I am a republican. Always have been. Hate to say I always will be because well ... never say never. Needless to say I am a McCain/Palin supporter. I've even helped Shawn see the light and he is coming over to the "right" side. :) But I think we have a problem and may need an intervention. I wouldn't normally find this a problem. But it's the second time it's happened.
Incident #1 - A few months ago, we were reading the paper and there was a picture of Obama on the front page. Mallory looked at it and said, "I like Brakack Opama." The world started spinning ... really, I am not lieing.
Incident #2 - We were watching the debate tonight. It was over, I was having a hey-dey messaging with my girl Cheryl. When all the sudden I heard, "I LIKE BRRACCKAKKA OOOKKBBAAKKKAMMMAA." I had heart palpitations. And I think my blood pressure rose a teensy tiny bit.
So, my daughter is now my political enemy. My own little pundit walking around the house .. and I can't turn her off like I can the TV. Well, enemy may be harsh considering she's not quite four and doesn't understand what really liking a candidate means. But, is this just the beginning? Are we going to be polar opposites on life views? I guess I was with my mom. Oy vey. It's going to be a wild ride with this child.
To make me feel better, I think I am going to take the view that she is doing this just because it riles me. You know ... kinda like when she goes around the house saying "Hook `em Horns" and then giggles in her little evil laugh, all the while knowing I have been trying to get her to say "Sic `em Bears" for months.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Excruciating Wait
It's been almost four weeks since we ordered the bunk beds. And an excruciating wait. But, it's almost over. I have been told the beds will be delivered on Saturday between 10a and 12p CT. Stay tuned for pics.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Hoscqumes
Is that how you spell it? If I had to say it phoenetically, that would be pretty close. But you see, I'm having a little trouble as it's not a word in my native tongue, so I'm not quite sure. Where does it come from?
It's Mallory's newest way to say "costume." She's been fervently looking through all the sales catalogs and magazines we've received lately to figure out which "hoscqume" she wants to wear for Halloween. She has spent hours examining the hoscumes in the Wishcraft catalog. So far, the choices have been narrowed down to (in no particular order):
It's Mallory's newest way to say "costume." She's been fervently looking through all the sales catalogs and magazines we've received lately to figure out which "hoscqume" she wants to wear for Halloween. She has spent hours examining the hoscumes in the Wishcraft catalog. So far, the choices have been narrowed down to (in no particular order):
- Bat girl
- Wonder woman
- Super girl (her own incarnation)
- Elizabeth (yes, the great ruler of England)
- Pirate (the male version only)
- Go-go girl
- Cheerleader
Overheard
I know I've been doing these quite a bit lately ... It's really not a copp-out. I want to remember these things. So here's the latest installment, said while in the car on Saturday.
"I like being Mallory Tinkham because ... I have little toes. I have little feet."
What great self-esteem!
"I like being Mallory Tinkham because ... I have little toes. I have little feet."
What great self-esteem!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Nine Years of Wedded Bliss
Happy Anniversary to us! Nine years ago today, at just about this time, I was a little frenzied with wedding prep. I believe I was in a panic over the fact that I could not find my knee highs (yes, so I'm a little redneck, so what?). Luckily, the best sister in the world sent my then very young nephew who was a newly-minted driver to Wal-Mart to pick up a $.33/ball of sheerness to save the day.
Most of our wedding day is but a fuzzy memory now ... but I do remember a few things.
(I tried to take a pic of the bauble and the iPhone just cannot zoom in close enough to get the detail with no fuzzies. Sorry.)
Saturday night we're going to celebrate with a fine dining experience at The Capital Grille. It's been a good nine years ... here's hoping the next nine are even better.
Most of our wedding day is but a fuzzy memory now ... but I do remember a few things.
- Shopping trip. My sister and I got up and went to the mall the day of my wedding. It was so fun. I got a free makeover at Estee Lauder (my makeup was flawless!) and bought some jewelery to wear that day. It was great to share that time with my sister.
- Rushing to decorate. I'm not sure how I ended up on decorating duty, but had to go to the florist, church and reception site to "fluff." It made the day feel rushed.
- Trying not to giggle during the ceremony. See, I had had a dream a few weeks before that I busted out laughing. Of course, during the *actual* ceremony, Shawn and I looked at each other at the same time with the same thought of that dream. Man was it hard to stifle those giggles! Maybe that explains the next bullet.
- "Let us pray." I like prayer. Have nothing against it. But, really Rev. Webb, did we need 5,000 prayers during the ceremony? I guess he thought we needed a "little extra" help from the man above.
- Forced presenting. We were forced to sit for oh ... what felt like most of the night and open gifts from people who had not been able to attend a shower because they were from out of town. It was nice that they thought of us, but really I would have rather been dancing.
