have to wait for me to *finally* get an email update written. They know that they can pop by here any time and see what, and how, we are doing. I've been known to write to someone to check in with them and get a response back that said "I read your blog every day! I just love keeping up on all of you so easily." In a way it's weird - I know I have about 100 people who stop by every day but most of you slip in and out unnoticed. I often wonder who came by and what they were thinking about whatever it was I wrote. I love getting comments (don't we all) but I also find comfort in the numbers knowing that so many people care about my family and what is going on in our day to day life. I love knowing the people are watching my babies grow up and become amazing (albiet sometimes incredibly frustrating) kids.
I love this blog of mine and I am so glad that you love it too. Thank you!
So bring on the cake, crack open the bottle of champagne, send up the balloons and let's get this party started. :)
And when the party is over - hold on tight; year three of Dancing on the Edge is just beginning! :)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
We're Going!
WAHOO!!! We found a place to run away to. Someone in my MOMS Club sent me a link to a place they have stayed in a town we've never before been and when we called they had openings and were reasonably enough that we can manage to go for a couple nights. And the really amazingly cool part is my bestest friend Brenda (she moved to California last September which darn near killed me) is going to be in the same beach town next week so we will be able to see each other!!!!!!
How is that for a strange, happy accident? We never even considered going to this specific town but it kept coming up when people were suggesting places we might try. Then when the rate was something we could swing it just seemed like it was meant to be!
Brenda long ago planned this beach vacation with a woman from our old playgroup so their families will be staying in a beach house just blocks from the hotel were we will be. It's just so cool how it all worked out - I'm still stunned but Brenda and I were giggling like school girls today on the phone just thinking of getting to see each other again. Her kids will be there so Kelton will be able to reconnect with his buddy Carson (they've known each other since Kelton was 9 months old). Both boys are bouncing off the walls, too.
Fun fun fun!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!
WAHOO!!! We found a place to run away to. Someone in my MOMS Club sent me a link to a place they have stayed in a town we've never before been and when we called they had openings and were reasonably enough that we can manage to go for a couple nights. And the really amazingly cool part is my bestest friend Brenda (she moved to California last September which darn near killed me) is going to be in the same beach town next week so we will be able to see each other!!!!!!
How is that for a strange, happy accident? We never even considered going to this specific town but it kept coming up when people were suggesting places we might try. Then when the rate was something we could swing it just seemed like it was meant to be!
Brenda long ago planned this beach vacation with a woman from our old playgroup so their families will be staying in a beach house just blocks from the hotel were we will be. It's just so cool how it all worked out - I'm still stunned but Brenda and I were giggling like school girls today on the phone just thinking of getting to see each other again. Her kids will be there so Kelton will be able to reconnect with his buddy Carson (they've known each other since Kelton was 9 months old). Both boys are bouncing off the walls, too.
Fun fun fun!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Getting Out of Dodge
That's the thought and desire of the day. Both Dakota and I just want to escape from life for a while. Easier said than done considering it's summertime and hotter than hell here. Everyone is flocking to the coast so the only rooms we can find costs an arm and a leg and well....I know I don't need to, again, mention the lack of savings due to all the chaos in the past few months.
It's not like we need to stay somewhere like swanky Las Vegas Luxury Condos. Just a decent room with some beds. A coffee maker would be nice, too.
Dakota is searching from her work desk and I have spent time searching from here. We may have found something but now there are the details of someone to take care of the animals and figuring out how we can afford to swing it. *sigh*
It shouldn't be this hard. In fact, it seems like a fair trade for the universe to give us at this time. Yeah, I know. Who ever said life was fair. I get that but I also know that the human spirit can only take so much.
Time to breathe, to reconnect, to just be (well - as well as you can do all that with two small children in tow) is all we are asking. Doesn't seem like all that much to me.
And while I'm on the "not fair" bandwagon...I have heard from countless people how when there is a death in the family the casseroles arrive by the truckload. I'm just hear to say that we have had two deaths in as many months and I have yet to see food land on my doorstep (except for those amazing flower cookies that S sent to me!). I'm just saying.....a night when we didn't have to worry about menu planning, cooking and cleaning up would be really nice. It just seems like we both have this huge weight on us and dinners have become this albatross around our necks. So....since it isn't fair that we aren't getting food to comfort us it just seems right that we should have a weekend get-away to feed our souls.
I'm just saying.
That's the thought and desire of the day. Both Dakota and I just want to escape from life for a while. Easier said than done considering it's summertime and hotter than hell here. Everyone is flocking to the coast so the only rooms we can find costs an arm and a leg and well....I know I don't need to, again, mention the lack of savings due to all the chaos in the past few months.
It's not like we need to stay somewhere like swanky Las Vegas Luxury Condos. Just a decent room with some beds. A coffee maker would be nice, too.
Dakota is searching from her work desk and I have spent time searching from here. We may have found something but now there are the details of someone to take care of the animals and figuring out how we can afford to swing it. *sigh*
It shouldn't be this hard. In fact, it seems like a fair trade for the universe to give us at this time. Yeah, I know. Who ever said life was fair. I get that but I also know that the human spirit can only take so much.
Time to breathe, to reconnect, to just be (well - as well as you can do all that with two small children in tow) is all we are asking. Doesn't seem like all that much to me.
And while I'm on the "not fair" bandwagon...I have heard from countless people how when there is a death in the family the casseroles arrive by the truckload. I'm just hear to say that we have had two deaths in as many months and I have yet to see food land on my doorstep (except for those amazing flower cookies that S sent to me!). I'm just saying.....a night when we didn't have to worry about menu planning, cooking and cleaning up would be really nice. It just seems like we both have this huge weight on us and dinners have become this albatross around our necks. So....since it isn't fair that we aren't getting food to comfort us it just seems right that we should have a weekend get-away to feed our souls.
I'm just saying.
Rockin' Blogger
Patti_Cakes gave my this very rockin' award and I am completely touched by it. Thank you!!!
The rules of the award state that I must give it to four other rockin' bloggers so here goes:
One of my new finds; Frazzled Mom over at On The Go Mom because I am loving her posts. They aren't all "squishy" and have an incredible "real" and "I can totally relate" feeling to them. They are short and to the point. Gotta love that!
FroggyMama because I think she is definitely a rockin' blogger who shares her life openly and it doesn't hurt that she has an adorable daughter. :)
Shawna because I love seeing all her hard work and mommy-isms and because I'm amazed at what she can accomplish while taking care of three boys.
And while it may go against the rules (though I haven't seen any "official" rules) I am also giving the award to Dakota because she is the most rockin' chick I know. :)
Patti_Cakes gave my this very rockin' award and I am completely touched by it. Thank you!!!
The rules of the award state that I must give it to four other rockin' bloggers so here goes:
One of my new finds; Frazzled Mom over at On The Go Mom because I am loving her posts. They aren't all "squishy" and have an incredible "real" and "I can totally relate" feeling to them. They are short and to the point. Gotta love that!
