So Cassie's allergy testing was yesterday. Some of the news was better than I anticipated: her peanut allergy isn't life-threatening and she isn't a candidate for shots (for her tree pollens & mold allergies) b/c of her eczema. The rest of the news was bad beyond my expectations: she is just as allergic to milk as she is to peanuts and she has a life-threatening allergy to tree nuts. We knew she was allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. But to hear her doctor say "A walnut could kill her..." Unless you've been there, you can't possibly imagine the abject fear that strikes into a mother's heart. Until she is capable of advocating for herself and reading labels, I am what stands between her and an anaphylactic reaction to a seemingly innoculous food, innocently given to her by someone unaware of her allergy. Or a loved one who didn't read a label. Something that simple could kill my kid. I'm a control freak on a good day. At this point, if I could get away with putting her in a bubble to go through the rest of her life, I would. Parents want to protect their children. But I can't put her in a bubble. So we'll learn to manage it as best we can and pray that we never need to use her Epi Pen.
I'm now in the process of learning how to provide her with a diet completely free of dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts. The allergist thinks dairy is the main cause of her eczema. While not life-threatening, it is a constant source of irritation to her. So the obvious way to rid her of that constant irritant is to rid her diet of dairy. I made my first trips to Trader Joes and Whole Foods last night. Trader Joes was disappointing. I did not find the store to be any more tree nut friendly than my local grocery stores. Most of the dairy free stuff was not tree nut safe. Whole Foods was more promising. I bought two types of rice milk (Cassie has already enjoyed the chocolate variety), soy pudding, veggie/vegan cheese, soy yogurt, rice milk yogurt & veggie mac & cheese. I didn't buy a lot of stuff, but I bought enough to sample and figure out what she likes and what is worth the return trip (all 40 miles round trip of it). It is going to be an ongoing process. I have a real level of concern about the effects of soy on her little system. But I have to weigh those concerns against what cow's milk is doing to her body right now. It sucks. I'm doing the best I can with the resources and information I have.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Calm Before the Storm
Yesterday I visited all three Targets within a 5 mile radius of my house. That might be a record. I knocked out the last bit of shopping for my kids (Cassie, specifically), picked up a bday gift for a friend of Chase, and found a pair of fabulous booties for me! Plus assorted other things: candy canes, bottled water, a white dress on clearance for Cassie for the Christmas play tomorrow at church--she's an angel.
The kids and I sandwiched lunch w/dad yesterday between trips to Target, which was nice. Then we headed home. Cass took a nap and I went on a cooking/baking binge. I made two pies (chocolate ribbon & pumpkin layer), a broccoli cauliflower & cheese casserole, enchiladas for dinner, and a loaf of cranberry bread. One of the pies and the casserole are for a funeral at church today. The other pie and bread are for church tomorrow (we're coffee hosts--I need to make one more thing today but have to buy eggs). Dinner was pretty good, a great way to use up leftovers! I did the Shred (level 3, w/heavier weights), made my third (and final) Target run, then walked Sherman. Today Chase has a birthday party, and I've got that funeral at church to help out with after doing my leg of the bday party carpool.
I am LOVING my new booties. It amazes me how the older I get, the stuff I crave gets simpler and simpler. Since I am perpetually cold from October-April, I live in booties (or super fuzzy socks) at home.The soles in my pair from last year were shot but I was reluctant to spring for a new pair until I saw bright red ones on sale yesterday! I'm so glad I did! Toasty toes make me happy.
The kids and I sandwiched lunch w/dad yesterday between trips to Target, which was nice. Then we headed home. Cass took a nap and I went on a cooking/baking binge. I made two pies (chocolate ribbon & pumpkin layer), a broccoli cauliflower & cheese casserole, enchiladas for dinner, and a loaf of cranberry bread. One of the pies and the casserole are for a funeral at church today. The other pie and bread are for church tomorrow (we're coffee hosts--I need to make one more thing today but have to buy eggs). Dinner was pretty good, a great way to use up leftovers! I did the Shred (level 3, w/heavier weights), made my third (and final) Target run, then walked Sherman. Today Chase has a birthday party, and I've got that funeral at church to help out with after doing my leg of the bday party carpool.
I am LOVING my new booties. It amazes me how the older I get, the stuff I crave gets simpler and simpler. Since I am perpetually cold from October-April, I live in booties (or super fuzzy socks) at home.The soles in my pair from last year were shot but I was reluctant to spring for a new pair until I saw bright red ones on sale yesterday! I'm so glad I did! Toasty toes make me happy.
Monday, December 13, 2010
On the First Day of Cycle Break...
My QOTD today is courtesy of my Dad, who said "Do they have to fight over EVERYTHING?" as the kids were engaged in a shoving match over a keyboard at his house. Clearly the man has blocked out living with Mikki and me for 18+ years or he would know the answer to that question is, without question, "YES!"
Life, at the moment, is good. Chase is playing at a friend's house. Cass is napping. I'm procrastinating treadmill time. Despite my best efforts, the scale is about 3 lbs heavier than I would like. Jamie and my Dad say it is muscle from the strength training I've been doing. But I don't like the numbers. So I'm stepping up my workout efforts. Yesterday the dog got a walk outside and I did Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. Today I'm thinking the treadmill alone should do it. I wonder if I could use the laptop/Hulu and catch up on Glee...that would be a good 45-50 minute workout!
I went on a cooking binge yesterday: soup, white chili & pork shoulder. We'll have pulled pork for dinner tonight and I've got leftovers for lunch for the rest of the week. Nothing better than hanging in the kitchen by a warm oven when there are frigid temps outside! Have I mentioned lately how much I love my kitchen?
Enough procrastinating. Off w/the jeggings, into some sweats. I bought the coziest cocoon sweater at Target Saturday morning off the clearance rack. I LOVE IT! So does Cassie--there is enough sweater here to wrap her up with me! We had her Christmas "recital" this morning at dance--I'll post pics once I have them uploaded. Remind me of how cute she was today when she's a smartass teenager, would you? B/c I loved being a girl mom and seeing my little elf dance this morning!
Life, at the moment, is good. Chase is playing at a friend's house. Cass is napping. I'm procrastinating treadmill time. Despite my best efforts, the scale is about 3 lbs heavier than I would like. Jamie and my Dad say it is muscle from the strength training I've been doing. But I don't like the numbers. So I'm stepping up my workout efforts. Yesterday the dog got a walk outside and I did Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. Today I'm thinking the treadmill alone should do it. I wonder if I could use the laptop/Hulu and catch up on Glee...that would be a good 45-50 minute workout!
I went on a cooking binge yesterday: soup, white chili & pork shoulder. We'll have pulled pork for dinner tonight and I've got leftovers for lunch for the rest of the week. Nothing better than hanging in the kitchen by a warm oven when there are frigid temps outside! Have I mentioned lately how much I love my kitchen?
Enough procrastinating. Off w/the jeggings, into some sweats. I bought the coziest cocoon sweater at Target Saturday morning off the clearance rack. I LOVE IT! So does Cassie--there is enough sweater here to wrap her up with me! We had her Christmas "recital" this morning at dance--I'll post pics once I have them uploaded. Remind me of how cute she was today when she's a smartass teenager, would you? B/c I loved being a girl mom and seeing my little elf dance this morning!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
'Tis the Season...
Ho...ho...ho! Tis the time of year when I usually post a tongue in cheek review of our year in honor of all the "our lives are so perfect, don't you wish you were us" Christmas letters sent round the world. Yet after the week I've had, reality is so much crazier than anything I could make up! Saturday, Chase had an allergic reaction to Nita's cat that sent him to the ER. Allergy testing on Tuesday confirmed that he is seriously allergic to cats. Fortunately, he isn't allergic to anything else so he can avoid shots so long as he avoids cats! But guess how many holes were poked in his arm to discover this? The next day, Cassie ended up at the doctor. All we needed was a urine sample. Unfortunately her will is as iron-clad as her bladder, so she ended up experiencing a catheter. Much to my surprise (and her doctor's), she didn't have the UTI we suspected. If life were a Jeopardy game, I'd have pointless invasive medical procedures for $2000, Alex. Needless to say, I'm batting about 0 with my Mother's Intuition right now.
From what I've seen of him, Jamie is well. He got back from a week of hunting in Kansas on Sunday night and has been playing catch up in the office ever since. His one "early" night this week, I walked the dog for an hour (several stuffed animals in our residence are now missing their eyeballs as a direct result of his lack of walks over the last 10 freezing cold days) and while I was gone, Chase deleted my most recent (unwatched) episode of Glee from the DVR. While usually I appreciate signs of my indispensibility around the house, this was NOT so appreciated! We may be coming soon to an episode of Snapped near you!
From what I've seen of him, Jamie is well. He got back from a week of hunting in Kansas on Sunday night and has been playing catch up in the office ever since. His one "early" night this week, I walked the dog for an hour (several stuffed animals in our residence are now missing their eyeballs as a direct result of his lack of walks over the last 10 freezing cold days) and while I was gone, Chase deleted my most recent (unwatched) episode of Glee from the DVR. While usually I appreciate signs of my indispensibility around the house, this was NOT so appreciated! We may be coming soon to an episode of Snapped near you!
Friday, November 26, 2010
On food allergies...
A few weeks ago, an old friend from my elementary school days updated his status with a rant about how ridiculous all the "peanut free" stuff is these days. A few years ago, I probably would have agreed with him. I love peanut butter and haven't met a nut I don't like. Nutella? Heaven in a jar, folks. I remember the seeing the "peanut free classroom" sign on Chase's kindy door and feeling really sorry for that kid and her mother! Life without peanut butter? I couldn't imagine! Until it was MY KID with the allergy...
At Cassie's 2 month well child check, I pointed out a mild rash all over her body to the pediatrician. She said it was eczema, likely an allergy to the scented baby wash and Tide I was using, and recommended that I switch to something free and clear. That was easy enough. But several months later, when she was crusing around the kitchen, she grabbed a plastic spoon w/peanut butter on it and went to town. She promptly broke out in a rash. I mentioned it to the ped at her 1 year appointment and she suggested allergy testing. Cassie had a blood test and all was negative. Six weeks later, following a family funeral, she grabbed a peanut butter cookie and after a few bites, large red welts broke out on her face. I snatched the cookie away, my cousin the RN said, "PEANUT ALLERGY!" and after I showed the ped my hastily snapped cell phone photos of Cassie's face, she agreed. We discovered her tree nut allergy after Jamie let her eat Nutella out of the jar...
We've been lucky. Thus far, her reactions tend to be rashy vs anaphylactic. But allergies are a funny, unpredictable thing and we never know if the next reaction will be anaphylactic. Which is why I tend to be something of a food nazi with my daughter. It is hard enough to try to explain to a toddler/preschooler why their snack/dessert/candy/treat/whatever is different than every one else's. But I can do that. What drives me absolutely batshit crazy is when virtual strangers hear about her allergy and start offering unsolicted advice like, "My mother's best friend's third cousin twice removed's sister in law had a kid with that allergy and she just gave him enough to build up his tolerance. He eats peanut butter every day now." Truly I tell you that it takes every iota of self-control I have not say, "Really? Well why don't you play a game of Russian Roulette with your toddler and let me know how that goes!" Because seriously? That's what I'd be doing if I just gave her "a little" every day. Immunotherapy is not something to screw around with, nor is it effective in treating food allergies. The mother's best friend's third cousin twice removed's sister in law's kid notwithstanding, of course.
My other pet peeve? Well meaning people who give her candy w/o my permission. The kid has a food allergy. If the label says "may contain peanuts or tree nuts or processed on equipment that processes peanuts/tree nuts" please don't feed it to my daughter. I will never forget when my sister-in-law made brownies with M&Ms in them and then was surprised when Cassie reacted to the M&Ms. Read the label, or don't give it to my kid. And if you know you're feeding my kid, please provide a safe alternative for her to eat. It sucks enough that half her Halloween candy disappears the minute she empties her sack and that she'll never know the joy of a fluffernutter sammie...
And to the assholes who think their kids have a fundamental right to PB&Js...I don't see that in the Constitution/Bill of Rights. I do see a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...in there. My kid and all the other peanut/tree nut allergic kids in the lunchroom have a right to keep on breathing in that lunchroom. I think you know where you can put that PB&J...
