Okay...so I'm just making baby steps, but I'm trying. I think that there may be a link between how sick I've been lately and cleaning products. Today was cleaning day and I decided to try something a little different. I made all of my cleaners today. To my shock and awe, they actually worked better than the commercial stuff that's full of chemicals. The house has a slight alcohol smell from the glass cleaner but I'm quite surprised that there's no real vinegar smell. My stove is clean and shiny. The bathroom is sparkly. The best part, though, is when Hannah asked if she could help, I didn't think twice about handing her a spray bottle. Awesome. Now, I need to go make some furniture polish.
*Update* Michelle asked for the recipes so here are the ones I have. If anyone else has any that are different or are for different things, please post them (especially if you have one for a good floor cleaner)! Just put all of these things in a clean spray bottle and go to town.
All Purpose Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Glass Cleaner
1 cup isoprophyl alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
Wood Polish
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
(I halved this recipe)
Shake well before using. Spray on surface...wipe down and, with a clean towel, wipe off excess.
I also used a paste of baking soda and water to scrub my stove and sink.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Garth!!!!
Okay, so Sue's blog got me thinking about Garth Brooks. Garth played 9 concerts here in KC at the beginning of the month and I'm, only now, a little sad about the fact that I didn't go to just one. *sigh* I did, however, buy the new Garth collection from Wal Mart a couple of weeks ago (as if I didn't already have 98% of these songs on multiple CDs already). The two CDs have the usual...The Dance (my favorite Garth ever), If Tomorrow Never Comes, Papa Loved Mama, Callin' Baton Rouge...you get the idea. It does, however, have 3 new songs on it. One of which is this song. Typical Garth...he still sounds great...and I must say that he looks pretty good too! So, if you haven't heard it, here's the video for
More Than a Memory.
And I couldn't help myself...here's The Dance
More Than a Memory.
And I couldn't help myself...here's The Dance
A Note to Bobbi
Check your AOL mail!!!! I lost your work address. :( But you have AOL mail in your mailbox.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
My Little Socialite
It seems that Hannah is everyone's best friend. Right after dropping her off at preschool yesterday, I ran into another mother who wanted to know if I was Hannah's mom. She introduced herself as Olivia's mom and told me that Olivia doesn't stop talking about Hannah (Hannah talks a lot about Olivia as well) and we need to get the girls together for a playdate soon. We exchanged phone numbers and that was that.
After I brought Hannah home from school yesterday, Gwen came by on her bike looking for Hannah. About 5 minutes later, Lisa from up the street comes out yelling Hannah's name. They all play until I tell Hannah it's time to go pick up the boys from school. Both Lisa and Gwen ask if Hannah will be able to play when she gets back and then head to their respective homes...like now there was no one to play with since Hannah was leaving.
I was working in the two year old room for MOPS this morning (everyone has to take one turn working with MOPPETS each year) when Kelly (another mom) walks in. She asks me if I'm Hannah's mom. She then tells me that her daughter, Kloe, talks about Hannah all of the time and desperately wants Hannah to come to her birthday party next month. She then went on to tell me that her daughter was shocked when Kelly said she didn't know who Hannah was. I guess Kloe told her, "you know Hannah. From MOPS. The girl with the black hair and black eyes." LOL!
When we were leaving, I told Hannah that I had talked to Kloe's mom. She looks at me and says, "yeah, Kloe's from MOPS (like I didn't know!). She said I could come to her birthday party. It's going to be a princess party." I told Hannah, "I know. That's what her mom was talking to me about." Hannah says, "Kloe's nice. I guess she can come to my birthday party, too." I'm not looking forward to what her party guest list will look like.
Hannah's definitely much more the socialite than the boys were at her age. Jacob always had a hard time making friends but usually has one or two really close friends. Daniel made friends everywhere but, aside from Luke and Jake in Virginia, really has only recently had a circle of friends that he talks about a lot. Everyone Hannah meets is her best friend and even if she only plays with someone for a short amount of time, she'll talk about them for days. She cracks me up.
After I brought Hannah home from school yesterday, Gwen came by on her bike looking for Hannah. About 5 minutes later, Lisa from up the street comes out yelling Hannah's name. They all play until I tell Hannah it's time to go pick up the boys from school. Both Lisa and Gwen ask if Hannah will be able to play when she gets back and then head to their respective homes...like now there was no one to play with since Hannah was leaving.