FroggyMama because I think she is definitely a rockin' blogger who shares her life openly and it doesn't hurt that she has an adorable daughter. :)
Shawna because I love seeing all her hard work and mommy-isms and because I'm amazed at what she can accomplish while taking care of three boys.
And while it may go against the rules (though I haven't seen any "official" rules) I am also giving the award to Dakota because she is the most rockin' chick I know. :)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Damn It's Hot!
I'm just saying.......
And they say tomorrow will be even hotter. Have I mentioned how incredibly thankful I am that we had air conditioning put in last summer????? Believe me, I do not take it for granted. :)
PS..Keep reading. There are a few new posts below this one. One is all about the book Dakota made of my blog. You *can't* miss that one! :)
I'm just saying.......
And they say tomorrow will be even hotter. Have I mentioned how incredibly thankful I am that we had air conditioning put in last summer????? Believe me, I do not take it for granted. :)
PS..Keep reading. There are a few new posts below this one. One is all about the book Dakota made of my blog. You *can't* miss that one! :)
I'm a Book!!
Check this out:
The front (I blocked out my last name for posting purposes):
The back:
It measures 7.5" square and an inch thick. Dakota told me that she was hoping to get both years (this Friday marks my 2nd anniversary blogging - WOW!) in one book but, as she so delicately put it, I talk too much. :)
It's so completely amazing to see my words in a book. My words. I can't even begin to describe how it feels. I can order a few more copies of it for the kids to have when they are grown so they can have a lot of the every day memories right at their finger tips. Besides my scrapbook pages, I can't think of anything that would mean more to me for them to have. Memories of their lives through my eyes....the good, the bad, the ugly. Just real life stuff.
I am so touched by this gift. It must have taken such a long time to complete as she had to copy everything (including photos) to Word in reverse order, save it in a pdf format, upload it to a self-publishing site. She has given me some pretty amazing gifts before but this...well...this one is a surprise that I never would have expected and it takes my breath away.
I'm having a great time reading through it - it brings back good memories and memories of times that weren't good at all but that I managed to survive. The first year of my blog covers Dakota's first year in law school. At best, that was an extremely challenging year for me and to read back and see that I made it through - that WE made it through...well....there are just no words.
I love, love, love this book and I love, love, love the woman who made it for me.
Check this out:
The front (I blocked out my last name for posting purposes):
The back:
It measures 7.5" square and an inch thick. Dakota told me that she was hoping to get both years (this Friday marks my 2nd anniversary blogging - WOW!) in one book but, as she so delicately put it, I talk too much. :)
It's so completely amazing to see my words in a book. My words. I can't even begin to describe how it feels. I can order a few more copies of it for the kids to have when they are grown so they can have a lot of the every day memories right at their finger tips. Besides my scrapbook pages, I can't think of anything that would mean more to me for them to have. Memories of their lives through my eyes....the good, the bad, the ugly. Just real life stuff.
I am so touched by this gift. It must have taken such a long time to complete as she had to copy everything (including photos) to Word in reverse order, save it in a pdf format, upload it to a self-publishing site. She has given me some pretty amazing gifts before but this...well...this one is a surprise that I never would have expected and it takes my breath away.
I'm having a great time reading through it - it brings back good memories and memories of times that weren't good at all but that I managed to survive. The first year of my blog covers Dakota's first year in law school. At best, that was an extremely challenging year for me and to read back and see that I made it through - that WE made it through...well....there are just no words.
I love, love, love this book and I love, love, love the woman who made it for me.
"Do MySELF!"
Have I mentioned that I have a wildly independent daughter? It seems that I am no longer allowed to do anything for her. Or for myself, for that matter. Everywhere I turn it's "DO MYSELF!" (yelled, with waaay too much emphasis on the "self" part. It sounds more like "do my SELF!!!"
This covers the routine toddler stuff like dressing herself, brushing her teeth, washing her hair, etc. but it also covers chores that I am attempting to accomplish in the least amount of time.
Take a few minutes ago for example: I just needed to feed the dogs. It would have taken me no less than 30 seconds do this chore but as soon as I opened the dog food cabinet I heard "Me feed Jor-ny and Jaxon." (She called Jordan "Jorny" and I find it just too darn cute. Lately, I call Jordan that as well. :) ) She came running at break-neck speed from the living room. I sighed and handed her the scoop.
Feeding the dogs for me is easy. I know that Jaxon gets the Premium dog food from her bin and that Jordan gets the very expensive prescription dog food from his bin. Kaylen, too, knows which bin is for which dog but she has trouble filling the measuring scoop all the way three times in a row for each bowl so a job that would take me 30 seconds from start to finish takes much longer. But...even in my desire to rush through chores as quickly as I can to get to something a bit more fun and exciting I have to admit that it's fun to watch her fill the bowls and oh-so-carefully and carry Jordan's to his rug. The look of self satisfaction on her face makes all those extra minutes worth it.
Have I mentioned that I have a wildly independent daughter? It seems that I am no longer allowed to do anything for her. Or for myself, for that matter. Everywhere I turn it's "DO MYSELF!" (yelled, with waaay too much emphasis on the "self" part. It sounds more like "do my SELF!!!"
This covers the routine toddler stuff like dressing herself, brushing her teeth, washing her hair, etc. but it also covers chores that I am attempting to accomplish in the least amount of time.
Take a few minutes ago for example: I just needed to feed the dogs. It would have taken me no less than 30 seconds do this chore but as soon as I opened the dog food cabinet I heard "Me feed Jor-ny and Jaxon." (She called Jordan "Jorny" and I find it just too darn cute. Lately, I call Jordan that as well. :) ) She came running at break-neck speed from the living room. I sighed and handed her the scoop.
Feeding the dogs for me is easy. I know that Jaxon gets the Premium dog food from her bin and that Jordan gets the very expensive prescription dog food from his bin. Kaylen, too, knows which bin is for which dog but she has trouble filling the measuring scoop all the way three times in a row for each bowl so a job that would take me 30 seconds from start to finish takes much longer. But...even in my desire to rush through chores as quickly as I can to get to something a bit more fun and exciting I have to admit that it's fun to watch her fill the bowls and oh-so-carefully and carry Jordan's to his rug. The look of self satisfaction on her face makes all those extra minutes worth it.
Monday, July 09, 2007
It's Been a Long Day
I'll post more about the ins and outs of the day tomorrow. It's supposed to be incredibly hot here (99 degrees) so I'm sure I will be sitting inside the house more than I am most days. Normally the kids and I hang out in the backyard during the afternoon but I guess tomorrow will be a fort building, couch jumping kind of afternoon. It's kind of weird....we're stuck inside because it's cold during the winter months and we're stuck inside because it's too hot to enjoy being outside in the summer.
I guess it will give me some time to internet browse - which for me is like window shopping. So much to look at and see but looking is all I can do. Well, that and dream. So I guess I'll spend some time looking at Century furniture and dreaming of winning the lottery so I can finally buy a new entertainment cabinet for the living room. Ours is definitely showing the strain of having young children around though I guess it's pretty darn pointless to buy anything new until they are older.