At Cassie's 2 month well child check, I pointed out a mild rash all over her body to the pediatrician. She said it was eczema, likely an allergy to the scented baby wash and Tide I was using, and recommended that I switch to something free and clear. That was easy enough. But several months later, when she was crusing around the kitchen, she grabbed a plastic spoon w/peanut butter on it and went to town. She promptly broke out in a rash. I mentioned it to the ped at her 1 year appointment and she suggested allergy testing. Cassie had a blood test and all was negative. Six weeks later, following a family funeral, she grabbed a peanut butter cookie and after a few bites, large red welts broke out on her face. I snatched the cookie away, my cousin the RN said, "PEANUT ALLERGY!" and after I showed the ped my hastily snapped cell phone photos of Cassie's face, she agreed. We discovered her tree nut allergy after Jamie let her eat Nutella out of the jar...
We've been lucky. Thus far, her reactions tend to be rashy vs anaphylactic. But allergies are a funny, unpredictable thing and we never know if the next reaction will be anaphylactic. Which is why I tend to be something of a food nazi with my daughter. It is hard enough to try to explain to a toddler/preschooler why their snack/dessert/candy/treat/whatever is different than every one else's. But I can do that. What drives me absolutely batshit crazy is when virtual strangers hear about her allergy and start offering unsolicted advice like, "My mother's best friend's third cousin twice removed's sister in law had a kid with that allergy and she just gave him enough to build up his tolerance. He eats peanut butter every day now." Truly I tell you that it takes every iota of self-control I have not say, "Really? Well why don't you play a game of Russian Roulette with your toddler and let me know how that goes!" Because seriously? That's what I'd be doing if I just gave her "a little" every day. Immunotherapy is not something to screw around with, nor is it effective in treating food allergies. The mother's best friend's third cousin twice removed's sister in law's kid notwithstanding, of course.
My other pet peeve? Well meaning people who give her candy w/o my permission. The kid has a food allergy. If the label says "may contain peanuts or tree nuts or processed on equipment that processes peanuts/tree nuts" please don't feed it to my daughter. I will never forget when my sister-in-law made brownies with M&Ms in them and then was surprised when Cassie reacted to the M&Ms. Read the label, or don't give it to my kid. And if you know you're feeding my kid, please provide a safe alternative for her to eat. It sucks enough that half her Halloween candy disappears the minute she empties her sack and that she'll never know the joy of a fluffernutter sammie...
And to the assholes who think their kids have a fundamental right to PB&Js...I don't see that in the Constitution/Bill of Rights. I do see a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...in there. My kid and all the other peanut/tree nut allergic kids in the lunchroom have a right to keep on breathing in that lunchroom. I think you know where you can put that PB&J...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tis the Season
My sister the overachiever is writing something she is thankful for every day on her blog. While I think that's nice (and am anxiously awaiting my specific entry-no, that's not sarcasm, either), I'm not that dedicated or ambitious. But I am perfectly capable of counting many of my blessings in ONE post! This isn't all-inclusive, think of it as a Cliff Notes version of my gratefulness!
1. I'm grateful to God for all the many blessings he has bestowed upon me. Life isn't always easy, but God is good all the time.
2. I'm thankful for Jamie. I don't know too many other people lucky enough to meet their soulmate at the age of 18, but I did and will be forever grateful that he's put up with me for almost half of my life! He is the calm in the eye of the storm (yeah, that's me--force of nature is being kind, I think). He is such a hard worker and awesome provider. And he thinks Tony Parker and Tiger Woods were jackasses for cheating on their wives. I'm a lucky, lucky woman to be married to him. And I know it.
3. I'm thankful for my children. Motherhood did not come easily to me, but I think my struggle with infertility makes me appreciate my children that much more. Chase and 'Cassie are the greatest gifts of my life and if I've done nothing else, to be their mother is enough.
4. I'm grateful that my Dad and Mikki are more than my dad and my sister, they're also my friends. That's a rare gift and I treasure it very much.
5. I'm thankful for my friends--who are the family I've gotten to chose.
6. I'm thankful for my volunteer work. I learn so much more from it than I actually give...
7. I'm thankful for Sherman. He reminds me daily of the virtues of gentleness and patience.
8. I'm thankful for Diet Coke. No, really. I'm pretty sure it runs through my blood.
9. I'm thankful that I'm relatively healthy and able to manuever around w/o assistance. Everything but my thyroid works and I'm okay w/that.
Life is good. And I am grateful.
1. I'm grateful to God for all the many blessings he has bestowed upon me. Life isn't always easy, but God is good all the time.
2. I'm thankful for Jamie. I don't know too many other people lucky enough to meet their soulmate at the age of 18, but I did and will be forever grateful that he's put up with me for almost half of my life! He is the calm in the eye of the storm (yeah, that's me--force of nature is being kind, I think). He is such a hard worker and awesome provider. And he thinks Tony Parker and Tiger Woods were jackasses for cheating on their wives. I'm a lucky, lucky woman to be married to him. And I know it.
3. I'm thankful for my children. Motherhood did not come easily to me, but I think my struggle with infertility makes me appreciate my children that much more. Chase and 'Cassie are the greatest gifts of my life and if I've done nothing else, to be their mother is enough.
4. I'm grateful that my Dad and Mikki are more than my dad and my sister, they're also my friends. That's a rare gift and I treasure it very much.
5. I'm thankful for my friends--who are the family I've gotten to chose.
6. I'm thankful for my volunteer work. I learn so much more from it than I actually give...
7. I'm thankful for Sherman. He reminds me daily of the virtues of gentleness and patience.
8. I'm thankful for Diet Coke. No, really. I'm pretty sure it runs through my blood.
9. I'm thankful that I'm relatively healthy and able to manuever around w/o assistance. Everything but my thyroid works and I'm okay w/that.
Life is good. And I am grateful.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Kitchen of My Dreams (I guess I'm officially a grown up since I now dream of things like kitchens...)
The kitchen is FINALLY finished! While most of the decisions were relatively easy (the granite, the faucet, the backsplash), it took me DAYS to find the sink I wanted. But the final result was worth it all!
Because we've replaced every appliance but the refridgerator since we moved in, had the floors refinished last year, and the cabinets were in good shape, it was a relatively easy reno. Still, living without running water for three days in the kitchen completely sucked. I'm so glad to be finished. I'm also thrilled that all the things Jamie questioned: namely the tile backsplash (he wanted granite) and white oversized single basin sink (why not a double stainless bowl?) are among his favorite features! The sink IS amazing. I'm so looking forward to holiday entertaining now...
This morning this kids were particularly funny. Cassie came into my bed for a snuggle and some Dora watching. When Chase made his way in, she popped out with "hey, duuuuuude." Chase and I cracked up. A bit later Chase asked me if he and Cassie would still get presents when the Santa gig was up for her. I said yes. Then he asked if he would have to buy his kids presents when he was grown up. I said yes again. He said, "Man! I hope I get suckers who like $30 presents."Seriously. This from the kid who wants about a million dollars worth of Legos...
Cassie is demanding "noodles" for dinner. Last night I found pumpkin spice pudding at Schnucks. I mixed a box with 1 C of skim and 1 C of lite cool whip. Chilled & served w/more cool whip, it was a nice alternative to pumpkin pie! I really am cooking more and stressing less. The granite hides far more than the hideous white laminate and the tile is so much easier to clean than drywall. I am a happy, happy mom!
This morning this kids were particularly funny. Cassie came into my bed for a snuggle and some Dora watching. When Chase made his way in, she popped out with "hey, duuuuuude." Chase and I cracked up. A bit later Chase asked me if he and Cassie would still get presents when the Santa gig was up for her. I said yes. Then he asked if he would have to buy his kids presents when he was grown up. I said yes again. He said, "Man! I hope I get suckers who like $30 presents."Seriously. This from the kid who wants about a million dollars worth of Legos...
Cassie is demanding "noodles" for dinner. Last night I found pumpkin spice pudding at Schnucks. I mixed a box with 1 C of skim and 1 C of lite cool whip. Chilled & served w/more cool whip, it was a nice alternative to pumpkin pie! I really am cooking more and stressing less. The granite hides far more than the hideous white laminate and the tile is so much easier to clean than drywall. I am a happy, happy mom!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stinky, Stinky
So I've been up to my elbows in crap lately. Literally. On Thursday, we discovered the hard way that Cassie has chronic constipation. Remember my Holy Shit entry? Doesn't hold a candle to the mess I found Thursday...she's now on a daily dose of Miralax. Which means we've gone from constipation to diarrhea...SIGH.
Saturday night, Jamie and I were watching the game (WELL DONE TIGERS!) and I pointed out that the kids were entirely too quiet upstairs and that Jamie should check on them. Jamie because I'm the bigger football fan. He waited until a commercial break and discovered that Cassie had helped herself to leftover wings, which Sherman consumed. Chicken bones are as bad as it gets for dogs, but he seemed fine.
So after a nine and a half hour day at the Emmanuel UCC Sausage Supper serving up a record-setting 400 carry out meals, I came home to discover the worst craptastrophe of my life in the laundry room. The dog, the cage, the laundry room itself--all poo-covered. Despite the lightening, the dog went outside. Eventually the crate did as well and I hosed them both off. Yes, in lightening. You do what you gotta do. Then the dog and I got a shower to ensure he was fit for indoor living.
From the looks of it, we've lucked out w/a case of basic gastroenteritis from the spicy wing sauce. Which, while awful, is a whole lot better than the bowel obstruction or bowel perforation I initally feared. He's had quite a bit of ice and 6 tablespoons of pumpkin and seems so far, so good.
Despite all the crap, my house smells great right now because my sister introduced me to the Scentsy. You can check it out here: https://d3.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=3732657. I'm currently using a full sized warmer in the kitchen and its cinnamon vanilla scent is so much better than the pervasive combo of toddler & retriever diarrhea. Walking into my house, you'd never know that I've been up to my elbows in crap the last few days. Thank God for my Scentsy...check it out in the link above. Even if you don't have my stinky combo, who couldn't use a little sweetness in their life?
Saturday night, Jamie and I were watching the game (WELL DONE TIGERS!) and I pointed out that the kids were entirely too quiet upstairs and that Jamie should check on them. Jamie because I'm the bigger football fan. He waited until a commercial break and discovered that Cassie had helped herself to leftover wings, which Sherman consumed. Chicken bones are as bad as it gets for dogs, but he seemed fine.
So after a nine and a half hour day at the Emmanuel UCC Sausage Supper serving up a record-setting 400 carry out meals, I came home to discover the worst craptastrophe of my life in the laundry room. The dog, the cage, the laundry room itself--all poo-covered. Despite the lightening, the dog went outside. Eventually the crate did as well and I hosed them both off. Yes, in lightening. You do what you gotta do. Then the dog and I got a shower to ensure he was fit for indoor living.
From the looks of it, we've lucked out w/a case of basic gastroenteritis from the spicy wing sauce. Which, while awful, is a whole lot better than the bowel obstruction or bowel perforation I initally feared. He's had quite a bit of ice and 6 tablespoons of pumpkin and seems so far, so good.
Despite all the crap, my house smells great right now because my sister introduced me to the Scentsy. You can check it out here: https://d3.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=3732657. I'm currently using a full sized warmer in the kitchen and its cinnamon vanilla scent is so much better than the pervasive combo of toddler & retriever diarrhea. Walking into my house, you'd never know that I've been up to my elbows in crap the last few days. Thank God for my Scentsy...check it out in the link above. Even if you don't have my stinky combo, who couldn't use a little sweetness in their life?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
SERENITY NOW!
I'm having one of those weeks. My sweet angel Cassie has turned into hell on wheels. On a good day. Chase has been grounded for the last two days for not listening at bedtime. Hopefully the third time is the charm b/c he did it AGAIN tonight and I grounded him again. Pretty sure the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result. I wonder which of us is insane...perhaps both. Tomorrow is an early release day. I'm not sure who I punished more...suspect it was me!
On the bright side, the Halloween costumes are ready. Made Cassie's (well I made an orange & black tutu & a bow for her hat) and bought Chase's (Harry Potter). I'd go as a witch myself, but I believe my children would tell you I'm witchy enough when it isn't Halloween.
I did the 30 day Shred AND walked the dog for 30 minutes today. And yet, I'd like to sign up for boxing right now...definitely one of those weeks!
