The Garrett's

An Angel Attachment

2012-01-05T17:22:00.002-05:00

Had some running around to do today. The pneumonia is receding, but due to some unsightly stuff I am still coughing up occasionally, the doctor wanted me to tack 5 days onto my antibiotic regimen. They had the good stuff in the office so all I had to do is run in and pick it up. Thank God for doctors who care...

While I was down that way I planned to stop in and do our monthly Costco shopping. Which was an exhausting ordeal, and not really my best idea ever... when you're healthy and you have normal energy levels, you don't really give any thought to how much "work" is involved in buying bulk foods. By the time I pushed the 576lb cart thru the warehouse, loaded it all into the van, got it home and made a dozen trips between the van and the house...then put it all away, which included at least half a dozen trips to the basement pantry and freezer I fell onto the couch in a near coma.

The entirety of this post thus far, was to tell you that while I was right in the area, I stopped into Hobby Lobby. I do dearly love Hobby Lobby. My goal was twofold...I wanted to check out their Valentine's Day decorations, and I wanted to see just how clearanced they have their Christmas decorations. Because, God knows, I NEED more Christmas decorations. (Rolling my eyes). It's an illness I think, because this year I actually decided to weed through the decorations I already have. Nearly 10 rubbermaid tubs full of garlands and santa's and I don't even know what all. Half of which I didn't pick out, some of which I display out of habit and NOT because I lovingly chose it...or even like it. Every year there are things I do not display...things I just never get out. 2012 is the year of the purge in the Garrett house...if I don't use it, it's GONE. So, I have been assessing each decoration as I pack it away...Do I love it? Is it tradition? Will my kids fight over it when I'm dead? And if I don't love it...it goes in a box for goodwill. So, despite the fact that the last damn thing I need is more Christmas decorations I went in and headed straight for the clearance. And was immediately drawn to the angels...80% off...lovely elaborate angels. Angels with white puffy gowns and boa feathers... our angel, is old. Old and broken. Her lights quit working a couple years ago and last year, in an effort to make do, I cut all the light cords off. She was holding two gold lights in her hands, and after I cut off the lights she held her hands out to us...imploring...as if to say...stop, take in the glory of this tree. Or, perhaps, Please help me. help me find my lights. She's kind of small, not really proportionate to our tree. And she has blue eyeshadow. But somehow, in Hobby Lobby, I just couldn't replace her.

She has always been there, on the tree Jon and I share...and she has watched over our Christmas seasons faithfully. And when it came right down to it, I got all sentimental and couldn't replace her. So, she stays, with her blue eyeshadow. Because I love her...

Pneumonia Sucks!

2011-12-30T08:36:00.001-05:00

the energy right out of you. I am finally, really on the mend. Avelox is a wondrous drug. It could, possibly, make you poop your pants. BUT, it will kick out any infection in your bod post haste. Thank God!!

January approaches and we all know what that means…

January is get healthy month. We all know it’s supposed to be a new beginning and it is. But, never long term. I told Jon last night we need to go to the grocery to get all of our fruits and veggies and lean meats. Because January is coming and we have to pretend we are going to change. We can eat healthy for a month then go back to normal in February. Just being a realist here…

Lord Help Me…

2011-12-19T11:45:00.001-05:00

What on God’s Green Earth have I gotten myself into now?? Yesterday, I agreed to head up the 4th-6th grade youth group at church. Which is a new group…traditionally youth group is for teenagers. At our church we have a LARGE crop of 10-12 year olds that are extremely interested in participating. In an effort to NOT turn away kids who want to go to church for a couple hours on Sunday night we are expanding. Accommodating. Experiencing growing pains even. It’s going to be a challenge. To say the least. Of course, more than half these kids used to attend childrens church with me every Sunday morning, years ago…which actually is how I know that burn out can happen quickly.

Last night was the Christmas party and the first time I attended a youth group. It made me proud. Sam is turning into a fine young man. Crazy, but true. He had one shining moment…when he yelled at them all to “SHUT UP” but other than that really, he was a leader. Impressive. And to be fair, he told them to listen several times before he turned ugly. He and Austin, at 14, are the 2 oldest…and they will be good influences for the younger set.

I look forward to watching it unfold and would appreciate any and all prayers for patience…

Love you all!

My Maggie Dilemma

2011-10-14T08:23:00.003-04:00

The short form of the back story:

1. Maggie has been “friends” with Maura since first grade. In first grade, they were quite close.

2. Since first grade other girls have joined their “friendship”.

3. Last year, much to Maggie’s dismay, Maura started pulling away from Maggie somewhat and connecting more with the other 2 girls.

4. And this little tidbit should have been #1 ~ Maggie is a MAJOR people pleaser of the highest level. It is positively dismaying to me how eager to please and needy she is…it’s pathetic really. I try hard to understand…I know once upon a time I too was a people pleaser…but it was so long ago I can’t remember. I don’t know how she FEELS. I can’t relate to or respect her approach.

So, cut to this week. She asked me if Maura could spend the night. This Saturday we have Blake’s birthday party and this Sunday is Jon and I’s anniversary. So, I told her Maura COULD spend the night, NEXT weekend. She promptly went to school and asked Maura if she’d like to spend the night next weekend, to which Maura replied that she would and she had to ask her mom. The next day Maura told Maggie that yes, indeed, she could spend the night next weekend.

Then yesterday, she came to school and told Mags that she didn’t know if she could because she was going to ask her mom if Hannah and Darcy (the other two) could spend the night at her house. Which naturally broke Maggie’s heart and pissed me off BIG TIME!!
I have tried without success over the past year to convince Maggie that she should just cut those ties. Those 3 girls don’t do anything positive for Maggie or her self-esteem. Over and over they have shown themselves to be inconsiderate and thoughtless…Maggie just doesn’t rate with them…and she expends FAR too much energy trying to.
Sadly, Maggie and I spent most of yesterday evening at odds over this situation. Maggie is scheming, trying to figure out how she can convince Maura to choose her next Friday night. I am appalled that she doesn’t in 4th grade words tell her to go to hell. I have tried and tried to convince Maggie that she is a good friend and she in turn deserves good friends. I really am at a loss right now. I told her last night that I would prefer she have a different friend over, because Maura isn’t very nice. And still this morning she came out and told me what she plans to say to Maura today…which is basically a beggar pitch, please pick me. Then she asked me if she can convince Maura to choose her, and she does indeed spend the night, will I be nice to her. I quite honestly answered, “I won’t be mean, but I won’t be nice by my usual standard Mags. That’s the best I can do.”
Why? What do I do? Dammit, why won’t she listen to me? 38 years I’ve spent learning all these hard lessons and the people I love most refuse to let me help them learn from them. It’s cruel really. Meanwhile, my heart breaks for her. Any advice???

BEST. SUMMER. EVER!

2011-08-09T10:23:00.001-04:00

The kids only have 6 days left…the first day of school is looming. School supplies have all been bought. Schedules have been received and double checked. And I, while ready, have been reminiscing. We have been blessed with an INCREDIBLE summer!

We kicked our summer off with a family trip to the beach…

We had a wonderful time, with family, extended family and friends. There was no drama. Just fun, sun, sand, surf and harmony…except for that one minor night…but hey, no hard feelings, right?

When we returned home, it was time for Vacation Bible School. I had not volunteered to help this year, but when I took the Maggie and Liam on Monday, Sam and I were drafted to help out. That too, was a great week.

After VBS, we rested for a few weeks, our only quiet weeks of the summer. Well, rested as much as is possible with 2 boys playing baseball. Liam kicked arse individually this year, but his team did not achieve anything wonderful. Which was a shame, they had a lot of talent. But not such a great coach, so the season amounted to not much. Sam, on the other hand, went ALL THE WAY!

They were the BEST Pony League team in two counties! It was stressful, exciting, exhilarating even!

Two days after Sam’s baseball season was over, we were on our way to spend a week in Buffalo with Jon. After 7 months, we finally had a free enough schedule to spend some time there with him and go to Niagara Falls.

Why on earth we had never gone before, I cannot say. Ignorance, plain and simple…I did not know what I was missing.

It was WOW!!! I was so impressed, in fact…

that we decided we were going back the next week. Then I called Dad and told him that given the fact that he and Anne were coming the following weekend anyway, it would really be to their benefit to come a couple days early and go with us. And what do you know? They did!

Then, we came back and met up the next day with the rest of the clan at The Ohio State Fair!

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things…but all in all, I think you can see that we were blessed with many memories, much family…could not have asked for a better summer.

Now, Jon has started a new contract at Chase, here in Columbus, the kids are headed back to school on Monday next and I am looking forward to some normalcy. Just for a little while.

I love you all!

SCORE!!!

2011-08-02T09:14:00.001-04:00

Early last week, we received the kids achievement test results for the 2010-2011 school year.

My children are smartypants!

Sam scored advanced in reading and accelerated in math and science.

Maggie scored advanced in reading (a darn near perfect score) and math as well.

The big story is Liam though. Last year, he did not meet the state standards for the 3rd grade. In the 2009-2010 school year, Liam carried decent grades…but he had to REALLY struggle to get them. We all did, many, many nights of tears and study and frustration to accomplish passing grades. When I received the phone call from the school principal suggesting we hold him back to repeat the third grade I was actually relieved…worried about the social ramifications, but relieved nonetheless. When I received his test results last summer they reflected that struggle. He did not meet the state mandated standards for the 3rd grade.

Liam sailed through the 2010-2011 school year with ease…he was happy, well adjusted, carefree in regards to school for the first time in his life. So I ask you to just imagine my delight when I open his test results to find that he scored ADVANCED in reading and accelerated in math!!! Not proficient…he didn’t just meet the standards…he beat the heck out of them!!

I cannot thank the teachers and staff of Highland Elementary School enough! For the first time, I am looking forward with no reservations to a school year…confident in my children’s chances of success!

That, my friends, is a very nice feeling!

I love you all!

Big Doin's…

2011-07-25T20:08:00.001-04:00

We got big doin’s goin’ on in the Garrett household these days. Last Sunday we wrapped up baseball, and promptly packed our bags and went with Jon to spend the week in Buffalo.

We had a great time, spending our days poolside while Jon was at work. Then going out to supper or to sight see when he was home in the evenings. Jon has lived in Buffalo for seven months now, and we FINALLY made it to Niagara Falls…it’s a full 15 minutes from his apartment in Tonawanda. Ridiculous, eh? What can I say, they all seemed like good reasons to put it off at the time…

It was absolutely gorgeous and I felt remiss that we had not dragged the kids there sooner.

We were able to ride the Maid of the Mist…

which was stunning.

And were also able to tour the Cave of the Winds…

which was exhilarating. Or wet…depending on your mood, I suppose.

We enjoyed all of it so much that we’ve decided to do it all again this week.

Tomorrow, my Dad and Anne are driving up from North Carolina and will be joining us on a short trip to Buffalo. We will see the falls and move my hubby back home! Then Friday, it’s time for the Ohio State Fair. Man, I love the fair, second only to Christmas…

But, in recap, because I haven’t posted in so long…

1. Jon got a job in Columbus!!!!! It is a 6-18 month contract and it’s at Chase…that's

2 strikes

and I ain’t lyin’. But, it’s at home, he will be home, we will have him home, EVERY NIGHT! So, we’ll take it and be pretty darn happy!

2. Sam’s baseball team took first place in their league. They had a 2 county Pony League Tournament 2 weeks ago and they won the whole dang thing! It was purty exciting, if I do say so myself.

And finally,

3. Last but MOST IMPORTANT!!!! My baby boy Liam Murphy turned 10 last week!!! How can this be happening?? 10 years old? Please, stop…I want to get off! My baby’s keep getting older…I want off this ride now!

Dang, he is a cutie!!! Just like his Daddy.

I love you all!

Odd Ball Boy

2011-06-08T10:53:00.000-04:00

I recently told Liam that he really needs to start sleeping in his own bed.

He is almost 10 years old, after all.

I'm not really sure what the problem is with that boy. He just HATES sleeping alone. He would rather sleep on the floor with a sleeping bag in Sam's room than sleep in his bed alone in his own room. Liam has happily slept nearly everywhere in this house, EXCEPT his room. He has slept in Sam's room, and Maggie's room...while Jon is in Buffalo, he sleeps with me every night. When Jon is in town, he sleeps on the couch or loveseat in the living room.

Last week, I said, "Liam, you are almost 10 years old. It's time to buck up and sleep in your own bed."

To his credit, he didn't argue much. He willingly went to his own bed and said prayers and was asleep in mere minutes.

Then, when I woke the next morning...

...he was in Jet's bed on Jon and I's bedroom floor.

I give up.

I love you all...

An Accomplished School Year

2011-06-07T10:22:00.002-04:00

The 2010-2011 school year was a good one for the Garrett children. Last week, on the last day of school, I attended Liam and Maggie’s awards assembly. I’ve attended the awards assembly in years past, and left with a sad heart. Sam is so smart, but such a lazy underachiever, that he never received any awards…and he really could not have cared less. Then, last year, Maggie was not eligible for the awards due to the grading system, but Liam was. He was eligible and if there were an award for effort he would have been a shoe-in. Unfortunately, there’s no award for giving an A+ effort and getting C’s and D’s. As I’m sure you all know, Liam repeated the 3rd grade this year. It was an agonizing choice and the source of my most “worried” summer ever. It turned out, thank you Jesus, to be the best thing ever for Liam. And THIS YEAR, he received awards!!

He received a medal and certificate for Merit Roll, all A’s and B’s ALL YEAR!! AND, he got a reading reward!

A HUGE thank you to his teachers, most especially Mrs. Thompson, for the school year he had. Watching him blossom and excel was wonderful. The difference in his confidence level alone has been such a joy to me.

Maggie too, received Merit Roll and reading rewards. Poor Maggie, she wanted the Honor Roll SO BADLY! But, one B in the first quarter stomped on her dreams.

She seems to have recovered…

This year, when I left the assembly, my heart was glad. It was a good year.

I still have my lazy underachiever…who ended up getting one C. The rest were A’s and B’s though, and he accidentally did REALLY well on some test and got a Presidential Academic Achievement Award, for being in the top 10% of test scores in the nation for both Math and English.

I am no longer working, I’m once again at home with my babies…so hopefully, I will do a better job keeping up with the blog now. And with cleaning my house. 8)

I love you all!

The Reward

2011-04-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

Sam has been working hard in track...practicing after school every day. And he seems to be doing well so far. This week they have a "relay" meet. Which apparently means something, but is totally beyond me. What I DO know is that this meet is at home. This meet lasts 2 days. 2 of the 3 events Sam is participating in take place on day 2. And most importantly, I can not afford 2 days of concession begging from Maggie and Liam. So we stayed home today and will go watch tomorrow. Consequently, Sam texted me when it was over to come pick him up. Being the awesome Mom that I am, I didn't hear my phone alert. So, I didn't go pick him up. Well, not until he called 10 minutes later and said, "Are you coming to get me?"

When I picked him up, I eagerly asked as he put on his seatbelt, "Well??? How did you do?" Smiling in my most supportiver manner.
He replied, "I got two phone numbers, Austin got 5. But, he was just asking anybody, and I'm PICKY."

That my friends is what track is really all about.

I love you all.

Whoops!

2011-04-13T08:25:00.000-04:00

I took Jet to the vet Monday. He and Marley both were due for shots. They both checked out well, except for one little thing. Last week, when we got home from North Carolina, he was a bit overexcited. In his usual over excited fashion, he ran around like an absolute maniac. When he ran back bleeding from his paw, I assumed he had ripped his toenail. Turns out he somehow managed to BREAK his toe! Have you ever even heard of such a thing?

"I'm injured...don't you feel sorry for me??"