OH! And I will have to take a photo of the surprise gift that Dakota made for me. It's AMAZING and I love it so much! Curious? Ok - I'll tell you a little about it. She took year one of my blog and had it printed up as a bound book. It's so totally amazing. My words - right there. She said this is the draft copy so I can go through and edit out posts if I'd like (probably a good idea...I have no idea what I wrote a year ago and I'm too lazy to read back through the archives online). I swear it's just about the sweetest gift she has ever given me. I'll take a photo of it and show you. So damn cool.
I'll post more about the ins and outs of the day tomorrow. It's supposed to be incredibly hot here (99 degrees) so I'm sure I will be sitting inside the house more than I am most days. Normally the kids and I hang out in the backyard during the afternoon but I guess tomorrow will be a fort building, couch jumping kind of afternoon. It's kind of weird....we're stuck inside because it's cold during the winter months and we're stuck inside because it's too hot to enjoy being outside in the summer.
I guess it will give me some time to internet browse - which for me is like window shopping. So much to look at and see but looking is all I can do. Well, that and dream. So I guess I'll spend some time looking at Century furniture and dreaming of winning the lottery so I can finally buy a new entertainment cabinet for the living room. Ours is definitely showing the strain of having young children around though I guess it's pretty darn pointless to buy anything new until they are older.
OH! And I will have to take a photo of the surprise gift that Dakota made for me. It's AMAZING and I love it so much! Curious? Ok - I'll tell you a little about it. She took year one of my blog and had it printed up as a bound book. It's so totally amazing. My words - right there. She said this is the draft copy so I can go through and edit out posts if I'd like (probably a good idea...I have no idea what I wrote a year ago and I'm too lazy to read back through the archives online). I swear it's just about the sweetest gift she has ever given me. I'll take a photo of it and show you. So damn cool.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
My Daughter
My daughter is a force to be reckoned with. There is no doubt whatsoever that she is her own person and her personal style shall not compromised for anyone or anything. Now admittedly, I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to the clothes my kids wear and how their rooms are decorated. More and more though, the five year old is starting to buck under this which is to be expected. I've had 5 great years of dressing him the way I wanted and having his room exactly as I pleased.
I did *not* expect the 2 year old to start fighting me on things at the tender age of 14 months. And now? Forget it. She will wear what she wants and she will rearrange her room as she sees fit whenever the mood strikes her. This is evidenced by the pink shorts and green shirt she was wearing yesterday and by the red Winnie the Pooh shirt she was wearing the day before with pastel flowered capri's. Oh yes, she is a sight some days. I joke that I need to have t-shirts printed up that say "I dress myself" but I'm not exactly kidding when I say it. :)
Lately I've been looking at kids bedding for her room. Currently she has a plain white duvet cover on her queen sized bed. The duvet is starting to acquire stains I can't get out thanks to both the children and the big dog who likes to sleep on her bed. It's a no brainer that pink should be the color of choice but that's where my daughter and I stop agreeing. I like subtle and she likes bright. Very, very bright. These are the two that we looked at today. Guess which one is my choice and which is hers.
I'm in no rush to decide since I've only recently started looking around but I am humored that every time I sit down at the computer she will walk by and say "Shopping for me? Let ME see!" and then she proceeds to pick out the things she likes. Sure, I try to sway her but this girl.......she is as sure of her own style as the day is long.
Life with her is going to be very interesting as we go along.
My daughter is a force to be reckoned with. There is no doubt whatsoever that she is her own person and her personal style shall not compromised for anyone or anything. Now admittedly, I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to the clothes my kids wear and how their rooms are decorated. More and more though, the five year old is starting to buck under this which is to be expected. I've had 5 great years of dressing him the way I wanted and having his room exactly as I pleased.
I did *not* expect the 2 year old to start fighting me on things at the tender age of 14 months. And now? Forget it. She will wear what she wants and she will rearrange her room as she sees fit whenever the mood strikes her. This is evidenced by the pink shorts and green shirt she was wearing yesterday and by the red Winnie the Pooh shirt she was wearing the day before with pastel flowered capri's. Oh yes, she is a sight some days. I joke that I need to have t-shirts printed up that say "I dress myself" but I'm not exactly kidding when I say it. :)
Lately I've been looking at kids bedding for her room. Currently she has a plain white duvet cover on her queen sized bed. The duvet is starting to acquire stains I can't get out thanks to both the children and the big dog who likes to sleep on her bed. It's a no brainer that pink should be the color of choice but that's where my daughter and I stop agreeing. I like subtle and she likes bright. Very, very bright. These are the two that we looked at today. Guess which one is my choice and which is hers.
I'm in no rush to decide since I've only recently started looking around but I am humored that every time I sit down at the computer she will walk by and say "Shopping for me? Let ME see!" and then she proceeds to pick out the things she likes. Sure, I try to sway her but this girl.......she is as sure of her own style as the day is long.
Life with her is going to be very interesting as we go along.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
The Haircut
Well - it's more like a trim really. I mentioned tonight during dinner that Kaylen really needed her hair trimmed. She said "No like hair in my eyes." which is what happened the last time I trimmed her locks. I promised I'd be careful and then came up with the idea of using her swimming goggles to keep the hair out of her eyes. She loved that idea so much that she ran into the house in search of her pink goggles. And then she sat so still for me so I could snip away. I have to remember this trick because it made this job so much easier and a lot more fun.
Dakota thought she looked adorable and ran inside to get the camera. I have to say - she makes me laugh. :)
Well - it's more like a trim really. I mentioned tonight during dinner that Kaylen really needed her hair trimmed. She said "No like hair in my eyes." which is what happened the last time I trimmed her locks. I promised I'd be careful and then came up with the idea of using her swimming goggles to keep the hair out of her eyes. She loved that idea so much that she ran into the house in search of her pink goggles. And then she sat so still for me so I could snip away. I have to remember this trick because it made this job so much easier and a lot more fun.
Dakota thought she looked adorable and ran inside to get the camera. I have to say - she makes me laugh. :)
Photos from the 4th of July
We tried to get a family photo usign the timer on the camera. As you can tell, it's all but impossible to get our goof-monkeys to stop goofing around. *sigh* But hey - at least they were having fun. :) If you want to stop the photos so you can get a better look, all you have to do is click your mouse on top of the photo.
Here are a few photos from the BBQ. The photos make it seem so serene - rest assured, it was anything but. :)
We tried to get a family photo usign the timer on the camera. As you can tell, it's all but impossible to get our goof-monkeys to stop goofing around. *sigh* But hey - at least they were having fun. :) If you want to stop the photos so you can get a better look, all you have to do is click your mouse on top of the photo.
Here are a few photos from the BBQ. The photos make it seem so serene - rest assured, it was anything but. :)
Update on Dakota's Dad
Dakota's dad seems to have leveled back out and is still hanging in there. Today was a much more peaceful day for him - unlike yesterday.