On the bright side, the Halloween costumes are ready. Made Cassie's (well I made an orange & black tutu & a bow for her hat) and bought Chase's (Harry Potter). I'd go as a witch myself, but I believe my children would tell you I'm witchy enough when it isn't Halloween.
I did the 30 day Shred AND walked the dog for 30 minutes today. And yet, I'd like to sign up for boxing right now...definitely one of those weeks!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
One of those weeks...
So I picked out (and paid for) my new countertops last week. Have a new sink (going w/polar white granite composite) and faucet (oil rubbed bronze pull down) tentatively picked out, and a referral/reference from a neighbor for a tile guy (have the tile for the backsplash all picked out as well). Now I'm just waiting to hear from the granite company about a templating date...
It is a crazy, crazy week: church sausage supper this weekend and a miles long to-do list almost every day. I started Jillian Michaels 30 day shred last week. Level 1 kicked my ass and I couldn't do level 2. I'm alternating it every other day (which means I'm doing it today at some point, 26 minutes 46 seconds of hell) w/some other form of cardio. Yesterday it was Zumba on demand. I don't think I'm as coordinated as I once was...although watching Cassie in dance class yesterday really made me miss dance. Perhaps I'll see about a parent class while the kiddos are in class. It would be fun.
A sure sign of the Apocolypse may have occured today. I bought another Christmas present for Cassie. I have three things (pjs, Beauty & the Beast movie & Belle doll) for her upstairs in the guest room closet. For a somewhat notorious procrastinator like myself, that may be a true sign of the Apocolypse. Or maturity. I'm going with Apocolypse though. I'm making a concerted effort to keep them together and not forget about them (they're in plain sight of the wrapping paper). I bought some stuff after Christmas for her bday and forgot about it until well after her bday. She loved the "just because" presents but I'm trying not to do THAT again! I haven't started on Chase b/c he wants Harry Potter legos and I'm hoping to find some Black Friday deals for that. And of course I haven't started on the rest of the fam--I've got to get through Halloween first. I bought tulle to make part of Cassie's costume today but I think I'm going to break down and buy Chase's. By the time I factor in fabric + pattern + several hours of my time, I might as well just buy his Harry Potter costume! Still need to find orange & black striped tights for Cass, Dad picked up a hat today. She wants to be a mean, scary witch. I'm making a sparkly orange, silver & black tutu to pull over one of her leotards, plus orange & black striped tights & a witch's hat. Don't know how "mean & scary" she'll be...but she does love her tutus. Joann's fabric had black footless tights in my size 50% off today--HELLO? That's so a fall/winter staple & not just a Halloween thing. I just wish they'd also had some in her size! That place + Costco in one day is like shopping heaven. Just throw in Target & Ikea and I'd never need anywhere else to shop again...
My three hours of freedom are over--time to pick up a princess from preschool...
It is a crazy, crazy week: church sausage supper this weekend and a miles long to-do list almost every day. I started Jillian Michaels 30 day shred last week. Level 1 kicked my ass and I couldn't do level 2. I'm alternating it every other day (which means I'm doing it today at some point, 26 minutes 46 seconds of hell) w/some other form of cardio. Yesterday it was Zumba on demand. I don't think I'm as coordinated as I once was...although watching Cassie in dance class yesterday really made me miss dance. Perhaps I'll see about a parent class while the kiddos are in class. It would be fun.
A sure sign of the Apocolypse may have occured today. I bought another Christmas present for Cassie. I have three things (pjs, Beauty & the Beast movie & Belle doll) for her upstairs in the guest room closet. For a somewhat notorious procrastinator like myself, that may be a true sign of the Apocolypse. Or maturity. I'm going with Apocolypse though. I'm making a concerted effort to keep them together and not forget about them (they're in plain sight of the wrapping paper). I bought some stuff after Christmas for her bday and forgot about it until well after her bday. She loved the "just because" presents but I'm trying not to do THAT again! I haven't started on Chase b/c he wants Harry Potter legos and I'm hoping to find some Black Friday deals for that. And of course I haven't started on the rest of the fam--I've got to get through Halloween first. I bought tulle to make part of Cassie's costume today but I think I'm going to break down and buy Chase's. By the time I factor in fabric + pattern + several hours of my time, I might as well just buy his Harry Potter costume! Still need to find orange & black striped tights for Cass, Dad picked up a hat today. She wants to be a mean, scary witch. I'm making a sparkly orange, silver & black tutu to pull over one of her leotards, plus orange & black striped tights & a witch's hat. Don't know how "mean & scary" she'll be...but she does love her tutus. Joann's fabric had black footless tights in my size 50% off today--HELLO? That's so a fall/winter staple & not just a Halloween thing. I just wish they'd also had some in her size! That place + Costco in one day is like shopping heaven. Just throw in Target & Ikea and I'd never need anywhere else to shop again...
My three hours of freedom are over--time to pick up a princess from preschool...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
When I Grow Up...
I've been spending a lot of time figuring out what I want to be "when I grow up." Once upon a time I wanted to be a teacher. I showed a knack for marketing and got a marketing/pr/communications degree instead. Subbed the second semester of my senior year and realized I probably should have gotten that education degree. Instead, I took a marketing and pr job. It was a GREAT job. But I was miserable. So I got another marketing/pr job. That was really more of a technical writing job for a field that bored me to death. I was even more miserable. At the time, my dying grandfather gave me some advice I've never forgotten. He said, "Christi, I worked in a job I hated my whole life because I didn't have a choice. You are smart. You are educated. You don't have to do what I did." Three months after he died, I quit the job I hated and started working on a Masters in Teaching and my teaching certification.
Six months into that, I found out I was pregnant. With an ectopic pregnancy. I consider myself incredibly lucky that we caught it in time to treat it with methotrexate instead of surgery. But the whole thing was a pretty dark time in my life. I ended up dropping out of the Masters program, subbing part-time, and focused on trying to conceive a viable pregnancy the rest of the time. 11 months later I missed my best friend's wedding in Mexico because I was in the middle of a miscarriage and the doctor didn't want me travelling out of the country. Fast forward a year to a new ob/gyn, a round of clomid, and my grandmother's funeral--and Chase was conceived. Getting pregnant with Cassie was even more involved: we moved from an ob/gyn to a reproductive endocrinologist and from clomid to injectible meds and assisted reproductive therapies. If I add it all up, for six years, getting pregnant was very much like a full time job for me.
So now I find myself at age 35 with a marketing degree I have no desire to use and a knowledge that when my sweet girl is in school all day that I'm going to need something else to do. I know I don't want to get back into the corporate life or work full time. That much I know--I've always known that. I'm slowly formulating a plan and am so excited about the doors opening for me--doors that I didn't even know existed until I finally made a phone call and gave voice to the thoughts I'd been afraid to speak for so long. More than that though, I'm finally at peace with what the future holds. Despite lots of logistical questions and a distinct feeling that Jamie thinks I've lost my mind, I'm feeling good about what the future holds and confident that things will work out how they're meant to work out. Once again I'm finding that God laughs when I make plans...but I'm also finding that his plans are always so much better than my own!
Six months into that, I found out I was pregnant. With an ectopic pregnancy. I consider myself incredibly lucky that we caught it in time to treat it with methotrexate instead of surgery. But the whole thing was a pretty dark time in my life. I ended up dropping out of the Masters program, subbing part-time, and focused on trying to conceive a viable pregnancy the rest of the time. 11 months later I missed my best friend's wedding in Mexico because I was in the middle of a miscarriage and the doctor didn't want me travelling out of the country. Fast forward a year to a new ob/gyn, a round of clomid, and my grandmother's funeral--and Chase was conceived. Getting pregnant with Cassie was even more involved: we moved from an ob/gyn to a reproductive endocrinologist and from clomid to injectible meds and assisted reproductive therapies. If I add it all up, for six years, getting pregnant was very much like a full time job for me.
So now I find myself at age 35 with a marketing degree I have no desire to use and a knowledge that when my sweet girl is in school all day that I'm going to need something else to do. I know I don't want to get back into the corporate life or work full time. That much I know--I've always known that. I'm slowly formulating a plan and am so excited about the doors opening for me--doors that I didn't even know existed until I finally made a phone call and gave voice to the thoughts I'd been afraid to speak for so long. More than that though, I'm finally at peace with what the future holds. Despite lots of logistical questions and a distinct feeling that Jamie thinks I've lost my mind, I'm feeling good about what the future holds and confident that things will work out how they're meant to work out. Once again I'm finding that God laughs when I make plans...but I'm also finding that his plans are always so much better than my own!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Family Vacation
I can't type that title w/o the National Lampoon's Vacation music (by Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame, no less) echoing in my head. While we did have our inevitable Griswold family moments (like walking 1/2 a mile uphill through fog in FREEZING temps to a "scenic outlook" where we couldn't see 5 feet in front of us, much less the two states and panoramic view promised), the fun far outweighed the not-so-fun.
The bulk of our adventures preceeded the trip. 72 hours before our departure, Chase came home from a playdate sobbing and holding his arm. He fell off a rock wall in the waning light of dusk. He could wiggle his fingers, but my mommy sense told me that my baby's arm was broken. We headed to the ER (note to self: no more bragging that we haven't needed an ER visit for over 300 days when questioned about our "fast pass" status) and my suspicions were confirmed. He has a buckle fracture on his left arm/wrist. We visited Dad's orthopedic the next day, so he's rocking a green cast and the envy of his friends.
We spent some time at my sisters right before we left. She blogged about it, so I'll just link you to that. http://www.hodgefamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/
I spent all of Saturday morning doing laundry and packing and we left right at 1. We made it to Harriman, TN just outside of Knoxville. Sunday morning we had a short, rainy drive to Gatlinburg. First up was Ober Gatlinburg. We had lunch and played a bit, but couldn't do the outside stuff because of the rain. So we headed down the mountain and hit the aquarium and touristy museums. Monday we ventured into the park and did Cades Cove. That took about 1/2 the day--we spent the rest of the day back at Ober Gatlinburg (the boys rode the chair lift to the top of the mountain) and in town exploring. Tuesday saw us climbing Clingman's Dome (it was cold and foggy), exploring Cherokee, NC (not impressed), and visiting Newfoundland Gap. Then we headed to another entrance to the park that my Dad recommended and did some nature walks--that was probably our favorite part of the trip. A quick trip back into town for a trip up the space needle and a fabulous dinner at the Peddler. I didn't really want to come back Wednesday--which is surely the sign of a good vacation!
From top: Dancing at Ober Gatlinburg, outside the aquarium, in the park in front of the Smokies, on the outlook at Clingman's Dome, the view from Newfoundland Gap, playing in a stream in the park.
We got home Wednesday night. Thursday found me catching up on laundry (while Chase caught up with his friends) and Friday we headed to the Pumpkin Patch to celebrate the last day of cycle break!
Tomorrow Chase heads back to school with his actual third grade teacher (who went on maternity leave the third day of school) and Cass heads back to dance class, which she missed very much last week. I've enjoyed the last three weeks with the kids, but am looking forward to getting back to our normal routine. My volunteer activities are kicking up, so 7 hours a week of "kid-free" time is appreciated! I have a call scheduled during dance class tomorrow, but Tuesday morning, I'm hitting the nail salon for a fill and pedi. It's been too long!
The bulk of our adventures preceeded the trip. 72 hours before our departure, Chase came home from a playdate sobbing and holding his arm. He fell off a rock wall in the waning light of dusk. He could wiggle his fingers, but my mommy sense told me that my baby's arm was broken. We headed to the ER (note to self: no more bragging that we haven't needed an ER visit for over 300 days when questioned about our "fast pass" status) and my suspicions were confirmed. He has a buckle fracture on his left arm/wrist. We visited Dad's orthopedic the next day, so he's rocking a green cast and the envy of his friends.
