Well, the tech couldn't find the cyst at all to measure it, so it's considered gone. Woohoo!! Baby is also ahead of schedule in the growth department by perhaps 3 weeks. My dr's appt is tomorrow and we'll know more then.
For your slow dancing around the living room, arm waving in the air, you know all the words by heart pleasure:
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Monday, October 29, 2007
Food, food everywhere!!
My dear friend is moving soon. She found out that her husband was rocked from training here and then they were given 8 days to get their house in order before they had to move and he had to report at different training. Talk about stressful.
So she came over yesterday with some food they couldn't take with them. Thanks to the generosity of her parents, they were well stocked with all kinds of food both fun and practical. So, over she came with 6 garbage bags full of loot. Man and I poked through the bounty is absolute wonder. Apparently my friend isn't used to having such food, herself, and is understandably sad to part with it.
I've never seen so many boxes of cereal in one place, or so many varieties of honey and ice cream toppings. Last night we tried some sort of microwave popcorn that you pour marshmallow topping over, the gourmet amaretto hot chocolate, the chocolate cereal straws, and the pizza blasted goldfish crackers. There were varieties of snack sized applesauce, cake mix, and prepared frosting. One that made me laugh were a couple of sacks of presifted bread flour. That's right, presifted. There was also a "complete meal" kit of the chicken fettuccine alfredo variety. There was Crystal Light in all manner of shapes and flavors, as well as herbal teas in abundance. And much, much more.
We've never, ever eaten like this in our lives. I've never seen so much prepared food come from one pantry. A lot of the easy stuff I'm going to save for after Freida is born. It's just too easy to go through bags of chicken nuggets and tater tots with a new born in the house.
Maybe we could hand out the individual servings of Crystal Light for Halloween. But not before I try all the flavors.
So she came over yesterday with some food they couldn't take with them. Thanks to the generosity of her parents, they were well stocked with all kinds of food both fun and practical. So, over she came with 6 garbage bags full of loot. Man and I poked through the bounty is absolute wonder. Apparently my friend isn't used to having such food, herself, and is understandably sad to part with it.
I've never seen so many boxes of cereal in one place, or so many varieties of honey and ice cream toppings. Last night we tried some sort of microwave popcorn that you pour marshmallow topping over, the gourmet amaretto hot chocolate, the chocolate cereal straws, and the pizza blasted goldfish crackers. There were varieties of snack sized applesauce, cake mix, and prepared frosting. One that made me laugh were a couple of sacks of presifted bread flour. That's right, presifted. There was also a "complete meal" kit of the chicken fettuccine alfredo variety. There was Crystal Light in all manner of shapes and flavors, as well as herbal teas in abundance. And much, much more.
We've never, ever eaten like this in our lives. I've never seen so much prepared food come from one pantry. A lot of the easy stuff I'm going to save for after Freida is born. It's just too easy to go through bags of chicken nuggets and tater tots with a new born in the house.
Maybe we could hand out the individual servings of Crystal Light for Halloween. But not before I try all the flavors.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Halloween before Halloween
Our ward Halloween activity including trunk-or-treat was tonight. We all started the day sleeping in as long as possible, especially since Man took a whole headache pill pretty late last night and was shaking it off even after 11am. He says that they seem to be helping but he's still working on getting full nights' rests.
Anyway, the little neighbor kids were all a-twitter with their grandparents in town for little G's birthday. By the time we got everyone fed and ready to go to the b-day party, bought G's b-day gift and wrapped it, and trooped on over, it was 1pm. We stuck around playing, visiting, and Man was helping set up their new Wii while I made Tag's Halloween costume. Pebbles didn't fall asleep until about 4pm which made her desperately tired for about half of the ward activity which started at 5.
At the activity, Tag had a hard time getting into the spirit of things, refusing to do much of anything except that silly fishing game you always see at ward Halloween parties. The haunted maze scared him enough to make him scream, and he didn't get any candy from the pinata (but you know, there were about 3 dozen kids around that thing) so he was severely bummed out until the actual trunk or treating started. After that he was a-rarin' to go, telling people all about his costume and being his engaging, sociable self. Princess had a blast the whole time and did all of the games without any sort of prompting at all. It was so very odd to see them temporarily trade personalities. Pebbles mostly clung to one parental unit or the other.
We left early after one round of cars which was enough to net them a whole evening's worth of Halloween plunder (including such oddities as key chains and small tubs of play dough). On the drive home we realized that no one had lunch or dinner today and the kids were happily munching on candy. Oops. We swung by a few different places to try to pick up food but found our attempts all closed for the evening at just before 7pm. Home again to whip out some burgers, wipe all the kids down, get teeth thoroughly brushed, and tuck the little darlings into bed. Poor Tag was so very whipped out that he fell asleep within mere minutes of hitting the pillow, also very uncharacteristic.
Oh, btw, no pics yet. I'll get those on H night after everyone gets into their real costumes. Princess is a flower fairy, Tag is a gumball machine, and Pebbles is a dinosaur.
One of the people handing out candy tonight had two options: a "witch's brew" selection of normal, safe treats, and the haunted basket of horrors with a dare to even peek at the macabre collection inside. The basket contained such oddities from her cupboard as canned mushrooms, shelf stable soymilk, and canned black eyed peas. I might try that next year, using cans from the local ethnic groceries and their odd fruit or mushroom selections.
And now to sleep, perchance to dream.
Anyway, the little neighbor kids were all a-twitter with their grandparents in town for little G's birthday. By the time we got everyone fed and ready to go to the b-day party, bought G's b-day gift and wrapped it, and trooped on over, it was 1pm. We stuck around playing, visiting, and Man was helping set up their new Wii while I made Tag's Halloween costume. Pebbles didn't fall asleep until about 4pm which made her desperately tired for about half of the ward activity which started at 5.
At the activity, Tag had a hard time getting into the spirit of things, refusing to do much of anything except that silly fishing game you always see at ward Halloween parties. The haunted maze scared him enough to make him scream, and he didn't get any candy from the pinata (but you know, there were about 3 dozen kids around that thing) so he was severely bummed out until the actual trunk or treating started. After that he was a-rarin' to go, telling people all about his costume and being his engaging, sociable self. Princess had a blast the whole time and did all of the games without any sort of prompting at all. It was so very odd to see them temporarily trade personalities. Pebbles mostly clung to one parental unit or the other.
We left early after one round of cars which was enough to net them a whole evening's worth of Halloween plunder (including such oddities as key chains and small tubs of play dough). On the drive home we realized that no one had lunch or dinner today and the kids were happily munching on candy. Oops. We swung by a few different places to try to pick up food but found our attempts all closed for the evening at just before 7pm. Home again to whip out some burgers, wipe all the kids down, get teeth thoroughly brushed, and tuck the little darlings into bed. Poor Tag was so very whipped out that he fell asleep within mere minutes of hitting the pillow, also very uncharacteristic.
Oh, btw, no pics yet. I'll get those on H night after everyone gets into their real costumes. Princess is a flower fairy, Tag is a gumball machine, and Pebbles is a dinosaur.
One of the people handing out candy tonight had two options: a "witch's brew" selection of normal, safe treats, and the haunted basket of horrors with a dare to even peek at the macabre collection inside. The basket contained such oddities from her cupboard as canned mushrooms, shelf stable soymilk, and canned black eyed peas. I might try that next year, using cans from the local ethnic groceries and their odd fruit or mushroom selections.
