tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71641926413151028142024-03-05T19:10:49.597-06:00QuiteContraryQuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-63516969680165014522010-11-25T07:51:00.002-06:002010-11-25T08:23:00.970-06:00I am so ready for overwhelmed to stop being my understatement!A friend of mine posted that on her fb several weeks ago and I just keep thinking of how perfectly she hit the nail on the head! I have never been so mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. A room full of 6 and 7 year olds can take a toll on an out of shape woman my age! <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I am loving it, there is just so much to do and not nearly enough hours in a day, days in a week, or weeks in a year to get it all done in. Then to come home and muster up more energy to help with homework, grocery shop, cook, clean up, do some laundry, rush off to soccer and swim practice, pay too many bills with too little money, take care of the critters, deck the halls...you get the point. <br /><br />This was a marathon that I was not adequately trained to run so I am building my stamina the hard way. So far the cost has been losing "me time" completely, losing my patience on most days, and by far the biggest cost has been losing my sense of humor. I am missing it and could get through this learning curve of life much easier if I had it back. Any information on it's whereabouts would be greatly appreciated. Even tips on where to start looking for it are welcome.<br /><br />It <em>is</em> Thanksgiving and I <em>do</em> have plenty to be thankful for...my family {even when they drive me nuts}, my job {even when it sucks me dry}, financial stability {even when there is not a dime left over at the end of the month}, my friends {even when our lives get so busy we don't see or talk to each other for weeks}, and my Saviour {even though I continually fall short of who and what he wants me to be}. <br /><br />I know I won't be so overwhelmed forever - at least not by the same things that are leaving me feeling so overwhelmed right now. So onward I go, up and out of this chair to make cakeballs to take for Thanksgiving dessert (yeah, I know it's not pumpkin pie, but the in-laws are choco-holics and this was the request) I wish you both - I think I might have two readers who stop by - a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-16078896215510909652010-04-18T09:14:00.002-05:002010-04-18T09:45:44.657-05:00I found this on another blog and loved it so I thought I would share . . . <br /><br />If I were a month I’d be April<br /><br />If I were a day I’d be Saturday<br /><br />If I were a time of day I’d be 7am<br /><br />If I were a font I’d be Harrington<br /><br />If I were a sea animal I’d be a dolphin<br /><br />If I were a direction I’d be South<br /><br />If I were a piece of furniture I’d be an hammock<br /><br />If I were a liquid I’d be water<br /><br />If I were a gemstone I’d be a sapphire<br /><br />If I were a tree I’d be a live oak<br /><br />If I were a tool I’d be a paint brush<br /><br />If I were a flower I’d be a pincushion flower<br /><br />If I were an element of weather I’d be sun<br /><br />If I were a musical instrument I’d be a piano<br /><br />If I were a color I’d be blue<br /><br />If I were an emotion I’d be content<br /><br />If I were a fruit I’d be a canteloupe<br /><br />If I were a sound I’d be laughter<br /><br />If I were an element I’d be silver<br /><br />If I were a car I’d be a '47 Buick Roadmaster or '91 Jeep Wagoneer<br /><br />If I were a food I’d be fruit<br /><br />If I were a place I’d be home<br /><br />If I were a material I’d be cotton<br /><br />If I were a taste I’d be lemon<br /><br />If I were a scent I’d be lilac<br /><br />If I were a body part I’d be an eye<br /><br />If I were a song I’d be Into the Mystic by Van Morrison<br /><br />If I were a bird I’d be a chickadee<br /><br />If I were a gift I’d be homemade<br /><br />If I were a city I’d be small<br /><br />If I were a door I’d a Dutch door<br /><br />If I were a pair of shoes I’d be flip flops<br /><br />If I were a poem I’d be The Grass So Little Has To Do ~ Emily Dickinson<br /><br /><br />So, what would you be?QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-61437917619815592062010-03-26T22:08:00.003-05:002010-03-26T22:44:07.082-05:00The Circle of LifeIt was a sad week at the Baum Farm. We lost a family member of the four legged variety. Choowey, Cameron's teddy bear hamster, died. It was the first time we have ever had to address death with the kids. It just broke my heart to see my boy holding his lifeless friend cupped in his hands, perfectly still, as the realization set in the he was gone. The face of my son who is generally happy, turned to one of total dispair and a sob that I have never heard came pouring forth. After lots of hugs and incomprehendable mutterings from him, we found just the right box for Choowey and placed him inside. The next morning Cameron told me he had thought of just the right place to bury him. He wanted to put him next to the rosebush outside the kitchen window. He said he would be protected from the dogs or anything else getting him because of the thorns. While he was at school, Daddy dug the hole right where Cameron wanted it. When we all got home from school, we gathered around the hole, place the box inside, and all said something nice about Choowey. We filled his grave and then Cameron and Daddy had to head off to soccer. After they returned from soccer, Cameron assured me that he is still only 8 (about to be 9) and that he would recover from this tragedy when he asked immediately if I would take him to the pet store to get another hamster. We went. Now we have CJ. That is short for Choowey Jr. Ah, the circle of life.QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-82030787516587210262010-03-10T22:19:00.007-06:002010-03-14T21:44:03.891-05:00Way Too Many Projects Going On . . .It has been a busy week at the "Baum Farm" this week. The babies arrived on Tuesday and they are as sweet as can be. They are changing already. Wow! And I thought Meg and Cam were growing up too fast! I have gotten two very different reactions from people who know we chickens now: "THAT IS SO COOL!" and "WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU THINKING?" Both said with equal emphasis. There is no in between, no casual "yeah, that's nice." But as for me and the kids, we couldn't be more thrilled! I will post pics as soon as I find my battery charger for my camera.