We spent some time at my sisters right before we left. She blogged about it, so I'll just link you to that. http://www.hodgefamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/
I spent all of Saturday morning doing laundry and packing and we left right at 1. We made it to Harriman, TN just outside of Knoxville. Sunday morning we had a short, rainy drive to Gatlinburg. First up was Ober Gatlinburg. We had lunch and played a bit, but couldn't do the outside stuff because of the rain. So we headed down the mountain and hit the aquarium and touristy museums. Monday we ventured into the park and did Cades Cove. That took about 1/2 the day--we spent the rest of the day back at Ober Gatlinburg (the boys rode the chair lift to the top of the mountain) and in town exploring. Tuesday saw us climbing Clingman's Dome (it was cold and foggy), exploring Cherokee, NC (not impressed), and visiting Newfoundland Gap. Then we headed to another entrance to the park that my Dad recommended and did some nature walks--that was probably our favorite part of the trip. A quick trip back into town for a trip up the space needle and a fabulous dinner at the Peddler. I didn't really want to come back Wednesday--which is surely the sign of a good vacation!
We got home Wednesday night. Thursday found me catching up on laundry (while Chase caught up with his friends) and Friday we headed to the Pumpkin Patch to celebrate the last day of cycle break!
Tomorrow Chase heads back to school with his actual third grade teacher (who went on maternity leave the third day of school) and Cass heads back to dance class, which she missed very much last week. I've enjoyed the last three weeks with the kids, but am looking forward to getting back to our normal routine. My volunteer activities are kicking up, so 7 hours a week of "kid-free" time is appreciated! I have a call scheduled during dance class tomorrow, but Tuesday morning, I'm hitting the nail salon for a fill and pedi. It's been too long!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Rough Weekend
Strep test came back positive this morning. I'm functioning well so long as I've got ibuprofen in me. I'm even letting Chase's BFF spend the night tonight. Lest you freak out, I know from my ridiculously frequent previous bouts that it isn't super contagious. I worked the church sausage supper with it last year and worked the conference meeting with it this afternoon.
It appears that my big girl is finished with naps. I suspected this day was coming, but it sucks nonetheless. Chase napped until he was five. For 2-3 hours a day, every single day. I knew I was lucky, and I hoped I'd get that lucky twice. Not so much. So instead of 2-3 hours of nap and a later bedtime, the princess is now in bed by 8pm. She's getting the same amount of sleep, just in one overnight chunk instead of split up. I'm trying to be excited about the flexibility of our new schedule, but mostly I'm just sad to see another part of babyhood slip away.
It's been a pretty shitastic weekend all the way around really. I'm happy for my sister and her new job and new house and all of that. But I was not happy with her last night. I didn't feel well, I was having a bad day (see previous paragraph about the nap thing), and she immediately launched into 110 reasons why Christmas needs to be moved up so she can hightail it to Tulsa faster. Mere days after she promised me that our holidays would not be affected by her move. Jamie has hunting trips on the calendar already. And honestly? As batshit crazy as she drives me, with my mom gone, she and Dad are all the family I have left. I can't imagine a holiday without her. I was grateful I'd have this year as it's always been before she moved (see my previous post about hating change), so her complete about face yesterday completely pulled the rug out from under me. On top of the strep, the not-napping daughter...and on it goes.
To top it all off, there was drama at church today. Sometimes I wonder why I try at all. Thank God for old friends who listen to my pity party and love me anyway. I know everything happens for a reason. I'm realizing that my sister's move is a good reminder that my friends are the family I've chosen. Plus, Stacy is moving back--I know Jamie's brothers prefer to spend Christmas Day with their immediate families, but Jamie and I always include his dad and stepmom in our festivities and I will extend that invitation to Stacy this year and the next. And the next...it will all work out.
On the bright side, got a great deal at my favorite consignment store and a super cute rug on sale at Target for Cassie's room. And now the season premiere of Desperate Housewives is on...I haven't watched it regularly, but with Vanessa Williams joining the cast, I'm curious...
It appears that my big girl is finished with naps. I suspected this day was coming, but it sucks nonetheless. Chase napped until he was five. For 2-3 hours a day, every single day. I knew I was lucky, and I hoped I'd get that lucky twice. Not so much. So instead of 2-3 hours of nap and a later bedtime, the princess is now in bed by 8pm. She's getting the same amount of sleep, just in one overnight chunk instead of split up. I'm trying to be excited about the flexibility of our new schedule, but mostly I'm just sad to see another part of babyhood slip away.
It's been a pretty shitastic weekend all the way around really. I'm happy for my sister and her new job and new house and all of that. But I was not happy with her last night. I didn't feel well, I was having a bad day (see previous paragraph about the nap thing), and she immediately launched into 110 reasons why Christmas needs to be moved up so she can hightail it to Tulsa faster. Mere days after she promised me that our holidays would not be affected by her move. Jamie has hunting trips on the calendar already. And honestly? As batshit crazy as she drives me, with my mom gone, she and Dad are all the family I have left. I can't imagine a holiday without her. I was grateful I'd have this year as it's always been before she moved (see my previous post about hating change), so her complete about face yesterday completely pulled the rug out from under me. On top of the strep, the not-napping daughter...and on it goes.
To top it all off, there was drama at church today. Sometimes I wonder why I try at all. Thank God for old friends who listen to my pity party and love me anyway. I know everything happens for a reason. I'm realizing that my sister's move is a good reminder that my friends are the family I've chosen. Plus, Stacy is moving back--I know Jamie's brothers prefer to spend Christmas Day with their immediate families, but Jamie and I always include his dad and stepmom in our festivities and I will extend that invitation to Stacy this year and the next. And the next...it will all work out.
On the bright side, got a great deal at my favorite consignment store and a super cute rug on sale at Target for Cassie's room. And now the season premiere of Desperate Housewives is on...I haven't watched it regularly, but with Vanessa Williams joining the cast, I'm curious...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Rough Day
I spent the better part of today in bed. I woke up feverish with the worst headache EVER. Jamie took one look at me shivering on the couch, felt my forehead, and sent me back upstairs to bed. I slept until almost three. I've still got a sore throat and headache, although the fever seems gone. I've got an event at church ALL DAY tomorrow, am hoping I can scoot out for a bit to hit urgent care. I'm thinking it is either strep (hence the sore throat) or sinuses (the headache). At the moment, I'm leaning towards strep b/c my advil/tylenol cocktail has worn off and the sore throat is back w/a vengance. Plus, it's that time of year...
Spending the day in bed derailed my granite shopping. Do any of my readers have recommendations? My neighbors just used Granite Transformations, but I want real stone, not the man-made stuff.
Back to bed for me.
Spending the day in bed derailed my granite shopping. Do any of my readers have recommendations? My neighbors just used Granite Transformations, but I want real stone, not the man-made stuff.
Back to bed for me.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Serendipity
Our renters called over the weekend and asked if we were willing to let them out of the lease because they're preapproved to buy a house. Since they signed the lease in July, I was a bit taken aback, but I agreed to it. Quite honestly, I imagine if I hadn't, they wouldn't be happy and if they aren't happy, they aren't going to take care of the place...I'd rather have someone in there who wants to be there. So I threw an ad up on Craigslist, posted a notice on Facebook and waited.
This afternoon I got a phone call from Jamie's sister Stacy. She's moving back to Missouri around Thanksgiving and has been looking for somewhere to live. Since we spent our first six years of marriage there, she's familiar with the house (and landlords). She's going to rent it. She needs a place to live, we need a tenant, what I thought was going to be a royal pain the rear has turned out beautifully! I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to help move her in!
I need that good news today because we got some not so good news at the vet. The beast weighed in at 95 pounds. I weighed him six times because I couldn't believe the numbers on the scale. Ignoring how ridiculously close to my weight that is, it's also a good 10-12 pounds over where the vet wants him. So squirmy Shermy is now on a diet. Good thing he got his own ice cream at McD's last night, because it's going to be a while before he gets another one! (Don't judge me. He's the well behaved child, he actually deserved the ice cream cone. As opposed to the human children, who got ice cream, but didn't exactly deserve it.) Mama may be putting the gym plans on hold for a while since we're going to be stepping up the Sherman cardio & walks. Poor guy.
I think the good rental news totally overrules the fat dog news today. I reserve the right to disagree after stepping up the canine exercise...
PS--Went granite shopping this morning. Decided on black vs. blue. Amy, the interior designer BFF, agrees that black is a better choice. She also thinks that my cabinets are keepers. Am thinking I may have new counters by Halloween! Now I just need to price a backsplash. Leaning towards subway tile, but haven't ruled out beadboard. I'd also like to wrap the island in beadboard, must check on the feasibility of that. Yay for moving forward. Hideous white laminate countertops? Your days are NUMBERED!
This afternoon I got a phone call from Jamie's sister Stacy. She's moving back to Missouri around Thanksgiving and has been looking for somewhere to live. Since we spent our first six years of marriage there, she's familiar with the house (and landlords). She's going to rent it. She needs a place to live, we need a tenant, what I thought was going to be a royal pain the rear has turned out beautifully! I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to help move her in!
I need that good news today because we got some not so good news at the vet. The beast weighed in at 95 pounds. I weighed him six times because I couldn't believe the numbers on the scale. Ignoring how ridiculously close to my weight that is, it's also a good 10-12 pounds over where the vet wants him. So squirmy Shermy is now on a diet. Good thing he got his own ice cream at McD's last night, because it's going to be a while before he gets another one! (Don't judge me. He's the well behaved child, he actually deserved the ice cream cone. As opposed to the human children, who got ice cream, but didn't exactly deserve it.) Mama may be putting the gym plans on hold for a while since we're going to be stepping up the Sherman cardio & walks. Poor guy.
I think the good rental news totally overrules the fat dog news today. I reserve the right to disagree after stepping up the canine exercise...
PS--Went granite shopping this morning. Decided on black vs. blue. Amy, the interior designer BFF, agrees that black is a better choice. She also thinks that my cabinets are keepers. Am thinking I may have new counters by Halloween! Now I just need to price a backsplash. Leaning towards subway tile, but haven't ruled out beadboard. I'd also like to wrap the island in beadboard, must check on the feasibility of that. Yay for moving forward. Hideous white laminate countertops? Your days are NUMBERED!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Well, they're not fighting...
Chase played his DSi non-stop this morning, until I finally told him to give it a rest! So now he's playing Princesses with his sister. Jamie would be HORRIFIED, but I think it is cute. He had friends over last night and one left the gate open, which resulted in Sherman going exploring. A neighbor we don't know picked him up, and my cell phone was on silent so he spent about an hour in their backyard before it was all said and done. I really appreciate the neighbor doing that, but as an FYI, leaving me a message that you found my dog on the side of the road probably isn't the best way to phrase that...we had a rough few minutes there...
Cass had dance this morning. They combined the 9:30am 3s and 4s with the 10:30am 4s and 5s. So they do acro together, then split up. The younger girls are all together in one room for tap and ballet, and the older girls are in another room. So now Cassie only has about six girls in her class--which is good. She LOVES it and was showing Grandpa how to point his toe this morning. They also did a little barre work. So cute. I'm thinking about asking the other mothers if anyone would be interested in asking them to set up a Zumba class for the moms during class. If we're going to be there for an hour, may as well be getting in a workout, right? Better than sitting...
It was kind of a rough weekend. Chase puked right after my last post. That was unexpected and disgusting. Got some family news that means big changes--I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm a conservative and loathe change. I'm trying. I also got a call from my renters that they want to break their lease. They're flexible (as they should be because I don't HAVE to let them out of it)--but finding new renters is a pain when you're expecting it. When you're not... Again, I'm trying to look on the bright side. I haven't raised the rent in the 3 years they've been there, so if I price it with the comps I saw this weekend, I can gross an additional $1800 a year. That's a plus. I'm trying to focus on the positives...
Naptime. That's ALWAYS (!) a positive. I'm starting to budget for groceries and household expenses. Jamie the financial advisor isn't a fan of budgeting because he says it teaches you how NOT to be poor versus how to build wealth. I can totally see that. Nonetheless, I got him to agree that whatever I shave off my household expense bills can go towards new countertops. If I'm really good, I'll have them by Christmas. Of course this little niggling voice is wondering about the sense in putting new countertops on 10 year old cabinets...so perhaps I'll look into cabinet refacing while I'm at it...
Cass had dance this morning. They combined the 9:30am 3s and 4s with the 10:30am 4s and 5s. So they do acro together, then split up. The younger girls are all together in one room for tap and ballet, and the older girls are in another room. So now Cassie only has about six girls in her class--which is good. She LOVES it and was showing Grandpa how to point his toe this morning. They also did a little barre work. So cute. I'm thinking about asking the other mothers if anyone would be interested in asking them to set up a Zumba class for the moms during class. If we're going to be there for an hour, may as well be getting in a workout, right? Better than sitting...