Thanks to everyone who popped over to Dakota's blog and gave her your support. She hasn't been online since she left work yesterday morning but I know they will mean a great deal to her when she reads them Monday.
I'll keep you posted as things progress.
Dakota's dad seems to have leveled back out and is still hanging in there. Today was a much more peaceful day for him - unlike yesterday.
Thanks to everyone who popped over to Dakota's blog and gave her your support. She hasn't been online since she left work yesterday morning but I know they will mean a great deal to her when she reads them Monday.
I'll keep you posted as things progress.
Friday, July 06, 2007
A New Camera for Casey?
I have my eye on a new digital SLR camera. I seriously want it. And to that end, you may be seeing a few "informercially" type posts. Read them though - I'm only picking opportunities to share based on things I am interested in or can relate to. So if you find I am raving all about the newest printer on the market, humor me. Soon - that new camera will be in my hands and I will be a very happy girl. :)
I have my eye on a new digital SLR camera. I seriously want it. And to that end, you may be seeing a few "informercially" type posts. Read them though - I'm only picking opportunities to share based on things I am interested in or can relate to. So if you find I am raving all about the newest printer on the market, humor me. Soon - that new camera will be in my hands and I will be a very happy girl. :)
Dakota's Dad
Things are picking up speed with Dakota's dad. I know she must be spinning. If you have a second, will you please go over to her blog and lend a little support in the way of a comment. Thanks!
She will be leaving work to go to the hospice center to be with her sisters. Because of the kids I can't be there to support her or anything - which sucks because I know all too well how hard it was to face by myself without her because she had work and school. So anyway - a bit of support from all of you would be really appreciate.
Things are picking up speed with Dakota's dad. I know she must be spinning. If you have a second, will you please go over to her blog and lend a little support in the way of a comment. Thanks!
She will be leaving work to go to the hospice center to be with her sisters. Because of the kids I can't be there to support her or anything - which sucks because I know all too well how hard it was to face by myself without her because she had work and school. So anyway - a bit of support from all of you would be really appreciate.
Random Stuff for a Friday
Our 4th turned out well. Instead of having just Dakota's mom and step-dad over we ended up with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, his wife and their two little ones. Their daughter is 6 weeks younger than Kaylen and their son is 2 months old and our the kids were in heaven to have someone else to play with! (Their little cousin is about a head taller than Kaylen - reminds me how itty bitty my girl really is!) The nephew's family currently live in California and this was a spur of the moment trip up so they could check out a house they saw on-line and are interesting in renting when the move back to the area in about three weeks. So we had a full house but it was ok (if you know me in real life, you probably know I'm not all that comfortable in large gatherings and even though I love Dakota's family; it's still hard for me to have everyone here. All the prep work, the stress when people are here, staying on top of the kids to be sure they are behaving, etc. and the clean up after...well...I tend to get lost in the stress of things and have a hard time having any fun). I got to hold the new baby a lot which made me verrrrrry happy (and Dakota took on the lion's share of the post-food cleanup. Thank you honey!). I am really missing having a tiny baby around so it was nice to just sit and snuggle one for a while. :)
The kids stayed up to watch the firework displays which are plentiful in our neighborhood. Things started around 9:45 but by 10 Kaylen was begging to go inside because it was "too roud!" She and I watched them inside for about 10 more minutes and then she was asking to go to bed. Poor thing was tired and I couldn't blame her at all. She'd been up since 7 and had been going gang-busters all day). Kelton wasn't far behind in the "I'm getting too tired to do this any more" arena and he was out like a light by 10:30. Oh but to hear them talk about it yesterday you would have thought they watched hours and hours of it. Pretty cute, that's for sure.
In other news; Dakota's dad was moved into the hospice facility Tuesday afternoon. The reality is starting to hit Dakota and I'm sure she is just a mess of internal emotions. She went down to visit him on the 4th and then we all went yesterday. He is mostly just sleeping now and the caregiver broke the news while Dakota was in the room with her sister that their dad has developed pneumonia and it's just a matter of days. I remember that feeling well - the not wanting the person to die but not wanting them to linger as they are. It's a hard place to be.
The kids and I wandered around the place. It's huge and really, really nice. We were in the art room for a while but I have to say, reading all the art projects and letters on the walls practically made me lose it. My pain is way too fresh and I know I haven't really worked through everything yet - for me, it's easy to stay in denial. In my mind, I still see my mom laying in her bed in the room of the adult family home where I spent so many weeks with her. I don't know why but that's just the way it is for me. When reality cracks through my wall of denial, I tend to struggle.
When we were in the family room (a gigantic living room with attached kitchen - seriously beautiful!) the kids were playing with the checkers and chess set and a woman came in to make phone calls. She was crying and crying as her mom was dying and things were really picking up speed. It was impossible not to overhear so once she ended her call I told her how sorry I was about her mom - and then I proceeded to fall apart a bit. I told her I lost my mom not quite 2 months ago and that I know how hard these last weeks are and how much I understand the wanting to run back home where it's safe (she is from out of state) but that when all is said and done, she will be really glad that she was there until the end and that she won't regret a single second of it. We cried a bit and then she asked why we were there if my mom was already gone so I told her that we were there because my partner's dad was there. She was shocked and lamented on how it isn't fair that we are facing two such big losses back to back. She was a really nice woman and I have been thinking about her a lot because I know how difficult it is to be in her shoes. I hope she finds peace.
After that we ran an errand and while there, we picked up a couple party things; plates, cups, novelty things and a cake. The kids had been asking to play party (a very common thing in our house) so we held a little party and sang happy birthday to everyone. I even made some balloon animals. They loved it! It never ceases to amaze me how simple it is to make them head over heels delighted.
The rest of the day was just regular family time. Dakota got in the pool with them for a bit and we just hung out together. I have photos, of course, but I haven't uploaded them yet. I will later today but I have to end this, get my workout in, get all of us ready and the house straightened up so the cleaning people can come and work their magic. We have no place to be today so the kids and I will just hang out in the backyard while they are here. I hope it isn't going to be as hot as the past couple of days.
Our 4th turned out well. Instead of having just Dakota's mom and step-dad over we ended up with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, his wife and their two little ones. Their daughter is 6 weeks younger than Kaylen and their son is 2 months old and our the kids were in heaven to have someone else to play with! (Their little cousin is about a head taller than Kaylen - reminds me how itty bitty my girl really is!) The nephew's family currently live in California and this was a spur of the moment trip up so they could check out a house they saw on-line and are interesting in renting when the move back to the area in about three weeks. So we had a full house but it was ok (if you know me in real life, you probably know I'm not all that comfortable in large gatherings and even though I love Dakota's family; it's still hard for me to have everyone here. All the prep work, the stress when people are here, staying on top of the kids to be sure they are behaving, etc. and the clean up after...well...I tend to get lost in the stress of things and have a hard time having any fun). I got to hold the new baby a lot which made me verrrrrry happy (and Dakota took on the lion's share of the post-food cleanup. Thank you honey!). I am really missing having a tiny baby around so it was nice to just sit and snuggle one for a while. :)
The kids stayed up to watch the firework displays which are plentiful in our neighborhood. Things started around 9:45 but by 10 Kaylen was begging to go inside because it was "too roud!" She and I watched them inside for about 10 more minutes and then she was asking to go to bed. Poor thing was tired and I couldn't blame her at all. She'd been up since 7 and had been going gang-busters all day). Kelton wasn't far behind in the "I'm getting too tired to do this any more" arena and he was out like a light by 10:30. Oh but to hear them talk about it yesterday you would have thought they watched hours and hours of it. Pretty cute, that's for sure.