And now to sleep, perchance to dream.
pics
Some pics of the kids. Man didn't really want to participate so is staring off into the distance. Oh, well. Princess was noting that she's the only one in the pic with a red face, but she also went to the pumpkin patch with her class yesterday. She gushed about her first field trip quite a bit, so happy to have gotten a small pumpkin, drawn on a picture, gone through a corn maze, enjoyed a small petting zoo, and seen wild turkeys.
Goodness, can you tell these two are sisters? Their coloring is sure different, but man, they are so alike. Pebbles' hair is getting lighter nowadays, now that her kid hair is starting to put in an appearance. Her corn-silk baby hair, with that strawberry tint to it, is giving way to more of a straw color but it's still so soft and silky, just like her much darker older sister. Such beautiful girls, if I say so myself.
Goodness, can you tell these two are sisters? Their coloring is sure different, but man, they are so alike. Pebbles' hair is getting lighter nowadays, now that her kid hair is starting to put in an appearance. Her corn-silk baby hair, with that strawberry tint to it, is giving way to more of a straw color but it's still so soft and silky, just like her much darker older sister. Such beautiful girls, if I say so myself.
Song ringing through my head
Everyone gets it from time to time, that song that just won't go away even after you listen to it a few times, hum it in the shower, discuss it with a spouse or friend, and no matter how much you hear it or otherwise obsess over it, it never quite goes away. I'm not annoyed with it yet. If I get to that point I have tons of other songs to take its place.
House of the Rising Sun
The first time I heard it was at a marching band competition but my ear wasn't trained well enough at that point to hear the melody well, especially one I'd never heard before. Since then I've gained an appreciation of classic rock, especially revisiting the oldies my dad always had on the radio.
House of the Rising Sun
The first time I heard it was at a marching band competition but my ear wasn't trained well enough at that point to hear the melody well, especially one I'd never heard before. Since then I've gained an appreciation of classic rock, especially revisiting the oldies my dad always had on the radio.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Farmer's market
My neighbor got her husband to watch my two older kids while she and I snuck off to the downtown farmer's market this week. I took the stroller and Miss Pebbles. The market was a few blocks long and divided by product: shirts, crafts, jewelry and other handmade items on one block, and across a street you'll find the food.
There were samples of Indian and Greek food, produce in fantastic abundance and variety, fresh salsas and salad dressings, samples of decade-old and more balsamic vinegar, rich and flavorful olive oils, and did I mention the Greek food?
I have never, in my entire life, tasted tomatoes that had me rooted to the spot in absolute ecstasy. The texture, color, and flavor of meticulously grown heirloom tomatoes had me in wondering awe.
Ambling on down the lane we found some salad dressings. At first we both were a little reluctant to sample salad dressing dripped on a plastic spoon. I mean, come on. But curiosity got the better of us and we sampled every last flavor available. Tasting those salad dressings was like going to Penzey's for the first time: revelation. I had no idea that salad dressing could taste like that. I felt like Salieri listening to Mozart for the first time: reverent, transported, and somewhat jealous that she could make such a thing while my talents remain in mediocrity, and I wished that she would share her recipe so I could bask in her glory by reflection. I walked away with two bottles and didn't cringe at the price. After all, salads are a great way to get veggies right? And with dressing like this that has so little fat and so much flavor, how could I go wrong?
My version of heaven shall have such foods in it, such tomatoes and dressings. Throw in the cantaloupe we found at a farmer's market in Colorado and the fresh, juicy peaches, and I can surely understand why the Greeks believed that even the gods would deign to eat.
I've just finished a snack of chickpeas and tomatoes dressed with a delightful cranberry citrus concoction from the above mentioned salad dressing booth. Yes, I used a spoon.
While we were walking we got to see a churro dough dispenser in action. We also each picked up a spanikopita. Can I just say YUM. Pebbles ate about half of mine, spinach and all. I adore Greek food. I do wish that Americans had picked up the Greek diet rather than whatever diet we have now. Though my Costco just started carrying Greek yogurt. Tzatziki for me with no overnight coffee filter in the fridge!
There were samples of Indian and Greek food, produce in fantastic abundance and variety, fresh salsas and salad dressings, samples of decade-old and more balsamic vinegar, rich and flavorful olive oils, and did I mention the Greek food?
I have never, in my entire life, tasted tomatoes that had me rooted to the spot in absolute ecstasy. The texture, color, and flavor of meticulously grown heirloom tomatoes had me in wondering awe.
Ambling on down the lane we found some salad dressings. At first we both were a little reluctant to sample salad dressing dripped on a plastic spoon. I mean, come on. But curiosity got the better of us and we sampled every last flavor available. Tasting those salad dressings was like going to Penzey's for the first time: revelation. I had no idea that salad dressing could taste like that. I felt like Salieri listening to Mozart for the first time: reverent, transported, and somewhat jealous that she could make such a thing while my talents remain in mediocrity, and I wished that she would share her recipe so I could bask in her glory by reflection. I walked away with two bottles and didn't cringe at the price. After all, salads are a great way to get veggies right? And with dressing like this that has so little fat and so much flavor, how could I go wrong?
My version of heaven shall have such foods in it, such tomatoes and dressings. Throw in the cantaloupe we found at a farmer's market in Colorado and the fresh, juicy peaches, and I can surely understand why the Greeks believed that even the gods would deign to eat.
I've just finished a snack of chickpeas and tomatoes dressed with a delightful cranberry citrus concoction from the above mentioned salad dressing booth. Yes, I used a spoon.
While we were walking we got to see a churro dough dispenser in action. We also each picked up a spanikopita. Can I just say YUM. Pebbles ate about half of mine, spinach and all. I adore Greek food. I do wish that Americans had picked up the Greek diet rather than whatever diet we have now. Though my Costco just started carrying Greek yogurt. Tzatziki for me with no overnight coffee filter in the fridge!
I Can Has Cheezburger
We do not baby talk our kids. Sometimes I'll do the slightly higher pitched voice when I talk to babies but all of that modified speech and baby talk garbage just drives me nuts. My kids don't even know what a tummy is, and if someone asks "how many are you?" they have no idea that what the adult really meant to say was "how old are you?"
So I've put off looking at this website for a really long time because the thought of it made me gag.
But this picture absolutely had me rolling out of my chair.
No schedule
Today, for the first time in a long time, I have a list of things to do but no appts to keep. Therefore, I have a lot to do but I can do it in my own time! As long as I make sure to pick Princess up in time, that is, and I'm home early enough for Pebbles to get a good nap. And dinner needs to be ready by 5:30, lunch at 11:30, kids in bed by 8... well, you get the idea.
Nothing but the routines which I've established on my own to get in my way of getting done that which is needful.
Nothing but the routines which I've established on my own to get in my way of getting done that which is needful.
It's cold!
- Hearing the alarm and having to get out of the covers to turn it off. That's cold.
- Putting your feet on a thin, rubber-backed rug that's on top of a wood floor. That's pretty cold.
- Stepping off that rug onto the wood floor. Achingly cold.
- Realizing you slept with the window open. Very cold.
- Taking care of morning business and the window in the bathroom was also open. Exceedingly cold.
- Turning on the shower and forgetting to point the shower head down before you switch the water from the bath faucet to the shower head. Wake-you-up-with-a-blast-of-shock cold.
- Getting out of the shower and realizing that the dang window was still open. Shiveringly cold.
