I was really glad that we were able to get this done...we tried a few times before and schedules always seemed to get in the way. Our last one was with the two little kids, but missing the oldest.
Coming soon....the trip to Arizona update....
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Family Photos
Before leaving Portland I asked Mr. C to make sure and arrange some time that his oldest could join us to get professional family photos done....the results are below. I think they turned out pretty good. One that isn't on here is a photo of Mr. C with his kids that I absolutely love.
I was really glad that we were able to get this done...we tried a few times before and schedules always seemed to get in the way. Our last one was with the two little kids, but missing the oldest.
Coming soon....the trip to Arizona update....
I was really glad that we were able to get this done...we tried a few times before and schedules always seemed to get in the way. Our last one was with the two little kids, but missing the oldest.
Coming soon....the trip to Arizona update....
Friday, June 27, 2008
Travels have begun
Well, its day 2 of having left Oregon. The departure was sad. I was the big crybaby...packing the house and seeing it all emptied and then watching Mr. C with the kids was just too much for me. Both of the little guys wrote the sweetest little letters to him..."I love you all the way around the world and back," says Chortle and Miss Giggle wanted to make sure and put in a joke about snow in Arizona.
We finished all the cleaning at around 11PM...exhausted we spent the night at my inlaws...slept wonderfully and soundly...up the next day and had the same pile of tears occur a second time.
We spent a few hours with Grandpa in Kennewick and saw A. Linda and U. Fred. It was so good to see them and chat with them. I'll have to write a little later about U. Fred. He recently had part of his leg amputated and I had a chance to just chat a little with him...
We drove through to Ontario and stayed with my A. Nancy that night. Her home is so lovely. She just moved there and has the most beautiful container garden. It made me feel better about container gardening in Arizona.
The next day was a trip to Utah...ending in Orem at my mom's house. Its been a lot of fun to just relax a couple of days.
Regardless of the above photo, I still think both Mr. C and I got some much needed relaxation and sleep over the last couple of days.
Doesn't he just look like he's having a blast here in Utah? We leave today and head south to Zion National Park. I'm just waiting for Mr. C to get back from the "all you can eat meat fest" with the bro-in-laws and my stepdad.
I'm beginning to look forward to Arizona...we'll be there in a few days. Woohoo!
We finished all the cleaning at around 11PM...exhausted we spent the night at my inlaws...slept wonderfully and soundly...up the next day and had the same pile of tears occur a second time.
We spent a few hours with Grandpa in Kennewick and saw A. Linda and U. Fred. It was so good to see them and chat with them. I'll have to write a little later about U. Fred. He recently had part of his leg amputated and I had a chance to just chat a little with him...
We drove through to Ontario and stayed with my A. Nancy that night. Her home is so lovely. She just moved there and has the most beautiful container garden. It made me feel better about container gardening in Arizona.
The next day was a trip to Utah...ending in Orem at my mom's house. Its been a lot of fun to just relax a couple of days.
Regardless of the above photo, I still think both Mr. C and I got some much needed relaxation and sleep over the last couple of days.
Doesn't he just look like he's having a blast here in Utah? We leave today and head south to Zion National Park. I'm just waiting for Mr. C to get back from the "all you can eat meat fest" with the bro-in-laws and my stepdad.
I'm beginning to look forward to Arizona...we'll be there in a few days. Woohoo!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Two days til packers
Do you know whats going in that box?
I'm so wired right now...what a week this has been. I'm going to be relieved when its over. But...until then...I just walked out in the garage and am in a total loss. Its the cleanest its been in 5 years...just in time for the packers to come and put it all in boxes. Can you believe this?
New strategy - want your garage cleaned and organized? Move. I'm going to keep that one in mind. :)
I've been working like a crazy lady. I have 3 days in office in downtown Portland this week to train my replacement prior to driving out of town next week. He's so great. He has a ton of experience...he's bright...he picks it up quickly. He was expensive, but it is totally worth it.
Today was my day working from home...and because of the insanity from this week...the day to catch up on all my blogs and emails. Gaaaaah! I found 3 McCarney cousin blogs! woohoo! I love finding family blogs...just getting a glimpse into their lives and to be honest...from the pictures I looked at I probably wouldn't recognize 1/2 of my 50+ cousins now. They are all grown up - have facial hair and kids...I still think of them around 8-15 years of age....
So, I'm off to munch some lunch. I had my last Dr.'s appt today for the little one. We heard a good heartbeat...but you can find out more about that here: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
I'm so wired right now...what a week this has been. I'm going to be relieved when its over. But...until then...I just walked out in the garage and am in a total loss. Its the cleanest its been in 5 years...just in time for the packers to come and put it all in boxes. Can you believe this?
New strategy - want your garage cleaned and organized? Move. I'm going to keep that one in mind. :)
I've been working like a crazy lady. I have 3 days in office in downtown Portland this week to train my replacement prior to driving out of town next week. He's so great. He has a ton of experience...he's bright...he picks it up quickly. He was expensive, but it is totally worth it.
Today was my day working from home...and because of the insanity from this week...the day to catch up on all my blogs and emails. Gaaaaah! I found 3 McCarney cousin blogs! woohoo! I love finding family blogs...just getting a glimpse into their lives and to be honest...from the pictures I looked at I probably wouldn't recognize 1/2 of my 50+ cousins now. They are all grown up - have facial hair and kids...I still think of them around 8-15 years of age....
So, I'm off to munch some lunch. I had my last Dr.'s appt today for the little one. We heard a good heartbeat...but you can find out more about that here: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 16, 2008
Mediation
Today has suddenly turned into a last minute decision to make it the mediation for the new child care arrangements.
I hate this stuff. I feel angry and out of control and upset. I would be a terrible divorcee - I don't deal very well with this kind of stress...it makes me want to beat people up...and I don't even have to be there.
Everyone is put out. Two litle ones have to stay a day longer with grandparents that had other plans....the older one is refusing to help out and whining about everything. I'm stuck at work and can't do much to fix it. Mr. C has to go...
I suppose its better that it just get done and over with. I don't have high hopes that we'll make it through to a decision. We meaning Cruella and Mr. C. She is demanding that the children not leave their "home environment." Meaning...they shouldn't leave the state. AAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH. Yeah...its better that they stay in a hotel for a week instead of being able to see their daddy's new house and have their favorite toys and play in their daddy's home environment. Does this sound insane to anyone else? Why oh why does she insist on being a ^%#@$^&?
Its days like to day that I seriously have to talk myself down from those thoughts that you never think you can actually have until you meet someone that you dislike as intently as I dislike Cruella at this moment. I won't expound...with my luck she's find this blog and charge me with something insane and get away with it and I'll be in jail or have a massive fine that would seriously put me over the edge and then...
Stopping now while I'm ahead.
I hate this stuff. I feel angry and out of control and upset. I would be a terrible divorcee - I don't deal very well with this kind of stress...it makes me want to beat people up...and I don't even have to be there.
Everyone is put out. Two litle ones have to stay a day longer with grandparents that had other plans....the older one is refusing to help out and whining about everything. I'm stuck at work and can't do much to fix it. Mr. C has to go...
I suppose its better that it just get done and over with. I don't have high hopes that we'll make it through to a decision. We meaning Cruella and Mr. C. She is demanding that the children not leave their "home environment." Meaning...they shouldn't leave the state. AAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH. Yeah...its better that they stay in a hotel for a week instead of being able to see their daddy's new house and have their favorite toys and play in their daddy's home environment. Does this sound insane to anyone else? Why oh why does she insist on being a ^%#@$^&?
Its days like to day that I seriously have to talk myself down from those thoughts that you never think you can actually have until you meet someone that you dislike as intently as I dislike Cruella at this moment. I won't expound...with my luck she's find this blog and charge me with something insane and get away with it and I'll be in jail or have a massive fine that would seriously put me over the edge and then...
Stopping now while I'm ahead.
Friday, June 13, 2008
SHE CAME HOME
Mimms that crazy cat thats been missing for 3 weeks magically showed up on our doorstep at 11pm the other night.
She's home! Woohoooo!
Both cats are getting collars and headed home to sissy Sarah's house today! Dave is staying at Sarah's house for the summer and is going to take care of the kitties while she is gone.
I'm so relieved that Mimms showed up. R-E-L-I-E-V-E-D. I thought she was gone forever and now the kitties are all cuddled up and meowing how much they missed each other.
And as a shout out to Dave...if you want a kids party you have to call him. He's the best.
www.DavidFreleng.com.
