I noticed that this will be my 200th post and just in time for the New Year. I was wondering if I should do something cutesy or dramatic but I just don't see that happening. Or I could write my goals for the New Year. Things like walking everyday, getting up at 6:30, remembering to read scriptures everyday, to never yell at my kids, to lose 15 pounds, to cut down my chocolate consumption, to not make Ethan wear pajama pants all day because laundry is way behind, and while I'm at I'll find a cure for world hunger. How I would love to accomplish all these noble goals. And even though I am pluggin' along, working towards these glorious endeavors (well not getting up early, I don't get up until the kids do and I don't see that changing and I'm not sure what to do about world hunger), I am not going to perfect them in the next year.
So I am setting some more reasonable goals for myself. I have three goals for the New Year. First I will finally print some pictures of the family and hang them on the wall. My sister-in-law gave me a ton of picture frames so I just need to fill them and hang them and maybe have a family picture done. I have been saying I will do this for years but this is the year I will accomplish it. Just don't think less of me if you find me hanging pictures on New Years Eve 2011. I will still have accomplished what I set out to do. Second, oh crud I just forgot my second goal. Maybe it wasn't that important anyway. Third I will be able to sleep through the night. I haven't had a full night's sleep since I was pregnant with Grace. I figure Sam will start sleeping through the night sometime this year, and then, I get to sleep. So my goal is to get 8 hours uninterrupted sleep. Maybe my memory wouldn't be so shot if I got more sleep. Oooh-oooh, I just remembered #2. I will print my blog into some of those cute little books so I have a hard copy. Technology changes but a book is a book, and this is the only journal type thing I keep, so it is worth printing. I just haven't figured out what to do about the videos I've posted. Any tips on that would be appreciated.
Happy New Year everyone! Here's to getting eight hours of sleep. I know I can do it. I just might have to leave the kids with someone overnight.
December 29, 2010
Christmas
It started at 3:30 in the morning.
"Mom, can I get up yet?"
"No, it's too early. Go back to bed."
4:30
Now there are two children at the foot of my bed.
"Mom, can we get up yet?"
"No, go back to bed."
6:30 (still an hour earlier than they usually get up)
Now there is Ethan, Libby, and Grace who has been liberated from her playpen.
"Mom, can we get up now?"
"Oh, alright."
Santa brought Ethan and Libby cameras. Oh yeah, life is good. And on a side note I think next year I will check to make sure they have on cute pajamas before they go to bed.
Ethan was very excited for his stocking "loot". His word, not mine.
Grace's very favorite gift. She also enjoyed the candy from her stocking as evidenced by her face.
Sam thought it was still too early. I agreed.
At 9:30 we went to Michael's parents house for breakfast and a gift extravaganza. My kids were thoroughly spoiled. By this point Grace had figured out how to unwrap gifts and was having a ball ripping paper off all the packages.
Libby showing off some of her Christmas finery. The only thing she's wearing that wasn't a gift are her underwear. She is very fortunate she has a grandma and aunts who supply her with such fancy clothes.
My sister in law made me a family tree. I LURV it.
I enjoyed Christmas so much this year. We spent time together, time with Michael's family, time with my family. There was lots of great food which I was able to EAT and not throw up later. Yay for not being pregnant! Ethan and Libby are old enough to get in the spirit of things and made Christmas presents for everyone. Everything just worked together to make this a wonderful year. And the icing on the cake was some wonderful, thoughtful, generous, useful and helpful presents.
"Mom, can I get up yet?"
"No, it's too early. Go back to bed."
4:30
Now there are two children at the foot of my bed.
"Mom, can we get up yet?"
"No, go back to bed."
6:30 (still an hour earlier than they usually get up)
Now there is Ethan, Libby, and Grace who has been liberated from her playpen.
"Mom, can we get up now?"
"Oh, alright."
Santa brought Ethan and Libby cameras. Oh yeah, life is good. And on a side note I think next year I will check to make sure they have on cute pajamas before they go to bed.
Ethan was very excited for his stocking "loot". His word, not mine.
Grace's very favorite gift. She also enjoyed the candy from her stocking as evidenced by her face.
Sam thought it was still too early. I agreed.
At 9:30 we went to Michael's parents house for breakfast and a gift extravaganza. My kids were thoroughly spoiled. By this point Grace had figured out how to unwrap gifts and was having a ball ripping paper off all the packages.
Libby showing off some of her Christmas finery. The only thing she's wearing that wasn't a gift are her underwear. She is very fortunate she has a grandma and aunts who supply her with such fancy clothes.
My sister in law made me a family tree. I LURV it.
I enjoyed Christmas so much this year. We spent time together, time with Michael's family, time with my family. There was lots of great food which I was able to EAT and not throw up later. Yay for not being pregnant! Ethan and Libby are old enough to get in the spirit of things and made Christmas presents for everyone. Everything just worked together to make this a wonderful year. And the icing on the cake was some wonderful, thoughtful, generous, useful and helpful presents.