I was working in the two year old room for MOPS this morning (everyone has to take one turn working with MOPPETS each year) when Kelly (another mom) walks in. She asks me if I'm Hannah's mom. She then tells me that her daughter, Kloe, talks about Hannah all of the time and desperately wants Hannah to come to her birthday party next month. She then went on to tell me that her daughter was shocked when Kelly said she didn't know who Hannah was. I guess Kloe told her, "you know Hannah. From MOPS. The girl with the black hair and black eyes." LOL!
When we were leaving, I told Hannah that I had talked to Kloe's mom. She looks at me and says, "yeah, Kloe's from MOPS (like I didn't know!). She said I could come to her birthday party. It's going to be a princess party." I told Hannah, "I know. That's what her mom was talking to me about." Hannah says, "Kloe's nice. I guess she can come to my birthday party, too." I'm not looking forward to what her party guest list will look like.
Hannah's definitely much more the socialite than the boys were at her age. Jacob always had a hard time making friends but usually has one or two really close friends. Daniel made friends everywhere but, aside from Luke and Jake in Virginia, really has only recently had a circle of friends that he talks about a lot. Everyone Hannah meets is her best friend and even if she only plays with someone for a short amount of time, she'll talk about them for days. She cracks me up.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back to the Same Old-Same Old
Bobbi and Ed arrived a little later than we had expected on Thursday, but it was just a couple of hours later so that wasn't so bad. I had brined my 20.5 pound turkey the night before and it was already in the oven when they got here. BTW, I don't know if brining the bird helped it any...it was just a extra step that I don't think I needed to make. Anyway, the turkey ended up cooking faster than I had anticipated, so dinner was served about 45 minutes earlier than I had wanted it to be. The only problem with that was trying to get all of my sides done, too. Oh well. It got done and it was a tasty Thanksgiving dinner.
Saturday, we headed into KCK for family photos. Mike takes TKD on Saturdays with a guy who's a photographer and he's the one that took the pictures. I was a little disappointed but I'm sure they'll turn out great. The kids had the best time when we put them into their TKD uniforms and told them to kick and punch. I can't wait to see those pictures!
We then headed over to Independence to the Truman Presidential Library and Museum. While it was neat to be able to see and say that we've been, it really wasn't what I was expecting. I guess I was actually expecting a library. It was absolutely a museum...lots of presidential stuff and a replica Oval Office but I didn't see anything that would resemble a library. The kids really liked meeting Harry Truman (they had a guy that looked a lot like him there) and making campaign buttons.
Coming back, there was a lot of traffic at the I435/I70 junction. At first, we thought it was a accident or something like that. Then, we realized that it was the traffic heading to Arrowhead for the KU/Mizzou game. It was backed up in all directions for miles around I70, but it was good the way we were going. We came home and watched the game, which is funny because, as Mike pointed out, I'm not into college football and I have no attachment to any of the teams. I did find myself rooting for Kansas and was upset when they lost. There will be no love for KU, however, if they have to play Bradley or SIU in basketball again this year. LOL!
It was a nice Thanksgiving and a nice visit, but that break was too short. I had to drag the kids out of bed this morning and I got a lot of glares from both boys when I even mentioned school to them. I had anticipated Jacob trying to play sick so that he could stay home but I told him that I wasn't buying it and that he was going to school. Last night, he would say that his chest hurt or that he was having a hard time breathing. I told him that if was really having a hard time breathing, I should take him to the ER. His words to me were, "Why can't we just wait until the morning to see how I feel?" That's what I thought. I'm having a hard time knowing when he's really sick since he told me he used to fake the stomach aches so that he could stay home. Silly boy, you don't tell your parents that stuff until you've made it to college!
I should probably feed Hannah some lunch so that she's got a full belly when she goes to preschool this afternoon. How many days until the weekend?
Saturday, we headed into KCK for family photos. Mike takes TKD on Saturdays with a guy who's a photographer and he's the one that took the pictures. I was a little disappointed but I'm sure they'll turn out great. The kids had the best time when we put them into their TKD uniforms and told them to kick and punch. I can't wait to see those pictures!
We then headed over to Independence to the Truman Presidential Library and Museum. While it was neat to be able to see and say that we've been, it really wasn't what I was expecting. I guess I was actually expecting a library. It was absolutely a museum...lots of presidential stuff and a replica Oval Office but I didn't see anything that would resemble a library. The kids really liked meeting Harry Truman (they had a guy that looked a lot like him there) and making campaign buttons.
Coming back, there was a lot of traffic at the I435/I70 junction. At first, we thought it was a accident or something like that. Then, we realized that it was the traffic heading to Arrowhead for the KU/Mizzou game. It was backed up in all directions for miles around I70, but it was good the way we were going. We came home and watched the game, which is funny because, as Mike pointed out, I'm not into college football and I have no attachment to any of the teams. I did find myself rooting for Kansas and was upset when they lost. There will be no love for KU, however, if they have to play Bradley or SIU in basketball again this year. LOL!