It was kind of a rough weekend. Chase puked right after my last post. That was unexpected and disgusting. Got some family news that means big changes--I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm a conservative and loathe change. I'm trying. I also got a call from my renters that they want to break their lease. They're flexible (as they should be because I don't HAVE to let them out of it)--but finding new renters is a pain when you're expecting it. When you're not... Again, I'm trying to look on the bright side. I haven't raised the rent in the 3 years they've been there, so if I price it with the comps I saw this weekend, I can gross an additional $1800 a year. That's a plus. I'm trying to focus on the positives...
Naptime. That's ALWAYS (!) a positive. I'm starting to budget for groceries and household expenses. Jamie the financial advisor isn't a fan of budgeting because he says it teaches you how NOT to be poor versus how to build wealth. I can totally see that. Nonetheless, I got him to agree that whatever I shave off my household expense bills can go towards new countertops. If I'm really good, I'll have them by Christmas. Of course this little niggling voice is wondering about the sense in putting new countertops on 10 year old cabinets...so perhaps I'll look into cabinet refacing while I'm at it...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Cycle Break!
It never ceases to amuse me that many friends have kids who just started school, and my kids are already finished with their first quarter and off for the next three weeks! We've got lots of plans for cycle break, lots of baseball games scheduled, the usual playdates and sleepovers on the calendar, but I'm most looking forward to just relaxing and going with the flow. Last night Chase had a sleepover, the boys turned his room into a fort with most of the blankets in the linen closet and I loved it. Right now Cassie is playing w/Dora, Cinderella and Kai Lan in the living room. She does love her pretend play. It is almost naptime for her...
I've got two wicked canker sores right now, discovered Canker Cover at Walgreens last night and am a total convert now. I was miserable yesterday, but after using that stuff last night--I'm back to normal today. AWESOME! I was actually back to normal last night after I used it...
I was parent helper in Cassie's class yesterday and saw someone who remembered me from my teaching days. I subbed for her when she had a hysterectomy. 10 years ago. I'm flattered she remembered me! I'm also thrilled to realize that I still love working w/kids that age in the classroom, I was worried that I wouldn't have the patience for it anymore or wouldn't enjoy it anymore, but I really do. So there is another option for me when Cass starts kindy! I like having options...
We did Cassie's parent teacher conference during recess yesterday. Her teacher said she is a "delight." No argument here. She's also at age level or waaaaay above for everything she should be doing, save for articulation, and that's why she's in speech! Another great conference. Thank God for that. I'm having one of those weeks where I wonder what on Earth I ever did to deserve the life I lead...I am blessed beyond measure.
I stayed up ridiculously late the other night to read A Dog's Purpose. It was a very enjoyable (and quick) read. I loved it. If you've ever loved a dog, you should read it.
I've got two wicked canker sores right now, discovered Canker Cover at Walgreens last night and am a total convert now. I was miserable yesterday, but after using that stuff last night--I'm back to normal today. AWESOME! I was actually back to normal last night after I used it...
I was parent helper in Cassie's class yesterday and saw someone who remembered me from my teaching days. I subbed for her when she had a hysterectomy. 10 years ago. I'm flattered she remembered me! I'm also thrilled to realize that I still love working w/kids that age in the classroom, I was worried that I wouldn't have the patience for it anymore or wouldn't enjoy it anymore, but I really do. So there is another option for me when Cass starts kindy! I like having options...
We did Cassie's parent teacher conference during recess yesterday. Her teacher said she is a "delight." No argument here. She's also at age level or waaaaay above for everything she should be doing, save for articulation, and that's why she's in speech! Another great conference. Thank God for that. I'm having one of those weeks where I wonder what on Earth I ever did to deserve the life I lead...I am blessed beyond measure.
I stayed up ridiculously late the other night to read A Dog's Purpose. It was a very enjoyable (and quick) read. I loved it. If you've ever loved a dog, you should read it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
YAY for Chase!
I really loathe parents who brag about their kids' report cards, about as much as I loathe parents who seem to think that their child's IQ is a direct result of their parenting. So I'm not going to do that. I am going to say that we had a GREAT parent/teacher conference tonight and while I've never been disappointed in one of his report cards, I am super proud of him tonight. That kid really did get the best of his Daddy and me. And for the areas that need improvement? When I figure out how to fix them in Jamie and myself--I'll fix them in Chase! ;)) But hearing, "I've loved having him. He's just a good kid. He cares so much...." really made my night. I've always known he was smart, so I can't take any credit for him doing well in school. But the comments about his character? It's nice to hear from a professional that I don't completely suck as a mother and that I'm doing something right! Even if she doesn't agree w/my decision to let him read Harry Potter...
Cassie's conferences are Friday. Chase's gifted teacher wanted to test her tonight...
Cassie's conferences are Friday. Chase's gifted teacher wanted to test her tonight...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Funny Cassie
I frequently use the funny things that come out of the kids' mouths as my status updates on Facebook. However, it occured to me that I need a more permanent way of keeping track of them. So I decided to blog about some of them, particularly because Cassie is at an age where really funny stuff keeps coming out of her mouth.
This afternoon over lunch she said, "I'm three" while holding up four fingers. Then she said, "Daddy is four." I said, "No, Daddy is 38, I am 35. How old is Chaser?" She said, "35." Her brother would be horrified.
Last night, as I was rocking her before bed, Cassie said (pointing to a tutu hanging in her room), "Mom, what's that?" Me, "It's the tutu I made you for your first birthday." Cassie, "I have to put it in my bottom for it to come out?!" Me, "No, it's a tutu. Not a toot. Ballerinas wear tutus, not toots." Cassie (laughing) "You're right Mommy. They don't dance in toots."
Perhaps my current favorite phrase of hers is "hi-ness." She's not referring to herself or any of us as royalty. Rather, it is a combination of the words hiney and penis and what she uses to refer to her big brother's boy parts. As in (post-bathing or while changing clothes), "Chase! I see your HI-NESS!"
Another time I was rocking her, she popped out w/""Mommy, I want Santa Claus to pull my finger." I had to tell her that if she asked him for that, that might be ALL he'd get her...
As picky of an eater as my girl is, there are a few foods that bring her joy. Like when she saw her soft taco from the Bell and said, "Oh, it's beautiful!"
Of course, few things top this one. "Mommy stop tickling Chase he's my brother! Mommy! STOP! HE'S MY BEST FRIEND!" Cutest sentence ever uttered by my three year old. And apparently, Mom doesn't trump big brother in tickle wars.
They're quite a pair. Just before my trip to Boston/DC this summer, Chase pointed to my suitcases and said, "Is that what you're taking to Boston?" Me, "Yup." Cassie, "Are you not taking us?" The answer was, "NOPE!"
Shortly thereafter, Cass and I had this conversation. Me "Who loves you soooo much?" Cassie "Peter." Me "Who else?" Cassie "Oh, Mama!" Pete is Chase's BFF and the love of Cassie's life. No, really. Every time she sees him, she says, "Pe-tah, you have to buy me a big diamond (makes a diamond sign w/her hands) so we can get mare-weed." I suspect that may be why Pete would rather play at his house than ours....
Of course, she usually redeems herself w/one of these: Cassie "Mommy, you are MY big honey. I am the little honey." And mades me laugh with one of these: "Mom, you're a pirate. And I'm Captain Cassie." Announced out of nowhere as she polished off her Happy Meal... Food is a unusually good source of funnies. Upon seeing a Nutra Grain bar (instead of her usual Fiber Plus bar) for breakfast one morning, Cassie announced, "But this isn't good for my butt." Perhaps I should lay off preaching about the value of fiber a bit...
Chase has been known to pop out a few gems of his own. Last weekend while driving past Lindenwood, Chase said to his BFF, "I'm going to be a KA at Momwhat'sthenameofthatcollegeIwanttogoto?" Me: "Westminster?" Chase, "Yeah. I'm going to be a KA at Westminster." Those of you who read this and know me well, probably aren't the least bit surprised that he knows his future Greek affiliation far better than the name of his future college. Of course, Cassie just says she wants to be in Mommy's sworwity at Mommy's college. Perhaps it would be easier for Chase to do the same, subbing Dad and fraternity...
Aunt Judy--consider yourself warned, you won't like this one. One walk around the neighborhood last month, Chase and I were discussing politics (a neighbor's bumper sticker started the conversation, lots of tea partiers in my hood) and he said, "You know a good name for Obama? Mr. Wrong!" I don't mention it often, but the kid does have a Mensa-level IQ. And is obviously smarter than most of the voters in our great land...;)
And then there are the moments where he's just like his Daddy and she's just like her Momma. "Aww, Cass--you look just like your favorite Princess!" (Whispered) "Mom--who's her favorite princess? MOOOOOM! Who is it?" "Snow White." "Cass, you look just like Snow White." "No I don't. I blonde."
Right now she's singing happy birthday to herself (Happy Birthday to Dear Cassie...) and then blowing out candles on her cake. Which is really a T-Rex turned on its side. I miss that kind of imagination. And the ability to hand out insults that don't really seem like insults unless you're in one the joke. Like when she said this to me: "Mommy, I a princess and you a stepmother!" Um, no. If you're a princess, that makes me the Queen, sister. But in her world of Disney princesses and evil stepmothers, stepmother is the biggest insult EVER.
That's the best of my QOTD since April. I'm going to try writing them down as they happen...but now, it's NAPTIME for a certain Princess. Which means time to put laundry away for a certain evil queen...
This afternoon over lunch she said, "I'm three" while holding up four fingers. Then she said, "Daddy is four." I said, "No, Daddy is 38, I am 35. How old is Chaser?" She said, "35." Her brother would be horrified.
Last night, as I was rocking her before bed, Cassie said (pointing to a tutu hanging in her room), "Mom, what's that?" Me, "It's the tutu I made you for your first birthday." Cassie, "I have to put it in my bottom for it to come out?!" Me, "No, it's a tutu. Not a toot. Ballerinas wear tutus, not toots." Cassie (laughing) "You're right Mommy. They don't dance in toots."
Perhaps my current favorite phrase of hers is "hi-ness." She's not referring to herself or any of us as royalty. Rather, it is a combination of the words hiney and penis and what she uses to refer to her big brother's boy parts. As in (post-bathing or while changing clothes), "Chase! I see your HI-NESS!"
Another time I was rocking her, she popped out w/""Mommy, I want Santa Claus to pull my finger." I had to tell her that if she asked him for that, that might be ALL he'd get her...
As picky of an eater as my girl is, there are a few foods that bring her joy. Like when she saw her soft taco from the Bell and said, "Oh, it's beautiful!"
Of course, few things top this one. "Mommy stop tickling Chase he's my brother! Mommy! STOP! HE'S MY BEST FRIEND!" Cutest sentence ever uttered by my three year old. And apparently, Mom doesn't trump big brother in tickle wars.
They're quite a pair. Just before my trip to Boston/DC this summer, Chase pointed to my suitcases and said, "Is that what you're taking to Boston?" Me, "Yup." Cassie, "Are you not taking us?" The answer was, "NOPE!"
Shortly thereafter, Cass and I had this conversation. Me "Who loves you soooo much?" Cassie "Peter." Me "Who else?" Cassie "Oh, Mama!" Pete is Chase's BFF and the love of Cassie's life. No, really. Every time she sees him, she says, "Pe-tah, you have to buy me a big diamond (makes a diamond sign w/her hands) so we can get mare-weed." I suspect that may be why Pete would rather play at his house than ours....
Of course, she usually redeems herself w/one of these: Cassie "Mommy, you are MY big honey. I am the little honey." And mades me laugh with one of these: "Mom, you're a pirate. And I'm Captain Cassie." Announced out of nowhere as she polished off her Happy Meal... Food is a unusually good source of funnies. Upon seeing a Nutra Grain bar (instead of her usual Fiber Plus bar) for breakfast one morning, Cassie announced, "But this isn't good for my butt." Perhaps I should lay off preaching about the value of fiber a bit...
