Griffin: Has Wilma been neutered?
Me: (not exactly, but I get your meaning) Yes.
Griffin: She still has some of her claws. She clawed me in the leg.
Me: Ummm, well, she still has claws, neutered or spayed means...... something different.
~~~~~~~~
Hayden: What are you doing Mom?
Me: Baking cookies.
Hayden: For us?
Me: For good boys.
Hayden: Why can't you make cookies for us?
~~~~~~~~
Griffin: Yum bread. Do we have grape juice?
Me: No.
Griffin: Aww, I wanted to have communion.
Showing posts with label What life is really like in the Testosterone Zone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What life is really like in the Testosterone Zone. Show all posts
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
It takes a village...or a cul-de-sac
We have the best neighbors ever. (And friends too! But this is just about the neighbors)
No, seriously we do.
The house next to us has changed owners 5 times in the 10 years we have lived here. We try not to take it personally.
A few owners ago, when we found out they were selling, I told Ben, "Yes, it's sad, but I think we can do better." (If you are reading Connie, NOT YOU GUYS)
Ben "Do better? These guys are great."
Me "They are a pair of fives. They are good but we can get better."
And we got better. And other houses have turned over and we have gotten better neighbors there too.
We have a cul-de-sac of full houses and a few straight flushes.
In the summer the kids play together all day. The parents enjoy adult beverages and conversation on various front porches. The cul-de-sac is filled with sidewalk chalk art, until the next rain storm. We have even talked about getting a projector to show movies on the garage door.
We get together for Happy Hour Fridays, no invitation neccessary, just come over, the porch is always open. We get together for holidays. We get together to play cards. We get together just to get together.
When Carter "went missing" this week. One neighbor took off one way in her car AND the other neighbor took Hayden, BEFORE I COULD EVEN ASK!
There are fantastic teenage babysitters RIGHT NEXT DOOR.
We have a neighborhood watch, sort of.
Have to run a quick errand? One of the neighbors would be happy to keep the kids.
Running late and can't meet the bus? One of the neighbors will pick the kids up for you.
It's your anniversary and you are low on cash to pay a sitter? No worries, the neighbors VOLUNTEERED to watch the kids so you could go out.
Besides being REALLY lucky in the neighbor department, I think our street ROCKS because of the cul-de-sac and the front porches. The kids play out front, you get to know your neighbors. You can sit and visit on the porch while they play.
Do you know your neighbors? Do you have a front porch? Any thoughts?
I have had a lot of visitors to the blog lately and very few comments. I am starting to get a complex. Please comment. I am starving for attention.
I love our porch!
YIPPEE
Fall Fun
No, seriously we do.
The house next to us has changed owners 5 times in the 10 years we have lived here. We try not to take it personally.
A few owners ago, when we found out they were selling, I told Ben, "Yes, it's sad, but I think we can do better." (If you are reading Connie, NOT YOU GUYS)
Ben "Do better? These guys are great."
Me "They are a pair of fives. They are good but we can get better."
And we got better. And other houses have turned over and we have gotten better neighbors there too.
We have a cul-de-sac of full houses and a few straight flushes.
In the summer the kids play together all day. The parents enjoy adult beverages and conversation on various front porches. The cul-de-sac is filled with sidewalk chalk art, until the next rain storm. We have even talked about getting a projector to show movies on the garage door.
We get together for Happy Hour Fridays, no invitation neccessary, just come over, the porch is always open. We get together for holidays. We get together to play cards. We get together just to get together.
When Carter "went missing" this week. One neighbor took off one way in her car AND the other neighbor took Hayden, BEFORE I COULD EVEN ASK!
There are fantastic teenage babysitters RIGHT NEXT DOOR.
We have a neighborhood watch, sort of.
Have to run a quick errand? One of the neighbors would be happy to keep the kids.
Running late and can't meet the bus? One of the neighbors will pick the kids up for you.
It's your anniversary and you are low on cash to pay a sitter? No worries, the neighbors VOLUNTEERED to watch the kids so you could go out.
Besides being REALLY lucky in the neighbor department, I think our street ROCKS because of the cul-de-sac and the front porches. The kids play out front, you get to know your neighbors. You can sit and visit on the porch while they play.
Do you know your neighbors? Do you have a front porch? Any thoughts?
I have had a lot of visitors to the blog lately and very few comments. I am starting to get a complex. Please comment. I am starving for attention.
I love our porch!
YIPPEE
Fall Fun
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa Claus IS Coming to town!
One of my FAVORITE memories from childhood Christmases was waiting for the Santa Tracker on the nightly news. I do not remember this when we lived in New York, only when we moved to Colorado. It was 1979 and I was 10....don't judge me, I still believe in Santa.
NORAD (remember the movie War Games?), just down the road in SW Colorado Springs is the center for the Santa Tracker. It started in 1955 after a misprint in the newspaper, a number from a local Sears store to contact Santa was misprinted and the number printed was to the Director of Operations at Continental Air Defense (Now NORAD). Click on the above link to read the entire history.
Or to just get to the fun stuff, CLICK HERE, SANTATRACKER.ORG.
The boys are already checking the updates, watching the videos, and realizing YES, there is a Santa Claus and he can get all over the world in one night.
If you don't believe in Santa, YOU SHOULD and you will after seeing this website.
NOTE: Click and drag to see the whole map. Video clips have Santa starting at the North Pole and stopping in various locations across the globe.
Make sure to get to bed before he gets too close to your house.
Merry Christmas!