New Hobbies
I attend church with some wonderfully talented women. One knit an exceptionally cute booga bag for our Boy Scout auction. I really wanted it but didn't end up winning it. So the woman promised to show me how to make one. Meanwhile the lady that did win it used it as a pattern and made me one. Woohoo! But, I was still seized with an urge to learn to knit. So, I have been harassing three different knitters at church and they have all been very patient with me. I have finished a couple bags and a hat so far. I have no pictures, though. I gave my creations as Christmas gifts and just didn't think to photograph them.
It has been quite an effort to learn to knit and it takes me a long time to knit anything. It only took Grace moments to figure out how to unknit, though. Makes a mother proud, doesn't it?
It has been quite an effort to learn to knit and it takes me a long time to knit anything. It only took Grace moments to figure out how to unknit, though. Makes a mother proud, doesn't it?
December 14, 2010
New Christmas Tradition
Last year we made graham cracker houses with the kids. They loved it so much. So this year I got a super simple gingerbread house recipe from my friend and we went to town. I think we may have created a family tradition. There is candy, there are cookies, and there is time spent together. If we don't decorate houses next year I would fear for my life.
The creative process. Grace is not helping, even though it looks like she is in the picture. Well I guess if you count sticking candies that she has sucked on already to the house as helping, she is helping. Needless to say we will not be sharing this house with the neighbors.
This is a more accurate picture of what Grace was doing while we were assembling our houses. By the time we were done everything in a ten foot radius was sticking to Grace. Michael thought we could probably stick her to the ceiling if we tried.
Sam didn't think it was all that exciting.
The boys' finished house, complete with TV antenna.
The girls' finished house complete with numerous layers of (some pre-sucked) candies. I may be biased but I think ours is much cooler. Michael defended his by muttering something about his frosting bag kept breaking. Excuses, excuses. (Michael's edit: "They were cheap bags!")
The only question left: "How long do I make the kids wait until they can destroy and eat their creations?"
The creative process. Grace is not helping, even though it looks like she is in the picture. Well I guess if you count sticking candies that she has sucked on already to the house as helping, she is helping. Needless to say we will not be sharing this house with the neighbors.
This is a more accurate picture of what Grace was doing while we were assembling our houses. By the time we were done everything in a ten foot radius was sticking to Grace. Michael thought we could probably stick her to the ceiling if we tried.
Sam didn't think it was all that exciting.
The boys' finished house, complete with TV antenna.
The girls' finished house complete with numerous layers of (some pre-sucked) candies. I may be biased but I think ours is much cooler. Michael defended his by muttering something about his frosting bag kept breaking. Excuses, excuses. (Michael's edit: "They were cheap bags!")
The only question left: "How long do I make the kids wait until they can destroy and eat their creations?"
December 11, 2010
Merry Christmas!
So this year we decided not to go into the woods to find a tree. It was one of the wisest decisions we have ever made. We ran to the Christmas tree lot, picked out a smallish skinny tree (our living room is tiny) and headed home. Michael cut the bottom off and I heated up dinner. On a side note, egg quiche does not freeze and reheat well. Just saying.
So, we got the tree in the stand and it was straight the FIRST TIME! The kids enjoyed putting the decorations wherever they wanted and they only broke one ornament between the three of them. The tree skirt is crooked, all the glass ornaments are on the top third, and the ornaments are not very evenly distributed but it is a beautiful tree. I keep looking at it and smiling. It is covered with ornaments given to and made for us and it smells great.
And because no Christmas tree is complete without presents the kids have been wrapping up their "treasures" to give to one another. All at once now..."Awwwww!"
So, we got the tree in the stand and it was straight the FIRST TIME! The kids enjoyed putting the decorations wherever they wanted and they only broke one ornament between the three of them. The tree skirt is crooked, all the glass ornaments are on the top third, and the ornaments are not very evenly distributed but it is a beautiful tree. I keep looking at it and smiling. It is covered with ornaments given to and made for us and it smells great.
And because no Christmas tree is complete without presents the kids have been wrapping up their "treasures" to give to one another. All at once now..."Awwwww!"
Makeup Lessons - Part II
To see Part I, click here.
It's lipstick, not blood, I promise. It is a little sad my girls get more use out of my makeup than I do.
It's lipstick, not blood, I promise. It is a little sad my girls get more use out of my makeup than I do.
November 29, 2010
The Thank-You Card
Two Sundays ago, Ethan made a thank-you card for his father during his Primary class. He finally remembered to give it to Michael yesterday. It is a picture to thank Michael for scooping the poop - something for which I am also grateful.
Thank you, Michael, for scooping the poop and may this thank-you masterpiece be forever etched into our memory.