In other news; Dakota's dad was moved into the hospice facility Tuesday afternoon. The reality is starting to hit Dakota and I'm sure she is just a mess of internal emotions. She went down to visit him on the 4th and then we all went yesterday. He is mostly just sleeping now and the caregiver broke the news while Dakota was in the room with her sister that their dad has developed pneumonia and it's just a matter of days. I remember that feeling well - the not wanting the person to die but not wanting them to linger as they are. It's a hard place to be.
The kids and I wandered around the place. It's huge and really, really nice. We were in the art room for a while but I have to say, reading all the art projects and letters on the walls practically made me lose it. My pain is way too fresh and I know I haven't really worked through everything yet - for me, it's easy to stay in denial. In my mind, I still see my mom laying in her bed in the room of the adult family home where I spent so many weeks with her. I don't know why but that's just the way it is for me. When reality cracks through my wall of denial, I tend to struggle.
When we were in the family room (a gigantic living room with attached kitchen - seriously beautiful!) the kids were playing with the checkers and chess set and a woman came in to make phone calls. She was crying and crying as her mom was dying and things were really picking up speed. It was impossible not to overhear so once she ended her call I told her how sorry I was about her mom - and then I proceeded to fall apart a bit. I told her I lost my mom not quite 2 months ago and that I know how hard these last weeks are and how much I understand the wanting to run back home where it's safe (she is from out of state) but that when all is said and done, she will be really glad that she was there until the end and that she won't regret a single second of it. We cried a bit and then she asked why we were there if my mom was already gone so I told her that we were there because my partner's dad was there. She was shocked and lamented on how it isn't fair that we are facing two such big losses back to back. She was a really nice woman and I have been thinking about her a lot because I know how difficult it is to be in her shoes. I hope she finds peace.
After that we ran an errand and while there, we picked up a couple party things; plates, cups, novelty things and a cake. The kids had been asking to play party (a very common thing in our house) so we held a little party and sang happy birthday to everyone. I even made some balloon animals. They loved it! It never ceases to amaze me how simple it is to make them head over heels delighted.
The rest of the day was just regular family time. Dakota got in the pool with them for a bit and we just hung out together. I have photos, of course, but I haven't uploaded them yet. I will later today but I have to end this, get my workout in, get all of us ready and the house straightened up so the cleaning people can come and work their magic. We have no place to be today so the kids and I will just hang out in the backyard while they are here. I hope it isn't going to be as hot as the past couple of days.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Canvas On Demand
Oh my gosh! You are never, ever going to believe how amazing the canvas photo enlargement I talked about earlier turned out. *I* can't believe how incredible it turned out. Seriously - I see this as something I will definitely use again (and again and again). I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical that it would meet my (admittedly high) expectations but meet them they did. WOW! The colors are amazing - even more vibrant than the original. Since the portrait was set against a black background I expected it to be a bit dark but nope! It's breathtakingly beautiful. I knew it was a great photo but wow! It surpasses "great" with a few leaps and bounds.
I am already planning other photo ops that I can send in to have enlarged. The kids playing on the beach maybe or a really amazing candid close-up. I have a really great picture of Kaylen at the beach from October and I love it so much. I'm tempted, let me tell you.
The quality of this canvas photo is really great. I got the museum wrap so the edges of the photo wrap around the wooden frame. It's sooooo cool! I wish you could see it in person. I really wish you could because I know you would be racing to your computer and uploading your favorite photo in a heartbeat.
Just think of all the opportunities for using this service: wedding presents, an anniversary gift, birthdays or my personal favorite; any event or no event. Just because. The possibilities are endless. Absolutely endless.
I love, love, love my canvas. Love it.
Did I mention I love it?
Try it - you won't be sorry. :)
Oh my gosh! You are never, ever going to believe how amazing the canvas photo enlargement I talked about earlier turned out. *I* can't believe how incredible it turned out. Seriously - I see this as something I will definitely use again (and again and again). I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical that it would meet my (admittedly high) expectations but meet them they did. WOW! The colors are amazing - even more vibrant than the original. Since the portrait was set against a black background I expected it to be a bit dark but nope! It's breathtakingly beautiful. I knew it was a great photo but wow! It surpasses "great" with a few leaps and bounds.I am already planning other photo ops that I can send in to have enlarged. The kids playing on the beach maybe or a really amazing candid close-up. I have a really great picture of Kaylen at the beach from October and I love it so much. I'm tempted, let me tell you.
The quality of this canvas photo is really great. I got the museum wrap so the edges of the photo wrap around the wooden frame. It's sooooo cool! I wish you could see it in person. I really wish you could because I know you would be racing to your computer and uploading your favorite photo in a heartbeat.
Just think of all the opportunities for using this service: wedding presents, an anniversary gift, birthdays or my personal favorite; any event or no event. Just because. The possibilities are endless. Absolutely endless.
I love, love, love my canvas. Love it.
Did I mention I love it?
Try it - you won't be sorry. :)
A New Day, A New Perspective
First things first, my sister came through her surgery in half the time it was supposed to have taken. Pathology reports still need to come back but the doctor feels very good that all is well. When I last had a report (10:30 last night) she was in a great deal of pain but was on a pain medication pump delivery meds every six minutes. I'm sure it won't be an easy recovery but the waiting, wondering and stressing over the surgery itself is over and now she can work towards healing.
Secondly; the bee guy came back this morning. He took the "big guns" stuff down there and fumigated. He found a second nest that had gone undetected the first time. He said it had been very active and noisy down there when he first got there but by the time he left, it was growing significantly quieter. So now we wait 10 more days to see if all activity stops. If it does, we're good to screen it in and move on with life. It there are still bees, they guy will come back. Let's hope this is the end of the bee problem.
Thirdly: my car. I got a phone call about 4:30 yesterday. The guy said "How are you?" to which I replied. "I'm really hoping I'm good and that I'll stay that way." He laughed and said "Well........."