<br /><br />We also started the garden this weekend and I still have some plantings to finish up this week. We have tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, green beans, canteloup, chives, and Meg wanted to try corn - that one should be interesting! Our peach tree only has 4 blooms on it...I really hope that is not a sign of it not producing much fruit this summer. I think I almost have Larry convinced that we should add a pear tree and a plum tree to the yard too. We will see, our yard isn't that big. <br /><br />Mom was here today to help paint Meg's room. It has been the same bright yellow with a bunny chair rail border for over 11 years and as her 11th birthday approaches, we thought she should have a room that reflects who she is now. Though I will miss the bunnies, the calming tropical hues of blue, green, beige and brown certainly says "This is Meg's space!" Again, pics to follow once the camera is charged and working.<br /><br />I also have a garage sale find bookshelf that I was hoping to show off as my first addition to "Metamorphosis Monday" hosted on <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch </a>but alas, with no camera, there are no pictures to post just yet. Now, even though I don't have my first Meta Monday posting, I already have project no.2 in the works too. <br /><br />Oh, and did I mention I just finished knitting my first cap and scarf. I think I said something about way too many projects going on. =)QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-33614317583616898512010-02-20T10:34:00.000-06:002010-02-20T10:36:32.889-06:00I'm sorry, do I know you?As middle age creeps closer and closer, I find myself looking in in mirror and barely recognizing the reflection looking back. The morphing middle aged woman's body that stares back doesn't fit with the 20 something image my head is still clinging desperately to.<br /><br />It all started with the kids. Boy, I sure do love them and the mark they have made on my heart but the marks they left on my belly. . . um, not so much. I addapted to the "decorated" belly, and accepted the fact that I would never in my life wear a two piece swimsuit again.<br /><br />Now, y'all probably don't know this, but I love rabbits. Been collecting them for years. But the gray hairs on my head don't have the same appeal as the cute hares hiding all around my house. But for lack of my willingness to deal with the upkeep of coloring my hair, I am learning to embrace the changing appearance of life's seasons on my head.<br /><br />Fast forward a decade from when the changes first started to take hold and Larry is hit by a lay off. By my calculations, which should be accurate as I am a math teacher afterall, I have found 1.33 pounds of "comfort" for every week Larry spent out of work. This, I am not so accepting of. Especially since he is working again and I certainly haven't lost a pound for every week that he has been employed! It is time to take action. It is time to start moving.<br /><br />Now, I don't have hopes of becoming the next spokesperson for nutrisystem, jenny craig, or weight watchers and shopping to replace a wardrobe at a size that I have no desire to stay at is out of the question so . . . the more affordable alternative would simply be to eat better, and get off of my fanny.<br /><br />This is all part of my decision to finally bring the country to the burbs. I can teach the kids (both my offspring and students at school) all kinds of things from raising the chicks, planning, planting, tending the garden, and composting (there is math and science and writing opportunities hiding all over the place in those tasks). And . . . I have to get up and move . . . A LOT. And the end result will be healthier food for my family, a healthier mom physically, smarter young 'uns, and the dream of being a country girl achieved (even if it looks a little different than I always imagined it would). Not bad. I think it could be fun getting to know the stranger staring back at me . . . she sounds kinda cool!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-55005510726563272892010-02-15T18:00:00.003-06:002010-02-15T18:21:06.495-06:00I know the due date!!!If you read my last post then you know that I am expecting . . . baby chicks. I just got the conformation email about when my new brood will be arriving. They will hatch on either March 8th or 9th and I should have them by the 10th or 11th!!! That is almost a whole month earlier than expected. I just hope I am ready by then. In case you are wondering how I will get the chicks . . . they will travel via the US Postal Service. Scary, huh? They are shipped when they are just a day old so that they have the nutrient of their yolk sack and have to be sent in groups no smaller than 5 so that they have each other for warmth (along with something they ship with them to help keep them warm) . . . crazy! <br /><br />There is still lots of work to do: setting up the brooder and finishing the coop. Meg and Cam are so excited. We get to cash in the change we have collected in our "chicken jar" so we can finish getting supplies. I hope we actually have some decent weather coming so we can work outside. We need to get the garden started and the coop ready, but with the foot of snow we got last Thursday that has all melted, the yard is a muddy, messy swamp. I'm sure all will work out, the baby chicks will have to spend their first 5 to 6 weeks in the brooder anyway! Just had to share the news!!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-28686161226121816472010-02-14T14:24:00.003-06:002010-02-14T14:48:44.934-06:00There Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens . . