my sweet boys
Had a thought.
15 hours ago
Saturday, February 26, 2005
funny things the kids said today
Matthew (age 5) and Thomas (age 3) were really funny today. Here are a few conversations we had.
Matthew:
"Do you know how I ate my food so quickly? I didn't chatter and stayed focused."
Bryon:
"Matthew, just because your request was rejected doesn't mean that you can cry."
"Daddy, please don't call me a reject."
Matthew was bugging Thomas. Thomas's veins popped out, he hit Matthew and screamed, "You are MAKING me do this!"
Me:
"Matthew, eat your asparagus because it gives you big muscles."
"Mom, I don't need to eat asparagus. I already have a weight lifing routine."
Bryon:
"Let's all clap for Thomas!" (Bryon proceeds to clap loudly)
Matthew:
"Daddy, please do the golf clap instead."
Matthew:
"I want to open this jar, but Daddy put the lid on too stinkin' tight!"
Matthew:
"Do you know how I ate my food so quickly? I didn't chatter and stayed focused."
Bryon:
"Matthew, just because your request was rejected doesn't mean that you can cry."
"Daddy, please don't call me a reject."
Matthew was bugging Thomas. Thomas's veins popped out, he hit Matthew and screamed, "You are MAKING me do this!"
Me:
"Matthew, eat your asparagus because it gives you big muscles."
"Mom, I don't need to eat asparagus. I already have a weight lifing routine."
Bryon:
"Let's all clap for Thomas!" (Bryon proceeds to clap loudly)
Matthew:
"Daddy, please do the golf clap instead."
Matthew:
"I want to open this jar, but Daddy put the lid on too stinkin' tight!"
Friday, February 25, 2005
back in the saddle revised
When I had Mary Beth in August, I cut back on many extracurricular activities in order to get adjusted to having 3 kids under 5 years old. My motto was "Survive 'til 2005!". Well, 2005 has arrived and I am slowly adding back activities that I used to love.
This week, I made a casserole for a local children's after school program. Most of these children would go home to eat cereal or chips for dinner, so I am always happy to do this. This is a local charity that patterns it's program after Kid's Cafe. A friend of mine and I started taking birthday cakes to the kids every month last year and asked it they needed help in the kitchen. The head of the program was overwhelmed with feeding 40ish kids every day, so several members of our church decided to help by providing the meal once a week. It works out that every participant makes a casserole once a month.
I also will begin singing on the praise team again on Sunday. I have always loved this but took a several month break. Just a side note: one of the songs we are singing, Blessed be your Name, was arrranged by none other than our own Miss Clarrisa!
I went shopping yesterday which was lots of fun. I rarely do this with the kids, but Dillard's was having a 75% off sale. Cute dresses were 4 and 5 dollars! Gotta love a sale!
Today, I had a dear friend over for lunch. I love making girly food and was so pleased to get the opportunity to do so. I revised the original blog to add the menu as requested.
The menu:
orange/lemon tea
fruit with pina colada dip
asparagus salad with green onions and radishes
roasted red pepper sandwiches with artichoke pesto on rosemary bread
tomato dill bisque
wedding cake cup cakes (with SpongeBob SquarePants paper to please the kids!)
I really miss spending time with girlfriends during the week. Now that we all have 2-4 kids, it is sort of a logistical nightmare to get together sans Mothers Day Out. I did put Thomas in MDO twice this week and was able to eat with friends on both days. What a treat! It is so nice having an easy baby who is happy sitting in her car seat or high chair to let me visit.
Well, that has been most of my last 48 hours. It is funny how much blogging has become part of my day in such a short time. I missed writing yesterday.
Good Friday, everyone!
This week, I made a casserole for a local children's after school program. Most of these children would go home to eat cereal or chips for dinner, so I am always happy to do this. This is a local charity that patterns it's program after Kid's Cafe. A friend of mine and I started taking birthday cakes to the kids every month last year and asked it they needed help in the kitchen. The head of the program was overwhelmed with feeding 40ish kids every day, so several members of our church decided to help by providing the meal once a week. It works out that every participant makes a casserole once a month.
I also will begin singing on the praise team again on Sunday. I have always loved this but took a several month break. Just a side note: one of the songs we are singing, Blessed be your Name, was arrranged by none other than our own Miss Clarrisa!
I went shopping yesterday which was lots of fun. I rarely do this with the kids, but Dillard's was having a 75% off sale. Cute dresses were 4 and 5 dollars! Gotta love a sale!
Today, I had a dear friend over for lunch. I love making girly food and was so pleased to get the opportunity to do so. I revised the original blog to add the menu as requested.
The menu:
orange/lemon tea
fruit with pina colada dip
asparagus salad with green onions and radishes
roasted red pepper sandwiches with artichoke pesto on rosemary bread
tomato dill bisque
wedding cake cup cakes (with SpongeBob SquarePants paper to please the kids!)
I really miss spending time with girlfriends during the week. Now that we all have 2-4 kids, it is sort of a logistical nightmare to get together sans Mothers Day Out. I did put Thomas in MDO twice this week and was able to eat with friends on both days. What a treat! It is so nice having an easy baby who is happy sitting in her car seat or high chair to let me visit.
Well, that has been most of my last 48 hours. It is funny how much blogging has become part of my day in such a short time. I missed writing yesterday.
Good Friday, everyone!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
wedding cake
I have been reading several blogs recently about Lent. I have decided to participate this year. During this season, I have limited myself to only two slices of cake per day. This is going to be tough, but I think I can abstain.