NORAD (remember the movie War Games?), just down the road in SW Colorado Springs is the center for the Santa Tracker. It started in 1955 after a misprint in the newspaper, a number from a local Sears store to contact Santa was misprinted and the number printed was to the Director of Operations at Continental Air Defense (Now NORAD). Click on the above link to read the entire history.
Or to just get to the fun stuff, CLICK HERE, SANTATRACKER.ORG.
The boys are already checking the updates, watching the videos, and realizing YES, there is a Santa Claus and he can get all over the world in one night.
If you don't believe in Santa, YOU SHOULD and you will after seeing this website.
NOTE: Click and drag to see the whole map. Video clips have Santa starting at the North Pole and stopping in various locations across the globe.
Make sure to get to bed before he gets too close to your house.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Life in Colorado
I just couldn't resist sharing. I did add some links to help the non-Coloradoans understand.
You're from Colorado if you'll eat ice cream in the winter.
When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.
It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled.
You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.
You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.
'Humid' is over 25%.
Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains.
You say 'the interstate' and everybody knows which one.
You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard.
You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's Day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's Day.
You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.
You know what the Continental Divide is.
You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and as an adult.
You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.
You always know the elevation of where you are.
You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.
You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.
Everybody wears jeans to church.
You actually know that ** South Park ** is a real place not just a show on TV.
You know what a 'trust fund hippy' is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.
You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags.
A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you. Or under your deck
Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.
When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.
You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels 'sticky' and you notice the sky is no longer blue.
You're from Colorado if you'll eat ice cream in the winter.
When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.
It snows 5 inches and you don't expect school to be cancelled.
You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature.
You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.
'Humid' is over 25%.
Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and Away from the mountains.
You say 'the interstate' and everybody knows which one.
You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard.
You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's Day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's Day.
You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat.
You know what the Continental Divide is.
You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and as an adult.
You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities.
You always know the elevation of where you are.
You wake up to a beautiful, 80 degree day and you wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.
You don't care that some company renamed it, the Broncos still play at Mile High.
Everybody wears jeans to church.
You actually know that ** South Park ** is a real place not just a show on TV.
You know what a 'trust fund hippy' is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.
You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags.
A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you. Or under your deck
Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the crap out of the Raiders.
When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.
You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels 'sticky' and you notice the sky is no longer blue.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A view from the kitchen of The Testosterone Zone
This is what they ate today:
1/2 dozen hard boiled eggs
2 pieces cinnamon toast
1 bowl cereal
3 pound bag of apples
1/2 cake
1/2 package of hot dogs
banana
oreos
candy corn
ice cream bar
chocolate bar
snickers bar
chocolate milk
and 3 full slabs of ribs
Me: Did you eat any vegetables?
Carter: No, I'm a meatatarian. It is against my moral fiber to eat vegetables. It's a life long commitment. And one I don't take lightly.
Monday, December 15, 2008
'Tis the season...to be BUSY!
What should I say when someone asks, "What did you do this weekend?"
I think I might just answer...."EVERYTHING!"
Here is a look at our hectic, but fun weekend.
Friday night we had one of Carter's buddys over and watched Fred Claus. It was great for the kids to see how funny Vince Vaughn can be, especially in a movie that is appropriate for kids. Fred Claus is rated PG.
Saturday morning the kids and I went to practice for the Christmas play. Then we raced over to Manitou to join in the parade. A friend of our had a float entry and he asked the kids if they wanted to ride. Oh yes, sounds like fun. Carter had an official job, make sure Frosty doesn't blow off the float. It was pretty windy.
Hayden with the Elf hat bundled under blankets
We stopped at Savelli's Pizza in Manitou for a late lunch. Haven't tried it yet? You are missing some really good pizza. Stop in and see Brad, tell him Laura and Ben sent you!
Ben was gone refereeing most of the day. He came home in time for us to head over to our friend's for a Christmas Open House. The kids came too. They had fun playing BINGO in the basement while the adults shared elf secrets in the kitchen.
Sunday morning we braved the cold and blowing snow to head over to church for the Christmas play. This year's production was "Christmas in a Box." It was a fun play. The kids had a great time.
The play is for children from preschool through 5th grade. This is Carter's last year. I was happy to get a picture with Hayden (wiseman) and Carter in the same shot.
Griffin was child #2, a modern day child.
Carter as Joseph
Joseph, Mary and a wiseman (Hayden)
The afternoon was fun for Carter too. He had a KIC (Kids in Christ) Christmas party from 4-5:30. They played games, had snacks, did a gift exchange. It is also his last year for KIC, next year is the youth group. KIC is for kids 3-5 grade, so Griffin will move right up next year.
And at 6:30 Sunday night, our sitter came over. It was finally time. The Salsa Brava Christmas Party. Well, it started as the Salsa Brava Christmas party 7 years ago when we received our first invitation. Now I guess it is the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group Christmas Party. It has been held at the Rockrimmon location (back in the old days), it had moved to Sonterra downtown, and for the last several years it has been held in the Briargate location (the largest).
After the busy weekend, we were really looking forward to the party. And this year I even remembered to have someone snap a picture of us.
And what did you do this weekend?
I think I might just answer...."EVERYTHING!"
Here is a look at our hectic, but fun weekend.
Friday night we had one of Carter's buddys over and watched Fred Claus. It was great for the kids to see how funny Vince Vaughn can be, especially in a movie that is appropriate for kids. Fred Claus is rated PG.
Saturday morning the kids and I went to practice for the Christmas play. Then we raced over to Manitou to join in the parade. A friend of our had a float entry and he asked the kids if they wanted to ride. Oh yes, sounds like fun. Carter had an official job, make sure Frosty doesn't blow off the float. It was pretty windy.