Talk about funny...you can see some of his made-for grownups puppet shows on Youtube.
Hoorah! The kitties are reunited!
She's home! Woohoooo!
Both cats are getting collars and headed home to sissy Sarah's house today! Dave is staying at Sarah's house for the summer and is going to take care of the kitties while she is gone.
I'm so relieved that Mimms showed up. R-E-L-I-E-V-E-D. I thought she was gone forever and now the kitties are all cuddled up and meowing how much they missed each other.
And as a shout out to Dave...if you want a kids party you have to call him. He's the best.
www.DavidFreleng.com.
Talk about funny...you can see some of his made-for grownups puppet shows on Youtube.
Hoorah! The kitties are reunited!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Empty House Party
We've decided to hold an empty house party. Actually, its a way to say goodbye to our friends that want to stop by once its all packed up and ready to go.
I thought I'd pull out the chocolate fountain and then its kind of a potluck style. :)
We won't have any furniture in the house and boxes piled high ready for the movers the next morning.
Am I insane?
Does this sound like a party or a headache?
I thought I'd pull out the chocolate fountain and then its kind of a potluck style. :)
We won't have any furniture in the house and boxes piled high ready for the movers the next morning.
Am I insane?
Does this sound like a party or a headache?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Prohibition
If you were around in 1919...just before prohibition started and came across this poster...
I mean seriously...would you quit drinking?
I mean seriously...would you quit drinking?
Monday, June 09, 2008
Rant...Rant...Rant
This whole looking back at how I was raised thing that occured when I went through my baby boxes has opened my eyes this weekend to why I sometimes struggle so much with little giggle.
This weekend is a perfect case in point...As many times as she is adorable she is liable to throw a fit. These fits are because she has to help with chores.
Its so foreign to anything I have ever experienced to have a child throw a temper tantrum for having to help. Its not like we're asking her to clean the entire bathroom...just put the towels in the linen closet or while the rest of us weeded for an hour all she had to do was put the pulled weeds in the bucket and you'd have thought that the end of the world had come for her.
And its not like we're sitting around eating bonbons and watching a movie while forcing little Cinderella to work...we give her the "easy" job so we don't have to listen to the complaining as much or as long. She's often done long before anyone else is done with their chores.
This weekend...when given a choice of helping and being part of the "team" or doing her own thing she readily threw down her gardening tools and headed out because, "I don't want to do this so I don't have to."
WOW. I'm trying to remember what would have happened to me when I was kid if I tried to pull that little trick.
I had to take time out this weekend to think about this because it was really making me crazy. I have a general problem with parents letting their kids make up excuses for anything and everything or even worse, telling them its someone else's fault that they didn't succeed...I've never seen the benefit of letting a kid think they are the cat's meow or that the world should cater to them without them actually trying and failing a few times... Why is it so bad to fail? Or lose? Sure it doesn't make you feel great, but its not going to kill you either...puts life into perspective a little bit.
Now, this mindset that "if you don't want to do it you don't have to because you deserve to only have to do what you want" just drives me crazy.
It makes sense....talking about Miss giggle in particular...this is why she has been expelled from her 4th preschool in as many years...if she doesn't want to do it she doesn't. Period. She'd rather throw a fit, throw paint, kick the teacher and punch out other kids than have to sit at the table. And her understanding of why the school won't let her back in..."My teacher is mean to me so we had to go to a school with nicer teachers."
Uh. What? I suppose that at this point I can't blame a 6-year old. She isn't help responsible for her behavior. She is being told that someone else "forced" her to behave that way. So I suppose I blame the parents?
Ok...so, I'm one of the "parents." In Mr. C and my defense I suppose I can say that every other weekend doesn't allow us to exactly make a huge impact on the way this little girl is raised. So what I'd really love to do is point a big huge finger at Cruella and say..."YOU DID THIS."
But then again...Chortle is 8 and was a rock star. He was helpful and didn't complain and worked hard and gets a huge reward for it...a trip to ChuckECheese with his dad to spend some "guy time."
And yours truly gets to stay home with the other one to watch the fit because she doesn't get to go...so, is it really Cruella or is it just LG's personality?
All I know is that its a no win situation...What is a step-parent or non-custodial parent supposed to do? If she lived here full time she would learn quickly that those types of fits get you nowhere but in your room...being helpful gets a reward...being snotty and selfish gets you nowhere....
So maybe I blame the court system? The court system is biased against fathers. I don't just believe that...I KNOW that. People wonder why dad's disappear out of their kids lives...I'll tell you why...ex-wives make life miserable. They do everything in their power to make sure that the time spent with their father is a nothing but drama and headache...aside from the antics they themselves decide to force on you like phone calls and emails and drama galore they breed their children to behave expecially poorly when at their dad's house and tell them they don't have to obey or listen or anything else because he's not "custodial." How does a 6 year old know that word? All I see is a 6-year old mini-me of Cruella being bred and I just stand back and watch...Its not my job, my opportunity or in my ability to make it stop. There is truly NOTHING I can do. (That was a hard lesson for me this weekend.)
And so every other weekend, which is quickly coming to twice a year or so, we have this selfish little thing that doesn't see any reason to be helpful or loving or kind unless its to her benefit. Who kicks and screams and cries because she has to help around the house or make her bed or clear the dinner table. Who tells us that her job is NOT to help, but to watch TV. Thats why they have housecleaner ladies and gardners. I can't believe the life of luxury is expected at age 6...I really can't. and what are we supposed to do? Spend the whole weekend snarling and grumpy? As it is Mr. C only gets 5 days a month with these kids...why does he want to spend it disciplining and trying to teach manners?
So, I suppose at this point I'm throwing up my hands and saying I don't know what to do. There are basic rules of this house that we expect to be obeyed. No hitting or kicking. No lying. No throwing toys or books when angry, etc. Maybe I expect those things and only those thing? Just give up on any of the other stuff and decide to be a "Disney parent?"
This is not a new trial. I 'm sure many full time parents say the same type of things....I'm sure many stepmoms or non-custodial parent's before me have lamented exactly what I'm lamenting. And so it goes....
This weekend is a perfect case in point...As many times as she is adorable she is liable to throw a fit. These fits are because she has to help with chores.
Its so foreign to anything I have ever experienced to have a child throw a temper tantrum for having to help. Its not like we're asking her to clean the entire bathroom...just put the towels in the linen closet or while the rest of us weeded for an hour all she had to do was put the pulled weeds in the bucket and you'd have thought that the end of the world had come for her.
And its not like we're sitting around eating bonbons and watching a movie while forcing little Cinderella to work...we give her the "easy" job so we don't have to listen to the complaining as much or as long. She's often done long before anyone else is done with their chores.
This weekend...when given a choice of helping and being part of the "team" or doing her own thing she readily threw down her gardening tools and headed out because, "I don't want to do this so I don't have to."
WOW. I'm trying to remember what would have happened to me when I was kid if I tried to pull that little trick.
I had to take time out this weekend to think about this because it was really making me crazy. I have a general problem with parents letting their kids make up excuses for anything and everything or even worse, telling them its someone else's fault that they didn't succeed...I've never seen the benefit of letting a kid think they are the cat's meow or that the world should cater to them without them actually trying and failing a few times... Why is it so bad to fail? Or lose? Sure it doesn't make you feel great, but its not going to kill you either...puts life into perspective a little bit.
Now, this mindset that "if you don't want to do it you don't have to because you deserve to only have to do what you want" just drives me crazy.
It makes sense....talking about Miss giggle in particular...this is why she has been expelled from her 4th preschool in as many years...if she doesn't want to do it she doesn't. Period. She'd rather throw a fit, throw paint, kick the teacher and punch out other kids than have to sit at the table. And her understanding of why the school won't let her back in..."My teacher is mean to me so we had to go to a school with nicer teachers."
Uh. What? I suppose that at this point I can't blame a 6-year old. She isn't help responsible for her behavior. She is being told that someone else "forced" her to behave that way. So I suppose I blame the parents?
Ok...so, I'm one of the "parents." In Mr. C and my defense I suppose I can say that every other weekend doesn't allow us to exactly make a huge impact on the way this little girl is raised. So what I'd really love to do is point a big huge finger at Cruella and say..."YOU DID THIS."
But then again...Chortle is 8 and was a rock star. He was helpful and didn't complain and worked hard and gets a huge reward for it...a trip to ChuckECheese with his dad to spend some "guy time."
And yours truly gets to stay home with the other one to watch the fit because she doesn't get to go...so, is it really Cruella or is it just LG's personality?