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl2VdrGATZCI5Cmm-pz6vX5vdvcy593BR_TmxVUAd2Vr9-tuIe_9V-D_wbY1zAfakyKXuLHZTyZOcfRQmPS3FWWWohu6yV5zbTOS7lImIF1cl1CRT2_q-DS5MvN91mv9C8bp5ZZtkJ3g/s1600-h/Studio_WSilkie_649_bc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438201297709912258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl2VdrGATZCI5Cmm-pz6vX5vdvcy593BR_TmxVUAd2Vr9-tuIe_9V-D_wbY1zAfakyKXuLHZTyZOcfRQmPS3FWWWohu6yV5zbTOS7lImIF1cl1CRT2_q-DS5MvN91mv9C8bp5ZZtkJ3g/s320/Studio_WSilkie_649_bc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have officially lost my mind. I am the expectant mother to 5 Silkie Bantam chicks! I think I am more excited than the kids. All of those years that mom and dad wouldn't let me have all the different animals I wanted, I am making up for lost time. With 2 dogs, 3 hamsters, and 5 chicks I just wonder what will be next. Rabbits? Goats? I guess I shouldn't get ahead of myself. I probably shouldn't say anything since we have a pretty strict HOA. Currently there are no rules or regulations against having these animals but I have little doubt that as soon as someone catches wind of the critters on the Baum's Suburban Farm they will be all over creating new rules about them just because they can. Don't you just love those personality types? You know the ones that like to create rules for the sake of creating them and enforcing them just because they can, but when it comes down to it, they are not subject to follow the same rules. Yeah, that is our HOA. Oh well, what can I say, this city girl has always had dreams of the country and the reality is I probably won't get there, so I am doing what any determined woman would do and I am bringing the country to the city and lovin' it!</div><div> </div>QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-1460020821049315382009-10-05T17:28:00.002-05:002009-10-05T19:43:06.660-05:00Wow . . . where to start?<span style="font-family:georgia;">It has been 10 months since I last blogged. Life and all I guess got in the way. But today I have time as I am home with two sick kids. The luck of the Irish had to run out sometime . . . especially for a family that sports a German last name. Cameron still thinks he is going to play in the soccer game tonight - HA. Momma knows better: as the sun goes down, the fever goes up. Seeing that his game isn't until 7:15, I bet he will be back to three digits. You gotta respect his determination though - the boy is a hardcore soccer player.</span><br />We have had some fun and not so fun stuff going on in our household. Let's see . . . going all the way back to February, Larry was laid off rather unexpectedly from his job. Didn't see that one coming at all. So daddy got a good taste of everything momma did staying home with the kids all those years. I think he has a new found respect. Not to mention a whole new attitude. He is way less stuffy and serious since getting out of an engineering office. He swallowed his pride and just before the beginning of the school year, he tested for his commercial drivers license and took a job driving a bus for the district. A fraction of the income, but I think he is really having fun doing it - especially driving the high school band on Friday nights. He has also had more free time and is coaching Cam's soccer team and doing a great job at it!<br />We took our annual trip to Galveston with the in-laws again this summer. Lots of fun was had by all. The kids saw more sharks this year on the beach, which they thought was really cool. <br />A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to go camping with Meg's Girl Scout troop. I am not very good at roughing it but we had a lot of fun despite having to sweep the daddy long leg spiders that were the size of my hand off of the tent walls and ceiling before going to bed. Needless to say, I overcame may anxiety and fears over the weekend. But we did learn to kayak and painted our nails with glow in the dark polish.<br />And if that wasn't enough fun, this past weekend the kids entered their hamsters in a Hamster Ball Derby. We do have champion hamsters . . . Muffin took 1st place and Chewy took 3rd. It was very cute and we won enough hamster supplies to keep the little guys fed and fluffed for at least a month or two. <br />Well, the girl wants to play a game of chess so I guess I will oblige. She is way too pathetic all sniffly, stuffy and feverish to turn down.QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-90158240063871392012008-12-30T14:04:00.002-06:002008-12-30T14:31:10.147-06:00A Quiet Christmas<em><span style="color:#000000;">Well it was a pretty quiet Christmas around here. We all went to Austin on the 20th and came home on the 23rd. Mom and dad went too. It was nothing like the Griswald's Christmas Vacation. No loose squirrels, obnoxious lights, or cousin Eddie. Mom did get a new puppy for Christmas though - that was lots of fun!</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">I guess the kids were good this year as Santa brought them their number 1 wishes on their lists. C-man wanted a shiatsu message chair - yes, you read that right (not sure if I spelled it right!) - and M wanted a teddy bear hamster. Santa did mess up on the hamster and got 2 dwarf Chinese hamsters which were a bit of a disappointment so I had to return them and get 2 teddy bear hamsters the day after Christmas. Who knew there was such a difference in hamsters? I kind of had the thought that a rat is a rat is a rat. Not so. I have to admit these are fun little pets. The kids put them in there exercise balls and they have races down the hall. Very cute . . . kind of like Rhino in the movie Bolt.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">The other big and exciting gift was Rock Band. Yes, we have moved up from Guitar Hero that only one of us could play at a time to a full band of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. It is a full family affair - and quite a sight!</span></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>It's funny, since going back to work full-time, Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks have felt more like a vacation than they have in years. Lots of sleep, lounging, and shopping - things I usually have no time for.</em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">Hope you too had a peaceful Christmas! </span></em>QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-65037033909005953182008-10-04T15:08:00.002-05:002008-10-04T19:16:57.000-05:00Flying by the seat of my pants!So, I have obviously been a little busy, but that has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> broken my computer addiction. I just don't have time to get on at all! I am loving the new job. Hating the new wake up time. My typical weekday starts between 5 or 5:30 in the morning and literally doesn't even start to slow down until 9:30 or 10:00 at night. And I am just crazy enough to try and keep my little part-time retail gig going for right now which means weekends are generally pretty packed with soccer, church, and work too! I don't know how long I can burn the candle at both ends, but it seems to have helped with the whole anxiety issue. Odd, I know.