The vet said there's nothing we can do about it...just let it heal. So, he's limping around on 3 legs like a doofus. And, of course, getting lots of sympthy from mama. I love you all!

The Compromise

2011-04-12T08:18:00.003-04:00

Maggie was a bit of a surprise, if you know what I mean. She was life lesson #12734, You CAN get pregnant when you’re nursing.
She is the only girl, which means she has an unimaginable amount of clothes. And shoes…good Lord, so many shoes. But, she’s always gotten hand-me-down furniture. She totally lucked into a lovely daybed, from her Grandma…but has been, since birth, using her brother Liam’s cast off dresser. His very SMALL cast off dresser. (Life lesson # 17682, an unimaginable amount of clothes do not fit in a very small cast off dresser. )
So, I promised her at the beginning of March, we would buy her a new dresser in April. And she rubbed her little hands together and giggled maniacally and plotted and picked out this…

And the arguments began. I said, no, absolutely not. That dresser will NOT work. And she cried and moaned and ripped her clothes from her chest. Well, ok, that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.
For a full month, we bickered and fought and I held firm. I was not going to allow her to pick out a dresser that she would hate in 5 years…because Jon and I are NOT going to buy her another new dresser in 5 years.
I was having nothing but that she was getting a solid white dresser. She hated me. HATED ME!!!
But, as we wandered through the dressers at American Freight I had a “Mommy Moment” . That is right, a stroke of GENIUS!! For just a moment, I turned into my mother… and I made a promise to Mags.
If she would agree to the solid white dresser, we would go to Wal-Mart and let her pick out wall stickers to use to “decorate” the dresser. Stickers that would PEEL RIGHT OFF when she got tired of them. And the girl was happy.
This is what she ended up with…

…the compromise.
I love you all!

My Girl

2011-04-09T10:03:00.001-04:00

Ahh, my girl. Things are changing so quickly with her these days. In addition to the all drama, all the time…she’s turning into a giggly socialite. She has taken to receiving phone calls in the evening. She takes the cordless phone and disappears into her bedroom. Occasionally, she will come out to get a drink or something from her locker…talking and giggling all the while. It’s so funny to me. I can vividly remember doing the same thing…in the 3rd grade, no less. The 3rd grade must be the magical year of the phone call. It was a bit different, I confess. There was no such thing as “cordless phones” when I was her age. So, I had to lurk in the kitchen.

She has started begging me for a cell phone. That is NOT going to happen. I worry she has enough privacy to get herself in trouble with the cordless. I may have disliked having to be in the thick of the family when I had my pre-pubescent gab and giggle fests…but it certainly served as a form of accountability. By God, if she’s gabbing and giggling about boys I want to know it. Now that I’m thinking this whole thing thru, I think I may need to go buy a corded phone for the kitchen, just for her use. What do you think??

I love you all!

Who'd A'Thunk It???

2011-04-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

I confess, I was expecting the worst...my awkward, gangly, 6ft tall boy was participating in his first ever track meet yesterday. I went expecting to see a live version of America's Funniest Videos. That was NOT what I got!

To help you understand my position, I give you exhibit A...

This is what Sam usually looks like to me...now the setting changes, but the posture does not. He's my "gamer". NOT my runner.

But, he blew me away and was actually pretty good! I'm completely new to the "Field and Track" world. I was totally lost initially, on what in the WORLD was going on. So much chaos, so many things happening all at once. So MANY kids!! Highland has 78 kids on their track team. I think yesterday was an invite...so there were also 3 other schools there: Centerburg, Marion Grant and Mt Gilead Christian.

Amazingly, Sam took 1st place in the long jump. His jump was 13'8"...which he said, "sucked". He was sure he wouldn't win that one early on. His longest jump so far was 15'2" and he felt pretty confident that yesterdays jump would get trumped easily, but what do you know? It DIDN'T!

He also took 2nd place in the 100 meter Hurdles...

...by .2 of a second... and i'm guessin' that's about all he won 1st place in the 200 meter Hurdles by...

It was a close finish. It shouldn't have been...

He started out really well.

Then on the second hurdle, he landed wrong and stumbled. Scraped up his hands pretty good, but he didn't go down, he recovered.

And he prevailed...he did great. Jon and I are both SO PROUD if him...he's GOOD at this! GO SAM!!!

I will keep you posted on how he does! I love you all!

Undesirable Job

2011-03-30T16:08:00.001-04:00

Our neighbors are getting new windows in their old farmhouse…

You’d like to think that it’s safe to schedule something like this undertaking to be done at the end of March. But, this is Ohio people.

You’re never safe…not from the dreaded white death.

This guy right here…you could not pay me enough money to do his job…

For real…craziness.

I love you all!

Hoss Make Tracks ~Big Sam

2011-03-27T22:38:00.001-04:00

I’ve done a really lousy job keeping you all up on what’s going on in our lives lately. Mostly, because it’s such a drudgery…day in, day out…work, school, house…sleep, clean, eat…nothing exciting. But all that is about to change. Liam’s baseball coach called me this afternoon to schedule his first practice…which isn’t until April 18th! Seems like forever away still. However, Sam is already busy. He decided to take part in Field and Track this year. On the one hand, I can’t think of anything less exciting to watch, unless perhaps one of my children takes up golf. On the other hand, many of you HAVE seen Sam run. There is a glimmer of a promise of entertainment there. At risk of his embarrassment. I mean lets be honest, he isn’t exactly graceful like a gazelle. He’s kinda gangly and awkward and God love him, he looks a tiny bit funny when he runs. Like he’s uncomfortable or something. Oddly though, he seems to be doing well in practice. He is participating in several activities…the 200 meter dash, the hurdles, the long jump and a relay, because he had one of the fastest run times in the 8th grade. So, we shall see, eh? His first meet is tomorrow in Marion. Don’t you worry, I’ll take my camera. It’s going to be bitchin’ cold, but sunny, so I should be able to use my telephoto lens. :0)

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Yay Spring!

2011-03-20T12:38:00.001-04:00

In honor of impending Spring, yesterday, we had a little cookout. We invited Bobby and Blake (and Krisi, of course, ceptin’ she was not in town this weekend) over for good ole burgers and dogs.

Jon, Bobby and the kids played catch and with the airsoft guns.

Then we ate…

cookout style!

And it was GOOD!!

And this fella here will take care of anyone who says otherwise.

And to that, Bobby says,

“Bring it…”

Then, when everyone was full close to bursting and tired from an unaccustomed dose of fresh air, the guys cozied down with the xBox.

The only thing that would have made the day any better is if all our family could’ve been here. We miss you all.

Love you all!!

…

For Real? 20 Years????

2011-03-16T08:16:00.001-04:00

I had a stunning realization this morning. I was commenting on a former classmates update on facebook. I remarked that it was humorous to me that he had not changed in … then I did the math. 2011 – 1991, no.

It cannot be.

Surely not, it’s just not possible.

20 YEARS!?!?!?

What?

Where?

When?

How can this be???

How can 20 years be gone so quickly. Don’t get me wrong, it does not seem like “just yesterday”. But, it sure as heck doesn’t seem like 20 years ago? That’s a LONG TIME!!

I don’t feel 20 years older…well, maybe I do some days. But not right now. Time is a crazy, crazy thing. Make the most of it!!

Love you all!!

What’s For Breakfast?

2011-03-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

My honey surprised me with a new mini scone pan yesterday… so this morning I made Strawberry-Lemon Scones with a lemon glaze.

Oh My…they were SO yummy!!

Things here are pretty quiet. Jon is home for the weekend. We got both of the boys signed up for baseball this week. I am really looking forward to baseball, or perhaps just baseball weather. But not so looking forward to how ridiculously busy I will be spending another baseball season with my hubby out of town while I shuttle 2 boys all over the county for ball games.

We are still trying to plan a trip south…we’re having a lot of trouble coming up with a date we can both get off work though. We won’t give up, but at this point I’m despairing of it being any time soon.

I love and miss you all!

Out Like A Lion? More Like a SeaLion.

2011-02-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

I demand a recount of days. Surely, this madness should count for March coming in like a Lion.

We have lived in this house for 9 and a half years now, and in that time I have never seen anything like last night. Yesterday, we got oddly warm for Ohio. Great, right? Well, maybe not so much. At first, I thought it was great. It was 59 degrees...that's balmy here, so I opened the kitchen window and turned off the heat. The sun was out here and there, and the snow was melting. Wretched stuff...begone.

Then it got dark. And it stayed warm. And it started raining. And it started lightening. And my kids begged to sleep on the couch. And the weather service issued tornade warnings. And flood warnings. And flash flood warnings. And it would NOT STOP RAINING. And, and, and...

You get the picture.

With Jon in NY, I get paranoid about things I would normally never give a second thought to. Things like the sump pump. When I have my big, strong man here, I don't think about the sump pump. I think about planting flowers and making cupcakes. When my big, strong man is here my most unpleasant thought is about scrubbing the toilet...I simply don't worry my pretty little head about things like basements flooding. Thats what big, strong men are for, right?

Well, currently my big, strong man is in NY working so we can pay for that basement...SO, guess who was worried about the sump pump last night. And thank God I did...

...BECAUSE I was worried about it, I didn't sleep much, but I DID check on the sump pump at least once an hour. So when the basement started flooding I caught it really early. Immediately even. It wasn't the sump pump we had a problem with though, ironically. The storm drain at the bottom of our outside stairwell clogged up...so water was coming in under the basement door. I tried messing around with it...I even plunged the damn thing...like I said, toilets are more my speed. To no avail. The water was pounding out of the sky, no relief in sight and some of it was in my basement.

My kids reacted admirably. Sam leapt to action using towels to sop up the water and ringing it out outside, then putting them in the dryer. Over, and over, and over again. He tried using towels and boards to stop the water from coming in. Maggie sat on the couch and wrote a letter to Jesus, asking him to please make the rain stop. Liam slept through part of the madness, but quickly joined Sam in his damming efforts when he woke up.

While I, like the pathetically helpless female I apparently am, called my brother Bobby crying. Well, I wasn't that bad, I mean I tried plunging the darn thing...I was trying but nothing I did was helping, so I did, really, call Bobby crying.

Within the hour, Bobby was here, snaking the drain pipe. He got it mostly cleared...it still needs cleaned out some, which my big, strong man will take care of for me this weekend. But, it's fixed enough that I don't have water coming in anymore. Fixed enough that when it gets down to 20 degrees tonight that pipe won't freeze and burst. Yea, 20 degrees, only in Ohio, people.

In hindsight, I would like to thank the academy...

not really, but I would like to thank:

My kids, they handled themselves beautifully and were really helpful, when I really needed them to be.

My big, strong man, for talking me through the panic and calming me down. And telling me to call Bobby. That was good thinkin' when I was completely incapable of any good thinkin' that didn't consist of blubbering gibberish.

Bobby, for the obvious. LOL ~ Thank you for fielding the hysterical sister call, then charging to the rescue. And while I did attempt to feed you, out of thankfulness, I realized in hindsight that I never offered you a cup of coffee. Dadgum, I'm sorry about that. What a shitty sister.

Krisi, thanks for lending me YOUR big, strong man.

Steve, thanks for nuttin'...sorry, Bobbys my favorite brother now. Not sure how you will ever redeem yourself after this one. Ha ha ha.

I love you all.

Spring Fever

2011-02-23T18:43:00.000-05:00

I have arrived. At that place I arrive every year. In late February. That sick of snow state of mind. Enough is enough already. It didn't help this year that I kinda started the winter out still sick of snow. A winter hangover, if you will. Last weekend we had a couple of days that were just gorgeous. It was cruel really. We took full advantage of it though. Jon was, of course, home for the weekend so we went to the zoo. Sam chose not to go with us. I don't think I like him being a teenager. I don't know who this kid is...this kid who doesn't want to go to the zoo. I know it's a phase...he will outgrow it. I just don't know how soon. I mean, really, how many ADULTS do you know who wouldn't want to go to the zoo if Mom and Dad are paying?

In Asia Quest

Jon's coat is unnecessary, you'll just have to trust me on that. I wore a hooded sweatshirt and was perfectly comfortable. The snow was all melted. The sun was out. The birds were singing. And the animals were sunbathing.

Which just makes it worse that Monday afternoon into evening, we received a nice thick coat of ice with a few inches of snow on top of it. And now, all the weatherman are freaking out about another snow headed our way Thursday night. I'm SO DONE WITH SNOW!!!!!
Aside from snow, I apologize for doing the crappiest job ever at keeping up with a blog. Well, the second crappiest job ever, Steve has me beat on that score. I have had so much going on lately, it's really hard to convince myself the blog is a priority. Working and trying to keep up with everything at the house with Jon gone is no party, I will say that. I am still working...I had originally thought to only work 3 or 4 days a week once Jon was in Buffalo. That is not panning out too well. Work has been ridiculously busy and unfortunately, they need me more than that. So, last week and this week I have worked everyday. The house is a little less orderly than I'd like. The yard looks like crap. The closets are poised to attack everytime we open them. If I worked anywhere else, I would give my 2 weeks and be done with it. However, I adore my manager. I can't abandon her...she has a tough enough time when she does have my help. I guess the good news, hidden in there, would be that jobs are picking up. For a very long time, there were no jobs to be had in Mt Vernon. Lately, we have jobs come in every day. The problem is finding people who actually want to work. But, that is a whole nother story.
So, Jon and I have been discussing a trip south. We unfortunately, are not going to make it down for Easter this year. Which we both are bummed about, as that has become our happy bunny tradition. He is not able to get that weekend off though, so we are rearranging and making other plans. I think we have decided to come down for a long weekend sometime in March. We are figuring out pay days and cut offs and how many days he will miss and as soon as we know, you all will. But, let me tell you, I definitely have Carolina on my Mind.
I will make some concentrated effort to keep up more on here...I'm sorry it's been so hit or miss lately. I love you all.

It Is Done

2011-01-28T08:28:00.001-05:00

From the day we moved into this house, ten years ago, my goal for this oddly shaped little alcove in our living room has been to have a cozy little nook for reading. Reading has always been near and dear to my heart. I've never been able to comprehend not loving reading. It's escapism in it's finest form. Who could possibly not enjoy vicariously journeying with Bilbo to slay a dragon? Or win a Quidditch match with Harry, Fred and George? Or even accompany David as he brings down Goliath with a rock and God?
I've arranged and rearranged in vain. No one, including myself, has ever gone back there to read. Possibly because the quaint rocking chair I had back there was terribly uncomfortable. And before that, because you had to risk life and limb to climb into the papasan.
But now...now that I have my new chair... my goal is attained. I insisted on the chair and half and, once home, quickly came to the realization that it was THE READING CHAIR. And once I had it arranged, Maggie quickly realized the same thing. It really is the coziest little set up you ever snuggled into. I am at peace.
I love you all.