November 23, 2010
Random Happenin's
Ethan and Libby were working on an art project at the table so all the crayons and markers were out. Grace investigated what they were doing and found a brown marker. I was working on a knitting project so was just watching her out of the corner of my eye. Sam was sitting in his bouncy chair watching all the action. Grace uncapped the marker and looked it over. She looked over and spied Sam. She very purposely climbed down from her chair and headed in Sam's direction. She got to him, pulled up his shirt and very calmly and precisely commenced to color in his belly button. Such a funny, strange little girl.
****
Today the kids and I ran errands. I put everyone down for rest. The phone rang and I went to answer it. The caller ID said it was the cell phone, which I have today. The kids love to call the home phone from the cell phone and vice versa. They think it is the greatest game ever invented. So I answer the phone in my firm Mommy voice and say, "Quit playing with the phone." I hear a mumbled "Excuse me?" so I say again, "Quit playing with the phone!" The caller on the other end then says, "Um...I think I found your phone." Don't you love when you berate perfect strangers for trying to do a good deed? Good times.
****
A little background. Sam still sleeps in the bassinet part of his playpen. When he has a hard time going to sleep we shake the sides of the play pen and this rocks him to sleep. So I was giving Ethan a spelling test while Sam was sleeping in his bed. Halfway through the test I heard Sam wake up and start to cry. Ethan was halfway through his test so I decided to go ahead and finish up before I went to get Sam. Grace went into my room (where Sam sleeps) and I kept giving the test. Sam quit crying so we finished up quickly and I went to check on him. He was laying wide eyed in his bed while Grace was hanging off the side furiously shaking it. It was very sweet in a slightly disturbing sort of way. She doesn't talk much, she doesn't even say "Daddy," but she says Sam. She loves her Sam.
****
Today the kids and I ran errands. I put everyone down for rest. The phone rang and I went to answer it. The caller ID said it was the cell phone, which I have today. The kids love to call the home phone from the cell phone and vice versa. They think it is the greatest game ever invented. So I answer the phone in my firm Mommy voice and say, "Quit playing with the phone." I hear a mumbled "Excuse me?" so I say again, "Quit playing with the phone!" The caller on the other end then says, "Um...I think I found your phone." Don't you love when you berate perfect strangers for trying to do a good deed? Good times.
****
A little background. Sam still sleeps in the bassinet part of his playpen. When he has a hard time going to sleep we shake the sides of the play pen and this rocks him to sleep. So I was giving Ethan a spelling test while Sam was sleeping in his bed. Halfway through the test I heard Sam wake up and start to cry. Ethan was halfway through his test so I decided to go ahead and finish up before I went to get Sam. Grace went into my room (where Sam sleeps) and I kept giving the test. Sam quit crying so we finished up quickly and I went to check on him. He was laying wide eyed in his bed while Grace was hanging off the side furiously shaking it. It was very sweet in a slightly disturbing sort of way. She doesn't talk much, she doesn't even say "Daddy," but she says Sam. She loves her Sam.
November 4, 2010
Happy Halloween Happiness!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. And my favorite part about it is pumpkins. They are just so bright and orange and cheerful. So these are the pumpkins we harvested off my surprise pumpkin plant. All of the orange pumpkins (and the one green one) we grew and the white ones were gifted to us.
We only carved two. The plan was to let the kids carve them. We helped design them and Michael couldn't bear to let them get messed up so he "helped" the kids carve their pumpkins, meaning they stood there watching their father carve their chosen designs. Speaking of chosen designs, I tried to talk Libby out of a flower but that is what she really wanted. So she got a flower pumpkin. Ethan decided to stick with a spooky bat.
Two mummies and a lady bug at our homeschool Halloween party. Ethan wanted to be a mummy and then at the last minute Libby decided she wanted to be a mummy. I had about ten minutes to get them in their costumes. Sam was screaming and Grace was exhausted. Thankfully one of the other moms scooped up Sam and trotted off but good grief! Mummies are hard and time consuming and messy and make me want to run screaming into the night even more than I normally do. So we did a haphazard job and I sent them on their way. They didn't seem to mind. Grace on the other hand HATED her costume. You would think I had put her in a straight jacket and a diaper made of cactus needles for the fuss she made. And then she realized that there was candy involved. Everyone she went up to gave her candy! Life was great, and the costume was nothing but a distant memory.
That evening we went to the trunk-or-treat at the church and once again I had to wrap up both kids (shoot me now) in their mummy gear. Grace tolerated her costume now because she suspected it might have something to do with free candy. They got tons of treats and we came home and promptly fell into sugar-induced comas.
Saturday morning we packed up and went to Boo at the Zoo. At this point Ethan and Libby were forbidden from even mentioning the word mummy. Libby dressed as a witch, her original choice, and Ethan donned a fire fighter costume from years gone by. Grace practically dove into her costume this time. That ladybug thing was a candy magnet. We biked to the Zoo for some good wholesome fun. We met a couple of friends and started on our adventure. One word: madness. If I was allowed two I would add torturous. The zoo was beyond packed. At one point Ethan looked up at me and said, "Mom, if I want to go to Boo and Zoo next year remind me not to." My sentiments exactly. If you are tempted to go only go if you love crowds and crowds (and more crowds) of people.
