Its no lie... we have a LOT of books. I remember counting them when we packed them up to move and we had over 300. That was almost a year and a half ago.... scary to say, I buy on average about 5 new books a month from the Scholastic book orders. Yeiks!
I like to have a variety, I like to have a lot of holiday books to set out. We have books in various locations of the house... the boys each have bookshelves in their rooms, we have a bookshelf in the playroom and a big basket in the livingroom. All full to the brim.
Books usually aren't an issue in the house... except Hudson keeps tossing them all off the shelves and covering the floor with them. And well, he doesn't quit get the "pick up the books" yet...
I'm not sure what to do. Will it pass? Is it just a stage, this bookshelf dumping? Should I pack away all the books and only put out a couple each day/week?
How do you control books in your house?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Flying
I decided to take Porters carseat on the plane and strap him in as if we were in the car. It has worked awesome.... No wiggling areoun, no trying to keep him in his seat. He has been awesome to travel with. He is so excited to be flying and loved the airport, has been charming the other passengers and stewardesses. When we got ready to take off he asked to hold my hand and held it the entire runway and takeoff. So sweet.
Our flight took off about half an hour late so we were going to be rushing to catch our connecting flight. We landed at 11:10 and our flight to Jacksonville was supposed to take off at 11:29. Nice. However, typical of Charlotte, NC we were delayed until 12:15.
My iPhone gas been a Godsend. How did I ever live without it? Porter has been playing games and listening to music on it. He loves Coldplay 'Yellow' and cracked me up singing "It was all yellowwww!" not realizing how loud he was with the ear buds in. I've also been blogging from it and keeping up with email/Facebook. I didn't bring the laptop nor will I even need it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Our flight took off about half an hour late so we were going to be rushing to catch our connecting flight. We landed at 11:10 and our flight to Jacksonville was supposed to take off at 11:29. Nice. However, typical of Charlotte, NC we were delayed until 12:15.
My iPhone gas been a Godsend. How did I ever live without it? Porter has been playing games and listening to music on it. He loves Coldplay 'Yellow' and cracked me up singing "It was all yellowwww!" not realizing how loud he was with the ear buds in. I've also been blogging from it and keeping up with email/Facebook. I didn't bring the laptop nor will I even need it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
TFT: Kids playing guns
Or should I say.... BOYS playing guns.
From the time Porter was little, I was very anti-guns. I didn't see the point in letting my child "pretend" to be violent. It seemed so... vulgar and just not necessary.
I've stuck to my guns (haha... pun intended) and we don't own any toy guns. I don't allow them in my house and I just plain don't care to support that type of play in my own home. However, Porter has friends that DO play guns and DO have guns at their house and Porter, despite not ever playing at home, has picked up the "fun" idea that boys LOVE playing guns... and he LOVES to go "bear hunting" with Donnie. I have to say, its frickin cute to see them tromping through the woods "hunting" bears and building little stick campfires.
But... what about when it goes beyond "playing hunting".... I guess hunting I can see... hunting I can allow. Many of my friends' husbands hunt and my dad hunted and well, it was always something I was exposed to as a child. However, as a "girl" I never really cared to play "hunting".... (I was more of the 'play veterinarian' type LOL!). Anyhow, there have been a few instances where Porter made the comment to "shoot that person" for being wrong etc.... like if someone cut me off on the highway and he asked why I slammed on my brakes. "I'll shoot that car!"
Uh.... no. frickin. way. So of course we have a long talk about how you DO NOT shoot people. It is NOT RIGHT and you would GO TO JAIL. Its enough to make me want to say NO playing guns ever.... no matter if your friend is playing guns while you are stuck playing with cars etc...
I'm just not sure what to do... it seems like such natural obsession for boys... you should see my 1st grade class... boys are building guns out of legos and peg blocks and crackers and snipping them out of paper. Its just so WEIRD how natural an obsession it is. And I hate it.
So... what is your stance on guns... on playing guns, owning toy guns, playing "hunting" etc.... Am I being overprotective and anal, or am I being sensible in not wanting my boys to play this gruesome fantasy game?
From the time Porter was little, I was very anti-guns. I didn't see the point in letting my child "pretend" to be violent. It seemed so... vulgar and just not necessary.
I've stuck to my guns (haha... pun intended) and we don't own any toy guns. I don't allow them in my house and I just plain don't care to support that type of play in my own home. However, Porter has friends that DO play guns and DO have guns at their house and Porter, despite not ever playing at home, has picked up the "fun" idea that boys LOVE playing guns... and he LOVES to go "bear hunting" with Donnie. I have to say, its frickin cute to see them tromping through the woods "hunting" bears and building little stick campfires.
But... what about when it goes beyond "playing hunting".... I guess hunting I can see... hunting I can allow. Many of my friends' husbands hunt and my dad hunted and well, it was always something I was exposed to as a child. However, as a "girl" I never really cared to play "hunting".... (I was more of the 'play veterinarian' type LOL!). Anyhow, there have been a few instances where Porter made the comment to "shoot that person" for being wrong etc.... like if someone cut me off on the highway and he asked why I slammed on my brakes. "I'll shoot that car!"
Uh.... no. frickin. way. So of course we have a long talk about how you DO NOT shoot people. It is NOT RIGHT and you would GO TO JAIL. Its enough to make me want to say NO playing guns ever.... no matter if your friend is playing guns while you are stuck playing with cars etc...
I'm just not sure what to do... it seems like such natural obsession for boys... you should see my 1st grade class... boys are building guns out of legos and peg blocks and crackers and snipping them out of paper. Its just so WEIRD how natural an obsession it is. And I hate it.
So... what is your stance on guns... on playing guns, owning toy guns, playing "hunting" etc.... Am I being overprotective and anal, or am I being sensible in not wanting my boys to play this gruesome fantasy game?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Change of plans
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, Porter and I are leaving for the airport. We have to be there by 7:30.
But... after today... or more less, this evening, I'm ready to just leave him home and take a vacation myself. I'm picturing long days of reading books, walks on the beach, catching up on the pile of magazines I have.
Yesterday I took Porter to Gap and I swear the kid acts like he's never been in a store. He's crawling and rolling all over the floor, running through racks of clothes and just basically being a maniac. UGH!
And then tonight... he does NOT sit in his chair at dinner. He is up at least 2 to 3 times during a meal. So I finally put him in Hudson's chair and buckled him in.
Then he kept bugging Hudson. He kept saying potty words and talking to me with a rude tone of voice. I finally decided to put him and Hudson in bed (even though my grandma is picking Hudson up in a little bit so he can stay with her tonight).... and he complained the whole time he cleaned up his books.
I tucked him in, told him I wasn't reading a book tonight.. I was just done. Then Ella jumped on his bed and he got ticked at her. She wasn't doing anything except laying at the end of his bed. He yelled at her and crawled to the end of his bed to shove her off. I told him to leave her alone and she wasn't bothering anything and he yelled "I hate that Ella cat! I wish she would die!"
That pissed me off. I flew across the room and slapped his face so hard. I felt bad but OH MY GOD I'm so tired of the attitude! The other day I made him sit in time out and he pulled his normal "I have to peee! I don't want to pee my pants!" (which is a total ploy to get out of time out) and then when I told him to go ahead and pee his pants, we'd just change them later, he got even more ticked and started yelling "I want you to die!!"
I ignored it as I was trying to not acknowledge him in time out. But when he said it again tonight about the cat I was so done.
I feel like all we're doing is going backwards. One step forward, two steps back. Or maybe 3 or 4, I suppose.
I just can't take it anymore. I wish wish wish I could just leave him home and take a much needed break. I actually have kind of thought of just taking a 2 day/1 night trip away, by myself, to a hotel over my birthday weekend so I can Christmas shop and just be away from the chaos that has consumed my house.
Ugh. I hate being so negative. I'm just so short tempered today. Need to vent.
But... after today... or more less, this evening, I'm ready to just leave him home and take a vacation myself. I'm picturing long days of reading books, walks on the beach, catching up on the pile of magazines I have.
Yesterday I took Porter to Gap and I swear the kid acts like he's never been in a store. He's crawling and rolling all over the floor, running through racks of clothes and just basically being a maniac. UGH!
And then tonight... he does NOT sit in his chair at dinner. He is up at least 2 to 3 times during a meal. So I finally put him in Hudson's chair and buckled him in.
Then he kept bugging Hudson. He kept saying potty words and talking to me with a rude tone of voice. I finally decided to put him and Hudson in bed (even though my grandma is picking Hudson up in a little bit so he can stay with her tonight).... and he complained the whole time he cleaned up his books.
I tucked him in, told him I wasn't reading a book tonight.. I was just done. Then Ella jumped on his bed and he got ticked at her. She wasn't doing anything except laying at the end of his bed. He yelled at her and crawled to the end of his bed to shove her off. I told him to leave her alone and she wasn't bothering anything and he yelled "I hate that Ella cat! I wish she would die!"
That pissed me off. I flew across the room and slapped his face so hard. I felt bad but OH MY GOD I'm so tired of the attitude! The other day I made him sit in time out and he pulled his normal "I have to peee! I don't want to pee my pants!" (which is a total ploy to get out of time out) and then when I told him to go ahead and pee his pants, we'd just change them later, he got even more ticked and started yelling "I want you to die!!"
I ignored it as I was trying to not acknowledge him in time out. But when he said it again tonight about the cat I was so done.
I feel like all we're doing is going backwards. One step forward, two steps back. Or maybe 3 or 4, I suppose.
I just can't take it anymore. I wish wish wish I could just leave him home and take a much needed break. I actually have kind of thought of just taking a 2 day/1 night trip away, by myself, to a hotel over my birthday weekend so I can Christmas shop and just be away from the chaos that has consumed my house.
Ugh. I hate being so negative. I'm just so short tempered today. Need to vent.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
High School Tag
I found this tag on Danette's blog (forever ago) and thought it'd be fun to reminisce. Even more fun, though, I think would be to have some friends answer a few of these questions for me! I might add that at the end.
1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes. I dated a few guys early in high school- very non-serious relationships. I started dating Ryan halfway through my sophomore year. We broke up my senior year and then I dated someone else from another school for awhile before Ryan and I mended things.
2. What kind of car did you drive? 1987 Pontiac Grand Am
3. What was the most embarrassing moment of HS? Gosh I can't think of one in particular....
4. Were you a party animal? Hmm... I wouldn't consider myself a party animal, but I did go to parties, and often threw a few myself when my mom wasn't home. The summer after my senior year, though, I partied a lot.
5. Were you considered a flirt? Definitely not.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope.
7. Were you a nerd? Hmm... not as far as I think. (Junior high, though...ooooh that's another story!)
8. Were you on any varsity teams? No
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No
10. Can you still sing the fight song? Of course!
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mrs. Hebert the art teacher, Mrs. Pop for science, and the French teacher who hell I can't remember her name!!
12. Where did you sit during lunch? In the cafeteria with my friends, or often I'd leave school with Ryan and his friends and go get lunch (which, I should mention- was not allowed).
13. School mascot? Mountie
14. Did you go to homecoming, and with who? I think I went to one... but probably with girlfriends. Other than that, I don't recall going to homecoming dances.
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Probably not.
16. What do you remember most about graduation?
17. Where did you go senior skip day? Senior skip day doesn't stand out to me... I skipped school randomly so that wasn't a huge day for me.