- Tennis shoes and knee highs. After we cut the cake, I politely asked Shawn if he would put on my tennis shoes and spare me the pain of high heels. I was really comfy the rest of the night.
Lots has changed in nine years ... infertility, two babies, houses, cars, trips ... the list could go on and on. But one thing that hasn't -- I still love you, Lobby/Goose/whatever your name is!
Shawn did well in his celebratory prep ... I woke up to a pretty bauble and then got flowers at work.
(I tried to take a pic of the bauble and the iPhone just cannot zoom in close enough to get the detail with no fuzzies. Sorry.)
Saturday night we're going to celebrate with a fine dining experience at The Capital Grille. It's been a good nine years ... here's hoping the next nine are even better.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The stats
True had his 15 mo check up today. I realize now that I am typing this I should have been putting all his prior stats on the blog. Just in case I lose all of those little pieces of yellow paper they give you at the dr office. That way in thirty years I could tell him what he weighed at each checkup (on second thought ... do you think this blog will be here that long?!). Cause you know that's important information. And I don't have the best memory when it comes to these things. Oh well, I guess it's never too late to start, right?
Height: 30.5" (40%tile)
Weight: 21 lbs 15oz (20%tile)
Head: 19.25" (25%tile)
So my boy is perfect in every way (and I am not being biased ... the dr said it too!). Hard to believe he's already over a year old. This time a year ago I was just coming back to the office to work (I had worked at home for some time) and crying inside every day because I had to let the lovely ladies at daycare fawn over him. I still feel the same way ... just a little more used to it now.
Height: 30.5" (40%tile)
Weight: 21 lbs 15oz (20%tile)
Head: 19.25" (25%tile)
So my boy is perfect in every way (and I am not being biased ... the dr said it too!). Hard to believe he's already over a year old. This time a year ago I was just coming back to the office to work (I had worked at home for some time) and crying inside every day because I had to let the lovely ladies at daycare fawn over him. I still feel the same way ... just a little more used to it now.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
"God talks to me"
In the car this morning, Mallory pronounced, "God talks to me." I was excited ... my daughter is already finding enlightenment at 3.5yo! But then, that idea went downhill very quickly with the rest of the conversation:
Mallie: Mommy, God talks to me.
Mommy: Really, what does he say?
Mallie: He says that we need to go swimming.
Aha. My child has found another clever way to twist the truth to her way of thinking! She's a sneaky one. Of course, maybe God is telling her to go swimming and who am I to interfere!
Mallie: Mommy, God talks to me.
Mommy: Really, what does he say?
Mallie: He says that we need to go swimming.
Aha. My child has found another clever way to twist the truth to her way of thinking! She's a sneaky one. Of course, maybe God is telling her to go swimming and who am I to interfere!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Just Be
I'm sure there will be thousands of blogs written today about the national innocence that was lost seven years ago when the attacks on the Pentagon, World Trade Center and flights across Shanksville, PA occurred. I'm still devastated by the events of that day. Honestly, I don't think I can fathom or understand the enormous impact it's had on our lives. Maybe I just choose not to.
But, I'm not going to talk about that today. I'm going to talk about "just being." I'm working on "just being present" in my everyday life and appreciating what I have. It's hard because this is not my personality type ... but I feel that this will help make me a better person, a better parent.
If we would let ourselves just be and stop and smell the roses every once in a while, our whole world could be different. Like today ... it's 8:45a and I am just getting to work. And I'm okay with that because what good would it to me to rush and get upset with my children, myself and other drivers on the road. Think about those who were early or late to work on 9/11. Do you think they were upset that they missed the train, their flight or that cab? Maybe for that moment only because the events of the rest of the day opened their eyes.
So I guess I'm trying to say we never know what is going to happen. A chain of events could lead to a positive or negative in our lives. So just go with it. It may not be what you want, but roll with it, don't fight it. If you don't like it, change it. But do it in a positive manner.
Now tomorrow, when I am cursing myself for oversleeping again and the crazies in traffic who are too busy to get off their cell phone to pay attention to the road, I will try to remember how I feel today. Because this is how I want to be every day.
But, I'm not going to talk about that today. I'm going to talk about "just being." I'm working on "just being present" in my everyday life and appreciating what I have. It's hard because this is not my personality type ... but I feel that this will help make me a better person, a better parent.
If we would let ourselves just be and stop and smell the roses every once in a while, our whole world could be different. Like today ... it's 8:45a and I am just getting to work. And I'm okay with that because what good would it to me to rush and get upset with my children, myself and other drivers on the road. Think about those who were early or late to work on 9/11. Do you think they were upset that they missed the train, their flight or that cab? Maybe for that moment only because the events of the rest of the day opened their eyes.