- Getting into clothes you put right under that open window. Stupidly cold.
- Putting in contacts that sat in a cold, cold bathroom overnight. Blindingly cold.
- Getting a young child out of bed, taking her to the couch for a snuggle to help her wake up, then realizing that your lap is now wet. Annoyingly cold.
- (though, not so annoyingly cold as for her, when you have to remove her very warm blanket, pj's, and very wet diaper in the living room which adjoins the kitchen, where a window as also left open all night. That's bracingly cold.)
- Getting the kids ready to go, then running out the door with no shoes. Once again, stupidly cold.
- Getting in the van, turning it on, and finding that you left the AC on from the day before. Chillingly cold.
Time to get out the winter socks which can only be worn until about 11am after which we could go into a whole "it's hot!" post.
- Putting your feet on a thin, rubber-backed rug that's on top of a wood floor. That's pretty cold.
- Stepping off that rug onto the wood floor. Achingly cold.
- Realizing you slept with the window open. Very cold.
- Taking care of morning business and the window in the bathroom was also open. Exceedingly cold.
- Turning on the shower and forgetting to point the shower head down before you switch the water from the bath faucet to the shower head. Wake-you-up-with-a-blast-of-shock cold.
- Getting out of the shower and realizing that the dang window was still open. Shiveringly cold.
- Getting into clothes you put right under that open window. Stupidly cold.
- Putting in contacts that sat in a cold, cold bathroom overnight. Blindingly cold.
- Getting a young child out of bed, taking her to the couch for a snuggle to help her wake up, then realizing that your lap is now wet. Annoyingly cold.
- (though, not so annoyingly cold as for her, when you have to remove her very warm blanket, pj's, and very wet diaper in the living room which adjoins the kitchen, where a window as also left open all night. That's bracingly cold.)
- Getting the kids ready to go, then running out the door with no shoes. Once again, stupidly cold.
- Getting in the van, turning it on, and finding that you left the AC on from the day before. Chillingly cold.
Time to get out the winter socks which can only be worn until about 11am after which we could go into a whole "it's hot!" post.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Meet the Robinsons
The PX had Meet the Robinsons on sale (I love getting their weekly fliers in email. They send them out the morning that the movie sales begin and I've learned to keep a chunk available in the entertainment stash for just such movies as this) so I snatched it up.
Wow. Great movie. A bit slow paced a'times but as a whole one that really touched a deep place inside me. Maybe it's because the lesson of the movie is one we're having to learn right now. Maybe it's because of these dang hormones. I laughed, I cried, the kids think it's hysterical, it's an all 'round winner. Man has yet to watch it (weekdays aren't good for him for anything).
I like how it deals with really difficult emotions. It's a lot like Lilo and Stitch, depicting real and painful things, but it isn't as emotionally messy. It's more cartoony, taking things a little further into the ridiculous while keeping it very personal. I also really like that no one character is particularly irritating, a failing of many Disney movies (Iago the parrot from Aladdin springs to mind as an easy example).
At any rate, what have you been watching lately?
Wow. Great movie. A bit slow paced a'times but as a whole one that really touched a deep place inside me. Maybe it's because the lesson of the movie is one we're having to learn right now. Maybe it's because of these dang hormones. I laughed, I cried, the kids think it's hysterical, it's an all 'round winner. Man has yet to watch it (weekdays aren't good for him for anything).
I like how it deals with really difficult emotions. It's a lot like Lilo and Stitch, depicting real and painful things, but it isn't as emotionally messy. It's more cartoony, taking things a little further into the ridiculous while keeping it very personal. I also really like that no one character is particularly irritating, a failing of many Disney movies (Iago the parrot from Aladdin springs to mind as an easy example).
At any rate, what have you been watching lately?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Poem
The Girl in a Whirl by 'Dr. Sue' (a.k.a. Vickie Gunther)
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank yous" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead.
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank yous" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Thoughts on what we're giving the kids this year
So I've been going around in circles on my ideas for the kids this year. The idea so far has been to give one physical gift and one experience gift.
Princess is exceedingly easy to shop for. She has been asking that we make her room more "girly", so I found a comforter set at Target (clearance! $20 instead of $80) that's super cute and more mature girly for her full sized bunk bed. The experience gift we've talked about is getting her ears pierced since she's been asking for a while and did a really good job at the dentist with getting her tooth pulled. Plus, I've heard of a store around here where they'll get two people to do it at once so that the kid isn't crazy for the second side. We're still debating this idea somewhat. Maybe we'll just get her some clothes.
For Tag, things get harder. He is in love with a Marble Mania set which I think he'd absolutely adore and get tons of fun from, but the problem is he'll soon have two younger sisters who are/will be less than respectful of his space and stuff. We also have all hard wood floors, which marbles love. On the other hand, a Tinker Toy set might not have quite the draw since it has no self propelling properties whatsoever, and we still run into the problem of tons of tiny, swallowable pieces. So we're thinking more along the lines of a soccer ball now, or a gear set (a board with pegs for gears). I've never known a man who was completely easy to shop for. I suggested a Build a Bear for him but Man doesn't like the idea so well.
For Pebbles, her very favorite blanket in the whole world is one we got from my grandparents. It's a fleece throw with snow men on it. It's hers, her whole comfort and calm, a safe haven of softness. I check on the kids at night just to get a good look at them while they're sleeping and she's often just hugging it or laying on top of it. Every morning when I get her out of bed she must have the Blanket. Same after naps, for road trips, or even just getting close to sleepy time while we run errands. The Blanket makes it all better. The Blanket must be protected, and never touched by non-Pebbles or non-mommy hands. The Blanket could get dragged through the mud, practically coated in glitter (separate post, oh yeah), have night leakings scenting it, or have fallen into the bathtub and it is still the Blanket. Gosh, that thing gets washed regularly, or as regularly as I can pry it from her fingers.
Anyway, the point of that was that she wants for nothing. She plays with plastic hangers, paper towel tubes, laundry baskets, and Tag's stuff. She draws on my calendar, plays endless games of peekabo with her stuffed rabbit (and the Blanket), scavenges food from where ever the older kids left some (::grrrr::), takes baths, and escapes to the great outdoors as often as possible. Oh, and she loves books.
One thought I had was getting this tent and tube set from Costco. Tag has a lot of room in his bedroom for setting up such a thing and I think all three would get a huge kick out it it. The last tent we had (Nemo) lasted a while and was infinitely loved by all who played with it.
::sigh:: I have time. Any suggestions?
Princess is exceedingly easy to shop for. She has been asking that we make her room more "girly", so I found a comforter set at Target (clearance! $20 instead of $80) that's super cute and more mature girly for her full sized bunk bed. The experience gift we've talked about is getting her ears pierced since she's been asking for a while and did a really good job at the dentist with getting her tooth pulled. Plus, I've heard of a store around here where they'll get two people to do it at once so that the kid isn't crazy for the second side. We're still debating this idea somewhat. Maybe we'll just get her some clothes.
For Tag, things get harder. He is in love with a Marble Mania set which I think he'd absolutely adore and get tons of fun from, but the problem is he'll soon have two younger sisters who are/will be less than respectful of his space and stuff. We also have all hard wood floors, which marbles love. On the other hand, a Tinker Toy set might not have quite the draw since it has no self propelling properties whatsoever, and we still run into the problem of tons of tiny, swallowable pieces. So we're thinking more along the lines of a soccer ball now, or a gear set (a board with pegs for gears). I've never known a man who was completely easy to shop for. I suggested a Build a Bear for him but Man doesn't like the idea so well.