Chase has been known to pop out a few gems of his own. Last weekend while driving past Lindenwood, Chase said to his BFF, "I'm going to be a KA at Momwhat'sthenameofthatcollegeIwanttogoto?" Me: "Westminster?" Chase, "Yeah. I'm going to be a KA at Westminster." Those of you who read this and know me well, probably aren't the least bit surprised that he knows his future Greek affiliation far better than the name of his future college. Of course, Cassie just says she wants to be in Mommy's sworwity at Mommy's college. Perhaps it would be easier for Chase to do the same, subbing Dad and fraternity...
Aunt Judy--consider yourself warned, you won't like this one. One walk around the neighborhood last month, Chase and I were discussing politics (a neighbor's bumper sticker started the conversation, lots of tea partiers in my hood) and he said, "You know a good name for Obama? Mr. Wrong!" I don't mention it often, but the kid does have a Mensa-level IQ. And is obviously smarter than most of the voters in our great land...;)
And then there are the moments where he's just like his Daddy and she's just like her Momma. "Aww, Cass--you look just like your favorite Princess!" (Whispered) "Mom--who's her favorite princess? MOOOOOM! Who is it?" "Snow White." "Cass, you look just like Snow White." "No I don't. I blonde."
Right now she's singing happy birthday to herself (Happy Birthday to Dear Cassie...) and then blowing out candles on her cake. Which is really a T-Rex turned on its side. I miss that kind of imagination. And the ability to hand out insults that don't really seem like insults unless you're in one the joke. Like when she said this to me: "Mommy, I a princess and you a stepmother!" Um, no. If you're a princess, that makes me the Queen, sister. But in her world of Disney princesses and evil stepmothers, stepmother is the biggest insult EVER.
That's the best of my QOTD since April. I'm going to try writing them down as they happen...but now, it's NAPTIME for a certain Princess. Which means time to put laundry away for a certain evil queen...
Monday, September 6, 2010
What a weekend!
Friday night we headed down to Main Street for dinner. We were a family of five that night since Chase's BFF Pete spent the night with us. The kids loved playing in Frontier Park and the boys and I went down on the river banks, something I've never done despite living in St. Charles County my entire 35 years. Chase also got his coveted, much wanted Pumas that night. Saturday I got some Mommy/Chase time. We rode our bikes to a nearby park (Jamie was home with Cass), rode home, headed out to the dog park w/Sherman, came home w/a super muddy dog and shoes. Then we headed over to the beautiful home of friends from school/baseball. We had a fabulous time!!!! Everyone poked fun at me for bringing along my latest work in progress (baby blanket for a friend)--but when the sun went down and temps dropped, they were jealous of the blanky on my lap! And I FINALLY finished that thing yesterday and started on a new one for Hayden (blew through six skeins of yarn on it and must go buy more yarn today).
Yesterday we headed to Cuba to spend some time at the lake. Sherman LOVES the lake. He swam, retrieved, did a little mousing...BLECH. The kids had a great time, too. They played in the sand (Cassie announced, "I at the beach.") and rode the jet ski with Aunt Stacy. Aunt Stacy also (bravely) took the kids out in the canoe--and stayed upright! We are so looking forward to having her move closer in the coming months!!!! We got home late last night. Chase is at baseball practice right now, Cass and I need to hit up Joanne's for more yarn. Then I'm planning on spending the rest of the day in my own backyard--crocheting and reading! The deck/fence/playset are finally stained and I'm ready to enjoy the backyard for a few weeks, until it is too cold to be out there!
Jenn sent me this book last month and I'm really enjoying it!
Yesterday we headed to Cuba to spend some time at the lake. Sherman LOVES the lake. He swam, retrieved, did a little mousing...BLECH. The kids had a great time, too. They played in the sand (Cassie announced, "I at the beach.") and rode the jet ski with Aunt Stacy. Aunt Stacy also (bravely) took the kids out in the canoe--and stayed upright! We are so looking forward to having her move closer in the coming months!!!! We got home late last night. Chase is at baseball practice right now, Cass and I need to hit up Joanne's for more yarn. Then I'm planning on spending the rest of the day in my own backyard--crocheting and reading! The deck/fence/playset are finally stained and I'm ready to enjoy the backyard for a few weeks, until it is too cold to be out there!
Jenn sent me this book last month and I'm really enjoying it!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Rest In Peace, Lyndsey
Last night Cassie and I attended a visitation for 20 year old Lyndsey Ellis. Lyndsey joined Alpha Chi Omega at William Woods not quite three weeks ago. Her big brother Ryan dates a junior in the chapter. Lyndsey suffered from scleroderma and complications from it killed her one week into the school year. I vividly remember a conversation with her father on Bid Day. Her parents were so excited and her dad and I talked about how fun Dad's Weekend and Parent's Weekend is in the sorority house (her big brother is a PIKE at WWU but Mr. Ellis was looking forward to adding sorority activities to the fraternity ones). That conversation has haunted me all week. Last night at the visitation, Mr. Ellis told me that Lyndsey's two weeks at William Woods were her happiest in the last five years (since her diagnosis). It is hard to describe the combination of pride and pain I felt at that moment. Pride because I know what Greek life can do for individuals. I've seen shy young women blossom into leaders ready to take on the world. And I'm so proud of my women and my chapter for providing that experience for Lyndsey, as short as her time there was, I'm grateful she had it.
Of course, that comment was excrutiating to hear because I am a mother. I can't imagine the depths of the Ellis family's agony, and I pray I never experience it firsthand. As great as her week was, I can't help but wonder why she couldn't be with us longer. I think of all the things she missed and it breaks my heart. I keep reminding myself that I can't see God's plan and while it is difficult to understand why He calls certain angels home sooner than others, I have to trust Him. I pray that Lyndsey's family and her sisters will find peace and comfort in their memories of Lyndsey and that God will provide peace in their hearts.
The women sang "In This Very Room" at the visitation last night and the funeral this morning. Yet there is another song that comes to my mind when I think of Lyndsey.
"So tonight while you sleep, may God bless you and keep you as you dream of our fraternity." Rest in peace, sweet Lyndsey.
Of course, that comment was excrutiating to hear because I am a mother. I can't imagine the depths of the Ellis family's agony, and I pray I never experience it firsthand. As great as her week was, I can't help but wonder why she couldn't be with us longer. I think of all the things she missed and it breaks my heart. I keep reminding myself that I can't see God's plan and while it is difficult to understand why He calls certain angels home sooner than others, I have to trust Him. I pray that Lyndsey's family and her sisters will find peace and comfort in their memories of Lyndsey and that God will provide peace in their hearts.
The women sang "In This Very Room" at the visitation last night and the funeral this morning. Yet there is another song that comes to my mind when I think of Lyndsey.
"So tonight while you sleep, may God bless you and keep you as you dream of our fraternity." Rest in peace, sweet Lyndsey.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Crazy week!
I think she really enjoyed herself, you can see her right next to the teacher stretching before the acro segment. In case you were wondering (I certainly was) acro for toddlers involves log rolling down the mat. The rest of it looked like herding cats. Whatever they're paying that teacher isn't enough! She's got her work cut out for her!
Monday was dance class and a very late night for Daddy. Tuesday was school for both kids and the dentist for Mom and Chase. Chase had a cavity to be filled and I needed a cleaning. I'll be back next week because I also have a cavity. :( I'm so lucky to have my Dad--he picked Cassie up from preschool and ran through Mc D's for lunch. Chase had a smoothie (dentists orders--no chewing) and Cass & I had Happy Meals. She was SO excited that Grandpa picked her up but had lots of questions for him. (Where is YOUR car? Where is my mom? Can we go to YOUR house?)
Today Cass started her "other" school, which is really my bible study time. This is my fourth session and we both really enjoy it! We went straight from that to the allergist for my shot, to Target (for new sunglasses & bread), to our church (for projector issues) to home, where I sorted clothes my sister wants me to resell for her while waiting for Chase to get off the bus. It was an early release day for him, so we had a house full of boys until about an hour ago, when they headed to Peter's house. Of course as soon as I sat down (I spent naptime cleaning, doing laundry and adding new foam to the loveseat cushions)--Cassie woke up from her nap.
I have to add some pics from this weekend for my sister to steal. Hayden and I were accidental twins at Brew's party this weekend. I'm not even going to pretend there is a family resemblance in this pic, but how cute is she? I'm glad Jamie didn't get a shot of me knocked on butt, which is what happened when she plopped down on my knee the first time! Next is Bomb and Cassie. Bomb was saying that Cassie is his best friend. Apparently best friend is different than best buddy. Cooper is Bomb's best buddy. Cassie is Bomb's best friend. They're five months apart (almost to the day) and I love how close they're getting as they get older! I'm off to figure out dinner...
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Making a liar out of Mama
This morning while I was getting ready for Grandma Mildred's funeral, I was dealing with some other stuff. Jamie came in a bit huffy and asked why I was doing what I was doing because it wasn't my job and I certainly wouldn't get any recognition or credit for doing it. I replied that I don't do very many things for recognition or credit, if I needed that, I certainly wouldn't have jumped onto the Mommy track where I don't get a paycheck, much less engraved hunks of crystal like he gets every year. I figure if the kids are productive members of society and stay out of prison in a few decades, I've done okay. But motherhood isn't exactly for those seeking/needing instant gratification.
A few hours later, we were driving down to Rolla for the funeral and Chase hands me a magazine from the back seat. It was open to an Operation Smile ad. Chase had LOTS of questions about cleft lip/cleft palate. I answered his questions, but was honestly anxious to crank up the iPod again. Just as I was getting ready to do that, his voice came from the backseat. "Mom, will you send them $50 from my DS fund?" I said, "Chase, you only have $100 in there." He said, "I know. Those kids need it more than I do."
So then Jamie looks at me smugly and said, "Yeah--that beats a chunk of engraved crystal any day of the week." It does. But I can't take credit for what's in his heart--that's all Chase.
Interestingly, as much as I hear that he looks like his Daddy, today I saw some pictures of his Grandpa Jim...I've seen lots of pictures of my husband as a child, and I would never confuse those with pictures of Chase. But the pictures of Jim at that age? Like I was looking at my kid. CRAZY!
Jamie's cousin Jerri gave a beautiful eulogy for Grandma Mildred. Mildred was a humble, kind, gentle soul. And an amazing cook--her strawberry pie was amazing. But the thing I will remember most about Jamie's grandmother was how she lived her faith every single day. She loved the Lord and she lived like it. She wasn't superior and didn't put on airs. She was who she was, and who she was was a Godly woman. I am grateful that Jamie shared her with me the last 13 years. And I truly hope that if I am fortunate enough to have 93 years on this Earth, that my life will be celebrated as hers was today.
A few hours later, we were driving down to Rolla for the funeral and Chase hands me a magazine from the back seat. It was open to an Operation Smile ad. Chase had LOTS of questions about cleft lip/cleft palate. I answered his questions, but was honestly anxious to crank up the iPod again. Just as I was getting ready to do that, his voice came from the backseat. "Mom, will you send them $50 from my DS fund?" I said, "Chase, you only have $100 in there." He said, "I know. Those kids need it more than I do."
So then Jamie looks at me smugly and said, "Yeah--that beats a chunk of engraved crystal any day of the week." It does. But I can't take credit for what's in his heart--that's all Chase.
Interestingly, as much as I hear that he looks like his Daddy, today I saw some pictures of his Grandpa Jim...I've seen lots of pictures of my husband as a child, and I would never confuse those with pictures of Chase. But the pictures of Jim at that age? Like I was looking at my kid. CRAZY!
Jamie's cousin Jerri gave a beautiful eulogy for Grandma Mildred. Mildred was a humble, kind, gentle soul. And an amazing cook--her strawberry pie was amazing. But the thing I will remember most about Jamie's grandmother was how she lived her faith every single day. She loved the Lord and she lived like it. She wasn't superior and didn't put on airs. She was who she was, and who she was was a Godly woman. I am grateful that Jamie shared her with me the last 13 years. And I truly hope that if I am fortunate enough to have 93 years on this Earth, that my life will be celebrated as hers was today.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
An Ordinary Life
I don't think it ever occured to me as an undergraduate overachiever that in less than a decade and a half, I would feel a sense of accomplishment putting all of the laundry away. While the four of us generate quite a bit of laundry, I never really considered that such an ordinary chore could give me such an sense of accomplishment. Yet every week, as I finish, I think "SUCK IT, LAUNDRY! I WIN AGAIN!" My husband is managing millions of dollars of other people's money and I'm smug about the laundry.