All I know is that its a no win situation...What is a step-parent or non-custodial parent supposed to do? If she lived here full time she would learn quickly that those types of fits get you nowhere but in your room...being helpful gets a reward...being snotty and selfish gets you nowhere....
So maybe I blame the court system? The court system is biased against fathers. I don't just believe that...I KNOW that. People wonder why dad's disappear out of their kids lives...I'll tell you why...ex-wives make life miserable. They do everything in their power to make sure that the time spent with their father is a nothing but drama and headache...aside from the antics they themselves decide to force on you like phone calls and emails and drama galore they breed their children to behave expecially poorly when at their dad's house and tell them they don't have to obey or listen or anything else because he's not "custodial." How does a 6 year old know that word? All I see is a 6-year old mini-me of Cruella being bred and I just stand back and watch...Its not my job, my opportunity or in my ability to make it stop. There is truly NOTHING I can do. (That was a hard lesson for me this weekend.)
And so every other weekend, which is quickly coming to twice a year or so, we have this selfish little thing that doesn't see any reason to be helpful or loving or kind unless its to her benefit. Who kicks and screams and cries because she has to help around the house or make her bed or clear the dinner table. Who tells us that her job is NOT to help, but to watch TV. Thats why they have housecleaner ladies and gardners. I can't believe the life of luxury is expected at age 6...I really can't. and what are we supposed to do? Spend the whole weekend snarling and grumpy? As it is Mr. C only gets 5 days a month with these kids...why does he want to spend it disciplining and trying to teach manners?
So, I suppose at this point I'm throwing up my hands and saying I don't know what to do. There are basic rules of this house that we expect to be obeyed. No hitting or kicking. No lying. No throwing toys or books when angry, etc. Maybe I expect those things and only those thing? Just give up on any of the other stuff and decide to be a "Disney parent?"
This is not a new trial. I 'm sure many full time parents say the same type of things....I'm sure many stepmoms or non-custodial parent's before me have lamented exactly what I'm lamenting. And so it goes....
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Packing memories
Ok...while packing I came across some of the greatest old memory folders...things I hadn't seen in years and just made my heart smile and laugh out loud. I was hoping I could find the letter Emma sent me my first week in college asking if I had any friends yet....now that is priceles...instead...from the pile I had in front of me I picked two of my favorites to share here...
First - a paper from a Family Home Evening when i was 6 years old. Jenna would have been 10...Ray was 8...Sarah was 4...Becca was 2. Look how much my family loves me...Also - take special note where my mom says I help out around the house...
Now part two...I'm in highschool and apparently my helpful around the house days were over. Its true what they say, you know...you really learn to appreciate what your parents went through. This letter, however, made me laugh so hard. I sure love you, mom.
I also came across a bunch of poems I'd written for my mom...my all-time favorite...
I love my mother very much
Her nice brown hair
Her tender touch
Although sometimes we fight and blame
I love my mother still the same.
By me...age 8ish. :)
First - a paper from a Family Home Evening when i was 6 years old. Jenna would have been 10...Ray was 8...Sarah was 4...Becca was 2. Look how much my family loves me...Also - take special note where my mom says I help out around the house...
Now part two...I'm in highschool and apparently my helpful around the house days were over. Its true what they say, you know...you really learn to appreciate what your parents went through. This letter, however, made me laugh so hard. I sure love you, mom.
I also came across a bunch of poems I'd written for my mom...my all-time favorite...
I love my mother very much
Her nice brown hair
Her tender touch
Although sometimes we fight and blame
I love my mother still the same.
By me...age 8ish. :)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Blast from the past!
I had a blast from the past today. My dear college roommate that I will love and adore forever left me a little note on baby chucklehead's blog. I couldn't believe it was her!
I loved seeing her face and 3 kids! It just blows me away...I remember her wedding...and her being pregnant with her first so many long years ago...but it just seems like yesterday.
So, I had to just write up a few of my favorite memories as a little tribute to her in memory of all the grand times we had....
The love hut
Catching Mike and Lori making out
sledding in the dead of winter
all the couples...you and Bart, Devin and Smell, Dave and Dani, DK and the girl of the week....
off roading in the beast
Nugget
squeeze those cheeseburgers
watching the intramural flag football team
Fresno vs BYU game
Karaoke at Mike's house (I still have the tape! ha ha ha)
Duper
The mouse -- oatmeal
killing heather's plants with bleach and that SALSA!
Dingleberry
Bart's personal planetarium
so many good times...I could probably go on for another page or two...
Anyhow...raise a glass to good friends, fun times and great memories!
CHEERS!
BYU-Fresno Game
Awwwwww....
His personal planetarium
Wedding day...
I loved seeing her face and 3 kids! It just blows me away...I remember her wedding...and her being pregnant with her first so many long years ago...but it just seems like yesterday.
So, I had to just write up a few of my favorite memories as a little tribute to her in memory of all the grand times we had....
The love hut
Catching Mike and Lori making out
sledding in the dead of winter
all the couples...you and Bart, Devin and Smell, Dave and Dani, DK and the girl of the week....
off roading in the beast
Nugget
squeeze those cheeseburgers
watching the intramural flag football team
Fresno vs BYU game
Karaoke at Mike's house (I still have the tape! ha ha ha)
Duper
The mouse -- oatmeal
killing heather's plants with bleach and that SALSA!
Dingleberry
Bart's personal planetarium
so many good times...I could probably go on for another page or two...
Anyhow...raise a glass to good friends, fun times and great memories!
CHEERS!
BYU-Fresno Game
Awwwwww....
His personal planetarium
Wedding day...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day
It was a rainy day here in Portland, but most days in Portland are rainy so that didn't stop us.
We headed out to the Gales Creek Cemetary where Mr. C's grandfather and other relatives are buried. We doubled that with Family Home Evening. Eric gave the lesson while we were at the cemetary and talked about what Memorial day is really all about.
Both kids enjoyed walking around and were appropriately subdued thinking of the ages of some of the people we looked at headstones for...some small babies. Some young children just around their ages...some teenagers the age of big sissy and adults and "old" people. They admired the flowers and the flags and talked to their dad about him having to "go to war" now that he is in the Army.
Afterward we went to the Lilly farm (John's grandmother's farm) and walked around looking at the creek and the fields and he told us stories of when he was a kid.
it was a good Memorial day...a good reminder of how important family is and a good way to say thank you to the soldiers for our freedoms.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Columbia River Gorge
Its the most beautiful place in the world....here was our weekend trip to the fish hatchery and crown point in the Columbia River Gorge
Thursday, May 22, 2008
New Car!
Woohoo! We traded in the Kia and Mazda for a shiny red (new to us) Subaru Forester. Pretty ain't she?
We really like her and are actually really excited to be a 1-car family now.
Hoorah for new cars!
Now...what shall we name her? Or, I guess him? Anyone? Anyone?
Lost Mims
Oh where oh where has our little cat gone?
Oh where oh where can she be?
We have been taking care of Sarah's kitties while she is gone and Mims has disappeared on us. Actually, Jacko didn't come home last night either. Its causing me stress....I want these kitties to be safe and feel loved, but what can I do other than keep them chained up in the garage? (not really chained, but confined...)
I hope she comes home soon...I hope Jacko doesn't disappear on me too....
Anybody know any good tricks for finding a lost kitty?
Oh where oh where can she be?
We have been taking care of Sarah's kitties while she is gone and Mims has disappeared on us. Actually, Jacko didn't come home last night either. Its causing me stress....I want these kitties to be safe and feel loved, but what can I do other than keep them chained up in the garage? (not really chained, but confined...)
I hope she comes home soon...I hope Jacko doesn't disappear on me too....
Anybody know any good tricks for finding a lost kitty?
Friday, May 16, 2008
Driveway!
We got our driveway fixed today. It had been broken by a bunch of tree roots from a tree that we had cut down a couple of years.
With moving and having renters we figured we better get that "I tripped and now will sue your homeowners insurance for a million dollars for pain and suffering" hazard out of the way.
It was amazing how quickly they were able to do it...and how expensive it is! $800 dollars later we have a brand new 14X10 square in our driveway and NO ROOT! I wish we'd done it years ago!
We've got a rental openhouse tomorrow so it was completed just in time for all our potential renters to be safe and sound.
That being said...everyone keep their fingers crossed or say a little prayer that we find the right family for our home.
With moving and having renters we figured we better get that "I tripped and now will sue your homeowners insurance for a million dollars for pain and suffering" hazard out of the way.