For Pebbles, her very favorite blanket in the whole world is one we got from my grandparents. It's a fleece throw with snow men on it. It's hers, her whole comfort and calm, a safe haven of softness. I check on the kids at night just to get a good look at them while they're sleeping and she's often just hugging it or laying on top of it. Every morning when I get her out of bed she must have the Blanket. Same after naps, for road trips, or even just getting close to sleepy time while we run errands. The Blanket makes it all better. The Blanket must be protected, and never touched by non-Pebbles or non-mommy hands. The Blanket could get dragged through the mud, practically coated in glitter (separate post, oh yeah), have night leakings scenting it, or have fallen into the bathtub and it is still the Blanket. Gosh, that thing gets washed regularly, or as regularly as I can pry it from her fingers.
Anyway, the point of that was that she wants for nothing. She plays with plastic hangers, paper towel tubes, laundry baskets, and Tag's stuff. She draws on my calendar, plays endless games of peekabo with her stuffed rabbit (and the Blanket), scavenges food from where ever the older kids left some (::grrrr::), takes baths, and escapes to the great outdoors as often as possible. Oh, and she loves books.
One thought I had was getting this tent and tube set from Costco. Tag has a lot of room in his bedroom for setting up such a thing and I think all three would get a huge kick out it it. The last tent we had (Nemo) lasted a while and was infinitely loved by all who played with it.
::sigh:: I have time. Any suggestions?
I'm on a diet
Yep, almost 30 weeks pregnant and I'm in a diet. Actually, I've gained only 3 pounds this whole time which is ok with me. Here's my secret:
For breakfast this morning I gave the two younger kids cereal and made eggs and toast for Princess and myself. I didn't feel like having two pieces of toast so gave one slice to Pebbles, who loves toast. But she wanted eggs even more. So I gave her half of my eggs. A couple of minutes later I got myself about 6 ounces of low fat milk when Pebbles once again wanted what I had, so, half of the milk goes to her because I was too lazy to pour her a whole new cup especially with Go Time getting so close.
Breakfast: one scrambled egg, one and a half (she only ate half) pieces of whole wheat toast, 3 ounces of low fat milk.
Yesterday for lunch... I guess I did pretty well. We had some leftover beef from Sunday dinner, so I had a couple ounces of that as well as a salad with chickpeas.
Dinner last night was leftovers but I ended up eating mostly rice with soy sauce.
I got a call back last week on my glucose test which really freaked me out until the nurse said the blood sugar was fine if a bit low, but I'm anemic. lol!! So, I can't forget to take iron pills and now I have even more excuse to grill burgers every 2-3 nights (especially while I still have fresh tomatoes to harvest!) and make spinach salad. I've been doing a lot better this week getting some good iron and I noticed a huge difference in energy levels when I remember to take the pills in the morning.
Maybe I should eat, to. That might help. Especially after Sunday when everyone and his/her dog told me how tired I was looking after taking iron all week long.
Princess has her first, honest to goodness, field trip on Friday. They're all going out to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. Makes me glad I held off on buying a couple last week. PB came home yesterday and told me that I had two choices: either [happy voice, happy face, nodding] pay the $4 for the field trip and sign off on the waiver, or [sad voice, sad face, droopy head and shoulders] she would have to stay back and go to speech therapy all day long. (have I mentioned that she goes to speech 2-3 times a week? Well, she does.) My little diplomat in training. She was my 1 year old who learned how to trade her healthy, bland chips for my salty, tasty Doritos.
For breakfast this morning I gave the two younger kids cereal and made eggs and toast for Princess and myself. I didn't feel like having two pieces of toast so gave one slice to Pebbles, who loves toast. But she wanted eggs even more. So I gave her half of my eggs. A couple of minutes later I got myself about 6 ounces of low fat milk when Pebbles once again wanted what I had, so, half of the milk goes to her because I was too lazy to pour her a whole new cup especially with Go Time getting so close.
Breakfast: one scrambled egg, one and a half (she only ate half) pieces of whole wheat toast, 3 ounces of low fat milk.
Yesterday for lunch... I guess I did pretty well. We had some leftover beef from Sunday dinner, so I had a couple ounces of that as well as a salad with chickpeas.
Dinner last night was leftovers but I ended up eating mostly rice with soy sauce.
I got a call back last week on my glucose test which really freaked me out until the nurse said the blood sugar was fine if a bit low, but I'm anemic. lol!! So, I can't forget to take iron pills and now I have even more excuse to grill burgers every 2-3 nights (especially while I still have fresh tomatoes to harvest!) and make spinach salad. I've been doing a lot better this week getting some good iron and I noticed a huge difference in energy levels when I remember to take the pills in the morning.
Maybe I should eat, to. That might help. Especially after Sunday when everyone and his/her dog told me how tired I was looking after taking iron all week long.
Princess has her first, honest to goodness, field trip on Friday. They're all going out to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. Makes me glad I held off on buying a couple last week. PB came home yesterday and told me that I had two choices: either [happy voice, happy face, nodding] pay the $4 for the field trip and sign off on the waiver, or [sad voice, sad face, droopy head and shoulders] she would have to stay back and go to speech therapy all day long. (have I mentioned that she goes to speech 2-3 times a week? Well, she does.) My little diplomat in training. She was my 1 year old who learned how to trade her healthy, bland chips for my salty, tasty Doritos.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Christmas
Obviously we've got way more of a Christmas fixation around here than Halloween, so it's no surprise that the kids are already concocting their own legends surrounding the holiday.
Princess told Tag this morning that we should keep the presents up in the closet until Christmas night, then open them all after they got big.
Er?
Tag took this further, telling me that we should put them in the closet right now so that by the time Christmas comes, they'll be huge and ripe and big enough to open. So, we have to hurry and buy the presents today.
I told him that plants grow from sun and dirt and water, so what should presents have in order to get bigger?
Candy canes, apparently. And chocolate and milk.
And update on Man's permanent profile: according to real and actual documents, he is, in fact, undeployable.
On the other hand, he just got an email (don't worry, it's through a very secure email address) from some talent scouts that came to a talent show he participated in, inviting him to audition for The Soldier Show, which apparently travels around the world to preform for soldiers at various installations. He needs to send in a video of all of his various entertaining abilities (in his case, lots of music stuff, as well as some of his audio engineering skillz), as well as a high quality audio and a resume (along with the usual Army bucket load of other paperwork, but that's neither here nor there). I've strongly encouraged him to put the packet together starting as soon as possible. He seems hopeful but a little dubious, but hey, how often are you going to get a chance at an audition like this? It seems from the email that it only went out to about 20 different people across the country, and the local MWR rep (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) wants to talk to Man right away to help him put together his packet.
Who the heck knows what'll happen? Maybe nothing. But what a fun morale boost for him to even put something like this together, and what a compliment to his talents. He came home in a bit of a daze, smiling like I havn't seen in a long time, and that's worth it right there.
Princess told Tag this morning that we should keep the presents up in the closet until Christmas night, then open them all after they got big.
Er?
Tag took this further, telling me that we should put them in the closet right now so that by the time Christmas comes, they'll be huge and ripe and big enough to open. So, we have to hurry and buy the presents today.