I don't really think I ever considered as an undergrad how much I would enjoy homemaking. I've spent enough time on internet message boards to know that the art of homemaking is no longer considered an art. My (single sex) alma mater dropped its home economics major several years before it went co-ed. I honestly doubt there is a home economics major or minor anywhere in the US these days. It occurs to me that perhaps, in our fight for gender equality, we have done ourselves a great disservice by trivializing a role that very satisfying for some people. I am an intelligent, capable woman. There are many things I could be doing well if I wanted to work outside my home. I have chosen instead to focus my efforts on my family and my home. Many women (far more intelligent, capable, and educated than me) are dropping out of the work force and rediscovering what it means to be a homemaker. They too are finding satisfaction in the mundane tasks of everyday living: putting laundry away, preparing meals, keeping a tidy home. It is not glamourous. It isn't always fun. But I find it immensely satisfying nonetheless.
I don't really think I ever considered as an undergrad how much I would enjoy homemaking. I've spent enough time on internet message boards to know that the art of homemaking is no longer considered an art. My (single sex) alma mater dropped its home economics major several years before it went co-ed. I honestly doubt there is a home economics major or minor anywhere in the US these days. It occurs to me that perhaps, in our fight for gender equality, we have done ourselves a great disservice by trivializing a role that very satisfying for some people. I am an intelligent, capable woman. There are many things I could be doing well if I wanted to work outside my home. I have chosen instead to focus my efforts on my family and my home. Many women (far more intelligent, capable, and educated than me) are dropping out of the work force and rediscovering what it means to be a homemaker. They too are finding satisfaction in the mundane tasks of everyday living: putting laundry away, preparing meals, keeping a tidy home. It is not glamourous. It isn't always fun. But I find it immensely satisfying nonetheless.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Chase's Room
I think this will age better than the baby blue & construction/cars/trucks thing he had going. He is THRILLED and so very proud of all my hard work. Mad props to my Dad for his hoarding tendancies. I make fun, but I've benefitted greatly from all my "shopping" at his place. And the desk is sturdy enough that Chase's grandkids may well be using it in 50 years...
Friday, July 30, 2010
I'm reading this book right now. I don't love it as much as The Help, but it's a nice, light read. The fact that I can actually put it down is a good thing--I'm not sleep deprived and the house isn't a hot mess. Jamie appreciates that the laundry is relatively caught up! But it's entertaining enough to keep me engaged. At this point, I'd give it 2 3/4 stars.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Quiet
Much quieter day today! Cassie actually napped during naptime (yes, I checked). I replaced the blinds in the breakfast nook today (Chase broke one last night) and need to pick up one more set for the back door. Matching 6+ year old white blinds is IMPOSSIBLE. I actually like the new ones better than the old ones but replacing all of the blinds in the house is out of the question. I can think of so many things I'd rather spend that money on (shoes, bags, clothes, countertops, new floors). Honestly--I wouldn't do white again, I'd do some sort of woven, dirt and handprint hiding thing. At this point in my life, I'm all about masking the messes in my house. And for every magazine article that extolls the virtues of the color white b/c it is bleachable, I've got 10 handprints or coffee stains or worse to deal with!
I sense a disaster in the making w/Chase knocking down Cassie for hugs. Must go before we wind up at the ER...
I sense a disaster in the making w/Chase knocking down Cassie for hugs. Must go before we wind up at the ER...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Holy SHIT!
So while I was updating the blog and getting caught up on Facebook and generally enjoying my quiet afternoon today, Cassie was upstairs not napping. She was hiding in my bathroom because she made a mess in her pull up (she sleeps in a pull up) and tried to clean it up "herself."
She was messier than the pictures...it was EVERYWHERE! She's got a rip-roaring eczema flare right now, not sure if it was the poop bath or something else. Seriously--never a dull moment around here...
Short Trip
Jamie had a work event at Lake of the Ozarks this weekend, so the kids and I tagged along. It was a super short trip, as we didn't get there until 2pm on Saturday, but we had a ton of fun while we were there.
Cassie fell asleep as we pulled into the hotel and our room wasn't ready anyway, so Chase and I headed to the outlet mall and Jamie stayed in the air conditioned car with Cassie. Despite the fact that he scored two pair of shorts and a new pair of Crocs, Chase was a rather whiney shopping companion. I deposited him back at the car with his father and tried to shop in peace, but didn't find anything I liked. So we headed back to the hotel, checked in, and headed back out for dinner with the over 80 crowd.
We ate at Baxter's, which overlooks the lake. I highly recommend the encrusted grouper & swordfish sandwich. Following dinner, we made like true tourists and boarded a cruise on the Tom Sawyer. I believe I rode this paddlewheel boat when I was about Cassie's age. It was HOT, but the kids loved it!
A storm blew in while we were on the lake, fortunately we made it to the car before the skies opened up on us. The storm blew away our plans for go-carts and ice cream after the boat ride. We settled for a documentary about the current military situation in Afghanistan on the History channel back in our hotel room, which Chase loved! 
Sunday morning, Cassie woke us up EARLY--right as a nearby transformer blew, darkening the entire block on which our hotel sat. No power, no running water, and a smoke detector bleeting every 60 seconds. I got ready in record time and we headed out for an early breakfast. Jamie stayed at the Lake for work and the kids and I headed home. We took a detour through the Governor's Mansion and State Capitol on our way home. The kids LOVED it and it was a nice way to recover some fun after the disasterous morning. Chase was completely AWED by the Capitol. He told me, "Mom, you need to run for President so you can work here." That earned him a quick lesson about the difference between our state capitol and our nation's capitol and the difference between the President and a Governor. It's nice to know he's enthusiastic about my future in politics though...
We ate at Baxter's, which overlooks the lake. I highly recommend the encrusted grouper & swordfish sandwich. Following dinner, we made like true tourists and boarded a cruise on the Tom Sawyer. I believe I rode this paddlewheel boat when I was about Cassie's age. It was HOT, but the kids loved it!
A storm blew in while we were on the lake, fortunately we made it to the car before the skies opened up on us. The storm blew away our plans for go-carts and ice cream after the boat ride. We settled for a documentary about the current military situation in Afghanistan on the History channel back in our hotel room, which Chase loved! 
Sunday morning, Cassie woke us up EARLY--right as a nearby transformer blew, darkening the entire block on which our hotel sat. No power, no running water, and a smoke detector bleeting every 60 seconds. I got ready in record time and we headed out for an early breakfast. Jamie stayed at the Lake for work and the kids and I headed home. We took a detour through the Governor's Mansion and State Capitol on our way home. The kids LOVED it and it was a nice way to recover some fun after the disasterous morning. Chase was completely AWED by the Capitol. He told me, "Mom, you need to run for President so you can work here." That earned him a quick lesson about the difference between our state capitol and our nation's capitol and the difference between the President and a Governor. It's nice to know he's enthusiastic about my future in politics though...
Great Book
I'm in the middle of a great book about highly educated women who opt out of the work force to stay at home with their kids. Since it seems like I've got more friends working these days than not, it is a great reminder why I'm home...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"He's My Best Friend!"
Every so often, a sort of perfect parenting moment happens and I think I may not be totally screwing up my kids. Today in the midst of a tickle war, while I tickling her brother, Cassie shrieked "Mom! Stop! Stop tickling Chase! He's my brother! Stop tickling him! He's my BEST FRIEND!" I, of course, stopped immediately and asked her to repeat what she said. Cassie has never withheld affection from me, but she's often coy with her daddy and her brother. And yet, there she is calling her brother her BFF.
Last night I was relaying something else cute the kids did and said to my husband, "You know, I may not be so bad at this parenting thing after all." Jamie, in his infinate wisdom, replied, "Really Christi, it's HARD to screw them up too much. Look at me. I raised myself. Dad was at work all the time, and Mom was locked in the bathroom. I turned out fine." His assement is largely true. MIL is bi-polar and doesn't like her meds, so she did spend most of his childhood hiding from life in general.
My response was, "Well, you turned out alright, but I bet if you had a sibling, it would be a hot mess!" He agreed.
So I will soldier on. The house is clean, the family fed, laundry caught up, dog (and mom) walked. I've got a stack of library books to get to and a baby blanket to finish crocheting....
Last night I was relaying something else cute the kids did and said to my husband, "You know, I may not be so bad at this parenting thing after all." Jamie, in his infinate wisdom, replied, "Really Christi, it's HARD to screw them up too much. Look at me. I raised myself. Dad was at work all the time, and Mom was locked in the bathroom. I turned out fine." His assement is largely true. MIL is bi-polar and doesn't like her meds, so she did spend most of his childhood hiding from life in general.
My response was, "Well, you turned out alright, but I bet if you had a sibling, it would be a hot mess!" He agreed.
So I will soldier on. The house is clean, the family fed, laundry caught up, dog (and mom) walked. I've got a stack of library books to get to and a baby blanket to finish crocheting....
Monday, July 19, 2010
School Days!
Thursday was the kids' first day of school. I realize it is the middle of July, but that's when our district goes back. I'm really going to miss our mid-summer return next year when the district changes to a more "normal" schedule.Chase started 3rd grade & Cassie had her first day of preschool. Both LOVED it! 2 mornings a week isn't enough for Cass, she wants to go EVERY DAY like her brother. She was thrilled to tag along to her IEP meeting this morning with me, just because it was in a preschool building! As for the IEP--she'll be receiving 30 minutes of speech per week. She's missing a few consonants, and while Chase and I easily translate for her, hopefully she won't need us translating for too much longer!
Chase's teacher is out on maternity leave, so he'll have a sub for the rest of the quarter. I hope he likes the sub as much as his classroom teacher! He is thrilled to have some of his friends in his class, and came home on the first day happy that he'd made a new friend!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Picture Post of our Weekend
It was Hayden's fifth birthday party this weekend at a gymnastics place in CoMo. My kids had a great time!
The kid remind you of someone?
I love this shot. I wish I'd had my camera with me at the pool yesterday, the kids were hugging and wrestling and just being generally adorable. I feel so blessed that they get along as well as they do.
This weekend we attempted round 2 of Operation Cassie's Big Girl bed. This time it was a success! She is sleeping beautifully in her toddler bed.
The Aces are currently tied for first place in their division. Coach has really worked with Chase on his hitting and he's doing GREAT now! So proud of my little slugger.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Today is Chase's first day of activities camp at our local rec-center. Today is swimming & ice skating (indoor, obviously), tomorrow he'll play games & do crafts, Wednesday is more swimming & ice skating, Thursday is more games, and Friday is a field trip. We've also got VBS at church all week (evenings), so it's going to be a busy week.
I'm trying to get the princess motivated to go shopping for a present for her cousin's bday party on Saturday, but she's pretty entranced by Max & Ruby right now. She just nabbed a go-gurt out of the fridge and I'm having a hard time believing my baby is old enough to help herself to snacks in the fridge. Of course, I was informed last night that she and Lulu (her lovey) are BIG GIRLS, not babies. We had a long talk about when she could get married and have babies. I told her not until she graduated from college and got married. She seems okay with that. She also wanted to know how babies get into their mommies' tummies. Like her brother before her, I told her that God puts them there. Which I believe is true. I mean, I'm not an idiot, I realize I'm leaving out a step. On the other hand, not every baby is conceived the old-fashioned way (she wasn't), so that's the answer she's getting for now. It worked for Chase. I do wonder what atheists tell their kids though...I mean, you can't say God puts them there if you don't believe in God...
Cass is currently obsessed with getting mare-weed. I'm going to chalk it up to her constant diet of Disney Princess stories, in which the Princess always nabs her man in the end, they get married, and live happily ever after. As traditional as I am, it is starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Why can't the Princess get a job or take over the kingdom and run it successfully (and run the wicked stepmonsters out of town)? Why does she need a man to swoop in and save her?
My life is very similar to that of a 1950s housewife. I love it. It works for me. But what if it doesn't work for my daughter? I want her to know she has choices, she has options--she can be whatever she wants to be. SHE can create her own destiny, she doesn't need a man to do it for her. Do I want her to get married and have children? Absolutely, if that's what SHE wants. I just don't want her to think that her "happily ever after" depends on it. I certainly don't want her to rush into a marriage b/c she thinks it will make her happily ever after. I've got too many divorced friends who made that mistake.