After much hemming, hawing and such, we decided trick-or-treating around our neighborhood as a family (Grandma Hobson included!) would not land us beyond about the Third Circle of Hell (Gluttony). See how much happier Grace looks now than she did up there at the top?
Thus the trek began. Ethan peed in the bushes, Libby biffed it on someone's step, Grace soiled her diaper, Sam fell asleep and all the kids (especially Gracie 'cause everyone thought she was the cutest of them all) scored some high-quality Halloween goodness. Everyone had a good time, and we're so thankful we don't have to do it for a whole 'nother year.
We only carved two. The plan was to let the kids carve them. We helped design them and Michael couldn't bear to let them get messed up so he "helped" the kids carve their pumpkins, meaning they stood there watching their father carve their chosen designs. Speaking of chosen designs, I tried to talk Libby out of a flower but that is what she really wanted. So she got a flower pumpkin. Ethan decided to stick with a spooky bat.
Two mummies and a lady bug at our homeschool Halloween party. Ethan wanted to be a mummy and then at the last minute Libby decided she wanted to be a mummy. I had about ten minutes to get them in their costumes. Sam was screaming and Grace was exhausted. Thankfully one of the other moms scooped up Sam and trotted off but good grief! Mummies are hard and time consuming and messy and make me want to run screaming into the night even more than I normally do. So we did a haphazard job and I sent them on their way. They didn't seem to mind. Grace on the other hand HATED her costume. You would think I had put her in a straight jacket and a diaper made of cactus needles for the fuss she made. And then she realized that there was candy involved. Everyone she went up to gave her candy! Life was great, and the costume was nothing but a distant memory.That evening we went to the trunk-or-treat at the church and once again I had to wrap up both kids (shoot me now) in their mummy gear. Grace tolerated her costume now because she suspected it might have something to do with free candy. They got tons of treats and we came home and promptly fell into sugar-induced comas.
Saturday morning we packed up and went to Boo at the Zoo. At this point Ethan and Libby were forbidden from even mentioning the word mummy. Libby dressed as a witch, her original choice, and Ethan donned a fire fighter costume from years gone by. Grace practically dove into her costume this time. That ladybug thing was a candy magnet. We biked to the Zoo for some good wholesome fun. We met a couple of friends and started on our adventure. One word: madness. If I was allowed two I would add torturous. The zoo was beyond packed. At one point Ethan looked up at me and said, "Mom, if I want to go to Boo and Zoo next year remind me not to." My sentiments exactly. If you are tempted to go only go if you love crowds and crowds (and more crowds) of people.
After much hemming, hawing and such, we decided trick-or-treating around our neighborhood as a family (Grandma Hobson included!) would not land us beyond about the Third Circle of Hell (Gluttony). See how much happier Grace looks now than she did up there at the top?Thus the trek began. Ethan peed in the bushes, Libby biffed it on someone's step, Grace soiled her diaper, Sam fell asleep and all the kids (especially Gracie 'cause everyone thought she was the cutest of them all) scored some high-quality Halloween goodness. Everyone had a good time, and we're so thankful we don't have to do it for a whole 'nother year.
October 31, 2010
The Clubhouse
It's taken me a lot longer to write this post than I planned. Actually the clubhouse is now out in recycling. Even though it was under the gazebo it was no match for the recent rain we had. Also, the Alfa Dog has moved away. You may understand that last sentence better shortly, but only if you keep reading.
This is the outside of the clubhouse covered with ancient hieroglyphics. Note the dog-looking creatures. They symbolize the mighty wolf. This is evident by the writing above the pictures that say "Property of Wolf Pack." This was the name of the clan of small and mighty warriors who inhabited this clubhouse. The pictures include Alfa Dog who was the eight year old neighbor girl. I think she got to be alpha as she had the best spelling and was the oldest. Also I think it helped that no one else knew what "alpha dog" meant. Ethan was Speedy and Libby was Rose Dog. Proud warrior names if ever I've heard them.
This is where the pomp and ceremony take place. Notice the W and P made of masking tape. Yet more evidence that this is the meeting place of the Wolf Pack. For those who are concerned by the wet spots rest assured it is rain water and not evidence of the wolves marking their territory (and Michael says it looks like a homeless guy's house). The girl wolves would have tattled if the boy wolves tried anything like that.
Only those whose names appear here are granted admittance to the proud den. The rules clearly state that you have to be at least five to enter. This effectively barred admittance a certain neighbor's little brother who likes to hit people.