I told him that plants grow from sun and dirt and water, so what should presents have in order to get bigger?
Candy canes, apparently. And chocolate and milk.
And update on Man's permanent profile: according to real and actual documents, he is, in fact, undeployable.
On the other hand, he just got an email (don't worry, it's through a very secure email address) from some talent scouts that came to a talent show he participated in, inviting him to audition for The Soldier Show, which apparently travels around the world to preform for soldiers at various installations. He needs to send in a video of all of his various entertaining abilities (in his case, lots of music stuff, as well as some of his audio engineering skillz), as well as a high quality audio and a resume (along with the usual Army bucket load of other paperwork, but that's neither here nor there). I've strongly encouraged him to put the packet together starting as soon as possible. He seems hopeful but a little dubious, but hey, how often are you going to get a chance at an audition like this? It seems from the email that it only went out to about 20 different people across the country, and the local MWR rep (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) wants to talk to Man right away to help him put together his packet.
Who the heck knows what'll happen? Maybe nothing. But what a fun morale boost for him to even put something like this together, and what a compliment to his talents. He came home in a bit of a daze, smiling like I havn't seen in a long time, and that's worth it right there.
Focaccia Farce
You know how evenings get crazy. I put together some foccacia dough but realized too late that I wouldn't be able to have it ready in time for spaghetti and meatballs, so let it rise in the (cold) oven where little fingers wouldn't poke it continuously. I was tired and after the kids went to sleep Man and I actually sat and chatted for a while for the first time in... oh, gosh, since our date, I guess.
Anyway, it's almost 9:30 this morning but between taking phone calls, feeding little 'uns, etc, I was just about to step in the shower when I smelled bread dough...
Yes, that's right. It rose overnight. Maybe I could still go for a full-bodied sourdough...
Anyway, it's almost 9:30 this morning but between taking phone calls, feeding little 'uns, etc, I was just about to step in the shower when I smelled bread dough...
Yes, that's right. It rose overnight. Maybe I could still go for a full-bodied sourdough...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Gossip
http://www.livescience.com/health/071015-gossip-power.html
I've long been fascinated by gossip, why we believe it, why it works, how we justify it, and what exactly we're willing to believe just because someone swears by it.
Abdicating responsibility for finding truth in the name of "relying on a good source" seems to be a cop-out to me.
On another note: A poem I love.
If thou could’st empty all thyself of self
Like unto a shell dishabited
Then might He find thee on the ocean shelf
And say, ‘This is not dead,’
And fill thee with Himself instead.
But thou art all replete with very thou
And has such shrewd activity
That when He comes He says, ‘This is enou
Unto itself–’twere better let it be.
It is so small and full, there is no room for me.”
–Thomas Brown
I'm giving a talk on serving others this Sunday. I love the idea that emptying ourselves of self is a choice, rather than something that is generally brought to pass.
The specific idea of my talk: Seek Service. Don't just let the opportunities happen to you.
I've long been fascinated by gossip, why we believe it, why it works, how we justify it, and what exactly we're willing to believe just because someone swears by it.
Abdicating responsibility for finding truth in the name of "relying on a good source" seems to be a cop-out to me.
On another note: A poem I love.
If thou could’st empty all thyself of self
Like unto a shell dishabited
Then might He find thee on the ocean shelf
And say, ‘This is not dead,’
And fill thee with Himself instead.
But thou art all replete with very thou
And has such shrewd activity
That when He comes He says, ‘This is enou
Unto itself–’twere better let it be.
It is so small and full, there is no room for me.”
–Thomas Brown
I'm giving a talk on serving others this Sunday. I love the idea that emptying ourselves of self is a choice, rather than something that is generally brought to pass.
The specific idea of my talk: Seek Service. Don't just let the opportunities happen to you.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hoser
It rained again today. It started out as a drizzle for a few hours but then really picked up toward dinner time. The kids wanted to play in the rain and I thought, eh, what the heck.
So they played by the back windows and kept knocking on the door to show me how muddy they were getting. Fine, fine. Whatever, kid.
So when it came time to bring them in for a good warm up, I hosed them off. It's about 64° F with a stiff ocean breeze out there so after a shivery hose down they were ready for a warm bath. I had them rinse in the shower first, then filled the bath but they decided to be stinkers and drain most of the water before they were done. I told them to go ahead and get out, they whined that they were still really cold, I told them that I wasn't going to put more water in since they already wasted a bunch of it, then I drained the rest hoping to freeze them out without a fight.
I walked away. They played. I chatted with Man. They played. I checked on the corn bread. They played and started to shiver. I went to make my bed. They shivered more and played. I got sick of it, marched into the bathroom and ordered them out. They refused, so I turned on a cold shower.
Their cries of outrage might have been heard all over the neighborhood. I shrugged and waited by the side of the shower with a towel to catch the first one who decided they had had enough. Amazingly, Tag was the first who cried Uncle. Princess took a bit longer but eventually caved.
So, now they're rinsed off but still freezing. What better way to warm up than to watch Happy Feet, an arctic movie?
What a headache!
After having headaches for about 4 months solid, Man finally got a really brutal migraine that's going on three days. He got put on quarters yesterday (the dr sent him home) and got a CAT scan this morning. We'll know next week what's going on with all that.
So, what do you do for headaches? Man has been taking tylenol, ibuprofen, and is now on ultram (scary stuff, dude) which hasn't even touched the pain at all. It just made him loopy. How many of you have seen Man on loopy drugs? That's some quality entertainment right there, even though he was still in a lot of pain.
Our area was recently sprayed with a pheremone that was supposed to get rid of a little moth that has been destroying crops around here for a while. After taking Tag in to get his asthma medications adjusted today I learned that a bunch of people have been seeing the doctor or going to the ER for allergy or asthma related issues very soon after the spraying. My eyes were really effected by it, blurring my vision so badly that I couldn't drive. Thankfully a judge halted the second spraying. It's interesting that in an area where everything is so jealously guarded that they'd allow such a tredmendous dumping of chemicals over such a huge swath of land, especially concerning a chemical that hasn't been determined to be safe for humans.
Oh, well. At least I wasn't in my first trimester when it happened.
So, what do you do for headaches? Man has been taking tylenol, ibuprofen, and is now on ultram (scary stuff, dude) which hasn't even touched the pain at all. It just made him loopy. How many of you have seen Man on loopy drugs? That's some quality entertainment right there, even though he was still in a lot of pain.
Our area was recently sprayed with a pheremone that was supposed to get rid of a little moth that has been destroying crops around here for a while. After taking Tag in to get his asthma medications adjusted today I learned that a bunch of people have been seeing the doctor or going to the ER for allergy or asthma related issues very soon after the spraying. My eyes were really effected by it, blurring my vision so badly that I couldn't drive. Thankfully a judge halted the second spraying. It's interesting that in an area where everything is so jealously guarded that they'd allow such a tredmendous dumping of chemicals over such a huge swath of land, especially concerning a chemical that hasn't been determined to be safe for humans.
Oh, well. At least I wasn't in my first trimester when it happened.
Monday, October 15, 2007
General updates
So, what's happened since last Wednesday?
The kids decided to dump almost 2/3's of a bottle of glitter body spray on Tag's wood floor. The first I heard of it was a constant loud thumping against the wall closest to the living room because they were skating across it and hitting the wall. At least his room smells good now, and they cleaned it up all by themselves (under compulsion, of course).