18. Were you in any clubs? No.
19. Have you gained some weight since then? Yep, don't we all?
20. Who was your prom date? I went to Ryan's junior prom (my sophomore year), and to my junior prom the following year with Ryan. And my senior prom with Adam Olney (from another school)
21. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? I'd like to if we have one. But then again, with Facebook its like a daily reunion LOL!
22. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Have more confidence!!
1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes. I dated a few guys early in high school- very non-serious relationships. I started dating Ryan halfway through my sophomore year. We broke up my senior year and then I dated someone else from another school for awhile before Ryan and I mended things.
2. What kind of car did you drive? 1987 Pontiac Grand Am
3. What was the most embarrassing moment of HS? Gosh I can't think of one in particular....
4. Were you a party animal? Hmm... I wouldn't consider myself a party animal, but I did go to parties, and often threw a few myself when my mom wasn't home. The summer after my senior year, though, I partied a lot.
5. Were you considered a flirt? Definitely not.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope.
7. Were you a nerd? Hmm... not as far as I think. (Junior high, though...ooooh that's another story!)
8. Were you on any varsity teams? No
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No
10. Can you still sing the fight song? Of course!
Go, Mounties on to fame.
All cheer for Northwest.
Fight unto victory and beat all the rest.
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Hail to the red and black.
Long may they fly.
In our hearts you'll always be dearest.
Northwest High.
All cheer for Northwest.
Fight unto victory and beat all the rest.
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Hail to the red and black.
Long may they fly.
In our hearts you'll always be dearest.
Northwest High.
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mrs. Hebert the art teacher, Mrs. Pop for science, and the French teacher who hell I can't remember her name!!
12. Where did you sit during lunch? In the cafeteria with my friends, or often I'd leave school with Ryan and his friends and go get lunch (which, I should mention- was not allowed).
13. School mascot? Mountie
14. Did you go to homecoming, and with who? I think I went to one... but probably with girlfriends. Other than that, I don't recall going to homecoming dances.
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Probably not.
16. What do you remember most about graduation?
17. Where did you go senior skip day? Senior skip day doesn't stand out to me... I skipped school randomly so that wasn't a huge day for me.
18. Were you in any clubs? No.
19. Have you gained some weight since then? Yep, don't we all?
20. Who was your prom date? I went to Ryan's junior prom (my sophomore year), and to my junior prom the following year with Ryan. And my senior prom with Adam Olney (from another school)
22. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Have more confidence!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Bling Bling Bada Bing
In honor of my 6 year anniversary I've been pondering the topic of rings... diamonds, to be exact. I'll probably totally get ripped on for this post, but inquiring minds just have to know...
Awhile ago I did a TFT on diamonds and if you felt it was okay to change your band or diamond. To revisit, I posted about how I was quite frugal (to most women's standards) in choosing my engagement/wedding band (yes, I chose it... it was something I was going to have forever and I wanted it to be something I loved) and Ryan and I had agreed if we/I wanted to get a larger diamond (solitaire) in the future we would do that.
As I've aged, obviously my style has changed. My frugality, not so much. Anyone close enough to me knows that I'm quite frugal and I despise spending a ton of money on something if I could get it cheaper elsewhere. When we purchased my ring, we were careful to choose a diamond with an excellent cut, color and clarity (although, not large in the carat department). We picked out a Leo Diamond, whatever that means. We wanted "quality" but... so what?!
Looking back, I'm like... what the frick does it matter the cut and clarity? I mean, obviously you don't want a visibly yellow diamond. But... does anyone ever stare at a persons ring and say "OMG that is NOT a D grade diamond!" (or whatever...). Has anyone, other than the jeweler, stared at your diamond with a microscope to see any possible inclusions?
Ok, back on topic.... recently I've been browsing diamonds online, just pondering the idea of a possible upgrade to my solitaire. I love my setting, I just envy a bit larger solitaire in a princess cut. I wanted to get an idea of what a new diamond would cost. However, once I started browsing diamonds and checking out the prices.... my jaw has dropped to the ground. I won't even utter the cost of my engagement ring and wedding band because I'm very, very sure that you'd pee your pants. Maybe prices have inflated in the past 7 years.... but I can't believe the cost of a 1-2 carat princess cut ring. Can. Not. Believe. It. And, knowing that the "average" ring is 1 to 2 carats and the popular style is a princess cut... the range is between $10,000 and $25,000!!! And I can not ever fathom spending that much on a ring. A RING.
I've even... (prepare to shutter) wondered... why the hell not just get a CZ or a Moissanite... it'd be much cheaper and really, who would REALLY know? (I'll also say, I've never really looked at CZ's or Moissanites... so I can't say I've ever compared them with diamonds. Maybe there is a huge difference to the naked eye... but $10-$20,000 worth of difference? Not in my book...)
I know... I'm sure a ton of you are laughing your pants off and thinking... you cheap ass bitch. But... that's just my frugal thinking. And, well, I'll be sticking with my teensy weensy diamond ring, despite my dreams of one day having a larger solitaire. And if you ever see me sporting a large rock... you'll probably be right to assume its fake. HAHA!
Ok, so now that I've put my opinion out there... what is yours? Am I the lone ranger in my thinking?
Awhile ago I did a TFT on diamonds and if you felt it was okay to change your band or diamond. To revisit, I posted about how I was quite frugal (to most women's standards) in choosing my engagement/wedding band (yes, I chose it... it was something I was going to have forever and I wanted it to be something I loved) and Ryan and I had agreed if we/I wanted to get a larger diamond (solitaire) in the future we would do that.
As I've aged, obviously my style has changed. My frugality, not so much. Anyone close enough to me knows that I'm quite frugal and I despise spending a ton of money on something if I could get it cheaper elsewhere. When we purchased my ring, we were careful to choose a diamond with an excellent cut, color and clarity (although, not large in the carat department). We picked out a Leo Diamond, whatever that means. We wanted "quality" but... so what?!
Looking back, I'm like... what the frick does it matter the cut and clarity? I mean, obviously you don't want a visibly yellow diamond. But... does anyone ever stare at a persons ring and say "OMG that is NOT a D grade diamond!" (or whatever...). Has anyone, other than the jeweler, stared at your diamond with a microscope to see any possible inclusions?
Ok, back on topic.... recently I've been browsing diamonds online, just pondering the idea of a possible upgrade to my solitaire. I love my setting, I just envy a bit larger solitaire in a princess cut. I wanted to get an idea of what a new diamond would cost. However, once I started browsing diamonds and checking out the prices.... my jaw has dropped to the ground. I won't even utter the cost of my engagement ring and wedding band because I'm very, very sure that you'd pee your pants. Maybe prices have inflated in the past 7 years.... but I can't believe the cost of a 1-2 carat princess cut ring. Can. Not. Believe. It. And, knowing that the "average" ring is 1 to 2 carats and the popular style is a princess cut... the range is between $10,000 and $25,000!!! And I can not ever fathom spending that much on a ring. A RING.
I've even... (prepare to shutter) wondered... why the hell not just get a CZ or a Moissanite... it'd be much cheaper and really, who would REALLY know? (I'll also say, I've never really looked at CZ's or Moissanites... so I can't say I've ever compared them with diamonds. Maybe there is a huge difference to the naked eye... but $10-$20,000 worth of difference? Not in my book...)
I know... I'm sure a ton of you are laughing your pants off and thinking... you cheap ass bitch. But... that's just my frugal thinking. And, well, I'll be sticking with my teensy weensy diamond ring, despite my dreams of one day having a larger solitaire. And if you ever see me sporting a large rock... you'll probably be right to assume its fake. HAHA!
Ok, so now that I've put my opinion out there... what is yours? Am I the lone ranger in my thinking?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Your burning questions.... answered!
A few other bloggers have opened up their blogs to question from readers... which is a great idea to get content for the BaToBloPoMo LOL! So... I'm joining in.
What burning questions do you have for me? What odd little bit of information would you like to know about me? Questions about my past, my present, my dreams, my likes and dislikes.... fire away!
What burning questions do you have for me? What odd little bit of information would you like to know about me? Questions about my past, my present, my dreams, my likes and dislikes.... fire away!
11.15.2003
6 years
2,190 days
52,560 hours
3,153,600 minutes
Happy Anniversary, Ryan!
My how times have changed.... after our honeymoon to the Iberostar in Mexico (Riviera Maya), we talked about how we wanted to spend our 5 year anniversary there.
Well, last fall life had different plans for us.... we had a new house, a new baby, lost Ryan's mother and were just not in the place to be able to do such a trip.
This year we tossed around the idea of even a short trip for the 2 of us. I even looked up tickets and packages and priced it out. But then we decided we (ahem... I) really wanted to get our kitchen project underway so again, the big vacation for the 2 of us is put aside.
Even a short trip to Chicago wasn't... isn't... possible as we aren't really sure what we'd do with the boys for a weekend.
Anyhow... we had decided dinner and a movie would suffice... after all, its the time spent together that counts, not the place. But all day I've been feeling under the weather and have slept most of the day. The boys have been cranky and well, life just happens. So, while Hudson and I slept earlier, now Ryan and Porter are sleeping. And neither of us have the desire to get out of our pj's and pretty ourselves up for dinner and a movie.
*sigh*
My, how life changes.
But... I have to proclaim... it IS for the better. I love our little life we've built together and I couldn't imagine these dreams coming true with anyone else.
I love you, Ryan!
Innovation
Heard today, right after lunch:
"I wish we could cut Hudson's legs off."
"WHAT?!"
"I wish we could cut Hudson's legs off. So he can't walk off. So he can't walk off the football field."
Confused?
Ryan plays football over at the school on Sunday mornings. A few weeks ago I tried taking the boys over to watch, but we didn't end up staying long because Hudson kept trying to walk onto the field towards Ryan.
Porter apparently is a little upset over not being able to go watch. Gotta hand it to him for being innovative....
"I wish we could cut Hudson's legs off."
"WHAT?!"
"I wish we could cut Hudson's legs off. So he can't walk off. So he can't walk off the football field."
Confused?
Ryan plays football over at the school on Sunday mornings. A few weeks ago I tried taking the boys over to watch, but we didn't end up staying long because Hudson kept trying to walk onto the field towards Ryan.
Porter apparently is a little upset over not being able to go watch. Gotta hand it to him for being innovative....
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Boogie Man
Porter was being a stinker and getting into trouble this morning, which earned him a spanking.
He was bawling about this and then approached me, pointing a finger at me.
I thought he had cut his finger, or got a splinter in it
I wasn't prepared to hear (in his very dramatic voice)
"You made me have a boooogerrrr!"
Hahahah!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
He was bawling about this and then approached me, pointing a finger at me.
I thought he had cut his finger, or got a splinter in it
I wasn't prepared to hear (in his very dramatic voice)
"You made me have a boooogerrrr!"
Hahahah!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, November 13, 2009
Despite their ability to drive me crazy...
it never fails that they make me smile.
I'm so proud to be their mama.
I'm so proud to be their mama.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Boys Boys Boys
I'm deflated to hear that this poop-butt-bootie talk likely won't go away completely. What the hell! All I have to say is.... God help me if I ever have a 3rd boy because I will be on the next plane to Fiji. Solo.