Sick Sucks

2011-01-17T17:19:00.000-05:00

After 4 days of running a fever with no other symptoms, on Saturday evening, we took Liam to Childrens Close to Home Urgent Care. UC was a madhouse, no 2 ways about it. They were overcrowded, overworked, overwhelmed. Still, the nurse who admitted Liam really ticked my tock. She acted like I was an idiot for bringing him in with nothing but a fever. All but rolling her eyes at us, she failed to get a throat culture, despite the fact that I told her strep was epidemic at his school right now, and had us shown to a room. After seeing him and checking his throat and ears, the Dr. said he looked ok, but given the prevalence of strep coming into the office, she still wanted to get him a strep test. Thank God. Liam didn't exactly take the strep "tickle" like a champ, but he took it. After she left the room, he turned to us and said with astonishment, "She touched my uvula." It was hilarious. His strep test came back positive and he is now taking amoxicillin and on the mend.
I have been fighting a cold since around Christmas, and last night started feeling like rather than battling it back I was beginning to succumb to it, getting worse. So this morning I promptly called my drs office and got in to see the nurse practitioner. Let me just say, that at my drs office anyhow, the nurse practitioner cannot be beat. While the Dr's there are nearly impossible to get into on short notice and even more impossible to get any real attention from, NP Linda Ambrose is wonderful. She is usually easy to get in to see, and she treats me like a patient. A patient she remembers from visit to visit. She does not make me feel like a timeslot. She makes me feel like me getting better is just as important to her as it is to me. I adore her. After checking me out she diagnosed a double ear infection and possible strep. She opted not to do a strep test, I can only assume because she was prescribing antibiotics already. She also upped the dosage of my Advair and gave me a months supply of the higher dose. Just until I get well, at which point she said I can go back down to the lower dosage I was taking now. Then she got me a shot in the ass. So, Liam and I are both on the mend. And I say, being sick SUCKS!
Love you all!

Work = Lazy

2011-01-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

As many of you already know, since last May I have been working fulltime, while Jon has held down the frontlines at home. I confess, I did not enjoy this set of circumstances. I did not like working fulltime, but more significantly, I did not like Jon doing my job at home. Doing my job, and not doing it exactly like I did it. I know, that's a whole seperate issue. However, I yesterday came to a startling realization. Working has made me LAZY!! You just don't really know how completely and utterly inactive a deskjob is until you get winded scrubbing your childrens bathroom. I don't like it. I have vowed to get back into some sort of reasonable good health. It's positively shameful that scrubbing a bathroom at 37 years of age should make one tired. I'm going to start really light...I think I will make myself spend 15-20 minutes on the treadmill after the kids leave this morning. I need to do something...before I go sit at a desk all day again today. And to all of you, try to do the same, don't let your job keep you down! Love you all!

Keys and Towels and Library Books

2011-01-07T08:07:00.003-05:00

Can anyone tell me why boys are so cavalierly irresponsible? Anyone? Please?

My boys are driving me crazy. I'm observing a big difference between boys and girls this week and I've decided to share it and open the floor for comment.

I actually will begin with the library book. Maggie left a library book on the table when she went to school Wednesday. Being a type A personality, this untidiness was not ok with me. After she left it was dealt with swiftly. Swiftly, and apparently mindlessly. When she got home Wednesday, there was a flurry of panicked chaos. She immediately noticed it was gone and started scouring the house for it. All the while adamant that it was on the table when she left. All the while, I was adamant that it was NOT on the table after she left. She went to bed completely stressed out that night and woke the next morn still upset. Devastated that she would be awarded a dreaded "Strike" for not having her library book. It was not until I pulled her bookbag out of her locker to hand it to her on her way out the door, that I remembered putting the book in the purse she also left on the table. At which point I saved the day and handed her the library book. Her relief was palpable. So was my guilt.

Cut to this morning. When I told Sam to make sure he had his house keys. Again, this prompted a flurry of panicked activity. Note: the panic was all on my end. Please keep in mind that I have a key rack hanging right inside the door. He flipped through his locker and meandered to his bedroom. No keys. I am a person who likes for everything to have a place. And I want those said things to be IN their places. So, while he looked for his keys, I railed. I railed about the keys, and the key rack and his need to be more responsible at 14 years of age. In the midst of my railing, I grounded him from his new Playstation 3. Initially, for the evening...but as we progressed into 10 minutes of looking and no keys, I railed " No Playstation 3 until you FIND those keys!" Thinking "That'll show him! I mean business! " He left for school, with no keys in hand. I refused to hand over mine to him. The last thing we need is for him to lose my set of keys too! So, I told him on his way out the door that I love him and he might want to grab a hat, cause it would be pretty damn cold outside when he gets home and has to wait 45 minutes for me to arrive. After he left, I went to his room and within 5 minutes I had unearthed the keys. At which point I texted him " Found keys. They will be where I hid them before. This had better not happen again.I U" His response? Well, of course, it was "Thanks Mom, You're the greatest".
Bwaaaaaa hhhaaaa haaaaaa haaaaa.
Sike, it was actually, "am i still grounded" . To which I replied, "Yes, you still lost them. You really need to be more responsible."

Ugh!!!

As I sent this last text, Liam screamed at me from the bathroom, "I need my towel!" I screamed back at him, "Well, then get it off the back of the door!!" Needless to say, it was not hanging on the back of the door. I had to go find it on his bedroom floor and take it to him. In hindsight, perhaps I should have made him run cold and naked to find it. Seriously, how hard is it to hang your towel back up when you're done with it? For that matter, I should have hung Sam's keys on the key rack in the house and let him freeze for three quarters of an hour.

The most frustrating part for me is their attitude. They are so unaffected. There is no emotion visible. No guilt, no remorse, nothing. Not so, Maggie. She is in a positive tissy when something of hers goes missing.

Why is that? Why is my 8 year old daughter more responsible than my 14 and 9 year old boys?? I don't understand?

I love you all!

A Second Residence

2011-01-05T19:36:00.001-05:00

The Garrett family has a new vacation home. I know, it’s very gaudy and ostentacious of us, but there you have it. We’ve signed a six month lease on our home away from home.

Where, you ask? Why, the beach of course. Well, not really the beach. It’s more like a Great Lake. Well, not really on a Great Lake, but near a Great Lake. Ok, FINE, it’s in Buffalo, NY. Are you happy now? Have you ever been to Buffalo?

What can I say? Except possibly don’t waste your time. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure there are advantages to visiting Buffalo. I just haven’t come across any yet. Actually, that is totally untrue. The one advantage: PIZZA! To be fair, Buffalo is near a Great Lake….and it is winter. I’m sure it will be much more appealing in the spring.

All joking aside, we plan to make the most of our sentence. Jon’s new apartment is only like 15 minutes from Niagara Falls. That is a commendation, all on it’s own. He plans on coming home most weekends, however, we do want to spend at least one weekend a month up there with him. Seeing the sights, visiting Canada, Niagara Falls, all that good touristy stuff.

The vacation home, ahem, apartment is small. But I was able to at least make it cozy.

The kitchen leaves a bit to be desired… A bit…like a decent fridge, some cabinets that aren’t 40 years old,

and, ummm, ANY other stove/oven.

I am really digging this brick wall in the dining area though.

The bathroom is likewise old…but it does have good water pressure to commend it.

And I absolutely love this shower curtain!

The living area is ho-hum. Can’t say I care a bit for the rental furniture…but I have seen worse.

So, the kids and I went up with Jon on Monday, so he could get everything up there without renting a truck and because I needed to nest.

Add my little touches…

If you wanna check out Buffalo, and you aren’t afraid of a little snow, well, ok, a whole helluva lotta snow, come on up and pay a visit!

Love you all!

Buffalo or Bust

2011-01-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

We have spent this second day of 2011 packing. Tomorrow, we move Jon to his apartment in Buffalo, NY. None of us is in the least bit enthusiastic about it. Well, the Buffalo part anyhow. The kids are keen on the fact that they will not be going back to school Tuesday with the rest of their classmates. They will return to school on Wednesday. We are driving up with Jon tomorrow. For several reasons. The least of which is that he cannot fit everything he needs to take in his Corolla.
The most important reason we will accompany him is because I feel a very strong urge to nest for him. I have thought about just sending him up on his own, and I can't do it. I have to go...clean, decorate, make it at least comfortable. I know he's not going to be happy there, but what kind of wife would I be if I didn't try to make it a home for him? So, I've spent a bunch of money on things like matching bathroom decorations when according to my brother, Bobby, all he really needs is a big tv, his Xbox 360 and beer. We ladies do what we can.
Last week, when we accompanied him up to sign for his apartment, we kenneled the dogs. That was distressing for us all. I worried about them constantly while we were gone. Then when we got back they were starving, exhausted and both of them puked for 2 days. So I think they picked up a bug there. Thank God, this evening, Krisi (my future sister-in-law, I HOPE) called and offered to keep Jet. That was such a HUGE load off my mind. I will feel easier leaving him in a home, with people I know will take good care of him. Plus, an added bonus, I think Jet will have a blast with Corn (my brothers dog). So, THANK YOU and God Bless You Krisi and Bobby!! Marley, we are going to take with us. I have a fair amount of confidence she can be snuck into the apartment with ease! ;)
So, we are driving up tomorrow and the kids and I will head back Tuesday. With Jon being in Buffalo, I will be going back to working part time. Which I must confess, is the one part of all this mess that makes me happy. I will be working 10am-3pm four days a week. Taking one day a week to be home with no kids, so I can get stuff done here. Jon plans on coming home every weekend possible. So, we are praying for little snowfall. The snow will likely be our biggest enemy this winter. I will keep you posted as we progress. Love you all!

Sam’s Future Profession

2010-12-11T09:12:00.003-05:00

Sam’s school administered an “ACT” test this year to the eighth graders. I’m still unsure of exactly what it is…I can only assume though that it is not your traditional “ACT”.
The test was designed to test his knowledge in various subjects as well as his interests, likes and dislikes. Then the results are analyzed and given back to the kids with recommendations for future careers and professions. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this test, honestly. I mean, he’s 13 years old…he isn’t even really who he’s going to be yet. Or is he??
His results were not much of a surprise to us…and they won’t be to you either. The disappointment was his reading score. Shamefully, somehow, he scored better than only 76% of the eighth graders in Ohio. His results indicated that he does not do very well figuring out context clues…oh the horror…the utter shame…that a child of mine would score low in READING!!! How did this happen? Oh wait. I know how it happened…the only reading that turd does is subtitles on video games. Sigh. Needless to say, I told him he is going to be doing more reading in the future. The only way to get better at reading is to just keep reading.
Math and Science were a different matter altogether. Big surprise there too, eh? Samuel scored better than 100% of the eighth grade students in Ohio in both math and science. Holy Crap…a perfect score on both of them. Which is kinda funny, because right now, he is not really enjoying either of those subjects at school. He blames the teachers for his apathy and I tend to believe him. He’s never disliked math and science before. Anyhoo…
The test recommendations for Sam’s future:
Engineer (Rocket Scientist) – His response to this one was an emphatic no. He says rocket scientists have a bad rap for being nerds and he wants no part of it. We are still working on this one…any examples of not nerdy rocket scientists would be appreciated.
Natural Scientist/Astronomer – He is somewhat open to this idea. Why this one doesn’t strike his nerd chord is beyond me, but ok.
Video Game Developer – My only response to this one…how did he do that? He rigged the results or his answers. He is wholly in favor of this one. Right up his alley.
Interior Designer – I find this result terribly amusing, given the eternal state of his bedroom. He briefly considered this. Right up until lunch time when his friends told him that men who make a career in interior design are predominately gay. That put the kaputz to that one.
There probably were other suggestions…those were the four he shared with me. In the end, he was unimpressed by them all. His strongest response to the whole ordeal was envy. One of his friends got the result Food Critic. I laughed at him when he told me this and questioned, Would you want to be a food critic? Really?
To which he responded in his driest tone of voice: Eat for a living? And get paid money for it? Uuuummm…YES!
That’s my boy.
I love you all!

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies!

2010-12-06T20:30:00.001-05:00

We had our Garrett Girls Cookie Bake this weekend. I hosted at our house this year…which was lovely. It’s nice not to have a drive at the end of what is always an exhausting day. Fun, but exhausting.

Consequently, we have lots of cookies. They are yummy and have nothing to do with the pictures I’m posting for you today.

Except of course for the cookie part. Cookies reminded me that I took these pictures over Thanksgiving weekend for my “viewers” pleasure. ( “viewers” being Grandmas and Grandpas).

I’m just about cookie’ed out. Which is bad, cause see….I have not prepared any of my “hand out” cookies.

I always make a variety of cookies to hand out to the mailman, bus drivers, teachers and school offices. This year, with me working, I’m not sure I’m up to it. Not unless I take a day off anyhow.

We haven’t heard anything back about Jon’s interview yet…don’t worry. News will travel fast when we do! I love you all!

Catzilla

2010-11-30T08:36:00.001-05:00

Some cats have no respect.

Last night, Scrooge decided the skating pond was a good place for a nap.

He kinda rules the roost. His disdain for the dogs is frequently displayed. Occasionally, his disdain for us is displayed. He’s got no respect, I tell you.

He doesn’t give respect…he demands it.

Can’t you see the respect (fear) on the face of that man on the right? A healthy dose right there.

Is he looking at the birds???

Maybe, if they hold really still, he won’t notice them? That little boy on the bench, though, he could have a problem.

I love you all!

A Quick Synopsis

2010-11-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

The newest news in Jon’s job search is this…

He has had three phone interviews for a Business Analyst position in Charlotte for Family Dollar. The pay is in his required range and the location is obviously our ideal. I am trying not to think about it much…every time a job doesn’t come through, the disappointment is a little stronger, a little more bitter. So, I’m not getting my hopes up. A consequence of that effort to not get all caught up in the excitement is that I have not told any of you about this avenue Jon has been exploring. It’s time to tell now.

Jon has done phone interviews with the hiring manager, the hiring managers’ manager and the head (VP) of the Finance Dept.. They all loved him and decided as a consequence they are flying him to Charlotte on November 30th for a 4 hour in person interview. They have him scheduled to interview with like 8 different people and even have a drug test scheduled for him. So, let’s all hope and pray that this is it…our ideal!! A PERMANENT position near Charlotte. It couldn’t get any better than that, right?

Love you all!

Pride and Satisfaction

2010-11-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

Parenting is hard. There's no two ways about it. Parenting is a minefield of guessing and praying and second-guessing and praying...occasionally regret...and occasionally a BIG sigh of relief and prayer of thanksgiving. As parents, we want to do everything right. We want to enable and equip our kids...we want them to be successful. Their successes are our successes...and it is such a personal failure for us when they fail.

Today, is a day of BIG sighs...and prayers of thanksgiving. All summer, this year, Jon and I agonized and debated...prayed and worried...fretted and second guessed about what was best for Liam. We were informed at the end of last school year that he was being held back. I knew as soon as they told me that repeating the third grade was the right thing to do...the big concern was could Liam handle it? Emotionally? Socially? How would he cope? Would being held back even help? Or would it do more harm than good? Should I attempt home schooling?

Honestly, If our lives had not been in such upheaval, a cesspool of uncertainty if you will, I probably would have attempted to keep him home with me this year. But, alas, that was not God's plan for us.I am working...and Liam is repeating the 3rd grade at Highland Central Elementary. This year, he has the same 3rd grade teacher Sam had 5 years ago...and for the first time in 5 years, Liam is enjoying school.

As usual, God's plan for Liam was the right one...and he is glorying in sweet success. His pride is palpable, as is my own. His first report card this year:

Art S+
Conduct S
Handwriting S
Language Arts A
Math A
Music S+
Physical Education S+
Reading B
Science B
Social Studies A

Ahhhh...sweet relief, Thank you Lord!!!

We Love you all!!

Sick in the Head

2010-11-09T19:24:00.001-05:00

What can I say? Even if I could resist my own desire to put up Christmas decorations as soon as I take down the Halloween stuff…it’s more than I can stand to resist Jon and the kids.

This year, I promise it was NOT ME chomping at the bit to put up a tree…

It was them!!!

I insisted the nativity HAD to go up first, and they all said fine…take care of it. Jon brought it up from the basement and I set it all out. On top of the fridge this year, just like when Mags and Liam were little. Jet cannot be trusted. He’s worse than any 2 year old child.

Then, Mags and Liam put their bedroom trees up and finally Sunday…the pinnacle of their weekend…the toy room tree.

I have also aggressively started Christmas shopping. I usually am almost done by now…in contrast this year, I just started two weeks ago.