Man and I went out on a date for the first time in about 4 months. Pebbles did surprisingly well, not even squawking when we left. We must be getting old, because we got back just shortly after they got tucked into bed. We went out to dinner on the warf and walked around the warf and parts of the outskirts of post. Has everyone seen the movie Big, with Tom Hanks? That fortune teller machine thing that grants his wish is posted right at the entrance of the warf. That was a total blast from the past.
Anyway, it was nice to get out and put a little more polish on the relationship. And I got another compliment to my cooking skills when Man said that next time we'd just have to farm the kids out for a night so I can cook. We'd save money that way, and since I've been learning we just havn't been too impressed with restaurants anymore. But the view of the bay from the restaurant is likely what most of the tab went to support, and the clam chowder was pretty darn tastey with some fresh sourdough bread. We walked back to our car with a very loud chorus of sea lions at a decibel on par with cicadas out in the country at high summer. Sea lions sound more comic though, and I think they're cuter.
Man then let me sleep in on Saturday, after which I went to a glucose test up at the hospital. That was interesting. The flat orange soda tasted just as nasty as always despite the hospital's efforts to keep it just above freezing which did NOT help when it came time to drink it all in under 5 mins. I spent most of the time fighting brain freeze in addition to keeping that vile syrupy stuff down. I went prepared with a high protein snack for afterward and was only darn tired the rest of the day instead of insane. After that I stopped at the commissary, taking my dear, precious time, then headed home. Soon after that Man took the older two kids out on a date while Pebbles slept. I didn't have kids for most of the day and didn't know what to do with myself.
(Tag just ran up to me to inform me that if I wanted to play in his room that I had to be wearing lipstick. I asked him if he was wearing lipstick. "Yep, the kind out of your bedroom, mom." Thank goodness he was talking about the Carmex.)
Did I tell anyone about the Jello that Pebbles got into a couple weeks ago? Tag left it down, she opened it, and loved every finger lick until her mother found her, apparently covered in a blood-like goo. Or the bottle of glow in the dark nail polish that Princess broke all over the tiles in the bathroom? (at least it was on tile) Or that Tag has found great joy in planting the top of his head into the sand park outside, then plowing, with his head, across half of it. It's amazing how much sand his hair holds now that it's growing out. Princess' messes also include the table manners she's learning in kindergarten which we're rigorously attemting to divest her of.
An OB visit brought another hearing of Freida's strong heart as well as the scheduling of another ultrasound to make sure the cyst on her brain in gone. (information about choroid plexus cysts). 90% rate of the cyst just going away sounds like pretty good odds to me. We'll know more after the 29th.
My OB also told me where to go around here for the best amount of loot in the least amount of time on Halloween. I told him that the amount of loot was not at issue. On the other hand, I intend to pilfer from said loot in contribute to advent bags. Hmmm.....
Whew! And now this post is long enough.
The kids decided to dump almost 2/3's of a bottle of glitter body spray on Tag's wood floor. The first I heard of it was a constant loud thumping against the wall closest to the living room because they were skating across it and hitting the wall. At least his room smells good now, and they cleaned it up all by themselves (under compulsion, of course).
Man and I went out on a date for the first time in about 4 months. Pebbles did surprisingly well, not even squawking when we left. We must be getting old, because we got back just shortly after they got tucked into bed. We went out to dinner on the warf and walked around the warf and parts of the outskirts of post. Has everyone seen the movie Big, with Tom Hanks? That fortune teller machine thing that grants his wish is posted right at the entrance of the warf. That was a total blast from the past.
Anyway, it was nice to get out and put a little more polish on the relationship. And I got another compliment to my cooking skills when Man said that next time we'd just have to farm the kids out for a night so I can cook. We'd save money that way, and since I've been learning we just havn't been too impressed with restaurants anymore. But the view of the bay from the restaurant is likely what most of the tab went to support, and the clam chowder was pretty darn tastey with some fresh sourdough bread. We walked back to our car with a very loud chorus of sea lions at a decibel on par with cicadas out in the country at high summer. Sea lions sound more comic though, and I think they're cuter.
Man then let me sleep in on Saturday, after which I went to a glucose test up at the hospital. That was interesting. The flat orange soda tasted just as nasty as always despite the hospital's efforts to keep it just above freezing which did NOT help when it came time to drink it all in under 5 mins. I spent most of the time fighting brain freeze in addition to keeping that vile syrupy stuff down. I went prepared with a high protein snack for afterward and was only darn tired the rest of the day instead of insane. After that I stopped at the commissary, taking my dear, precious time, then headed home. Soon after that Man took the older two kids out on a date while Pebbles slept. I didn't have kids for most of the day and didn't know what to do with myself.
(Tag just ran up to me to inform me that if I wanted to play in his room that I had to be wearing lipstick. I asked him if he was wearing lipstick. "Yep, the kind out of your bedroom, mom." Thank goodness he was talking about the Carmex.)
Did I tell anyone about the Jello that Pebbles got into a couple weeks ago? Tag left it down, she opened it, and loved every finger lick until her mother found her, apparently covered in a blood-like goo. Or the bottle of glow in the dark nail polish that Princess broke all over the tiles in the bathroom? (at least it was on tile) Or that Tag has found great joy in planting the top of his head into the sand park outside, then plowing, with his head, across half of it. It's amazing how much sand his hair holds now that it's growing out. Princess' messes also include the table manners she's learning in kindergarten which we're rigorously attemting to divest her of.
An OB visit brought another hearing of Freida's strong heart as well as the scheduling of another ultrasound to make sure the cyst on her brain in gone. (information about choroid plexus cysts). 90% rate of the cyst just going away sounds like pretty good odds to me. We'll know more after the 29th.
My OB also told me where to go around here for the best amount of loot in the least amount of time on Halloween. I told him that the amount of loot was not at issue. On the other hand, I intend to pilfer from said loot in contribute to advent bags. Hmmm.....
Whew! And now this post is long enough.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Fit for duty
Man had his follow up fit for duty appointment yesterday. He told the dr that he wanted to stay in the Army, so now he has a permanent profile which means that, for now, and according to various sources so this could change at any time, he is undeployable. How can I complain about that?
A lot of things need to work out from here on out involving a lot of different people and circumstances, but for now we're definitely staying in, Man is still doing what he's been doing this whole time, medical treatment options are still being worked out, but he has been disallowed from doing any physical training that could make his condition worse (which means, like, almost everything).
Whew! Yesterday I had a craft class, took the kids to the park, and nested. Today, I've watched a friends kids while she ran some errands, had another couple of kids over at the same time, and nested. I actually used a brillow pad on the inside of my toilet just to make sure it was clean enough. After a while I won't have anything left to go nesty on and I still have two and a half months before delivering! Oh, well, time to buy more ribbons. :)
A lot of things need to work out from here on out involving a lot of different people and circumstances, but for now we're definitely staying in, Man is still doing what he's been doing this whole time, medical treatment options are still being worked out, but he has been disallowed from doing any physical training that could make his condition worse (which means, like, almost everything).
Whew! Yesterday I had a craft class, took the kids to the park, and nested. Today, I've watched a friends kids while she ran some errands, had another couple of kids over at the same time, and nested. I actually used a brillow pad on the inside of my toilet just to make sure it was clean enough. After a while I won't have anything left to go nesty on and I still have two and a half months before delivering! Oh, well, time to buy more ribbons. :)
Monday, October 08, 2007
More tooth!!