Speaking of 3rd boys... err... babies... I can totally tell its been my allotted amount of time after childbirth that I begin to lust after another child. In the past few days I've had a couple flashes of The Fever.... Baby Fever...
But then I spend 3.6 minutes with my two BOYS and I realize I'm bat shit crazy to even contemplate wanting another. I can barely stand the two I have right now. Which, to me, is sad. They're awesome little guys but the DRIVE. ME. WILD.
I spend all day at work wishing I was home with them but within a half hour of being home I'm counting down the minutes to bedtime and wishing I hadn't been wishing the work day away. Makes me sad. I hope its just a phase and that they'll become more likable to be around. Its probably a mixture of me being stressed out lately, Porter being in this absolutely obnoxious stage and Hudson being confused that he's a grunting, whining Caveman. Add to that the fact that they both adore pushing each others buttons and getting pissed at each other and it makes for a fabulous evening.
It makes me chuckle, though, because it was this EXACT age that Porter was when I did a 180 and went from "Hell to the no I don't want more kids right now" to "Dude, let's have another baby!" What is it about 18 months old?
Only, this time I'm keeping that emergency brake on and well, seeing that conceiving another child requires a doctor's appointment, I can assure you Barczak #5 will not be joining our family anytime in the near future. Whew!
Speaking of 3rd boys... err... babies... I can totally tell its been my allotted amount of time after childbirth that I begin to lust after another child. In the past few days I've had a couple flashes of The Fever.... Baby Fever...
But then I spend 3.6 minutes with my two BOYS and I realize I'm bat shit crazy to even contemplate wanting another. I can barely stand the two I have right now. Which, to me, is sad. They're awesome little guys but the DRIVE. ME. WILD.
I spend all day at work wishing I was home with them but within a half hour of being home I'm counting down the minutes to bedtime and wishing I hadn't been wishing the work day away. Makes me sad. I hope its just a phase and that they'll become more likable to be around. Its probably a mixture of me being stressed out lately, Porter being in this absolutely obnoxious stage and Hudson being confused that he's a grunting, whining Caveman. Add to that the fact that they both adore pushing each others buttons and getting pissed at each other and it makes for a fabulous evening.
It makes me chuckle, though, because it was this EXACT age that Porter was when I did a 180 and went from "Hell to the no I don't want more kids right now" to "Dude, let's have another baby!" What is it about 18 months old?
Only, this time I'm keeping that emergency brake on and well, seeing that conceiving another child requires a doctor's appointment, I can assure you Barczak #5 will not be joining our family anytime in the near future. Whew!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What Will Work Wednesday
More help, please.
Porter and his potty mouth... and I'm not talking his sailor words this time.
I kid you not... all day long he has literal diarrhea of the mouth. Everything has "Poop" attached to it and I swear to God if I hear it again...
I've tried sassy sauce (vinegar and water) and lately I can just threaten with sassy sauce and he stops but now he's to the point where he asks if I have sassy sauce with me and of course I tell him yes and that does deter him from using potty words but I don't feel like I should have to have a "crutch" of sassy sauce, kwim?
Before sassy sauce I had him go to the bathroom and shout out all of his potty words. He'd say "Poop" or "Butt" or something and I'd say "Go to the bathroom, shut the door and get it out." And we'd hear him in there "Poop butt Pooop Poooooop PPPPOOOOOPPPP Fart Buttt!!"
Today we were playing outside and I think I had just halfway tuned out anything vulgar Porter was mumbling as he played but finally I snapped and turned and slapped his face. I was SO OVER IT! I'm SO sick and tired of hearing those RIDICULOUS words.
I had a chat with him tonight and told him that it makes him look stupid when he walks around saying Poop and Butt and Pee and Crap. I told him there were much better words he could use in the English Language (what, like SHIT? ). I told him it made me very angry and frustrated when I heard him say those words all day.
And its not like he's saying like, "I have to poop! The cat is gonna poop!" No... its like "Ok, let me go put on my poop coat!" What do you want for dinner, Porter? "Poop sandwich!"
UHGHGHGG.
Help. What do I do. How do I get rid of this fascination with POOOP!?!?
Porter and his potty mouth... and I'm not talking his sailor words this time.
I kid you not... all day long he has literal diarrhea of the mouth. Everything has "Poop" attached to it and I swear to God if I hear it again...
I've tried sassy sauce (vinegar and water) and lately I can just threaten with sassy sauce and he stops but now he's to the point where he asks if I have sassy sauce with me and of course I tell him yes and that does deter him from using potty words but I don't feel like I should have to have a "crutch" of sassy sauce, kwim?
Before sassy sauce I had him go to the bathroom and shout out all of his potty words. He'd say "Poop" or "Butt" or something and I'd say "Go to the bathroom, shut the door and get it out." And we'd hear him in there "Poop butt Pooop Poooooop PPPPOOOOOPPPP Fart Buttt!!"
Today we were playing outside and I think I had just halfway tuned out anything vulgar Porter was mumbling as he played but finally I snapped and turned and slapped his face. I was SO OVER IT! I'm SO sick and tired of hearing those RIDICULOUS words.
I had a chat with him tonight and told him that it makes him look stupid when he walks around saying Poop and Butt and Pee and Crap. I told him there were much better words he could use in the English Language (what, like SHIT? ). I told him it made me very angry and frustrated when I heard him say those words all day.
And its not like he's saying like, "I have to poop! The cat is gonna poop!" No... its like "Ok, let me go put on my poop coat!" What do you want for dinner, Porter? "Poop sandwich!"
UHGHGHGG.
Help. What do I do. How do I get rid of this fascination with POOOP!?!?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Want and Do Without
5 Things I Want:
5 Things I Could Do Without:
- A money tree
- To remodel the kitchen/dining room in January.... granite counter tops, a cabinet island with bar stools, new wood floors in both rooms....
- Some Ugg boots.... for reals. Although I'm thinking I might just go for fakes... for reals.
- To fit back into my pre-Hudson jeans SOON.
- A baby girl.
5 Things I Could Do Without:
- My kids whining and picking on each other
- This earlier sunset thing... ugh.
- Having to pay student loans
- Laundry (the washing, folding and putting away part.... I do like my clothes)
- The neighbors dog always coming into our yard.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Run, run, as fast as you can....
So a week ago LeeAnn and I decided to challenge ourselves, armed with our Nike+'s, to meeting a goal of a set number of miles to run each week.
And this past week I victoriously met my goal of running a whopping 8 miles for the week (said uber sarcastically.... really. 8 miles a week? Slacker).
I just barely made it... logging in my last 2.92 miles on Saturday night, after dark, with Porter and both dogs in tow. The school parking lot is all lit up and it takes about 7 laps around the entire parking lot(s) to log 2.75 miles. However, once I got down there (after walking down our dark road, past the swamp and woods... eeeek!), Porter freaked out about being in the dark outside, and not being able to keep up with me running while pedaling his bike.
So... after less than a mile logged, I was ready to call it quits. But then I decided... NO. I came down here despite all these other factors (having to take Porter, having a blister on my heel, feeling achy and sore all over my body from running and hauling firewood)... good golly I'm going to run these 2.9 miles in hell or high water!
I told Porter.... Sit by that light pole and be quiet. I ran around 2 light poles for 36 minutes (yes... that's a measly 12min/mile).... a stretch of about 10 parking spaces I'd say. Yes... boring. but, it got the job done.
And I feel flippin proud that I made it through the first week challenge. And I am feeling good about not feeling bad about not running every day of the week (got that?). This summer I would get discouraged if I missed a day of running. And then I always end up quitting. But... I'm trying to tell myself its okay if I just run 3 days a week... if I can fit in more, great. If not, well... I've got 3 days to exercise and that's better than none, right?
And this past week I victoriously met my goal of running a whopping 8 miles for the week (said uber sarcastically.... really. 8 miles a week? Slacker).
I just barely made it... logging in my last 2.92 miles on Saturday night, after dark, with Porter and both dogs in tow. The school parking lot is all lit up and it takes about 7 laps around the entire parking lot(s) to log 2.75 miles. However, once I got down there (after walking down our dark road, past the swamp and woods... eeeek!), Porter freaked out about being in the dark outside, and not being able to keep up with me running while pedaling his bike.
So... after less than a mile logged, I was ready to call it quits. But then I decided... NO. I came down here despite all these other factors (having to take Porter, having a blister on my heel, feeling achy and sore all over my body from running and hauling firewood)... good golly I'm going to run these 2.9 miles in hell or high water!
I told Porter.... Sit by that light pole and be quiet. I ran around 2 light poles for 36 minutes (yes... that's a measly 12min/mile).... a stretch of about 10 parking spaces I'd say. Yes... boring. but, it got the job done.
And I feel flippin proud that I made it through the first week challenge. And I am feeling good about not feeling bad about not running every day of the week (got that?). This summer I would get discouraged if I missed a day of running. And then I always end up quitting. But... I'm trying to tell myself its okay if I just run 3 days a week... if I can fit in more, great. If not, well... I've got 3 days to exercise and that's better than none, right?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Supper Club
About a month ago Katie and I decided to organize a Supper Club for our close friends. We always seem to hang out just the girls, or the families with the kids but rarely just the adults.
So, we are going to rotate dinners at each family's house once a month. Adults only, no kids. Get a sitter or get out. Adult conversation, no whining, no cutting up anyone else's food for them. No spilled milk, no thrown plates.
Sounds like Heaven, huh?
Tonight was our first monthly Supper Club at the Huffs. Katie got all Martha on us and had little pumpkin place settings. Her table looked fab.
The girls sat and chatted for a bit while the guys cooked the meat and watched the Lions play. At one point Ryan said to me "This is so weird... I keep feeling like I need to yell at Porter." HAHAHA! We all said numerous times... "This is great! No kids. This is so WEIRD.... we can actually have adult conversation and all talk amongst ourselves without being interrupted, having to wipe someone's ass or nose or change a diaper."
We had some great laughs and had a marvelous 2 and a half hours of Adult-Only time. I am definitely going to be looking forward to this every month!
So, we are going to rotate dinners at each family's house once a month. Adults only, no kids. Get a sitter or get out. Adult conversation, no whining, no cutting up anyone else's food for them. No spilled milk, no thrown plates.
Sounds like Heaven, huh?
Tonight was our first monthly Supper Club at the Huffs. Katie got all Martha on us and had little pumpkin place settings. Her table looked fab.
The girls sat and chatted for a bit while the guys cooked the meat and watched the Lions play. At one point Ryan said to me "This is so weird... I keep feeling like I need to yell at Porter." HAHAHA! We all said numerous times... "This is great! No kids. This is so WEIRD.... we can actually have adult conversation and all talk amongst ourselves without being interrupted, having to wipe someone's ass or nose or change a diaper."
We had some great laughs and had a marvelous 2 and a half hours of Adult-Only time. I am definitely going to be looking forward to this every month!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
3 Things
I'm copying Heather and STFU about me ALREADY missing a day. I'm counting it b/c I'll post twice today. HAHA!