Jon had a second interview for a business analyst position for Family Dollar in Charlotte today. Or is it Dollar General? I get them mixed up…anyway…they are going to fly him to Charlotte for a third interview soon.

Obviously, I will let you know if there is any good news! Love you all!

Blakes BDay Party

2010-10-18T21:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday, Bobby and Blake came over with Dairy Queen cake and we celebrated Blakes birthday. We had a bar-b-q of sorts and a good time was had by all. The kids played and the grown ups played too. Wish you all could've been here!

Halloween Cupcakes 10-10-10

2010-10-13T08:11:00.000-04:00

Made cupcakes Sunday and let the kids decorate them :)

Just Call Me Jacob

2010-09-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

In recent weeks I have a had a disturbing realization. Over the past year and a half, Jon and I have been on a difficult journey. I'm sure many of you already know this fact. In classic Cheryl fashion I have mucked things up in a big way, and made everything more painful than it needed to be.

I have felt for a long time, that God wanted me to let go. When we moved to the house we live in now, I put all I had into building a HOME. Consequently, I am very attached to it. A thing. A house. A house that would be nothing...empty, without us. So, I set about "letting go". Of the house. Of the community. I detached. I accomplished it and then set about patting myself on the back. Applauding myself, because it wasn't an easy thing to do. In my supreme ego, I thought I was "done" growing and decided it was God's turn to do something.

In classic God fashion, He wasn't done with me yet.

Those of you who know me, know I have a slight issue with control. Being human, I have always viewed this attribute as one of my strengths. I have always totally and wholly believed that while this trait may annoy some, it makes me a stronger person. Never occurred to me that God may want me to let that go too. Which has made my struggle, my night with God if you will, a particularly long and painful one.

After Jon's last interview fell through I hit bottom. You see, God said to let go and I did. Then I set about making plans. I SAID I was waiting on God. But I was only waiting on Him to put all MY PLANS into motion really. I decided which job God should give Jon, then I started picking school systems and homes and packing up our house. My faith has never been my weakness. I KNEW that His plan for us was perfect. I KNEW that He would come through for us. But, silly me, I really thought He would agree with MY PLAN for us. I really thought that I KNEW what was best for us.

Therefore, I came out of that last power struggle limping, crippled...like Jacob. And I have finally conceded...I really do want his best...which means I have to let HIM make my plans.

This afternoon, Jon is flying to Raleigh. For another interview. I'm not asking for prayers. I'm not making any plans. I'm waiting. This job is either the one. Or it's not. Only time will tell. God's time.

I will control what I can and stop trying to control what I cannot. It's just too tiring. Originally, I thought when Jon didn't get that last job, that God had broken my heart. In time, after I had mulled things for a few weeks, I realized it wasn't my heart He broke, it was my pride. It was my will. In classic Cheryl fashion, it took a year and a half for me to get it. Sad, huh. Well, for now, I've got it. I'm not saying I won't have to be taught this same lesson again ever. For now though, I am at peace.

And we shall see what happens.
I love you all!

Tomorrow is Another Day

2010-09-19T20:25:00.003-04:00

Today, I have been bad.

Bad. Bad. Bad

All under the pretext of being a good wife and mother, mind you.

Actually, it’s been going on for awhile…ever since I went back to work. Julie and I are a bad influence on each other, you see. We both have a great and passionate love. A love of food.

I’m pretty sure I’ve gained 30 pounds since I went back to work.

Today, was the apex though. Today, I went overboard, even for me.

First, I woke up with a hankering for bacon. Ya can’t have bacon without eggs. Over easy. With toast. Well, really! Have you ever tried to eat eggs over easy without toast? Just doesn’t work.
Then, I had been telling the kids for weeks that I would make cheese soup. So I had to make it, didn’t I? I, of course, applied the four food groups as I know them. I used butter, cream, cheese and everything else.
Rich, you say?

Oh how I would love to bah humbug you…but…I can’t. It was rich. Luscious and extravagantly rich.
That would be enough for most people, but not me! No sirree Bob! Since I have been working I don’t get to bake as much, so on the weekends I get the urge. This gloomy, overcast and cool Sunday evening, spice cake was in order. I had found a new recipe and was itching to try it. The cake, of course, had a cream cheese frosting. Now, I will say it was positively heavenly. But…

I am SO BLOATED!! Too much, even for me…tomorrow I will change my ways. Well, I will try.

Again.

I’m sure it won’t be the last time. Certainly isn’t the first.

I love you all!

Funny Four Eyes

2010-09-15T19:46:00.001-04:00

We recently went and had all the kids eyes checked before school started. Well, let me re-phrase that…Jon went and had their eyes checked. Sam, of course, needed new contacts. I would show you a picture, but frankly, they look exactly like last years contacts. Liam got new glasses. They look very similar to his old ones…hopefully, they will prove to be more durable though. His old ones broke constantly. I’m not entirely convinced the problem was the glasses. I mean, this IS Liam we’re talking about. I have a feeling he will just be hard on glasses. Period.

Then there’s our girl Mags. Mags, who has BEGGED for glasses for two years…Mags who has not NEEDED glasses for two years…Mags who has pouted and cried and railed at the unfairness of it all when she was told year after year that she had 20/20 vision. This year, the eye dr. told her that she still has 20/20 vision, however, it is deteriorating and she could benefit this year from a pair of glasses. They may help her with the crispness and clarity of what she is seeing.

So, Jon called me at work and being the serious control freak that I am I said “Do NOT let her pick them out herself…I will be there in a few minutes.” Then I called him back and said “Hold up, wait a minute, put a little wiggle in it.”

Well, not really, actually I said, “Hold up, wait a minute…we are NOT getting her glasses if she has 20/20 vision. To heck with “clarity”.”

Now, naturally, since I am the authority in our house… the one all decisions of any merit rest with, Mags does not have glasses.

Did you believe that for even a second??

Jon was the one there with her. With her, as she cried and railed against the unfairness of it all. After insurance paid their part, the one who had to sit there and listen to her whining decided it was well worth our $17 to shut her up! So, there she is….with 20/20 vision that is now “crisp”.

Pretty cute, huh??

Love you all!

Liam Murphy

2010-09-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have wondered, worried and possibly even prayed for my sweet Liam...a little update. He had a great week at school. I have already been in close contact with his teacher, it helps that she was Sams teacher too. I adore her. We have been emailing daily about how he is fitting in and handling his repeat. She said he immediately clicked with the other kids and has seemed lighter and happier this year. She was one of his teachers last year as well, but only a secondary teacher then. This year he will spend most of his day with her. I have to agree with her. After worrying and praying all day Wednesday about how he would handle his first day in the 3rd grade the 2nd time around, he came home in an incredibly good mood. In fact, I don't believe he has ever come home in such a good mood before in the previous 4 years of schooling! He has been hanging out with boys from his baseball team. And it was a relief, let me tell you. He was so nervous Wednesday morning, he felt sick. Which in turn made Jon and I feel sick as well. He came off that bus all smiles that afternoon though and has not made a single protest to school since. So, I am hopeful...and prayerful...that this is the year things turn around for my boy with the big heart. Love you all!

Status Update

2010-09-02T17:43:00.001-04:00

Jon had an interview today with Huntington Bank, here in Central Ohio. The interview went very well. Very well, meaning he is extremely likely to get an offer. Fairly quickly. However, and to us it’s a BIG HOWEVER, it is NOT a job he would enjoy in the least. From what he told me, it would be a lot of testing, a lot of no real schedule, working at the mercy of his job year round. A lot of 12-15 hour days. Any of you who know my husband know he would HATE that. It is a good PAYING job…but I’m not so sure that convinces us this job is a good thing.

Meanwhile, we are supposed to hear something one way or another from First Citizens (Raleigh job) tomorrow. Please, pray they make us a reasonable offer. At this point, a lot of money won’t sway us. Jon would like his job at First Citizens…and he’s pretty sure he would be unhappy in the one here. Which makes our decision pretty easy, if you ask me. If First Citizens offers us enough that we think we can afford the move and make it once we’re there, loss or not, we are going. Jon will only take the job at Huntington if he has too. They already told him that if FC makes an offer, they want an opportunity to counter offer…but I don’t really think it matters how much they offer…unless FC just really doesn’t come through. I don’t want him to take a job he would hate, unless it’s the only job, obviously. Then I suppose we will just bide our time.

So, I should have more news tomorrow…and while you’re waiting,

O-H !!!!!!!

Gorgeous, I Tell You!

2010-08-27T13:59:00.001-04:00

That is what the weather has been like here the last two days. Absolutely beautiful! I can feel fall coming. I had no intention, originally, of getting my fall decorations out. Seeing as how I've been packing things away, unpacking seems kind of counter productive. Today, I've made a monumental decision though. Today, when I get home from work, I'm getting them out! I am TIRED of waiting. Tired of living on hold. Tired of holding my breath. Today, I am going to go ahead with my life. I'm getting out the fall stuff, because darnit, I enjoy it!! If Jon gets the job and we have to sell the house, it will just have to sell decorated for my favorite season.
NOTE: I said my favorite season. Not to be confused with my favorite holiday. I will be fighting the urge to get Christmas decorations out soon enough!
Mags and Liam and I harvested the apples off our Gala apple tree this week and have made 2 batches of apple butter already. We have enough apples for one more batch, Liam however spoke up this morning and interjected that they would be better suited, he's sure, to a pie. So, possibly, I will be trying my hand at apple pie this weekend.
Despite all the anticipation and stress, I have been feeling incredibly blessed this week. Blessed with the bounty of apples we got this year. Blessed with family. Immediate and extended. Blessed with friends. I am a lucky girl!
Two special thank you's this week...Dad, thanks so much for offering to buy some school stuff for the kids. You and I both know that the portion you took care of for me was a COSTLY one and it really took a load off my mind. The kids are very excited about there new shoes coming. And Julie...only you would stay up until 2:30am because I was craving Zuppa Toscano. Thank you so much. It was delish-ioso!!
Love you all!

Patience Young Padawan

2010-08-17T20:47:00.001-04:00

For those of you who are wondering…waiting…twiddling your thumbs in anticipation…

we still haven’t heard anything. The last 4 days (since Jon’s interview Friday) have been the longest of my life!! Well, except for the last 4 days before each of the kids were born. Actually, I think those last pregnant days were longer for poor Jon than they were for me. Come to think of it the last 4 have probably been longer for him too. It’s a sad state of affairs, being married to me.

I’m trying really hard to wait patiently. Not doing a very good job though. What can I say? Patience is not my strong suit. Organization is my strong suit. When in doubt, I’m doing what I do best. I’m getting things organized. In an uncharacteristically optimistic move, I have started packing. Certainly not daily items. I have started packing the clutter that I am not willing to part with. Clearing space. Making the house look bigger before we have to sell it. De-personalizing it. There are no pictures of us left out now. Maude’s crystal is lovingly packed away in a glass moving box. Many knick-knacks have been wrapped and boxed and moved to the basement. The minute he gets an offer, assuming of course that he WILL get an offer, I want to slap a for sale sign on this house. Please pray for us not only that Jon’s offer is for enough money that we can afford to move, but also that we are able to sell the house quickly. Oh shoot, just pray that God blesses this whole crazy adventure we’re on.

I’ll let you know something as soon as I do! Love you all!!

Feelin’ A Bit Restless

2010-08-08T16:35:00.001-04:00

Things here are still up in the air. And I am still disgruntled about it. The start of the new school year is fast approaching and we still don’t know if we will be here or not. Jon has had 2 interviews with First Citizens Bank out of Raleigh. We are supposed to hear early this week about a third (in person) interview. Raleigh wasn’t my “ideal”. Not my plan. But maybe the Lords plan. In the meantime, in a hissy fit Friday, I went online and ordered some “specialty” boxes from U-Haul. I am going crazy doing nothing but waiting. I feel the need to be proactive.

Been doing a whole lot of praying and pondering about Liam as well. At this point we don’t know if we will be here or in Raleigh for this school year. I am seriously considering enrolling him in the Ohio Virtual Academy for this school year( if we are still here that is). It is still considered “public school” in Ohio. Works the same way basically, but he does it all at home with me and a teacher online. I think a year of individual attention may be just what he needs to get over the hump. I am not considering home schooling him ongoing. I don’t think I could handle that. But I do think he’s worth a year of special attention, especially if it catches him up. I don’t know. I wish we could just have all this done and move to a school district where I could count on the system to help him. Here, in this school system, they just don’t have the resources. Or the time.

Please pray for us…I’m going nuts in the midst of all this uncertainty.

I love you all.

The Ohio State Fair!!

2010-08-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, we had our best trip ever to the Ohio State Fair. Those of you who know me, know that I have a slight fixation on the fair. It ranks in the year second only to Christmas. Or perhaps Christmas ranks second and the fair is first? Either way my entire year revolves around the Ohio State Fair and Christmas. We had a charitable donation to our trip this year which was GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! You know who you are!

So, Saturday, we got there the minute the gates opened and we browsed, and ate.We peeked and poked, and ate. And oh yes! We ate. Did I mention that we ate? We ROLLED out the gates approximately 7 hours later (and 20 pounds). The good news is that we had close to 18,000 steps.

We saw it all though!

Big Sheep.

Little sheep.

Even sheep with four horns!

We saw fancied up cows.

The butter cow! Which I somehow missed getting a picture of…but I did capture this as a remembrance of the dairy barn!

Big cows.

Little cows…Liam never did fess up to what was in that pocket. Something sweet would be my guess.

Big pigs.

And soooo-wee-t little pigs.

And of course, the chickens!

We did not see any horses. Which was very disappointing for Mags. But all in all it was a perfect day.

Sadly I did not get pictures of all the food. Actually, I’m thinking that is a good thing. I don’t want to see everything I ate in a span of 7 hours in one place. It may cause me to blush and groan and hide my face.

Some of the highlights included: swiss cheese on rye (from the dairy barn of course), fried swiss on a stick (when it comes to getting enough dairy in my diet I’m a real health nut, what can I say?), steak on a stick, donuts, kettle corn, candy…

Well, you get the idea, so we’ll just stop there. Not that I stopped there, oh no! I ate more than that…but, I still don’t want to see it all in one place. Not even in words!

More to come soon!

I love you all!

Company A’Comin

2010-07-17T23:13:00.001-04:00

We have a busy couple of weekends coming up…not to mention a few special days! Liam’s 9th birthday is Monday. In honor of his special day, we are taking him to the dentist to get his cavity fixed. Isn’t that sweet of us? My question is…do you load him up on “birthday sugar” before or after he gets drilled?

Then, next weekend, Mom and James and Steve and Carolina are coming up to visit! :) We are looking very forward to seeing them! Add to that Maggie’s birthday the following week and the OHIO STATE FAIR and things are looking exciting despite the job hunting drag! We are hopeful that we are going to be getting a break on the job front soon. There are some promising signs. Prayers would not go amiss!

Jon has been very busy today, patching and taping and fixing things around the house. Trying to get it ready to put on the market if we come to that.

Baseball is over! Sam’s team did actually win one of their tournament games, much to our surprise. In all they won 3 games all year. Which was 3 more than we thought they would given how young the team was. It was a tough year for him though. And I, personally, am relieved to have it over. Ready to move on to the next thing…just as soon as we know what the next thing is!

Love you all!

A Few Things…

2010-07-10T08:08:00.001-04:00

1. I really, really, really need to get Jet a pawdicure. His nails are longer than mine.

2. Liam’s tournaments start today. Start and potentially end. He has 2 games scheduled today win or lose and it’s a double elim. tourney. For his sake, I hope he wins…for my sake, well…better not hope it out loud.

