Today is day 9 of a most unpleasant situation, centering around a mysterious condition/issue/virus that has Ethan's dirty diapers, of which he's averaging 5 a day, registering on the nuclear waste scale. (Okay, I made that up--I don't know if there is a nuclear waste scale.)(But if there is, these bad boys would be on there.)(And if there's not, why not? We should definitely have a way to measure nuclear waste.)
I have no idea what's going on, but we have ALL had just about enough. And just try explaining to a 2 year old that they can't have milk or sugary foods because it will worsen their condition. Logic is not high on his list of strengths.
Tomorrow I am watching the two children of some friends of ours. Their boys are wonderful. Aidan is Ethan's age, and Zachary is a 5 month old. I cannot WAIT! I am just going to put the older boys in Ethan's room with every toy he has and sit on the couch and hold the baby all day. Ahhhhh! Then Wednesday I am the Safegate Mom at Abby's school. I vaguely understand this to mean that I sit at this table near the front of the school and greet guests, plus do helpful things like staple papers and the such. We'll see if the reality matches the concept soon enough, I guess. If not, at least it will beat disposing of nuclear waste.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Some families pass down recipes
If you've ever wondered where I get some of my...quirks, you don't have to look very far away on my family tree. I have an aunt named Linda and an uncle named Kenny, and they along with Kenny's wife Mary are responsible for teaching me to be an oddball with the best of them.
I bring it up because recently I've had a couple of chances to shine with my mentors. Kenny and Mary's son Kenneth is a high school senior and a very good football player, and I've been to two of his games so far this season. I was 15 when Kenneth was born, so I always kind of doted on him. Now, of course, he's too "chill" to talk to anyone that's over the age of 20. Fortunately for HIM, he has a family that has no concern for their coolness factor.
Our family sits smack in the middle of the stands, a section over from the students. Frankly, we make the students look like librarians. We are all outfitted with pom poms, cow bells and giant foam fingers. We are also all gifted with substantial vocal cords. I can assure you that everyone in the stands, and possibly half the people on the field, are completely aware which player belongs to us. Kenny is the only one that doesn't use the props--he prefers to use his voice as his only accessory. And a colorful one it is--his comments usually run along the lines of "YEAH! SHOVE THE BALL DOWN HIS THROAT!" I love it.
Kenny has always been sort of a Pied Piper for kids, and it appears he is still as powerful as ever. I noticed half of the student section chanting something, and I realized that they were yelling "ROCKET! ROCKET!" Kenny heard it and jumped up and waved, sending the student section into a frenzy. Apparently that's their nickname for him because he played high school football as a Catholic High Rocket. Then he told me that he has all of Kenneth's friends believing that since he was such a star athlete, Catholic has a statue of him in their courtyard. Reminds me of when he told me and my cousins when we were little that going too close to the Russellville nuclear power plant would turn your skin green for a week.
Both games were great ones for both Kenneth and his team. They are a talented bunch of kids, no question, but those of us in the stands know the real reason for their victories--a good foam finger on the hand of a second generation weirdo.
I bring it up because recently I've had a couple of chances to shine with my mentors. Kenny and Mary's son Kenneth is a high school senior and a very good football player, and I've been to two of his games so far this season. I was 15 when Kenneth was born, so I always kind of doted on him. Now, of course, he's too "chill" to talk to anyone that's over the age of 20. Fortunately for HIM, he has a family that has no concern for their coolness factor.
Our family sits smack in the middle of the stands, a section over from the students. Frankly, we make the students look like librarians. We are all outfitted with pom poms, cow bells and giant foam fingers. We are also all gifted with substantial vocal cords. I can assure you that everyone in the stands, and possibly half the people on the field, are completely aware which player belongs to us. Kenny is the only one that doesn't use the props--he prefers to use his voice as his only accessory. And a colorful one it is--his comments usually run along the lines of "YEAH! SHOVE THE BALL DOWN HIS THROAT!" I love it.
Kenny has always been sort of a Pied Piper for kids, and it appears he is still as powerful as ever. I noticed half of the student section chanting something, and I realized that they were yelling "ROCKET! ROCKET!" Kenny heard it and jumped up and waved, sending the student section into a frenzy. Apparently that's their nickname for him because he played high school football as a Catholic High Rocket. Then he told me that he has all of Kenneth's friends believing that since he was such a star athlete, Catholic has a statue of him in their courtyard. Reminds me of when he told me and my cousins when we were little that going too close to the Russellville nuclear power plant would turn your skin green for a week.
