jumpin' on the blogwagon

Motherhood: one definition

2010-06-18T14:08:00.003-07:00

A time period in a woman's life, where she will walk through the day with randomly placed stickers on her shirt. They may be in the form of fruit brand (Chaquita) or monster trucks, or princesses, but all were placed there with love, from a small sharing hand... and usually forgotten about, until someone says "Do you know you have an apple sticker on your shirt?" The mother will look down, smile, and reply "yes......"

my struggle to get that which is inside, out.

2010-06-14T12:56:00.003-07:00

I've come to the realization that once God creates the 48 hour day, I'll be in much better shape. I am just seriously struggling getting completed, that which NEEDS to be done, much less that which my soul is yearning to express. I know I have things to share, creatively... a lot, that is. However, when to do it? Because something of creative nature, is never a "squeeze it in between loads of laundry and t-ball" thing. They take time. They take pondering, thinking, tweeking.....

A few months ago, when the Hubby and I went to AZ for a few days, I realized that I had a lot to say, to share (not with him per se..... though having uninterrupted conversations was amazing!) Yet, it was the first time in a long period that I had time to sit... and think..... and process thoughts. Anyone who is a mother gets where I am going here. The incessant "Mom!" "Mommy! " I need.........(fill in blank)" "I want.........." is like, well being pecked to death by a chicken. So to sit for a couple hours without anyone speaking to you is almost alarming. I realized, "I can do ANYTHING I WANT!!" and then realized I had no clue what that was...... I picked up a notebook and started writing, and this is when I still have a lot to say, to share, to express...... and now I realize I struggle to find a moment to do it. I fully realize this chaos is temporary, and I will miss it one day. I am not wishing it away in the least. Just taking the struggle in, processing it, and trying to figure out how to slice a bit of time for myself. So once I get the memo that a day will be extended to 48 hours, you will see some rejoicing!!!

Untitled.

2010-05-20T14:31:00.002-07:00

The other day I was hanging clothes on the line. The sun shone in my face and the bird, a mourning dove (not a morning dove, as the hubby clarified...) sang. I felt this strange connection to my mother at this moment. Maybe it was standing, doing a task that I had witnessed her countless times doing. A chore, a domestic duty required of her. At that moment I felt that as she did this task, she too was probably filled with thoughts, considerations, maybe even doubts of her role as a mother, a wife, a friend. Not that I am assuming she felt resentful or anything... just that being in that moment, being surrounded by simple beauty of nature and hanging size 6 pants with holey knees and worn out cuffs, I am sure she pondered life, just as I did. As I clipped the little mermaid jammies on the line, I contemplated where I have been, what I have learned, and where life is yet to take me. It is strange how in the most obscure moments, I can feel so deeply connected.

Missing her....

2009-11-04T09:57:00.002-07:00

I realized the other day, that I miss Mom more than I realize. I realize that she was the cheerleader in the family. The nosy one, the one who of course checked up on you, and what you were doing. She was.... the mom. We have done A LOT to the house already, and thank God for friends that are curious about the changes! I just know that if she was still alive, I would be getting phonecalls checking up on the progress of the kitchen or flooring or painting, or the big guy in kindergarten or the underling that is permantly attached to my leg............

The friend making has been very slow. I was spoiled in residency with 17 instant friends, who showed up at your door with gifts. Their kids were your kids friends, whether they liked it or not. So, it has been an adjustment...

Now I must go, my Domestic Goddess duties call.......

It's Amazing

2009-10-29T11:49:00.001-07:00

The older I get, the more and more amazed I am at how God brings people in and out of your life.

Life happens when you are planning something else...

2009-10-01T19:56:00.002-07:00

Holy schnikes! November... November was my last post??!?!?!? That is bad... so anyway, I have realized I need to write more. I need to be creative and put my thoughts that run through my head out there...

So today there was a stray cat in my house. Yup. A stray. Had been hiding in the basement for a couple days. I find that rather creepy. Realizing that another alive being was unaccounted for in the house is a bit disturbing. I discovered him as he tried to snipe the left over mac -n- cheese out of the sink this afternoon. I had been in the basement earlier in the day, and yes, had a feeling of being watched, but chalked it up to the probably high EMF (Check out Ghost Hunters if you don't understand....) field that probably exists in the basement. Nope. It was eyeballs boring the back of my head. The little critter was hiding high up in the corner of the basement. Many calls later, we located a live trap, and thanks to some chicken of the sea, he is now free back in the wild. Hopefully the word won't get out amongst the animal world that I am oblivious to my basement, or before I know it there will be a zoo living down there! Oh, and one last point... how worthless are my own cats for not detecting another of their kind camping out in the basement! Definately didn't earn their keep today!

Reflection

2008-11-13T13:01:00.001-07:00

As I have entered my...ehem...mid 30's (gulp) I have come to love myself. I mean, yeah I have my fat days and the days I would give my children to the first passerby on the street for a moment of silence, but overall I feel at peace. I think I was blessed to grasp the "live each day fully, because it could end instantly" thing early in my 20's. Starting out in an ICU seeing teens die because of a freak accident, or young moms stroke or hard working dads be declared brain dead was a cold bucket of reality that life is fragile, and it is not something "out there waiting to happen," but it is now, today. Its the ins and outs and struggles and joys of everyday. I think I got that a while ago. What I don't think I realized would happen, as I got older, is that I would get better. What I mean is I know I am physically and mentally stronger now, than in my mid- twenties. Lighter? No, stronger? yes! (Can't have everything, I guess!) I have learned to never say never. It will come back to bite you in the ass, just to prove you wrong! I have learned to just let go, to roll with life and to truely believe I am not in control of this crazy journey. If someone would have told me on my wedding day, "You are going to move 10 times in 9 years, live in the middle of the ocean, lose a parent, have two kids (but not until you are 30), fall in love with an artform involving a big hot torch, give up your nursing career, feel like a single parent due to the demands of medical school and residency, run a couple 1/2 marathons, and end up back where you took your vows," I think my answer would have been a big fat "Hell NO!" But it has all happened. It has not been easy, but it has all been worth it. I joke that I stopped planning about 7 years ago, back when we took a leap of faith to an island called Saba. A dot in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean. Since then, since believing God has a plan for me, life has been one heck of a wild ride, and I am not looking to get off of it any time soon!

Boy:

2008-09-18T18:55:00.002-07:00

boy (boi)

a noun:

a countinuous experiment in gravity and the laws of physics

2:30:26

2008-09-08T21:24:00.001-07:00

Yup.

That is my time.

My second 1/2 marathon, the Dick Beardsley.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go wince while I try to stand up...........

The jerkification of kids.

2008-08-29T11:50:00.003-07:00

When do kids become jerks?

Now I know that some of you are going to think that I am Miss Suzy Sunshine, living in a land of lollypops and cotton candy clouds, and that I should just wake up, but hear me out.

My son is pretty social. He thinks everyone is his friend and he loves to play with anyone. He would play with them if they had one eye, no legs or whatever. That is the age he is at, that is the beauty of 4. He isn't jaded.....yet.