Man is on CQ recovery again today, so he's sleeping. I put Pebbles down for a nap and then ran to Target for a couple of things, and since the Dentist is literally right next door, I took Princess in for a quick check to see if her other tooth needed to come out. Apparently the reason the first tooth came in so far behind is that there simply wasn't any room for it. So, the dentist went ahead and pulled the second one in an attempt to give the second adult tooth some space to come in straight.
I was really worried about this, which is why I ran to do it while I could leave Pebbles at home. I told her that when I was a kid I had a couple of teeth pulled for the same reason, and they had to give me two tiny pokes in my mouth to numb me up so I couldn't feel it at all when it came time to pull.
However, this child also went absolutely bonkers over her immunizations but a couple months ago and I had no idea how she'd take the idea of getting one in the mouth.
Thankfully, this dentist had some sort of topical numbing agent that went on with a qtip and acted very quickly. From the time he put it on to the time Princess came out with a fat wad of gauze in her mouth was less than 5 minutes. No screaming, no hysteria, no thrashing, no getting every available nurse in the building to hold her down, not even a single tear. She even had her tooth in a tiny padded box to take home.
I can't even put into words how relieved I was that this one went so well.
Now she's having a good time trying to talk without opening or otherwise moving her mouth and getting all pouty when I tell her to answer yes or no questions.
It's so ironic that we spend months and months concerned and irritated with those little teeth coming in, only to fuss and bother over them coming out.
::sigh:: Her baby teeth were so nice and evenly spaced. Now we enter awkward, overly large tooth phase.
The dentist showed me her xrays from last time vs. an xray today. I looked at the one of her uppers and exclaimed :
A: Are those her adult teeth?? [each adult tooth looked to be wider than two baby teeth together]
D: Yes. [looks calm and confused over my shock]
A: But they're HUGE!
D: [examines xray for just a second] Each tooth is from here to here, not here to here.
A: Ah, haha, so less than half as wide as they appear to the untrained eye.
D: Mmmyez.
A: I'll be in the waiting room. [ducks and runs]
::sigh::
I was really worried about this, which is why I ran to do it while I could leave Pebbles at home. I told her that when I was a kid I had a couple of teeth pulled for the same reason, and they had to give me two tiny pokes in my mouth to numb me up so I couldn't feel it at all when it came time to pull.
However, this child also went absolutely bonkers over her immunizations but a couple months ago and I had no idea how she'd take the idea of getting one in the mouth.
Thankfully, this dentist had some sort of topical numbing agent that went on with a qtip and acted very quickly. From the time he put it on to the time Princess came out with a fat wad of gauze in her mouth was less than 5 minutes. No screaming, no hysteria, no thrashing, no getting every available nurse in the building to hold her down, not even a single tear. She even had her tooth in a tiny padded box to take home.
I can't even put into words how relieved I was that this one went so well.
Now she's having a good time trying to talk without opening or otherwise moving her mouth and getting all pouty when I tell her to answer yes or no questions.
It's so ironic that we spend months and months concerned and irritated with those little teeth coming in, only to fuss and bother over them coming out.
::sigh:: Her baby teeth were so nice and evenly spaced. Now we enter awkward, overly large tooth phase.
The dentist showed me her xrays from last time vs. an xray today. I looked at the one of her uppers and exclaimed :
A: Are those her adult teeth?? [each adult tooth looked to be wider than two baby teeth together]
D: Yes. [looks calm and confused over my shock]
A: But they're HUGE!
D: [examines xray for just a second] Each tooth is from here to here, not here to here.
A: Ah, haha, so less than half as wide as they appear to the untrained eye.
D: Mmmyez.
A: I'll be in the waiting room. [ducks and runs]
::sigh::
Sunday, October 07, 2007
How to ruin a double batch of funeral potatoes in one easy step
Too much salt.
The end.
Ok, ok, you know me, I'll elaborate.
I don't have a food processor any more, so I got to grate 4 pounds of potatoes and one pound of cheese by hand. I didn't measure the garlic salt, and there was already a can of cream of crap in there to boot.
How do you fix 4 pounds of funeral potatoes? Besides adding 6 pounds of unflavored potatoes?
I put a large dollop in a small dish for the toaster oven as a side for dinner since Man is gone, which means I can make about half what I normally cook. Then the rest went into two disposable 8x8" dishes for the freezer.
I ended up throwing some potato pearls together instead, which made my meatloaf and corn taste like they were participating in a bad tv dinner nightmare.
The end.
Ok, ok, you know me, I'll elaborate.
I don't have a food processor any more, so I got to grate 4 pounds of potatoes and one pound of cheese by hand. I didn't measure the garlic salt, and there was already a can of cream of crap in there to boot.
How do you fix 4 pounds of funeral potatoes? Besides adding 6 pounds of unflavored potatoes?
I put a large dollop in a small dish for the toaster oven as a side for dinner since Man is gone, which means I can make about half what I normally cook. Then the rest went into two disposable 8x8" dishes for the freezer.
I ended up throwing some potato pearls together instead, which made my meatloaf and corn taste like they were participating in a bad tv dinner nightmare.
Ribbon pouches, or I LOVE RIBBONS!!
I love playing with ribbons. Making these means I get to buy and play with ribbons. Woohoo!!
A scale photo:
A scale photo: Yes, I'm still fascinated by these things. Last night I made... well, almost 100 in about 45 mins. With ribbon from Costco, the cost of each one of them is less than 4 cents, not including thread and ribbon to tie them, or stuff to fill them.
Man thinks I'm nesting. I think I just like the ribbon, advent, and the excuse to get the sewing machine out in the evening.
2.5" wide ribbon, wire left in to shape the top. 10.5" long, folded in half, edges sewn up. Just large enough for a small treat like a sticker, a couple of quarters for those machines at the PX or a single soda, a coupon for picking dinner one night that week, a small handful of M&M's, etc. I'll have to post my complete advent bag list once I get it all worked out.
General Conference
For those who aren't extremely familiar with all of the meetings we have in my church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) we have a twice-yearly meeting called General Conference that is broadcast to every meeting house that equiped to receive satelite. It's also available over the internet both in audio and audio/video.
Since the last conference in April, a leader in our church and a dear, wonderful man has passed away. President James E. Faust was in the First Presidency of the church. His was a voice I've heard at conference my whole life. He has always been so sweetly candid, so kind and insightful and I've enjoyed his talks and the spirit he brings to conference ever since I was old enough to appreciate such things.
Yesterday President Henry B. Eyring was sustained to take the place of the late Pres. Faust. When I heard that I literally jumped up (which is saying a lot for this pregnant lady) and I had such joy in my heart. I love Pres Eyring tremendously as well. His was the first voice my rebellious teenage heart learned to love in conference, and his was the first testimony from the Brethren that allowed me to appreciate the special witness offered by the prophet and apostles.
Here is a link to a video press conference that was held yesterday after the session during which he was sustained, along with Elder Cook. It starts off a little awkward but he had some really touching things to say about his testimony and Pres Faust.
Since the last conference in April, a leader in our church and a dear, wonderful man has passed away. President James E. Faust was in the First Presidency of the church. His was a voice I've heard at conference my whole life. He has always been so sweetly candid, so kind and insightful and I've enjoyed his talks and the spirit he brings to conference ever since I was old enough to appreciate such things.