It was a nice Thanksgiving and a nice visit, but that break was too short. I had to drag the kids out of bed this morning and I got a lot of glares from both boys when I even mentioned school to them. I had anticipated Jacob trying to play sick so that he could stay home but I told him that I wasn't buying it and that he was going to school. Last night, he would say that his chest hurt or that he was having a hard time breathing. I told him that if was really having a hard time breathing, I should take him to the ER. His words to me were, "Why can't we just wait until the morning to see how I feel?" That's what I thought. I'm having a hard time knowing when he's really sick since he told me he used to fake the stomach aches so that he could stay home. Silly boy, you don't tell your parents that stuff until you've made it to college!
I should probably feed Hannah some lunch so that she's got a full belly when she goes to preschool this afternoon. How many days until the weekend?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving Preparations
*Update* It is now snowing quite heavily. The ground seems to be too warm for it to stick to the roads but it's definitely sticking to the grass and deck.
The kids are off of school for the holiday and we've all just been hanging out this morning. I really need to get my act together and get the shopping done or we will have nothing to eat for tomorrow! Actually, it's mostly just picking up our turkey but it's the act of leaving the house. I still have to make the pies and cornbread for the cornbread stuffing but I may just end up buying one pie and making the other. I did get the kitchen and fridge cleaned so there's room for the turkey and there's a load of dishes washing in the dishwasher, so I guess I have done something today.
The weather has been absolutely nuts. Monday and Tuesday, we were in the low 70's and today we're in the low 30's. It's just raining right now but people just to our north are reporting light snow. Hopefully, it'll stop before tomorrow when Bobbi and Ed fly in. There's a guy on the weather blog who's an air traffic controller and he's keeping those of us who need to know how the travel conditions are at the airports. He did say that Chicago wasn't looking good today. Ugh.
Anyway, I just thought I'd blog real quick and let everyone know we're still here. We're cold, but still here. Hey Deb, how's your turkey grillin' weather there in Illinois?
The kids are off of school for the holiday and we've all just been hanging out this morning. I really need to get my act together and get the shopping done or we will have nothing to eat for tomorrow! Actually, it's mostly just picking up our turkey but it's the act of leaving the house. I still have to make the pies and cornbread for the cornbread stuffing but I may just end up buying one pie and making the other. I did get the kitchen and fridge cleaned so there's room for the turkey and there's a load of dishes washing in the dishwasher, so I guess I have done something today.
The weather has been absolutely nuts. Monday and Tuesday, we were in the low 70's and today we're in the low 30's. It's just raining right now but people just to our north are reporting light snow. Hopefully, it'll stop before tomorrow when Bobbi and Ed fly in. There's a guy on the weather blog who's an air traffic controller and he's keeping those of us who need to know how the travel conditions are at the airports. He did say that Chicago wasn't looking good today. Ugh.
Anyway, I just thought I'd blog real quick and let everyone know we're still here. We're cold, but still here. Hey Deb, how's your turkey grillin' weather there in Illinois?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Fun With Old Friends
I got an e-mail from Emily last week saying that she'd be in town visiting a college friend this weekend, was I free to get together some time? (For those of you that don't know, I've known Emily since I was 4. We went to grade, middle and high school together.) I hadn't seen Emily in about 4 years, so I told her that I would be happy to block out some time. She said she'd call when she got in. Fast forward to yesterday when my phone rings and Em's on the other end. How does breakfast and coffee somewhere sound? Great! The plan was that I'd drop Daniel off at Sunday School after picking him up from his sleepover and meet her. Oh, and was it okay that she invited Amy (a friend of mine from high school who recently moved here but I had yet to see)? Absolutely.
So, this morning, I dropped Daniel off at the synagogue and left for Panera. As I was driving over, I remembered that Emily was always consistently late and I probably could have hung out with the kids for a little longer, and, I discovered, that she hasn't changed. LOL! I was waiting in the lobby, checking over my calendar for the week when a family walked in. I looked up and thought that the mom looked familiar. They walk past and once I hear her talk, I knew instantly it was Amy. I looked up again and, kind of quietly, said, "Amy?" She turns around and says, "yes? Barb? Are you kidding me? I thought that might be you!" She introduces me to her new husband and stepdaughters (we've already decided her oldest stepdaughter and Jacob are going to get married...LOL!). A little later, Emily and her friend, Karen, come in and we all sit to chat.