<br /><br />I am not the only one who has been up to a lot lately. M's girl scouts is in full swing, we are taking a break from horseback riding right now, but we have filled that spot with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">choir</span> and a slightly heavier homework load. I was informed by a boy in her class just the other day that she is the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span> smartest kid in the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> grade. I didn't ask who was 1st, I just thought it strange that he would say she is specifically the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span>. But it still made me pretty proud . . . especially since just moments before she asked me what does f*** mean. Yes, the "mother" of all bad words. I was shocked to hear the word come out of my sweet baby's mouth. I asked her where she heard it and she said she hadn't, but that it was scratched into the side of the slide. I told her that it was just an ugly word that only really dumb people use and that we do not ever say it. She was mad that someone defaced her school's playground equipment with it so she took a rock and scratched it out. So, I have the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span> smartest child in 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> grade who thankfully does not know what f*** means . . . I think I am doing something right!<br /><br />C-man scored two awesome goals in his soccer game this morning. That was quite exciting. He is very quiet and reserved out in public so to see him score, then hoot and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">holler</span> and wave his hands in the air while running up to chest-bump his buddy is pretty bold - a big confidence builder! I was concerned with him starting 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nd</span> grade - when they get REAL grades - that he would not be as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">academically</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">conscientious</span> as his sister but after 6 weeks of school, he has proven otherwise. I know you shouldn't compare your kids with each other, but it is hard to stop them from doing it. It seems the older they get the more aware they are of their own strengths and weaknesses. <br /><br />Larry and I just celebrated our 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> anniversary this past Tuesday. We woke that morning to up to a couple of kids who crawled into our bed sometime that night - which gets a little crowded when they are 9 and 7 - a great reminder of the great family we have created over the years. Later we dined on a romantic dinner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">cheez</span>-its and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">capri</span> sun at C-man's soccer game. The weather was beautiful and our team won, so it was a pretty good night.<br /><br />Well, it may be another month before I update again so as C-man would say . . . peace out!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-38168956246037663712008-09-03T21:56:00.002-05:002008-09-03T21:59:01.627-05:00Oops, I don't "stick" at this, I "stink" at this. Good thing I'm not teaching typing ; )QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-68414481906165481062008-09-03T21:31:00.002-05:002008-09-03T21:56:19.166-05:00I stick at this!<span style="font-family:verdana;">Hi Y'all!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have been really bad about keeping this blog up . . . sorry!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">When I was scrapbooking, I started not only taking pictures with a page plan in mind but planning events just to get the photos! Sad, I know. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Well, the first week of school went great for everyone - kiddos and mom. M is having some adjustments to her teachers but she got one of her good friends in her class, so that made not getting the teachers she wanted a little easier. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The hardest part so far has getting up at a rather painful 5:30 in the morning. But everybody has made efforts to make the new morning routine run smoothly - what troopers!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Keeping the early waking hour in mind, I am going to bed (it is 10:00 and 5:30 comes along really quickly) and watch the rest of the Republican National Convention. I know, it is an exciting life, but sombody's got to live it!</span>QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-71829153917248548872008-08-24T13:55:00.002-05:002008-08-24T15:27:58.794-05:00Back in the Saddle AgainLet me just say I have been unbelievably busy.<br /><br />Tomorrow starts the school year - not only for the kids but for me too! Yes, I am a full time working woman again.<br /><br />I am teaching the "at risk" kiddos at an awesome elementary school in Allen. Not a classroom full of them. Just one on one or in small groups. No lesson plans, no discipline issues, no parents, no ARDs, none of the stuff that had kept me home a year longer than I should have been. I think this is an answer to many many prayers. I am still learning the ropes but am soooo excited. I am ready for this. I think I have been ready for this. I have needed this. <br /><br />I had so many hesitations about going back to work full time after being home for 10 years. I mean how do I get everything done and meet everyone's needs and work a 40 hour week? But this was meant to be. My fears and hesitations had kept me from fulling pursuing a full-time position as seriously as I needed to. But this was meant to be. Thursday week before last, the principal got my name from a friend and asked if I could come in to talk to her and the person who is head of this particular department on Friday. I did and left there feeling like things went pretty well. Then I got the phone call on Sunday offering the job and could I be there for inservice on Monday. <br /><br />How's that for fly by the seat of your pants?