So I guess I'm trying to say we never know what is going to happen. A chain of events could lead to a positive or negative in our lives. So just go with it. It may not be what you want, but roll with it, don't fight it. If you don't like it, change it. But do it in a positive manner.
Now tomorrow, when I am cursing myself for oversleeping again and the crazies in traffic who are too busy to get off their cell phone to pay attention to the road, I will try to remember how I feel today. Because this is how I want to be every day.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
It's been a long time since ...
Growing up, I used to play a mean trick on friends who came to spend the night with me. I'd lure them over under the guise of chit chat, popcorn, movies, make-up, boys ... an endless list of things girls like to do when they sleep over at someones house. Of course, once they were there ... (insert evil laugh) I made them my minions and put them to work. The diva interior designer would come out and I'd force them to help me rearrange my room (insert another evil laugh). It didn't take long for people to catch on to this phenomenon of "let's go to Jenn's house and work." Of course, it did quickly sort out the real friends! Luckily, I didn't push it on them too many times. I couldn't wait for them to come over to rearrange ... so I learned to do a lot of heavy lifting myself.
Even today ... (muffled) years later, Shawn still quakes when he hears me say, "I have an idea." Because to him, this means "let's rearrange the furniture." Let's face it, I like to change things up. But in this house I haven't done much of that. Probably because there is really only one way to put furniture in our bedroom. And the playroom doesn't have that much in it. The kitchen ... well, there is only so much you can do. But the living room and office are fair game! It's on baby. :)
Well, we've arranged the living room about three times in almost two years. That is REALLY a low arrangement to time ratio for me. The office has been arranged once - when we got the office furniture put in.
But lately, I've been feeling the old familiar itch. Maybe it's the change in weather. Maybe I've just unsuccessfully tried to stifle the inner designer ... but it's back. So on Sunday, when I said, "I've got an idea," Shawn just kinda rolled his eyes and backed away. But once I told him what it was, he was very very happy. Especially when I moved all the furniture by myself while he was at Home Depot.
Anyway ... that's a really big lead in to say that I rearranged the office. I think it looks pretty good. Of course, we're going to dump the big black filing cabinet and the broken 46" tv (have I written about the famous Wii incident yet?). And I still need a nice room-sized rug. But we're getting there. Yeah, it's a bit of a bowling alley since all the furniture is off to the side, but this arrangement REALLY works for us.
Anyway ... this gives each of us a place to put our stuff each day ... and a way for mommy to not have to run home from school to pick up something we forgot. I can hear it now:
Kidlet: Mommy, I forgot (insert some weird item) at home.
Mommy: Was it in your basket?
Kidlet: No, I forgot to put it in there.
Mommy: You should have remembered to put it in your basket. I bet you don't forget next time. I'm not going home to get it.
Okay ... so that would be in a perfect world. In the real world I always turn around, go home and bring the missing item. On a side note, does anyone else find it disturbing that I always create conversations like this? I'm kinda worried about myself.
Anyway ... that's what I've been up to. I'm getting antsy to do a little something to the playroom next. Please don't let me do anything crazy before the holidays. I have too much to do already. I cannot add to the madness.
Even today ... (muffled) years later, Shawn still quakes when he hears me say, "I have an idea." Because to him, this means "let's rearrange the furniture." Let's face it, I like to change things up. But in this house I haven't done much of that. Probably because there is really only one way to put furniture in our bedroom. And the playroom doesn't have that much in it. The kitchen ... well, there is only so much you can do. But the living room and office are fair game! It's on baby. :)
Well, we've arranged the living room about three times in almost two years. That is REALLY a low arrangement to time ratio for me. The office has been arranged once - when we got the office furniture put in.
But lately, I've been feeling the old familiar itch. Maybe it's the change in weather. Maybe I've just unsuccessfully tried to stifle the inner designer ... but it's back. So on Sunday, when I said, "I've got an idea," Shawn just kinda rolled his eyes and backed away. But once I told him what it was, he was very very happy. Especially when I moved all the furniture by myself while he was at Home Depot.
Anyway ... that's a really big lead in to say that I rearranged the office. I think it looks pretty good. Of course, we're going to dump the big black filing cabinet and the broken 46" tv (have I written about the famous Wii incident yet?). And I still need a nice room-sized rug. But we're getting there. Yeah, it's a bit of a bowling alley since all the furniture is off to the side, but this arrangement REALLY works for us.
The curtains are a little tired ... I think I may put up some nice blue ones I have. Yes, I know the rod is hung too low. But I gave up on trying to direct Shawn to where I really wanted it. It works for now.