We were at the park today, and he spys a group of 4 kids that instantly become his "friends." He starts to play with them (following, trying to keep up). All is good for about 10 minutes. Then I hear from one of them (the younger of the 2 girls) "Go Away. You are annoying." Now Guyser has no idea what "annoying" is, or why anyone would not want to play with him. He's 4. Everyone is friends, right? I just gently suggest he come play something else. He reluctantly does. Only then to be followed by 2 of the kids! What gives? Tell him to leave, but then follow him? I struggled, "Do I say something to them? Do I not? " (Sidenote: the seemingly normal looking mother was just out of earshot of all this).

I know, some people will be like, "Its just kids!! Welcome to reality!!'" My point is, when do they transform from "I love everyone! Hooray for everybody." To "Go away, we don't like you. You are stupid. You are annoying."??

Just made me sad.

Heres the kicker though: The mom came and rounded her crew up to leave, and said "Say goodbye to your friend." The "vocal" little girl pipes up: "No... he's mean. We don't like him."
The gasp from the mother as she realizes I hear all this was a bit of redemptive sweetness.

The babes

2008-08-27T22:42:00.002-07:00

It has been a really long time since I have posted, so here are the babes. Geyser catching toads at the lake, and Baby girl (who is now walking) trying out her daddy's tractor.

Reality check

2008-08-27T22:23:00.002-07:00

My friend Bec called the other day. She said, "Oh your hubby must be home, I hear him."

No.
That is Steve.
The other man in my life.

He lives with a dog named Blue.

And now you know my reality.

whoa.........

2008-08-27T22:21:00.002-07:00

May? that was the last post? seriously? my gosh.... I have felt busy, but I guess that just proves it. I will spare you the details, but yes, I am alive... barely. I think I am breathing. and am just waiting to exhale.

Senior Pictures

2008-05-28T11:31:00.002-07:00

I was wandering around our excuse for a mall the other day, looking at the Senior Pictures the local photographers have up to advertise their *expertise.* I began to wonder when Senior Pictures started bordering on soft porn? I remember my senior picture and if I was more energetic, I would scan it and post it here. But I am not. Was it attractive? No not really. Sexy? Hell no. Remotely seductive? Give me a break. Frankly, I remember most of our pictures being really lame. Awkward poses by a fake wall, a whicker chair or the year "9_" (Like I am going to say when I graduated.....) But as I walked throught the mall, all these girls have these eyes... these "come-hither" eyes. They are wearing, well, not much, and the boys, most of them have no shirts on! I don't want to see that, and I surely don't want to see your 'tats on your *bulging* biceps. Ugh. Many of the girls photos look as though they could be in Maxim... A friend showed me a graduation announcement they had got, and the girl is sprawled out on her back, Hair flowing around her side-turned head, with eyes that suggest.... well... I have some senior citizen readers, so I will let you finish the sentence. I just think of Baby Girl and in my mind fast forward about 16 years.... Do I want 20 or 30-something men wandering around a shopping mall thinking, "Man! She's HOT!" Nope. No I don't. Confident? Sure. Pretty? Yep. Cute? That's good too. "Smokin' Hot!!" No way..... Maybe I am naive. Maybe there is no innocence of youth left. Maybe it has all come down to "sex sells" regardless of anything. But, I sure hope not. And to that young man... pull up your pants and put a shirt on!! No if you'll excuse me, I have to go iron Baby Girl's burka...

Proof!

2008-05-22T11:11:00.002-07:00

Check out this link for photographic proof!!

http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=32488&ID=50687448&FROM=photos&BIB=6327

(I know the clock says 2:34, but that is clock time, not chip time, meaning it took me 3 minutes to get to the starting line after the gun went off!)

a couple pics

2008-05-21T12:17:00.002-07:00

Its been awhile, so here is some pictures!

Goal completed!

2008-05-21T11:20:00.002-07:00

Hey all! I know it has been forever and a day since I last blogged. The last 2 months since returning from NoDak have been nuts. The Hubby has been on horrible rotations and I felt like I was chasing my own tail. If you all remember I said awhile ago that I was going to do something crazy and run a 1/2 marathon. Well, this past weekend, I DID IT!!!!! My goal was to A: finish, and B: try to do it under 2 hours 30 minutes. My knee has been bothering me SO badly, I really didn't know if I was going to make it. I had weaned my running down in the last few weeks doing a 4 miler or 5 miler a week maybe. So, I was really really worried about hitting about mile 7 and having to ride the sag wagon back in. But, I DID IT and I did it in 2 hours 31 minutes, which was close enough for me!! My stellar siblings did it all way faster than me, 1:49, 1:55, 2: 08 and my sis-in-law did it in 2:01, but they are all veterans. I was a 1/2 marathon virgin, so I am completely content with my results. The experience was so cool. 13 miles of crowd-lined streets cheering, bands playing, cowbells ringing. It was awesome. My brother in law ran the full marathon, at age 50!!! He rocked a time of 4:10. He was on pace for a 3:30 marathon, then at mile 20 his calves started cramping. I feel bad that happened to him, but he still rocks! So now, 4 days later, I still am exhausted, but still on bit of a high. I am really liking this running thing, and as soon as I give my knee a rest for a while, I am going to keep on keeping on!

I am back, only to leave again...

2008-02-24T20:57:00.004-07:00

I am back from my mission trip. There are so many thoughts and emotions yet to be processed, but overall, it was an amazing experience. I can't wait to share some of the thoughts. However, at this point, I am utterly exhausted and haven't quite wrapped my brain around the fact that in a day and a half, we are going to NoDak for 3.5 weeks! I have SOOOO much to do! (The hubby is doing an elective rotation up there.) Anyway, I will post more pics and thoughts later, but here is one of the orphans I fell in love with. Her name is Trishaina and she will be 5 this summer. She has Cerebral Palsy. Sadly, many of the kids there with CP have never been taught to communicate, but they understand you and what you are saying fine. She had amazing eyes and a wonderful smile and I just carried her around for a while one day. I showed her herself in a mirror, and then realized as she gazed at herself with astonishment that she probably had never seen herself.....

I will leave you with that for now.......

Case Closed and what do I pack?

2008-02-14T14:31:00.003-07:00

So I now know who Kelli is! Thank you Lady! She is the wife of a high-school classmate that I found a while back online! Thanks for reminding me!

I am leaving for Jamaica in two days. Have I packed? no. Have I thought about packing? not really. I am wasting time posting to my blog? yup! So if you don't hear from me for a while, I am sipping rum in the sun. And yes you can be jealous and no I don't feel bad!

Who are you?

2008-02-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

So I understand the point of blogging is to put your thoughts out there for the "world" to read. But I really thought I could count my readers on one, or two hands. All the comments left are from people I know. So I got a comment from "Kelli" on my marathon training, but I can not think of one "Kelli" I know, so I wonder, who are you? Yes, it is just completely out of curiosity. You see, I am also Caller-Id Dependent. I know it is a condition..... Anyway, I guess I am just curious how this mysterious reader found my blog? Through a friend through a friend? Or just by happenstance. Anyway Mysterious Kelli, leave me a comment, and if you prefer, I will just delete it after I read it! Thanks for reading anyway, and your kind words! Oh, and I already tried to click on "Kelli" to read the profile, but it is not active for public viewing... thus the mystery......

When "hot" is just too cold.