THREE NAMES I GO BY
1. Nic
2. Mommy
3. Mrs. Barczak
THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
1. photographer
2. telemarketer
3. literacy coach
THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1. Texas
2. Lansing, Michigan
3. Jackson, Michigan
THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. House
THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
2. Key West, FL
3. Outer Banks, NC
THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO
1. Italy
2. Sequoia National Park
3. Turks and Caicos
THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1. Pizza
2. Sweets (in general... because its all good...)
3. Beef Tips and Noodles
THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
1. Spending spring break at the ocean
2. Remodeling the kitchen/dining room
3. The day my children play together nicely
THREE ANIMALS WHO I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH
Animals... like, 4 legged animals? Really?
1. Lacey
2. Samson
3. Cloie
THREE THINGS I AM REALLY SCARED OF
1. Dark water.... heebie jeebies!
2. Losing my family- husband or children
3. The economy right now
THREE FAVORITE BOOKS
1. Summer Sisters
2. Me & Emma
3. I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids
(I'm sure I have better favorites but I'm drawing a blank because its been so effing long since I've read a book for pleasure)
THREE FAVORITE BANDS/SINGERS
(I like a lot of different music, so I'll put my favorites right now)
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Coldplay
3. The Fray
THREE FAVORITE MOVIES
1. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
2. Marley and Me
3. Up
THREE FAVORITE DRINKS
1. Water
2. Margaritas
3. Diet Dr. Pepper
THREE THINGS I FIND MOST ATTRACTIVE IN A GUY
1. Compassion
2. Humor
3. Eyes
THREE THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT
1. My family
2. My camera
3. The internet
THREE NAMES I GO BY
1. Nic
2. Mommy
3. Mrs. Barczak
THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
1. photographer
2. telemarketer
3. literacy coach
THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1. Texas
2. Lansing, Michigan
3. Jackson, Michigan
THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. House
THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
2. Key West, FL
3. Outer Banks, NC
THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO
1. Italy
2. Sequoia National Park
3. Turks and Caicos
THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1. Pizza
2. Sweets (in general... because its all good...)
3. Beef Tips and Noodles
THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
1. Spending spring break at the ocean
2. Remodeling the kitchen/dining room
3. The day my children play together nicely
THREE ANIMALS WHO I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH
Animals... like, 4 legged animals? Really?
1. Lacey
2. Samson
3. Cloie
THREE THINGS I AM REALLY SCARED OF
1. Dark water.... heebie jeebies!
2. Losing my family- husband or children
3. The economy right now
THREE FAVORITE BOOKS
1. Summer Sisters
2. Me & Emma
3. I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids
(I'm sure I have better favorites but I'm drawing a blank because its been so effing long since I've read a book for pleasure)
THREE FAVORITE BANDS/SINGERS
(I like a lot of different music, so I'll put my favorites right now)
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Coldplay
3. The Fray
THREE FAVORITE MOVIES
1. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
2. Marley and Me
3. Up
THREE FAVORITE DRINKS
1. Water
2. Margaritas
3. Diet Dr. Pepper
THREE THINGS I FIND MOST ATTRACTIVE IN A GUY
1. Compassion
2. Humor
3. Eyes
THREE THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT
1. My family
2. My camera
3. The internet
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Taxi Cab Confessionals: Preschool Edition
This is completely copied from LeeAnn's post but I wanted it on here for my records as well. She narrated it quite well!!
Porter: Last night I slept in a house.
Lukas: Last night I slept in a window, that cuts me... that cuts me off... and then somebody went like this 'chop' me off like this 'chop, chop, chop, chop.." Just my legs, not my face.
(Honestly I dont know where he is getting this from!)
L: And I went, "Ouch", when he cut me up. (LOL!)
L: He wanted me for his dinner. (???) He thought I was his dinner. And I wasn't his dinner.
P: Because you went and bonked him in the head.
L: Yeah, and I kicked him in the head.
L: And I fighted him... and then I won.... I won... I won... the fight (in a hillbilly slang)... cuz he chopped me up.
P: Last night I slept with a man that eats glass.
L: Last night I slept in a baby, Last night I slept in a mouth, I mean a tongue.
P: Last night I slept in a gas station stop light
L: Last night I slept in a bulldozer
P: Last night I slept in a dump.. that excavator thing back there
L: Last night I slept in a basketball hoop
P: There's the train tracks I slept in
L: That was the train tracks that I slept in too
P: I slept in that airplane over there
L: I slept in there too. Last night I slept in the bowling.
P: What?
L: Last night I fall asleep at that bowling.
P: Bowling?
Porter starts us out with hitting the brakes... And Lukas shows us how he falls asleep.
P: Last night I falled asleep in an airplane.
L: Last night I falled asleep in a store, and somebody stepped on me. And I was dead.
P: No you weren't. You were still alive!
L: And I went 'woo-er-whoa.....' And I didn't move after that. (In a Forrest Gump slang, LOL!)
L: I was like this.. (And then shows Porter how he didn't move!! LOL!!)
L: I slept in Rocky
P: Last night I slept in that big truck.
L: Which one?
P: That yellow one right there.
L: Right over there. On the hiiiigh-waaay. (LOL!!)
P: Yeeeaaaahhhh.
L: I think thats the highway. (And then proceeds to sign parts of "Life is a Highway" from Cars)
Lukas still singing...
P: We can't say anything now, we're lost.... Hey guys I think we're lost... Let's talk now... Last night I slept at Menards.
L: Whoa, Last night I slept at Kmart.
P: Last night we all all slept at Walmart! Ha-ha.
L: Yeah, all of the people.
P: Last night I slept with my dog.... that bites me.
L: Whoa, he can't bite you.
P: Theres the John Deer tractor dogs.
L: Hey are you sure that dogs can ride tractors?
P: Yeah.
L: Okay I will see if they will. I'll train Rocky to ride on the tractor.
P: Hey LeeAnn, Lukas will train Rocky to ride in tractors.
L: Yeah and I will train Rocky to sit in it... and I will drive him... and he will go 'ruff...."
And so there it is the first episode of Taxi Cab Confessionals: Preschool Edition. :)
When I take Lukas and Porter to preschool on Monday and Wednesday mornings, it never fails that their conversations are the most hilarious conversations that kids this age could have. I have to hold myself back form busting out laughing most of the time, so they don't become embarrassed and not engage in natural conversation with each other. I actually remembered to get out my flip video on Wednesday and try to record some of the convo. Im surprised to see that it turned out pretty good too. The most popular topic in the 'taxi' seems to be where these boys 'slept last night'. LOL!
Porter: Last night I slept in a house.
Lukas: Last night I slept in a window, that cuts me... that cuts me off... and then somebody went like this 'chop' me off like this 'chop, chop, chop, chop.." Just my legs, not my face.
(Honestly I dont know where he is getting this from!)
L: And I went, "Ouch", when he cut me up. (LOL!)
L: He wanted me for his dinner. (???) He thought I was his dinner. And I wasn't his dinner.
P: Because you went and bonked him in the head.
L: Yeah, and I kicked him in the head.
L: And I fighted him... and then I won.... I won... I won... the fight (in a hillbilly slang)... cuz he chopped me up.
P: Last night I slept with a man that eats glass.
L: Last night I slept in a baby, Last night I slept in a mouth, I mean a tongue.
P: Last night I slept in a gas station stop light
L: Last night I slept in a bulldozer
P: Last night I slept in a dump.. that excavator thing back there
L: Last night I slept in a basketball hoop
P: There's the train tracks I slept in
L: That was the train tracks that I slept in too
P: I slept in that airplane over there
L: I slept in there too. Last night I slept in the bowling.
P: What?
L: Last night I fall asleep at that bowling.
P: Bowling?
Porter starts us out with hitting the brakes... And Lukas shows us how he falls asleep.
P: Last night I falled asleep in an airplane.
L: Last night I falled asleep in a store, and somebody stepped on me. And I was dead.
P: No you weren't. You were still alive!
L: And I went 'woo-er-whoa.....' And I didn't move after that. (In a Forrest Gump slang, LOL!)
L: I was like this.. (And then shows Porter how he didn't move!! LOL!!)
L: I slept in Rocky
P: Last night I slept in that big truck.
L: Which one?
P: That yellow one right there.
L: Right over there. On the hiiiigh-waaay. (LOL!!)
P: Yeeeaaaahhhh.
L: I think thats the highway. (And then proceeds to sign parts of "Life is a Highway" from Cars)
Lukas still singing...
P: We can't say anything now, we're lost.... Hey guys I think we're lost... Let's talk now... Last night I slept at Menards.
L: Whoa, Last night I slept at Kmart.
P: Last night we all all slept at Walmart! Ha-ha.
L: Yeah, all of the people.
P: Last night I slept with my dog.... that bites me.
L: Whoa, he can't bite you.
P: Theres the John Deer tractor dogs.
L: Hey are you sure that dogs can ride tractors?
P: Yeah.
L: Okay I will see if they will. I'll train Rocky to ride on the tractor.
P: Hey LeeAnn, Lukas will train Rocky to ride in tractors.
L: Yeah and I will train Rocky to sit in it... and I will drive him... and he will go 'ruff...."
And so there it is the first episode of Taxi Cab Confessionals: Preschool Edition. :)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
I see....
Hudson's first sentences would be no other than "I see cars! I see tow trucks! I see boats!"
I went running tonight, got back home early and wrapped up my timed run by running back and forth past our house. Hudson was in the front door watching me... or so I thought. Ryan said he kept saying "I see cars! I see carrrrr!" when a car would go by. And then he saw me and said "Mama!!!" I'm second place to vehicles.
I went running tonight, got back home early and wrapped up my timed run by running back and forth past our house. Hudson was in the front door watching me... or so I thought. Ryan said he kept saying "I see cars! I see carrrrr!" when a car would go by. And then he saw me and said "Mama!!!" I'm second place to vehicles.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Confirmed!
Porter and I are flying out to visit my mom in about 2 weeks. He is super excited and asks every day if we're going to the beach. And then he gets ticked at me. Time to make a calendar!
I'm hoping that he'll feel special taking a "Mommy and Porter" trip... a little one on one will be nice with him. I'm actually really excited about traveling with him! Compared to the 2 boys together, traveling with Porter actually seems like something to look forward to... a walk in the park, you might say. He's pretty darn fun to be around when its just Porter.
15 more days!
I'm hoping that he'll feel special taking a "Mommy and Porter" trip... a little one on one will be nice with him. I'm actually really excited about traveling with him! Compared to the 2 boys together, traveling with Porter actually seems like something to look forward to... a walk in the park, you might say. He's pretty darn fun to be around when its just Porter.
15 more days!
Monday, November 2, 2009
On a high
I just got back from photographing my first commissioned birth session. The Richmonds hired me to do S's maternity and newborn session and we got to talking about the recent birth sessions I'd captured. She watched the slideshows and immediately wanted me to capture her birth.
I was texted this morning and she said she was being induced this afternoon. At 4pm she was 2cm and they broke her water. I was sure I was going to be called in late in the night and was prepared to have a sleepless night.
At 7:45 I got a call from B saying she was 8-9cm. I called my grandma to come over and I rushed to the hospital.
I was so nervous on my way there, not to mention cursing every red light. I wasn't sure how it would be photographing actual clients.... people I only really knew from one session. I told myself... "Just be a fly on the wall." And I did. And it turned out great. The entire Richmond family is wonderful and warm and friendly and welcoming. I made it to the hospital with less than 10 minutes before Lila Grace Richmond made her appearance.