It was amazing how quickly they were able to do it...and how expensive it is! $800 dollars later we have a brand new 14X10 square in our driveway and NO ROOT! I wish we'd done it years ago!
We've got a rental openhouse tomorrow so it was completed just in time for all our potential renters to be safe and sound.
That being said...everyone keep their fingers crossed or say a little prayer that we find the right family for our home.
and again....
I can't even post what I'm thinking about today. More drama...only really...the comments from the last blog don't even come close to the hateful things that have been spitting out of Cruella's mouth.
We knew it would be bad.
Can I just say that I am actually looking forward to leaving in a month if only to get away from THIS for awhile!
We knew it would be bad.
Can I just say that I am actually looking forward to leaving in a month if only to get away from THIS for awhile!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May's drama
Well, Mr. C Talked to his kids about the pregnancy and the move. They were all very excited about the pregnancy and all very sad about the move.
Cruella, on the other hand...gave us the expected reaction. Her first comment was, "Well, when you said you had a couple of items for news I didn't think it was going to be a nuclear bomb."
More interesting comments:
How could you?
You have just lost your children.
Well, now that you have your own kids you can leave mine alone.
You have just lost your oldest daughter forever.
Of the one thing I thought I could count on it was you never having children with HER.
Well, I would have given you the kids for the whole summer, but now that she is pregnant you can only have them for 30 days at most and I'd prefer only the 2 weeks.
Cruella, on the other hand...gave us the expected reaction. Her first comment was, "Well, when you said you had a couple of items for news I didn't think it was going to be a nuclear bomb."
More interesting comments:
How could you?
You have just lost your children.
Well, now that you have your own kids you can leave mine alone.
You have just lost your oldest daughter forever.
Of the one thing I thought I could count on it was you never having children with HER.
Well, I would have given you the kids for the whole summer, but now that she is pregnant you can only have them for 30 days at most and I'd prefer only the 2 weeks.
St. Louis
I spent Monday in St. Louis. I saw the city from the freeway on the way into the airport, The hotel on Market street, the arch from the hotel window, 2 square blocks walking to my meeting, and the city on the way back out to the hotel.
It was a good trip for business.
It was a bad trip for "seeing" St. Louis.
After 20 hours of being awake...I was very happy to finally be home.
Sleep...wonderful sleep...
Mothers day on the plane.
Happy Mother's day
Arrive at airport 6:30AM on Mother's day.
Plane gets delayed
Lady next to me tells me that we have Obama secret service agents on the flight and we'll get clearance...not to worry.
Announcement made 3 minutes later that plane is no longer delayed.
Arrive in Chicago and circle...circle...circle...for almost an hour.
Captain comes over the speaker to assure us that we have "at least 30 minutes of gas left."
Not feeling assured.
Plane finally lands.
Run Run Run to catch connector flight scheduled to leave in 15 minutes.
Make it to the B terminal with 5 minutes to spare.
Gate is closed.
Plead with flight attendant who opens the gate.
Sucky seat way at the back row in MIDDLE.
Flight attendant tells me to sit up front in "Economy PLUS" on aisle. **sighs of relief**
Plane held as next flight to St. Louis is delayed for 5+ hours.
Plane is totally filled up with standby passengers
Plane leaves and arrives in St. Louis at 4:30PM
$50 cab to hotel (what a ripoff!)
Immediately into meeting until 11:15PM
Sneak out to call my mom...
Spend 40 minutes talking to Mr. C
Asleep by 12:15AM
Happy Mother's day.
Arrive at airport 6:30AM on Mother's day.
Plane gets delayed
Lady next to me tells me that we have Obama secret service agents on the flight and we'll get clearance...not to worry.
Announcement made 3 minutes later that plane is no longer delayed.
Arrive in Chicago and circle...circle...circle...for almost an hour.
Captain comes over the speaker to assure us that we have "at least 30 minutes of gas left."
Not feeling assured.
Plane finally lands.
Run Run Run to catch connector flight scheduled to leave in 15 minutes.
Make it to the B terminal with 5 minutes to spare.
Gate is closed.
Plead with flight attendant who opens the gate.
Sucky seat way at the back row in MIDDLE.
Flight attendant tells me to sit up front in "Economy PLUS" on aisle. **sighs of relief**
Plane held as next flight to St. Louis is delayed for 5+ hours.
Plane is totally filled up with standby passengers
Plane leaves and arrives in St. Louis at 4:30PM
$50 cab to hotel (what a ripoff!)
Immediately into meeting until 11:15PM
Sneak out to call my mom...
Spend 40 minutes talking to Mr. C
Asleep by 12:15AM
Happy Mother's day.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Arizona.....for real?
Well - its confirmed. Not with orders, but with verbal and written information that John needs to report to Ft. Huachuca on July 1, 2008. We will actually be driving away from Portland on June 24, 2008. I'm excited and nervous and sad. We'll have John's kids for his 2-week vacation from the last day of school, June 13th through the end of that time period.
I know this is going to be hard when he has to say goodbye to them. Luckily his parents agreed to watch them for two days after that so there is some cohesive "daddy loves you even though he is moving" feelings that the kids can rely on since I don't think Cruella will be offering any of that kindness.
Regardless, I'm hoping the excitement of John getting to move forward with the Army stuff will help him with the loneliness I'm sure he'll be feeling. Of course, I'll encourage frequent contact with them. Maybe we'll give Lexi a webcam and ask her to set it up for the kids and John every Sunday or something.
**sigh** I wish it was so much easier.
I know this is going to be hard when he has to say goodbye to them. Luckily his parents agreed to watch them for two days after that so there is some cohesive "daddy loves you even though he is moving" feelings that the kids can rely on since I don't think Cruella will be offering any of that kindness.
Regardless, I'm hoping the excitement of John getting to move forward with the Army stuff will help him with the loneliness I'm sure he'll be feeling. Of course, I'll encourage frequent contact with them. Maybe we'll give Lexi a webcam and ask her to set it up for the kids and John every Sunday or something.
**sigh** I wish it was so much easier.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Old School
We just got back from a delectable dinner with Mr. C's parents at Claim Jumper...A celebration of sorts for a positive outcome to an unfortunate situation....
Why is it that everyone tells you that you will HATE your in-laws? I suppose they are supposed to be "different" from how you grew up or you hear about how bossy and/or nosy they are...
I have to be honest (and this is in no way slanted because I KNOW they read this blog...) but, I really love Mr. C's parents. They have a fabulous backyard with a garden area for the grandkids to go "dig" and plant sticks and things...which I distinctly remember being something my grandparents had for us and a great toybox that was available when you visit.... Yes, and they spoil the grandkids with toys and treats and LOVE...and love-spoiling is part of the job...as it should be for every grandparent...its the kind of spoiling that makes a kid feel like they are special and deserving instead of the kind that leaves a kid feeling entitled.
I suppose that I feel so comfortable with them because in a way they remind me of my own parents. They have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are thrifty and smart with their money. They value being independent and a self-made individual. In a way they are what would now be considered, "Old School." Its the way I would describe my own mother and father and...heaven forbid that we admit that we ended up like our parents, but its true, Mr. C and I.
I have such a hard time with parents that won't let their kids fail...or won't let them succeed. Instead they think that "fair" is the only way to go. I have to wonder if they live in the same world where I live...Fair....its rarely going to go that way. Mr. C and I think kids can lose at a game and its not going to be the end of the world and some kids get one thing while another doesn't and it won't derail their sense of importance and kids don't need every toy thats advertised and priveledges are just that and not expectations or something children are entitled to...and my favorite soapbox item...consequences for poor behavior.
Phew...now that its out of my system. I think I just want to end this by saying that its nice being friends with your in-laws. I really like it. :)
Why is it that everyone tells you that you will HATE your in-laws? I suppose they are supposed to be "different" from how you grew up or you hear about how bossy and/or nosy they are...
I have to be honest (and this is in no way slanted because I KNOW they read this blog...) but, I really love Mr. C's parents. They have a fabulous backyard with a garden area for the grandkids to go "dig" and plant sticks and things...which I distinctly remember being something my grandparents had for us and a great toybox that was available when you visit.... Yes, and they spoil the grandkids with toys and treats and LOVE...and love-spoiling is part of the job...as it should be for every grandparent...its the kind of spoiling that makes a kid feel like they are special and deserving instead of the kind that leaves a kid feeling entitled.
I suppose that I feel so comfortable with them because in a way they remind me of my own parents. They have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are thrifty and smart with their money. They value being independent and a self-made individual. In a way they are what would now be considered, "Old School." Its the way I would describe my own mother and father and...heaven forbid that we admit that we ended up like our parents, but its true, Mr. C and I.