I completed my cake decorating class on Monday night and really enjoyed it.
Some of the benefits of taking the class include:
1. Learning different techniques to making beautiful cakes.
2. Me getting on the ball and hounding several professional cake decorators in town to let me in on their secrets of making delicious cakes.
A draw back would be:
Every Monday night, I have had a new, delicious, beautiful cake sitting on my counter calling my name!
I have been eating wedding cake for breakfast, midmorning snack, midafternoon snack, and dessert after dinner for three weeks. Thank goodness I am a nursing mother or I would be in trouble!
Yesterday, I had it for breakfast and midmorning snack and said, "That's it for the day!" I then went to a friend's birthday party at lunch where they served delicious strawberry cake. It was too good to turn down.
I tried to throw it away and Bryon insisted that I didn't. He always wants me to make desserts so he can have a little bit at night. What he doesn't understand is that they sit there in the kitchen begging to be eaten all day. So today, I will try to finish off the cake so it will not tempt me tomorrow. I do think that I have eaten so much of it that the thought of ever eating it again makes me a little sick!
I completed my cake decorating class on Monday night and really enjoyed it.
Some of the benefits of taking the class include:
1. Learning different techniques to making beautiful cakes.
2. Me getting on the ball and hounding several professional cake decorators in town to let me in on their secrets of making delicious cakes.
A draw back would be:
Every Monday night, I have had a new, delicious, beautiful cake sitting on my counter calling my name!
I have been eating wedding cake for breakfast, midmorning snack, midafternoon snack, and dessert after dinner for three weeks. Thank goodness I am a nursing mother or I would be in trouble!
Yesterday, I had it for breakfast and midmorning snack and said, "That's it for the day!" I then went to a friend's birthday party at lunch where they served delicious strawberry cake. It was too good to turn down.
I tried to throw it away and Bryon insisted that I didn't. He always wants me to make desserts so he can have a little bit at night. What he doesn't understand is that they sit there in the kitchen begging to be eaten all day. So today, I will try to finish off the cake so it will not tempt me tomorrow. I do think that I have eaten so much of it that the thought of ever eating it again makes me a little sick!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Gobie and the red obsession
Thomas has an imaginary friend. His name is Gobie. Gobie does lots of different things. He sometimes is in jail (Bryon is an attorney and that word is thrown around in our house from time time) sometimes at his office, or sometimes dead. I will catch him talking or singing to Gobie and we have to watch where we walk so as not to step on him.
Thomas is also obsessed with the color red. He wants red underwear, red socks, red spoon/plate/cup. He wants Bryon to pump the red gas (red handle). He starts squealing when he sees red cars on the road. Not suprisingly, Gobie has red all over him, has a red office, and drives a red car. Very cute.
I think there has been one person in each generation of my family who has had an imaginary friend. My sister had one named Mark Jista who lived at Towne Crier, a restaurant in Abilene. My mother had one named DeeDah which, strangely, is what my kids call my dad. Her aunt had one named B'Dea.
I, being extremely practical and literal, don't quite understand the fascination with imaginary friends, but I have to admit that I love watching Thomas "interact" with Gobie!
Thomas is also obsessed with the color red. He wants red underwear, red socks, red spoon/plate/cup. He wants Bryon to pump the red gas (red handle). He starts squealing when he sees red cars on the road. Not suprisingly, Gobie has red all over him, has a red office, and drives a red car. Very cute.
I think there has been one person in each generation of my family who has had an imaginary friend. My sister had one named Mark Jista who lived at Towne Crier, a restaurant in Abilene. My mother had one named DeeDah which, strangely, is what my kids call my dad. Her aunt had one named B'Dea.
I, being extremely practical and literal, don't quite understand the fascination with imaginary friends, but I have to admit that I love watching Thomas "interact" with Gobie!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Today, I am thankful for
1. My daffodils starting to bloom.
2. 80 degree sunny day.
3. Bryon getting to take Thomas golfing this morning.
4. One on one time with Mary Beth.
5. A nice visit with Bryon's parents this weekend.
6. Bryon getting to take the day off because of President's Day.
7. Mary Beth babbling and jumping.
8. Thomas learning to write his name.
9. Getting to take my cake decorating class tonight.
10. All of the laundry being done!
2. 80 degree sunny day.
3. Bryon getting to take Thomas golfing this morning.
4. One on one time with Mary Beth.
5. A nice visit with Bryon's parents this weekend.
6. Bryon getting to take the day off because of President's Day.
7. Mary Beth babbling and jumping.
8. Thomas learning to write his name.
9. Getting to take my cake decorating class tonight.
10. All of the laundry being done!
Good reasoning, bad judgement
We are now officially on our 7th pair of glasses since Matthew began wearing them 14 months ago. I think we are going to have to add a new category in our budget: Glasses Replacements.
We caught Matthew's vision problem at his 4 year checkup. His vision in perfect in one eye and 20/50 in the other. Even though he never complained of blurry vision, glasses were needed to prevent his brain from only using the information from his good eye.
Bryon and I never wore glasses so I was amazed at how expensive they were. He was excited about picking out his pair and he wore them proudly...for a month. Then he came home from school with his glasses scratched beyond repair. He explained that he had tried to clean them using a rock and it didn't work out so great.
Fast forward several glasses that were bent beyond repair from sitting on them, dancing on them, etc. We were on a first name basis with the Eye Master employees!