3. My recovery is going very well. I am on track and feeling loads better. When I went in for my check up Dr. Ruiz gave me my pathology report. I have the dubious honor of being a gall bladder he will never forget. I had “more than one hundred stones”.

4. I could not care less that LeBron James went to Miami. So obviously, not everyone in Ohio hates him.

5. We have had no news on the job front. More submissions for more jobs, but I think we’ve gotten to the point now where submissions do little to encourage us. Or at least I have. Spirits are at an all time low.

6. I love you all!

A Waiting Game

2010-07-05T17:54:00.001-04:00

Today, we are making homemade ice cream. The kids are waiting…very impatiently.

As a matter of fact, while a watched pot may never boil…

…watched ice cream will indeed spin.

And Liam will indeed continue to sit and watch. Which is a good thing…he keeps having to chase Jet away. Jet enjoys stopping and having a taste of the ice and salt on the sides.

Goofy dog.

Meantime, I have NOT been doing a very good job of taking it easy since my surgery. Consequently, I’m very tired and my belly is very sore. But, still…making some progress. And despite the soreness, I do feel better. I’m glad to have that silly ole gall bladder gone.

Love you all!

Things I Never Knew About NASCAR

2010-06-10T05:52:00.001-04:00

While in North Carolina the last couple of weeks I had an educational experience I’m just dying to share with you all.

NASCAR!

Never, In ALL my 36years (and 10 months) did I ever think I might enjoy a NASCAR event…So obviously, #1 has to be…

1. NASCAR IS FUN!!!!!

and SO terribly entertaining! For instance did you know…

2. NASCAR is a color-loving hobby photographers dream.

‘Tis true. The colors really popped! I had a wonderful time taking pictures. And even chose my favorite car based on color alone.

Which apparently, according to many, has led me to pull for the “bad guy”.

But, hey, I don’t care…how can you hate a driver who has M&M’s on his car?

Anyone who’s a fan of M&M’s is ok in my book!

3. The center of the track is an alternate world.

Yes, for real. An alternate world in which otherwise respectable 9-5 men (and women) sit on platforms and drink themselves stupid, shirtless and in the line of wreckage fire. And they furthermore, I’m told, will pay $1000’s of dollars for the “privilege” of doing so. I’m fairly certain these people would make for an intriguing case study.

4. You can drive well over a 100 MPH, this close to a wall and not die.

Or even hit it.

I further learned that any time I witness someone driving that fast, that close to a wall I lose the ability to breath for a couple seconds.

5. Not everyone misses the wall every time.

6. NASCAR fans are a sick lot.

I mean, really sick. I know I have a twisted and warped sense of humor…but even I was mildly disturbed at how delighted the crowd was when drivers crashed.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his first Pole Position in the 2000 Coke 600.

He didn’t place so well in this one though.

8. The drivers are apparently trained to always enter the grass in the same spot when regaining control of an out-of-control car.

Now, I don’t know this for a fact, but I found it mighty interesting that both “wrecks” we witnessed regained control of their cars in an incredibly short amount of time and also both entered the grass (I’m assuming to avoid hitting a wall) in the EXACT same spot.

Uncanny?

Or skilled driving?

I’m going to go with the latter.

And here he is entering the grass. Same spot as the previous driver. Coincidence?

I think not.

9. My personal observation is that on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, you gotta watch out for turn 4!

Preferably, with a telephoto lens and your camera set on continuous shot.

(Again, photographers dream)

10. NASCAR IS LOUD!!!!

One car at at time was loud. I cannot imagine listening to 40 cars on that track at the same time! Can anyone say “Excedrin”?

I have lots more to come…will be trying to catch the blog up over the next few days.

I love you all!

Cute is in the Eye of the Beholder

2010-05-22T13:22:00.001-04:00

The kids were very excited to make a birdy discovery last week.

Liam noticed some stuff hanging out of my pear tree and went to investigate.

Upon closer observation, he found a nest. And has been keeping one eye on it ever since.

He and Maggie were sad the day they found that one egg was missing. Some birdy didn’t make it to B-day.

But today, Liam came flying in to announce birdy births.

He and Maggie promptly went to check on the new babes and pronounced them “so cute”.

So, of course, I grabbed my camera and headed out…

and was brought to the conclusion that “so cute” is like beauty.

It’s in the eye of the beholder. These two are decidedly NOT cute, if you ask me!

I love you all!

Peanut Butter Bliss

2010-05-14T07:27:00.001-04:00

When Jet gets in one of his crazy moods…like he really NEEDS something to do. A focus. A goal. A task.

I pull out the Kong. Pull it out and fill it up with ooey gooey peanut butter.

He is already on his second Kong…chewed the regular one for medium size dogs to smithereens.

Last weekend, we got him the Kong Extreme.

Hopefully, it will hold up longer than a month against our monster.

Monster? Who? Me??

Love you all!!

My Mothers Day…

2010-05-13T18:42:00.001-04:00

was a phenomenal success this year by almost any measure! Jon came home for the weekend and spoiled me for most of the weekend. Made lasagna for me, and eggs benedict! Lavished me with items from my “pretty please” wish list on Chefscatalog.com ! I got stainless steel colanders and strainers and a new silicone baking mat! Then on Sunday, he had to go back to NC. And I was sad. And the kids could tell I was sad. In a valiant effort to revive my sagging spirits they took Mothers Day Matters into their own hands…

and made dinner for me. They sent me to my room with strict orders to watch tv and not come out. At some point in the proceedings Maggie came in and said the tv wasn’t loud enough and I needed to turn it up. At that very moment, my anxiety hit a fever pitch! I had already grilled Sam about which appliances he’d be using? Mind you Sam is 13…he does actually KNOW how to use the stove AND the oven, to say nothing of the toaster oven and microwave. Still, the idea of him loose in the kitchen with NO adult supervision at all sort of made my guts clench and a cold sweat to break out on my upper lip! About 15 minutes into my imprisonment…the kids came to me.

The kids and the dog. After he shoved past Sam, who was carrying a breakfast tray with a lit candle on it. See the concern on his face. I can never be sure but I think he just stopped himself short of saying “Spit”…or something that rhymes with spit.

And this is what they made for me…

For mothers day supper I had a toasted sandwich. Which was actually quite good. Sam piled on turkey, ham, salami and pepperoni along with cheddar and monterey jack cheese and toasted the whole thing in the toaster oven. Leftover lasagna, which was good, but not as good as it had been the night before, fresh! Could have been something to do with the fact that the kids didn’t actually get it warmed all the way through in the microwave. The garlic bread was hard as a rock and completely inedible. But they totally made up for that with the peanut butter milkshake (which would have been the reason they wanted my tv loud). All in all, I was impressed.I missed having Jon there Sunday evening, at the same time I’m thankful for the experience. Because, I don’t believe they would have gone to this trouble, all by themselves, had he been here.

I do believe I have some pretty great kids!

I love you all!!

All Dolled Up

2010-04-30T11:37:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we packed up the family vehicle and joined Jon in Charlotte to attend a wedding. Because I am from Ohio, my original thoughts on the date of April 24th for a wedding were something like this…

April 24th? Wow? Really? Short sleeves? Long sleeves? Heels? Or Boots!!??

WHAT IF IT SNOWS!?!?!?

But…none of that applies…because it was in North Carolina. The weather was great. A solid 80 degrees…a few showers in the evening. Nothing monumental enough to put a hitch in the festivities though.

The wedding was beautiful. For the first time since my wedding I actually teared up a few times. Brad fought hard for Lisa. He’s loved her for as long as he’s known her. Through all their young adult struggles he never gave up on loving her, so when they danced their first dance, I cried. Tears of joy for Brad.

The wedding gave me the perfect opportunity to get pictures of my brats, all dolled up.

In our defense, Mom did actually try to do something with Maggie’s hair. Unfortunately, it didn’t hold up.

And, I promise she was NOT drunk. She just LOOKS like she is.

Liam was cute as a button.

And, I promise he was not drunk either. That’s Coca Cola in that thar wine glass.

Sam cleaned up pretty alright too…due MOSTLY to the haircut he got that morning!

And, yes, I promise…those beers belong to Steve and Carolina. The purse belongs to Steve.

Well, ok, not really. But doesn’t it go perfect with his eyes?

Jon and I didn’t do too bad ourselves.

And I do believe that the last picture I got of me, Mom and Steve together may have been when I got married over 10 years ago.

Try as I might, I cannot recall if Steve had hair then or not?

And, of course, Mom and James.

And yes, they were getting drunk. Well, maybe not drunk, but we’ll go with happy!

Yea, happy, that’s it!

Fun was had by all, except possibly for Liam. Who spent the entire evening drinking Coke after Coke and asking every 5 minutes when we were leaving.

He had bigger fish to fry. A hot tub to get in.

I wish and pray all the best for Brad and Lisa, for MANY, MANY years to come.

I love you all!

Coca Cola…Ahhhh!

2010-04-30T11:17:00.001-04:00

The kids had a new pleasure last weekend. Coke from a bottle. A glass bottle!

You know what I’m talkin’ about…Coke the way it was meant to be drunk.

Obviously, Liam had a solid appreciation of the privilege involved.

Obviously, Sam did not.

It was a joke to him, a lark. It was NOT SunDrop.

Nevertheless, it’s an experience all should have at some point in their lives.

Thanks Grandma!

Sorry!

2010-04-14T07:21:00.001-04:00

I’ve been real lax lately on the blog and I apologize. I’m really struggling now to keep all my ducks in a row. Baseball has started in full force and we are ridiculously busy. I’ve been working a lot lately too. Combined, these factors may cost me my sanity.

Well, not really. But, they have effectively put a halt to the blog.

Sam is playing Pony league ball this year. Pony League is 13-15 year olds. Sam’s team consists of 13 13 yr olds…should be an interesting year for him.

Liam is basically on the same team he was on last year.

So, I don’t seem to know if I’m coming or going these days…

But, I still love you all!!!

My Newest Love

2010-04-09T20:18:00.001-04:00

For Easter, the man who knows my heart best bought me a knife.

Yes, he really did. A knife. The knife of Kings.

The day I got it I sliced a carrot just for kicks and was mildly impressed. That carrot cut like warm butter. I put the knife away carefully, pleased, and didn’t give it a whole lot more thought.

Today, Jon is on his way home, driving to see us. The lights of his life. No accounting for taste, huh??

Anyhoo, just for him, I decided to make chicken and dumplings this evening. He hasn’t had from scratch home cookin’ in awhile, and I thought he’d like a warm meal. It’s good and cold here in Ohio ~ or BAD and cold depending on your perspective. My perspective is BAD. Just in case you were wondering.

So, I got out my new beauty and got started.

Onion first. Then carrots and celery. At the celery, I became MOST impressed. Not a single string left. Any knife that slices through celery without leaving a single strand uncut is a mac daddy knife.

Moving on, I decided, somewhat unnecessarily I confess, to cut up the chicken before I added it. Just because I was feeling kind of, umm, cuttin’ happy. And let me tell you something. I am IN LOVE!! My life is suddenly easier. I fear cutting nothing. Bring on the onions! And the raw bacon. My lazy chopper from Pampered Chef is officially being retired. Thank you honey. I LOVE my Easter gift!

Love you all!!

Jam Packed Easter Weekend

2010-04-03T16:41:00.002-04:00

When Daddy only comes home once a month…the tendency is to keep him very busy while he’s with you…

And believe you me, that is exactly what we are doing. Yesterday, we…

Flew Planes

Went to the store. I totally tried to convince him we should buy a new grill…he wasn’t buyin’ it though.

Cleaned out some stuff that has been cluttering up the basement for FAR too long.

Grilled steaks…if you have never bought sirloin steaks at Costco, Please for the love of good food…do so!!!

Planted some flowers.

Played baseball. Or monkey in the middle, depending on your perspective.

Took some target practice…

I call this photo,

“Ok, Black Bart, Now you get yours.”

I know, scary, right??

Hunted Easter Eggs.

Had a water fight.

And played ball again. Everyone wanted a piece of his time, even Jet.

We totally crashed last night. So we could do it all over again today!

Scaled back a bit, cause I don’t think we could take another day like yesterday.

Today, I got a little time to myself while he took the kids to get ice cream at Corner Cones and to the park to play with Liam’s remote control boat at the pond at Highland Park.

Then, we colored eggs, well, Liam and Mags did.

Sam apparently is too old now.

Who knew??

We are working on homemade pizza’s now and then we are headed to the drive in to see Clash of the Titans. He’s going to sleep for days when he gets back to Charlotte!!

I love you all!!!

Kung Fu Fighting

2010-03-26T19:28:00.001-04:00

Our best efforts to happily acquaint Scrooge with the new pup have been in vain I’m afraid.

In his defense, he’s old and kinda grumpy.

And Jet is extremely young. And playful. And goofy. And he never learns. The cat whoops up on him at least twice a day, he just keeps bringin’ it back for more.

Poor sucker.

Love you all!

Scenes with my Boys

2010-03-26T09:13:00.002-04:00

We had an unprecedented snow delay this morning. Snow days are a bit trying…snow delays however, just allow us to sleep in and take a bit longer to get ready in the morning. I had the pleasure of coffee brought to me in bed today. Thanks to my big hearted boy, Liam. He attempted first to wake me with the news that it had brewed. When that did not rouse me, he poured a mug and brought it to me. How sweet is that??

Then, there’s the teenager. My exchange with Sam went as follows:

Me: Sam, would you PLEASE make your bed.

Sam: Why would I do that? No one is coming over today…and tonight I will just mess it up again.

Me: Can’t you just humor me?

Sam: Sure. (Grinning) I’ll close my door. Since my room is such a disappointment to you. (Closes the door and walks away laughing at himself.)

Sigh…I love you all!!

Settling In

2010-03-17T08:34:00.004-04:00

Well, we are all adjusting quite nicely to the new dog/pup. The kids are absolutely crazy about him. I find myself paying more attention to Marley than I used to just to try and compensate. Sam has done well, paying equal attention to all the pets. Some evenings he can be found on the couch with a cat on his lap and a dog on each side. He’s such a “pet pleaser”.

Jet, the new pup, is extremely amusing. He was definitely NOT a house dog wherever he was before he showed up here. So, we have been house training…with milk bones. This dog is either a) very smart, b)very hungry. The milk bones are working like a charm. I’ve never seen a dog housetrain so quickly. He literally will go out and squeeze a drop out just so he can have a bone. It’s amusing to me. We have only had one pee accident all told…and he is starting to pick up on poo-ing outside now too.

Yesterday, I had an epiphany. I looked at him and wondered why he was so irresistible to me. Stray dogs come by our house with some fair amount of frequency and never once have I even considered letting them in. Never once considered house training. Or facing teething again. But this dog drew me in. Instantly. Then it hit me. He reminds me strongly of my childhood dog Bridget. Bridget was the only dog I ever truly loved. Her death left a doggy hole in my adolescent heart. I don’t think I ever talked to anyone about it either. But her death hit me very hard. She was the first loss I ever suffered.

Jet stirs all that affection up. So, despite the house training, and the puppy chewing (we are currently down 4 flip flops and a coon skin cap) and the not so restful nights, I’m all in. I hope he doesn’t get much bigger, he already thinks he’s roughly the same size as Marley.

He is just so endearing to me…the way he waits for the kids to get home…

The way he fights with the cat…

He even lays like Bridget…recognize this pose???

He’s in my heart for good…so I guess we’ll revamp and replan and figure out how to fit a new pooch in our hearts and home.

Love you all!

Lawd Help Me!

2010-03-14T19:37:00.001-04:00

I did the unthinkable today. Unthinkable for me. I took in a stray dog. We’d been discussing getting a German Shepherd for awhile. This afternoon, a shepherd mix showed up. Showed up and won our hearts. Pronto.