What's kind of cool is that we did less reminiscing than I thought we'd do and mostly shared stories about our lives now. Amy has some very interesting stories from her days of being a police officer (she still is but she's more in ballistics and forensics now), and Emily had some interesting stories from working in the psych ward. We all thought our lives were pretty boring to us but there was a lot of laughter and interest when we shared them with each other. Emily told me that it was strange that I was such a grown up. When did that happen?
All of us did try to convince Emily that she needed to move out here. Her oldest friend (me), her high school best friend (Amy) and her college best friend (Karen) are here, and apparently, she's the glue friend since she got Amy and I to finally get together. It was obvious that she'd like to move out here but probably won't.
Anyway, after almost 3 hours of catching up, we decided it was time to go. Amy and I decided that we were going to start doing a couples' night and would try to get the kids together the next time they had them. It is so nice to have friends!
So, this morning, I dropped Daniel off at the synagogue and left for Panera. As I was driving over, I remembered that Emily was always consistently late and I probably could have hung out with the kids for a little longer, and, I discovered, that she hasn't changed. LOL! I was waiting in the lobby, checking over my calendar for the week when a family walked in. I looked up and thought that the mom looked familiar. They walk past and once I hear her talk, I knew instantly it was Amy. I looked up again and, kind of quietly, said, "Amy?" She turns around and says, "yes? Barb? Are you kidding me? I thought that might be you!" She introduces me to her new husband and stepdaughters (we've already decided her oldest stepdaughter and Jacob are going to get married...LOL!). A little later, Emily and her friend, Karen, come in and we all sit to chat.
What's kind of cool is that we did less reminiscing than I thought we'd do and mostly shared stories about our lives now. Amy has some very interesting stories from her days of being a police officer (she still is but she's more in ballistics and forensics now), and Emily had some interesting stories from working in the psych ward. We all thought our lives were pretty boring to us but there was a lot of laughter and interest when we shared them with each other. Emily told me that it was strange that I was such a grown up. When did that happen?
All of us did try to convince Emily that she needed to move out here. Her oldest friend (me), her high school best friend (Amy) and her college best friend (Karen) are here, and apparently, she's the glue friend since she got Amy and I to finally get together. It was obvious that she'd like to move out here but probably won't.
Anyway, after almost 3 hours of catching up, we decided it was time to go. Amy and I decided that we were going to start doing a couples' night and would try to get the kids together the next time they had them. It is so nice to have friends!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Daniel's a Star!
Daniel came home from school earlier this week talking about how to cook a turkey. I didn't think a whole lot about it until I got a voice mail from Mrs. H, his teacher, saying that they chose a few students to answer the question How do you cook a turkey? for the district television station (run by all four high schools) and their show Good Morning Blue Valley. Good Morning Blue Valley is a one hour show that shows news, weather and sports for the week around our school district. All of the segments are written, produced, delivered and shot by students. They only tape once per week, so I was pretty sure that if he was on, I hadn't missed him. I set up the Tivo and there he was! All of the other kids they asked are also in his class. How they picked him, we're not sure, but I doubt they were sure of what they were in for! At one point, you can hear the interviewer laughing as she asks him a question. (Sorry about the quality...I had to use my camera since I don't have the Tivo hooked up to anything.)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
How Does This Make Sense?
I swear my neighbors across the street are one fry short of a Happy Meal. Amy is militant about her kids wearing their helmets when riding their bikes. I've even seen her chase Sydney down to put it on. So, why is it okay for her to take her kids to school when they don't have their seat belts on? Even worse, this morning I saw Sydney (she's 6 and in first grade) sitting in the front seat of her huge Expedition with no seat belt with Courtney (she's 5 and in kindergarten) SITTING ON SYDNEY'S LAP IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!! Oh, and obviously she didn't have a seat belt on either. Christy (she's 3) was standing between the two front seats. It's almost 2.5 miles between our houses and the school and you have to drive on a major road. It kills me to see it. You know, if you don't want to wear yours, whatever. You're an adult and can make that decision for yourself. But your kids need you to tell them to buckle up! They'll only be here for a few more weeks and then I won't have to see it anymore, but I know Amy will let it continue. It just makes me so mad!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Need to Smile?
When I need a good laugh (which I seem to need today), I like to check out the "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks. It always puts a smile on my face.
Where Has This Week Gone?
Is it really already Wednesday? Why do I find myself wondering where the days are going?
Saturday night, we went over to the synagogue for the PreK-2nd Grade Havdalah dinner. Gus even went with us. The kids had fun playing with the other kids and enjoyed the little service after the meal. Seriously, the music was so soothing that Mike and I thought we were going to fall asleep. LOL!