His last pair he wore for 6 weeks without even misplacing them. I thought, "Finally, he understands how to take care of his glasses!" Then they vanished. We looked all over the house, car, school and could not find them. Last week driving home from school Matthew exclaimed," Oh yeah, I remember where they are! I put them in the trash can because I don't have a blurry eye anymore!"
"Ha ha, Matthew. Seriously, where did you put them?"
"I am being serious. Last week, I decided that my eye wasn't blurry anymore so I didn't need my glasses anymore."
I explained to him, yet again, that there were little boys and girls all over the world who needed glasses but whose parents couldn't buy them any. His solution was to go to the dump and find our trash bag and fish them out. I should have dropped him off there for a few minutes as punishment!
What am I going to do?
We caught Matthew's vision problem at his 4 year checkup. His vision in perfect in one eye and 20/50 in the other. Even though he never complained of blurry vision, glasses were needed to prevent his brain from only using the information from his good eye.
Bryon and I never wore glasses so I was amazed at how expensive they were. He was excited about picking out his pair and he wore them proudly...for a month. Then he came home from school with his glasses scratched beyond repair. He explained that he had tried to clean them using a rock and it didn't work out so great.
Fast forward several glasses that were bent beyond repair from sitting on them, dancing on them, etc. We were on a first name basis with the Eye Master employees!
His last pair he wore for 6 weeks without even misplacing them. I thought, "Finally, he understands how to take care of his glasses!" Then they vanished. We looked all over the house, car, school and could not find them. Last week driving home from school Matthew exclaimed," Oh yeah, I remember where they are! I put them in the trash can because I don't have a blurry eye anymore!"
"Ha ha, Matthew. Seriously, where did you put them?"
"I am being serious. Last week, I decided that my eye wasn't blurry anymore so I didn't need my glasses anymore."
I explained to him, yet again, that there were little boys and girls all over the world who needed glasses but whose parents couldn't buy them any. His solution was to go to the dump and find our trash bag and fish them out. I should have dropped him off there for a few minutes as punishment!
What am I going to do?
Friday, February 18, 2005
Yet another tactless comment
I am always trying to find ways to improve how Bryon and I parent Matthew. He has been a challenge since the day he was born and we want to do the best job we can with him. One of the best books I have read is Nurture by Nature. It is based on the Myers/Briggs personality system and it explains how each child's brain works, how to discipline them, and what to expect in the future.
Matthew is a classic ENTJ. Some of the characteristics include strong, opinionated, independent, logical. They are driven by their intellectual curiosity. Matthew's picture could be at the top of this page!
One thing the book cautions parents of these children to do is try to help them rephrase tactless comments because they can be brutally honest. I have had to do this on countless occasions but I will be doing so again after school today.
One of the mother's of a boy in Matthew's class in an Indian from England. We have gotten to be friends over the past two years as our boys have been in school together. She pulled me over today to tell me about a conversation she and Matthew had last week.
After a field trip last week, the mother, Mrs. Hamilton, was watching the children while their teacher, Miss Nancy parked her car.
"Where is Miss Nancy?" asked Matthew
"She is parking the car." said Mrs. Hamilton in her beautiful British accent.
"She's what?"
"Parking the car." although Matthew heard it as "Paaking the caa."
"Mrs. Hamilton, you really need to learn how to speak English better."
We both had a good laugh about it, but Matthew and I will be discussing how 5 years olds don't need to correct the language of adults today!
Matthew is a classic ENTJ. Some of the characteristics include strong, opinionated, independent, logical. They are driven by their intellectual curiosity. Matthew's picture could be at the top of this page!
One thing the book cautions parents of these children to do is try to help them rephrase tactless comments because they can be brutally honest. I have had to do this on countless occasions but I will be doing so again after school today.
One of the mother's of a boy in Matthew's class in an Indian from England. We have gotten to be friends over the past two years as our boys have been in school together. She pulled me over today to tell me about a conversation she and Matthew had last week.
After a field trip last week, the mother, Mrs. Hamilton, was watching the children while their teacher, Miss Nancy parked her car.
"Where is Miss Nancy?" asked Matthew
"She is parking the car." said Mrs. Hamilton in her beautiful British accent.
"She's what?"
"Parking the car." although Matthew heard it as "Paaking the caa."
"Mrs. Hamilton, you really need to learn how to speak English better."
We both had a good laugh about it, but Matthew and I will be discussing how 5 years olds don't need to correct the language of adults today!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Revised 100 things about me
Mom reminded me of some extras:
1. I had 4 first grade teachers
2. I have been on the Today Show twice, met Matt and Katie, and was interviewed.
3. I was at Times Square New Year's Eve 1997/98.
4. I was attacked by a gypsy in Rome.
5. I desire to be a good Christian.
6. I hate cheese. The smell of it gags me.
7. I have three children.
8. I have been married for 8 1/2 years.
9. I have lived in Alabama, Illinois, Texas
10. My Meyers/Briggs personality is ESFJ
11. My husband and I have been together nearly 10 years and we still have tons of fun together!
12. I have been in 3 commercials
13. Princess Diana/ Prince Charles and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston were married on my birthday.
14. Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year.