Hayden with the Elf hat bundled under blankets
We stopped at Savelli's Pizza in Manitou for a late lunch. Haven't tried it yet? You are missing some really good pizza. Stop in and see Brad, tell him Laura and Ben sent you!
Ben was gone refereeing most of the day. He came home in time for us to head over to our friend's for a Christmas Open House. The kids came too. They had fun playing BINGO in the basement while the adults shared elf secrets in the kitchen.
Sunday morning we braved the cold and blowing snow to head over to church for the Christmas play. This year's production was "Christmas in a Box." It was a fun play. The kids had a great time.
The play is for children from preschool through 5th grade. This is Carter's last year. I was happy to get a picture with Hayden (wiseman) and Carter in the same shot.
Griffin was child #2, a modern day child.
Carter as Joseph
Joseph, Mary and a wiseman (Hayden)
The afternoon was fun for Carter too. He had a KIC (Kids in Christ) Christmas party from 4-5:30. They played games, had snacks, did a gift exchange. It is also his last year for KIC, next year is the youth group. KIC is for kids 3-5 grade, so Griffin will move right up next year.
And at 6:30 Sunday night, our sitter came over. It was finally time. The Salsa Brava Christmas Party. Well, it started as the Salsa Brava Christmas party 7 years ago when we received our first invitation. Now I guess it is the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group Christmas Party. It has been held at the Rockrimmon location (back in the old days), it had moved to Sonterra downtown, and for the last several years it has been held in the Briargate location (the largest).
After the busy weekend, we were really looking forward to the party. And this year I even remembered to have someone snap a picture of us.
And what did you do this weekend?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Oh Christmas Tree, sob, sob, Oh Christmas Tree
This was our Christmas tree last year. Wasn't it beautiful?
We ALWAYS get our tree from the local high school band fundraiser, they sell beautiful trees. We have been very happy EVERY YEAR.
This year, we should have preordered, but weren't able to. They didn't order extra trees this year, even though for the last 9 years, we have preordered and they have had extra trees. This year NO EXTRA TREES.
I left crying. What were we going to do now? Where else can you get a tree?
Too keep this in perspective, this is our 10th Christmas in this house, and every tree has come from that lot.
I dried my tears, put on my big girl panties, and did a search for Christmas Tree Lots.
I found the Merry Christmas Tree Farm, you can cut your own tree.
Many people cut their own trees here; you get a permit, bundle up your kids, lug in your saw, go hiking through the woods, stop the kids from fighting, find a tree, pause to warm up their little bodies, cut down tree, lug it out of the forest, stop because their feet are tired, continue hiking out of forest, tie tree to your car, and drive it home.
Not my idea of a great day.
The Merry Christmas Tree Farm seemed like a perfect answer.
No permit required, they provide saws, tree farm is not national forest, we shouldn't get lost, short hike back to car lugging tree and tired kids.
We still had the Griswold experience, I was waiting for the light to shine down on the perfect tree.
On our third time around the tree farm, Ben mentions, "um, Honey, you know you are not going to find a perfect tree like we get from the lot. Those are grown and groomed to be perfect. These aren't."
Me, "I am sure we can find one, maybe over here."
"Or maybe, back over this way."
Ok, so there wasn't the big light shining down on the perfect tree, maybe the reflection from the snow made me think this was the one.
And now it looks like this:
Let's see them side by side:
On the bright side, decorating the tree took no time at all, I even packed up a bunch of ornaments we didn't use. It could have something to do with the lack of branches....
We ALWAYS get our tree from the local high school band fundraiser, they sell beautiful trees. We have been very happy EVERY YEAR.
This year, we should have preordered, but weren't able to. They didn't order extra trees this year, even though for the last 9 years, we have preordered and they have had extra trees. This year NO EXTRA TREES.
I left crying. What were we going to do now? Where else can you get a tree?
Too keep this in perspective, this is our 10th Christmas in this house, and every tree has come from that lot.
I dried my tears, put on my big girl panties, and did a search for Christmas Tree Lots.
I found the Merry Christmas Tree Farm, you can cut your own tree.
Many people cut their own trees here; you get a permit, bundle up your kids, lug in your saw, go hiking through the woods, stop the kids from fighting, find a tree, pause to warm up their little bodies, cut down tree, lug it out of the forest, stop because their feet are tired, continue hiking out of forest, tie tree to your car, and drive it home.
Not my idea of a great day.
The Merry Christmas Tree Farm seemed like a perfect answer.
No permit required, they provide saws, tree farm is not national forest, we shouldn't get lost, short hike back to car lugging tree and tired kids.
We still had the Griswold experience, I was waiting for the light to shine down on the perfect tree.
On our third time around the tree farm, Ben mentions, "um, Honey, you know you are not going to find a perfect tree like we get from the lot. Those are grown and groomed to be perfect. These aren't."
Me, "I am sure we can find one, maybe over here."
"Or maybe, back over this way."
Ok, so there wasn't the big light shining down on the perfect tree, maybe the reflection from the snow made me think this was the one.
And now it looks like this:
Let's see them side by side:
On the bright side, decorating the tree took no time at all, I even packed up a bunch of ornaments we didn't use. It could have something to do with the lack of branches....
Monday, December 8, 2008
Go Fa, La, La yourself
You know how some days life just smiles on you?
Every stoplight turns green as you approach.
The kids are little angels and you wonder why you didn't have more.
Today, is NOT one of those days.
1. Hayden decided to use his older brother's scissors to cut his new shirt. Not one of the hand me downs, oh no, a shirt I bought just for him.