One of Mike's new favorite things to do is to get Daniel to recite a prayer that Daniel was learning for the Havdalah. It's in Hebrew, which makes for some very interesting things from Daniel.
Mike: Hey Daniel...Ba-ruch...
Daniel: Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech (he'll stop here and repeat Me-lech if he doesn't think he has a strong enough ch sound in the back of his throat!) ha-o-lam (this is where he goes off track) bree abomen habernash AMEN!
The ending part changes often, but he's got most of it! LOL! He and Daniel are also up on most of the songs they sing during the family service on Sundays and it's not unusual to catch them humming or singing the songs to themselves. It's pretty cute.
Hannah got her little TKD uniform on Tuesday. When I was talking with Master Johnson about getting it, I told him that we're going to have pictures taken next week and we'd like to have them all in uniform for one. He then looked at me and said, "pictures, huh? Where's your uniform?"
Me: I haven't gotten my flowers yet.
Master Johnson: Yes you did...last week.
Me: Those were on my birthday! They don't count!
Master Johnson: Sure they do.
Me: Even Mike's Mom said they don't!
Master Johnson: Okay, okay!
Last night, we were talking with Roxanne and Stephen about the four of us leasing sleeping space from Dave. We're all there so often that we may as well move in. LOL! Daniel's all excited because Master Johnson invited them all to start the 6:30 Monday class for TKD, Ju Jitsu and Hapkido. Great. Jacob's not all that thrilled about it but he may as well do it if we're going to be there anyway. I'm a little nervous about it all since I heard Stephen ask Mike, "so, how do you think you'd do with some numchucks?" I missed Mike's answer but I know that I turned around and said, "no numchucks!" Personally, I think that Daniel would love Hapkido but the Ju Jitsu makes me a little nervous.
Saturday night, we went over to the synagogue for the PreK-2nd Grade Havdalah dinner. Gus even went with us. The kids had fun playing with the other kids and enjoyed the little service after the meal. Seriously, the music was so soothing that Mike and I thought we were going to fall asleep. LOL!
One of Mike's new favorite things to do is to get Daniel to recite a prayer that Daniel was learning for the Havdalah. It's in Hebrew, which makes for some very interesting things from Daniel.
Mike: Hey Daniel...Ba-ruch...
Daniel: Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech (he'll stop here and repeat Me-lech if he doesn't think he has a strong enough ch sound in the back of his throat!) ha-o-lam (this is where he goes off track) bree abomen habernash AMEN!
The ending part changes often, but he's got most of it! LOL! He and Daniel are also up on most of the songs they sing during the family service on Sundays and it's not unusual to catch them humming or singing the songs to themselves. It's pretty cute.
Hannah got her little TKD uniform on Tuesday. When I was talking with Master Johnson about getting it, I told him that we're going to have pictures taken next week and we'd like to have them all in uniform for one. He then looked at me and said, "pictures, huh? Where's your uniform?"
Me: I haven't gotten my flowers yet.
Master Johnson: Yes you did...last week.
Me: Those were on my birthday! They don't count!
Master Johnson: Sure they do.
Me: Even Mike's Mom said they don't!
Master Johnson: Okay, okay!
Last night, we were talking with Roxanne and Stephen about the four of us leasing sleeping space from Dave. We're all there so often that we may as well move in. LOL! Daniel's all excited because Master Johnson invited them all to start the 6:30 Monday class for TKD, Ju Jitsu and Hapkido. Great. Jacob's not all that thrilled about it but he may as well do it if we're going to be there anyway. I'm a little nervous about it all since I heard Stephen ask Mike, "so, how do you think you'd do with some numchucks?" I missed Mike's answer but I know that I turned around and said, "no numchucks!" Personally, I think that Daniel would love Hapkido but the Ju Jitsu makes me a little nervous.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Daniel's Weekend with Gus
Daniel was chosen as Star Student for his class last week. At the end of Star Student week, you get to take home Gus, the class mascot. Mrs. H also sends home Gus' Scrapbook and we are to fill it in with pictures and whatnot from his weekend here for Daniel to share on Monday. So far, Gus has had a pretty good weekend with us. He got to go to Tae Kwon Do with the kids this morning and will be attending Sunday School tomorrow. Here are some pictures so far (sorry, I just thought this was so cute and fun...I'm getting into it more than Daniel!)
Gus enjoys a Hawaiian pizza dinner with us last night.
Gus enjoys a Hawaiian pizza dinner with us last night.
Jacob, Daniel and Gus pose together before TKD...Gus even got his own white belt!
Gus clowns around at TKD
Daniel shows Gus some TKD moves
Playing chess with their friend, Brandon
Friday, November 09, 2007
A Scary Phone Call
First, I have to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!