15. I have met Prince Charles, Bear Bryant, and George W. Bush on the night before his first presidential election.
18. My husband was engaged when I met him. My mother was engaged when she met my dad.
19. I have never lived more than 10 minutes away from my parents.
20. I hate change.
21. I am very sentimental and cry easily when I think of how wonderful my childhood was.
22. I am goal-oriented, perfectionist/very hard on myself.
23. My favorite smells are pine, coffee, cinnamon, and babies.
24. Brown hair and blue/green eyes
25. 5'6" , size 8 shoe
26. Good manners and punctuality are very important to me.
27. I am very close to my parents, sister, and brother
28. I hate to exercise
29. I am a homebody
30. I love to read
31. I am a scrapbookaholic
32. I love to cook/bake
33. I want to be just like Martha Stewart (except for that pesky felony charge).
34. I love to garden, but am not good at it.
35. I am a bear to live with when I am hungry or tired.
36. I have traveled to 45 states.
37. I have studied abroad.
38. I have a bachelor's and master's degree.
39. My favorite date is going to a fancy restaurant.
40. I am the oldest child. I am married to an oldest child and 3/4 of our parents are oldest children.
41. I love to eat chicken fajitas, hamburgers, seafood, chocolate chip cookies
42. I drink too much coffee and Diet Coke
43. I moved my junior year in high school.
44. I am a morning person.
45. I love to watch 24 and CSI.
46. I love to travel.
47. I love to dress up.
48. I am more comfortable in heels than flats.
49. I look dead without lipstick on.
50. I take digital photos of my kids every day.
51. I have eaten Life cereal for breakfast almost every morning since I was 5.
52. I have never had a cavity.
53. I am double jointed in my shoulders.
54. One of my nostrils is higher than the other one when I smile.
55. I snuck out of my house for my first date when I was 15.
56. I was voted most likely to drive a station wagon in high school. (As if...I totally drive a minivan!)
57. I had 1 1/2 feet of hair cut when I was in 7th grade.
58. I love to sing. I sing tenor.
59. I was in All Region or All Area choir all four years of high school.
60. I took piano lessons for 10 years.
61. My husband and I were both born on the 29th, I was baptized on the 29th, we met on the 29th, we got our wedding license on the 29th, and it was 29 dollars.
62. I really appreciate good food.
63. I love freezing cold weather.
64. I feel like back massages make life worth living.
65. I went to the World Trade Center when I was 11.
66. I told my roommate after my first date with Bryon that he was the man I was going to marry. We were married 14 months later.
67. I was 19 when we started dating, 21 when we married.
68. I love hanging out with my girlfriends.
69. My mom is a nurse from New England, my dad is a professor from Alabama.
70. I can say all 50 states in alphabetical order in 30 seconds.
71. I am the only white mother of 3 I know who loves hip hop music.
72. I love to dance.
73. I love to get in my car and crank the music and sing at the top of my lungs for stress release.
74. I went to Bermuda for my honeymoon.
75. I had a virus in the 6th grade that made me miss 3 months of school.
76. I love to do crossword puzzles.
77. I have a good memory for trivia.
78. History was my favorite subject in school.
79. I adore my children and feel so blessed to get to stay home with them.
80. I broke my foot in college when I was walking to my car by falling off the curb.
81. I am missing a vertebrae in my back.
82. I have had 8 teeth removed because I have a small mouth.
83. My eyes turn bright green when I cry.
84. When I was in high school, I knew the words to every Beetles song ever written.
85. I once kissed 7 guys in one night.
86. I was the "Girl of the Year" Franklin Middle School my 7th grade year and my 8th grade year.
87. I am named after my grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother.
88. I was conceived when my parents lived in Newport, Rhode Island. (TMI, Mom)
89. I have an aunt who is a nun.
90. I was 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 days late when I was born.
91. I have a low tolerance for annoying people.
92. I went to Schlitterbahn twice during the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy with ME.
93. I love being alone.
94. I hate hot weather.
95. I was voted "Most Spirited Pledge" in my sorority in college.
96. I was in a horrible car accident in England and the Mercedes my husband was driving was totaled.
97. Saturday morning is my favorite time of the week.
98. 5-7 p.m. is my least favorite time of the day.
99. I love Alabama football
100. I have been told that I can be intimidating although I don't understand how.
1. I had 4 first grade teachers
2. I have been on the Today Show twice, met Matt and Katie, and was interviewed.
3. I was at Times Square New Year's Eve 1997/98.
4. I was attacked by a gypsy in Rome.
5. I desire to be a good Christian.
6. I hate cheese. The smell of it gags me.
7. I have three children.
8. I have been married for 8 1/2 years.
9. I have lived in Alabama, Illinois, Texas
10. My Meyers/Briggs personality is ESFJ
11. My husband and I have been together nearly 10 years and we still have tons of fun together!
12. I have been in 3 commercials
13. Princess Diana/ Prince Charles and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston were married on my birthday.
14. Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year.