2008-02-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving the Y last night (see last post as to why...) I pulled my hat down tight, and realized I looked like either a bank robber or a gang member. Seriously, it wasn't even remotely "cute" or "trendy." I then remembered seeing two girls the day before at Target running to their car wearing no coats, hats, mittens in subzero weather. Now, don't get me wrong. I vividly remembering running from the car to the door of Bucks (more than once) with Kris wearing nothing but jeans and our "guy gettin' shirts" in freezing subzero weather! I am just wondering, at what point in my life did I just decided I didn't give a crap about my looks and I was tired of being chilled to the bone? Now I go out in boots, hat, mittens and a down coat. I wander around in at least three layers of shirts and two pairs of socks? Is this the natural progression of aging? I mean the Hubby's G-Pa wears flannel on 90 degree days. Its just amusing that I have traded warmth for anything that resembles vanity!

Now I am accountable

2008-01-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

So I am putting this out there into bloggerworld. I have been a little busy and preoccupied lately because I am starting to train to run the Fargo HALF Marathon. Now what in the world would possess me to do this? Guilt. And Fear of Mockery. Oh, and looking at the scale after the month of (I will take solace in Whoppers) December. See, my one brother has ran the 1/2 the last two years. Last year, all my brothers ran it, and my sister-in-law. And well, they are old. So, I figured since this year, I am not pregnant, and just a hint out of my twenties, I should be able to do this! Now, I have never really been a runner. Yes, I was part of the tres cool "Rockets" track team in 7th grade. (Didn't go out in 8th... something about 'You've almost beaten Tasha at the 100 meter hurdles' and remembering that I wasn't going to define myself by whether or not I could beat Ms. G at the 100.....but I digress....) No, this body wasn't really built for running distance. Heavy lifting, toning fast, much muscle mass? Yes, but do I look like a gazelle? No.. more like a hippopotamus. But I haven't let that stop me much. I just started running. I am up to 4 miles, which I am proud of, but it needs to warm up FAST because 40 times (give or take a few laps, because I can't count) around the track at the Y is getting REALLY boring. And I have to say that now I look forward to the runs. I like the "runners high" that kicks in around 20 minutes into the run. I like, no LOVE my new MP3 player that keeps me moving. Anyway that is what I am up to these days. I'll keep you posted as the progress. Oh, one last thing. I think this is funny. At the "carb feed" the night before the race, they serve Lefse! Thats North Dakota fer ya!!! :)

A couple inches of snow and a whole lotta stupid

2008-01-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Hubby came home this afternoon to get the car to use to go see patients in the nursing home. I hear him come in the door and say....."Uh.....Nan........" I didn't know what was going on until I looked out the window and THIS was the problem! I realize that we have had some snow last night and today, but seriously, where did this driver think the driveway that leads from the massive garage go???

How unobservant is this driver?????

He couldn't have parked more squarely in front of the driveway if he or she tried!

There is sweet redemption in towing!

Artist vs. businesswoman

2008-01-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

The other night I went out to make beads. I sat there for a long time in a creative block. Here is what I was struggling with: as my skills get better, as do my beads, I feel like making things I have already done (and have sold) is cheating. I realize this sounds ridiculous and, well, not sound businesslike. But it is the truth. I feel like I should always be creating, experimenting, trying something new, challenging myself.... and the more I do that, and the easier past beads become, the more I feel like "Ahh.. that design is too easy, I can't sell that." But the reality, I realize, is that its easy for me... not the buyer. They love the beads that I find, now, easy to create. So, I end up sitting at my bench for 15 minutes making nothing. Does this make sense to any other artist-types out there?? Maybe the key is to set aside "Production time" and "Experimental time." Any ideas?

Big Mac, Filet-o-fish, Tall skinny soy Latte

2008-01-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

So, apparently McDonalds is going to expand into the barista business and challenge Starbucks in the coffee arena. As if screwing up a #5 with a Diet Coke isn't enough, they think their workers are really going to be able to serve up a Tall Skinny Soy Hazelnut Latte with a double shot???? Seriously, 3/4 of the times they can't even get apple dippers in the Happy Meal instead of the fries! I can only think that this venture is bound to tank.

Bottom dweller 1 & 2

2008-01-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Like Brother, Like Sister.....

bottom dwelling for leftovers....

Another Letter

2007-12-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Randomly Growing Hair on the Side of My Face,
Who do you think you are? Seriously? Did you think you could just show up and I wouldn't notice? Granted, I know there are days that my face merely gets a sideways glance in the mirror, but I did see you! Did you think, I wouldn't notice your whiskerlike quality as you stand there at attention? Trust me, you stick out. Kind of like a 25 year old at a earlybird special in Mesa, AZ.... you are going to get noticed. Now, don't go blaming it on "hormones" or "age." I don't buy that. You know you thought you would just see what happened if you snuck onto my face. Well, this face is a private party. No invites. Being allowed on this face will be like getting tickets to the Masters. Someone (or hair) is going to have to die first. Sheesh.... So next time you show up again, you will be plucked by Mr. Tweezerman. You've been warned, now tell your friends.

Couldn't resist posting this one

2007-12-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

This one is too precious not to post.

Retroriffic Beads of the Day.......

2007-12-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Drum Roll........

2007-12-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

And #1 song of the 90's?

No other than "Smells like Like teen spirit."

And yes, I have memories of that song too............

FLAAAAAAAASHBAAAAACK!!!

2007-12-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

We are spending the evening watching the "Top 100 songs of the 90's" on VH1. Talk about flashback!! Images of highschool and college are flooding back powerfully and intensely! It is amazing how snippets of songs can momentarly place you in a packed dancefloor, a bar, a highschool gym that is dimly lit, a college dorm room, in my car.... crazy how moments and emotions can be so strongly tied to a few well, or not even well, written lyrics!

Seriously, they are just fish

2007-12-16T22:23:00.001-07:00

We were doing some Christmas shopping at Fleet Farm today (you know, the epicenter of all fine Christmas gifts) and we walked by this wall, and I mean WALL of fishing lures and paraphernalia. Now don't get me wrong, I like to fish. and hunt. But I guess I have always thought it along the same line as gambling. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't. However, I stopped and looked at the vast array of colors and sizes and shapes, at the same time calculating the enormous amount of money hanging on that wall. I looked at the Hubby and said, "Seriously, people REALLY overestimate fish. They have a brain, what the size of......? "A pea?" the Hubby replied. Exactly! Its not like they are these hugely advanced animals you need to "outsmart." They are fish. They swim. They like sparkly things. They eat when they are hungy. And yet the top of the food chain spends a boatload of money every year to "out-think" an animal who will try to eat spit, when it is spat off a bridge.....

WAY COOL BEAD OF THE DAY

2007-12-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

YEP. I MADE THAT. PRETTY COOL HUH?

Here's to your future counseling sessions....

2007-12-11T14:52:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been wondering two things: 1. How my mother didn't kill at least one of us... there were 5 of us.... 2. How I am not brain damaged (more than I know I am...)