This is the outside of the clubhouse covered with ancient hieroglyphics. Note the dog-looking creatures. They symbolize the mighty wolf. This is evident by the writing above the pictures that say "Property of Wolf Pack." This was the name of the clan of small and mighty warriors who inhabited this clubhouse. The pictures include Alfa Dog who was the eight year old neighbor girl. I think she got to be alpha as she had the best spelling and was the oldest. Also I think it helped that no one else knew what "alpha dog" meant. Ethan was Speedy and Libby was Rose Dog. Proud warrior names if ever I've heard them.
This is where the pomp and ceremony take place. Notice the W and P made of masking tape. Yet more evidence that this is the meeting place of the Wolf Pack. For those who are concerned by the wet spots rest assured it is rain water and not evidence of the wolves marking their territory (and Michael says it looks like a homeless guy's house). The girl wolves would have tattled if the boy wolves tried anything like that.
Only those whose names appear here are granted admittance to the proud den. The rules clearly state that you have to be at least five to enter. This effectively barred admittance a certain neighbor's little brother who likes to hit people.
October 17, 2010
Madsen Joy
I would like to introduce you all to the newest member of our family. Her name is Madsen and she is beautiful.
This is her still in the box. See!? Even the heavens shine down on her. She arrived on our doorstep on the 6th. She wasn't due to arrive until the 7th, but my father-in-law who loves me and more importantly owns a big truck picked her up from the shipping company so I wouldn't have to wait a whole 'nother day. Bless you, Con.
I managed to still my shaking hands enough to rip my beautiful bike out of the box and unwrap it. Then I got on it and rode around the neighborhood, even though I had just put dinner on the table. Dinner could wait - my beautiful bike couldn't. It is also apparent from the picture that doing my hair was also low on my priority list. I just couldn't wait to ride my bike. My beautiful beautiful bike.
Here we are all loaded up to go for a ride after dinner. See how great everyone fits? Thankfully Ethan is big enough to ride his own bike as Sam takes up two seats by himself, the big ol' fatty!
Since my bike's arrival she has gone to the library, church, my in-laws, Barber Park (that was Michael's doing), St. Luke's, the park, and various other places. Oh how lovely is my life (and my bike).
You can't see her in these pictures but rest assured she is watching from the sidelines.
Stay tuned for pictures of my children's joy. The bike is cool but the box it came in? Best thing ever. It is their new club house. Both of my children and two of their friends will fit in it comfortably. As soon as I get some pictures I will post more.
This is her still in the box. See!? Even the heavens shine down on her. She arrived on our doorstep on the 6th. She wasn't due to arrive until the 7th, but my father-in-law who loves me and more importantly owns a big truck picked her up from the shipping company so I wouldn't have to wait a whole 'nother day. Bless you, Con.
I managed to still my shaking hands enough to rip my beautiful bike out of the box and unwrap it. Then I got on it and rode around the neighborhood, even though I had just put dinner on the table. Dinner could wait - my beautiful bike couldn't. It is also apparent from the picture that doing my hair was also low on my priority list. I just couldn't wait to ride my bike. My beautiful beautiful bike.
Here we are all loaded up to go for a ride after dinner. See how great everyone fits? Thankfully Ethan is big enough to ride his own bike as Sam takes up two seats by himself, the big ol' fatty!Since my bike's arrival she has gone to the library, church, my in-laws, Barber Park (that was Michael's doing), St. Luke's, the park, and various other places. Oh how lovely is my life (and my bike).
You can't see her in these pictures but rest assured she is watching from the sidelines.
Stay tuned for pictures of my children's joy. The bike is cool but the box it came in? Best thing ever. It is their new club house. Both of my children and two of their friends will fit in it comfortably. As soon as I get some pictures I will post more.
October 6, 2010
Re : No Sense of Humor
If I had my way I would throw it away. GROSS! If you agree with me please leave a comment so Michael knows it is GROSS.
October 5, 2010
No Sense of Humor
I'm picking up around the house and bring this rolling pin contraption to the kitchen from the bathroom sink:
Katie sees me bring it out and the follow exchange occurs:
Katie: Ugh, that needs to be disinfected! Grace rolled it in *inaudible*.
Me: She rolled it in what?
Katie: In her POOP!
Me: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Katie: Don't laugh, it's disgusting!
Me: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Katie: Ugh, that needs to be disinfected! Grace rolled it in *inaudible*.
Me: She rolled it in what?
Katie: In her POOP!
Me: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Katie: Don't laugh, it's disgusting!
Me: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
October 1, 2010
Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood?
Last night, I decided that I was just too tired to cook. It has been a long rough week and I just needed some time off. The kids had earned gift certificates for free kids meals at Applebee's through summer reading through the public library. So we grabbed the certificates, grabbed the kids and headed out to eat.