15. I have met Prince Charles, Bear Bryant, and George W. Bush on the night before his first presidential election.
18. My husband was engaged when I met him. My mother was engaged when she met my dad.
19. I have never lived more than 10 minutes away from my parents.
20. I hate change.
21. I am very sentimental and cry easily when I think of how wonderful my childhood was.
22. I am goal-oriented, perfectionist/very hard on myself.
23. My favorite smells are pine, coffee, cinnamon, and babies.
24. Brown hair and blue/green eyes
25. 5'6" , size 8 shoe
26. Good manners and punctuality are very important to me.
27. I am very close to my parents, sister, and brother
28. I hate to exercise
29. I am a homebody
30. I love to read
31. I am a scrapbookaholic
32. I love to cook/bake
33. I want to be just like Martha Stewart (except for that pesky felony charge).
34. I love to garden, but am not good at it.
35. I am a bear to live with when I am hungry or tired.
36. I have traveled to 45 states.
37. I have studied abroad.
38. I have a bachelor's and master's degree.
39. My favorite date is going to a fancy restaurant.
40. I am the oldest child. I am married to an oldest child and 3/4 of our parents are oldest children.
41. I love to eat chicken fajitas, hamburgers, seafood, chocolate chip cookies
42. I drink too much coffee and Diet Coke
43. I moved my junior year in high school.
44. I am a morning person.
45. I love to watch 24 and CSI.
46. I love to travel.
47. I love to dress up.
48. I am more comfortable in heels than flats.
49. I look dead without lipstick on.
50. I take digital photos of my kids every day.
51. I have eaten Life cereal for breakfast almost every morning since I was 5.
52. I have never had a cavity.
53. I am double jointed in my shoulders.
54. One of my nostrils is higher than the other one when I smile.
55. I snuck out of my house for my first date when I was 15.
56. I was voted most likely to drive a station wagon in high school. (As if...I totally drive a minivan!)
57. I had 1 1/2 feet of hair cut when I was in 7th grade.
58. I love to sing. I sing tenor.
59. I was in All Region or All Area choir all four years of high school.
60. I took piano lessons for 10 years.
61. My husband and I were both born on the 29th, I was baptized on the 29th, we met on the 29th, we got our wedding license on the 29th, and it was 29 dollars.
62. I really appreciate good food.
63. I love freezing cold weather.
64. I feel like back massages make life worth living.
65. I went to the World Trade Center when I was 11.
66. I told my roommate after my first date with Bryon that he was the man I was going to marry. We were married 14 months later.
67. I was 19 when we started dating, 21 when we married.
68. I love hanging out with my girlfriends.
69. My mom is a nurse from New England, my dad is a professor from Alabama.
70. I can say all 50 states in alphabetical order in 30 seconds.
71. I am the only white mother of 3 I know who loves hip hop music.
72. I love to dance.
73. I love to get in my car and crank the music and sing at the top of my lungs for stress release.
74. I went to Bermuda for my honeymoon.
75. I had a virus in the 6th grade that made me miss 3 months of school.
76. I love to do crossword puzzles.
77. I have a good memory for trivia.
78. History was my favorite subject in school.
79. I adore my children and feel so blessed to get to stay home with them.
80. I broke my foot in college when I was walking to my car by falling off the curb.
81. I am missing a vertebrae in my back.
82. I have had 8 teeth removed because I have a small mouth.
83. My eyes turn bright green when I cry.
84. When I was in high school, I knew the words to every Beetles song ever written.
85. I once kissed 7 guys in one night.
86. I was the "Girl of the Year" Franklin Middle School my 7th grade year and my 8th grade year.
87. I am named after my grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother.
88. I was conceived when my parents lived in Newport, Rhode Island. (TMI, Mom)
89. I have an aunt who is a nun.
90. I was 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 days late when I was born.
91. I have a low tolerance for annoying people.
92. I went to Schlitterbahn twice during the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy with ME.
93. I love being alone.
94. I hate hot weather.
95. I was voted "Most Spirited Pledge" in my sorority in college.
96. I was in a horrible car accident in England and the Mercedes my husband was driving was totaled.
97. Saturday morning is my favorite time of the week.
98. 5-7 p.m. is my least favorite time of the day.
99. I love Alabama football
100. I have been told that I can be intimidating although I don't understand how.
The old gray mare ain't what she used to be
Well, its been settled. I have to take defensive driving in the next 80 days to erase the ticket from my record.
I have always prided myself on my uncanny ability to get out of tickets. This has come in handy on many occasions. I have been pulled over quite a bit in my life as I, like Tom Cruise, feel the need for speed. Why get somewhere in 15 minutes when you can get there in 7 minutes?
I was pulled over and ticketed twice in one week when I was 17. I think I perfected the act then because it was 7 years before I got another one. The act went as follows: I was speeding and was pulled over. Before the officer got out of the car, I smoothed out my hair, put on some lipstick, and did my best Scarlett O'Hara impression. It worked like a charm! The jewel in my crown was the time in college when I was driving 40 in a 20, in a school zone, no driver's license, and no seat belt. I walked away from that with a warning! Man, I was good.
This all came crashing down when I was 24 and early pregnant with Matthew. I was pulled over for going 55 in a 40 and no amount of sweet talking was going to stop the officer from writing me a ticket. Honestly, I was devastated! Not because of the ticket per se, just that I had lost my touch.
Fast forward 5 years to the present. I was ticketed for going 80 in a 55. Like anyone in their right minds would go 55 on I-35! It was a work zone and the officer felt he was being generous for not charging me double. Thanks a lot pal.
Oh, well. I guess I just need to look back fondly on my earlier years, accept that I am getting older, and maybe slow down. A little.
I have always prided myself on my uncanny ability to get out of tickets. This has come in handy on many occasions. I have been pulled over quite a bit in my life as I, like Tom Cruise, feel the need for speed. Why get somewhere in 15 minutes when you can get there in 7 minutes?