<br /><br />This has actually worked out for the best. If I had too much time to think about it all I would psych myself out of it and be a nervous wreck. Which, by the way, is what I think is the source of all my health problems and panic attacks. My nerves are just shot. Odd to think that adding something else to my "to do" list would be what I actually needed. <br /><br />I'll let you know how I survive the first day of school.QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-26784860547483324652008-07-28T09:49:00.002-05:002008-07-28T10:04:13.283-05:00is this what they mean by the 'tween years?I have already confessed to being a Guitar Hero family and we are sitting here at 9:55 am and it is 95 degrees outside so guess what we are doing? Yep, playing Guitar Hero. Not for much longer, we are about to go to the library. But while M was sitting there rocking out to Stevie Ray Vaughn's Pride and Joy she tells me we have to hurry up and get to the library so that she can get the Pooh Bear book she wants before someone else does. Is it just me or does that seem odd? Is this what they mean when they talk about the 'tween years? Trying to grow up, but still hanging on to being a little kid. I'm not ready for the grown up part - she is only starting 4th grade in a month. Well, she decided she is done so it is off to get some new books . . . apparently Pooh Bear books!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-11003061718092445242008-07-25T09:52:00.003-05:002008-07-25T10:58:35.347-05:00The Simple Life?So my clothes dryer started making this really bad burning smell about two weeks ago and my house has become a virtual clothesline. There are clothes hanging in doorways and on the shower rod. It's kinda funny, reminds me of the old Honeymooners shows where they would have clothes hanging across a line strung through the dining room or something. I have spent several days disassembling the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dern</span> thing to figure out what is wrong. It is not the belt (it's not a rubbery kind of burning smell and the tub doesn't slip when it is turned on), it is not the lint (I've removed the hose and completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vacuumed</span> out the line), so I thought for sure it would be the heating element as it only smells when it is on a cycle with heat. "Air fluff" still works fine (so I know it is not the motor) but it would take hours to dry a load on "air fluff"! Finally yesterday, I got the heating element out and I didn't see any signs of damage or a problem. UGH! I don't know if I should spend $80 take a chance on replacing the heating element and have it possible still smell, spend $200-300 on a repair guy, or bite the bullet and spend $450-550 a new dryer. None of the options are really in the budget right now.<br /><br />Drying the clothes by hanging them hasn't been a big deal, but sheets and towels ... that's a different story! So yesterday I washed the sheets, packed up the kids, three root beers, and a pack of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UNO</span> cards and off we went to the local "Coin Laundry" to dry our sheets. I was ready for all kinds of complaining from the kids, but they didn't complain at all. Apparently, root beer and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UNO</span> can make any kind of waiting fun. It's the simple things that make life's bumps a little easier to take. My friends think I'm nuts for not just going out and financing a new dryer. I haven't convinced them that a dryer is actually a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">luxury</span> that our lifestyles have turned into necessity. (I live in a very material world - but I <em>try</em> not to be a material girl!) We haven't financed anything in over 5 years and I have no intentions of starting now. So for now, I'll change my perspective and take pride in the fact that my personal carbon footprint just shrunk a little (at least for now) and try to focus on the fun stuff like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UNO</span> and root beer and living the simple life.QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-79551611046379616282008-07-19T11:29:00.002-05:002008-07-19T11:39:00.810-05:00Is it really so wrong?OK, I've lied to my kids. I know it is wrong, but it is also kinda funny. My kiddos always wonder how mom <em>always</em> knows what they are up to. So I have convinced them that I have eyes in the back of my head - literally. They have spent hours digging through my hair trying to find them, trying to figure out why daddy doesn't have them, and wondering if they will ever get them. They also like to test me to see if they are working. Funny thing is, they always choose to test them while I am fixing dinner. That is my trick. They are too short to realize that I see their reflection in the microwave door which is above the stove. They test me to see if I can tell which one has come up and smacked me on the backside or what kind of crazy dance they are doing. Everytime I tell them precisely what they are doing and who is doing it they try to make it more challenging. It is quite entertaining to me and certainly helps keep them in line.<br /><br />So my question is: even though I know lying is wrong and they are learning by my example, is this one OK to keep?QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-55893899994186158942008-07-17T19:18:00.003-05:002008-07-17T19:32:39.258-05:00We are a pop culture familyProbably much to the dismay and horror of some of my friends, we are a Guitar Hero family. Yes, my children can recite the lyrics to Rolling Stone and Foghat. And they are quite proud of their accomplishments. Today, C was playing (because it is too stinkin' hot to go outside) and was thrilled when he bumped M out of second place on "Juicebox Hero", actually it is Foreigner's old song "Jukebox Hero" but C is convinced it is juicebox. He has been singing it all day, now I keep hearing the song over and over in my own head and he has me singing it as juicebox hero too. <br /><br />Speaking of singing, I don't think I mentioned that my sis-in-law is in San Fran right now auditioning for . . . American Idol. No, I'm not kidding. Yes, she can sing. She finished med school, works in an emergency room, is performing in The Sound of Music in August (I think it is August.) now she is trying out for American Idol.