These two? Love at first sight. Honest to goodness, I fell for him pretty quick myself. We are going to put up flyers to see if he belongs somewhere. But, we are all hoping he doesn’t. Yes, even me.

We’re very fond of him already. He has Jeb-Ears…

I just love his ears…they’re like velvet. We gave him a bath, and fed him and then we put him out. By himself. Thinking that he would leave if he was inclined to go back where he came from. He went to the front door and scratched, then the side door and scratched. Then he went to the screen door and used a small hole in the screen and his nose to slowly, laboriously open the door. At that point, I relented and let him back in. Cause I’m a sucker, that’s why. And he has jeb-ears…

I love you all!!

Town and Country

2010-03-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

We live in the country. In the country, there are two kinds of cats. House cats, or as I think of them, town cats. Town cats, you actually acquire intentionally. Our town cat is Scrooge. We paid money for him. We, well ok, I wanted him. Went to a shelter. Sought him out. He is a magnificent, regal beast.

He will not eat people food. He looks at our food like it’s poison. He turns his nose up at it and clearly believes we are disgusting creatures who know no better than to eat that STUFF.

Then there are the “barn” cats. The country cats, we’ll call them. Country cats are not “acquired”. They just show up and never leave. They are not allowed in the house, because however cute they may be…I did NOT seek them out. Our country cats are named Pi ~ short for Piwacket, named by my father, and Uncle Puffy. Contrary to how it may look, Scrooge did not father Pi.

Scrooge is incapable of fathering anything. He was acquired, remember, acquired cats have regular vet visits and get neutered. I’m sure Scrooge also looks down his nose at Pi and Uncle Puffy for having balls, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, I must confess, Uncle Puffy and Pi do NOT get vet visits. They are not neutered. I feel strong armed into caring for them and refuse to treat them as though they were intentional. Despite the fact that I actually do acknowledge that they have value. I live in farm country, you see. The fact that I have never had a mouse in my home is a testament to their prowess. Because, TRUST ME, it is not a testament to Scrooge. Scrooge is old and far above silly pursuits like chasing mice. So, my gesture of appreciation to the country cats is this…rather than throw our leftovers away, I let the country cats have them.

I was thinking this morning as I cleaned out the fridge, our country cats are either very spoiled, or very abused. Depending on your viewpoint, I guess. I offered up made from scratch fettucine alfredo, some provolone cheese that had mold on the edge and taco meat. Pi is no dummy…he dug straight past the cheese and the taco meat and went for the alfredo, which I had indulgently warmed up for him.

Meanwhile, Marley tried to look like she wasn’t interested.

But, she and I both know if I had turned my back for even a second she would have chased the cat away and devoured every bite of the gooey cheesy deliciousness. Marley hates the country cats.

Bon Appetit, Pi.

I love you all!

You Know…

2010-02-28T09:23:00.003-05:00

It is time to move south when your sweet, homebound, stir-crazy, cabin-fevered baby boy puts a plow on his remote control truck.

I can’t decide whether to laugh or cry.

Either way, how’s that for ingenuity?

I love you all!

Frosty the Snowpile

2010-02-26T16:43:00.001-05:00

Much to my surprise the kids had a snow day today. I didn’t even know we had snow coming. Between working this week and taking care of the kids my news-watchin time has suffered severely. For that matter, so has my laundry-doin time and my house-cleanin time. I had planned to work today as well, and can’t say I was entirely devastated to get the dreaded call from the school. Last night, I was so tired I told Sam to put himself to bed at 9:30pm and at 8:30pm I WENT TO BED!! And let me tell you, I was out. Post haste. The 2-hr delay call was just my opportunity to reset the alarm clock for later…the cancellation call, my excuse to slap that sucker off altogether! I slept around the clock. Literally, did not get up until 8:30am this morning. And MAN did I feel better. So today I’ve been buzzing around the house getting things done. Things ya let slip when you work all day and take care of kids all evening. Well, ok, so I don’t actually work all day. Well, maybe not even close to all day…5 hours, but in my defense…the only time I’m not at work the kids are here. And who can get anything productive done with them around???? Not me! Not usually.

Today, in the interest of getting some things accomplished around here, I totally bought into the bribery card. I told them if they would clean the basement and their bedrooms I’d let them each get a $5 toy at Walmart tomorrow. Ya know what? I’m thinkin right now that it was worth EVERY penny. I got the house clean, they did a great job cleaning the basement and their rooms and I have most of my laundry done. It’s been a very productive day. Which brings me to Frosty. Frosty, the flaccid, Frosty, the pathetic, Frosty, who made Maggie cry.

With the house clean and smelling like fabric softener and the chicken and dumplings I was simmering on the stove, Maggie and Liam decided to go outside and make a snowman.

One problem…or 3 problems.

1.it’s SUPER cold out there today.And Liam is no help at all. There he goes eating the snow again.

2. The snow is NOT packing. Not unless you get it wet…hmmm? Is that what Liam was doing?

3. The snow is blowing and drifting all over the place.

These things combined, would not allow Maggie to get a snowman together. Not even with Liam licking the snow to make it pack. No, I don’t really know that he was attempting to make it pack, but I’d like to convince myself that he had some perfectly reasonable, rational, GOOD reason, for whatever it was he was doing.

Undaunted, Maggie worked on. Her result? Frosty, the snowpile.

That’s my girl, she’s no quitter!!

I love you all!!

A Ghostly Morn

2010-02-24T07:39:00.001-05:00

This morning I woke up to snow. No big surprise there, eh? But, as the morning progressed and things began to lighten up an eerie fog glided in from the south.

It was the strangest thing…like a ghost moving north. There’s a house and garage in clear view behind this tree normally…only about 150 yards past it actually.

It was kind of pretty, as a matter of fact.

I was pleased that the picture I took effectively captured the strangeness of the fog. It was striped…laying in layers. This is what photography is all about. Capturing a moment in all it’s mystery.

Love you all.

Somebody REALLY Loves Me!

2010-02-22T08:47:00.001-05:00

I got super spoiled for Valentines Day this year. One of the advantages of having a husband who works in another state and misses you desperately I guess. And there SHOULD be advantages, darnit. Lord knows there are plenty of DISadvantages. But, I won’t get into all that now! Cause this post is a thank you of sorts. And a brag session of sorts.

My honey, he knows the way to my heart. Fortunately, for him and the kids the way to my heart is through my kitchen. The way to their hearts is through their stomachs. See how we foil each other perfectly?

Chefs Catalog, they are starting to love me…

So is Penzey’s Spices…and that addiction is ALL your fault Anne Schley!! I bought kosher salt from Penzeys recently and it’s one of my new passions.

The only problem with my new passion is that flake salt will NOT sprinkle out of a standard salt shaker. And I’ve wanted a good peppermill for YEARS. Ever since I threw my old one out as a matter fact. It was one of those items I registered for when we got married then never used because I just didn’t really GET IT. I registered for it because it was pretty…not because I understood that there is no comparison between store bought ground pepper and fresh ground peppercorns. I am now a complete pepper snob. I will never buy the store stuff again! Consequently, I needed, yes NEEDED, a peppermill. So my honey bought me these beauties.

Not to mention the 14” calphalon saute pan.

There may also have been a 6-pack of Reese’s Hearts (not pictured). I can’t recall what happened to them. I couldn’t possibly have eaten all 6 of them in 2 days though.

Thanks honey! For all my Valentine Goodies…You’re the most indulgent husband I’ve ever had!

I love you all!

You Gotta Problem?

2010-02-19T17:54:00.002-05:00

Who me?? No problem here. The sun is shining. When the sun shines in Ohio in February all is right with the world. Well, as right as it can be in Ohio.
It’s great lighting to work a puzzle by. If you can get to it.

Buzz off! Can’t you see I’m tryin to sleep here??

Guess I’ll work on it later. By lamplight…

Love you all!

Conquering Mt Garrett

2010-02-16T17:47:00.001-05:00

God Bless Aaron Smith and his brother. Brother Smith we’ll call him. Cause I don’t know his name. What I do know is that I am indebted. All this snow was in my driveway.

And so was all this snow.

And all of this snow.

I would have been here til June waiting for it all to melt. Who am I kidding. I’m only here til June regardless!

At least someone is enjoying the snow.

The kids are lovin’ it! No school. And a winter wonderland to play in.

Just be glad that wherever you are…it’s not HERE!!

Love you all!

It Ain’t ALL Pretty…

2010-02-16T13:21:00.001-05:00

I know ya’ll are tired of hearing it…but believe you me…I’d rather not have any complaints right now!!! It is STILL snowing. Like it will never stop. So, Jon and I decided this morning to start getting the house ready to sell. That is IT! I am DONE!! We are SELLING!!!

I have a lovely stone bench under this apple tree. I do, really. Promise.

There are actually 5 steps that come down from the sliding glass door. Really, I promise.

Sure hope this little shed is built for that much snow. Well, for the sake of whoever buys this house in God forsaken Ohio…if it collapses it makes no matter to me. I’m selling!!

I can’t take much more…but I’ll have to. It is currently still snowing and we have another storm bearing down on us. We are only 4 inches short of the snowiest February on record in Ohio. We’re going to hit it. No problem. Or BIG problem depending on whether you’re stuck in it or not!!!

Break out the spring flowers North/South Carolina…I’m packin’!

Love you all!

Hate the snow!!

God Forsaken Ohio

2010-02-15T17:07:00.001-05:00

That is where I live.

I really have had enough of the snow. Really, truly.

Early this afternoon, we took Jon to the airport and dropped him off. We had approximately 8 inches of snow bearing down on us and he thought he’d rather wait at the airport than have us out on the roads during the heaviest part of the snowfall. That plan backfired on us in a number of ways. The most quickly obvious was that we did NOT beat the snow.

It started in heavily as we were on our way to Columbus and did not stop or slow down in the least all the way there or back. I have the luxury of being a housewife. So, I rarely venture out of the house when we have big snowfalls. No need to. Honestly, therefore, I cannot remember the last time I had to go out and drive on snow. Well, I mean snow like that. The kind where 4 inches falls in 2 hours. The kind of snowfall in which the road is completely covered 5 minutes after the road warriors have plowed. Add to the snow on the roads quarter mile visibility. The snow was falling that hard and fast. AND my windshield wipers kept freezing up. For a good 30 miles on the way back I had to slouch to peer through a 2 inch strip of clean windshield. It got so bad that I had to navigate to the berm (which had not been plowed AT ALL) to clean off my wipers. I pulled over on I-71 near 36…and let me tell you…God was with me. Less than an hour after I stopped there there was a HUGE accident near there. According to CBS news (local) there are dozens of cars involved. I believe the accident is on southbound and I was on northbound ~ so my point is the roads…they are BAD.

But, that is not enough. It’s not that easy. About 40 minutes into our nearly 2 hour trip home, the text messages started coming from Jon. His flight was delayed…the runways were temporarily closed…talk of shutting down the airport…and finally, his flight was cancelled. What is a good wife to do???

I’ll never know if I made the right call or not…but I continued home with my precious cargo. I was close to home and scared and stressed out and I’d been driving for 25 miles an hour for, well, for an hour. I debated dropping the kids off somewhere and going after him…briefly. In the end, I decided I’m of more use to all of them alive than dead and dead is a distinct possibility on those roads. Then, I told him to get a hotel room near the airport if he could find transportation. They did have something running snowbound passengers to local hotels. So, that is where my honey is right now. At some seedy hotel near Port Columbus. He’s been rescheduled to a flight tomorrow at 11:20 am. Frankly, I have serious doubts about that flight making it out too. And I’ve already given up ANY hope the kids will have school tomorrow.

If it doesn’t stop snowing soon, like really soon, I am going to cry. Cry and blubber and flip my finger over my lips like a babbling crazy person. You would think God is trying to chase me out of Ohio or something.

For every pretty picture, there’s a road that can’t be traversed.

Or even seen for that matter.

And I’m not feelin’ the love right now!

Except for you all, of course.

My Honey Is Home (and other stuff)

2010-02-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

After a 150 minute delay, due to inclement weather, USAir finally saw fit to deliver my man into my arms last night. Well, into my van anyway. I cannot remember the last time I was so happy to see my husband. It had been 3 weeks!!! That is a long time! The first thing we did when we got home was celebrate his birthday. His birthday was actually Thursday, but we didn’t get to see him then…so we waited…and made up for it on Friday!

I got him an MP3 player. Which I loaded our song on. Which I thought was a nice little “Valentine’s Day” touch. The kids got him Halo, for the computer…a greatest hits Lynard Skynard cd and a wall charger. He seemed to really like all his gifts and of course, all the fuss. My honey is ALL about the fuss on his birthday!

And THIS…

This is a dadgum shame and I know it. You can’t see me, but I’m hanging my head in shame.

Today, was Liam’s first basketball game. I have one word for you, well more than one…the one is B-O-R-I-N-G!!! The other words would be…is it almost baseball season yet???

You can’t tell it by looking outside right now, but it is! I signed Liam up today!!! The light around the court-ner.

I have some misgivings about signing the boys up this year. I’m afraid we won’t be here…or worse we will be stuck here because they are playing baseball. But, both boys LOVE playing and I cannot with hold that fun from them or ask them to put their lives on hold. So, we’re going ahead.

Liam signed up with Highland again, hopefully sticking with the same coaching team he had last year. Sam wants to play for Marengo this year.

My best news today is this…

Motivated by my embarrassment to be seen with him at Liam’s game this morning, we took Sam for a haircut!

I love you all!!

Sam Vs. The World

2010-02-08T15:36:00.001-05:00

Sam shared his world with me this afternoon. And I was struck with how small it really is. After school today he asked if he could play Wii in the living room. I begrudgingly told him he had 30 minutes. And that whatever he played had better entertain me. He did not disappoint! Of course, I also told him he needs to get his arse off my table. That apparently went unheard.

He has renewed his love affair with his Wii since we got wireless internet. And I can certainly see why. I told him 30 minutes about an hour ago and I have yet to put my foot down. I am endlessly entertained. Cheering him on as he faces players from all over the world. Literally all over the world. That is just amazing to me. I grew up watching my brothers play mario. Let me tell you something…it’s a whole new world on the game scene. Most of you probably already KNEW this! But, I live in a bubble.

So, I am somewhat in awe of the genius involved behind the scenes of my son sitting in our living room racing against mimi. Mimi showed on the map somewhere in northern Europe. It didn’t show us where fabian bon was…but my imagination puts them near the Eiffel Tower. Bonjour Fabian, shall we race??

I mean really. How cool is that? And poor cook, God bless her soul. I don’t know where or who she is, but Sam didn’t like her a bit this afternoon. How funny is it when Sam yells, “COOK ~ I just recently hate her” when she beats him for the second time in a row.

Yes, his 30 minutes is up. I most likely should make him go do his homework. Instead, I think I will cheer him on to victory in this small, small, very small world he lives in!

I love you all!

Colder Than a Witch’s Teat

2010-02-08T08:50:00.001-05:00

That is how cold it is outside this morning. Being my brilliant self, I decided I had to go out and get some pictures of it. In my pj’s and crocs.

Yes, I am wearing no socks. Hey, I’m an Ohio girl. We Ohio girls have really thick blood. And hides. And hineys.

I was actually quite disappointed with the pictures. They do not adequately capture the beauty of this bitterly cold morn. And when I say bitterly cold, I ain’t jokin’. –2 degrees. That was the temperature when I headed out. In my pjs and crocs.

Pi, our “barn” cat didn’t have the sense to head to said barn. When we emerged, he was covered in frost. Inbreeding.

There was a thick hoar frost on all the trees. I’m going to have to do some research…cause I just didn’t get it. I think maybe there wasn’t enough light yet.