I was pulled over and ticketed twice in one week when I was 17. I think I perfected the act then because it was 7 years before I got another one. The act went as follows: I was speeding and was pulled over. Before the officer got out of the car, I smoothed out my hair, put on some lipstick, and did my best Scarlett O'Hara impression. It worked like a charm! The jewel in my crown was the time in college when I was driving 40 in a 20, in a school zone, no driver's license, and no seat belt. I walked away from that with a warning! Man, I was good.
This all came crashing down when I was 24 and early pregnant with Matthew. I was pulled over for going 55 in a 40 and no amount of sweet talking was going to stop the officer from writing me a ticket. Honestly, I was devastated! Not because of the ticket per se, just that I had lost my touch.
Fast forward 5 years to the present. I was ticketed for going 80 in a 55. Like anyone in their right minds would go 55 on I-35! It was a work zone and the officer felt he was being generous for not charging me double. Thanks a lot pal.
Oh, well. I guess I just need to look back fondly on my earlier years, accept that I am getting older, and maybe slow down. A little.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Pollyanna post
Over the past 3 hours, I have cleaned up every bodily fluid that a child can produce. I'll spare the details, but picture a child with a stomach bug, a newly potty trained child, and a daughter who has just started solid foods. Folks, it hasn't been pretty. I have been in a bad mood so I think I will try to be Pollyanna and write happy thoughts.
I was watching the Grammy's on Sunday night and was tickled pink that my favorite song, "Daughters" by John Mayer, received the award for best song of the year. I love this song and sing it constantly:
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will live like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters too
I never thought I would say this, but I think John Mayer has taken over the coveted position of my musician crush. Paul McCartney has held this position for the past 15 years. My favorite song on his last album was "Your body is a wonderland". I know it is a little risque but I still love it. Unfortunately, last year, it was Matthew's favorite song as well. There is something really funny but a little sick hearing a 4 year old singing, "And if you want love well make it. Swim in a deep sea of blankets"!
One day after church on Wednesday night, Matthew ran down to the front of church, picked up a microphone, and started singing at the top of his lungs, "Your body is a wonderland!" I ran down to grab the microphone from him. As I ran to him, my mind started racing on how I could explain this to the elderly contingent of the congregation. "He meant Christ's body is a wonderland!" Fortunately, most everyone had left the auditorium.
When I taught bible class as a newlywed, I was always drawn to the funny, precocious children. I even told one of my friends that I hoped I had children like that rather than the quiet docile ones. She laughed at me. I think God must have laughed as well and granted my wish! What a blessing Matthew is. He fills my days with laughter (mixed with tears and sweat!).
I was watching the Grammy's on Sunday night and was tickled pink that my favorite song, "Daughters" by John Mayer, received the award for best song of the year. I love this song and sing it constantly:
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will live like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters too
I never thought I would say this, but I think John Mayer has taken over the coveted position of my musician crush. Paul McCartney has held this position for the past 15 years. My favorite song on his last album was "Your body is a wonderland". I know it is a little risque but I still love it. Unfortunately, last year, it was Matthew's favorite song as well. There is something really funny but a little sick hearing a 4 year old singing, "And if you want love well make it. Swim in a deep sea of blankets"!
One day after church on Wednesday night, Matthew ran down to the front of church, picked up a microphone, and started singing at the top of his lungs, "Your body is a wonderland!" I ran down to grab the microphone from him. As I ran to him, my mind started racing on how I could explain this to the elderly contingent of the congregation. "He meant Christ's body is a wonderland!" Fortunately, most everyone had left the auditorium.
When I taught bible class as a newlywed, I was always drawn to the funny, precocious children. I even told one of my friends that I hoped I had children like that rather than the quiet docile ones. She laughed at me. I think God must have laughed as well and granted my wish! What a blessing Matthew is. He fills my days with laughter (mixed with tears and sweat!).
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Sick again
Well, for the second week in a row we are home from church with sick kids. I can't tell you the last time I had to stay home from church with a sick one and now twice in a row! We had a great time in Dallas yesterday celebrating my brother's birthday. We spent the day furniture shopping, eating, and trying to stay dry. The boys had fun with undivided Uncle Michael attention!
Last night we ate at Pappadeaux, one of our family's favorite seafood restaurants. After dinner, we got on the highway to head home and from the backseat, we heard what every parent dreads. "Mom, I need to throw up!" There was nothing we could do but tell Matthew to try and keep it in his lap. We stopped at a gas station in the pouring rain to take off his clothes, let him throw up again (two words: seafood platter), and try to clean up as much as we could so as not to make ourselves sick from the smell. Gotta love being a parent!
So Matthew, Mary Beth and I are home this morning preparing our family's Valentine celebration. We have always like celebrating Valentines Day with the children. There will be times for romantic holidays when they are older! We are celebrating today because I have my cake decorating class tomorrow night. I ordered a Collins Chocolate Heart Cake from the Peach Tea Room, my favorite place to eat in Fredericksburg, TX. I am looking forward to our meal and telling each member of the family why I love them!
Last night we ate at Pappadeaux, one of our family's favorite seafood restaurants. After dinner, we got on the highway to head home and from the backseat, we heard what every parent dreads. "Mom, I need to throw up!" There was nothing we could do but tell Matthew to try and keep it in his lap. We stopped at a gas station in the pouring rain to take off his clothes, let him throw up again (two words: seafood platter), and try to clean up as much as we could so as not to make ourselves sick from the smell. Gotta love being a parent!