I found this baby at the new Homegoods store (that place is HEAVEN I tell you). It lives in the office by the back door. We each have our own basket. I was thinking about painting the baskets black. What do you think?
Anyway ... this gives each of us a place to put our stuff each day ... and a way for mommy to not have to run home from school to pick up something we forgot. I can hear it now:Kidlet: Mommy, I forgot (insert some weird item) at home.
Mommy: Was it in your basket?
Kidlet: No, I forgot to put it in there.
Mommy: You should have remembered to put it in your basket. I bet you don't forget next time. I'm not going home to get it.
Okay ... so that would be in a perfect world. In the real world I always turn around, go home and bring the missing item. On a side note, does anyone else find it disturbing that I always create conversations like this? I'm kinda worried about myself.
Anyway ... that's what I've been up to. I'm getting antsy to do a little something to the playroom next. Please don't let me do anything crazy before the holidays. I have too much to do already. I cannot add to the madness.
Monday, September 08, 2008
NYC, home away from home
I feel like I've been spending LOTS `O time in NYC these days. And I love it!
Years ago I really wanted to move there and take a big `ol bite out of the city. At my previous employer, an internal job was posted for the practice in NYC and I seriously thought about applying. I even joked around with Shawn to get his take (Underhanded, I know. He had no idea of what I was doing. He was just being introduced to the world of Jenn). He didn't take.
Anyway, was having lunch with my friend Tracy a few weeks ago and we started throwing around the idea of doing another girls' trip. Couldn't afford another trip to Paris (Tracy and I went in Feb 08) or Vienna (where we're planning our next out-of-country escapade) so we said that maybe a cosmopolitan city like NYC could fill in the gaps. And, even better, let's go at the holidays to soak up all the holiday spirit.
Started talking to my friend Mello `Dondo. She has a friend who owns partnership in a hotel just off Times Square. The more we talk, the more exciting this trip is ... because it's becoming a reality. Yes my friends, discount hotel room just off Times Square. We are paying a per night rate that is just a little more than we'd pay for a hotel room in Suburbia, TX.
Oh wait, it gets even better (do you feel like you're in an infomercial for NYC?). We had been looking at airfare and were finding rates in the vicinity of $300 - $325. This AM when the hotel was confirmed, we logged on and found it for $238. This trip was destined.
So ... I'm off to soak up some more of the big city with my girls. It's going to be a long wait until December.
Years ago I really wanted to move there and take a big `ol bite out of the city. At my previous employer, an internal job was posted for the practice in NYC and I seriously thought about applying. I even joked around with Shawn to get his take (Underhanded, I know. He had no idea of what I was doing. He was just being introduced to the world of Jenn). He didn't take.
Anyway, was having lunch with my friend Tracy a few weeks ago and we started throwing around the idea of doing another girls' trip. Couldn't afford another trip to Paris (Tracy and I went in Feb 08) or Vienna (where we're planning our next out-of-country escapade) so we said that maybe a cosmopolitan city like NYC could fill in the gaps. And, even better, let's go at the holidays to soak up all the holiday spirit.
Started talking to my friend Mello `Dondo. She has a friend who owns partnership in a hotel just off Times Square. The more we talk, the more exciting this trip is ... because it's becoming a reality. Yes my friends, discount hotel room just off Times Square. We are paying a per night rate that is just a little more than we'd pay for a hotel room in Suburbia, TX.
Oh wait, it gets even better (do you feel like you're in an infomercial for NYC?). We had been looking at airfare and were finding rates in the vicinity of $300 - $325. This AM when the hotel was confirmed, we logged on and found it for $238. This trip was destined.
So ... I'm off to soak up some more of the big city with my girls. It's going to be a long wait until December.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Another overheard and a fun Saturday
She got me on this one. We happened to be driving by a farm in the middle of suburbia. Since a family farm seems to be a distinct species, I made it a point to make sure she saw the animals. There were cows and alpacas lazily grazing. The conversation inside the car went something like this:
Mommy: Look at all the cows, Mallory!
Mallory: Yes, there are baby cows too.
Mommy: Do you know what a baby cow is called?
Mallory: A baby cow.
Daddy: *snicker*snicker*snicker*
I scratched my head and had to give it to her. And of course, continued the lesson!
Still no bunk bed delivery. I'm getting antsy, but it's only been a week. Patience cricket. Patience. In the meantime, I've been looking for a decorative theme for True's room. It's hard to find something that meets Shawn's request of "jeep" and my request of "not really jeep." I think I finally found it on eBay. I won it in a bitterly-fought bidding war (I was only mildly wounded, I cannot say what happened to the other party). The spoils of my war came today ... but not in as good of shape as I would have hoped. And the lamp that came with was broken so I need to contact seller and file a claim with the post office. Just what I want to spend my time doing.