Remembering the Love and Logic lesson, remove the child, remove the adult, or remove the offending object, I removed the child to his room.
And then, the offending child, who must have had the offending object in his room, decided to use the offending object again to cut his hair.
2. The awesome Christmas cards I spent hours perfecting online and submitted to samsclub.com photo labs was LOST! Not just lost, but lost AFTER they charged my credit card! So now, I have spent HOURS on the phone trying to either FIND the order or CREDIT my card or REDO the darn order. Unfortunately no one at Sam's Club wants to take responsibility and help me.
3. One of the very important gifts I ordered from Kohl's was shipped to Charlotte, NC. We live in Colorado. If you live in Charlotte and received our gift, please enjoy it, Merry Christmas. Hopefully our replacement will arrive by Christmas, but we can't be sure.
4. I have not heard back from my good friend at the Today Show with confirmation that my video will indeed be used. I have sent her so many emails that I feel like a stalker. I guess I will just have to wait for the East-Coasters to call me tomorrow morning and let me know if I made it on.
And so for now, I am going to pick up Hayden from preschool and make him take a nap. I think we both need one. Hopefully when we get up things will look a little cheerier.
Every stoplight turns green as you approach.
The kids are little angels and you wonder why you didn't have more.
Today, is NOT one of those days.
1. Hayden decided to use his older brother's scissors to cut his new shirt. Not one of the hand me downs, oh no, a shirt I bought just for him.
Remembering the Love and Logic lesson, remove the child, remove the adult, or remove the offending object, I removed the child to his room.
And then, the offending child, who must have had the offending object in his room, decided to use the offending object again to cut his hair.
2. The awesome Christmas cards I spent hours perfecting online and submitted to samsclub.com photo labs was LOST! Not just lost, but lost AFTER they charged my credit card! So now, I have spent HOURS on the phone trying to either FIND the order or CREDIT my card or REDO the darn order. Unfortunately no one at Sam's Club wants to take responsibility and help me.
3. One of the very important gifts I ordered from Kohl's was shipped to Charlotte, NC. We live in Colorado. If you live in Charlotte and received our gift, please enjoy it, Merry Christmas. Hopefully our replacement will arrive by Christmas, but we can't be sure.
4. I have not heard back from my good friend at the Today Show with confirmation that my video will indeed be used. I have sent her so many emails that I feel like a stalker. I guess I will just have to wait for the East-Coasters to call me tomorrow morning and let me know if I made it on.
And so for now, I am going to pick up Hayden from preschool and make him take a nap. I think we both need one. Hopefully when we get up things will look a little cheerier.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Crime Fighting and Holiday Shopping
Last night at 8pm, as I sat on my porch smoking...I mean checking out the neighborhood, I saw a kid trying to get into my seventeen year old neighbor's car. I thought it was the older nephew of the homeowners UNTIL he turned around and saw me.
Then he high-tailed it down the street!
I ran into the house, called for Ben, grabbed the phone and called 911.
As I was giving his description to the 911 operator the neighbors came home. I filled them and Ben in on the attempted break in and they both drove off looking for the kid.
The police showed up within minutes, gotta love our tax dollars at work, and set off to find him also.
They came back and said they found someone matching the description. They looked at the kid's footprints in the snow and left again. I have no idea if they caught the right kid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I have finished Christmas shopping. There are a few things left to make/pick up but my list is complete.
I always go shopping on Black Friday. I love how everyone is having fun, laughing and happy to be out getting great bargains. We live in the friendliest place on earth so I know things maybe different in other parts of the country. But this year, for the first time in MANY years I did not go shopping on Black Friday.
A. I wasn't feeling well.
B. I thought with the economy so bad, I didn't want to fight with people over the deals. I figured it wouldn't be the same happy crowd that I am used to.
However, I did stay up late on Thanksgiving night since the Kohls website started their sales at 1 am eastern, 11 pm mountain. It was worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~
I made a decision on the Christmas cards and ordered them from samsclub.com, they have great deals! I will post the card after I pick them up on Thursday.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ben had his first basketball game to referee tonight. He has many more scheduled. It will be bad that he is gone so much, but he really enjoys it and the money will certainly help.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hayden told me today that he needed a "Poppa."
Me: What's a poppa?
Hayden: A Poppa is like an uncle who watches kids so mommys and daddys can have a day off.
Me: Yes, you need one. Where can we get one?
Hayden: At the poppa store.
We are headed there tomorrow.
Then he high-tailed it down the street!
I ran into the house, called for Ben, grabbed the phone and called 911.
As I was giving his description to the 911 operator the neighbors came home. I filled them and Ben in on the attempted break in and they both drove off looking for the kid.
The police showed up within minutes, gotta love our tax dollars at work, and set off to find him also.
They came back and said they found someone matching the description. They looked at the kid's footprints in the snow and left again. I have no idea if they caught the right kid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think I have finished Christmas shopping. There are a few things left to make/pick up but my list is complete.
I always go shopping on Black Friday. I love how everyone is having fun, laughing and happy to be out getting great bargains. We live in the friendliest place on earth so I know things maybe different in other parts of the country. But this year, for the first time in MANY years I did not go shopping on Black Friday.
A. I wasn't feeling well.
B. I thought with the economy so bad, I didn't want to fight with people over the deals. I figured it wouldn't be the same happy crowd that I am used to.
However, I did stay up late on Thanksgiving night since the Kohls website started their sales at 1 am eastern, 11 pm mountain. It was worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~
I made a decision on the Christmas cards and ordered them from samsclub.com, they have great deals! I will post the card after I pick them up on Thursday.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ben had his first basketball game to referee tonight. He has many more scheduled. It will be bad that he is gone so much, but he really enjoys it and the money will certainly help.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hayden told me today that he needed a "Poppa."