So Matthew, Mary Beth and I are home this morning preparing our family's Valentine celebration. We have always like celebrating Valentines Day with the children. There will be times for romantic holidays when they are older! We are celebrating today because I have my cake decorating class tomorrow night. I ordered a Collins Chocolate Heart Cake from the Peach Tea Room, my favorite place to eat in Fredericksburg, TX. I am looking forward to our meal and telling each member of the family why I love them!
Friday, February 11, 2005
Heaven has a Starbucks on every corner
This morning, I went in to wake up my little boys. They were wrapped up together snuggling taking up only 1/4 of the bed. They remind me so much of little bear cubs! After they woke up, Matthew sat on the floor and started doing yoga (don't ask). Thomas looked up at me with his puffy little morning face and said, "Come here, Mommy and give me a kiss on the wips!"
Anyway, on the way to Matthew's school, I was feasting on a hearty breakfast of conversation hearts when Matthew and I started discussing heaven. I asked him what heaven was like in his imagination. He told me that there was a huge table that 1,087 people could sit at with Jesus and God in the middle to take care of everyone. There was also a huge playroom for all of the little children. (sniff, sniff).
My small human mind couldn't possibly have a glimmer of what God has in store for me in heaven, but I sometimes like to think about what I would like heaven to be like. I will live in a mansion just over the hilltop (sorry).
There will be a Starbucks attached to my kitchen.
A new motto: A chocolate chip cookie a day keeps the doctor away.
There will be four huge picture windows on the four sides of my house.
One will be of a New England fall,
one will be a Birmingham spring,
one will be a Bermuda summer at the beach,
and one will be of a beautiful snow scene.
I will have a big golden retriever who live in our house who doesn't shed or smell. All of my family and friends will live on my street.
God and I will go on a walk together every morning
Any thoughts?
Anyway, on the way to Matthew's school, I was feasting on a hearty breakfast of conversation hearts when Matthew and I started discussing heaven. I asked him what heaven was like in his imagination. He told me that there was a huge table that 1,087 people could sit at with Jesus and God in the middle to take care of everyone. There was also a huge playroom for all of the little children. (sniff, sniff).
My small human mind couldn't possibly have a glimmer of what God has in store for me in heaven, but I sometimes like to think about what I would like heaven to be like. I will live in a mansion just over the hilltop (sorry).
There will be a Starbucks attached to my kitchen.
A new motto: A chocolate chip cookie a day keeps the doctor away.
There will be four huge picture windows on the four sides of my house.
One will be of a New England fall,
one will be a Birmingham spring,
one will be a Bermuda summer at the beach,
and one will be of a beautiful snow scene.
I will have a big golden retriever who live in our house who doesn't shed or smell. All of my family and friends will live on my street.
God and I will go on a walk together every morning
Any thoughts?
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Ode to a dearly departed friend
O Night of uninterrupted sleep, O Night of uninterrupted sleep,
Where for art thou, O Night of uninterrupted sleep?
Our relationship is gone and I miss it dearly.
You must have been jealous of my children because you left when they were born.
You have abandoned me when I needed you most and introduced you evil twin,
Night of waking up to feed baby, rock baby, comfort preschooler after nightmares, change wet sheets.
Did I take you for granted? Most assuredly, but if you come back to me I promise never to take you for granted again.
Where for art thou, O Night of uninterrupted sleep?
Our relationship is gone and I miss it dearly.
You must have been jealous of my children because you left when they were born.
You have abandoned me when I needed you most and introduced you evil twin,
Night of waking up to feed baby, rock baby, comfort preschooler after nightmares, change wet sheets.
Did I take you for granted? Most assuredly, but if you come back to me I promise never to take you for granted again.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Happy Birthday Michael
Dear Michael,
I wanted to write to you and let you know how much I love you. I have been thinking a lot about you today as it is your birthday and remembering our childhood. The road to our close relationship has not always been smooth! I remember us fighting more than getting along in the junior high days.
Our fights followed two patterns. We would fight and be warned by Dad to stop. Things would escalate but I was blessed with the gift of timing and knew when to stop before punishments would be handed out. You, unfortunately were not blessed with this gift and would invariably get in trouble. I am very sorry for this.
Another predictable fight would be that fighting would insue. You would get mad and lunge for me. I ran to my room, laid on my back, and kicked my legs furiously to fend you off! As you know the most infamous example of this was when I managed to slam the door before you got to my room. You were so mad that you kicked a hole in the door! Fortunately, Dad was out of town. Unfortunately, we were trying to sell the house. Fortunately, we had a good friend who was a carpenter who fixed it before Dad got home!
Another funny memory I have is when I had just gotten my driver's license and I loved the power of being in charge of you and Lauren. You exerted your power by telling me to turn or to stop right before I had to. It sounded like you were giving me directions and it drove me crazy! I'll give you points for that one!
During college, our competition and annoyances were replaced with genuine love and admiration for each other. I am so proud of the person you are. You love our Lord and daily try to walk with Him. Your musical abilities are tremendous. I can't believe how much you were able to teach yourself by ear. You love for our family. I get choked up thinking about how much you love my boys and how much they admire you! I love you so much and I hope you have a very happy 27th birthday!
Love
Elizabeth
I wanted to write to you and let you know how much I love you. I have been thinking a lot about you today as it is your birthday and remembering our childhood. The road to our close relationship has not always been smooth! I remember us fighting more than getting along in the junior high days.
Our fights followed two patterns. We would fight and be warned by Dad to stop. Things would escalate but I was blessed with the gift of timing and knew when to stop before punishments would be handed out. You, unfortunately were not blessed with this gift and would invariably get in trouble. I am very sorry for this.