This morning we set up a 529 for Mallory's college. I've determined she is going to have to pay for part of school for herself! I am a true believer in pay yourself first because scholarships, loans, etc. are available for college but not for retirement. I mean really ... to fund a private education I'd have to set aside almost $900/mo for 14 years to pay 100% of her education (almost $500/mo for a public school). So, we are going to put in a little over time so that by the time she's ready to go to college she should have enough to pay for at least one year. We need to set one up for True, but we're going to wait a year to see how this one performs. If we like, we'll sign him up next year.
After that we went to Gatti Town and hooked up with the `Dondos. Kids love playing together. And True did not appreciate his first ride on the carousel. This was right after the ride was over. Unfortunately you cannot see the tears. Maybe he just doesn't like riding horseback?
Mallory and Christopher had a great time running around and playing games. At the end, we got to pick prizes (a ring, a sugar necklace and a soccer ball eraser) and take a ride on the train. Even Mommy and Mrs. Melody got in on the action.
After that, we came home. As I'm writing this Daddy is snoozing on the couch. Mommy has gotten up 5 times. To let the dogs out, get True up from his nap, get Mallie a snack (x2) and take my own bathroom break. Something that should have taken me 10 mins has somehow stretched out to just over an hour. Hopefully Mommy will get her own quiet time today.
Mommy: Look at all the cows, Mallory!
Mallory: Yes, there are baby cows too.
Mommy: Do you know what a baby cow is called?
Mallory: A baby cow.
Daddy: *snicker*snicker*snicker*
I scratched my head and had to give it to her. And of course, continued the lesson!
Still no bunk bed delivery. I'm getting antsy, but it's only been a week. Patience cricket. Patience. In the meantime, I've been looking for a decorative theme for True's room. It's hard to find something that meets Shawn's request of "jeep" and my request of "not really jeep." I think I finally found it on eBay. I won it in a bitterly-fought bidding war (I was only mildly wounded, I cannot say what happened to the other party). The spoils of my war came today ... but not in as good of shape as I would have hoped. And the lamp that came with was broken so I need to contact seller and file a claim with the post office. Just what I want to spend my time doing.
This morning we set up a 529 for Mallory's college. I've determined she is going to have to pay for part of school for herself! I am a true believer in pay yourself first because scholarships, loans, etc. are available for college but not for retirement. I mean really ... to fund a private education I'd have to set aside almost $900/mo for 14 years to pay 100% of her education (almost $500/mo for a public school). So, we are going to put in a little over time so that by the time she's ready to go to college she should have enough to pay for at least one year. We need to set one up for True, but we're going to wait a year to see how this one performs. If we like, we'll sign him up next year.
After that we went to Gatti Town and hooked up with the `Dondos. Kids love playing together. And True did not appreciate his first ride on the carousel. This was right after the ride was over. Unfortunately you cannot see the tears. Maybe he just doesn't like riding horseback?
Mallory and Christopher had a great time running around and playing games. At the end, we got to pick prizes (a ring, a sugar necklace and a soccer ball eraser) and take a ride on the train. Even Mommy and Mrs. Melody got in on the action.
After that, we came home. As I'm writing this Daddy is snoozing on the couch. Mommy has gotten up 5 times. To let the dogs out, get True up from his nap, get Mallie a snack (x2) and take my own bathroom break. Something that should have taken me 10 mins has somehow stretched out to just over an hour. Hopefully Mommy will get her own quiet time today.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Decisions made, bed bought
I so struggled with the bunk bed decision ... which style, which color, what do I do? I really made it harder than it should have been. Story of my life.
I finally realized that I kept going back to one set in particular. So once I consciously realized that, the decision was made. But then, what color? Let me tell you, I struggled with this one. White ... is it too girly? Black ... it is a neutral (at least in my house) but is it girly enough? Red ... one of my fav colors, but would it be neutral enough to decorate? I chose none of the above.
After hem-hawing for a few hours on Saturday, I finally made the call and ordered the bed. No, I'm not going to tell you which one yet. I was ambitious yesterday and trekked around McKinney and Plano to find bedding. The good news is that we are all set ... we just need the beds to arrive.
Don't worry ... I won't keep you in the dark. You'll be the first to know once they very nice furniture men come in and set them up! Hopefully they'll be here in the next two weeks. Till then, stand by.
I finally realized that I kept going back to one set in particular. So once I consciously realized that, the decision was made. But then, what color? Let me tell you, I struggled with this one. White ... is it too girly? Black ... it is a neutral (at least in my house) but is it girly enough? Red ... one of my fav colors, but would it be neutral enough to decorate? I chose none of the above.