By the time we got there everyone was tired and hungry and service was slooowww. Grace kept trying to climb out of her chair onto the table and Sam decided he needed to eat, NOW! So I fed Sam and Michael took Grace outside so she could run around while we waited for our drinks and some bread sticks for her. An eternity later our drinks came and Michael rejoined us. Libby slurped her chocolate milk in record time and tried an onion ring. A few minutes later she tried to climb onto Michael's lap. There wasn't much room for her between Michael and the table, and she said her stomach didn't feel good. We told her we were sorry and didn't think anything more about it. Then she said she didn't feel good and dry heaved. Michael was trying to unwedge him and Libby from the booth (her foot was caught between the bench and Grace's high chair) while asking if she was going to throw up. She nodded yes and they made a mad dash for the bathroom. And they almost made it, too. But almost doesn't quite count. She threw up a little outside the men's room and a good portion on the floor in the threshold of the first stall. She even managed to get some of her chocolaty vomit into the toilet and only a little down her leg.
Meanwhile I'm sitting at the table thinking it would be a good idea to find my waitress and have her box up our dinners to go. While I'm debating how necessary this is I feel something warm on my lap. Sam's diaper had at that moment decided to spring a massive leak all over the sling and my lap. I take that as a sign and flag down our waitress. She was more than understanding. I apologized profusely even though I wanted to shout, "I swear, I didn't know she was going to be sick." The waitress walks off to have our dinners boxed and I look up to see Michael coming back. Grace took advantage of my momentary distraction to climb up on the table and pull down a full glass of ice water. The waitress returns at that point with our food and check. She tells me it is fine, not to worry, but I'm pretty sure she was lying. She probably went home and told all of her friends about this nightmare of a family she got stuck with at work. So Michael hauls all the kids out to the van while I pay and grab our food. I'm sure I heard a huge sigh of relief from the waitstaff as the door shut behind us.
We get in the car and Libby now feels great and wants her macaroni and cheese. So we went to the park and everyone ate their dinner after being told they were not allowed to play on any equipment that spins.
I think it may have been easier just to eat at home.
By the time we got there everyone was tired and hungry and service was slooowww. Grace kept trying to climb out of her chair onto the table and Sam decided he needed to eat, NOW! So I fed Sam and Michael took Grace outside so she could run around while we waited for our drinks and some bread sticks for her. An eternity later our drinks came and Michael rejoined us. Libby slurped her chocolate milk in record time and tried an onion ring. A few minutes later she tried to climb onto Michael's lap. There wasn't much room for her between Michael and the table, and she said her stomach didn't feel good. We told her we were sorry and didn't think anything more about it. Then she said she didn't feel good and dry heaved. Michael was trying to unwedge him and Libby from the booth (her foot was caught between the bench and Grace's high chair) while asking if she was going to throw up. She nodded yes and they made a mad dash for the bathroom. And they almost made it, too. But almost doesn't quite count. She threw up a little outside the men's room and a good portion on the floor in the threshold of the first stall. She even managed to get some of her chocolaty vomit into the toilet and only a little down her leg.
Meanwhile I'm sitting at the table thinking it would be a good idea to find my waitress and have her box up our dinners to go. While I'm debating how necessary this is I feel something warm on my lap. Sam's diaper had at that moment decided to spring a massive leak all over the sling and my lap. I take that as a sign and flag down our waitress. She was more than understanding. I apologized profusely even though I wanted to shout, "I swear, I didn't know she was going to be sick." The waitress walks off to have our dinners boxed and I look up to see Michael coming back. Grace took advantage of my momentary distraction to climb up on the table and pull down a full glass of ice water. The waitress returns at that point with our food and check. She tells me it is fine, not to worry, but I'm pretty sure she was lying. She probably went home and told all of her friends about this nightmare of a family she got stuck with at work. So Michael hauls all the kids out to the van while I pay and grab our food. I'm sure I heard a huge sigh of relief from the waitstaff as the door shut behind us.
We get in the car and Libby now feels great and wants her macaroni and cheese. So we went to the park and everyone ate their dinner after being told they were not allowed to play on any equipment that spins.
I think it may have been easier just to eat at home.
September 30, 2010
Smooshed Fingers
Tuesday night the kids were all in the back of the house playing. One of the big kids had to go to the bathroom. Grace tried to follow said child. The kid wanted some privacy, so slammed the bathroom door. The only problem was that Grace's fingers were in the door. Her fingers got smashed up pretty good. Her older sibling was devastated as we watched Graces fingers swell to twice their size. Grace cried and couldn't comfort herself because it was her left hand, her thumb sucking (and occasionally finger sucking) hand. I couldn't tell exactly what the damage was but nothing seemed broken so I put her down for bed.
In the morning I could tell the skin on her ring finger had been peeled down to the base of the fingernail. I covered it up and called the doctor. We decided to watch it and if it didn't get worse to keep her home. So of course it got worse. Despite my best efforts to keep it covered she managed to catch her fingernail on something while I was making dinner and lift it most of the way off. Another call to the dr's office and we headed out the door to see the after-hours pediatrician. Michael was helping a neighbor move so I loaded all four kids up and went. The doctor looked at Grace's finger and told me she wasn't comfortable giving Grace a digital block and taking the nail the rest the way off. So she sent us across the street to the ER. Me and all four kids. In the ER. With a sad Grace. And I had forgotten Sam's sling. And his pacifier. It was an experience I will never fully be able to block..er I mean forget.