I have such a hard time with parents that won't let their kids fail...or won't let them succeed. Instead they think that "fair" is the only way to go. I have to wonder if they live in the same world where I live...Fair....its rarely going to go that way. Mr. C and I think kids can lose at a game and its not going to be the end of the world and some kids get one thing while another doesn't and it won't derail their sense of importance and kids don't need every toy thats advertised and priveledges are just that and not expectations or something children are entitled to...and my favorite soapbox item...consequences for poor behavior.
Phew...now that its out of my system. I think I just want to end this by saying that its nice being friends with your in-laws. I really like it. :)
Monday, May 05, 2008
Hit and Run
He was biking home from work - late one evening. A car careens around the street and smashed into him. Knocked unconcious he awakens hours later to find himself in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.
This is a true story and it happened to my brother-in-law early Saturday morning. He is in the hospital in Austin, TX with 4 boken vertebrae and major trauma all over his body.
My sister, found out Saturday morning at 9AM when he was finally able to call her once the doctors were done with x-rays and other stuff. His family found out next and what a blessing that his mother is a registered nurse of 20+ years.
Luckily he is doing well...doesn't require and surgery and is expected to heal completely. Just keep saying those prayers and murmur good thoughts and magic healing dust that nothing changes.
Curse the hit and run driver...there are better ways to understand that things in your life that are precious can be taken away at any time.
This is a true story and it happened to my brother-in-law early Saturday morning. He is in the hospital in Austin, TX with 4 boken vertebrae and major trauma all over his body.
My sister, found out Saturday morning at 9AM when he was finally able to call her once the doctors were done with x-rays and other stuff. His family found out next and what a blessing that his mother is a registered nurse of 20+ years.
Luckily he is doing well...doesn't require and surgery and is expected to heal completely. Just keep saying those prayers and murmur good thoughts and magic healing dust that nothing changes.
Curse the hit and run driver...there are better ways to understand that things in your life that are precious can be taken away at any time.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The bun in the oven
Well, now that its becoming common knowledge I thought I'd better post it here and let the rest of the world in on it....
John and I have a bun in the oven. :O)
Its 9 weeks and 3 days old today and about the size of a grape. Due on 12/1/2008...A thanksgiving baby!
We actually found out on April Fools day and posted it here, but nobody believed us. HAHAHA.
I started a new blog that day called Baby Chuckleheads and you can find it here if you are interested in the baby drama: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
Woohoo!!
We've told our families for the most part...or they should be getting the notice really soon. We had planned on waiting a little while longer, but the cat got let out of the bag sooner than expected so here we are making the big announcement!
Anyhow...yeah for us! We've got a BABY coming!!!
John and I have a bun in the oven. :O)
Its 9 weeks and 3 days old today and about the size of a grape. Due on 12/1/2008...A thanksgiving baby!
We actually found out on April Fools day and posted it here, but nobody believed us. HAHAHA.
I started a new blog that day called Baby Chuckleheads and you can find it here if you are interested in the baby drama: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
Woohoo!!
We've told our families for the most part...or they should be getting the notice really soon. We had planned on waiting a little while longer, but the cat got let out of the bag sooner than expected so here we are making the big announcement!
Anyhow...yeah for us! We've got a BABY coming!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Our version of the idol show...
Miss 17-year old superstar tried out for the Portland Teen Idol contest. She did really great. Made it all the way to the top 25. I guess there were a couple of hundred kids that tried out so to be in the top 25 is really a great honor...
We went and watched her sing last night...unfortunately we couldn't stay for the whole show...it started at 6:30 and went for 4 hours and we had the little kids.
We did stay for the first half and watched her sing one of the two songs she would perform. She did FANTASTIC. She was animated and had a great stage presence and her voice is beautiful. We were really proud of her.
Unfortunately she didn't make the cut to the top 10...The top 10 do a whole summer tour thing...but she has next year and I think she's taking this as having been a really great experience overall.
Congratulations Lexi Loo! We are so proud of you!
We went and watched her sing last night...unfortunately we couldn't stay for the whole show...it started at 6:30 and went for 4 hours and we had the little kids.
We did stay for the first half and watched her sing one of the two songs she would perform. She did FANTASTIC. She was animated and had a great stage presence and her voice is beautiful. We were really proud of her.
Unfortunately she didn't make the cut to the top 10...The top 10 do a whole summer tour thing...but she has next year and I think she's taking this as having been a really great experience overall.
Congratulations Lexi Loo! We are so proud of you!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Get excited...its on its way
I worked on the UniViper video last night. Its HILARIOUS....well, at least I think its hilarious. Last steps are to put the music to the video. You will all be amazed.
I'm just getting you all excited for the big day when its finished and I can post it on here...lets just say its the stuff that continues to be talked about for years to come.
Plus - what do you get for the birthday of Grandpa Johnnie whose got everything? You make a crazy video reenactment of the univiper story...thats what.
I'm just getting you all excited for the big day when its finished and I can post it on here...lets just say its the stuff that continues to be talked about for years to come.
Plus - what do you get for the birthday of Grandpa Johnnie whose got everything? You make a crazy video reenactment of the univiper story...thats what.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Gay T-Shirt Poker Night
A monthly event - Mr. C goes out to play poker with some of his Army buddies... Because Mr. C dared wear a Donnie Wahlberg NKOTB t-shirt last month they declared this month to be gay t-shirt poker night.
I couldn't resist taking these photos as he tried on my t-shirts for his various outfits.
Believe it or not...he claims he was UNDERDRESSED for the event!!
I couldn't resist taking these photos as he tried on my t-shirts for his various outfits.
Believe it or not...he claims he was UNDERDRESSED for the event!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cat and squirrel game
I've been working all day long here in my home office. Its been a busy last few days and I'm pretty exhausted right now. My break times today were spent staring out the window and watching the neighborhood cats and my friendly backyard squirrel.
Just as a sidetrack...I really need to come up with a name for this squirrel. Its so amusing to watch and I know its the same one because he has a routine. Its the fattest squirrel you've ever seen too.
So, anyhow...the neighborhood cats like to prowl around and stalk this squirrel but he's too smart for them. Really, in my mind, I like to think that he's playing a little game with them. He comes down the tree and munches on things on the ground while they are far enough away...
They come creeping closer and he goes 1/2 way up the tree. By the time they are close to the tree he's teasing them by dangling from branches and appearing to have near miss falls where he'll catch himself just at the right time.
Its making the neighborhood cats neurotic and (I'm sad to say) is a highlight of my day now. I love watching this darn squirrel get the best of them.
Today, the squirrel actuall drops a tree blossom on the head of the cat and it swatted at it. FUNNY.
Is it sounding like I need more stimulation during my day?! :)
Just as a sidetrack...I really need to come up with a name for this squirrel. Its so amusing to watch and I know its the same one because he has a routine. Its the fattest squirrel you've ever seen too.
So, anyhow...the neighborhood cats like to prowl around and stalk this squirrel but he's too smart for them. Really, in my mind, I like to think that he's playing a little game with them. He comes down the tree and munches on things on the ground while they are far enough away...
They come creeping closer and he goes 1/2 way up the tree. By the time they are close to the tree he's teasing them by dangling from branches and appearing to have near miss falls where he'll catch himself just at the right time.
Its making the neighborhood cats neurotic and (I'm sad to say) is a highlight of my day now. I love watching this darn squirrel get the best of them.
Today, the squirrel actuall drops a tree blossom on the head of the cat and it swatted at it. FUNNY.
Is it sounding like I need more stimulation during my day?! :)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Uni-Viper
We've now got a snaggletooth. Poor little chortle took a tumble on his scooter and broke his two front teeth. Yes, the PERMANENT teeth.
It took an emergency weekend trip to the dentist to get it sealed since the nerves were exposed and he's sitting back in the dental chair today to get the right tooth fixed. He's also got a big fat lip about the size of a hotdog. Poor kid. He says it doesn't hurt anymore, but feels weird to feel the sharp teeth in front.
The best part...before leaving for the dentist today he said, "Hey! When I get home I'll be a uni-viper! I'll have one sharp pointy tooth!"
For anyone unfamiliar with the univiper story its a Grandpa Johnnie classic full of terror and horror at the one-fanged viper that bit him when I was a kid and punctured a single hole in his thumb and caused it to turn black. A favorite for storytelling time with Chortle and Little Giggle, he is REALLY excited that he gets to BE a univiper.