I am on a high. I just love doing these type of sessions. Now if only I could choreograph births to be a little more predictable...
I was texted this morning and she said she was being induced this afternoon. At 4pm she was 2cm and they broke her water. I was sure I was going to be called in late in the night and was prepared to have a sleepless night.
At 7:45 I got a call from B saying she was 8-9cm. I called my grandma to come over and I rushed to the hospital.
I was so nervous on my way there, not to mention cursing every red light. I wasn't sure how it would be photographing actual clients.... people I only really knew from one session. I told myself... "Just be a fly on the wall." And I did. And it turned out great. The entire Richmond family is wonderful and warm and friendly and welcoming. I made it to the hospital with less than 10 minutes before Lila Grace Richmond made her appearance.
I am on a high. I just love doing these type of sessions. Now if only I could choreograph births to be a little more predictable...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Trick or Treat!
This year I did something out of the box. I stepped back and took WAY LESS pictures than I normally do. My Halloween Party on Friday.... the pictures you saw on my blog is what I took. WITH MY POINT AND SHOOT!
I'm in photo overload and am trying to come to terms with the fact that EVERY picture does not need to appear technically perfect. EVERY second does not need to be captured on 'film'.
So, for Halloween I decided... I don't NEED pictures of the boys getting candy at 10 different houses. I don't need 23 pictures of the boys running down the road. I don't need pictures of their loot. I don't I don't I don't.
And honestly... it feels good. I took some pictures with my good camera out front and then took my point and shoot with me to trick or treat. And typically, I went to take some pictures and my card was full. So I was racing to delete a few pictures to make room. And then I realized I really hate how slow point and shoots are when you HAVE to use your flash so I said screw it and took like 3 pictures at the Huffs.
And I'm OKAY WITH IT! YES!
The boys had a good time. Ok, Porter had a good time. Actually he had a blast. He was running after Donnie the whole way around their neighborhood. We had a whole crew with us... some of the Huffs family and friends joined us as well as a couple of their neighbors.
Hudson kind of chilled in the wagon and ate 3 suckers on the way around the block. I don't think he was feeling too good and he wasn't thrilled with his costume. He was cute though, and I'm sure warm.
I'm in photo overload and am trying to come to terms with the fact that EVERY picture does not need to appear technically perfect. EVERY second does not need to be captured on 'film'.
So, for Halloween I decided... I don't NEED pictures of the boys getting candy at 10 different houses. I don't need 23 pictures of the boys running down the road. I don't need pictures of their loot. I don't I don't I don't.
And honestly... it feels good. I took some pictures with my good camera out front and then took my point and shoot with me to trick or treat. And typically, I went to take some pictures and my card was full. So I was racing to delete a few pictures to make room. And then I realized I really hate how slow point and shoots are when you HAVE to use your flash so I said screw it and took like 3 pictures at the Huffs.
And I'm OKAY WITH IT! YES!
The boys had a good time. Ok, Porter had a good time. Actually he had a blast. He was running after Donnie the whole way around their neighborhood. We had a whole crew with us... some of the Huffs family and friends joined us as well as a couple of their neighbors.
Hudson kind of chilled in the wagon and ate 3 suckers on the way around the block. I don't think he was feeling too good and he wasn't thrilled with his costume. He was cute though, and I'm sure warm.
Technological Dysfunction
I swear when it rains it pours. The past 2 days I've had soooo many issues with electrical things..
- My internet went out Thursday night. Turns out something is wrong with the router so we have one of our three computers capable of being on the internet.
- Thursday night I opened Photoshop and somehow ALL of my actions were gone. GONE. My TRA, my watermarks and resizing actions, my "homemade" black and white action... GONE.
- Today I tried connecting my iPod to the computer to charge.... said it didn't recognize the USB device.
- My battery on my 5dMKII is not charging. I plugged it into the charger all night last night and I still only have half my battery life left. I've tried numerous outlets. No luck. It should be under warranty still but that means I'll have to send the battery back in. And a new backup battery right now is $90 until a generic one is made (I got generic batteries for my 30D and they were $10 vs. the $70 Canon sells them for).
BaToBloMo
It's like NaBloPoMo with a different name. Back To Blogging Movement... aka BaToBloMo. Heather and I were discussing how we could get ourselves back on the bandwagon and back into the blogging groove. Then we realized NaBloPoMo was coming up and we decided to do our own little spin on it.
We also thought that it might be nice to have a "daily topic" for those days that we get stuck and draw a blank. You know, kind of like a journaling prompt.
As of now, here's our conglomeration of topic ideas...
some of them area already daily memes floating around the blog world, some are ones we just made up--
Mondays: "Not Me Mondays" (blog about mis-haps embarrassments)
Tuesdays: "Top Ten Tuesdays"(make a top ten list for whatever you want)
Wednesdays: "Wednesday Works" (share something of the old "works for me" school of thought or share a project you're working on, want to work on, need help with or even share a behavior/habit you or your family is working on)
Thursdays: "Thoughts for Thursdays" -of course!- (blog about a topic of opinion)
Fridays: "Flashback Fridays" (blog about a memory or even photo from the past)
Saturdays: "Saturday Social" (share new or favorite websites or blogs you come across)
Sundays: "Sunday Survey" (random questions)
If you'd like to snag the BaToBloMo tag, the html is on Heather's post.
So.... here we go... 1 day down, 29 to go!!
We also thought that it might be nice to have a "daily topic" for those days that we get stuck and draw a blank. You know, kind of like a journaling prompt.
As of now, here's our conglomeration of topic ideas...
some of them area already daily memes floating around the blog world, some are ones we just made up--
Mondays: "Not Me Mondays" (blog about mis-haps embarrassments)
Tuesdays: "Top Ten Tuesdays"(make a top ten list for whatever you want)
Wednesdays: "Wednesday Works" (share something of the old "works for me" school of thought or share a project you're working on, want to work on, need help with or even share a behavior/habit you or your family is working on)
Thursdays: "Thoughts for Thursdays" -of course!- (blog about a topic of opinion)
Fridays: "Flashback Fridays" (blog about a memory or even photo from the past)
Saturdays: "Saturday Social" (share new or favorite websites or blogs you come across)
Sundays: "Sunday Survey" (random questions)
If you'd like to snag the BaToBloMo tag, the html is on Heather's post.
So.... here we go... 1 day down, 29 to go!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Devil's Night Costume Party
I have to say... Halloween is becoming one of my favorite holidays. Right up there with Christmas. I love decorating for it and was excited this year to have a Halloween party with some friends and their kids.
I had planned for this to be a "playdate with costumes" of some sort.... the kids would run around outside, we'd hang out by the bonfire and munch on snacks and roast marshmallows. But... Mother Nature had another plan. It rained ALL. DAY. LONG.
At first, when I began planning all this, I said "If it rains, its off." Well, I got so excited about the party that I decided to just go ahead with it and cram people in my house. I had originally expected around 50 people.... half being kids and half being their adults. Our grand total was 32 I believe... we had quite a few last minute cancellations due to sickness. :*(
However... I do have to say the turnout was great.... just the right amount of friends and the kids had a blast. Although poor Ally was the lone big-girl. Grace (2) and baby Ellie (8mo) were the only other girls. The rest were those wild wacky boys.
I spent the day decorating... the boys and I ran to multiple stores to scoop up last minute deals on Halloween decor. I looooove Halloween decor.
Of course I made cupcakes.... I found these fabulous fingers at Michaels.
And.... our costumes. The fun part!
LeeAnn and her awesomeness made my costume. THANK YOU. We didn't do any 'fittings' and it was a tad tight in the waist and kind of baggy up top but it is just fabulous. I love it. (and honestly, I could stand to lose a few 10 pounds or so.... and I'm sure it'd fit MUCH better LOL!) So... we went as the Wizard of Oz. Ryan was the Tin Man, I was Dorothy, Porter was the Scarecrow and Hudson the Cowardly Lion. And Ramsey.... as Toto.
The Flinstones (aka... The Dawsons)
Lukas as Spiderman
Miley, Billy Rae Cyrus (the early years) and Hannah Montana (aka The McIntosh's... minus Luke the Monkey)
Averey.... Prime Optimus
The Huffs..... a witch, pterodactyl and giraffe.
The Johnsons.... a lion, dick in a box, and a spider
We played a few games....
And would you check out these twins???
I had planned for this to be a "playdate with costumes" of some sort.... the kids would run around outside, we'd hang out by the bonfire and munch on snacks and roast marshmallows. But... Mother Nature had another plan. It rained ALL. DAY. LONG.
At first, when I began planning all this, I said "If it rains, its off." Well, I got so excited about the party that I decided to just go ahead with it and cram people in my house. I had originally expected around 50 people.... half being kids and half being their adults. Our grand total was 32 I believe... we had quite a few last minute cancellations due to sickness. :*(
However... I do have to say the turnout was great.... just the right amount of friends and the kids had a blast. Although poor Ally was the lone big-girl. Grace (2) and baby Ellie (8mo) were the only other girls. The rest were those wild wacky boys.
I spent the day decorating... the boys and I ran to multiple stores to scoop up last minute deals on Halloween decor. I looooove Halloween decor.
Of course I made cupcakes.... I found these fabulous fingers at Michaels.
And.... our costumes. The fun part!LeeAnn and her awesomeness made my costume. THANK YOU. We didn't do any 'fittings' and it was a tad tight in the waist and kind of baggy up top but it is just fabulous. I love it. (and honestly, I could stand to lose a few 10 pounds or so.... and I'm sure it'd fit MUCH better LOL!) So... we went as the Wizard of Oz. Ryan was the Tin Man, I was Dorothy, Porter was the Scarecrow and Hudson the Cowardly Lion. And Ramsey.... as Toto.
The Flinstones (aka... The Dawsons)
Lukas as Spiderman
Miley, Billy Rae Cyrus (the early years) and Hannah Montana (aka The McIntosh's... minus Luke the Monkey)
Averey.... Prime Optimus
The Huffs..... a witch, pterodactyl and giraffe.
The Johnsons.... a lion, dick in a box, and a spider
We played a few games....
And would you check out these twins???
Clean house
Per the wise Mary J. "Hard times reveal who we really are and who our friends really are. Use this to clean house, if need be."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween and Big Boy Rooms
Porter had his preschool Halloween Party today. I'm subbing this week for Maureen as her father passed away Monday. Luckily, I was still able to take a half a day.... the principal got a sub for the sub HAHA!
Porter was so excited to have me take him and pick him up from school. Last week when I was sick and had taken him to school and told him I'd pick him up, I wasn't able to make it back to pick him up. My doctor's appointment took forever and LeeAnn ended up getting him for me. He started to cry when he saw I wasn't there to pick him up. Broke my heart. So... today he was super excited.
It was interesting to see all the kids in his class. Most of the kids seem pretty good. There are 2 little girls and 6 boys. Yeouch. One of the little boys I believe belongs at the Lyle Torrent. He is obviously socially immature and exhibits some EI or CI behaviors. He was fixated on poor Lukas' Spiderman costume and was in his face for most of the party despite frequent scoldings from both the teachers and his ineffective father. I was about to lose it just watching him for the half hour we were there.