Okay, so I come home from dropping off Hannah at school. Actually, I also stopped by Hen House to order my Thanksgiving turkey (thanks for the reminder, Deb) and then came home...whatever...when the phone rings. I always get nervous when I see the school on the caller id. I answer the phone and she says...
Her: This is so and so from the school. Mr. L (the principal) wanted us to call all of the first grade parents. On the way back from their field trip this morning, the bus your child was on was involved in a minor, and I must stress, minor, accident. (My heart goes into my throat) There were no injuries and they are all back at school and are doing fine. You don't have to, but we understand if you want to come and pick up your child.
Me: So, everyone's okay? Are they shaken up?
Her: Yes, everyone seems fine. They were lauging and whatnot when they came in.
Me: Oh, okay. Well, if he wants to come home, please let me know.
Her: Absolutely.
I know that there was more to the conversation, but I just can't remember it. I hung up and was still a little freaked out. I checked the school voice mail (each parent has a voice mailbox for school communication) and there was a message from the principal saying that they were all back and were eating lunch and that they were allowing anyone that felt they needed to see the nurse. He also gave us his cell phone number in case anything came up over the weekend. Ugh. I didn't need this today! The one time the boy rides the bus...
Okay, so I come home from dropping off Hannah at school. Actually, I also stopped by Hen House to order my Thanksgiving turkey (thanks for the reminder, Deb) and then came home...whatever...when the phone rings. I always get nervous when I see the school on the caller id. I answer the phone and she says...
Her: This is so and so from the school. Mr. L (the principal) wanted us to call all of the first grade parents. On the way back from their field trip this morning, the bus your child was on was involved in a minor, and I must stress, minor, accident. (My heart goes into my throat) There were no injuries and they are all back at school and are doing fine. You don't have to, but we understand if you want to come and pick up your child.
Me: So, everyone's okay? Are they shaken up?
Her: Yes, everyone seems fine. They were lauging and whatnot when they came in.
Me: Oh, okay. Well, if he wants to come home, please let me know.
Her: Absolutely.
I know that there was more to the conversation, but I just can't remember it. I hung up and was still a little freaked out. I checked the school voice mail (each parent has a voice mailbox for school communication) and there was a message from the principal saying that they were all back and were eating lunch and that they were allowing anyone that felt they needed to see the nurse. He also gave us his cell phone number in case anything came up over the weekend. Ugh. I didn't need this today! The one time the boy rides the bus...
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Birthdays Don't Have to Suck
Okay, so I'm 32 now. When did that happen? LOL!
I've gotten to the point where I just don't look forward to my birthday anymore. Out of the past several years, there have been a couple that I've had to spend alone, and, aside from some phone calls and a visit from a florist, they hadn't been very special. So, I try not to build myself up and that way I'm not disappointed.
This year, I actually had a really nice birthday.
Mike had called during the day to wish me a happy birthday, as did Dad. I also got to hear the sonic boom from the Space Shuttle as it crossed overhead on its way to Florida. I didn't see it, but the boom was cool enough. And, Daniel wished me a "happy 24th birthday" which got him some huge hugs and kisses. Of course, the high from being called a 24 year old wore away quickly when Jacob told Daniel that I wasn't 24, but more like 45. LOL! I also managed to get the house all cleaned, which took a lot of stress off of me. Why is it that a dirty house just adds to stress?
After picking up the boys from school, we headed over to TKD for Hannah's class. Mike told Master Dave that it was my birthday, and he wished me well. As we were getting ready to leave Hannah's class, Roxanne and her boys walked in and she wished me a happy birthday too (she remembered from a few days ago). It was just nice to hear others (that aren't family) wishing me a happy birthday since that hasn't happened in a while. Quinn, the youngest of Roxanne's two boys, starts to give Daniel a "tattoo" and Jacob waits in line. Roxanne and I laugh and say that Quinn needs a show called Overland Park Ink. I really didn't notice Mike rushing out and then rushing back in but I had to laugh when I saw what he had behind his back.
Mike announces that he wanted to give these to me when Stephen was there but he would do it anyway since he had other witnesses. He pulls a vase of flowers out and hands them to me.
Me: They're very nice, but don't think that these count as "no reason" flowers.
Mike: Can't I give my wife flowers for no reason even on her birthday?
Me: No.
Roxanne: They are very lovely flowers. They look like something Stephen would have picked out. He'll be here in a minute.
Me: Yes they are very nice, but they don't count.
Mike: I need a black belt ruling. Master Dave, can you give your wife flowers for no reason on her birthday?