Watch for an upcoming video of the univiper reenactment featuring Mr. C and Chortle later this evening as a special skit for Family Home Evening.
It took an emergency weekend trip to the dentist to get it sealed since the nerves were exposed and he's sitting back in the dental chair today to get the right tooth fixed. He's also got a big fat lip about the size of a hotdog. Poor kid. He says it doesn't hurt anymore, but feels weird to feel the sharp teeth in front.
The best part...before leaving for the dentist today he said, "Hey! When I get home I'll be a uni-viper! I'll have one sharp pointy tooth!"
For anyone unfamiliar with the univiper story its a Grandpa Johnnie classic full of terror and horror at the one-fanged viper that bit him when I was a kid and punctured a single hole in his thumb and caused it to turn black. A favorite for storytelling time with Chortle and Little Giggle, he is REALLY excited that he gets to BE a univiper.
Watch for an upcoming video of the univiper reenactment featuring Mr. C and Chortle later this evening as a special skit for Family Home Evening.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Bzzzzzzzzzzz
Weather in Portland today is sunny and 80 degrees.
Almost too hot to play outside. It was glorious...flowers busting open, birds chirping and bees humming.
Little giggle got a "bee sting"...she just got soo worked up over bees flying around her that she imagined a bee sting on her thumb. She showed it to us....we couldn't see anything so into the bathroom to clean her and and put on a bandaid and she hands us her other hand...
Mr. C - "Thats not the thumb you showed me before."
LG - "Its not?"
Mr. C - "No, maybe you didn't really get a bee sting?"
Switches hands quickly and holds out thumb...
LG - "Oh yeeeaaaaaaaahhhhh...it WAS this thumb. I forgot."
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Almost too hot to play outside. It was glorious...flowers busting open, birds chirping and bees humming.
Little giggle got a "bee sting"...she just got soo worked up over bees flying around her that she imagined a bee sting on her thumb. She showed it to us....we couldn't see anything so into the bathroom to clean her and and put on a bandaid and she hands us her other hand...
Mr. C - "Thats not the thumb you showed me before."
LG - "Its not?"
Mr. C - "No, maybe you didn't really get a bee sting?"
Switches hands quickly and holds out thumb...
LG - "Oh yeeeaaaaaaaahhhhh...it WAS this thumb. I forgot."
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Real life just slammed me in the face...
Real life just slammed me in the face today...
1. What is it with kids these days? I sent at least 3 reminders to Gag about calling her dad on his birthday...we had it all planned she was calling in the AM with chortle and little giggle so they didn't have to leave a message and could actually talk to him...and its now been a full day AFTER his birthday and we have yet to hear anything from her. Not even a voice mail.
He feels awful.
It makes me so mad.
At 17 and 1/2 you should be able to think about other people, right? I want to say something to her, but it won't be very nice....so I better keep my mouth shut...isn't that how that saying goes? If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all?
How about if I just leave her a message on MySpace checking in to see if her busy life has settled down enough to be able to wish her dad a happy birthday this century? Or maybe I can post it on my page under the folder, PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO THINK ABOUT ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES...or maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut....
2. Gag's madre....Cruella DeVille...is whining about how she has "extended the olive branch" and why can't we all be friends...
I'm so confused...was it just last week I wrote about the pictures on her MySpace page? Was it just a couple of months ago that she told Mr. C that if "that woman ever comes near her or her children she'll...."
Well....I guess my old brain is falling apart because according to HER she has done nothing but go out of her way to make it easy for us....she even said in her email that she has no longer been "trying to make things difficult for our relationship." Well, not only do I take that as admission of guilt in that area, but she makes all these comments due to the fact that she has found someone else...Her new boyfriend has apparently made life blissful for her. Now she wants to sit together at concerts and sporting events. She wants to be more friendly and be invited into our house and have herself invited into ours. UGH...I'm getting sick just thinking about it.
My response....No thanks, Cruella. As soon as your boyfriend dumps you (heaven forbid) it will be back to the old times...I'd much rather just not having anything to do with you at all....
Am I being petty? Am I making the wrong decision? Should I actually try to have a FRIENDSHIP of sorts with Cruella DeVille? (She kills little dalmations for a fur coat....is that what I want in my life?)
Real life sucks some days....I want to throw my 17 and 1/2 year old stepdaughter over my knee and spank her and I want to throw up on her mother...
I need another vacation.
1. What is it with kids these days? I sent at least 3 reminders to Gag about calling her dad on his birthday...we had it all planned she was calling in the AM with chortle and little giggle so they didn't have to leave a message and could actually talk to him...and its now been a full day AFTER his birthday and we have yet to hear anything from her. Not even a voice mail.
He feels awful.
It makes me so mad.
At 17 and 1/2 you should be able to think about other people, right? I want to say something to her, but it won't be very nice....so I better keep my mouth shut...isn't that how that saying goes? If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all?
How about if I just leave her a message on MySpace checking in to see if her busy life has settled down enough to be able to wish her dad a happy birthday this century? Or maybe I can post it on my page under the folder, PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO THINK ABOUT ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES...or maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut....
2. Gag's madre....Cruella DeVille...is whining about how she has "extended the olive branch" and why can't we all be friends...
I'm so confused...was it just last week I wrote about the pictures on her MySpace page? Was it just a couple of months ago that she told Mr. C that if "that woman ever comes near her or her children she'll...."
Well....I guess my old brain is falling apart because according to HER she has done nothing but go out of her way to make it easy for us....she even said in her email that she has no longer been "trying to make things difficult for our relationship." Well, not only do I take that as admission of guilt in that area, but she makes all these comments due to the fact that she has found someone else...Her new boyfriend has apparently made life blissful for her. Now she wants to sit together at concerts and sporting events. She wants to be more friendly and be invited into our house and have herself invited into ours. UGH...I'm getting sick just thinking about it.
My response....No thanks, Cruella. As soon as your boyfriend dumps you (heaven forbid) it will be back to the old times...I'd much rather just not having anything to do with you at all....
Am I being petty? Am I making the wrong decision? Should I actually try to have a FRIENDSHIP of sorts with Cruella DeVille? (She kills little dalmations for a fur coat....is that what I want in my life?)
Real life sucks some days....I want to throw my 17 and 1/2 year old stepdaughter over my knee and spank her and I want to throw up on her mother...
I need another vacation.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Happy 40th Birthday!
Mr. C is 40 years old today! Wooooohooooo! We are still in Arizona so we celebrated last night with Ray/Steph and family and friend.
Army guys on the cake were Johnnie's idea...it was a perfect addition to the Lemon Mousse Cake!
Getting ready for presents!
Notice everyone is wearing black?
Happy Birthday Uncle John says Lizzie!
We sat around outside and ate the yummy dinner Stephanie made.
Ray cooked up a delicious BBQ!
We all went geocaching and found 3 caches in the dark!
Silly String spray is a must for Birthdays!
Thats right...40 years old is older than dirt.
Army guys on the cake were Johnnie's idea...it was a perfect addition to the Lemon Mousse Cake!
Getting ready for presents!
Notice everyone is wearing black?
Happy Birthday Uncle John says Lizzie!
We sat around outside and ate the yummy dinner Stephanie made.
Ray cooked up a delicious BBQ!
We all went geocaching and found 3 caches in the dark!
Silly String spray is a must for Birthdays!
Thats right...40 years old is older than dirt.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Frontier Days
Proud to be an American!
Riata Ranch Girls showing off.
The grand finale.
Mr. C on a ride?! This one didn't make him sick at least!
Up on the ferris wheel.
What NOT to wear
Three simple rules for all women to follow:
1. Belly shirts are a bad idea at any time, however, old women wearing a belly shirt is like a double thumbs down.
2. Its great to wear a belt, but please be sure to loop all the loops. Ask your husband to double check your work if needed.
3. I abhor the "show your underwear" trend thats been going on, but I've never seen it displayed with light blue granny panties. I just don't think this works.
Photograph courtesy of Mr. Chucklehead taken this weekend at Sierra Vista Frontier Days.
1. Belly shirts are a bad idea at any time, however, old women wearing a belly shirt is like a double thumbs down.
2. Its great to wear a belt, but please be sure to loop all the loops. Ask your husband to double check your work if needed.
3. I abhor the "show your underwear" trend thats been going on, but I've never seen it displayed with light blue granny panties. I just don't think this works.
Photograph courtesy of Mr. Chucklehead taken this weekend at Sierra Vista Frontier Days.