Anyhow, the rest of the kids seemed great. I got to talk with Miss Angie about Porter to see how he was doing. She said he was doing good and that he's a very active little boy. Oooh boy. Although I will say I didn't see any difference in his behavior and the other kids'. They were all quite active... they're 3! She did say they were having some sharing struggles with the kids but it wasn't just Porter... that it was normal for this age and most of the kids had troubles with sharing at some point so far. As we were discussing this, two little boys started fighting over a dump truck. LOL! Perfect timing HAHA!
Porter looked super cute in his costume. I'm not posting pictures until Friday when we all have our costumes on. I can't wait to share our "theme". Those of you who know.... don't bust us out!
On another note... I've been pondering ideas for Hudson's "big boy" room... which won't be started until probably next summer or possibly fall... but I am excited to decorate it and have something new to do! I've decided to stay with the same color scheme.... Navy, light blue, lime green, chocolate brown and white and a few touches of hunter green and country blue. I bought fabric and am going to attempt to make a quilt for his bed. I found some quilts with wide stripes across it in different fabrics but nothing in the colors I wanted. So, I figured I could sew wide slabs of fabric together easy enough.
I'm not sure about the "theme" of his room. Porter's room has kind of an airplane theme... I guess you could say. (airplane mobile, 2 canvases I painted and a metal airplane sign). I was thinking of doing Hudson's room in a Nautical theme and getting him this sailboat mobile and probably do a painting or something. Although I love the paintings I have in his room, they're kind of babyish and I don't know that I'll keep them up after we move him to a big boy room.
I've also thought about maybe doing a Solar System theme for his room.... Pottery Barn had a cute solar system mobile (which is now on ebay), and I love this canvas (which I could attempt to recreate on my own).
What do you think... Nautical theme or Solar System theme?
Porter was so excited to have me take him and pick him up from school. Last week when I was sick and had taken him to school and told him I'd pick him up, I wasn't able to make it back to pick him up. My doctor's appointment took forever and LeeAnn ended up getting him for me. He started to cry when he saw I wasn't there to pick him up. Broke my heart. So... today he was super excited.
It was interesting to see all the kids in his class. Most of the kids seem pretty good. There are 2 little girls and 6 boys. Yeouch. One of the little boys I believe belongs at the Lyle Torrent. He is obviously socially immature and exhibits some EI or CI behaviors. He was fixated on poor Lukas' Spiderman costume and was in his face for most of the party despite frequent scoldings from both the teachers and his ineffective father. I was about to lose it just watching him for the half hour we were there.
Anyhow, the rest of the kids seemed great. I got to talk with Miss Angie about Porter to see how he was doing. She said he was doing good and that he's a very active little boy. Oooh boy. Although I will say I didn't see any difference in his behavior and the other kids'. They were all quite active... they're 3! She did say they were having some sharing struggles with the kids but it wasn't just Porter... that it was normal for this age and most of the kids had troubles with sharing at some point so far. As we were discussing this, two little boys started fighting over a dump truck. LOL! Perfect timing HAHA!
Porter looked super cute in his costume. I'm not posting pictures until Friday when we all have our costumes on. I can't wait to share our "theme". Those of you who know.... don't bust us out!
On another note... I've been pondering ideas for Hudson's "big boy" room... which won't be started until probably next summer or possibly fall... but I am excited to decorate it and have something new to do! I've decided to stay with the same color scheme.... Navy, light blue, lime green, chocolate brown and white and a few touches of hunter green and country blue. I bought fabric and am going to attempt to make a quilt for his bed. I found some quilts with wide stripes across it in different fabrics but nothing in the colors I wanted. So, I figured I could sew wide slabs of fabric together easy enough.
I'm not sure about the "theme" of his room. Porter's room has kind of an airplane theme... I guess you could say. (airplane mobile, 2 canvases I painted and a metal airplane sign). I was thinking of doing Hudson's room in a Nautical theme and getting him this sailboat mobile and probably do a painting or something. Although I love the paintings I have in his room, they're kind of babyish and I don't know that I'll keep them up after we move him to a big boy room.
I've also thought about maybe doing a Solar System theme for his room.... Pottery Barn had a cute solar system mobile (which is now on ebay), and I love this canvas (which I could attempt to recreate on my own).
What do you think... Nautical theme or Solar System theme?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Workflow
I am in desperate need of a new workflow for editing pictures. It is taking me SOOO long to edit even one session... I'm very behind and its frustrating me.
Sorry to bore you non-photogs. But... here is my workflow. Please let me know what I can do to make things quicker!!
AUUUUGH. I am able to get about 5-10 images edited per night. It is taking FOREVER.
Sorry to bore you non-photogs. But... here is my workflow. Please let me know what I can do to make things quicker!!
- Load RAW pictures to a folder on the computer.
- Rename Folder and transfer entire folde to my "Clients" Folder
- Convert all RAW files to DNG files
- Open CS2 and browse pictures in Bridge
- Skim over files, open those that catch my eye and do a quick exposure/color adjustment.
- Save as a JPG in the same folder.
- Do this x's 30 images.
- Go to the folder with JPGs and open them individually and edit in CS2, adjusting curves and sharpness etc.
- Save
- Crop
- Size/Watermark for Web.
AUUUUGH. I am able to get about 5-10 images edited per night. It is taking FOREVER.
Sass
Please tell me I'm not the only one with a sassy 3.5 year old. I swear sometimes I am raising a teenager already. Let's not get started on the language Porter has been using...... idiot, stupid, butt, poop, pee, moron.
What the hell!! So, he's pretty much traded his bad word bad habit for insult words. And I'm not sure where he got it.... I'm pretty sure we never use idiot, moron, butt, pee and poop in our everyday language.
I kid you not.... if I have to hear one more "And you're gonna put on poop sock!? HAAA HAAAAA." conversation........ ugh.
Tonight I was talking with Porter at bedtime and told him I was going to talk to his teacher and asked what she might tell me about him. Was he good or naughty at school? Does he say naughty words? Is he nice to his friends? Does he fill others' buckets or dip into them?
So he tells me he plays "Jail" with Julianna and Lukas and they put her in jail and give her milk and fruit and SOAP IN HER MOUTH. HAHAA! I asked if Julianna likes playing this game and he said "Yeah! She likes playing Jail!" I have no idea where he got "Jail" from.... I don't think we've ever spoke of Jail. Hmm. Its interesting the things kids pick up. Porter has been using the word "idiot" quite a bit lately which is on my last nerve. Tonight I asked him where he heard that word and he said "Julianna says it at school." Which I have a hard time believing because Juilianna seems like a sweet little girl and her mom seems very nice. But then again, I guess from looking at me I seem pretty nice too but I have a mouth like a sailor and my kid is my proof HAHA!
Ever since my mom left to go back to the beach I have been finding Porter's clothes out of his closet and in a pile on his floor... hangers and all. He says he's getting them ready to pack in his bag and put in the car to take to the beach. He is going to be so excited when we go to the beach over spring break!!
What the hell!! So, he's pretty much traded his bad word bad habit for insult words. And I'm not sure where he got it.... I'm pretty sure we never use idiot, moron, butt, pee and poop in our everyday language.
I kid you not.... if I have to hear one more "And you're gonna put on poop sock!? HAAA HAAAAA." conversation........ ugh.
Tonight I was talking with Porter at bedtime and told him I was going to talk to his teacher and asked what she might tell me about him. Was he good or naughty at school? Does he say naughty words? Is he nice to his friends? Does he fill others' buckets or dip into them?
So he tells me he plays "Jail" with Julianna and Lukas and they put her in jail and give her milk and fruit and SOAP IN HER MOUTH. HAHAA! I asked if Julianna likes playing this game and he said "Yeah! She likes playing Jail!" I have no idea where he got "Jail" from.... I don't think we've ever spoke of Jail. Hmm. Its interesting the things kids pick up. Porter has been using the word "idiot" quite a bit lately which is on my last nerve. Tonight I asked him where he heard that word and he said "Julianna says it at school." Which I have a hard time believing because Juilianna seems like a sweet little girl and her mom seems very nice. But then again, I guess from looking at me I seem pretty nice too but I have a mouth like a sailor and my kid is my proof HAHA!
Ever since my mom left to go back to the beach I have been finding Porter's clothes out of his closet and in a pile on his floor... hangers and all. He says he's getting them ready to pack in his bag and put in the car to take to the beach. He is going to be so excited when we go to the beach over spring break!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tow Tuck, Mo Mo and Moon Moon
Saturday morning I peeked into see Ryan getting Hudson dressed. We had a little conversation!
I said: "Hi Hudson!"
He says "Hi Mama!"
HE SAID HI MAMA! He put together two words. He's growing up sooo fast.
And then tonight he picked up one of Porter's shoes and said "Shoe. Poe!"
He loves Elmo right now. We went into this skanky resale shop this weekend and of course Hudson fell in love with a stupid Tickle Me Elmo. I was a sucker and bought it for a dollar. He carried that thing around with such love in his eyes, a big grin on his face. I couldn't say no. He calls him "Mo Mo."
He loves his "Tow Tuck".... a plastic Mater truck from the Cars movie. He thinks anything with a long "arm like" thing is a tow truck. And he loves Sally too. He calls her "Say".
He also loves Goodnight Moon. "Moon moon". Its funny because at this age Porter really loved Sally and "Moon Moon" too.
And of course, he still has his Mine Mine. His beloved blankey.
He's such a whiner and that is so annoying to me. He seems (at least to my memory) to throw many more tantrums than Porter did at this age. He has a much shorter fuse and gets mad over the smallest things.
Like right now... he's trying to push this Little Tykes grocery cart and it just got caught on the edge of the carpet so he's "ehhhh! EhhhhHH! EEEEHHHH!" whining over it. And he tried to put his Mine Mine into the cart and of course it wasn't going to instantly drop in, he had to lift the blanket a few different times to stuff it in but he was ticked after the first shove. He was pretty proud of himself when he got it in all the way. I try to ignore his whining and let him figure out things himself.
I said: "Hi Hudson!"
He says "Hi Mama!"
HE SAID HI MAMA! He put together two words. He's growing up sooo fast.
And then tonight he picked up one of Porter's shoes and said "Shoe. Poe!"
He loves Elmo right now. We went into this skanky resale shop this weekend and of course Hudson fell in love with a stupid Tickle Me Elmo. I was a sucker and bought it for a dollar. He carried that thing around with such love in his eyes, a big grin on his face. I couldn't say no. He calls him "Mo Mo."
He loves his "Tow Tuck".... a plastic Mater truck from the Cars movie. He thinks anything with a long "arm like" thing is a tow truck. And he loves Sally too. He calls her "Say".
He also loves Goodnight Moon. "Moon moon". Its funny because at this age Porter really loved Sally and "Moon Moon" too.
And of course, he still has his Mine Mine. His beloved blankey.
He's such a whiner and that is so annoying to me. He seems (at least to my memory) to throw many more tantrums than Porter did at this age. He has a much shorter fuse and gets mad over the smallest things.
Like right now... he's trying to push this Little Tykes grocery cart and it just got caught on the edge of the carpet so he's "ehhhh! EhhhhHH! EEEEHHHH!" whining over it. And he tried to put his Mine Mine into the cart and of course it wasn't going to instantly drop in, he had to lift the blanket a few different times to stuff it in but he was ticked after the first shove. He was pretty proud of himself when he got it in all the way. I try to ignore his whining and let him figure out things himself.