Another predictable fight would be that fighting would insue. You would get mad and lunge for me. I ran to my room, laid on my back, and kicked my legs furiously to fend you off! As you know the most infamous example of this was when I managed to slam the door before you got to my room. You were so mad that you kicked a hole in the door! Fortunately, Dad was out of town. Unfortunately, we were trying to sell the house. Fortunately, we had a good friend who was a carpenter who fixed it before Dad got home!
Another funny memory I have is when I had just gotten my driver's license and I loved the power of being in charge of you and Lauren. You exerted your power by telling me to turn or to stop right before I had to. It sounded like you were giving me directions and it drove me crazy! I'll give you points for that one!
During college, our competition and annoyances were replaced with genuine love and admiration for each other. I am so proud of the person you are. You love our Lord and daily try to walk with Him. Your musical abilities are tremendous. I can't believe how much you were able to teach yourself by ear. You love for our family. I get choked up thinking about how much you love my boys and how much they admire you! I love you so much and I hope you have a very happy 27th birthday!
Love
Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
My sweet Mary Elizabeth. Saturday you will be six months old and as I look at you, I am overcome by emotion. Time affects us all, but it seems to have an accelerated pace during the first year of life. I have memorized every feature of your face, your little fingers and toes, and your chunky tummy and legs, and yet this little body of yours will change so much over the next few years. The sound of your laughter and cry, which I could pick out of a crowd now will change and its music will be forever hidden in my memory. The nuances that make you you will fade into memory where they will be barely recognizable in a few years.
Even though I am so excited about the little girl you are becoming, today I hope I never forget:
The dimple in the middle of your chunky cheek that you love to show off.
Your little tuft of hair on the top of your head that is just thick enough for a little bow.
The smell of your sweet baby breath.
Drooly kisses.
How much you love playing with your tongue. You love sticking it out and making raspberry noises.
How you sing yourself to sleep. How you chew on your blankey when you are tired.
How your body flails and you squeal with delight when I pick you up after you have slept.
How you go from your "death cry" to smiling instantaneously when we pick you up.
If someone makes you smile, you smile back and shyly duck your head.
How your flirty eyebrows move up and down when you are looking at someone you love.
How Matthew makes you laugh the easiest.
Lord, thank you for this day. Help me to never take this time with my baby for granted. Thank you for the gift of my Mary Elizabeth.
Even though I am so excited about the little girl you are becoming, today I hope I never forget:
The dimple in the middle of your chunky cheek that you love to show off.
Your little tuft of hair on the top of your head that is just thick enough for a little bow.
The smell of your sweet baby breath.
Drooly kisses.
How much you love playing with your tongue. You love sticking it out and making raspberry noises.
How you sing yourself to sleep. How you chew on your blankey when you are tired.
How your body flails and you squeal with delight when I pick you up after you have slept.
How you go from your "death cry" to smiling instantaneously when we pick you up.
If someone makes you smile, you smile back and shyly duck your head.
How your flirty eyebrows move up and down when you are looking at someone you love.
How Matthew makes you laugh the easiest.
Lord, thank you for this day. Help me to never take this time with my baby for granted. Thank you for the gift of my Mary Elizabeth.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Welkum bak
Last year, the house at the corner of my street burned to the ground. This was a HUGE event in our house. Firemen, fire trucks, water hoses, sirens... a boys dream come true. The washing machine in their garage caught fire, but I told Matthew that a little boy his age was playing with a candle and it caused his house, and consequently his toys, to burn up. I am sure the Lord will forgive me, its just that I have always had a fear of fires with my extremely curious boy!
The house was leveled and several months went by before building began again. Again, a boys dream...diggers, dirt, etc. Finally last week they moved back in. Matthew was so excited! He came up to me with a load of goodies in his hand and proclaimed that he was going down to the neighbors to give them gifts. Items included were a few stalks of celery ("They have got to eat, Mom"), 3 quarters from his piggy bank, and a few leaves for decoration. I explained to him that his gifts were great but I bet they would love a card from him even more.
He rushed off to the next room and several minutes later had a beautiful picture with the words, "Welkum bak". The picture was of a house with flames coming out of it and firemen with hoses! I was a little hesitant to take the picture to them, the picture reminding them of their worst nightmare and all, but Matthew was persistent. They were very kind to Matthew and told him that as soon as their refridgerator was in his picture would go up. He tried once more to give them his beloved quarters, but they politely declined. I am just glad that Matthew didn't ask to play with her "little boy!"
The house was leveled and several months went by before building began again. Again, a boys dream...diggers, dirt, etc. Finally last week they moved back in. Matthew was so excited! He came up to me with a load of goodies in his hand and proclaimed that he was going down to the neighbors to give them gifts. Items included were a few stalks of celery ("They have got to eat, Mom"), 3 quarters from his piggy bank, and a few leaves for decoration. I explained to him that his gifts were great but I bet they would love a card from him even more.
He rushed off to the next room and several minutes later had a beautiful picture with the words, "Welkum bak". The picture was of a house with flames coming out of it and firemen with hoses! I was a little hesitant to take the picture to them, the picture reminding them of their worst nightmare and all, but Matthew was persistent. They were very kind to Matthew and told him that as soon as their refridgerator was in his picture would go up. He tried once more to give them his beloved quarters, but they politely declined. I am just glad that Matthew didn't ask to play with her "little boy!"
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