The Hubby's call schedule lately has SUUUUUUCKED.......in addition, the Guyser's behavior has SUUUUUUUUCKED....... so that sums that up. Frankly, he is probably just sick of me by now... I would be sick of me by now. He didn't see his dad at all on Saturday, and so yeah, he is probably a little mommied-out. So, because he is bored and we all are tired of being pent up inside, he has just decided to love his sister.... love her to death! He has dropped her on her head, put her on the couch (I got to her before she rolled off), got her out of her excersaucer, by himself, turned her upside down in her carseat (she was still strapped in), thinks "She can walk!"... put pillows on top of her while she is trying to scoot across the floor....this is just some of the things I can remember. I am sure there is more.... I am at a loss of what to do. He just doesn't get it. He wants to play with her, love her. When I tell the Hubby these antics, he replies "You need to watch him." Well golly gee Beav, a girl needs to pee! Or change a dirty crib sheet, or put her coat on... I am telling you the Guyser is quick! I am sure I wasn't spared any of these things either, with 3 older brothers, so maybe that DOES explain a lot......my parents told me it was a gifted class but maybe............anyway, at this rate, she better have long legs and big boobs, because if she is dropped on her noggin too many more times, she isn't going to be a Rhodes Scholar.....

My girlfriend today said "I am a horrible mom, I have lost my temper so much with my daughter." No, No you are not. (I told her.) The thing is, our parents all lost there tempers with us, difference is, they didn't have a million people out there telling them they were horrible parents for doing so. Us, our generation, we are wracked with parenting guilt. And the last couple days, I have had my daily portion of guilt. And so it goes back to, how did my mom not kill one of us? I don't remember her threatening us within an inch of our lives, but I am sure she did.... and it probably worked....I don't know.... its perplexing to me.... maybe she was just able to kick us outside a whole lot more...."Go Play!" That seemed to be her answer for most things..... why doesn't it work now?

I'll never forget our time together.

2007-12-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Sleep,
I am sorry to tell you this, but it just isn't working. We have tried for over 3 years, really we have, but its just not working. Now don't be sad, it isn't you, its me. I have met someone else, well, really two people. These relationships are just too demanding and necessary for me to continue a relationship with you. Don't feel bad, you are beautiful, satisfying and so many people are blessed to know you. It just can't be with you and me. And believe me, I wish it could be. I will confess to you, that although I am in these other relationships, I daydream about getting in the car and driving to a hotel to meet you... close the blinds and just be with you for hours and hours. But, it just can't be. I will never forget those saturday mornings, just you and me. Or the lazy afternoons on the couch, under a blanket. And how could I ever forget on the floating island, at the lake under the sun. Sleep, you did things to my body I haven't felt in so long... we were so good for each other. But go, go and share your beauty with others, and maybe someday we will meet again. But until that day, I will catch glimpses of you around me, and remember all the good times and will be glad that I once knew you.

Flannel

2007-11-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Why is it when men wear flannel, say out to dinner, we are supposed to consider it "stylish." But if we choose to wear it to bed, it is "dowdy" or "frumpy"... as to say, "we've let ourselves go...."
Seems a bit ironic.
Discuss amongst yourselves....

Thoughts on Parenting

2007-11-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

My Dad was here for Thanksgiving and we were sitting watching TV. A commercial came on for a parenting hotline, I think it was from Girls Town/Boys Town... one of these, "Not sure how to handle this situation, call the hotline for parenting tips." My Dad slowly looks at me with this dumbfounded look and says, "Are parents these days that unsure of what to do, they need to call a HOTLINE for advice?!?!" My thoughts exactly, Dad.

I explained to Dad that there is all this advice out there, you could read yourself to death on the "proper" way to interact/discipline your child and it gets to a point you become confused because next week, you'll be out of touch with your kids, because you were using last week's advice. I think we have become a society of being so worried about doing the "right" thing for our kids, we have lost the ability to use common sense. I think about the Hubby's grandpa who has lived to be 94. His parents did not have a hotline to call regarding him. Our parents somehow survived childhood.... Its not that I don't think there have been some major knowledge gained in the areas of mental health/psychology. Stoicism is best left to the "Greatest Generation." I am all for feeling emotions, expressing them, and validating them. But seriously, a Hotline? Granted there are situations I would reach out for advice...sure I'm all about that. But this commercial was a discipline question. I know this will get flack, but they are KIDS. And by that I mean, there needs are pretty simple, keep them fed, love them, give them boundaries, keep them safe... the more and more needs they require is probably a result of needs we have programmed them to think they need. Really, how much can we overthink this all? And maybe that is where Dad was coming from... He had five kids, thirteen grandkids and one great grandbaby.... I don't think he can understand how we should need "experts" to tell us what to do with our kids... And I guess I see where he is coming from.

Stressed

2007-11-26T00:01:00.001-07:00

I am doing a home show for my jewelry on thursday. (if you don't know what I am talking about, click on the "dianidesigns" link to the right). I like these shows. People are interested in what I bring, its casual and intimate and I usually do pretty well. I am just stressed though. I have been trying to make beads, assemble jewelry, make more beads, I wanted a video made to show what I did (thank you Hubby for almost completing this task for me) and get ready. Baby girl has been SO cranky.. her damn teeth need to come through on the bottom... I was up 4 or 5 times last night, and considering I didn't go to bed until 11:30, thats not good.... Its just hard, because I can't really do any assembly until the kids are in bed, b/c the Guyser loves to "help" bead.... small beads and 3 year olds don't mix. And I tell ya, if the damn cats chase each other and jump on my beading table and "peel out" (for lack of better terminology) ONE MORE TIME, they are going to be kenneled!!!!!! I went down there this morning and teeny tiny beads all over the floor....aaargh!!!!!! Anyway, I just feel like I have 83,000 things to do before thursday, and I can't think straight....

If i get a moment (ha!) I will post a pic of some of the cool stuff I have assembled. My work definately has become sweeter with age... and practice.

A totally ripped off idea

2007-11-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

I was reading an article in Woman's Health magazine about some woman who make a calender every year with her 12 most delicious celebrities in it. Weirdly, Josh Duhamel was one of them, and yes, when I was 15 and he sat (sat with a mighty fine sitter) in front of me in Algebra, he was in my (and a couple hundred other girls in my high school's) top 12 too... but not now.....

Anyway, I have decided to post my "yummy" list. My eye candy list. My "he could eat crackers in my bed" (thank you Barbara Mandrell for that hit song lyric) list.... This is a total regression to 8th grade. The equivalent of a doodley heart covered notebook, but I don't care. So here is my celebrity crush list: (As many as my small memory brain can come up with in the next 7 minutes)

SAM ELLIOT. *rawrr!!* Older, distinguished, gravely voice and cowboyish... Him in that duster coat in Tombstone.... mmm...
MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY. I have found him yummy since "Dazed and Confused." Before he was really anyone. Love the chiseled jaw.
MATT DAMON. This is a no-brainer because when the hubby loses weight, and thus loses his jowels, he lookes a helluva like this years Sexiest Man Alive
JOHNNY DEPP. He is that dark mysterious type. Same goes for JOAQUIN PHOENIX
JOHNATHAN RHYS MEYERS. If you are reading this and know why, then you know why.
TOM HANKS. Not that I find him sexy, but funny, sincere. He would be a "I'd like a date with" kind of guy.
BRAD PITT. How can you not be a red blooded American woman and not find him dreamy.
KING GEORGE, as in GEORGE STRAIT. Cowboy, rugged, could sing me to sleep anytime....yup....
Is that it? I can't remember any more, so there may be some amendments to the list as I remember....

So as I sit here surrounded by clean laundry that needs folding and toys strewn about with Little Einsteins droning on in the background, I will think of my list and smile....

a thought

2007-11-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

so there is a Beowulf movie coming out.

as if reading it in high school english wasn't painful enough....