<br /><br />What can I say, we are a pop culture family . . .QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-86475894749247273512008-07-16T23:23:00.004-05:002008-07-16T23:49:02.671-05:00miracles and humilityWell M is finally well - I really didn't think illness struck in the middle of the summer. It is just not right. She actually thought it a miracle that her fever broke night before last and this morning she could breathe sufficiently through her nose. That is how she woke me up this morning. Standing at my bedside inhaling and exhaling repeatedly and rather loudly through her nose. She proclaimed herself officially well. This apparently was a miracle to her because we made plans to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hawaiian</span> Falls water park today with some friends and after M had been running fever for a solid week and was congested beyond belief, we really thought we might have to cancel. Honestly the modest side of me that really prefers not to be in public in a swimsuit didn't mind the idea of possibly canceling. But miracles can happen - not that this really qualifies, though it was a good lesson about God's perfect timing. So I dismissed my fears and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inhibitions</span> about cellulite exposure threw caution to the wind and me and the kids had a blast. I am quite sure I was able to provide at least a little comic relief for some innocent bystander who witnessed me trying to get my butt - with my swimsuit wedged deeply between the cheeks - out of a two person <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">inner tube</span> after screaming my way down the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">water slide</span>! I know it wasn't pretty, but everyone needs a dose of humility every now and again, right?QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-59642077879655042902008-07-11T23:07:00.002-05:002008-07-11T23:33:26.801-05:00getting caught up...Hi y'all!<br /><br />I didn't disappear, I've just had my hands full. You know, just enough time to read other blogs, not enough time to type my own.<br /><br />We had a great 4th of July weekend - even if the FC Dallas game ended in a tie. The fireworks show after was like a 30 minute grand finale. I don't know if it is possible to overdo a fireworks display, but they certainly tried. I don't mind, I just feel bad for all the future disappointment my kids will feel from here on out. It was crazy big to say the least. My man's birthday was good, kinda low key after the show on the 4th. The kids had a great time popping fireworks with their PaPa (father-in-law) who is really just an overgrown kid too. Not to mention seeing mommajen after so many years on Sunday, what a blessing! (Jennie, we can't wait that long ever again, deal? And Kathryn, if getting to Texas doesn't work for you, I promise I will get my family down there before too much longer!!!)<br /><br />I have spent this week slimming down. Unfortunately, not myself but my stuff. Mom came over and helped host a "Clean House" episode on my garage and extra bedroom (you know, the room that catches all the useless junk that for some reason you throw in there instead of the garbage). There was no camera crew or professionals to help - unless you count the old guy at the dump that helped me unload my truck of all the superfulous stuff. It was like detoxing my house and my soul all at the same time. It feels so good to be rid of all the junk.<br /><br />It must have been taxing on M though, she is sick with a fever, headache, drainage - the works. This really stinks and is only supposed to happen during the school year...at least I thought. Now if I can just keep the rest of us from getting it. It's late and I'm affraid this is rambling on now so, ... goodnightQuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-67509621626713567202008-07-04T07:51:00.002-05:002008-07-04T08:31:57.438-05:00Happy 4th . . . and other stuffHappy 4th of July y'all! Hope everyone gets plenty of bar-b-que, watermelon, fireworks, and family time. Tomorrow is also my honey's turns 37, so we will be adding cake to our list of fun!<br /><br />Well it has been a busy week here in Frisco. Between cooking up a storm with my girlfriends, playdates with M's "boyfriend" (yes, I know she is only 9, but she has a crush on this very cute, smart, sweet boy Jake who is also a good friend - keep up the good taste in boys Meg!), my sister coming into town - thus cleaning like a mad woman as this is the same sister with the really clean, organized house, swimming, working (I don't know if I've mentioned that I still work part time at James Avery?), and catching up on an entire season of a tv show I am ashamed to admit I have started watching. No, I am not fessing up as to which show right now either! To top off a busy week we are going to the FC Dallas (pro-soccer) game and Frisco Freedom Fest tonight with my sister and her crew, work tomorrow morning, birthday celebration with the in-laws tomorrow night, and the Grand Finale: breakfast with mommajen Sunday morning!!!! I can't wait to see you Jennie! I know there are people who live for their old high school or college days, but I am not one of those people. I just have a couple of special friends whom I miss dearly and thanks to the computer have found again. <br /><br />So, with all this crazy going on I'll probably only have time to check my computer 2 or 3 times a day instead of my usual 4 or 5! lol! I am addicted, it is an illness for which there is no cure - except logging off and that just ain't gonna happen! :o)<br /><br />Oh, by the way, Jake's mom is my friend with the craft business, two girls who make crosses - just incase you didn't see it on my myspace page, she has some really cute tee's. It's a shameless promotion, I know! <a href="http://www.twogirlswhomakecrosses.com/">http://www.twogirlswhomakecrosses.com/</a> Nothing like free advertising.QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-61084361803702944022008-07-01T19:26:00.002-05:002008-07-01T19:51:23.717-05:00Does