After fifteen minutes in the waiting room (not too bad), being checked in, another 15 minutes in the waiting room (still doable), 1/2 an hour in the ER room (shoot me now), an X-ray (really, she's fine, it's just the nail) the doctor came in. Grace was sucking on her injured finger. He looked at me and told me I needed to keep her finger dry and covered. Cue maniacal laughter from anyone who has ever been the mother of a 16 month old, babysat a 16 month old or even been in the same room as a 16 month old. I managed to keep it together enough and not laugh in his face. It was hard but I persevered. He then numbed her finger, pulled the nail the rest of the way off and put a band aid on her finger. This did not make Grace happy, especially considering it was 2 hours past her bedtime and she hadn't had dinner yet. It took all of five minutes and we were done. And Grace had her new band aid off before the doctor left the room.
She should start to grow a new nail in 6 to 8 weeks. In the meantime my house is littered with used band aids I faithfully put on her and she promptly rips off.
In the morning I could tell the skin on her ring finger had been peeled down to the base of the fingernail. I covered it up and called the doctor. We decided to watch it and if it didn't get worse to keep her home. So of course it got worse. Despite my best efforts to keep it covered she managed to catch her fingernail on something while I was making dinner and lift it most of the way off. Another call to the dr's office and we headed out the door to see the after-hours pediatrician. Michael was helping a neighbor move so I loaded all four kids up and went. The doctor looked at Grace's finger and told me she wasn't comfortable giving Grace a digital block and taking the nail the rest the way off. So she sent us across the street to the ER. Me and all four kids. In the ER. With a sad Grace. And I had forgotten Sam's sling. And his pacifier. It was an experience I will never fully be able to block..er I mean forget.
After fifteen minutes in the waiting room (not too bad), being checked in, another 15 minutes in the waiting room (still doable), 1/2 an hour in the ER room (shoot me now), an X-ray (really, she's fine, it's just the nail) the doctor came in. Grace was sucking on her injured finger. He looked at me and told me I needed to keep her finger dry and covered. Cue maniacal laughter from anyone who has ever been the mother of a 16 month old, babysat a 16 month old or even been in the same room as a 16 month old. I managed to keep it together enough and not laugh in his face. It was hard but I persevered. He then numbed her finger, pulled the nail the rest of the way off and put a band aid on her finger. This did not make Grace happy, especially considering it was 2 hours past her bedtime and she hadn't had dinner yet. It took all of five minutes and we were done. And Grace had her new band aid off before the doctor left the room.
She should start to grow a new nail in 6 to 8 weeks. In the meantime my house is littered with used band aids I faithfully put on her and she promptly rips off.
September 23, 2010
Sun Valley - The Recreation
We only managed to swim Friday night. Michael was working on Saturday and I came down with a horrible, nasty stomach virus. That was not the highlight of the trip. Being stuck in a hotel room with four kids while I kept making mad dashes to the bathroom was not part of the original plan. Ethan and Libby contented themselves with watching cartoons that were simply horrible. The pool was simply lovely Friday night, though. The evening was cool so I was a little worried but the pool was heated and felt wonderful. It felt absolutely decadent to be swimming in the warm pool on a cool evening. We all wished we could have went swimming more.
Isn't the pool pretty? 
Michael came back to the hotel room around lunch time on Saturday and found a half dead wife. So he packed all four kids up and took them out to eat lunch. I climbed in the extra long tub and accidentally feel asleep. At the restaurant the gal who was bussing the tables gave the kids stale bread to feed to the ducks. This was definitely a high point of the trip.
September 20, 2010
Sun Valley - The Inn
Michael was asked to go to Sun Valley to video record a cardiology conference. We decided it would be fun to go up as a family. On a side note, if there is a next time we decided it would be much more relaxing to go without the kids. Not that we don't love our kids and all but a break every now and then is nice. Back to the narrative - the original plan was the kids and I would stay at a house his grandparents have owned up there for eons and Michael would stay at the hotel. Well, the people at Michael's work decided to put us all up at the Sun Vally Inn. I haven't even been in a hotel since I was 17 and never in one that was so fancy (and hecka expensive) as the Sun Valley Inn.
Sun Valley even has its own coat-of-arms or emblem. These were everywhere: on doors, in the sidewalk, on walls. The kids kept asking me why they were there. I tried to explain it but I think they are still confused.
Yep, I did. I took a picture of the front of the Inn and I know how cool that makes me. I had to, though, because this is the fanciest place I have ever stayed or probably ever will stay.
The room. To be honest I expected a bit more...something. Maybe some gold-plated faucets, diamond door handles, Tiffany Glass, something. The colors and details did make me feel like I was in a 30's movie. I just needed a long sweeping night gown with a sheer robe to complete the feeling. Alas I only had the hotel standard issue terry bath robe.