Am I really this old

2007-11-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

We had a babysitter the other night so we could attend a dinner. One of the surgeons spent 3 months in Afghanistan and had an amazing talk with pictures.... made me cry. But that isn't the point of this post, so I won't digress... (*note* I used a big girl word!! :) We use "B" quite a bit to babysit. She is responsible, a high school senior, has already taken a bunch of classes at the community college. Yeah, she has let The Guyser eat too much crap in the past, but oh well, he is alive and the toys are picked up when we get home, so it works. The thing is, I just find myself thinking about her after she leaves. See, I never feel that *old.* I don't feel much more than in my early 20's. I can vividly remember being 17 or 18, like her. What I was doing, thinking... what I was doing that I shouldn't have been doing. And then I think about "B" and think, she's so YOUNG! That is why she lets the Guyser fill all the cat food bowls with food, including the water bowl, and underneath the exersaucer...... What was she doing? Probably talking on the phone. I know I did. Its just that sometimes I get a side glimpse of my face in the mirror and notice those crows feet are becoming a bit more pronounced or that there are getting to be a couple pucker wrinkles around my mouth....I am not complaining I am old, that isn't it... its just the realization that the people I used to babysit for, when I was her age, were probably younger than I am now!! Its the fact that those "cool" old teachers we had in high school, were probably younger or the same age as I am now.... its just a weird realization. I love who I am , and who I have become. I am so thankful I survived my teens and would never return to them. Its just weird to have experienced the progression from "Miss" to "Ma'am"....

My newest mission

2007-11-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have realized my blog has become lame. Gee here are some more pictures. The thing is, I used to write... a lot. I used to write poetry (probably bad poetry, who knows) I could write the socks off any kind of essay that needed writing in college.. I had a talent for words, composition... know I have a competency for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I DO have profound thoughts, really I do. They just usually occur to me in the 33 seconds of quiet before I fall asleep. I need to write more. I have witty (or at least I think they are witty) thoughts and the whole point of this blog was a chance for me to use my big girl words. It has gotten away from that. And so dear readers, all 4 1/2 of you, I will try to post more than pictures. More for my own sake than yours, really, but know I have written it, and can be reminded that my blog sucks, if it becomes a online photo album again!

Gee, I've posted pictures again....

2007-11-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

JoBeani and I when she was visiting....
The Guyser racing his Lego car at LegoLand

Baby girl with EARS!!! TOO CUTE!

Check out my bubble beard!

Pics

2007-11-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Baby Girl Swimming!
I'm a duck!

ROAR!!

Time flies.....

2007-11-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I have posted anything. I find my days fly by and maybe I get 2 of the dozen things done, that I wanted to get done. Over the past couple weeks, a lot has happened. I lost a friend from high school, due to a heart attack. 33 and a heart attack. Takes away your breath. You'll be missed Bram. You taught the world so much.

We spent the weeked with some friends last weekend. They were residents last year and now he has a "real" job. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. The kids played and played and we got a small glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. In a year and a half, we will finally (at 35) own a house and will hopefully not have to move for a long time! It was a great time. We also stayed at a hotel and took Baby Girl swimming. She loved it!

Halloween came and the Guyser was a big lion. Until that night, he had refused to put on the hood. I made the costume, and of course on Halloween afternoon, he picks up the pattern and says, "No not a lion, a MONKEY!!" Yeah... put the lion costume on kid. Anyway, he had a good time and his girlfriends were a lioness and Elmo.

My glass guru JoBean came and spent the last couple days with me. She came to see the Baby Girl because all she has in her life is grandsons. So Baby Girl is extra special to her. It was so wonderful to see her. She hadn't seen Teddy since he was 3 months old. He loved her. It has just been crazy busy, and that is my excuse. I will try to be better at posting! I would post pictures, but I guess its not working right now......

What my sister is good for....

2007-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Target Practice!!!

For those of you unfamiliar with a "ball popper", the balls go in one hole and pop out the other...However the Guyser has discovered that by layng it on its side, it has a "canon" affect....

Baby Girl doesn't look like she is minding it too much though....

This is my life!
Oh, and don't get too excited about the 'big boy pants'.... it is still a very slow process, but today was a good day!

Operation Baby Dunk

2007-10-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had ourselves a successful "Baby Dunk" this weekend. She was so good and didn't make one little squeak! She probably thought she was getting a bath, which she LOVES... her brother on the other hand thought the aisle made a fine bed, and laid down in it...... he visited the nursery after that...

2007-10-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

I know, it has been forever since I have posted pictures. The Hubby had workweeks of 98 hours and 93 hours the last two weeks, so I was crazy busy with the kids. The Guyser went with Gma and Gpa for the week, so I have a little more time to myself. So here are some recent pictures!

Ahh... isn't he sweet?

Baby Girl watching football!!

I found my thumb!!

The Guyser helping babysit puppies. We dogsat 5 puppies and their mommy! Whew! That was an experience!!

Cheese!

CHEESE!!!!

HI!

2007-09-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Check out my big fat cheeks!!

Here is to the night creatures

2007-09-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

I am nocturnal. I know that. I have always known that. I can be dog tired all day, and 9 pm rolls around and I am UP! Maybe it is because I worked straight nights for 4 years or because that is how I am wired (I think this is a chicken or the egg thing) but it worked for me when I was single. Even when we were kid-less. Unfortunately, I did not give birth to bats, or lightening bugs or owls or vampires.... human babies have this natural "morning dove" thing that just doesn't jive with my wiring! Of course when they are 16, I will be screaming at them to get moving in the AM, but that isn't now. I know, "why don't you go to bed at 9?" Because it is the first moment of the day I have gotten to watch a "mommy show" or sit down and blog to all my fans out there! And then the next thing I know its 2am.....Nevertheless, I am proud of my nocturnalism... why do we get such bad wraps? Why is it the morning dove who gets all the glory? They are "good," we are "lazy?" Maybe they are not as creative as us creatures who are night bloomers... Anyway, for all you "night owls" out there, stand proud of who you are! You are physiologically wired like that, and my guess is you probably (unfortunately) married a morning dove! So when they whisk open the drapes at dawns light, bury your head under those covers and know that you will at least make it through the late show while they are head-back, jaw open, sawing logs in the recliner!

Committed

2007-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Hubby and I have committed to going on a misson trip in February to JAMAICA! I am super excited. It is through our church and here is a link if you want to read about it. We may do some medical work, but the Hubby wants to also "pound some nails" and take a vacation from medicine. We will work a lot with an orphanage there, and do some Habitat for Humanity projects. Since they have had a lot of wind damage there, I think it will be good, and needed. Anyway, that is what I know!

Sleep Training

2007-09-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am sleep training Baby Girl. I have realized it is a lot like sex and exercise...

You don't really want to do it, but am glad you did it after the fact...

Then and Now

2007-09-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Guyser Then

Baby Girl Now!!

Who knew political B.S. even is interested in your breasts??

2007-08-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

I just read this article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20523460/ and it has to do with breastfeeding campaign and the way that the formula lobbiest had enough power to change the whole campaign. Personally I find it disgusting.... why can't they just leave something that is SO natural and healthy alone? I realize that it is all about the almighty dollar, and I guess that is what is repulsive about the whole thing....Anyway, its a long read but interesting...

Itsty Bitsy Spider

2007-08-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Spidey is living off our front steps...wish i would have put something up to show his size, but its big!! Guyser noticed him first...big surprise!