Master Dave: (thinking for a minute) Yes.
Mike: See!
Me: They don't count. (to Master Dave) Do you know what's riding on these flowers?
Master D: No
Me: When Mike gives me unexpected flowers, I have to join TKD
Master D: Oh. (laughs)
Mike: (says something like) Stephen ruined everything for me! (laughs)
Me: (laughing) I've waited for 9 years for you to turn into a romantic and it's just not happening.
Mike: (to Roxanne) Can you give Stephen one of the flowers as proof for me? (starts to pull a flower from my bouquet but stops)
Roxanne: (hearing Stephen's car pull in) If you wait a minute, I think he just pulled in.
We say goodbye and head to our cars, where we meet Stephen in the parking lot. Mike walks up to him, holding the flowers.
Mike: I wanted you to see the flowers I got for my wife.
Stephen: Those are nice. I would have gotten something like that for Roxanne.
Me: They don't count!
Mike: I asked Dave for a black belt opinion and he said they do count!
Stephen: Hey, at least it's a start. (in my opinion, he was agreeing with me that they don't count!)
The flowers Mike gave me
And then, for some reason that I missed, Mike gave Stephen one of my flowers. LOL! We then headed over to Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner.
Mike had the kids make me cards and he gave me a gift certificate for a massage and a manicure. He said that he was going to just schedule the appointment for me but thought that I may want to pick something else. I think I'm going to get a massage and a pedicure since I've never had one before. I think it was one of the most thoughtful gifts. He also told the waitress that it was my birthday so my cheesecake came out with a candle and a plate that said, "Happy Birthday Barb!" Mike and the kids sang Happy Birthday and that was the end of a very, very nice birthday. Thanks, Mike, for making my birthday very special!
I've gotten to the point where I just don't look forward to my birthday anymore. Out of the past several years, there have been a couple that I've had to spend alone, and, aside from some phone calls and a visit from a florist, they hadn't been very special. So, I try not to build myself up and that way I'm not disappointed.
This year, I actually had a really nice birthday.
Mike had called during the day to wish me a happy birthday, as did Dad. I also got to hear the sonic boom from the Space Shuttle as it crossed overhead on its way to Florida. I didn't see it, but the boom was cool enough. And, Daniel wished me a "happy 24th birthday" which got him some huge hugs and kisses. Of course, the high from being called a 24 year old wore away quickly when Jacob told Daniel that I wasn't 24, but more like 45. LOL! I also managed to get the house all cleaned, which took a lot of stress off of me. Why is it that a dirty house just adds to stress?
After picking up the boys from school, we headed over to TKD for Hannah's class. Mike told Master Dave that it was my birthday, and he wished me well. As we were getting ready to leave Hannah's class, Roxanne and her boys walked in and she wished me a happy birthday too (she remembered from a few days ago). It was just nice to hear others (that aren't family) wishing me a happy birthday since that hasn't happened in a while. Quinn, the youngest of Roxanne's two boys, starts to give Daniel a "tattoo" and Jacob waits in line. Roxanne and I laugh and say that Quinn needs a show called Overland Park Ink. I really didn't notice Mike rushing out and then rushing back in but I had to laugh when I saw what he had behind his back.
Mike announces that he wanted to give these to me when Stephen was there but he would do it anyway since he had other witnesses. He pulls a vase of flowers out and hands them to me.
Me: They're very nice, but don't think that these count as "no reason" flowers.
Mike: Can't I give my wife flowers for no reason even on her birthday?
Me: No.
Roxanne: They are very lovely flowers. They look like something Stephen would have picked out. He'll be here in a minute.
Me: Yes they are very nice, but they don't count.
Mike: I need a black belt ruling. Master Dave, can you give your wife flowers for no reason on her birthday?
Master Dave: (thinking for a minute) Yes.
Mike: See!
Me: They don't count. (to Master Dave) Do you know what's riding on these flowers?
Master D: No
Me: When Mike gives me unexpected flowers, I have to join TKD
Master D: Oh. (laughs)
Mike: (says something like) Stephen ruined everything for me! (laughs)
Me: (laughing) I've waited for 9 years for you to turn into a romantic and it's just not happening.
Mike: (to Roxanne) Can you give Stephen one of the flowers as proof for me? (starts to pull a flower from my bouquet but stops)
Roxanne: (hearing Stephen's car pull in) If you wait a minute, I think he just pulled in.
We say goodbye and head to our cars, where we meet Stephen in the parking lot. Mike walks up to him, holding the flowers.
Mike: I wanted you to see the flowers I got for my wife.
Stephen: Those are nice. I would have gotten something like that for Roxanne.