After hem-hawing for a few hours on Saturday, I finally made the call and ordered the bed. No, I'm not going to tell you which one yet. I was ambitious yesterday and trekked around McKinney and Plano to find bedding. The good news is that we are all set ... we just need the beds to arrive.
Don't worry ... I won't keep you in the dark. You'll be the first to know once they very nice furniture men come in and set them up! Hopefully they'll be here in the next two weeks. Till then, stand by.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What do I do with this?
I was perusing my local Craigslist the other day. Perusing probably isn't the right word. Stalking would be better. I have a ritual every time I log on (which is about five million times a day) . I have my search down to a science and it always goes in this order:
My heart fluttered and I thought to myself, "I must have this." When I sent the pic to M'Dondo she told me I was crazy. It might be haunted. I think it would have haunted my dreams if I didn't bring it home. It really needed to be adopted.
But, the big question is ... now that I have it, where do I put the darn thing? It's so lonely sitting in the dining room. I wish it would talk to me, but I think it is pouting from having to leave it's home. It is from the 40s and has only had two owners -- a mother and daughter.
Usually I look for furniture when I know what to do with it. This was just a pure emotional purchase. I've wanted one for a long time since my aunts (Brenda and Linda) have my grandmother's secretary at their house. I've always loved it (but theirs is much less ornate than this one).
Good or bad, I seem to have created another design challenge for myself.
- Bunk beds (yes, I was thinking I could find something cheaper than the pics I posted previously).
- Rug. I need a rug for my office. My feet hurt on the wood floors all the time (I could be losing the fat on the bottom of my feet though. Can that happen?!).
- Toile. I once saw a toile loveseat on there that I was literally salivating over. But it was white and a light brown. And I have two kids. Yeah, I can dream though.
- Pottery Barn. I like a lot of their stuff. But I refuse to pay full price.
My heart fluttered and I thought to myself, "I must have this." When I sent the pic to M'Dondo she told me I was crazy. It might be haunted. I think it would have haunted my dreams if I didn't bring it home. It really needed to be adopted.
But, the big question is ... now that I have it, where do I put the darn thing? It's so lonely sitting in the dining room. I wish it would talk to me, but I think it is pouting from having to leave it's home. It is from the 40s and has only had two owners -- a mother and daughter.
Usually I look for furniture when I know what to do with it. This was just a pure emotional purchase. I've wanted one for a long time since my aunts (Brenda and Linda) have my grandmother's secretary at their house. I've always loved it (but theirs is much less ornate than this one).
Good or bad, I seem to have created another design challenge for myself.
Star Struck
Mallory did a gymnastics try-me class back in May. She decided she'd rather do ballet. So 9 weeks later, we were back in gymnastics. At WOGA of all places (just so happens it's down the street from our house). I had forgotten about Nastia Liukin and her dad who owns the place. Until last night. While Mallory was running and jumping her heart out at her class, I gazed upon:
He was teaching a class of young girls. They were practicing tumbling and you could tell he just adored all of them. And vice versa. There was such a joy in the way he was responding to them and encouraging him. Now I know why he has produced so many champions (if that is how he interacts with all his kids). Honestly, I wanted to get up and do a double back, two and a half twist, whipsaw flash back thingy. But I probably would have been in bed today if I tried.
Valeri Liukin
He was teaching a class of young girls. They were practicing tumbling and you could tell he just adored all of them. And vice versa. There was such a joy in the way he was responding to them and encouraging him. Now I know why he has produced so many champions (if that is how he interacts with all his kids). Honestly, I wanted to get up and do a double back, two and a half twist, whipsaw flash back thingy. But I probably would have been in bed today if I tried.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
(Pre) school days
As a working mommy, I am forced to send my kids to other people during the day. I always think that I would like to be a stay at home mommy and then I consider my personality type. I often wonder if I could really do it ... and if I did, would I have any hair left. But ... I'm not writing about whether I should be a SAHM or not. No, I'm writing about that rite of passage - the first day of school. In our case ... (pre) school.
Mallory has been at the same "school"/daycare sinec Dec 06. She loved it from the day she set foot in the place. And of course, my mommy heart swelled. "I did good" on finding her a place to wile away the hours. All of that came to a screeching halt yesterday. It was transition day. Since regular school started, daycare rearranged all of the classes and redistributed kiddos to new rooms. All of the kids who will go to kindergarten starting in Aug 09 moved up to the preschool class. My little one has a late birthday and will not go to kindy until Aug 10 (she was born in November). You see where I am going with this. Yes, she was left behind.