A revelation
Amazingly, I left for work EARLY today... 7:30am! I'm subbing for Mo all week while she is in Florida with her very ill father. So, I HAVE to at least be on time this week. I got up at 6am and was ready before the boys even got up. It was awesome. I'm definitely making myself do this every morning.
On our way to the sitters, Porter suddenly had to go potty. I mean GO. Like, #2. Knowing how he GOES, I knew I'd better distract him or I'd have a big mess. So I'm talking about all the things along the way, the road we were on, the Halloween decorations, the buildings we passed.
We went by Parkside Middle School and I said "Did you know I used to teach at that school? That is Parkside."
And Porter says, in amazement.... 'You're a teacher?!"
HAHAHA! What the heck has he thought I was this whole time? I laughed and told him Yes, I was a teacher.
He was still stunned. He says "Is dad a teacher too?!"
HAHAHA! So then of course I had to explain that everyone has different jobs, some people are teachers like mommy (or photographers too), or computer programmers like daddy, or doctors, or house cleaners or barbers or police men or cooks or lawn mowers. He is so funny.
On our way to the sitters, Porter suddenly had to go potty. I mean GO. Like, #2. Knowing how he GOES, I knew I'd better distract him or I'd have a big mess. So I'm talking about all the things along the way, the road we were on, the Halloween decorations, the buildings we passed.
We went by Parkside Middle School and I said "Did you know I used to teach at that school? That is Parkside."
And Porter says, in amazement.... 'You're a teacher?!"
HAHAHA! What the heck has he thought I was this whole time? I laughed and told him Yes, I was a teacher.
He was still stunned. He says "Is dad a teacher too?!"
HAHAHA! So then of course I had to explain that everyone has different jobs, some people are teachers like mommy (or photographers too), or computer programmers like daddy, or doctors, or house cleaners or barbers or police men or cooks or lawn mowers. He is so funny.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Hearing Help NEEDED
I don't know where to start but I do know I need advice before I lose my mind. I don't know what to do with Porter.... he's a smart kid. A sweet kid. I could go on and on about his good points but that would defeat the purpose of my HELP post.
The kid DOES NOT LISTEN for anything. Not so much that he doesn't listen... because I KNOW he listens... I KNOW he hears us. He just chooses to ignore what we say and do what he wants regardless. You might think that he has no consequences... that we let him get away with whatever he does despite what we say. No... he does get caught, he does get in trouble EVER SINGLE TIME. I don't know how to drill it into his head.
For example.... this is just recent because I can't rack my brain for the 10million other times these things happen...
Yesterday he wanted a snack of Goldfish. He brought out an unopened bag of goldfish and asked for a snack. I told him no, that I was making dinner and we'd have dinner in a minute. I also told him there was some Apple Cinnemon Cheerios on the coffee table if he was really hungry.
A few minutes later, I heard paper tearing noises in the dining room. I walked in to find him sitting at the dining room table, opening the goldfish bag. I asked him (ok, I yelled) What did I just tell you? He said "No". So I sent him to his room. I mean, what the hell else can I do? What I really wanted to do was punch him in his face (ok, maybe not that drastic but I was SO irritated!!!).
Then today he kept purposely taking this stupid toy Mater that Hudson loves. His "Tow Tuck". I told Porter to leave it alone because it is Hudson's special toy right now just like the orange dump truck is Porter's special truck right now. They both have their favorites at different times. So I tried to make it clear as to WHY it wasn't nice to take it... that it would be the same as Hudson taking his orange dump truck. A few minutes later Hudson is whining because Porter took the dump truck. I told Porter to give it back and he did, but he complained And then seriously seconds later Hudson sat it down and Porter jumped up, swooped over and snatched it off the ground. I told him to give it back and to go on up to his room because he doesn't listen.
I am at my wits end. Its like the kid does NOT CARE. I don't know what consequences to give him for not listening. Its such a weird thing... I mean, when he's rough with his trucks or does something not nice with a toy, we take the toy away for the day. If he hits or jumps on the couch he goes to time out or is banned from the couch. If he sasses off he gets sassy sauce. I just don't know what to do with listening. Take his fucking ears away? Because he obviously doesn't use them and I'm sure there are some deaf kids out there that would be happy to have them.
And then... night time. OH my fucking god. The kid... The THREE AND A HALF YEAR OLD is up numerous times a night. He wakes up and yells for us. YELLS. And of course we have to respond or else Hudson will get woken up. He wakes up crying he doesn't want to sleep in his bed. He wakes up whining for this or that or what not. NUMEROUS times a night. His blanket falls off his bed. WAAAAHHHHHH MMOOOOOOOMMMMM! Ugh. I want to put him in a kennel in the basement and just let him scream his fucking no-listening head off. And then he has fits about naps or bedtime so we put an alarm on his door. The kind that go off when the magnet is no longer together (aka... door opens). El cheapo alarm and super simple... its not like we put a code on his door. Porter is scared of the alarm so he stays in his room. But lots of times he'll make up reasons to need to come out and SCREAM about them. " I HAVE TO PEEEEE" after he's peed twice already. And he'll cry and scream until he's gagging. And he'll wake Hudson up at nap time. UGH.
I just don't know what to do with him. HELP!
The kid DOES NOT LISTEN for anything. Not so much that he doesn't listen... because I KNOW he listens... I KNOW he hears us. He just chooses to ignore what we say and do what he wants regardless. You might think that he has no consequences... that we let him get away with whatever he does despite what we say. No... he does get caught, he does get in trouble EVER SINGLE TIME. I don't know how to drill it into his head.
For example.... this is just recent because I can't rack my brain for the 10million other times these things happen...
Yesterday he wanted a snack of Goldfish. He brought out an unopened bag of goldfish and asked for a snack. I told him no, that I was making dinner and we'd have dinner in a minute. I also told him there was some Apple Cinnemon Cheerios on the coffee table if he was really hungry.
A few minutes later, I heard paper tearing noises in the dining room. I walked in to find him sitting at the dining room table, opening the goldfish bag. I asked him (ok, I yelled) What did I just tell you? He said "No". So I sent him to his room. I mean, what the hell else can I do? What I really wanted to do was punch him in his face (ok, maybe not that drastic but I was SO irritated!!!).
Then today he kept purposely taking this stupid toy Mater that Hudson loves. His "Tow Tuck". I told Porter to leave it alone because it is Hudson's special toy right now just like the orange dump truck is Porter's special truck right now. They both have their favorites at different times. So I tried to make it clear as to WHY it wasn't nice to take it... that it would be the same as Hudson taking his orange dump truck. A few minutes later Hudson is whining because Porter took the dump truck. I told Porter to give it back and he did, but he complained And then seriously seconds later Hudson sat it down and Porter jumped up, swooped over and snatched it off the ground. I told him to give it back and to go on up to his room because he doesn't listen.
I am at my wits end. Its like the kid does NOT CARE. I don't know what consequences to give him for not listening. Its such a weird thing... I mean, when he's rough with his trucks or does something not nice with a toy, we take the toy away for the day. If he hits or jumps on the couch he goes to time out or is banned from the couch. If he sasses off he gets sassy sauce. I just don't know what to do with listening. Take his fucking ears away? Because he obviously doesn't use them and I'm sure there are some deaf kids out there that would be happy to have them.
And then... night time. OH my fucking god. The kid... The THREE AND A HALF YEAR OLD is up numerous times a night. He wakes up and yells for us. YELLS. And of course we have to respond or else Hudson will get woken up. He wakes up crying he doesn't want to sleep in his bed. He wakes up whining for this or that or what not. NUMEROUS times a night. His blanket falls off his bed. WAAAAHHHHHH MMOOOOOOOMMMMM! Ugh. I want to put him in a kennel in the basement and just let him scream his fucking no-listening head off. And then he has fits about naps or bedtime so we put an alarm on his door. The kind that go off when the magnet is no longer together (aka... door opens). El cheapo alarm and super simple... its not like we put a code on his door. Porter is scared of the alarm so he stays in his room. But lots of times he'll make up reasons to need to come out and SCREAM about them. " I HAVE TO PEEEEE" after he's peed twice already. And he'll cry and scream until he's gagging. And he'll wake Hudson up at nap time. UGH.
I just don't know what to do with him. HELP!
Friday, October 23, 2009
TFT: Buy and Bail?
The other day I stumbled across a blog (I honestly don't even remember how I got there... one of those "click on a blog and then a blog on their blog and then a blog on that blog) that was talking about their plans to "Buy and Bail" on their house. I wasn't sure what this meant so of course I googled it. Turns out its a recent trend.... people are buying a house (either together if they qualify or in one spouses name ) and then bailing on their current home that is upside down in this market.
Now... I know a LOT of people with their homes on the market. I actually think most of my friends have their houses for sale and I know a number of bloggers who do as well. The market sucks. I feel for them because a decent sale price is not exactly promising. I thank God everyday that we took the offer we got on our old house and sold when we did. Sure, we lost quite a bit of money, had to pay at closing, but I wouldn't trade our new house for anything.
But.... what if we hadn't sold. What if we'd thought we'd hold off for a better offer. What if we were still in our 900sq foot home with 2 kids and 2 dogs? Would I consider this new trend? Ruining one or both of our credit just to get out from under a house we'd outgrown?
I guess in some situations it might make sense... such as if someone is losing their house because they can't afford the mortgage payment. Or if they are reloacting for a job and are unable to sell the old house. I guess I could possibly see taking the Buy and Bail route. But what I was reading on this blog... they just didn't like their old house. They owed too much and it wasn't worth nearly what they owed. So they wanted to buy in on the cheap market and then let their old "unliked" house go back to the bank. Ship their keys back to them.
WHAT? Am I the only one that sees this as nuts? I guess I am not in their shoes and maybe I'd think differently if I didn't love my home. But I can't help but thinking that voluntarily foreclosing on your home, ruining your credit voluntarily, is such an irresponsible thing to do. Not to mention all these "voluntary forecloseures" are not helping the market any... in actuality they are HURTING the market. And does it even matter that is is FRAUD?
So, what do you think? Have you heard of this "Buy and Bail" method before this? Would you ever consider it?
Now... I know a LOT of people with their homes on the market. I actually think most of my friends have their houses for sale and I know a number of bloggers who do as well. The market sucks. I feel for them because a decent sale price is not exactly promising. I thank God everyday that we took the offer we got on our old house and sold when we did. Sure, we lost quite a bit of money, had to pay at closing, but I wouldn't trade our new house for anything.
But.... what if we hadn't sold. What if we'd thought we'd hold off for a better offer. What if we were still in our 900sq foot home with 2 kids and 2 dogs? Would I consider this new trend? Ruining one or both of our credit just to get out from under a house we'd outgrown?
I guess in some situations it might make sense... such as if someone is losing their house because they can't afford the mortgage payment. Or if they are reloacting for a job and are unable to sell the old house. I guess I could possibly see taking the Buy and Bail route. But what I was reading on this blog... they just didn't like their old house. They owed too much and it wasn't worth nearly what they owed. So they wanted to buy in on the cheap market and then let their old "unliked" house go back to the bank. Ship their keys back to them.