Whats that noise?

2007-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, its silence! The Guyser went to G'ma and G'pa's house for the week. It is wonderful to be sleeping in!!! I think Baby Girl is liking all her extra snuggle time and attention! I have big plans for the week (which involves a whole lot of bleach and my basement...) we'll see how much I get done...We have watched a couple movies and had a date friday... We saw The Bourne Ultimatum. Matt Damon.... yummy.......I am sorry my posts are sort of bland lately... I DO have interesting thoughts, really I do! I just usually lose them by the time I have a minute to sit down and post! So I will just entertain you with adorable pictures!

Whoa! Watch me tip over!!

HI!

Its my potty...

2007-08-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I hate potty training. No really... HAAATE it... I would take Guyser teething all over again over this! His latest thing is this: He poops in his pull up or diaper, and then wants to flush it away. Well, I have gotten to him before the "deposit"... until today. I was delayed b/c of nursing Baby Girl, and by the time I got to the bathroom, he was in the process of trying to "deposit" his poo in the potty.... The problem was the consistency of the "deposit!" Just use your imagination....Needless to say, He went into the bathtub immediately! I can't get frustrated with him, b/c he at least has a part of the process down, and I don't want to stifle that... its just that..... ARGH!!!! JUST POOP ON THE POTTY ALREADY!!!!

The joys of mommyhood!

Update from Crazytown

2007-08-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Guyser on "Major Damage." Not too impressed with it thus far....

"NO PICTURES PLEASE!!!"

It has been a while since my last post, sorry! Life seems to be in fast forward, and I am learning on how to survive at this pace. Here is a recap of recent things I've learned or done.

* The Guyser is now 3!! We got him a bike (because he was riding one at the farm in July) but he isn't too thrilled about it... won't ride it, but won't let us put it away either... go figure

*Baby Girl likes her new & improved esophagus. We started her on Prevacid for acid reflux/esophagitis and she is a diferent baby! No more screaming for hours on end!

*Don't EVER clean the toliet in front of your 3 year old. He will then "clean" it again for you and you will have toliet water ALL over you bathroom! That brush sure can spread a lot of water around!

*We are being attacked. Ok, not really, but the blitzkrieg of acorns is getting a bit old! I have been hit, Guyser's been hit, Baby Girl has survived the attacks. Walking on the sidewalk is like walking on a marble game....it wasn't like this at all last year!

*30 year old School House Rock songs are THE thing around here! Guyser LOVES "jonshon jonshon" show (Conjuction Junction). AND it is one video I don't feel too guilty about letting him watch! He dances to Conjunction Junction and Elbow Room and likes the groovy 70's music that is in most of the other cartoons!

*I am tired... Exhausted to be exact. After going 2 months of sleeping 3-4 hours a night, Baby Girl is now waking every 2 hours. I am hoping it is a growth spurt and will pass... soon.... I must be really tired. The other morning I looked in the fridge, and I had put my ice cream in there instead of the freezer! It was Ben and Jerry's too! DOH!

*The Hubby is catching babies left and right this month. Not as bad as our good friend LJ, she has caught 23 babies on 3 nights of call, at her program in Texas.... a cold snap must have went through there last November.....Crazy!

That is what is known around here!

sunday, rainy sunday...

2007-08-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Its been rainy here for two days.. kind of depressing. The Hubby has been on call two... makes it even more of a bummer. We watched a good movie last night though, it was called "Shooter" with Mark Wahlberg. He is becoming a pretty good actor for a New Kid on the Block.....Anyway, my bestest friend was here last week and it was SO good to see her! Big Sky country is far too far away!!! Here are some pics she took with her camera. Baby Girl managed to give us a few smiles while she was here!!

Yeah.... that worked.....

2007-08-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Surprise. MommyTime fell through. The Hubby was going to be nice and help a first year with her first delivery on her first night of call, since the first delivery up to bat (of 6 pending) was a twin birth.... So we waited around... finally I said, "Call up there and see how long, so I know when I can leave." Well, the lady had already delivered, hence I had wasted the night. Tonight we will try again.... for the sake of my sanity here is hoping it goes well! I am wondering if Baby Girl has some reflux... she seems to be "chewing her cud" a lot. She will be SOUND asleep and I will lay her down. She will wake up SCREAMING 5-10 minutes later.... I am willing to jump on the prevacid bandwagon just to see if it helps... I haven't noticed much with the simethicon.....OH, we had POOP in the POTTY today!!!! So, when Daddy gets home, we get to go to the store to buy a car! Hurray!......I wonder if this is a one time wonder.... we will see.... Anyway, here is a shot from last night...

...mmm....

2007-08-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Apparently there were a lot of people who were very thankful last November... especially thankful to or for their spouse.... The Hubby started his OB rotation today and said the OB book (where they list the upcoming expected deliveries) is HUGE... he is also covering two other doc's OB patients both have moms due any day now. He is also on call this weekend.... I don't think I will be seeing much of him.. Therefore I have told him for my sanity, I need some "Mommy Time" the next couple evenings!......I have big plans... we'll see what happens.....

We have Smiles!!

2007-07-23T14:31:00.001-07:00

When she isn't angry about her gas bubbles, Baby Girl works in a few smiles in the day!

Some Pics

2007-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Life is chaotic right now... sorry for not much to say, it is just easier to post pictures!

The Guyser "tested" the frosting on mommy's cake

I love this picture.... its crazy how fast and much they grow!

The Guyser cooling off at the farm!

The Hubby in the big parade on his restored tractor.

Mommy finally gets a little snuggle time!

Look how big I am getting!!!

I am alive, really I am

2007-07-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts.. we were gone for almost a week. We went to Lemmontown for the centennial celebration. I have a bunch of good pics to post, but not at this moment... but soon, I promise!!

Oh, baby girl rolled over THREE times this weekend! From her belly to her back! And she is starting to smile!

Hanging in there....

2007-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Whoever said two kids were twice as much work, lied. It is at least 5x harder!! Baby Girl is a pretty easy baby, so that helps. It is just managing and wrangling them both! Maybe the Hubby working 80 hours a week doesn't help things either...... anyway, the Guyser is starting to be a bit more even-keeled... He must realize that his sister is here to stay... We took this picture on our walk at the nature preserve on sunday. I think it turned out adorable. Baby Girl is getting fatter by the day. She still likes to inhale her milk, ,thus has some tummy trouble... but that is bearable. I just wanted to put out there that I am still alive and hanging in there!!!

Some more pics...

2007-06-26T13:21:00.001-07:00

The Guyser and his "Bug" (an ant)

Yes, that is one BIG FAT CAT!!!!

Her big girl dress with spaghetti straps (though I realize you can't even see the straps in this pic....)

My Law: All babies should have hats with ears...

New Pics

2007-06-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Almost a smile from her!
Happy Big Brother

Weekend Pics

2007-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Baby Girl, all dressed up!

Guyser falls asleep at the supper table!!

Daddy and Guyser at the Aquatic Center, beating the 90 degree heat!

"I gained 12 oz in 6 days..... and put it all in my cheeks!!"

2007-06-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Baby Girl

8 days old!

Its A.....

2007-06-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Girl!!!!

She came 2 days early and weighed 7# 9oz

21.5 inches long

All is well with all of us!!

One week left!!