Me: What's a poppa?
Hayden: A Poppa is like an uncle who watches kids so mommys and daddys can have a day off.
Me: Yes, you need one. Where can we get one?
Hayden: At the poppa store.
We are headed there tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Christmas Card Photo Shoot
Saturday I baked, Sunday we celebrated our 12th anniversary. Today we purchased TWO car batteries for our TWO cars that both decided to need a new battery AT THE SAME TIME!
And then we took the boys here for a quick photo shoot.
Dear Santa,
I need a new, better camera.
Love,
Laura
Feel free to vote for your favorite, but don't be upset if we pick one of the others.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
And we saw this guy. He looks too surprised, if you ask me. Didn't he know we were coming? Or was he just surprised that the boys had so much to ask for....
I almost forgot! Sunday afternoon I worked on this...
...a quilt (and I use that term loosely as I do not "really" quilt) of old jeans, mostly the boys, a bit of grown up jeans and the darker squares are pieces of my green velvet maternity dress I was lucky enough to wear while carrying each baby. I still need to finish it off, but I am pretty happy so far.
And then we took the boys here for a quick photo shoot.
Dear Santa,
I need a new, better camera.
Love,
Laura
Feel free to vote for your favorite, but don't be upset if we pick one of the others.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
And we saw this guy. He looks too surprised, if you ask me. Didn't he know we were coming? Or was he just surprised that the boys had so much to ask for....
I almost forgot! Sunday afternoon I worked on this...
...a quilt (and I use that term loosely as I do not "really" quilt) of old jeans, mostly the boys, a bit of grown up jeans and the darker squares are pieces of my green velvet maternity dress I was lucky enough to wear while carrying each baby. I still need to finish it off, but I am pretty happy so far.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Life in the Testosterone Zone ~ Grown-Up Edition
Let me apologize in advance, as most of you will not see the humor in this post. But those of you who have been over when Ben has brought home a case of number 10 can enchilada sauce or a case of tortilla wraps, or jalepeno poppers should find it slightly amusing.
Ben, the food service salesman husband, received this email. It is a funny look into our lives. Yes, my children read sugar packets and boo US Food Service and Sysco trucks.
You might be a Food Service Saleman:
If you have four kinds of olive oil, three kinds of mustard, and 5 pounds of ground black pepper in your cupboard.
If most of the shirts you wear between 7am and 6pm have Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, or the Pillsbury Dough boy on them.
If your home appetizer menu includes Poppers.
If you keep your roll foil and film on the workbench in the garage because they each weigh 15 pounds.
If your kid flips the ice cream man off from the garage where he morphs into Santa Claus with the neighbor kids as he hands out Blue Bunny ice cream bars.
If the top of your gift wish list includes car wash and oil change gift certificates.
If you know which restaurants in your area have clean kitchens.
If you have looked in a restaurant's dumpster to see what they are buying and from whom.
If your personal car has 300,000 miles on it.
If your kids boo the competition's trucks.
If your ketchup, steak sauce and mustard have "FOODSERVICE PACKAGE. NOT FOR INDIVIDUAL SALE" on the label.
If you are the go-to person to supply the food for holiday parties.
If your spouse knows what a number ten can is.
If you have ever turned over a piece of China to look on the bottom in a white table cloth restaurant.
If you have read a sugar packet on a date.
If the cheese in your fridge is a forty pound block.
Ben, the food service salesman husband, received this email. It is a funny look into our lives. Yes, my children read sugar packets and boo US Food Service and Sysco trucks.
You might be a Food Service Saleman:
If you have four kinds of olive oil, three kinds of mustard, and 5 pounds of ground black pepper in your cupboard.
If most of the shirts you wear between 7am and 6pm have Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, or the Pillsbury Dough boy on them.
If your home appetizer menu includes Poppers.
If you keep your roll foil and film on the workbench in the garage because they each weigh 15 pounds.
If your kid flips the ice cream man off from the garage where he morphs into Santa Claus with the neighbor kids as he hands out Blue Bunny ice cream bars.
If the top of your gift wish list includes car wash and oil change gift certificates.
If you know which restaurants in your area have clean kitchens.
If you have looked in a restaurant's dumpster to see what they are buying and from whom.
If your personal car has 300,000 miles on it.
If your kids boo the competition's trucks.
If your ketchup, steak sauce and mustard have "FOODSERVICE PACKAGE. NOT FOR INDIVIDUAL SALE" on the label.
If you are the go-to person to supply the food for holiday parties.
If your spouse knows what a number ten can is.
If you have ever turned over a piece of China to look on the bottom in a white table cloth restaurant.
If you have read a sugar packet on a date.
If the cheese in your fridge is a forty pound block.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bedroom Time, no, not for grown-ups
Love and Logic part 3
Tired of bedtime fights? Try bedroom time! The theory is that they need too learn how to fall alseep by themselves. After all, if someone tells you, "go to sleep right now!" Can you fall asleep?
This little gem teaches them to go to sleep when they are tired and that staying up really late isn't as fun as you would think.
We didn't even get out of the church parking lot before we decided to spring this one on the kids.
Us: Are you guys tired of us telling you when to go to bed?
Them: YES!
Us: Do you think we send you to bed too early?
Them: YES!
Us: Well we have an idea. You can stay up as late as you want!
Them: WHAT??!!
Us: Yes, you can stay up as late as you want, but there are a few rules.
Them: OK! What are they?