it get much better than this?I've spent the last two days in the kitchen with three other girlfriends being ultra-domestic and cooking enough food to feed all of our families for about the next three weeks (yea! I'll have an answer for the constant question, "Mom, what's for dinner?") while our kids - 8 total between the four of us - played very harmoniously. It was great. I got some girl time in and accomplished something. <br /><br />We had to leave a little early today because C had an orthodontist appointment (that is a whole other story) but I forgot something and walked back in to hear my friends talking trash about me! Ok, why would I have friends that talk trash about me you ask? Well, it's not so bad because they were jealous that I only had to tell my kids once to get their shoes because it was time to go. There was no complaining or selective hearing. They just said bye to their friends, got their shoes and met me at the door. No, my kids are not perfect by a long shot, but they were looking pretty shining just then. <br /><br />If that wasn't good enough, they were both on their best behavior at the dr's office. They both shook the assistant and the dr's hands. They answered politely when they were asked a question. And didn't interupt when I was talking to the dr! In all, a very successful trip - including what the dr had to offer as treatment!<br /><br />A near perfect day is not allowed to go without at least one hitch. M and C did argue . . . over who got to help me cook dinner and do the dishes. Did you get that? They actually <em>wanted </em>to help me. There was no treat or bribe, no reward or privlege granted for helping, they just wanted to help. They finally worked it out and decided that tonight could be M's night and tomorrow will be C's night. <br /><br />So my question is, "Does it get much better than this . . . and how long will it last?"QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-70307849102097549162008-06-28T22:42:00.002-05:002008-06-28T23:03:12.874-05:00Aaaaahhhhh the Spa!So I finally got to put my mother's day gift to use. Larry and the kids got me a gift certificate to a day spa in downtown McKinney called Essence of Eve. I love this place! It is nice without being pretentious and it is Christian based not "new age" like. It has that quaint old downtown look and feel. It is just awesome. Did I mention that I love this place?<br /><br />I met my mother-in-law there yesterday. She was the one who introduced me to E of E with a generous gift certificate Christmas before last and another one last Christmas too. Now, before you start thinking I am some kind of spoiled lush, let me point out these are the only times I've been but would gladly go more frequently if possible!<br /><br />I started with an hour massage, followed by a half hour rose petal bubble bath soak in a clawfoot tub with a glass of champaign and a couple of chocolates, and ended with a pedicure (which I haven't indulged in since I was pregnant with my now 7 yr old son). <br /><br />All I have to say is, "Thanks Larry, you done good honey!!!" and aaaaaahhhhhh, I love the spa!QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-4543413878438512442008-06-27T15:04:00.002-05:002008-06-27T15:36:29.619-05:00Sisters Are The BestThe kids and I arrived home from visiting my sister and her family in Austin yesterday. We had a great time, the cousins got to play, and I got lots of good advice and rejuvenation from my sister. I love staying at her house. It is like being in a big hug and I am never ready to leave. Her house is clean, organized, and peaceful, not to mention the yummy, healthy home cooked meals. We hadn't been home 5 minutes before my kids started asking when we get to see Aunt Kimmy again (and Caitlin, Ryan, LuLu and Uncle Mike). I must admit, I was thinking it too! I do come home feeling like I want to do better around here. I confess, I am not a very good housekeeper. There, I said it, I admit it, I own it. Isn't that the first step to recovery?<br /><br />See my sister is someone I aspire to be a little more like. She is a selfless, organized, compassionate, patient, Godly woman, wife, mother and sister. We used to live in the same neighborhood until Mike got transferred and they moved to Austin the day before M was born. My whole support system went south - literally. But my sister, being the great person that she is, told the movers where to put the boxes, packed her then 2 yr old twins back in the car and made the trip right back up here while leaving her world upside down in Austin. A couple years later, she came up with the twins (4 yrs old by then) to be here when C was born. They attempted to induce me, but he decided to wait another whole week before appearing and Kim stayed her an extra week with both kids. Those of you who travel with kids know it is not the easiest thing to do. That is just the tip of the iceberg. She takes care of us when we are down there and has paved the way for me on all kinds of parenting issues for the past 9 years. <br /><br />So this is to say, "Thank you for everything Kim! Sisters are awesome and God gave me the best one. . . I love you!"QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-28821859451441812662008-06-23T11:42:00.002-05:002008-06-23T12:10:46.131-05:00blogging from AustinOk, I can certainly see how this can be addictive! I admit to checking on a couple friends multiple times a day to see if they have posted anything . . . <div><br /></div><div>I am in Austin visiting my sister and her family right now and wishing we could just stay forever. I love Austin - it is so different than the Dallas area. Much more relaxed not to mention greener. Lots more trees, lot less concrete. If only Larry's work had an office here and we could transfer. But it doesn't, so we won't. </div><div><br /></div><div>M and C love playing with their cousins and never get bored even just hanging around the house here. Not like home where the idea of just playing at home is some kind of torture or punishment. I think they even sense how much more relaxed it is here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday before we left, my mom and I took the kids to see Nim's Island at the local dollar theater. It was a really cute movie. Just the right amount of "edge of your seat" action for my