Thoughts on Sierra Vista
Well, we've been here a couple of days now...
I thought it would be like Beaverton...my brother told me it would be like Ontario. I think its a little like Madras or Bend. Its a nice city. Its small...you can drive around the whole thing in less than an hour. The base surrounds it...there are basically three main roads that go through it.
We went to the seedy part of town....it was pretty scary looking. :)
Its not been too hot...80 degrees...this is their spring...and they say they get all 4 seasons and the hottest is about 100 degrees.
We did sit in a realtors office yesterday and checked out his "bugs in formaldehyde" collection. Ewwwwwwwwwww....they were all "local critters" that he'd found on his property...a scorpion, a gigantic spider, a tarantula, an enormous centipede...they say that the houses and complexes that back up into the desert have the worst of it with bugs like this.
We're living in the middle of town. :)
We drove out to Bisbee yesterday. LOVED the old town. I had no idea it was so cool looking...this mining town that goes straight up the side of the hill...narrow streets and a very eclectic group of shops.
We "saw" mexico from a distance, but probably won't be going there this trip.
We drove through Tombstone...not as exciting, but I did at least see boot hill. :) We've decided thats a later date saturday trip back to watch the gun fights and all that.
Overall...its a nice place to live. I'm excited to be coming here for a longer stay sometime soon.
I thought it would be like Beaverton...my brother told me it would be like Ontario. I think its a little like Madras or Bend. Its a nice city. Its small...you can drive around the whole thing in less than an hour. The base surrounds it...there are basically three main roads that go through it.
We went to the seedy part of town....it was pretty scary looking. :)
Its not been too hot...80 degrees...this is their spring...and they say they get all 4 seasons and the hottest is about 100 degrees.
We did sit in a realtors office yesterday and checked out his "bugs in formaldehyde" collection. Ewwwwwwwwwww....they were all "local critters" that he'd found on his property...a scorpion, a gigantic spider, a tarantula, an enormous centipede...they say that the houses and complexes that back up into the desert have the worst of it with bugs like this.
We're living in the middle of town. :)
We drove out to Bisbee yesterday. LOVED the old town. I had no idea it was so cool looking...this mining town that goes straight up the side of the hill...narrow streets and a very eclectic group of shops.
We "saw" mexico from a distance, but probably won't be going there this trip.
We drove through Tombstone...not as exciting, but I did at least see boot hill. :) We've decided thats a later date saturday trip back to watch the gun fights and all that.
Overall...its a nice place to live. I'm excited to be coming here for a longer stay sometime soon.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Crappy showers
I've stayed in Army lodging a few times and have never been impressed, but the shower today takes the cake.
First its a light mist that barely wets my hair and body...so I mess with the showerhead trying to get a stronger spray...
out shoots the hardest stream of water...it was like a knife...or an icepick because it was so thin and hard...battered my poor body.
I had to holler for Mr. C to fix it...luckily he got it back to the fine mist.
Crappy showers do NOT help me with having a great day.
Grump!
First its a light mist that barely wets my hair and body...so I mess with the showerhead trying to get a stronger spray...
out shoots the hardest stream of water...it was like a knife...or an icepick because it was so thin and hard...battered my poor body.
I had to holler for Mr. C to fix it...luckily he got it back to the fine mist.
Crappy showers do NOT help me with having a great day.
Grump!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Nachooooooooooooooo
Mr. C and I are in Arizona right now...checking out the potential new housing situation. We stayed last night with my brother and his family. What a beautiful family! It was so much fun to see them all.
Mr. C wowed the little ones with his magic trick (he can take his finger off!), got up at 5:30 to play b-ball with 10 yr old Johnnie and Uncle Ray where he earned the nickname chonchito....AND we went geocaching...all within about a 14 hour time period!
While there we discovered that they love the movie Nacho Libre as much as we do and if I could ever get the video to post I'd show you the cutest video of Little Lizzie singing the Incarnacion song.
Until then...
Mr. C wowed the little ones with his magic trick (he can take his finger off!), got up at 5:30 to play b-ball with 10 yr old Johnnie and Uncle Ray where he earned the nickname chonchito....AND we went geocaching...all within about a 14 hour time period!
While there we discovered that they love the movie Nacho Libre as much as we do and if I could ever get the video to post I'd show you the cutest video of Little Lizzie singing the Incarnacion song.
Until then...
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Wide awake
Couldn't sleep...
Found this survey...
50 QUIRKS ABOUT ME
1.Initials:
ADL
2.Name someone with the same birthday as you:
Rick Springfield
3.Last thing you ate:
Cabbage soup
4.Someone you'd like to meet:
Oprah
5.I say Shotgun! You say?
Wedding?
6.Last person you hugged?
My husband
7.Do you believe in God?
Definately
8. How many U.S. states have you been to?
Thirty-Two
9. How many of the U.S. states have you lived in:
Four
10.Ever lived outside of the US:
Yes - Italy and Switzerland
11. Name something you like physically about yourself:
My eyes
12. Something non-physical you like about yourself:
Ability to organize and delegate. :)
13.Who is your best friend(s)?
My husband and stephiloulou and you.
14.Why are you still up?
I can't sleep...its awful...can't sleep...need sleep....
15. Who made you angry today?
Nobody
16.Favorite type of Food?:
Italiano
17.Favorite holiday:
CHRISTMAS!
18.Do you download music:
errr...not really? Who cares?
19. What illegal things have you done?
Any enumeration on my illegal activities would be self incriminating. I plead the 5th. Besides...I hear my mom reads this.
20. Would you date the person that posted this?
Yeah...I think I'm hot.
21. What is your wildest dream?
Whirled peas
22.Do you love anyone?
Oh yeah...lots of anyones.
23.Do you like Bush:
As in George I, George II or Barbara or another one of them? I'll skip the answer to this as its probably not flattering to any of them and say that I like sea animals a lot.
24. Have you ever bungee jumped:
Heck no...too close to the ground for me. I'd rather skydive.
25.Have you ever gone white-water rafting:
Unfortunately not. Only tubing....but family o mine...do you remember that tubing trip we took? maybe it was just Sarah, dad and me...and we went over that WATERFALL cuz the guy didn't tell us when to pull out? I consider that white water innertube rafting.
26. How much money ya got?
I got a dollar.
27.Have you met a real redneck?
I'm married to one. Whoops...did I say that with my outside voice? (just kidding) The real answer is YES. I grew up in Vale, Oregon...every one of my childhood crushes could be considered a "real" redneck.
27.How is the weather right now:
Its pitch black outside...no clue
29.What are you listening to right now:
the clock ticking
30.What is your current fav song:
Right Stuff - NKOTB
31.What was the last movie you watched?
LittleMan...don't even ask...soooo stupid.
32.Do you wear contacts?
No
33.Where was the last place you went besides your house?
Salem for work.
34.What are you afraid of?:
spiders
35.How many piercings and tattoo's do you have?:
two pierced ears and thats all.
36.How many pets do you have:
zippo...I have stepchildren...do they count?
37.Have you ever loved someone:
Uh - yeah...didn't they already ask this question?
39.What turns you on?
cold feet.
40.What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Double tall latter frappucino with skim milk, two shots of hazelnut in a grande supertall mocha. (Can you hear the sarcasm? I don't drink coffee and I don't like starbucks.)
41.Have you ever fired a gun:
Yes.
42.Favorite TV show?
CSI
43.Do you have an ipod?:
I own an MP3 player not of the IPOD brand.
44. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Yes. Brittney Spears. We have the same outfits.
45. Do you like Michael Jackson?
Hey...Billie Jean...not my lover.
46.Who would you like to see right now?
My husband.
47.Favorite movie of all time?
Sneakers
48. Do you find yourself loved?:
They keep asking these kinds of questions I'm going to start to feel insecure.
49.Have you ever regretted something you didn't do?
yes...and something I did do too.
50.Favorite flower:
Tulip.
Found this survey...
50 QUIRKS ABOUT ME
1.Initials:
ADL
2.Name someone with the same birthday as you:
Rick Springfield
3.Last thing you ate:
Cabbage soup
4.Someone you'd like to meet:
Oprah
5.I say Shotgun! You say?
Wedding?
6.Last person you hugged?
My husband
7.Do you believe in God?
Definately
8. How many U.S. states have you been to?
Thirty-Two
9. How many of the U.S. states have you lived in:
Four
10.Ever lived outside of the US:
Yes - Italy and Switzerland
11. Name something you like physically about yourself:
My eyes
12. Something non-physical you like about yourself:
Ability to organize and delegate. :)
13.Who is your best friend(s)?