I'm pretty sure that rant might qualify me as a feminazi in Rush's eyes. So be it. I want that glass ceiling shattered once and for all before my daughter hits it.
I'm trying to get the princess motivated to go shopping for a present for her cousin's bday party on Saturday, but she's pretty entranced by Max & Ruby right now. She just nabbed a go-gurt out of the fridge and I'm having a hard time believing my baby is old enough to help herself to snacks in the fridge. Of course, I was informed last night that she and Lulu (her lovey) are BIG GIRLS, not babies. We had a long talk about when she could get married and have babies. I told her not until she graduated from college and got married. She seems okay with that. She also wanted to know how babies get into their mommies' tummies. Like her brother before her, I told her that God puts them there. Which I believe is true. I mean, I'm not an idiot, I realize I'm leaving out a step. On the other hand, not every baby is conceived the old-fashioned way (she wasn't), so that's the answer she's getting for now. It worked for Chase. I do wonder what atheists tell their kids though...I mean, you can't say God puts them there if you don't believe in God...
Cass is currently obsessed with getting mare-weed. I'm going to chalk it up to her constant diet of Disney Princess stories, in which the Princess always nabs her man in the end, they get married, and live happily ever after. As traditional as I am, it is starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Why can't the Princess get a job or take over the kingdom and run it successfully (and run the wicked stepmonsters out of town)? Why does she need a man to swoop in and save her?
My life is very similar to that of a 1950s housewife. I love it. It works for me. But what if it doesn't work for my daughter? I want her to know she has choices, she has options--she can be whatever she wants to be. SHE can create her own destiny, she doesn't need a man to do it for her. Do I want her to get married and have children? Absolutely, if that's what SHE wants. I just don't want her to think that her "happily ever after" depends on it. I certainly don't want her to rush into a marriage b/c she thinks it will make her happily ever after. I've got too many divorced friends who made that mistake.
I'm pretty sure that rant might qualify me as a feminazi in Rush's eyes. So be it. I want that glass ceiling shattered once and for all before my daughter hits it.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Summertime and the living is easy...I think
We're in our first full week of summer cycle break. From all appearances, it is our last summer cycle break as it appears that after 41 years, our school district will be doing away with cycles next school year (2011-2012). While the board is saying "it's not a done deal," they could save the district 1 million dollars a year in transportation costs, so they're complete morons if they don't do it. As much as I've love love loved the cycle system for Chase, I know I'm going to love having the kids on the same schedule for the rest of Chase's school career even more! Plus, who doesn't want to save a million dollars in this economic climate? Sayonara cycles!
Quite honestly, this break is flying by already! I've seriously limited screen time for the kiddos which means I'm trying to keep them engaged doing what we did before DVR (and 24 hrs of the Backyardigans Robots) and Wii. The weather has been less than cooperative, so we haven't spent as much time at the pool as we usually do. We hit the library earlier this week on a stormy day and got the kids signed up for the summer reading program. For every 30 minutes of screen time, Chase has to play outside or read a book for 30 minutes. He balked at first, but he's reading a ton. He's also loving his new airsoft rifle. I think it is an AK-47.
We did the zoo yesterday. I renewed my membership (the highway is open again!) and we'll be more frequent visitors. Cassie refused a stroller and was quite a little trooper, tromping thru. We loved the stingray exhibit, it was definitely the highlight of the trip. I'm looking forward to heading back when it isn't quite so hot and crowded!
In the last few months we've done the STL Arch, Magic House & Zoo. Next up is a trip to Six Flags and perhaps the Science Center if we get a spectacularly crappy weather day...
That is not today. It is shaping up to be a beautiful pool day! I'm off to ready us for that!
Quite honestly, this break is flying by already! I've seriously limited screen time for the kiddos which means I'm trying to keep them engaged doing what we did before DVR (and 24 hrs of the Backyardigans Robots) and Wii. The weather has been less than cooperative, so we haven't spent as much time at the pool as we usually do. We hit the library earlier this week on a stormy day and got the kids signed up for the summer reading program. For every 30 minutes of screen time, Chase has to play outside or read a book for 30 minutes. He balked at first, but he's reading a ton. He's also loving his new airsoft rifle. I think it is an AK-47.
We did the zoo yesterday. I renewed my membership (the highway is open again!) and we'll be more frequent visitors. Cassie refused a stroller and was quite a little trooper, tromping thru. We loved the stingray exhibit, it was definitely the highlight of the trip. I'm looking forward to heading back when it isn't quite so hot and crowded!
In the last few months we've done the STL Arch, Magic House & Zoo. Next up is a trip to Six Flags and perhaps the Science Center if we get a spectacularly crappy weather day...
That is not today. It is shaping up to be a beautiful pool day! I'm off to ready us for that!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Had to take some meds, guess my crazy was showing
I've been a bit snappish this week, not sure why. It's not PMS, I've just been a bit impatient and crabby and I don't know why. I'm not unhappy, just crabby. This morning, my ever so charming son asked "Why have you been so MEAN this week? What was the tantrum about this morning?" The tantrum was my putting his sister in a time out for not listening/cooperating and the only reason he knew about it is b/c he climbed into my bed in the middle of the night (hmmm, perhaps interrupted sleep is affecting my mood?). Whatev. As annoyed as I was by his questions, I figured a little sleuthing may be in order. I may be a bitch, but I'm not a completely thoughtless idiot. So I called Jamie and asked, "Have been unusually bitchy this week?" To which he replied, "You don't want me to answer that. Please don't make me answer that." Ooops. So I decided that perhaps a happy pill was in order. And maybe some yoga this afternoon...but definitely the pharaceuticals first!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Last night Chase somehow messed up my cell phone. I admit I was pretty mad. Then I realized I may get a new phone out of the deal and who doesn't like new stuff? After about 2 minutes of deliberation at the Sprint store, I ended up with a Blackberry Curve. I almost bought the Palm Pixi b/c my sister swears by her Pre, but the saleslady essentially said that the Pre is an unreliable POS and the Pixi is a slightly more reliable POS. Since both cost more than the Curve, I figured I would take her word for it. Plus, Jamie was pushing for a Blackberry b/c he seems to think that Palm is about to go belly up. The Curve isn't that different from my Centro and my contacts & dates are already transferred, so I'm happy. Chase has been banned from using my phone though--at least until I'm ready to upgrade again.
I just read an article on Yahoo that proves that our President is either an idiot or completely delusional. Despite the fact that Congress has a 17% approval rating and (per Rasmussen) 49% of voters support state challenges of the new health care bill (which is a majority since some polled had no opinion), he genuinely believes that Republicans' stance on this bill will hurt them in the polls in November. From a dyed in the wool conservative, registered Republican point of view--I'm thrilled that the Dems will be so easy to defeat in eight months. As an American, I'm horrified that my Commander in Chief is such a blooming idiot. Unless they're going to use their abuse of power with the Cencus to take voter fraud to a whole new level this year. But that's awfully underhanded, even for a bunch of thugs out of Chicago.
As horrifed as I was when I heard Chase pipe up (from nowhere in the backseat this week), "Barack Obama is a shithead," I have to concede that he has a point. For the record, he's never heard me call the POTUS that. His response was that I said the first part, he added the "head." I DID tell him that wasn't acceptable and that we could disagree with the policies without disparaging the man. But man, Obama is making that awfully hard when he acts like such a moron.
I'm off to sign Chase up for summer camp and hit hell on Earth (Wal Mart) for coffee, diet coke, & overnight diapers for Cass (she leaked last night).
I just read an article on Yahoo that proves that our President is either an idiot or completely delusional. Despite the fact that Congress has a 17% approval rating and (per Rasmussen) 49% of voters support state challenges of the new health care bill (which is a majority since some polled had no opinion), he genuinely believes that Republicans' stance on this bill will hurt them in the polls in November. From a dyed in the wool conservative, registered Republican point of view--I'm thrilled that the Dems will be so easy to defeat in eight months. As an American, I'm horrified that my Commander in Chief is such a blooming idiot. Unless they're going to use their abuse of power with the Cencus to take voter fraud to a whole new level this year. But that's awfully underhanded, even for a bunch of thugs out of Chicago.
As horrifed as I was when I heard Chase pipe up (from nowhere in the backseat this week), "Barack Obama is a shithead," I have to concede that he has a point. For the record, he's never heard me call the POTUS that. His response was that I said the first part, he added the "head." I DID tell him that wasn't acceptable and that we could disagree with the policies without disparaging the man. But man, Obama is making that awfully hard when he acts like such a moron.
I'm off to sign Chase up for summer camp and hit hell on Earth (Wal Mart) for coffee, diet coke, & overnight diapers for Cass (she leaked last night).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
On Healthcare
In the Museum of Westward Expansion underneath the Gateway Arch, there is a quote from a pioneer-era worker stating, "It was a hard life to swallow, but I couldn't just sit back there and look to someone to feed us." How times have changed. We have a Congress for the people, of the people and by the people with a 17% approval rating. 83% of our population disapproves of Congress, yet year after year we reelect the same idiots to do the same self-serving, what-can-I-get-for-my-district-so-I-can-get-reelected pols. We the people could send a strong message about our disapproval at the polls this November, but will we? Probably not because we're too worried about getting our stuff for our community, so we'll send the same career politicians right back to Washington to do their own bidding. And we'll get EXACTLY what we deserve!
I'm having a hard time finding the right to free medical care in my Constitution--am I missing a few pages? Jamie pays approximately 6K a year for our health care, in addition to co-pays, deductibles, etc. His company matches that. We have good coverage, but we PAY for it. Just like we pay for our car insurance, homeowners insurance, earthquake insurance, etc. Is car insurance also an inalienable right? What about life insurance? Where does this end?
I'm having a hard time finding the right to free medical care in my Constitution--am I missing a few pages? Jamie pays approximately 6K a year for our health care, in addition to co-pays, deductibles, etc. His company matches that. We have good coverage, but we PAY for it. Just like we pay for our car insurance, homeowners insurance, earthquake insurance, etc. Is car insurance also an inalienable right? What about life insurance? Where does this end?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I finished Cassie's blanket and she LOVES it! Now I'm in the middle of one for Chase, it is twice as big as Cassie's and is taking a million times longer than hers did. I've also got 13 patterns saved on the Lion Brand Yarn web site to try when I finish Chase's blanket.We visited my sister yesterday. She showed me a very cute outfit a friend of hers bought for Hadley. It gave me some ideas...I'm really thinking about upgrading my sewing machine (which is a very basic machine I inherited from my mother) to a serger that does embroidery for my bday this year...which would allow me to perhaps turn this crafting hobby into something that pays for itself...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Slacker blogger
At dinner with friends a few weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that I've been slacking on the blog a bit. When my laptop crashed last month, I took all the time I normally spend online (curse you Facebook, the great time suck of the 21st century) and found my crafty side. 10 1/2 dresses (I've got one in progress for my niece, Hayden), 2 skirts and 2 1/4 afghans (1 for my niece Hadley due in July, 1 for Cassie and 1 in progress for Chase) later--I've discovered a new hobby! In fact, I may start making dresses & skirts to sell when Cass starts preschool in July...I recently bought her an adorable outfit on Etsy and discovered that Iris & Petunia's sewing skills aren't really any better than mine! Perhaps I will make just enough to finance my new Hobby Lobby habit...that would make Jamie very happy! 
The afghans I've crocheted are super easy, essentially crocheting for morons. Lion Brand yarn has a fabulous website with free patterns and instructional guides. The afghans I've made have come from a baby afghan pattern on that site--I followed the pattern for Hadley's blanket then enlarged it to make bigger blankets for my bigger kids! The photo is of Cassie's blanket in progress. With a super-sized hook and three strands of yarn at a time, they come together quickly and the kids love them. I'm planning on making lots of scarves for Christmas next year, also modifying that pattern!I know I have lots of readers who enjoy my political commentary, but (surprisingly, I know) I don't have a whole lot to say. Obama is midway through his term, the Dems are in control of Congress and to paraphrase my favorite President, Ronald Reagan. "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?" Is our country? SIGH. Government is never the solution to our problems, frequently, it IS the problem.
I'm midway through House Rules by Jodi Picoult and am off to finish it. Her books absolutely infuriate me, as I usually enjoy them until she cops out at the end. I don't know why I continue to read her, knowing that I'll probably be disappointed in the end, but here I go again!
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