2007-06-01T15:53:00.001-07:00

I have one week left before we meet Thing 2!!! I thought I would share a "Belly Picture" with y'all.... I am HUGELY less swollen with this one than with the Guyser... with him, I had "cankles" for a good month before he was born. I know I look tired in this picture, but that goes with the territory I guess! It's crazy to think that next week at this time I will have "Children" not just "a son!"

An Equation

2007-05-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

One 2.5 year old

5 minutes of unsupervised bathtime

One 5mm medicine syringe

An indescribable amount of water dripping off the walls, door and a very large puddle on the floor!

The continuous giggling should have clued me into the fact that something was going on in there!

Just a warning...

2007-05-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

if the Hubby makes one more comment about my "Big Belly"

he may just lose a limb......

Counting down

2007-05-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

It is under 2 weeks now before Thing 2, or as the Guyser says, "Baby Kicking" makes its appearance. I keep getting asked if I am ready. How do you get ready with a 2.5 year old??? We have diapers, a Moses Basket, a crib, a car seat..... we are just going to have to wing the rest! With the first, you have nothing else to do BUT prepare.... with this one, oh man, I can't keep up! I have reached the really uncomfortable stage. Sleep isn't good. The floor is WAY too far down there if I need to pick something up... I sit and ponder, "How badly do I REALLY need that from the floor??" On the upside, my weight gain has been less than 20 pounds so far. How? By having a ginormous 2.5 year old that has two speeds: asleep and full throttle! My dad was here this weekend. That was SO nice. He said, "Oh Honey, I think you are going to be BUSY!!" To which I replied, "Yes... somedays I am afraid.... very afraid...." More later!

I can relate!!

2007-05-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Watch THIS!!!

This is what my life is becoming!!!!

WAYYYY too funny!

A picture

2007-05-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Guyser gives "Baby Kicking" (his name for the baby) a kiss!

sigh....

2007-05-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

It is 6am. I have been awake since 4:20. I got up to go to the bathroom, and upon returning to bed, the baby decided to have a nice long bought of hiccups. This was followed by Uterine Dance Party.....and some nice pregnancy insomnia. So here I am. Give it another hour and I will be exhausted and then the Guyser should be up for the morning! Yeah!

Still here....

2007-05-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

I am still around. Been feeling overwhelmed and pregnant, which means tired, irritable, and uncomfortable. My advice to people: Have #2 child BEFORE #1 child is two years old, or wait until they are four!!!! Guyser has been very TWO lately... that has been extremely trying. I guess I should feel lucky I got through the first half of his 2nd year of life without the "2's" rearing its ugly head, but now it is in full swing. His ears don't work and he knows only one word: 'NO!' I just don't have the energy to chase him either, or bend over and peel his temper-tantrum-throwing-noodle-like body off the floor. So there it is.... only 3 weeks left before my sleep is even more minimal than it is now!!! Hooray!..... but at least I will be able to reach my feet then....

Why lawyer jokes are justified

2007-05-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Give me a flippin' break.

This just irritates the CRAP out of me!!!

This guy should be disbarred, then flogged for stupidity!

Where's my paycheck??

2007-05-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Now that I know what I am WORTH, I will be awaiting my paycheck in the mail!!!!

(mmmm.... don't think I'll hold my breath though)

"Me Time" is coming to an end....

2007-04-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

The Hubby and the Guyser have been gone since Friday. They went to the farm. Let me tell ya, it has been a little slice of heaven!!! I have gotten SOOOOOO much done!!! I know, I should have sat with my feet up, but there was just so many things to get done! I sorted through all the baby clothes, that was a daunting task, and pulled out the gender neutral stuff. It has been so strange to think, "I need to go to the store" and to be able to just jump in the car and do it!! The boys will be home sometime later tomorrow. It is a long 10 hours or so in the car, but the Guyser is a trooper when it comes to traveling. Hopefully the Hubby took some pictures for me to post! Later!

Last Night's Sleep Inventory

2007-04-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Guyser has taken to sleeping in his "house." It is a Playhut Tent thingy he got for Christmas. Sometimes he sleeps on the floor in it, sometimes on the bed in it. Every night there is certain items that he feels he needs in there with him. This was last nights inventory:

1 giant Pooh Bear

1 giant Tiger

1 large blue Tonka truck

1 Lightening McQueen

1 John Deere Tractor

2 GeoTrax railroad cars

4 MatchBox cars: 1 mini Cooper, 1 Audi, 1 Mazarati, and 1 SUV

1 VW Beetle

2 cups water (mom didn't know he already had one in there...)

1 pillow

1 Blanket (or "nap" as he calls it)

1 Nigh-nigh (see a prior post)

It reminds me of the movie "The Jerk" : "All I need is this chair.... and this paddle ball game.... and this lamp....." Life is never dull with Toddler!

sigh....

2007-04-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Another day, another 103 degree fever for the Guyser....

oh, and "burping"........

And it is over 70 outside today!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Parenting 101

2007-04-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I start doubting my parenting skills, I just look to celebrities to make me feel better!
Mr. Baldwin is such a super cool Dad! I wish he were mine!!

Poor daughter.... as if being 11 years old isn't hard enough!

saddened and sickened........

2007-04-13T18:05:00.001-07:00

My last post said something about letting teens go home with babies. Well, at least those babies go to a home, I guess. Read this and you will see what I mean. This story saddens and sickens me beyond anything I have heard lately. The amount of fear, anger and rage this girl must have felt to do what she did... It is so bad she didn't know about "Safe Haven" laws..... Oh this just makes me want to cry...

Newton's 3rd law, Guyser style

2007-04-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Action:

Guyser ingests an undeterminable amount (large) amount of candy from the babysitter's Easter basket, while Mom is gone for 2.5 hours.

Quote (from sitter) "It's (candy) all gone!!"

Equal & Opposite Reaction:

Guyser is UP (WAY UP) until 12:45 am!!!

And they send teenagers home with babies...... yikes......

Shower time

2007-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, the girls here had a baby shower for myself, and one of the other wives who is pregnant. (There is FOUR of us pregnant right now!!!) It was so much fun! I got things that got worn out with the Guyser (thermometer, monitors) Things I need (diapers and wipes) and things I just wanted this time around (new swing, bottle warmer, a bottle of wine!) :) It was so much fun... and starting to become more real. I mean I feel this little person moving all the time, but I think of what I yet have to do before it arrive and it is overwhelming! We will find out Thursday what date the OB wants to schedule the c-section, so that will be exciting! More later, I guess.

You Decide

2007-04-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

I hear it a lot: "He looks so much like your Hubby!" He does..... in some ways... His eyes belong to his daddy..... but today I found this (the 3rd) picture....

Hubby at 2
Me at 3

Yeah.... 3 years old, and that is all the hair I had!!!

Guyser Terminology

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

This Folks, according to the Guyser, is a called a

"StopIt."

(I haven't the foggiest idea where he would have heard that expression....)

Ya see those things coming out of the cow's head, by the ears? Well, if you ask the Guyser what they are, he clearly and confidently answers:

"Pipes!!"

The sun can come out anytime...

2007-03-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have had just about enough of this "weather to shoot yourself by." It is raining, dreary and cloudy again today. That means me and my "newest best friend," Mr. Shopvac have been having some moments together in the basement. And unfortunately it isn't nearly as amorous as it sounds....