Both games were great ones for both Kenneth and his team. They are a talented bunch of kids, no question, but those of us in the stands know the real reason for their victories--a good foam finger on the hand of a second generation weirdo.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I'm heading out the door to visit my grandmother in LR for a couple of days and will return home just in time to cheer both the Foxy Loxies and the Razorbacks on to victory this weekend. I've had quite an eventful week, centering around a huge children's consignment sale called Rhea Lana's. It's quite the event, and I both worked and shopped it. I'll tell all about it later, but for now I have to hit the road. Have a great weekend!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Well, well, well
I have noticed that many people begin blog entries with the words "So" or "Well" so I try really hard to avoid doing that. It's HARD. Today I'm giving in.
Well, so I'm now two weeks into being unemployed, and so far it's great. I've cleaned out both the kids' rooms, the pantry and even the refrigerator. That, let me tell you, was an experience. Everyone keeps asking how I'm enjoying being a stay at home mom, but I haven't actually stayed home very much, so I have been telling them I'm more the "doesn't have a full time job outside the home" variety. Doesn't have the same ring to it somehow.
Abby's enjoying school and coming home with new stuff all the time. This morning I suggested that she sing a song for us, and she said no, but that "perhaps tomorrow" we could hear it. Okay, I don't even say perhaps. Friday she was Queen of the Day in her class, which meant she got to wear a paper crown all day and all the kids drew her picture. She floated all the way home.
Ethan is still a total wild man, but the bedtime routine is actually getting a little bit better. I choose to think it's my reward from God for quitting work. Okay, actually I think it's probably more that He knew there's only so much one person can take, and we were SO there. Now all we have to do is get him to understand that since he doesn't have to go to school every morning he can sleep later than 6:15. That and convince him that the television is not, in fact, a giant coloring page. Nor is our bed a trampoline. Come to think of it, that kid needs some work. Lucky for him he's cute.
Well, so I'm now two weeks into being unemployed, and so far it's great. I've cleaned out both the kids' rooms, the pantry and even the refrigerator. That, let me tell you, was an experience. Everyone keeps asking how I'm enjoying being a stay at home mom, but I haven't actually stayed home very much, so I have been telling them I'm more the "doesn't have a full time job outside the home" variety. Doesn't have the same ring to it somehow.
Abby's enjoying school and coming home with new stuff all the time. This morning I suggested that she sing a song for us, and she said no, but that "perhaps tomorrow" we could hear it. Okay, I don't even say perhaps. Friday she was Queen of the Day in her class, which meant she got to wear a paper crown all day and all the kids drew her picture. She floated all the way home.
Ethan is still a total wild man, but the bedtime routine is actually getting a little bit better. I choose to think it's my reward from God for quitting work. Okay, actually I think it's probably more that He knew there's only so much one person can take, and we were SO there. Now all we have to do is get him to understand that since he doesn't have to go to school every morning he can sleep later than 6:15. That and convince him that the television is not, in fact, a giant coloring page. Nor is our bed a trampoline. Come to think of it, that kid needs some work. Lucky for him he's cute.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A dream come true
Ladies and gentlemen, I have an incredibly exciting announcement. It is with great humility and honor that I announce that I have been asked to be homeroom mom for Abby's class.
I am so proud, and will do all I can to live up to the high expectations this society has for all women who hold such an esteemed position. Except for wearing appliqued clothes. There, I draw the line.
I am so proud, and will do all I can to live up to the high expectations this society has for all women who hold such an esteemed position. Except for wearing appliqued clothes. There, I draw the line.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
You don't let me call, you don't let me write...
RRRRRRRRR.
I am NOT happy with the company that hosts this blog right now.
I have a simple problem, that requires a simple answer, but there is NO way to contact a person--not even by email--at Blogger. The best they can do is give me a "help group" where I'm at the mercy of other bloggers that might stumble across my question and happen to know what to do, and feel like telling me. Seriously? So what do the people who actually run the company do all day? Probably have donut eating contests and play Pac Man. RRRRRR.