*GULP*
But....they couldn't actually find anything wrong with the a/c system. They had been running it for hours (bye bye tank of gas) and had driven it around and it was registering 39 degrees when the a/c was running. Just like a car, don'tcha think? Never act up when it's AT the shop! :) So we went over to pick it up. Dakota and the kids dropped me off and left. I went into the office, heard all they had to say about there being nothing wrong and then was ushered to my running car. When I got it I noticed immediately that it was NOT cold. I looked at the guy and said "So are you telling me that this is as cold at the a/c is supposed to run?" He started saying it was and he reached his hand in to feel the vent. He pulled his hand back, looked at me and said "Just a second." He called over the guy who had been working on it and said "It's not as cold as it has been." That guy got the temp gauge, placed it in the vent and said "What's this about? I tried all day to get it to not be cold. I kept saying to myself 'what does she want? To have ice cubes spit at her?' Let me take a look" I just stood there feeling VERY vindicated.
The upshot is the compressor and entire system is in perfect shape (Thank God!) but it appears the electrical switch that controls the things staying on is on the blink. It just randomly decides to shut itself off. They have to order a new switch thingy and will call me when it's in so I can take the car back to have it installed. Until then, it's a crap shoot as to whether I will have a/c at any given moment. Ugh. I'm not sure how much all this will cost but I'm betting a couple hundred but considering yesterday I was bracing for it to cost another grand or more, I'm feeling better about it. At least until they call with their price quote.
Tomorrow is the 4th. I don't know about your neighborhood but by nightfall I'm already feeling like I live in some war torn country. Sheesh! It's loud and frankly, I can't wait for the fireworks and whatnot to be over. I am, however, looking forward to the family time and the bbq with Dakota's mom and step-dad. Dakota is planning to take Thursday off as well and I am pretty excited about that, too. I've never really understood why fireworks, etc run so late on the 4th and then people have to be back at their jobs early the next morning. Wouldn't it make more sense to make it a two day holiday? Of course, I think the same goes for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. :) I'm greedy about time off....paid, of course! :)
First things first, my sister came through her surgery in half the time it was supposed to have taken. Pathology reports still need to come back but the doctor feels very good that all is well. When I last had a report (10:30 last night) she was in a great deal of pain but was on a pain medication pump delivery meds every six minutes. I'm sure it won't be an easy recovery but the waiting, wondering and stressing over the surgery itself is over and now she can work towards healing.
Secondly; the bee guy came back this morning. He took the "big guns" stuff down there and fumigated. He found a second nest that had gone undetected the first time. He said it had been very active and noisy down there when he first got there but by the time he left, it was growing significantly quieter. So now we wait 10 more days to see if all activity stops. If it does, we're good to screen it in and move on with life. It there are still bees, they guy will come back. Let's hope this is the end of the bee problem.
Thirdly: my car. I got a phone call about 4:30 yesterday. The guy said "How are you?" to which I replied. "I'm really hoping I'm good and that I'll stay that way." He laughed and said "Well........."
*GULP*
But....they couldn't actually find anything wrong with the a/c system. They had been running it for hours (bye bye tank of gas) and had driven it around and it was registering 39 degrees when the a/c was running. Just like a car, don'tcha think? Never act up when it's AT the shop! :) So we went over to pick it up. Dakota and the kids dropped me off and left. I went into the office, heard all they had to say about there being nothing wrong and then was ushered to my running car. When I got it I noticed immediately that it was NOT cold. I looked at the guy and said "So are you telling me that this is as cold at the a/c is supposed to run?" He started saying it was and he reached his hand in to feel the vent. He pulled his hand back, looked at me and said "Just a second." He called over the guy who had been working on it and said "It's not as cold as it has been." That guy got the temp gauge, placed it in the vent and said "What's this about? I tried all day to get it to not be cold. I kept saying to myself 'what does she want? To have ice cubes spit at her?' Let me take a look" I just stood there feeling VERY vindicated.
The upshot is the compressor and entire system is in perfect shape (Thank God!) but it appears the electrical switch that controls the things staying on is on the blink. It just randomly decides to shut itself off. They have to order a new switch thingy and will call me when it's in so I can take the car back to have it installed. Until then, it's a crap shoot as to whether I will have a/c at any given moment. Ugh. I'm not sure how much all this will cost but I'm betting a couple hundred but considering yesterday I was bracing for it to cost another grand or more, I'm feeling better about it. At least until they call with their price quote.
Tomorrow is the 4th. I don't know about your neighborhood but by nightfall I'm already feeling like I live in some war torn country. Sheesh! It's loud and frankly, I can't wait for the fireworks and whatnot to be over. I am, however, looking forward to the family time and the bbq with Dakota's mom and step-dad. Dakota is planning to take Thursday off as well and I am pretty excited about that, too. I've never really understood why fireworks, etc run so late on the 4th and then people have to be back at their jobs early the next morning. Wouldn't it make more sense to make it a two day holiday? Of course, I think the same goes for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. :) I'm greedy about time off....paid, of course! :)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Pity Party
Apparently I'm having a pity party today - I am just so dang crabby. Sure, some of the reasons are justifiable (see previous post from today) and yet, does that really give my license to be grumpy? Well - even if it doesn't, I am. So there.
I was just looking out the front window and I noticed that the mail truck was at the mailboxes. I don't know how mail comes to your house but in our neighborhood, they put in these mailboxes that look more like lockers in a locker room and everyone has to trek to the block of mailboxes to retrieve their mail. For us, it's no big deal since it's on the edge of our property but I do feel sorry for the people who have to walk up eight houses to get their mail every day. It's a bit crazy, if you ask me.
When I was a kid, the mailman would walk up our front walk and slide the mail through the mail slot in our front door. As I grew up, the powers that be decided that wasn't ideal and everyone was required to install an actual mailbox on their porch. Those Mailboxes actually worked
out fine since it was still delivered to your front door area.
The first house Dakota and I bought had its mailbox across the street and down a couple houses. I thought that was a pain but even so, there were only 6 boxes in a clump so no one had to walk all that far for their mail (though it sure felt like a good long distance some days). Then we moved here and the mail is delivered into these locked vaults which only open with your key. It's so weird how my mail delivery system has changed from personal to under lock and key. I'm not a fan. I would love to have my mail delivered to a box on my porch. For some reason, that just resonates better with me and sometimes I feel a bit envious that there are still places out there who have personal home delivery. Though I suppose it doesn't matter much (which is actually the point of this long rambling post) since we rarely ever get personal mail. Personal cards and letters seemed to have gone by the wayside. Except for Christmas cards, birthday cards and recently, condolence cards we never receive cards or letters and yet for some reason, I get this giddy child-like feeling every time I see the mail truck. It's as if I have eternal hope that when I go out there and unlock my mailbox there will be a letter full of the goings on in a friends life or a card that someone sent "just because". Instead, it's 99% junk mail that goes right into the recycle bin. I guess I should stop complaining and just be happy it isn't 99% bills. :)
But still - to me, mail has lost its sparkle. It's just not as much fun as it was when I was a kid.
Man I need an attitude adjustment today. :)
Apparently I'm having a pity party today - I am just so dang crabby. Sure, some of the reasons are justifiable (see previous post from today) and yet, does that really give my license to be grumpy? Well - even if it doesn't, I am. So there.