Don't get me wrong, if the hubby wasn't on call today and tomorrow, these days are fun to rent a bunch of movies and snuggle. But with him on call, and the Guyser and I trapped in here, it gets old....One can only watch so much Pooh Bear.... well, ok, the Guyser can't seem to get enough, but I sure can! More later I guess....

The Squatters

2007-03-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Look at who is taking up residence in our puddle that is in our driveway!

A new week

2007-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned nice, GI systems seem to be under control, the Hubby took a vacation day this week... maybe this week will prove to be a bit nicer than the last few!!

Got quite few pages of the Guysers scrapbook done lately! Yeah....don't wait 2.5 years to start that project... well, don't wait 2.5 years AND move 3 times in that time period.....it gets a bit crazy when trying to organize the stuff. Looking through the pictures, I realize I had a very, VERY fat baby boy!! He was gigantous even at 2 months old! Just a roly poly! Anyway, the house is just going to have to deal with my scraping stuff spread out, b/c that is the only way it is going to get done. I was going to set up a corner downstairs, but... with the water and dampness down there, I don't know... doesn't seem to appealing....May have to do some rearranging in my sunroom and move into there.

Notes from the warzone

2007-03-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

5:45am: It proved to be another stressful evening here in Viralistan. And explosion was heard and scene (and smelt) earlier in the evening, but the carpet bombing was thought to be an isolated incident. Then as Commandress in Chief Mommy O' MAHmee was sufferring severe abdominal insult and was quarantined in the latrine, another explosion was heard. Its source was unknown at the time, however sources reveal that Hurling Earl, who was thought to have gone underground, was to blame. CIC O'MAHmee does confirm that Earl did leave his mark all over the scene. The night was uneventful, but early morning hours were broken with the cry for hydration and the affects of another bombing could be sensed. Cleanup was quickly commenced and hydration provided. Commandress in Chief O' MAHmee has vowed revenge on Earl and the source of these explosions. More reports on this tense situation later.

A small triumph!

2007-03-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you without toddlers, you can probably just disregard this post...

you'll just think "ewwww"

but....

We have had TWO successful poops in the potty around here!

The first was not even initiated by me, whatsoever!

Hooray!!!

And all he wanted was a sticker and a pickle afterwards!

(And yes, we are talking about the Guyser, not the Hubby or the cats...)

Gastroenteritis for $600, Alex

2007-03-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

ANSWER:

In children, I cause "burping" in the backseat of a vehicle, and again in bed. Following that, I will cause dry heaving throughout the night. In adults, I will cause gastric pain and nausea and an overwhelming urge to curl up in the fetal position.

(Any of you know what nausea coupled with a little human being kicking & punching you feels like? weeeeeird.....)

QUESTION:

What is the VIRUS OF THE WEEK in our home!!

If you answered correctly, you just won a bottle of Resolve and more laundry.

You know, If I had known March was going to come in like a Lion, I would have taken off my gazelle underwear...

My Newest Best Friend

2007-03-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest best friend, which I purchased this morning. He is helping me clean the continuous flowing river that is in my basement! I can not tell you how many gallons of fresh, cold melt water that I have sucked up thus far, but it is a lot! I don't know if there is a crack in the foundation or what (there is a wall of dry wall up) but the stream begins under one of the baseboards and meanders to a low spot which USED to be a floor drain. Some wise person before us filled it with concrete though. The cats, however, are enjoying the cold fresh drinking water that is at their dispense! Ah, what a glorious day.....

Amusing...

2007-03-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

I was talking with Lady Manta Rae today, and I was saying that I had cabin fever due to the snowstorm all last week, and then having a sick kid all this week.

It is at this point that 2 trails diverge:

Manta Rae (no kids yet): "Are you thinking Caribbean?"

Me: "uh.... no. I was thinking a trip to Target by myself."

Discuss amongst yourself!

Then and now

2007-03-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is a post I have wanted to do for a while. Those of you who know the Guyser, know he is a bit...ummm... attached to his "NighNigh". This is a little blanket (a washcloth, as his uncles call it) that I got from my dear friend Shan when he was born. She got it for him in Beverly Hills (I think.) It was this little, (pricey and hard to find to get a 'backup') blankie that he attached to when I took away his pacifier. Anyway, to say it is loved is a gross understatement. My only fear is that I don't think it will make it to college.....

All new and fluffy, with the Guyser, 3 mos old
No, he isn't barfing a blanket....and don't even THINK about getting in the car without the "NighNigh" or the trip will be MISERABLE.....
Missing its silk patch and well, well worn.

(Shan, the silk patch, or part of it, is in a frame in his room!)

As if a sick kid isn't enough...

2007-03-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Hubby came up from his shower, and guess what? The sewer is backed up! Hooray for us! Hopefully there will be no "Burping" tonight.....

A night of Tylenol and Resolve...

2007-03-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

No, it wasn't a restful night. I don't know how many times we were up. At one point, the Guyser "Burped" (his words) all over the living room floor. (I HATE cleaning "Burp" up!!!! UCK!!!!!!) And another time, luckily I was prepared, since he was in our bed. His temperature has been 102-104 when the Tylenol wears off. His Daddy checked his ears and throat today, both which were fine, but his chest sounds junky, so he is going to get something for him today. I have no idea where he picked this up, since with the blizzard last week, we were only out of the house 3 times last week! Our friend is bringing more Blues Clues videos this afternoon.. thank goodness because I can't bear to watch the 3 episodes we have one more time!!!! More later.........

jumpin' on the blogwagon

Motherhood: one definition

my struggle to get that which is inside, out.

Untitled.

Missing her....

It's Amazing

Life happens when you are planning something else...

Reflection

Boy:

2:30:26

The jerkification of kids.

The babes

Reality check

whoa.........

Senior Pictures

Proof!

a couple pics

Goal completed!

I am back, only to leave again...

Case Closed and what do I pack?

Who are you?

When "hot" is just too cold.

Now I am accountable

A couple inches of snow and a whole lotta stupid

Artist vs. businesswoman

Big Mac, Filet-o-fish, Tall skinny soy Latte

Bottom dweller 1 & 2

Another Letter

Couldn't resist posting this one

Retroriffic Beads of the Day.......

Drum Roll........

FLAAAAAAAASHBAAAAACK!!!

Seriously, they are just fish

WAY COOL BEAD OF THE DAY

Here's to your future counseling sessions....

I'll never forget our time together.

Flannel

Thoughts on Parenting

Stressed

A totally ripped off idea

a thought

Am I really this *old*

My newest mission

Gee, I've posted pictures again....

Pics

Time flies.....

What my sister is good for....

Operation Baby Dunk

HI!

Here is to the night creatures

Committed

Sleep Training

Then and Now

Who knew political B.S. even is interested in your breasts??

Itsty Bitsy Spider

Whats that noise?

Its my potty...

Update from Crazytown

sunday, rainy sunday...

Yeah.... that worked.....

...mmm....

We have Smiles!!

Some Pics

I am alive, really I am

Hanging in there....

Some more pics...

New Pics

Weekend Pics

Its A.....

One week left!!

An Equation

Just a warning...

Counting down

I can relate!!

A picture

*sigh*....

Still here....

Why lawyer jokes are justified

Where's my paycheck??

"Me Time" is coming to an end....

Am I really this old

sigh....

sigh....