On the up side, things are still going swimmingly here. I've got the kids' rooms to a point where they can almost be categorized as organized, and I've been spending some great time with my grandmother. Ethan's loving hanging out at home and runs around like a crazy man most of the time. Abby rode the bus home today, which she has been begging to do since day 1, and she LOVED it. I'll probably let her do it every day since it's way easier and just as quick. At dinner tonight, she used the word "perimeter." I've said it before and I'll say it again: she is her mother's daughter.
I am NOT happy with the company that hosts this blog right now.
I have a simple problem, that requires a simple answer, but there is NO way to contact a person--not even by email--at Blogger. The best they can do is give me a "help group" where I'm at the mercy of other bloggers that might stumble across my question and happen to know what to do, and feel like telling me. Seriously? So what do the people who actually run the company do all day? Probably have donut eating contests and play Pac Man. RRRRRR.
On the up side, things are still going swimmingly here. I've got the kids' rooms to a point where they can almost be categorized as organized, and I've been spending some great time with my grandmother. Ethan's loving hanging out at home and runs around like a crazy man most of the time. Abby rode the bus home today, which she has been begging to do since day 1, and she LOVED it. I'll probably let her do it every day since it's way easier and just as quick. At dinner tonight, she used the word "perimeter." I've said it before and I'll say it again: she is her mother's daughter.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Oh, like you pay attention to "the issues"
Why didn't I do this sooner? I am LOVING being at home. Well, when I am actually AT home--I have been doing a lot of running around this week. But that means that I don't have to do it in the evenings like before. I'm not doing laundry until midnight or shoving dirty dishes over on the counter to have enough room to make Abby's lunch. I have time to make Abby's lunch! It's great.
Despite the fact that this is one of the biggest transitions of my life, the rest of the world apparently decided to just keep right on going. I've caught a little bit of both of the political conventions on TV, though I can't tolerate too much. When it comes to politicians, I tend to lean heavily on my instant first opinion of someone, based on really serious factors such as likeability, charisma, facial expressions and verbal tics. I don't have to tell you that this does not work out well for our current leader. However, all of the current candidates are considerably more...presentable. And regardless of party or beliefs, you gotta admit that Sarah Palin is a rock star. She is cute and sassy and very, very smart. I would not want to mess with her, but I would love to have lunch with her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her speech--it contained moments of sarcasm and dry humor that were truly exemplary.
Speaking of sassy, my grandmother is coming up tonight to spend a few days with us. I am really excited for two reasons: I love hanging out with her, and I plan to work her to the bone. Seriously, our house needs some major reorganization and she will be the perfect assistant in my endeavour.
Week 1 of being AMEN COO is over, and I think AMEN is the better for it. I know I am. We'll see if the trend continues!
Despite the fact that this is one of the biggest transitions of my life, the rest of the world apparently decided to just keep right on going. I've caught a little bit of both of the political conventions on TV, though I can't tolerate too much. When it comes to politicians, I tend to lean heavily on my instant first opinion of someone, based on really serious factors such as likeability, charisma, facial expressions and verbal tics. I don't have to tell you that this does not work out well for our current leader. However, all of the current candidates are considerably more...presentable. And regardless of party or beliefs, you gotta admit that Sarah Palin is a rock star. She is cute and sassy and very, very smart. I would not want to mess with her, but I would love to have lunch with her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her speech--it contained moments of sarcasm and dry humor that were truly exemplary.
Speaking of sassy, my grandmother is coming up tonight to spend a few days with us. I am really excited for two reasons: I love hanging out with her, and I plan to work her to the bone. Seriously, our house needs some major reorganization and she will be the perfect assistant in my endeavour.
Week 1 of being AMEN COO is over, and I think AMEN is the better for it. I know I am. We'll see if the trend continues!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
This is the day
At this time 3,288 days ago, I was waiting to walk down the aisle and marry this guy (the one on the right):
Turns out to have been one of my better decisions.
I love you, honey--happy 9th anniversary!
Turns out to have been one of my better decisions.
I love you, honey--happy 9th anniversary!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wait for it...keep waiting...a little more...
Some of you may remember when I blogged about the aggravating experience of picking kids up from day care. Yeah, well. Day care has got NOTHING on elementary school pickup. Seriously, I'm willing to bet it's easier to get backstage at a Hannah Montana concert than it is to get in and out of school pickup in a reasonable amount of time. Allow me to explain.