So, sadly, I cannot truly share with you how gorgeous really cold can be.

And gorgeous it was. Gorgeous enough to entice me out in my pjs and crocs. With no socks.

You can see the frost on the trees in the background on this pic. Still, disappointing though.

Oh well. I will keep working on it. I may have to put some clothes on first. And socks.

Love you all!

My Bad Night

2010-02-06T14:52:00.001-05:00

Did you ever see the movie The Little Rascals? I love that movie. I thought of it last night…one line in particular. The line where Alfalfa says, “and the clouds opened up and God said, “I hate you Alfalfa”.” That is how I felt last night.

We had a doozy of a snow storm hit yesterday afternoon and evening. The kids got out of school early. Liam already had plans to spend the night with a friend, and we didn’t cancel it. I had some serious doubts but spoke with the other mother and relented. They have a 4wheel drive truck and she had no concerns about getting him home. Plus, I knew if I cancelled it he would be totally ticked off at me!! So, Mags and Sam were home early and I thought it would be a really cozy weekend.

It had started so well you see…I was baking cookies, I got flowers from my husband.

All was right with the world. Things started going bad around 4pm. I called to order pizza for supper. Kelly’s pizza, because Jon doesn’t like Kelly’s…and the kids and I DO. But, I called and there was no answer. Didn’t surprise me really. The roads were pretty bad and I felt kinda crappy about asking her to deliver anyway, so I shrugged my shoulders, decided it wasn’t meant to be and started on some crust to make homemade. I’ve been attempting to perfect homemade pizza for years and we have a pretty good thing going at this point. So, while things were not going as planned, I was not yet ruffled. That didn’t happen until we were eating and I suddenly realized the furnace was idling. Like in the warm up phase…only it just kept doing that and doing that and doing that. Never kicking on. So, me being me, I freaked the heck out. Started melting down, turned off the furnace. Having visions of the kids and I passing out from CO poisoning. Going to bed and never waking up. I know, I have issues. I called Jon and wigged out on him, poor guy. He called Alum Creek H&C. Then they called me. Long story short…i turned off the furnace, cranked up the propane heaters in the basement and went to bed. Half expecting to never wake up. I know, you think I’m joking, but I seriously do have issues. Y’all know it’s true.

This morning the guy from Alum Creek came out and got the furnace running. Snow is clogging the fresh air pipe from outside (on the roof of course), so he told me to leave the panel off so it could pull fresh air from the house. Which looks like this:

See all those little jets of fire? He figures I should leave it open like this for a week or so. Are you kidding me??? No? Please? I am consumed with paranoia I tell you. A total freak, I am.

Despite all that…today is a good day. We have heat, I have chili in the crock pot and the kids have given me 2 minutes of peace while they played in the snow twice!

And hey! Guess what? When the snow finally stopped…the sun came out!! Isn’t that how it always happens? Love you all!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2010-02-05T09:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my daddy!! Hope you have a great day! Love you!!

My Silly Boy

2010-02-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

Have I ever told you I’m a firm believer in co-sleeping? Well. I was when my kids were babies anyhoo. Sam slept with me until he was almost 3. Maggie was a bit different. She never wanted to sleep with Jon and I. Too much like her mother I guess. She wants her space, spread eagle, every little bit of her space. On my part it was pure laziness. I nursed the kids, all three of them. Yes, my breasts are a sad testimony to this fact. It was just so much easier to have them right there with me when they got hungry. Breast feeding was one of the best things I ever did, or the three best. I firmly believe it births and nurtures an unbreakable bond between mother and child that is exquisitely beautiful in it’s intimacy. I also firmly believe it absolutely destroys your breasts. But, in the end it’s worth the cost. I think. Maybe. Co-sleeping, on the other hand? Well, co-sleeping, not so much.

You see, it ruined my middle child for life. To this day, he does not like to sleep alone. He begs to sleep with Sam, with Maggie, with the dog, ANYBODY. He will happily sleep with anyone aside from himself. He hates to sleep alone. Since Jon has been working in Charlotte, Liam has slept with me every night. Last night, when I went to bed, this is what I found.

Somehow, the boy fell asleep with his flashlight laying on his face. He was pretty out. He didn’t wake when I took the picture. Or when I took the flashlight. Ain’t he sweet? My little snuggle bunny.

Love you all!

10 Things That Make Me Happy :^)

2010-02-01T15:10:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I apparently have been “tagged”. Once tagged, the tagee must post 10 things that make them happy. Now I think we all know some of them (ie Jesus, my hubby and kids, yada yada yada). Therefore, I am NOT going to name them. I am going to attempt to come up with ten things besides them. I’m a crotchety ole biddy, so this may be difficult, but here it goes:

1. Sunshine ~ sunshine always makes me happy (unless I am trying to take a nap, in which case it annoys me).

2. The mountains ~ something about the mountains brings peace and joy to my cluttered, befuddled mind.

3. My camera ~ i know, it’s just a thing, but it gives me joy. Capturing a second in time is fun, especially if you can do it with style!

4. The Beach ~ the beach usually combines family and sun, you just cannot go wrong with that. Well, ok, you can…but lets not get into all that!

5. Birdsong ~ You hear very little in the winter. In the spring, in Ohio, when I begin hearing the song birds it lifts my heart.

6. The Ohio State Fair ~ My whole life I have spent approximately 11 months of every year looking forward to the Ohio State Fair. The butter cow, the ag building, the baby pigs, the smells (some good, some not) the FOOD!!! Oooooh, I love it! And if we move to SC or NC I will have to come up every few years to go. I don’t think I could just give it up cold turkey!

7. Christmas ~ You all know I am a Christmas freak. The trees and decorations. The cookies and the gifts. I love, love, love Christmas!

8. Worship ~ Sometimes at church, sometimes in the car. Every once in awhile, you have one of those moments where you are suddenly, deeply in awe of God and the wonders of his creation. These moments always leave me happy and are usually a pleasant surprise as they tend to happen randomly.

9. Butter ~ you know it. I have an issue, a butter addiction if you will. I love butter, love cooking with it, baking with it, just slathering it on a piece of bread. It’s good stuff, what can I say. One of these days I’m going to try to drag that butter cow home with me!

10. John Denver ~ a few tunes by John lift my spirits no matter what. If there is someone out there who can listen to Grandma’s Feather Bed and not crack a smile, I’d like to see it!

Wow, I should have stuck to the obvious. That was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but, it did make me smile roughly 10 times! \

I love you all!

We’re Puzzled

2010-01-30T17:46:00.001-05:00

This morning Mags and Liam had lofty ambitions. They had found an old 1000 piece puzzle moldering in sawdust down in the basement and they were going to put it together. That ambition lasted about as long as it took for them to pull all of the pieces out of the boxes. They were defeated before they began.

Which got me to thinkin’ about lofty ambitions…and the like. I’ve always been easily discouraged by seemingly BIG tasks. It’s so much less daunting to bite off small pieces. But I also want them to learn the impossibly hard lesson: delayed gratification. Ack!!! Delayed gratification is the bane of our existence! Isn’t it? Waiting? It’s awful, torturous stuff! It’s how God toys with me when he’s bored…not that He ever gets bored. He’s phenomenally busy. I get that. But, every once in awhile I wonder if God’s sense of humor runs along the same lines as my own sense of humor. Wouldn’t that be scary and slightly disheartening? Do you think he laughs when we fall down? I know I sure do. I’m thinkin’ he’s a better person than I…but still…sometimes I picture him in a heavenly recliner eating popcorn and laughing ( not in a malicious way of course) while I squirm and try desperately, in vain to be the one in control of my life.

All of that long winded mess was meant to work this thread around to my solution to the puzzle dilemma. They wanted to solve a puzzle, remember? We had to make a Wal-Mart run anyway. Because, naturally, we found out last night that Liam needed black gym shorts for his basketball pics today. I got Mags a 100 piece puzzle and Liam a 250 piece.

They have been working on them here and there all day. I’ve told them that puzzles aren’t meant to be done in 5 minutes. Or even 15 minutes. Not everything has to be done right away. Some things are worth savoring, and puzzling over.

And it makes finishing so much sweeter!

I love you all!

PURGE!!!

2010-01-26T13:44:00.002-05:00

I have decided purging is an acquired skill. Like golfing, or writing… you must practice. Preferably repeatedly. I am a master “purger”. After careful thought, I’ve concluded that my ability to throw things away comes from having moved 237 times in my short life. Well, ok, possibly not 237 but a lot!! And we are NOT going to even get into the "my short life" aspect. It's kinda short. Maybe. A little...Moving on!

The Evidence: Born: Illinois moved to Columbus (apt), from apt to house, still Columbus. Columbus to Gastonia, Gastonia to Lincolnton, Lincolnton to Westerville (to house, to apartment to house again). Then comes marriage, move from Westerville to Urbana.

Aside: Eww, don’t ever move to Urbana. Urbana has absolutely nothing going for it. I mean no offense to anyone who may actually live and love there. But, I gotta tell ya, Urbana did NOTHING for me.

From Urbana (thank GOD) to Cardington. Granted, I did not have to do the actual packing for several of those moves. But, trust me, I did enough of the packing to be real darn good at it.

The Conclusion: I swore that when I moved into this house I would NEVER move again. Enough is enough. How many times can one person box up their life and shift it??

I guess, potentially once more…so, I find myself going room to room. Cupboard to cupboard. Holding items up thinking : “Would you move it??” And then inevitably throwing it in a box for the Salvation Army. When it comes to moving, I am a minimalist. The Salvation Army is going to make out big in this situation, whether we actually end up moving or not. Because my “purge”/nesting instinct is now in full effect. And I just have to ask you…

Why have I been keeping this for 7 years??? I thought it was so that if I ever needed a chip basket on Easter it would be perfect!! Nevermind that we are always out of town on Easter. It’s a specialty item, right? What if I need it and don’t have it?

GONE!!

And this…

is just a shame. Half of it is gone now too.

And WHY????

did I have so many little medicine cups??? You would think they are worth their weight in gold the way I have clung to them. Hoarding them in every drawer in the kitchen. But, no more…I got rid of all but two of them.

I figure in the end, if nothing else is accomplished and we don’t move…

My home will be pristine and completely clear of clutter! And that is a good thing!

I love you all!!

Home is Where The Heart Is

2010-01-23T16:51:00.001-05:00

You will never guess what I’ve been up to this week. I won’t string you along. I’ll spill it…I’m virtual house hunting. Jon has been hunting down permanent job leads in both Columbus and Charlotte…there’s one big problem. There aren’t any jobs in Columbus. Nada. Nuffing. He has a couple possibilities already in Charlotte. Apparently, the job market is stronger there. So, I am in a very interesting position. You see, if I’m completely forthcoming…I would LOVE to live near Charlotte. After all, my family is there. And it’s warmer there. And occasionally in the winter, the sun makes an appearance there. What is not to love about that??

Well…Jon’s family is NOT there. Despite all the in-law cliches, I love my in-laws. They are awesome!! And of course there’s Mason. Mason, however is a teenager now and comes to spend the weekend with us roughly quarterly. We could fly him down as often as he wants to see us. All our friends, DEAR FRIENDS, beloved friends, are NOT there. We have put a lot of intentional effort into rooting ourselves in this wonderful, tight knit community. THAT is what is NOT to love.

So, in the back of my mind…I’ve always fantasized about living in North Carolina again. Daydreamed about sunny 70 degree days in February. It seemed to be just that. A fantasy. I never seriously considered moving. Moving the kids away from their friends and school. Moving all of my SCHTUFF in boxes. And boxes. And boxes.

And boxes. Did I mention I’ve moved quite a few times in my life? And that i HATE MOVING!?!?!?! And boxes.

So, in the true spirit of His contrary, omniscient nature…God has landed us here. In this place where I feel that I need to start browsing the internet for a new home. Close to Charlotte.

In a way, I’m exited. Unfortunately, at the same time I’m terribly anxious. And apprehensive. And relieved. Relieved because one of the reasons I never considered moving…I didn’t want everyone to blame me for it. I always knew if we moved to NC (or SC as we are now considering) it would be solely because I wanted to live there. So I never asked…not seriously. I didn’t want my WANT to be the ONLY reason we uprooted our family. It’s too much to ask and I know that. Now, if we do ultimately move south…it will be because that is where Jon could find a job. I can be happy and excited because it’s not me, selfishly asking my family to give up their lives so I can live in the sun, near my daddy and my mommy ;). It’s what we need to do, not what we want to do.

In light of all that…I found THE house. The perfect house. Location ~ awesome, house ~ awesome, proximity to Charlotte ~ awesome. And it only needs minimal work to be everything I want in a home ~ namely red paint in the kitchen.

This is the house:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/545-Canopy_Clover_SC_29710_1115275984

Please pray with me that if this is God’s will for us everything goes smoothly. And we KNOW that it’s God’s will for us. And that this house will still be for sale! ;)

Love you all!

Good Comfort Grub

2010-01-21T18:16:00.001-05:00

We are slowly settling into a routine here without our rock. I say slowly because time seems to crawl with Jon gone. The last 3 days are the longest 3 days I can remember in ages.

I’m getting everything done ok…but I am kinda in a funk. Like I’m just going thru the motions. Constantly praying for patience ;). Which is being answered…because I haven’t so much as yelled at the kids yet! I know, amazing, huh? That is partially due to the fact that they are all still eager to be helpful. I’m enjoying this phenom while it lasts…I don’t imagine it will last long!

The webcams have been a HUGE blessing!! Jon talks to the kids every morning while they eat their breakfast and every evening before they go to bed. The drawback to the webcams: Jon knows I have only done my hair one day since he left. It’s just more effort than I can convince myself to make to get dolled up for a teleconference! Hardly conducive to making him miss me!

I’m sharing a link to a recipe today:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/soups/chicken-and-dumplings-2/?nr

I made these Chicken and Dumplings for supper tonight and a miracle occured. ALL THREE KIDS LIKED IT!! Not a single one complained or bulked. No one left the table hungry refusing to eat what I’d prepared. In our house, that is an unparalleled success!!!

I love you all!

One BIG Dog

2010-01-20T08:39:00.001-05:00

After years of wondering, waiting, anticipating even! Last weekend, we were finally introduced to the most vicious dog known to mankind.

NOT!! Despite their best efforts to instill fear, we were eager to meet Jeb at long last. Now, I know my daddy don’t lie. So, I’m sure that at some point this sweet puppy has done SOMETHING to deserve his formidable reputation. But I gotta tell ya. The Jeb I MET was a jem!!

He was initially muzzled, just in case. Can’t you see how Mags fears him?? And him being the ferocious monster that he is…he took everything the kids dished out.

He was very attentive, but don’t fear…he didn’t want to eat Mags.

He adored them, they were a veritable fountain of milkbones. Never let it be said that Jeb doesn’t know which side HIS bread is buttered on. Milkbone suppliers are to be tolerated, loved even.

And played with! They played keep the tennis ball away from the grubby kids for ages. Round and round, under and behind they chased him, teasing him that they were going to take away his tennis ball if they caught him.

Mags was completely taken in…she is in LOVE. We tried to smuggle him into the van when we left…but Dad and Anne were wise to us…so long, Jeb. We miss you, you vicious thing you!!

Love you all!!

If They Can Build It…

2010-01-19T13:25:00.001-05:00

…they will come!! Over the weekend we went to the mall / Build-A-Bear Workshop to use the gift cards the kids received, ahem, for Halloween. Yes, we probably SHOULD have made it sooner. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. Fact is, we hadn’t and in typical God fashion…that was for the best! The kids agonized over which animal they wanted to build.

Did Maggie want the horse or the unicorn? Did Liam want a wolf pup or a camo bear? Ugh!