I was just looking out the front window and I noticed that the mail truck was at the mailboxes. I don't know how mail comes to your house but in our neighborhood, they put in these mailboxes that look more like lockers in a locker room and everyone has to trek to the block of mailboxes to retrieve their mail. For us, it's no big deal since it's on the edge of our property but I do feel sorry for the people who have to walk up eight houses to get their mail every day. It's a bit crazy, if you ask me.When I was a kid, the mailman would walk up our front walk and slide the mail through the mail slot in our front door. As I grew up, the powers that be decided that wasn't ideal and everyone was required to install an actual mailbox on their porch. Those Mailboxes actually worked
out fine since it was still delivered to your front door area.
The first house Dakota and I bought had its mailbox across the street and down a couple houses. I thought that was a pain but even so, there were only 6 boxes in a clump so no one had to walk all that far for their mail (though it sure felt like a good long distance some days). Then we moved here and the mail is delivered into these locked vaults which only open with your key. It's so weird how my mail delivery system has changed from personal to under lock and key. I'm not a fan. I would love to have my mail delivered to a box on my porch. For some reason, that just resonates better with me and sometimes I feel a bit envious that there are still places out there who have personal home delivery. Though I suppose it doesn't matter much (which is actually the point of this long rambling post) since we rarely ever get personal mail. Personal cards and letters seemed to have gone by the wayside. Except for Christmas cards, birthday cards and recently, condolence cards we never receive cards or letters and yet for some reason, I get this giddy child-like feeling every time I see the mail truck. It's as if I have eternal hope that when I go out there and unlock my mailbox there will be a letter full of the goings on in a friends life or a card that someone sent "just because". Instead, it's 99% junk mail that goes right into the recycle bin. I guess I should stop complaining and just be happy it isn't 99% bills. :)
But still - to me, mail has lost its sparkle. It's just not as much fun as it was when I was a kid.
Man I need an attitude adjustment today. :)
Discouraged
Remember back in January when my car lived at the auto repair shop for NINE very long days because of the air conditioner compressor? Remember how we forked out more money than one person should have to shell out for a car repair? Umm..yeah. I remember that too. All too well.
Any guesses where my car is at this very moment? Any guesses as to the root of the problem?
I could just scream!!!!!
I hadn't really been using the a/c all that often since January. A handful of times, really. Each time I would think "Hmmm..that's not exceeding cool air but I guess it's doing it's job well enough." Well...this past Saturday I was taking Shawna home from our day of scrap booking when we both noticed the a/c was most certainly NOT doing its job well. And then, after dropping her off, I became aware that it had stopped working at all. No cool air whatsoever was coming out of the vents.
Damn. Double damn.
Dakota made calls today (because frankly, after the weekend I had I was about ready to blow a gasket at any moment and she, in all her wisdom, snagged the "calls needing to be made" list and took care of things.) and arranged to have her mom and step-dad come over. Mom stayed with the kids, step-dad followed in his car so he could bring me back after dropping off the car. Now I'm waiting for the dreaded call to tell me how much more in debt we are going to be and how this is no fault of theirs but rather something *I* have done or not done. As in "You should have noticed this sooner and we could have fixed it." Ummm yeah - I should have ran my a/c when the temps were in the 30's so I could be sure it worked properly. I just want to scream "Is it THAT hard to do a job right??????" Grrrrrrr.
But - like I said, I'm sure this will all boil down to my fault somehow.
I hate car stuff. I really, really do.
My nose is still hurting but nowhere near like it was yesterday. I *almost* went to urgent care but sucked it up and figured I see a regular doctor today if it wasn't better (you know how they say the second day of an injury is the worst and technically, yesterday was the 24-48 hour window. OUCH!! I'm not going to to the doctor but I definitely know it's broken (and I've learned that you can indeed break your nose without getting black eyes and major bruising) because when I feel from the inside (gross I know - but every one of you would have done the same thing! LOL!) there is a ridge that was never there before AND it makes a weird noise/feeling when I try to move it. The upshot though is, it's aligned from the outside and I am not having trouble breathing so there is nothing that can be done. Pain management but I think I passed the window where OTC pain relievers weren't working. Tylenol is holding me pretty well.
My sister is having surgery today. Girl surgery. She should be going into the OR in about an hour (if they are on time) so please keep good thoughts for her. She should be going home in about 4 or 5 days. I wish I could zip up there to offer support and be there with everyone else. It's hard to be so far away when things like this are happening.
It's just a weird day here. Everything feels off and I feel really crabby. But fear not - I did get my full workout in (even though it made my nose *really* hurt!) which means I have worked out for 15 days in a row. Fifteen day. Amazing!!!
Remember back in January when my car lived at the auto repair shop for NINE very long days because of the air conditioner compressor? Remember how we forked out more money than one person should have to shell out for a car repair? Umm..yeah. I remember that too. All too well.
Any guesses where my car is at this very moment? Any guesses as to the root of the problem?
I could just scream!!!!!
I hadn't really been using the a/c all that often since January. A handful of times, really. Each time I would think "Hmmm..that's not exceeding cool air but I guess it's doing it's job well enough." Well...this past Saturday I was taking Shawna home from our day of scrap booking when we both noticed the a/c was most certainly NOT doing its job well. And then, after dropping her off, I became aware that it had stopped working at all. No cool air whatsoever was coming out of the vents.
Damn. Double damn.
Dakota made calls today (because frankly, after the weekend I had I was about ready to blow a gasket at any moment and she, in all her wisdom, snagged the "calls needing to be made" list and took care of things.) and arranged to have her mom and step-dad come over. Mom stayed with the kids, step-dad followed in his car so he could bring me back after dropping off the car. Now I'm waiting for the dreaded call to tell me how much more in debt we are going to be and how this is no fault of theirs but rather something *I* have done or not done. As in "You should have noticed this sooner and we could have fixed it." Ummm yeah - I should have ran my a/c when the temps were in the 30's so I could be sure it worked properly. I just want to scream "Is it THAT hard to do a job right??????" Grrrrrrr.
But - like I said, I'm sure this will all boil down to my fault somehow.
I hate car stuff. I really, really do.
My nose is still hurting but nowhere near like it was yesterday. I *almost* went to urgent care but sucked it up and figured I see a regular doctor today if it wasn't better (you know how they say the second day of an injury is the worst and technically, yesterday was the 24-48 hour window. OUCH!! I'm not going to to the doctor but I definitely know it's broken (and I've learned that you can indeed break your nose without getting black eyes and major bruising) because when I feel from the inside (gross I know - but every one of you would have done the same thing! LOL!) there is a ridge that was never there before AND it makes a weird noise/feeling when I try to move it. The upshot though is, it's aligned from the outside and I am not having trouble breathing so there is nothing that can be done. Pain management but I think I passed the window where OTC pain relievers weren't working. Tylenol is holding me pretty well.