Us: You have to get your pajamas on, brush your teeth and stay in your rooms when we send you for bedroom time. No coming out to say you are hungry and thirsty. You stay in your room.
Them: OK, is that it?
Us: One more thing, we get up at 6 am and you shower/bathe and get ready for school. No complaining.
Them: OK! It's a deal.
So last night, for the first time ever without complaining, they got in pjs, brushed teeth and ran up to bedroom time.
Hayden fell right asleep.
Griffin watched a little tv and was asleep by 9.
Carter stayed up until 10:30 watching a Disney Channel movie.
The real learning takes place later today, when those little angels turn into grumpy, tired little boys. Then during tonight's bedroom time they should fall asleep earlier.
Wish us luck....luck that we don't get a call from school about our grumpy boys!
Tired of bedtime fights? Try bedroom time! The theory is that they need too learn how to fall alseep by themselves. After all, if someone tells you, "go to sleep right now!" Can you fall asleep?
This little gem teaches them to go to sleep when they are tired and that staying up really late isn't as fun as you would think.
We didn't even get out of the church parking lot before we decided to spring this one on the kids.
Us: Are you guys tired of us telling you when to go to bed?
Them: YES!
Us: Do you think we send you to bed too early?
Them: YES!
Us: Well we have an idea. You can stay up as late as you want!
Them: WHAT??!!
Us: Yes, you can stay up as late as you want, but there are a few rules.
Them: OK! What are they?
Us: You have to get your pajamas on, brush your teeth and stay in your rooms when we send you for bedroom time. No coming out to say you are hungry and thirsty. You stay in your room.
Them: OK, is that it?
Us: One more thing, we get up at 6 am and you shower/bathe and get ready for school. No complaining.
Them: OK! It's a deal.
So last night, for the first time ever without complaining, they got in pjs, brushed teeth and ran up to bedroom time.
Hayden fell right asleep.
Griffin watched a little tv and was asleep by 9.
Carter stayed up until 10:30 watching a Disney Channel movie.
The real learning takes place later today, when those little angels turn into grumpy, tired little boys. Then during tonight's bedroom time they should fall asleep earlier.
Wish us luck....luck that we don't get a call from school about our grumpy boys!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Does Anybody Really Care?
I awoke to Hayden crawling in our bed.
Ben and I lift our heads, see the clock says 12:45 and we tell him to go back to sleep. Really, I was just watching Letterman, I can't have only 1 1/2 hours of sleep.
Hayden continues complaining that he wants to go downstairs, "I'm hungry," he says.
My reply, and it is pretty brilliant, "What a bummer Hayden, I guess you should have eaten dinner."
It is a brilliant reply because not only did I remember Love and Logic, but I remembered he didn't want to eat dinner. And all this is happening at 12:45 in the morning.
Time passes, he wiggles, and he pleads and finally goes back to his room.
And then Griffin climbs in the middle of the bed. "Go back to sleep," we tell him and he does.
I continue laying there awake, wondering how I am going to deal with this busy day on only 1 1/2 hours of sleep, and then...the heat comes on.
This is strange because my brother-in-law just installed a new programmable thermostat AND I just programmed it two days ago.
I know the heat is supposed to kick on at 5:45 am, not 2:07 am.
What is going on?
What was that noise?
Why is it getting so hot in here?
OH NO, Suddenly it makes perfect sense.
A burglar has broken in, he turned up the heat to make it uncomfortable to sleep, then when I go downstairs to turn the heat down, he will thump me on the head and horrible things will happen.
OH NO, What am I going to do? Why is Ben sleeping through this? How much hotter can it get in here?
Ben sneezes, "Hey, while you are up," I say to him, "Can you please go check out the thermostat because it is really hot in here and the heat isn't supposed to come on until 5:45am. I will stay here by the phone in case I have to call for back up."
He goes downstairs, I wait for the thump on the head.....no thump. I go downstairs.
"The time on the thermostat is wrong, no wonder it came on already" he says.
"Ok, I'll reset it, what time is it?" I am thinking it must be 2:15 am by now.
"The kitchen clock says 6:00am.....oh, the clock upstairs is wrong. How did that happen?"
And so that was the way our day began, at 12:45 am and then time warped to 6:00 am. Does anybody really know what time it is?
Ben and I lift our heads, see the clock says 12:45 and we tell him to go back to sleep. Really, I was just watching Letterman, I can't have only 1 1/2 hours of sleep.
Hayden continues complaining that he wants to go downstairs, "I'm hungry," he says.
My reply, and it is pretty brilliant, "What a bummer Hayden, I guess you should have eaten dinner."
It is a brilliant reply because not only did I remember Love and Logic, but I remembered he didn't want to eat dinner. And all this is happening at 12:45 in the morning.
Time passes, he wiggles, and he pleads and finally goes back to his room.
And then Griffin climbs in the middle of the bed. "Go back to sleep," we tell him and he does.
I continue laying there awake, wondering how I am going to deal with this busy day on only 1 1/2 hours of sleep, and then...the heat comes on.
This is strange because my brother-in-law just installed a new programmable thermostat AND I just programmed it two days ago.
I know the heat is supposed to kick on at 5:45 am, not 2:07 am.
What is going on?
What was that noise?
Why is it getting so hot in here?
OH NO, Suddenly it makes perfect sense.
A burglar has broken in, he turned up the heat to make it uncomfortable to sleep, then when I go downstairs to turn the heat down, he will thump me on the head and horrible things will happen.
OH NO, What am I going to do? Why is Ben sleeping through this? How much hotter can it get in here?