The housekeeper did come in and turn down the bed for us. She put a box of chocolate on each bed and then she noticed the kids (who had been checking out the bathroom). She smiled and put an extra box on each bed. The kids only managed to smear a little chocolate on the white bedding. Like I said, next time they are staying with their Aunt.
Sun Valley even has its own coat-of-arms or emblem. These were everywhere: on doors, in the sidewalk, on walls. The kids kept asking me why they were there. I tried to explain it but I think they are still confused.
Yep, I did. I took a picture of the front of the Inn and I know how cool that makes me. I had to, though, because this is the fanciest place I have ever stayed or probably ever will stay.
The room. To be honest I expected a bit more...something. Maybe some gold-plated faucets, diamond door handles, Tiffany Glass, something. The colors and details did make me feel like I was in a 30's movie. I just needed a long sweeping night gown with a sheer robe to complete the feeling. Alas I only had the hotel standard issue terry bath robe.
The housekeeper did come in and turn down the bed for us. She put a box of chocolate on each bed and then she noticed the kids (who had been checking out the bathroom). She smiled and put an extra box on each bed. The kids only managed to smear a little chocolate on the white bedding. Like I said, next time they are staying with their Aunt.
August 27, 2010
A Squash Mystery
Early this spring I noticed a couple of squashes growing along my front sidewalk. I planted flowers there but I also let the little squash plants be. I just didn't have the heart to kill them. I wasn't sure where they had come from but I had a pretty good idea. In the same area last year I had planted a butternut squash and a zucchini. They had ended up taking over the sidewalk so I decided not to plant them there ever again. But when they started growing on their own I just couldn't destroy their small little lives.
As they grew I couldn't figure out what they were. The fruit was perfectly round and green. I picked one and cut it open. It smelled like zucchini so I figured it was because I had planted a hybrid and a plant not true to the mother plant was coming back. It also began to take over my sidewalk so I hacked away at it with abandon. I ended up throwing 1/2 of it away covered with countless little round squash. I never picked any of the squash to eat because we had plenty of zucchini already growing. So I just let it be.
About a week ago I noticed one of the squash was turning orange. The plant I have been hacking at mercilessly is a pumpkin! Oh, the guilt. I love pumpkins. During the fall it is a trying experience to go anywhere with me because I have to point out the piles of pumpkins in front of every fruit stand and grocery store. Something about piles of big orange pumpkins makes me happy. And I have been killing them! With abandon!
I called my mother to tell her my joy and lament. Joy that I was growing pumpkins and lament that I have been killing them. This is how the conversation went:
"Mom, do you know what I am growing out front?"
"Yeah, they're pumpkins."
"You knew they were pumpkins? How long have you known they were pumpkins?"
"Oh, I don't know, about three weeks."
"Well why didn't you tell me? I've been killing them off."
"Um...well... I figured you knew what you had planted."
Well no Mom, I didn't. I had no idea. I still don't even know where they came from. My best guess is they came from our neighbor. They had some pumpkins they had allowed to rot last fall. When they started cleaning up their leaves for the fall I told them they could just dump them in our yard. I would use them for mulch and compost. So I am guessing some seeds got mixed up with the leaves and ta da...surprise pumpkins!
As they grew I couldn't figure out what they were. The fruit was perfectly round and green. I picked one and cut it open. It smelled like zucchini so I figured it was because I had planted a hybrid and a plant not true to the mother plant was coming back. It also began to take over my sidewalk so I hacked away at it with abandon. I ended up throwing 1/2 of it away covered with countless little round squash. I never picked any of the squash to eat because we had plenty of zucchini already growing. So I just let it be.
About a week ago I noticed one of the squash was turning orange. The plant I have been hacking at mercilessly is a pumpkin! Oh, the guilt. I love pumpkins. During the fall it is a trying experience to go anywhere with me because I have to point out the piles of pumpkins in front of every fruit stand and grocery store. Something about piles of big orange pumpkins makes me happy. And I have been killing them! With abandon!
I called my mother to tell her my joy and lament. Joy that I was growing pumpkins and lament that I have been killing them. This is how the conversation went:
"Mom, do you know what I am growing out front?"
"Yeah, they're pumpkins."
"You knew they were pumpkins? How long have you known they were pumpkins?"
"Oh, I don't know, about three weeks."
"Well why didn't you tell me? I've been killing them off."
"Um...well... I figured you knew what you had planted."
Well no Mom, I didn't. I had no idea. I still don't even know where they came from. My best guess is they came from our neighbor. They had some pumpkins they had allowed to rot last fall. When they started cleaning up their leaves for the fall I told them they could just dump them in our yard. I would use them for mulch and compost. So I am guessing some seeds got mixed up with the leaves and ta da...surprise pumpkins!
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