kids without worrying about the bad dreams later! The scary part for me at this particular theater is the pervy men I have encountered two times before here. The last one was about a year ago when I took the kids to se Shrek the Third. All I'll say is that when a grown man comes into a theater showing a kids movie in the middle of a weekday without any kids, take it as a red flag! That time I told the manager of the theater and she called the police . . . I left before I found out what happened. Try explaining to your kids why you left the theater early and why you had to talk to a policeman before leaving and convincing them that you are not in trouble or going to be arrested . . . lots of fun! Well, this friday a "red flag" showed up about 5 seats away and luckily nothing happened. I made eye contact with him in a way to say, "don't you dare try anything with my babies in this theater or I will rip your heart out!" I get a little momma bearish that way sometimes. Another mom and her kids had to sit right next to him so any privacy he had was lost and I was able to enjoy the movie with my kids and not worry about him so much. Now I'm not saying all men watching a kid appropriate movie without kids in the middle of a weekday is bound to be scum of the earth, I am just saying vigilant moms be alert! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I think we are going to try and figure out what we are doing today so, signing off . . . </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164192641315102814.post-58117428016116271072008-06-20T07:35:00.006-05:002008-11-18T16:29:59.435-06:0024 hours panic free!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0rH8tGT5bOfka0pJIRkSDiv6_1cqefvlFwUAogy38s9pnKaMZGzUBtXxuwSj4sduyg44sjd30Om7NtJps8KUwKR7I8_bPeJBL8Ul_paHWIEGmaTDgFQjDtz3c56li5su9CXayfgT0Z8/s1600-h/galveston+08+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213955139451380370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0rH8tGT5bOfka0pJIRkSDiv6_1cqefvlFwUAogy38s9pnKaMZGzUBtXxuwSj4sduyg44sjd30Om7NtJps8KUwKR7I8_bPeJBL8Ul_paHWIEGmaTDgFQjDtz3c56li5su9CXayfgT0Z8/s320/galveston+08+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7lclqo1FChUO0kd63RYQ8GO2NE8oiBJHvcsPflyLPuX5d4vZ8CUDjzs2Eb-yLih_4mcjP3gml2vTDOIf3pSF4GQrrVGOJhhi-B85jHBuo8YvrRWzqvHe7d_iv0yfokNcK4q_EB1Whes/s1600-h/galveston+08+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213954810067385266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7lclqo1FChUO0kd63RYQ8GO2NE8oiBJHvcsPflyLPuX5d4vZ8CUDjzs2Eb-yLih_4mcjP3gml2vTDOIf3pSF4GQrrVGOJhhi-B85jHBuo8YvrRWzqvHe7d_iv0yfokNcK4q_EB1Whes/s320/galveston+08+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczzZLR06G_virC7BhcIG_oFeIlbzirHgymT7N2gAwBl5zZoGf_sf16x_VQ0yehNLAsjzUGVi0QoDNlUrAcdutAL2wGBRzQjiURnNxDkSfqvByQf2hO3soUUtCd6O-6rgdbFRVzaROvic/s1600-h/galveston+08+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213953872585045858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczzZLR06G_virC7BhcIG_oFeIlbzirHgymT7N2gAwBl5zZoGf_sf16x_VQ0yehNLAsjzUGVi0QoDNlUrAcdutAL2wGBRzQjiURnNxDkSfqvByQf2hO3soUUtCd6O-6rgdbFRVzaROvic/s320/galveston+08+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hDdewHNzCxbDTe7ew9tyT16TbrwsywtwNLPOeNc1DoEXrVngoYZnwopQ2qXyQmVRaEdSBx6M4P5r3Ah4br9xrINpWLnWWgehPlo7HDNHCbcjMogw34oaLFGKkAByFAzU63sLoFvhM3M/s1600-h/galveston+08+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213952817333031138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hDdewHNzCxbDTe7ew9tyT16TbrwsywtwNLPOeNc1DoEXrVngoYZnwopQ2qXyQmVRaEdSBx6M4P5r3Ah4br9xrINpWLnWWgehPlo7HDNHCbcjMogw34oaLFGKkAByFAzU63sLoFvhM3M/s320/galveston+08+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Praise God! I think this wave of panic attacks may be nearing it's end. It has been at least 24 hours since the last one - which woke me at 3:00 in the morining night before last and kept me up for about 3 hours! If this "demanding more" can truly work, I think I need more practice, but not right now. I am too relieved that this bout may be over!</div><br /><div>Though I guess I am going to test my nerves a little later today as my mother and I are taking the kiddos to the cheap theater (can't call it the dollar theater anymore since it cost more than a buck) to see Nim's Island. What could possibly be unnerving about a kid friendly movie in the middle of the afternoon you ask? Well, twice in the past 15 years, I have encountered pervy men in this very theater. The last time was last summer when I took the kids to see Shrek the Third. I vowed I would never go there again. But, alas I am going as my mother and the kids both really want to see this movie. I will just be very aware of who sits next to us - hopefully just another mom with her kids not a man in his 40's by himself in a kids movie at 12:30 on a Friday afternoon. However, if a person fitting this description does come sit next to us, I'll just take that as a red flag and move right away!</div><br /><div>Wow, my post makes my life seem rather gloomy right now but really it isn't. We just returned last Thursday from a week in Galveston. We stayed bayside in a house right on the canal. We all had a blast fishing, going to Moody Gardens, and Rainforest Cafe but I think the most exciting thing for the kids was diving into the waves in the ocean and seeing two real live sharks right there on the beach! It didn't even stop them from getting back in the water! Some guys were fishing for speckled trout and when they would hook a shark - just small black tip sharks - they would have to walk all the way back to shore to unhook it with a pair of pliers. They might be small, but their teeth are still sharp and you can't really reach your hand in their mouths. The fisherman was going to leave it on shore to die, but PaPa (my father-in-law) came to the rescue and took the shark by the tail and released him back in the water. Two seconds later the kids were back in diving in the waves again! Above are pictures of me and C (yes, he gave me rabbit ears!), M and C with daddy hunting for shells, the view from the deck, and PaPa with M, C, and one of the sharks! Sunday me and the kids are off to Austin to visit Aunt Kimmie, Uncle Mike, and their 3 kids . . .<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>QuiteContraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956652109073891502noreply@blogger.com1