Ben sneezes, "Hey, while you are up," I say to him, "Can you please go check out the thermostat because it is really hot in here and the heat isn't supposed to come on until 5:45am. I will stay here by the phone in case I have to call for back up."
He goes downstairs, I wait for the thump on the head.....no thump. I go downstairs.
"The time on the thermostat is wrong, no wonder it came on already" he says.
"Ok, I'll reset it, what time is it?" I am thinking it must be 2:15 am by now.
"The kitchen clock says 6:00am.....oh, the clock upstairs is wrong. How did that happen?"
And so that was the way our day began, at 12:45 am and then time warped to 6:00 am. Does anybody really know what time it is?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Out of the mouths of babes
Griffin explaining first class mail to Hayden: It is when the letter gets to sit in the front of the plane.
Carter trying to use a word that he thinks also means whoosh: Douche
Hayden being creative: Let's get a hot air balloon and pump it full of hot air and we can float all the way up to heaven to see Grandma Sue.
Carter trying to use a word that he thinks also means whoosh: Douche
Hayden being creative: Let's get a hot air balloon and pump it full of hot air and we can float all the way up to heaven to see Grandma Sue.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Whew, that was fun!
In August our church started the $eed2Harvest campaign. I was in the initial meeting when this was planned and was so excited to see it was approved.
Here is how it worked at our church.
Every person over the age of 6 in each family receives $2. Our family had $8. The goal was to use the money over a few months to earn more money. Then turn the money back in on November 16th.
We planted the seed in August, reap the harvest in November.
After a bit of family discussion, the boys decided to put me in charge, they would help. I did what anyone would do with money, I shopped.
We found spongebob temporary tattoos on a cute tape dispenser for .24 each. I sold them on ebay for anywhere from $1.99 to $5.20 each.
We found adorable Halloween bibs (in early September) from .12 to .26 each and sold them on ebay and at church for about $1.00 a piece.
Overall we made $50 out of our $8. Maybe that would have been good enough, but I had another idea.
When we first joined the church, the preschool teachers would offer a Parents' Night Out once a month. You could drop off the kids on Friday night, pick them up a few hours later. The last one was held 3 years ago....until last night.
We made signs, bought snacks, planned crafts, solicited youth volunteers, bought pizza for the youth for dinner. We spent the $50 to prepare for the Parents' Night Out. We had 15 kids from 8 families sign up.
The kids had a great time; they made turkey handprints, an all about me book, they watched Veggie Tales, had playtime and ate lots of goldfish and popcorn.
The youth helpers were great; they were each assigned a couple of kids to help with the projects, they helped straighten up, they also watched Veggie Tales and had snack!
Our $8:
Sent temporary tattoos and bibs across the United States
Sent 8 mommys and daddys out to dinner
Brought together 8 youth helpers on a Friday night
Allowed our two older boys to feel the reward of being youth helpers for a night
Enabled Ben and I to have that "we did a good thing" feeling
Oh and of course, our $8 turned into $178.
I think this "we did a good thing" feeling is going to last a while.
Here is how it worked at our church.
Every person over the age of 6 in each family receives $2. Our family had $8. The goal was to use the money over a few months to earn more money. Then turn the money back in on November 16th.
We planted the seed in August, reap the harvest in November.
After a bit of family discussion, the boys decided to put me in charge, they would help. I did what anyone would do with money, I shopped.
We found spongebob temporary tattoos on a cute tape dispenser for .24 each. I sold them on ebay for anywhere from $1.99 to $5.20 each.
We found adorable Halloween bibs (in early September) from .12 to .26 each and sold them on ebay and at church for about $1.00 a piece.
Overall we made $50 out of our $8. Maybe that would have been good enough, but I had another idea.
When we first joined the church, the preschool teachers would offer a Parents' Night Out once a month. You could drop off the kids on Friday night, pick them up a few hours later. The last one was held 3 years ago....until last night.
We made signs, bought snacks, planned crafts, solicited youth volunteers, bought pizza for the youth for dinner. We spent the $50 to prepare for the Parents' Night Out. We had 15 kids from 8 families sign up.
The kids had a great time; they made turkey handprints, an all about me book, they watched Veggie Tales, had playtime and ate lots of goldfish and popcorn.
The youth helpers were great; they were each assigned a couple of kids to help with the projects, they helped straighten up, they also watched Veggie Tales and had snack!
Our $8:
Sent temporary tattoos and bibs across the United States
Sent 8 mommys and daddys out to dinner
Brought together 8 youth helpers on a Friday night
Allowed our two older boys to feel the reward of being youth helpers for a night
Enabled Ben and I to have that "we did a good thing" feeling
Oh and of course, our $8 turned into $178.
I think this "we did a good thing" feeling is going to last a while.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Dear boys,
Dear boys,
Maybe it isn't a big deal to you but it is a huge deal for me. Someday it will matter more, or at least it will to your wives. Please let them know that I did other things good; I was at your class parties taking pictures of your friends, I helped plan the parties, I made a nice dinner for our friends and relatives so everyone could have a full belly before going out to trick or treat.
I'm sorry this is the last picture of all three of you together in your Halloween costumes. I really should be better at taking those pictures. You are all so excited to head out and trick or treat, I always forget to line you up for the picture.
Last year I remembered to get Griffin in the Elvis costume with our neighbor Hannah, they were so cute. Do you see any other brothers in the picture, 'fraid not.
I do own a camera, in fact here is a picture form Carter's class party. The only picture of Carter in his costume. Don't feel bad Carter, I can't seem to find any pictures of your brothers in their costumes.