The loss of friends who moved up to the next class has caused so much upheaval at our house in the last 24 hours that we even resorted to bribing her to be happy - with McDonalds. The worst came this morning when she told me:
I think I may have worn away some of my brake pads on the car I stopped so quickly. I just turned around and looked at my sad little girl, knowing there is nothing I can really do to fix this. But of course, I must put some kind of stop-gap measure in place because my kids WILL LOVE school (I'm really not as controlling as this sentence may make me seem). Off to call the daycare director. Cross your fingers for me. And if you've ever been in this situation I'd love some advice. Really, because I want this little girl back (ignore the fuzzy picture, darn iPhone!):
In more positive news, Truett also moved classes. He graduated from the infant class to pre-tods and is in heaven. Little boys are so easy.
Mallory has been at the same "school"/daycare sinec Dec 06. She loved it from the day she set foot in the place. And of course, my mommy heart swelled. "I did good" on finding her a place to wile away the hours. All of that came to a screeching halt yesterday. It was transition day. Since regular school started, daycare rearranged all of the classes and redistributed kiddos to new rooms. All of the kids who will go to kindergarten starting in Aug 09 moved up to the preschool class. My little one has a late birthday and will not go to kindy until Aug 10 (she was born in November). You see where I am going with this. Yes, she was left behind.
The loss of friends who moved up to the next class has caused so much upheaval at our house in the last 24 hours that we even resorted to bribing her to be happy - with McDonalds. The worst came this morning when she told me:
I don't like school.
I think I may have worn away some of my brake pads on the car I stopped so quickly. I just turned around and looked at my sad little girl, knowing there is nothing I can really do to fix this. But of course, I must put some kind of stop-gap measure in place because my kids WILL LOVE school (I'm really not as controlling as this sentence may make me seem). Off to call the daycare director. Cross your fingers for me. And if you've ever been in this situation I'd love some advice. Really, because I want this little girl back (ignore the fuzzy picture, darn iPhone!):
In more positive news, Truett also moved classes. He graduated from the infant class to pre-tods and is in heaven. Little boys are so easy.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Decisions, Decisions
Mallory is growing up. A little each day, as much as I hate to admit it. I'm not sure why, but I got it into my head that since she is getting bigger she needs "big girl beds." Aka bunk beds. Shawn just shakes his head at me when we discuss this because really, she doesn't need them. Her little twin with a trundle works perfectly fine. Maybe this is just me trying to get something I always wanted as a child?! So of course, I am determined to get them. She must have them!
Now comes the true test of my decision making skills ... which set to get. Who knew there were SO MANY bunk beds out there? Not only do you have to choose the bed, but then you have to choose finish, mattress and bedding. Oy vey! I have it narrowed down to these three sets. Which do you like (and don't forget to tell me why)? They come in all different colors too ...
The question is ... do I buy a set that can be handed down to Truett or do I get something that is girly and fabulous?!
Now comes the true test of my decision making skills ... which set to get. Who knew there were SO MANY bunk beds out there? Not only do you have to choose the bed, but then you have to choose finish, mattress and bedding. Oy vey! I have it narrowed down to these three sets. Which do you like (and don't forget to tell me why)? They come in all different colors too ...
My Haven
Ma Marie
Cottage Chic
The question is ... do I buy a set that can be handed down to Truett or do I get something that is girly and fabulous?!
Monday, August 18, 2008
It's mainly a mistreatment
The Nester issued a challenge: show off your best mistreatments. I don't profess to be a professional mistreater like she is, but I do try to follow in her footsteps. So far I've only attempted window mistreatments, but I do have grand plans for something bigger, better and beyond my imagination. If only I could figure out what it is!Anyway ... here's a walk down memory lane with my mistreatments.
My first attempt at a mistreatment - the master bath window. I took a two by four and stapled on material. My dear husband pounded some nails into the wall for me so the wood could sit on them. You'll see that it wasn't my best effort. It looked good at first, then I took it down to paint and for some reason, never found the time to re:treat it once I put it back up. That was a few months ago.
Here's the next project - faux blinds in the playroom. Please oh please ignore the cedar. Really, little fingers and cedar INDOORS in the middle of suburbia don't mix. I could see if we lived in a log cabin somewhere. But no ... neighbors to the left, neighbors to the right, neighbors to the north, neighbors to the south. Anyway ... I digress. I simply used staples and glue on the valance over the blinds then hung them back up. I used safety pins to pull them up on the sides. Viola! $38 later I have something to be proud of on the four playroom windows.
And last but certainly not least is the mistreatment for my laundry room. It cost me $3 and an assortment of stick pins and push pins. Yep, pinned it straight to the wall. The pom pom is also pinned on. No glue, no thread, no nothing.
Hope you've enjoyed my Mistreatment 2008 tour. Stop on by soon to see what else I'm up to!