Yesterday President Henry B. Eyring was sustained to take the place of the late Pres. Faust. When I heard that I literally jumped up (which is saying a lot for this pregnant lady) and I had such joy in my heart. I love Pres Eyring tremendously as well. His was the first voice my rebellious teenage heart learned to love in conference, and his was the first testimony from the Brethren that allowed me to appreciate the special witness offered by the prophet and apostles.
Here is a link to a video press conference that was held yesterday after the session during which he was sustained, along with Elder Cook. It starts off a little awkward but he had some really touching things to say about his testimony and Pres Faust.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
First sick day... almost
Princess woke up yesterday with a deep cough that sounded really rather horrible. I asked her if she wanted to stay home sick since it was obvious to me that she wasn't faking the cough. She said yes, so I called her in.
By 8:30, she was chasing her brother around the house and into the font yard. I told her that if she was feeling well enough to do that, then she was well enough to clean her room. And clean it well.
So the kids and I dug into room cleaning and by the time we got all of the floors swept at the very end, I was telling Princess that since she did so well with her room that we should go clean the living room as well. She said that she'd rather go to school. Ok, I said, good choice. We got there in time for snack and four more hours of school.
Man said that his mom used to make him clean when he was home sick from school... now I'm seeing why that could have happened every now and then. ;)
By 8:30, she was chasing her brother around the house and into the font yard. I told her that if she was feeling well enough to do that, then she was well enough to clean her room. And clean it well.
So the kids and I dug into room cleaning and by the time we got all of the floors swept at the very end, I was telling Princess that since she did so well with her room that we should go clean the living room as well. She said that she'd rather go to school. Ok, I said, good choice. We got there in time for snack and four more hours of school.
Man said that his mom used to make him clean when he was home sick from school... now I'm seeing why that could have happened every now and then. ;)
Friday, October 05, 2007
First tooth loss!!
Princess lost her first tooth. Finally! The one coming in under it is already peeking out quite a bit but came in too far behind to effectively push out the baby tooth. You can see the new tooth in the picture. The way it came out was she was trying to open a carton of ice cream with her teeth. lol I remember mine... I lost it to a bite of melted marshmallows. Funny how sweets really will make you lose teeth.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Honeymoon
On the way back from picking Princess up, Tag whined that when he got home he wanted a honeymoon.
Um, eh? I catiously asked him what he thought a honeymooon was.
T: You know, cereal.
A: Ah, hahaha, you mean honeycomb?
T: Yeah.
A: That's a relief.
T: Why?
A: Erm, because honeycomb has less sugar than Captain Crunch.
T: Oh, ok.
I dread the day when such simple explanations just won't cut it.
Um, eh? I catiously asked him what he thought a honeymooon was.
T: You know, cereal.
A: Ah, hahaha, you mean honeycomb?
T: Yeah.
A: That's a relief.
T: Why?
A: Erm, because honeycomb has less sugar than Captain Crunch.
T: Oh, ok.
I dread the day when such simple explanations just won't cut it.
Allowance
So the kids started getting an allowance last month. Perhaps we should have started them off with cash so they'd have to count coins, etc, but this being the age of technology and allowing for the fact that our bank only has one physical location nationwide, we decided to go ahead and get them prepaid debit cards.
Myyyyyyy, preshhhh-usssssss.
USAA prepaid cards are great. They're totally free with no fees. They also come with a lot of literature that teaches parents how to teach their kids about money. There is a minimum transfer amount, but you can also set up automatic payments so their accounts refresh without me having to worry about it.
We got ours in the mail the other day, I activated them this morning, and Tag carefully considered his first purchase. No, really. He took 24 hours to think it over, was very calm and focused, and he took it well when I explained to him that there was no price tag so we'd have to go find out how much it costs before we just try to buy it. In the past, when relatives send money for gift giving occasions, I will usually either buy the kids something and tell them who it's from, or have them come to the store pick it out and make the purchase myself.
We were about to embark into new areas of autonomy. The air was thick with Tag's resolve to make this step as soon as may be.
We got ready to go to the PX and I don't think he's ever gotten dressed so quickly or willingly in his whole life. He was so intense when we got into the store, knowing the goal was in sight. I wasn't particularly hopeful because what he wanted was a toy fire truck complete with sounds, flashing lights, little fireman, a ladder, and some small accessories. Oh, well, we have to learn about disappointment at some point. May as well start young.
He asked the cashier in his clear, strong voice "can you tell me how much money this costs?"
She scanned it and said "4, 9, 9."
I said, "4, 9, 9? As in, $5?"
Her reply: "Yes, $5."
Tag didn't look at me, so intent was he on this enchanted moment. I helped him swipe HIS card, enter HIS pin, and he got to get HIS receipt and carry HIS bag out to the car.
"Mom, I don't want to open my special toy outside. Can we go in quickly?" He was so calm, like continental drift, but he spoke with all of the inevitability of the same.
We got inside and I headed for the camera. "Mom, can you please bring me the scissors?" Laughing, I complied and then plunked myself down to watch him unwrap his very first, all by himself purchase.
His every cut was meticulous in both planning and execution until Pebbles tried to come over and help him. After that the calm sort of went the way of all the earth and the usual level of noise and attempted interposition of wills resumed, like the deep roll before a thunderclap.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Let's Say Thanks
Cute campaign from Xerox to send cards to deployed troops. All branches are included in this (and that's the way it oughta be) and it takes just half a minute to send off a card. It's free, no strings attached, they don't even want your contact info.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Weekend
We got to visit Grandma, Aunt R and Uncle A this past weekend. It's weird to think of grandma moving to Mexico but she seems really happy with the decision. Apparently a lot of American retirees go there to make the social security check stretch to manageble means. It bothers me a bit that all of that money isn't coming back into our economy, but if they could stay here comfortably, I'm sure they would. That is neither here nor there though.
Not much to report except that I've figured out that my prenatal pills give me restless leg syndrome and insomnia. ::sigh:: They are now morning pills and I look forward to a good night's rest tonight.
Who remembers The Jungle Book? It's been released again and my PX had it for $14, tax free. woohoo!! Compare that to Costco (though theirs was the platinum edition, which meant it came with weird little pins) at $24 and I'd say we got a good deal. I just love all of the songs in this movie, especially the one the monkey sings, and the one the bear sings, and the one the snake sings. It's fun to watch it as an adult and see how things look so different now, yet exactly the same.
Where do the days go? We've settled into a sort of weekly routine as far as picking up, dropping off, and naps for the younger two, but that routine means that there is no time for errands at all unless we seriously postpone Pebbles' nap. It makes the days so much longer but shorter to have this sort of routine. Funny how that works.
Not much to report except that I've figured out that my prenatal pills give me restless leg syndrome and insomnia. ::sigh:: They are now morning pills and I look forward to a good night's rest tonight.
Who remembers The Jungle Book? It's been released again and my PX had it for $14, tax free. woohoo!! Compare that to Costco (though theirs was the platinum edition, which meant it came with weird little pins) at $24 and I'd say we got a good deal. I just love all of the songs in this movie, especially the one the monkey sings, and the one the bear sings, and the one the snake sings. It's fun to watch it as an adult and see how things look so different now, yet exactly the same.
Where do the days go? We've settled into a sort of weekly routine as far as picking up, dropping off, and naps for the younger two, but that routine means that there is no time for errands at all unless we seriously postpone Pebbles' nap. It makes the days so much longer but shorter to have this sort of routine. Funny how that works.
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