My sister is having surgery today. Girl surgery. She should be going into the OR in about an hour (if they are on time) so please keep good thoughts for her. She should be going home in about 4 or 5 days. I wish I could zip up there to offer support and be there with everyone else. It's hard to be so far away when things like this are happening.
It's just a weird day here. Everything feels off and I feel really crabby. But fear not - I did get my full workout in (even though it made my nose *really* hurt!) which means I have worked out for 15 days in a row. Fifteen day. Amazing!!!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Alert the Media!!
She Finishes TWO Pages in One Day. WAHOO!! This photo was taken at Kelton's 5th birthday party which was held on April 13th; the evening before we headed up to Seattle for our 5 week stay. I think this photo is sweet and it's all too rare I have a picture of myself with the kids so I really love it. :)
credit: Clowning Around by Dani Mogstadt
She Finishes TWO Pages in One Day. WAHOO!! This photo was taken at Kelton's 5th birthday party which was held on April 13th; the evening before we headed up to Seattle for our 5 week stay. I think this photo is sweet and it's all too rare I have a picture of myself with the kids so I really love it. :)
credit: Clowning Around by Dani Mogstadt
Princess Cool
This is the page I created today at the scrapbooking day for my MOMS Club. Seems to me that after four hours I would have more to show for myself but I guess it's hard to show side-splitting laughter and good food.
This is the page I created today at the scrapbooking day for my MOMS Club. Seems to me that after four hours I would have more to show for myself but I guess it's hard to show side-splitting laughter and good food.
credits: Power Puff Pixies by Lauren Grier and Shawna Clingerman And now I want to scrap, scrap, scrap but there is just no way I can since the kids are going nutty and I think Dakota would having some not so nice things to say if I stayed glued to the computer. *sigh*
Friday, June 29, 2007
What Was That Sound?
Umm...I'm pretty sure it was the sound of my nose being broken. I'm not 100% sure but it sure feels like something bad happened to it.
This afternoon we were all hanging out on our bed when Kaylen decided to excitedly and with much enthusiasm crawl across me to get to Dakota. Apparently my face was in the way of her knee. I never knew a little knee could make such a huge impact. OUCH!!!
I heard the sound....kind of crunchy, and I felt the pain. It's been hours and I still have a tremendous headache and when I do dare to wriggle, touch or blow my nose it hurts more than I can say.
It's not too swollen or bruised and it looks like it is still straight without visible bumps or anything of the sort. I have seen people with broken noses and they usually look pretty bad. Luckily I don't look worse than usual but wow - does it hurt.
It might not be broken. Maybe just injured somehow. It doesn't feel so horrible that I have a need to rush off to urgent care (because for me to go sit in urgent care for hours on end I'd have to be in some seriously, earth stopping pain) so I guess I'll just go with it for now and see how it feels tomorrow. Clearly though, I won't be using any skin care products tonight as I can barely stand to touch my face. Hopefully tomorrow this will feel better and I can stop focusing on my nose and get back to life. Tomorrow is my MOMS Club scrapbook day - wish me luck! And send good thoughts that my nose is better soon.
Umm...I'm pretty sure it was the sound of my nose being broken. I'm not 100% sure but it sure feels like something bad happened to it.
This afternoon we were all hanging out on our bed when Kaylen decided to excitedly and with much enthusiasm crawl across me to get to Dakota. Apparently my face was in the way of her knee. I never knew a little knee could make such a huge impact. OUCH!!!
I heard the sound....kind of crunchy, and I felt the pain. It's been hours and I still have a tremendous headache and when I do dare to wriggle, touch or blow my nose it hurts more than I can say.
It's not too swollen or bruised and it looks like it is still straight without visible bumps or anything of the sort. I have seen people with broken noses and they usually look pretty bad. Luckily I don't look worse than usual but wow - does it hurt.
It might not be broken. Maybe just injured somehow. It doesn't feel so horrible that I have a need to rush off to urgent care (because for me to go sit in urgent care for hours on end I'd have to be in some seriously, earth stopping pain) so I guess I'll just go with it for now and see how it feels tomorrow. Clearly though, I won't be using any skin care products tonight as I can barely stand to touch my face. Hopefully tomorrow this will feel better and I can stop focusing on my nose and get back to life. Tomorrow is my MOMS Club scrapbook day - wish me luck! And send good thoughts that my nose is better soon.
Bees....again....still
*sigh* I'm not sure we are ever going to be rid of the bees. Not ever. It's been 8 days since the bee guys were here and we are still seeing bees going in and out. They said to give it 10 days and then call them back if we still were seeing bee activity. Something tells me if they aren't gone today, they sure won't be gone on Sunday.
So again, we will have the bee guys come out and spray and then again we will wait 10 days and then I'm sure we will repeat it all yet again. We're ready to go with the tight screening and believe me, as soon as we have an entire day without bee activity in that area, it's going up. But I'm feeling like that day will never come. Thank God this company has a 90 day guarantee.
What is it with this house and bees? Every since we moved in five years ago (and evidence shows before that as well) we have had to spray down wasp nests (I think they are called paper wasps but I have no clue. I just know they start to build honeycomb shaped things under the eves of the house) every year (and we have already once this year, too). Two years ago we had a yellow jacket nest in the ground on the side of the house and last year and this year we have bumble bees. WTF? Is there a sign out there somewhere that tells bees this is a great place to live? I know bees just seem to be bad in this area but come on! Enough already!!!!
Maybe we should just call a realtor because I think Kelton may be on to something when he says "Guess we just have to move." And yet, that isn't a solution either (not to mention we'd still have to have the problem taken care of before we could sell).
I just want the stupid bees gone. Is that *really* so much to ask?
*sigh* I'm not sure we are ever going to be rid of the bees. Not ever. It's been 8 days since the bee guys were here and we are still seeing bees going in and out. They said to give it 10 days and then call them back if we still were seeing bee activity. Something tells me if they aren't gone today, they sure won't be gone on Sunday.
So again, we will have the bee guys come out and spray and then again we will wait 10 days and then I'm sure we will repeat it all yet again. We're ready to go with the tight screening and believe me, as soon as we have an entire day without bee activity in that area, it's going up. But I'm feeling like that day will never come. Thank God this company has a 90 day guarantee.
What is it with this house and bees? Every since we moved in five years ago (and evidence shows before that as well) we have had to spray down wasp nests (I think they are called paper wasps but I have no clue. I just know they start to build honeycomb shaped things under the eves of the house) every year (and we have already once this year, too). Two years ago we had a yellow jacket nest in the ground on the side of the house and last year and this year we have bumble bees. WTF? Is there a sign out there somewhere that tells bees this is a great place to live? I know bees just seem to be bad in this area but come on! Enough already!!!!
Maybe we should just call a realtor because I think Kelton may be on to something when he says "Guess we just have to move." And yet, that isn't a solution either (not to mention we'd still have to have the problem taken care of before we could sell).
I just want the stupid bees gone. Is that *really* so much to ask?
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