Date night with the `Dondos
Something weird must be going on around here because I have got to do so many adult things lately (yeah, remember going to Jersey Boys ... great memories). Anyway, our friends the Arredondo's pretty must twisted our arms into having a double date night. Well, I shouldn't say "they" did it. It was really Melody, our party planner extraordinaire. After a quick phone conversation that went something like this, we decided on bowling.
Mel: What do you want to do?
Me: I don't care.
Mel: Go out to eat?
Me: I don't care.
Mel: Bowling?
Me: Yeah, that sounds great.
Mel: What time should we go?
Me: I don't care.
I could hear her rolling her eyes on the phone. And I don't blame her. Maybe I was channeling the title "she's just not that in to you" because that is the way I felt about date night. Don't get me wrong; I was looking forward to date night but was not ALL over the planning like Miss Party Pants was (you know I love ya girl). Good thing she was because no telling what date night would have been had I planned it. We'd be hanging out at the local street corner watching the lights turn green, then yellow, then red (imagine that). Or, we would have been watching paint dry on my wall or something. You get my point. So, I ponied up and got a babysitter.
Anyway ... last Friday night we hoofed it to the nicest bowling alley I've ever been to in my life. Umm ... I should have known it was going to be nice because of it's location. It was so shi-shi that there was a WAITER to answer to our every whim. Need another margarita? Why yes, Alex, I do. Want someting to eat? Why yes, Alex, we do.
I really thought I was a better bowler than I was ... but apparently I am not. Maybe I was distracted by all the shi-shi? I thought the four margaritas were going to help improve my score, but you can see by the progression of the games that they did nothing to improve my game.
Game 2
Mel: What do you want to do?
Me: I don't care.
Mel: Go out to eat?
Me: I don't care.
Mel: Bowling?
Me: Yeah, that sounds great.
Mel: What time should we go?
Me: I don't care.
I could hear her rolling her eyes on the phone. And I don't blame her. Maybe I was channeling the title "she's just not that in to you" because that is the way I felt about date night. Don't get me wrong; I was looking forward to date night but was not ALL over the planning like Miss Party Pants was (you know I love ya girl). Good thing she was because no telling what date night would have been had I planned it. We'd be hanging out at the local street corner watching the lights turn green, then yellow, then red (imagine that). Or, we would have been watching paint dry on my wall or something. You get my point. So, I ponied up and got a babysitter.
Anyway ... last Friday night we hoofed it to the nicest bowling alley I've ever been to in my life. Umm ... I should have known it was going to be nice because of it's location. It was so shi-shi that there was a WAITER to answer to our every whim. Need another margarita? Why yes, Alex, I do. Want someting to eat? Why yes, Alex, we do.
I really thought I was a better bowler than I was ... but apparently I am not. Maybe I was distracted by all the shi-shi? I thought the four margaritas were going to help improve my score, but you can see by the progression of the games that they did nothing to improve my game.
Game 1
(not quite finished, but being the *juvenilles* we are, had to take a picture of Adam's score)
(not quite finished, but being the *juvenilles* we are, had to take a picture of Adam's score)
Game 2
Game 3
So after bowling the male members of our Fierce-some Foursome decided a little pool was in order. They played a game before Mel joined in. I was sitting on the side quitely giggling to myself. I'm not sure I would have found the whole scene so funny if I hadn't had four margaritas.
All in all, we had a wonderful time. I can't wait till the next meeting of the Fierce-some Foursome.
All in all, we had a wonderful time. I can't wait till the next meeting of the Fierce-some Foursome.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Olympics-induced coma
I've been negligent of my blog this last week. And I have a good excuse. I am in an Olympics-induced coma. Man am I addicted this year. To the point where I stay up every night until midnight or later watching what is going to happen. I am not getting anything done at home or at work because I am just so exhausted (not only by staying up so late, but don't you find it's hard to watch someone expend so much energy?!).
Yeah ... I watch the events you would consider typical Olympic fare:
But who knew I would spend countless, mindless hours watching:
Yeah ... I watch the events you would consider typical Olympic fare:
But who knew I would spend countless, mindless hours watching:
I was a little upset the other day when I couldn't watch the equestrian competition (well, we did have to have clean clothes to wear). Luckily, the disappointment didn't last too long. I did finish in time to watch the rowing competition. BTW ... I found out a few things this year about the Olympics. Did you know that PING PONG is an Olympic sport? Who knew? All this time I could have been in training with the Olympic team!
Well, the good news for me is that we have date night tonight. So, that's one step towards breaking my addiction. Even better, there's only a week of late nights left and then I can resume my normal schedule. Until then, don't ask me what's going on in the real world. I can only talk Olympics.
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