When I realized I did it again this year, I thought I could recreate the event. After all, who would know years from now that the picture was from November 1st and not October 31st. But by then you guys were so hyped up on candy, I couldn't face it.
So next year I will try to be better. I will try to get you all to stand still before trick or treating. And if I don't, you can send me to my room, alone, for along time. After all, I really should be punished for being a bad mommy.
Maybe it isn't a big deal to you but it is a huge deal for me. Someday it will matter more, or at least it will to your wives. Please let them know that I did other things good; I was at your class parties taking pictures of your friends, I helped plan the parties, I made a nice dinner for our friends and relatives so everyone could have a full belly before going out to trick or treat.
I'm sorry this is the last picture of all three of you together in your Halloween costumes. I really should be better at taking those pictures. You are all so excited to head out and trick or treat, I always forget to line you up for the picture.
Last year I remembered to get Griffin in the Elvis costume with our neighbor Hannah, they were so cute. Do you see any other brothers in the picture, 'fraid not.
I do own a camera, in fact here is a picture form Carter's class party. The only picture of Carter in his costume. Don't feel bad Carter, I can't seem to find any pictures of your brothers in their costumes.
When I realized I did it again this year, I thought I could recreate the event. After all, who would know years from now that the picture was from November 1st and not October 31st. But by then you guys were so hyped up on candy, I couldn't face it.
So next year I will try to be better. I will try to get you all to stand still before trick or treating. And if I don't, you can send me to my room, alone, for along time. After all, I really should be punished for being a bad mommy.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Random Randomness
I am thankful for all the people who voted early and waited in those long lines so those of us procrastinators could vote with no lines today. I was in and out in 15 minutes, an new record!
I am thankful for the end of daylight savings time since Hayden thought it was bedtime and fell asleep on the couch at 6:15pm.
I am thankful for Cub Scouts because the other guys are gone and I can watch election coverage in a quiet house.
I wish I could talk to my mom about the election. Those of you who have lost a close relative know that there are those times when you think, I wish I could call them right now. This is one of those times for me. It is the first presidential election without Mom cancelling out Dad's vote. Just when I thought I finished with the firsts without Mom. Geez.
I am thankful I found a package of marked down Breast Cancer Awareness Hersey Kisses at Target. I will need those tonight. I would be happier if they were Ovarian Cancer Awareness Hershey Kisses, but I realize I can't have everything. Are you listening Hershey Kisses People?!
I am happy that Carter and Griffin went with us to vote today. They are excited about the process and looking forward to the 2020 election when they can place their first votes for President.
I am excited to see how many people turned out to vote, I hope my guy wins.
I am thankful for the end of daylight savings time since Hayden thought it was bedtime and fell asleep on the couch at 6:15pm.
I am thankful for Cub Scouts because the other guys are gone and I can watch election coverage in a quiet house.
I wish I could talk to my mom about the election. Those of you who have lost a close relative know that there are those times when you think, I wish I could call them right now. This is one of those times for me. It is the first presidential election without Mom cancelling out Dad's vote. Just when I thought I finished with the firsts without Mom. Geez.
I am thankful I found a package of marked down Breast Cancer Awareness Hersey Kisses at Target. I will need those tonight. I would be happier if they were Ovarian Cancer Awareness Hershey Kisses, but I realize I can't have everything. Are you listening Hershey Kisses People?!
I am happy that Carter and Griffin went with us to vote today. They are excited about the process and looking forward to the 2020 election when they can place their first votes for President.
I am excited to see how many people turned out to vote, I hope my guy wins.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What a bummer...
Oh, your parents are taking a Love and Logic parenting class, what a bummer.
Yes, that is our phrase.
Oh Carter, what a bummer that you wrote Griffin sucks BA_ _ S (like basket, base or soccer) on the back of my dirty car and now you have to use your report card money to pay for a car wash.
Boys, what a bummer, you decided to steal that lick-a-stick candy thing off our counter and now you have to surrender half of your Halloween candy.
Yes, life is sometimes a bummer. But hopefully things will be more peaceful in the long run.
Can't wait to attend week two!
Yes, that is our phrase.
Oh Carter, what a bummer that you wrote Griffin sucks BA_ _ S (like basket, base or soccer) on the back of my dirty car and now you have to use your report card money to pay for a car wash.
Boys, what a bummer, you decided to steal that lick-a-stick candy thing off our counter and now you have to surrender half of your Halloween candy.
Yes, life is sometimes a bummer. But hopefully things will be more peaceful in the long run.
Can't wait to attend week two!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Not our Father
Griffin is outgoing, social, compassionate, funny, and a cutie. Although we discourage it, he says he has 3 girlfriends. We believe him. He doesn't know it yet, but he has a date for prom, my friend has her heart set her daughter and my son going together. I must admit, they would be a cute couple.
Imagine my surprise when he announced his latest choice of profession.
Griffin: Mom, I want to be the world's youngest priest.
Me: First of all, we aren't catholic. And secondly, priests can't go on dates, have girlfriends, or get married.
Long pause.....
Griffin: I changed my mind.
I told Ben, I don't know why he said he wants to be a priest. He doesn't even know what one is. Ben said, he wants to have communion all the time....I bet that is it. He loves the first Sunday of the month!
Imagine my surprise when he announced his latest choice of profession.
Griffin: Mom, I want to be the world's youngest priest.
Me: First of all, we aren't catholic. And secondly, priests can't go on dates, have girlfriends, or get married.
Long pause.....
Griffin: I changed my mind.
I told Ben, I don't know why he said he wants to be a priest. He doesn't even know what one is. Ben said, he wants to have communion all the time....I bet that is it. He loves the first Sunday of the month!
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