About 700 kids go to Abby's school. By my best estimate, 200 of those are picked up by their parents every day. There is a covered entrance to the school, and at 3:00 every afternoon the "car riders" fill the covered area and wait. The PE teacher stands next to the drive with a bullhorn and calls each kid's name as his or her parent approaches the loading zone. About 8 cars can fit in the loading zone at once.
There are also about 15-20 parents who park instead of getting in the line. They get out of their cars and wait on the other side of the loading line, and once every couple of minutes, the kids are allowed to cross to their parents. This is what Matt did when he picked her up the first couple of weeks, and what I did yesterday. But today it was raining and I had Ethan with me, so I decided to get in the pick up line.
I got Ethan from his school and we arrived at Abby's around 2:40. The line of cars already went the length of the school and into the road. There is a dedicated school lane for just this purpose, and I was about the 8th car in it. Remember, this is 20 minutes BEFORE school is out. So until 3:00, E listened to Veggie Tales and I did a Sudoku puzzle. Then 3:00 came...and went. It was a good 10 minutes before we moved. At that point it went fairly quickly, and I was in the pickup zone in a couple of minutes. But I was there 20 minutes before school was out. What happens to parents who actually arrive WHEN school gets out? It's probably dark before they get home.
I guess for now I'll go back to parking--it's kind of a hassle, but there's no way I'm spending 2 hours a week sitting in a line of cars listening to Veggie Tales. Now if Hannah Montana were waiting at the other end, it might be a different story.
About 700 kids go to Abby's school. By my best estimate, 200 of those are picked up by their parents every day. There is a covered entrance to the school, and at 3:00 every afternoon the "car riders" fill the covered area and wait. The PE teacher stands next to the drive with a bullhorn and calls each kid's name as his or her parent approaches the loading zone. About 8 cars can fit in the loading zone at once.
There are also about 15-20 parents who park instead of getting in the line. They get out of their cars and wait on the other side of the loading line, and once every couple of minutes, the kids are allowed to cross to their parents. This is what Matt did when he picked her up the first couple of weeks, and what I did yesterday. But today it was raining and I had Ethan with me, so I decided to get in the pick up line.
I got Ethan from his school and we arrived at Abby's around 2:40. The line of cars already went the length of the school and into the road. There is a dedicated school lane for just this purpose, and I was about the 8th car in it. Remember, this is 20 minutes BEFORE school is out. So until 3:00, E listened to Veggie Tales and I did a Sudoku puzzle. Then 3:00 came...and went. It was a good 10 minutes before we moved. At that point it went fairly quickly, and I was in the pickup zone in a couple of minutes. But I was there 20 minutes before school was out. What happens to parents who actually arrive WHEN school gets out? It's probably dark before they get home.
I guess for now I'll go back to parking--it's kind of a hassle, but there's no way I'm spending 2 hours a week sitting in a line of cars listening to Veggie Tales. Now if Hannah Montana were waiting at the other end, it might be a different story.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Day 1
Well, here I am! Home! Yep, I'm at home. So far, it feels like...I'm at home. It's probably going to be a while before it sinks in that I'll be at home every day. I got to pick Abby up from school on Friday, and take her this morning. Ethan will still be going to day care part time--they let me change his schedule each week. Some weeks he probably won't go at all, but this week he's going for a few hours each day so I can get some things organized at home. It's a little overwhelming, but pretty exciting.
We spent the weekend in Little Rock with my grandmother. We took the kids to Mid America Museum on Saturday and they had a great time (we would have stopped to see you on our way home Aunt Joyce but they were asleep before we left the parking lot). Other than that, we pretty much just hung out at Gigi's house, watching Disney channel and keeping Ethan from breaking things.
So I guess now I should go fold laundry or clean out the refrigerator or something equally productive. Thrilling. I'll keep you posted!
We spent the weekend in Little Rock with my grandmother. We took the kids to Mid America Museum on Saturday and they had a great time (we would have stopped to see you on our way home Aunt Joyce but they were asleep before we left the parking lot). Other than that, we pretty much just hung out at Gigi's house, watching Disney channel and keeping Ethan from breaking things.
So I guess now I should go fold laundry or clean out the refrigerator or something equally productive. Thrilling. I'll keep you posted!
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