My husband and stephiloulou and you.
14.Why are you still up?
I can't sleep...its awful...can't sleep...need sleep....
15. Who made you angry today?
Nobody
16.Favorite type of Food?:
Italiano
17.Favorite holiday:
CHRISTMAS!
18.Do you download music:
errr...not really? Who cares?
19. What illegal things have you done?
Any enumeration on my illegal activities would be self incriminating. I plead the 5th. Besides...I hear my mom reads this.
20. Would you date the person that posted this?
Yeah...I think I'm hot.
21. What is your wildest dream?
Whirled peas
22.Do you love anyone?
Oh yeah...lots of anyones.
23.Do you like Bush:
As in George I, George II or Barbara or another one of them? I'll skip the answer to this as its probably not flattering to any of them and say that I like sea animals a lot.
24. Have you ever bungee jumped:
Heck no...too close to the ground for me. I'd rather skydive.
25.Have you ever gone white-water rafting:
Unfortunately not. Only tubing....but family o mine...do you remember that tubing trip we took? maybe it was just Sarah, dad and me...and we went over that WATERFALL cuz the guy didn't tell us when to pull out? I consider that white water innertube rafting.
26. How much money ya got?
I got a dollar.
27.Have you met a real redneck?
I'm married to one. Whoops...did I say that with my outside voice? (just kidding) The real answer is YES. I grew up in Vale, Oregon...every one of my childhood crushes could be considered a "real" redneck.
27.How is the weather right now:
Its pitch black outside...no clue
29.What are you listening to right now:
the clock ticking
30.What is your current fav song:
Right Stuff - NKOTB
31.What was the last movie you watched?
LittleMan...don't even ask...soooo stupid.
32.Do you wear contacts?
No
33.Where was the last place you went besides your house?
Salem for work.
34.What are you afraid of?:
spiders
35.How many piercings and tattoo's do you have?:
two pierced ears and thats all.
36.How many pets do you have:
zippo...I have stepchildren...do they count?
37.Have you ever loved someone:
Uh - yeah...didn't they already ask this question?
39.What turns you on?
cold feet.
40.What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Double tall latter frappucino with skim milk, two shots of hazelnut in a grande supertall mocha. (Can you hear the sarcasm? I don't drink coffee and I don't like starbucks.)
41.Have you ever fired a gun:
Yes.
42.Favorite TV show?
CSI
43.Do you have an ipod?:
I own an MP3 player not of the IPOD brand.
44. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Yes. Brittney Spears. We have the same outfits.
45. Do you like Michael Jackson?
Hey...Billie Jean...not my lover.
46.Who would you like to see right now?
My husband.
47.Favorite movie of all time?
Sneakers
48. Do you find yourself loved?:
They keep asking these kinds of questions I'm going to start to feel insecure.
49.Have you ever regretted something you didn't do?
yes...and something I did do too.
50.Favorite flower:
Tulip.
Monday, March 31, 2008
I need a new t-shirt
The t-shirt would say on it...
"I survived Spring Break at the chucklehead house!"
seriously....and I wasn't even around the kids for the past 3 days. I sent them all packing with Mr. C to eastern Washington for his grandfather's 90th birthday party.
I stayed home and got over this awful cold. Its finally almost gone.
What a crazy last 10 days, though! I think they should have spring break closer to the time that school bonds are passed. Then parents would remember why they want their kids in school for longer. I'd pay for a few extra days. :)
Just kidding. I'm being just a tiny bit facetious...but not about the t-shirt.
"I survived Spring Break at the chucklehead house!"
seriously....and I wasn't even around the kids for the past 3 days. I sent them all packing with Mr. C to eastern Washington for his grandfather's 90th birthday party.
I stayed home and got over this awful cold. Its finally almost gone.
What a crazy last 10 days, though! I think they should have spring break closer to the time that school bonds are passed. Then parents would remember why they want their kids in school for longer. I'd pay for a few extra days. :)
Just kidding. I'm being just a tiny bit facetious...but not about the t-shirt.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sore throats
I had an icky sore throat yesterday...clogged sinus passages and just a general feeling of yuck. I'm always nervous about sore throats because as a kid it was an annual event for me to get strep throat even though I haven't had a case of it since college - 15 years ago!
I made Mr. C check my tonsils. His diagnosis, "Yep, they look red and swollen, but not strep."
So, I drank some Theraflu (my favorite sick medicine) before bed and got a good nights sleep and was up by 7:30AM.
So far today the sore throat has stayed away and I just seem to be plagued by a stuffy nose. It makes me want to sing a song....
"Snotty nose go away
I really want to play
This weekend is grandpa P's birthday
He'll be 90 on Sunday."
I made Mr. C check my tonsils. His diagnosis, "Yep, they look red and swollen, but not strep."
So, I drank some Theraflu (my favorite sick medicine) before bed and got a good nights sleep and was up by 7:30AM.
So far today the sore throat has stayed away and I just seem to be plagued by a stuffy nose. It makes me want to sing a song....
"Snotty nose go away
I really want to play
This weekend is grandpa P's birthday
He'll be 90 on Sunday."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
MySpace Ridiculousness
It came to my attention yesterday that Cruella Deville has "stolen" a photo of me from our family MySpace page and posted it on hers under the title, "People who don't want their photos on my MySpace page."
She also posted one of Mr. C with his kids.
We're the only two photos under that album...I suppose I could be flattered that she is so obsessed with me that she felt the need to post my picture on her page. But really, could you be any more JUNIOR HIGH in your approach to an ex-relationship?
If I was vindictive I think I could probably find a really nasty one in the old photos that Mr. C has and post that on mine, but I'm going to be the bigger person.
Instead I reported her to MySpace for cyberharassment and unauthorized use of photos. HAHAHA.
Ok...maybe not the most mature, but I at least made it to HIGH SCHOOL.
She also posted one of Mr. C with his kids.
We're the only two photos under that album...I suppose I could be flattered that she is so obsessed with me that she felt the need to post my picture on her page. But really, could you be any more JUNIOR HIGH in your approach to an ex-relationship?
If I was vindictive I think I could probably find a really nasty one in the old photos that Mr. C has and post that on mine, but I'm going to be the bigger person.
Instead I reported her to MySpace for cyberharassment and unauthorized use of photos. HAHAHA.
Ok...maybe not the most mature, but I at least made it to HIGH SCHOOL.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Easter!
What a beautiful (rainy) Easter we had. Believe it or not...all three kids - Gag, Chortle and Little Giggle were with us yesterday. We got to see family and friends. Had dinner with Miss Barbara and played with her sweet puppy Cocoa...the kids ended up hiding dog treats in easter eggs to see if she could find them (suggestion from Grandpa Johnnie and a good one at that!)
It really struck me yesterday how little familiarity Chortle and LG have with religion in general. Mr. C and I do what we can in the 4 days per month we see them but yesterday at church there was quite a bit of confusion from both Chortle and Little Giggle about what it meant that Jesus was Risen.
The kids got jellybean packets with a bookmark that was the "jellybean prayer." Chortle was stressed out about eating the speckled jellybeans because they represented sin...and he didn't want to eat sin. While Lil' Giggle couldn't understand why Jesus didn't "beat up" the Jews (since he is all powerful) when they crucified him...followed by Chortle asking if we could have Jews as friends now... (AIYA!)
All in all, we got a basic understanding down and Maddie drew this great picture of Jesus on the cross and Jesus rising from the dead (see the big smile!). Mr. C and I will be working on religion a little more closely for these kids...starting with a little Family Home Evening tonight on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Kind of a big topic to cover in 20 minutes. :)
It really struck me yesterday how little familiarity Chortle and LG have with religion in general. Mr. C and I do what we can in the 4 days per month we see them but yesterday at church there was quite a bit of confusion from both Chortle and Little Giggle about what it meant that Jesus was Risen.
The kids got jellybean packets with a bookmark that was the "jellybean prayer." Chortle was stressed out about eating the speckled jellybeans because they represented sin...and he didn't want to eat sin. While Lil' Giggle couldn't understand why Jesus didn't "beat up" the Jews (since he is all powerful) when they crucified him...followed by Chortle asking if we could have Jews as friends now... (AIYA!)
All in all, we got a basic understanding down and Maddie drew this great picture of Jesus on the cross and Jesus rising from the dead (see the big smile!). Mr. C and I will be working on religion a little more closely for these kids...starting with a little Family Home Evening tonight on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Kind of a big topic to cover in 20 minutes. :)
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