When they had finally made the BIG decision they waited patiently while this nice lady stuffed them. She was really great with the kids. I don’t recall her name…but all the staff at the Concord Mills Mall Build-A-Bear store were great!! They appeared to enjoy their jobs (whether they actually do or not).

After stuffing, the kids had to do the silly little dance with the heart they chose for their bear/horse.

Jon put the hearts in for them…a little token…a piece of his heart with them, while he’s gone.

It was very sweet…as you can see, Sam was nearly overcome.

It ain’t easy looking cool in Build-A-Bear workshop. But, he managed it like a pro. Then he took me for a new pair of shoes.

Love you all!!!

New Computers!

2010-01-13T16:55:00.001-05:00

In anticipation of Jon moving to Charlotte he and I went out and bought twinkie computers…with webcams of course. I am LOVING my new Dell Laptop and thought I’d share a few thoughts.

The webcam quality is not great, or possibly even good…but it will suffice. The thing I am most pleased with (aside from the sweet pink color) is Windows 7. I LOVE it!!! I never used Vista, we went from XP to 7…so I don’t know what we missed. I do know that from what I have heard Vista got a lot of bad press. Windows 7 is awesome though. I am extremely visceral and I love the look of it. In addition, it has so many nifty features that it may take me a year to figure it all out. I just found though that there is a blog writer feature built in. I’m using it to write this post and then I’ll see how it translates. It’s basically an editing program in which I can write my blog then send it to blogger, I guess. At least that’s how I think it works…so far so COOL!!

We decided to go with Dell because our desktop is a Dell and we’ve had real good luck with it overall. I will keep ya’ll posted as I familiarize myself with the computer on how it’s going. I may never go back to a desktop again though!

Love you all!

Surprise!!!

2010-01-12T21:38:00.001-05:00

Well, I think if you need to fear a Garrett invasion you've already been warned. We are headed south this weekend. Jon starts his new job in Charlotte on Monday and as luck would have it...the kids don't have school Monday. SSSOoooo...we are escorting him down. I feel the need to cluck around him and get everything settled. Cause he's a man, and therefore, however unfair it may be, I see him as incapable of settling in and making things homey and comfortable without my help. True, my mother is there, already nesting for him...so maybe it's a tiny bit self-serving. I mean, seriously, it's supposed to be like 60 degrees there this weekend. Hello? Wouldn't you go? AND...I get to see my family! We are going to see Mom and James, see Steve and Carolina's new house and go to church with them Sunday morning. And of course go see Dad and Anne. It's a lot to cram into 2 1/2 days, but I'm game. Love you all!!

Good News/Bad News

2010-01-12T07:15:00.000-05:00

I have good news...Jon has been offered and accepted a job. A job that pays just a bit more than the one he lost last year. I also have bad news...it's only for 6 months and it's in Charlotte, NC. It's going to be a very interesting 6 months...

Eat Snow!

2010-01-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

Ah Fruit of my Loins...WHAT are you doing??? I may never understand this boy. He has spent literally HOURS outside already today. He bundled up in longjohns, 3 sweatshirts, jeans, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pair of gloves, snowpants, a coat and a hat and trundled out the door. Gone for almost 3 hours. He has trekked from one side of the yard to the other countless times. In addition to attempting to shovel the driveway with a tonka bulldozer, build a snow fort and pulling out the wagon. At the wagon, Mags decided she'd go out and join him. She was sold on the wagon idea, obriously. He's her sled dog.

Then for some reason, unbeknownst to me, they decided to fill the wagon with snow. First with her in it. Then she got out to help.

Which only lasted a few moments before she too dove headfirst into the snow.

I strongly suspect they were eating it, without looking like they were eating it. I tell them all the time not to eat the snow. And they knew I was watching, snapping pictures. So they'd bury their faces in the snow and come up with snow around their mouths like a milk moustache and I'm sure had I yelled out "Quit eating that dirty snow" they would have said "We aren't eating it!"

They were quite the cute picture though. Believe it or not it's is snowing now too. We have lots and lots of the stuff! It's beautiful! And I suspect it is keeping things a touch warmer here than they are in the Carolinas! We'll call it insulation.

Love you all!!

Careful What You Wish For

2010-01-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I am on an emotional roller coaster as of right now. Jon has 2 jobs possibly on the table right now. Isn't that awesome? Just what we've been praying for since May huh? Well, not quite. One of them is a 6 month job in Charlotte, NC and the other is in Buffalo, NY. You've heard of backhanded compliments? I'm thinkin' this situation would be a "backhanded blessing". Either way, the pay would be more than he made at Chase. And we have to think about the bills, ya know? Or this one would be an easy NO from Jon. He's somewhat attached, in case you didn't know. I am not, not so much. One of the things I'm wondering is if he does this thing, will he grow more independant? Will I grow more dependant? How will it change the dynamics of our relationship? Or will it change them at all?
I also have to wonder, is it God's will for him to be away from his family? Is that why he gave him 8 months at home with us? Is it in God's plan for us to move away from here? I love it here. My kids love it here. My biggest concern is that these jobs are temporary. No future. So, in 6 months we're in the same situation we're in now. And if a future does develop? I suppose without too much heartache I would be willing to transplant my family to NC...after all, most of my family is already there! But Buffalo??? Aye aye aye. That's a much more difficult decision. And my poor kids are adamantly opposed to moving at all! This place is all they've ever known and they are happy here.
I don't know how it will affect Jon being that far away all the time ~ for that matter I don't know how it will affect ME! I know I can handle it. I have several friends who's husbands work in other states/places. If they can do it, so can I. But, I must admit, basketball and baseball seasons suddenly look very daunting! And how in the world will I sleep? We may have to get that German Shepard pronto. Maybe I could just borrow Jeb for 6 months. He would keep us safe!

Whew, I feel a little better just spewing...pray for us please. We need God's will to be very clear for us in this instance! Love you all!

Not Now Honey, Mommy's Obsessed

2010-01-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have a confession to make. I am spending WAY too much time on the computer. Maybe wireless high speed internet wasn't the best thing since sliced bread. For that matter, maybe sliced bread wasn't a good idea either? Hunks of bread work much better for soups and stews. But, I digress. Jon has me hooked on this really stupid game called Jewel Quest Heritage. It's a puzzle type game and it's stupid because I've been stuck on the same puzzle for 2 days. I'm a woman obsessed. I think I spent 22 1/2 hours playing it today. Well, Ok, not really. But a lot. A lot of time. It has to stop. It's now almost 10:30pm and I'm taking a break from it because I'm SO FRUSTRATED!! Jon and I are watching the Longhorns beat the Tide, well, I hope. Just like I always pull for the Big Ten team, I always pull against the SEC. And we are waiting and hoping for a snow day tomorrow. We are currently only under a level 1 emergency. I'm not sure a level 1 will suffice...we need a level 2 for a certain cancellation. So when I tucked Sam and Maggie into bed tonight (Jon tucks Liam in, he's a Daddy's boy) we added "snow day" to our prayer requests. Maybe if they're home I won't spend the whole day playing that STUPID game!!!!!! I love you all!

Prayers Please!

2010-01-06T23:23:00.001-05:00

We just found out yesterday that Jon's mom Kay has a lump in her breast. She has battled and beaten breast cancer before, a few years ago. The plan, according to my informant, is a double mastectomy. Please pray for her!!! We would be very pleased and gratified by a miraculous healing, but would happily accept the mastectomy being effective as well! Kay is a beautiful woman inside and out and the best mother in law I could ever have possibly dreamed of! We're not ready to let her go yet!!! SO...LOTS of prayers please!!!

Well Pooh!

2010-01-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

Bad start! Do over! It's Sunday, January 3rd and I still haven't worked out. My Christmas tree is still up and we didn't make it to church on the 1st Sunday of the New Year. I think I need a do over. You know what they say about good intentions. I've been horribly lazy this weekend. I'm just so tired...too much busy brought me low. On the bright side, I'm hoping that since I've been resting since New Years day I won't get sick. Every year, I get sick after the holidays...presumably because I get run down. So we'll just say that this year I'm attempting to preempt the illness ;)

Despite my poor, lazy beginning...this year I am going to work out more, and make it to church more and read my Bible more! I'm going to yell at my kids less ~ well...I'll try anyhow. I'm going to keep baking, but I'm going to eat less of it myself! I'm going to do better, more or less!

What are you going to do??

Love you all!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

Well, the holidays are over. I'm kind of torn...between sadness and exhaustion. On the one hand I hate for it to be over. On the other, I'm too tired for it to continue! The kids go back to school the day after tomorrow. I think I'm going to wait until then to take down the tree. Today was such a relief. We had no plans, no
obligations, nothiIrng to do, nowhere to go. I can't remember that last day like today! I laid on the couch all day in my pajamas. Alternately reading and snoring. It was terribly restful. Tomorrow, we have church and then it will be back to the grindstone.
Yesterday, we went to Jon's eldest brother Jim (and his wife Julie)'s house to watch/celebrate the Rose Bowl. That was awesome!! Go Bucks!!!!
Love you all and more to come soon. I just thought I'd do this while I sit on the couch watching Wheel of Fortune...

Happy Birthday Sam!!

2009-12-31T17:09:00.000-05:00

My baby boy is a teenager!

Sniff, sniff...I can handle it.

After all, it's not me getting older...it's him!

Can't hardle believe it's been 13 years though. I love you Samuel Montgomery, with all my heart!!

A Blue Ball...A Bowling Ball

2009-12-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

Mom and James invited us to go bowling today. Now mind you, I have not bowled since I was in Jr High and there's a good reason. I'm AWFUL at it!!

Yup, NO HOPE for this one!!

Regardless we had tons of fun!

Danielle and Nick joined us.

And would you check out the sheer force of will on that face!

Nick, I mean.

Then there was Sam.

Who managed to lose not just to his brother...

not just to his seven year old sister...

(who could only average 3mph on the ball)

but also to his GRANDMOTHER!!

Now to his credit, my family has NEVER been bowling before. And we gave Mags and Liam the gutter rails. Sam didn't do too bad considering. He even managed a STRIKE!

Then there's James...

The Turkey...dowt, denied. Not quite a turkey!!!!

Love you all!

A Fashion Trainwreck

2009-12-28T17:54:00.001-05:00

We had a little fashion competition on the day after Christmas Day...I just can't decide...

Who looked more ridiculous?

Corn, in his new skull clad bomber jacket?

Marley in her new windbreaker?

Or...

Mags, in her new red lip gloss, her new faux fur scarf and her new rubber galoshes?

Disclaimer: I was not responsible for the appearance of any of the above subjects.

Love you all!!

Gingerbread

2009-12-24T14:39:00.001-05:00

The kids decorated the gingerbread house Grandy & Pa got them today. Liam and Maggie wanted to have it ready so they could leave it for Santa tonight.

The thing definitely ended up looking like there were too many hands in the pot.

But, the kids had fun. And, hey I figure after today it's Santa's problem, right?

Now, the sugar buzz...THAT is my problem. Just what we need tonight of all nights...sigh.

I love you all!

Tracking Santa

2009-12-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

The tracking has begun...Santa recently left a city in Queensland. Maggie pulled out her world map to track him herself. Liam is dancing all over the living room, screaming "He's coming! He's coming!". Their approach to this is telling. And amusing to me!

Merry Christmas Eve! Love you all!

A Painful Coming of Age

2009-12-22T21:08:00.002-05:00

Well, painful for me anyhow. Sam is either craving parental face time or he's kissing up cause his birthday is coming. He asked to play Scrabble with me tonight. Man, playing games with Sam anymore is hilarious. He's such a smarta, ahem, aleck. I added "sea" to his word "men" and he laughed uproariously for half an hour. I explained several times that "seamen" was a word for sailors...but he claims since he's an adolescent it doesn't really matter how it's spelled. I guess. Then, he jokingly accused me of being racist for using the word "jew", but turned around and added an "s" to it on his next turn. He's a hoot I tell ya.

Now, his dad is teaching him the life skill of poker. (Sigh) My baby is growing up.

During supper, he and I started arguing about something and Jon told Sam to give up because I'd never allow the argument to end with me wrong. Sam turned to him and said, "Yes, but I'm her son. I can't be wrong either!" He proceeded to convince me he was right. Yes, Virginia, I have created a monster!

I love you all!

My Bad

2009-12-22T10:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had one heck of a headache.

You see, that's what happens when you spend the night clenching your teeth in your sleep due to stress. Clenching your teeth for nothing.

Sunday, when we arrived home from the Garrett family Christmas, Jon being the stand up guy that he is, started the dishwasher. Now, for starters, I would like to mention, that countless times I have pressed start and walked out the door to do whatever needed done. Why Jon didn't do that? What can I say, it's a God thing. I personally, ingnorantly, preferred not to be here while it ran. It's noisy. So, my ever helpful husband put the dishwasher liquid in and started it and 15 minutes later we had bubbles, bubbles everywhere.

I was freaked out! Much as I would love to have all matching appliances...Jon still hasn't found a job. We could have replaced it easily. We have enough in savings to buy a new dishwasher, no sweat...but...Jon still hasn't found a job. Not for a lack of trying mind you...no one is hiring. Out here, even Walmart laid off their seasonal help after one week. We stand in the lines that prove it. But, I digress, the point is their are no jobs to had right now, so we need to preserve our savings...not buy a pretty new black dishwasher. You all know how I like shiny new things, how I loathe saying no to nice things...but even I said no. Jon and I discussed it and decided (gasp) we would do dishes by hand until he found a job. Which Liam thought was very cool. He said, "MOM, Will we have to do dishes like in the olden days?"

So, I pulled ALL the dishes out and Liam and I washed them. Then, I whined on facebook about my fate.

God Bless Julie Prince...who said, hers always looked like that when her husband put the wrong cleaner in it.Now, being the insufferable domestic diva that I am, how do you suppose I reacted to that???

Yup, you guessed it, I grilled my poor husband. The unfortunate good hearted soul who was only trying to help. Who, in the end I had questioning himself! "I don't know hon, maybe I squirted it into the receptacle to hard and that made it sud?"

Jon, I'm sorry. I love you and I appreciate your help around here and I confess before you all now...

Upon closer investigation...well, it was kinda...my fault. I had put a mostly empty hand soap dispenser on the top rack. And, well... you know. It kinda suddsed up.
After figuring out that it was, ahem, my fault, I ran the dishwasher empty and once it was rinsed out it was fine!!! Yay!! Poor Liam, he'll have to get dishpan hands later in life.

I love you all!

That Face

2009-12-21T19:38:00.001-05:00

The kids could hardly contain their excitement for a week and (poof) just like that, it's over.

Yesterday, we had Christmas with the Garrett clan.

We had a wonderful time.

Relaxing.

Hanging out with family. Which can be both pleasant and occasionally...

scary.

Some of whom we only see once a year (sigh).

And, of course...

opening presents!!

Look at that face. That face is what it's all about. That face is why we stress and spend too much. That face is why we fret and anticipate and giggle when they open their gifts. We grown ups do all of it in the hopes of seeing that face.

Merry Christmas everyone! We love you all!

Dreaming Of A White Christmas

2009-12-19T15:50:00.001-05:00

We managed to get some snow out of the "big" storm...only a few inches and Liam is busily putting them to good use.

He is working on a snow fort now...

He has already built 3 snowmen. Last time I looked out he had dismantled one of them to add the snow to the fort. We just didn't get enough for him to build everything. He comes in once an hour to eat, drink hot cocoa and thaw out a little. We've seen relatively little of him today.

Meanwhile, all the christmas lights are on in the house.

I have cheese soup simmering in the crock pot.

It's so cozy. These are the days!

Love you all!