WHAT? Am I the only one that sees this as nuts? I guess I am not in their shoes and maybe I'd think differently if I didn't love my home. But I can't help but thinking that voluntarily foreclosing on your home, ruining your credit voluntarily, is such an irresponsible thing to do. Not to mention all these "voluntary forecloseures" are not helping the market any... in actuality they are HURTING the market. And does it even matter that is is FRAUD?
So, what do you think? Have you heard of this "Buy and Bail" method before this? Would you ever consider it?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Quack Quack!
No, I don't have the duck flu.
And I honestly don't think I have the swine flu either.
I think my doctor is... how does my husband put it.... a quack??
He's a great doctor I think, but he's a little.... over the top and overly cautious with everything. Which I guess I'd prefer that to the alternative of not thinking anything is a big deal and possibly missing something life threatening.
Anyhow, the worst pain I was in yesterday was my injection sites from the steroid and the other shot I got. I woke up this morning feeling fine... cough is gone, sinuses are feeling slightly better. Earache is feeling better too.
I feel like an idiot for being home from work. To my knowledge, I never had a fever. I think I'd know if I had a fever (although, Tuesday Maureen did say at work I looked pale and lethargic looking).
So... I guess I'm going to just attempt to be thankful for a day off work (even though my kids are driving me nuts). I've rescheduled my Halloween Party as well... hopefully next Friday will be nicer weather. :)
And I honestly don't think I have the swine flu either.
I think my doctor is... how does my husband put it.... a quack??
He's a great doctor I think, but he's a little.... over the top and overly cautious with everything. Which I guess I'd prefer that to the alternative of not thinking anything is a big deal and possibly missing something life threatening.
Anyhow, the worst pain I was in yesterday was my injection sites from the steroid and the other shot I got. I woke up this morning feeling fine... cough is gone, sinuses are feeling slightly better. Earache is feeling better too.
I feel like an idiot for being home from work. To my knowledge, I never had a fever. I think I'd know if I had a fever (although, Tuesday Maureen did say at work I looked pale and lethargic looking).
So... I guess I'm going to just attempt to be thankful for a day off work (even though my kids are driving me nuts). I've rescheduled my Halloween Party as well... hopefully next Friday will be nicer weather. :)
Doggie Drama
A few weeks ago we had quite the Dog Drama. I was doing a newborn session at my house and got a knock on the door. My dogs had gotten out of the dog kennel and ran through the swamps and to another road and had killed 2 pet turkeys (who were running free in the peoples yards, not in a pen).
They called Animal Control and we were ordered to quarantine the dogs b/c they "bit". OMG seriously? They ate a bird.... isn't that what wild dogs do?? So, our dogs were in quarantine for 10 days (also a factor was that we were late on getting their rabies this year... they were due for their booster in June and we hadn't gotten around to taking them).
Ryan went to apologize and talked to the guy and gave him $100. Everything was resolved.
Now our issue is mainly with Zoey. Ramsey, the full rottie, is a great dog... she stays in the yard, she's calm, she is great with the kids. She can be let out into the yard to go potty and comes right back up to the door to be let in.
Zoey, on the other hand, has a rottie mom and an obviously hound dad. She takes off in a split second, is not calm at all because she's constantly trying to sniff out something or other. We knew if she got loose again she'd be taking off to find those birds straight away. Ramsey tends to be a follower.
Of course, a few days into quarantine they got out and took off. We were frantic as them being turned in could turn into huge fines for us. Luckily we found them after about half an hour of searching.
The dogs are now out of quarantine and we have resumed letting Ramsey stay in the house, letting her out the back door to go potty etc. She's doing great. Zoey, on the other hand, we can't trust in the yard. We are still in the process of getting up a "secure structure" up (a kennel) so we have no way to let her out without being on a leash.
She's nuts. She keeps pooping and peeing in the mud room overnight. She barks and barks when she's outside tied up. She's a pain in my ass. And she's on her way out the door to the Humane Society. We never thought we'd be doing this... "getting rid of" a dog. We've always been the ones to take in strays.... to feel sorry for homeless animals. But its come to a point where she just is not a good fit for our family. She can't be 100% trusted around the kids because she guards food. She runs off if she gets loose. She is hyper. The neighbors no longer take her for playdates because she dug up their yard. (They've since adopted a new puppy... so Zoey is no longer an option for them).
I feel terrible but I'm trying not to think about it. My dogs used to be my babies, but I now have 2 much more important babies to worry about and the dogs, unfortunately, are second fiddle. Sorry....
They called Animal Control and we were ordered to quarantine the dogs b/c they "bit". OMG seriously? They ate a bird.... isn't that what wild dogs do?? So, our dogs were in quarantine for 10 days (also a factor was that we were late on getting their rabies this year... they were due for their booster in June and we hadn't gotten around to taking them).
Ryan went to apologize and talked to the guy and gave him $100. Everything was resolved.
Now our issue is mainly with Zoey. Ramsey, the full rottie, is a great dog... she stays in the yard, she's calm, she is great with the kids. She can be let out into the yard to go potty and comes right back up to the door to be let in.
Zoey, on the other hand, has a rottie mom and an obviously hound dad. She takes off in a split second, is not calm at all because she's constantly trying to sniff out something or other. We knew if she got loose again she'd be taking off to find those birds straight away. Ramsey tends to be a follower.
Of course, a few days into quarantine they got out and took off. We were frantic as them being turned in could turn into huge fines for us. Luckily we found them after about half an hour of searching.
The dogs are now out of quarantine and we have resumed letting Ramsey stay in the house, letting her out the back door to go potty etc. She's doing great. Zoey, on the other hand, we can't trust in the yard. We are still in the process of getting up a "secure structure" up (a kennel) so we have no way to let her out without being on a leash.
She's nuts. She keeps pooping and peeing in the mud room overnight. She barks and barks when she's outside tied up. She's a pain in my ass. And she's on her way out the door to the Humane Society. We never thought we'd be doing this... "getting rid of" a dog. We've always been the ones to take in strays.... to feel sorry for homeless animals. But its come to a point where she just is not a good fit for our family. She can't be 100% trusted around the kids because she guards food. She runs off if she gets loose. She is hyper. The neighbors no longer take her for playdates because she dug up their yard. (They've since adopted a new puppy... so Zoey is no longer an option for them).
I feel terrible but I'm trying not to think about it. My dogs used to be my babies, but I now have 2 much more important babies to worry about and the dogs, unfortunately, are second fiddle. Sorry....
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Oink Oink!!!
QUICK! Get off my blog! You'll catch it!
HAHA!
No, really... I have the swine flu. Well, says my doctor. Tuesday morning I woke with a stuffy nose and kind of scratchy throat, but not too bad. I had a dry cough. I went to work. Yes, I went to work. Swine flu has been all around my school and we've had numerous kids in each of my classes sick with it so obviously I've been exposed. They're all still alive and returned to school within days so I'm not too worried.
By Tuesday afternoon I was feeling kind of tired and run down so I left work early to try to rest at home. I decided not to go to work this morning. I felt like I had the beginning stages of a sinus infection and wanted to nip it in the bud before it got too bad.
I took Hudson to daycare, Porter to preschool and ran to Target to return some solar lights. I then called the doctor, got an appointment for 11am and ran through the bank drive through.
At my appointment Dr. Robertson confirmed an ear infection and after discussing my symptoms said "You have the swine flu." Uh... ok. So, he did do a throat swab but didn't test it before I left the office (I've heard it takes 4 days to get results?). He gave me two shots in my ass for who knows what, Tamiflu, Ceclor for my sinuses, Tylenol with Codeine and told me to take some breathing treatments. And also a sinus x-ray.
I left feeling... weird. I honestly don't feel like I'm dying like everyone make it out to be like. I have a hard, dry cough. I have a headache and sinus pressure and I'm sleepy (but, that could be all the drugs pumped into me!). I haven't had a fever (that I know of). I wrote on Facebook about it and within hours heard many of my friends freaking out about getting sick, their kids getting sick etc. I honestly think this all comes down two two words:
Media. Hype.
If I truly and honestly have the swine flu, I've secured my decision that I would NOT give my children the H1N1 vaccine. I may change my story tomorrow if I feel worse, but to tell you the truth I think there are different levels of severity of the flu, as with the normal flu. And I think the swine flu has been hyped up to be oh so dangerous when in reality its really no different than the normal flu. Do we get all hyped up about the normal flu every year? Do we hoard our children up inside? Do we wear masks every fall when the normal flu goes around?
No.
I can guarantee that if any child in school has been exposed as well as anyone in their family. And if you go to any store, which I'm sure many of us do daily, you've been exposed.
HOWEVER.... I have heard people say they felt like dying with the flu... that they were sick in bed for days. So far, I haven't felt that way at all. Maybe my doctor is wrong?
I was told I am probably contagious for about 48 hours. Well... this Saturday we are SUPPOSED to be having a Halloween Costume Party at our house but I'm pretty sure even if I'm 100% better everyone is going to be freaked out to come over LOL! So... looks like that will be canceled or rescheduled. Bummer!
Am I going to survive the swine flu? Of course. The real question is.... will I survive the next 2 days home with my children....
Monday, October 19, 2009
NaBloPoMo
FYI.... November is NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). Heather and I are challenging ourselves to blog every day and attempt to get back into the groove. Would you like to join us? Gear up for 30 days and 30 posts!
We are going to try to come up with a theme/topic to blog about each day.... you know how we have Thoughts on Thursday, or Flashback Fridays.... something to help us start blogging each day. If you have any ideas on topics for the days of the week, leave your ideas in the comments!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pumpkin Picking
This year was our 3rd year visiting Adams Farm Market. We love going to Adams versus Flavor Fruit Farms as its so much more relaxed, way less crowded and the kids can just enjoy themselves in the pumpkin patch without any fear of them getting lost in the crowds. Granted, there is no petting zoo, cider, donuts, live elephant or bounce house but that doesn't matter to me. We love going to Adams and typically avoid FFF (unless its during the week, when its much quieter).
Plus.... their pumpkins are priced SO WELL! Any size is $5. We always get a couple giant pumpkins and the boys just had so much fun running around with the wagons and attempting to pick up the pumpkins and just getting some energy out. We were pretty much the only family there the entire time... a couple families came, got their pumpkins and left quickly. We kind of linger... just enjoying the quiet, picking out some fresh fruit and veggies (and Ry picked up some salsa to try too.. yum!), and letting the boys have fun.
Hudson loved this pumpkin. I put him on there to take the picture above and when I helped him off he begged to be put back on. So, he sat there for about 10 minutes, just looking around.
I'm so happy Ryan got this picture! It actually turned out great.... which isn't usual for him :)
Plus.... their pumpkins are priced SO WELL! Any size is $5. We always get a couple giant pumpkins and the boys just had so much fun running around with the wagons and attempting to pick up the pumpkins and just getting some energy out. We were pretty much the only family there the entire time... a couple families came, got their pumpkins and left quickly. We kind of linger... just enjoying the quiet, picking out some fresh fruit and veggies (and Ry picked up some salsa to try too.. yum!), and letting the boys have fun.
Hudson loved this pumpkin. I put him on there to take the picture above and when I helped him off he begged to be put back on. So, he sat there for about 10 minutes, just looking around. 
I'm so happy Ryan got this picture! It actually turned out great.... which isn't usual for him :)
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