Me: They don't count!
Mike: I asked Dave for a black belt opinion and he said they do count!
Stephen: Hey, at least it's a start. (in my opinion, he was agreeing with me that they don't count!)
The flowers Mike gave me
And then, for some reason that I missed, Mike gave Stephen one of my flowers. LOL! We then headed over to Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner.
Mike had the kids make me cards and he gave me a gift certificate for a massage and a manicure. He said that he was going to just schedule the appointment for me but thought that I may want to pick something else. I think I'm going to get a massage and a pedicure since I've never had one before. I think it was one of the most thoughtful gifts. He also told the waitress that it was my birthday so my cheesecake came out with a candle and a plate that said, "Happy Birthday Barb!" Mike and the kids sang Happy Birthday and that was the end of a very, very nice birthday. Thanks, Mike, for making my birthday very special!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Yes, We're Still Here
Okay, so it's been a while since I've last blogged. That just makes this one that much more special. :)
We took the kids to see Bee Movie on Friday night and they loved it. Actually, I don't know who liked it more, me and Mike or the kids. I really hadn't expected to like it at all...especially since I had no idea what it was about. Totally funny and original. Go see it if you get the chance.
Saturday night, there was Dinner and a Movie at the cul-du-sac. Everyone brought a side dish and we grilled up hot dogs. One of our neighbors put up a big screen in their driveway and once it got dark, they showed Night at the Museum and Transformers. Hannah had enough by the time Transformers came on, so I walked her home while the boys stayed to watch. It was pretty chilly outside, but we all had a good time. At one point, I was handed a shot so that we could toast Dave, another neighbor, for his birthday. It was a huge shot and I was asked if I needed a straw. LOL! Anyway, about 5 minutes later, I was talking to Jackie (a former neighbor who only recently moved) and I told her that it was strange that I couldn't feel my lips. I knew I was a cheap drunk but I didn't think it was that bad. She asked me if I knew what the shot was. I said that I thought it was some sort of schnapps. She said that it was straight vodka. A shot of apple vodka and a shot of caramel vodka. No wonder I couldn't feel my lips!
Hannah started Tae Kwon Do yesterday. She loved it. When we got there, Master Johnson looked at us and asked why we were there on a Monday. I put my hand on my hip and just looked at him. The AH HA! light popped up above his head and he told Hannah to come out. There were two other little boys there with Hannah and they were all so cute. She did everything she was asked to do and even started learning some of the one steps. Too cute. At some point, Stephen came in and was a little shocked that Hannah was out there. Stephen's a good guy. At one point, he mentioned that there was just one left to start (he was referring to me) and I told him my condition for starting. He sighs and says, "great." Anyway, it'll be nice when she can bump up to the boys' class. I don't know how long I can take going out there four nights a week.
The boys have early release today and I hate that. Then it's back for another round of TKD and Daniel has a den meeting for Cub Scouts. Can someone at least slow the ride down a little?
Oh, and Garth Brooks is in town for the next several days (yes, Garth Brooks). It's either 6 or 9...I can't remember (I'm pretty sure it's 9). He's doing concerts with Trisha Yearwood at the Sprint Center. Every one of those concerts sold out. I'm not surprised. I'm a little bummed that we didn't get tickets (yes, I tried), but I have seen him twice before so I guess I can't be too upset. It just sucks that it's all that any radio station can talk about. :(
We took the kids to see Bee Movie on Friday night and they loved it. Actually, I don't know who liked it more, me and Mike or the kids. I really hadn't expected to like it at all...especially since I had no idea what it was about. Totally funny and original. Go see it if you get the chance.
Saturday night, there was Dinner and a Movie at the cul-du-sac. Everyone brought a side dish and we grilled up hot dogs. One of our neighbors put up a big screen in their driveway and once it got dark, they showed Night at the Museum and Transformers. Hannah had enough by the time Transformers came on, so I walked her home while the boys stayed to watch. It was pretty chilly outside, but we all had a good time. At one point, I was handed a shot so that we could toast Dave, another neighbor, for his birthday. It was a huge shot and I was asked if I needed a straw. LOL! Anyway, about 5 minutes later, I was talking to Jackie (a former neighbor who only recently moved) and I told her that it was strange that I couldn't feel my lips. I knew I was a cheap drunk but I didn't think it was that bad. She asked me if I knew what the shot was. I said that I thought it was some sort of schnapps. She said that it was straight vodka. A shot of apple vodka and a shot of caramel vodka. No wonder I couldn't feel my lips!
Hannah started Tae Kwon Do yesterday. She loved it. When we got there, Master Johnson looked at us and asked why we were there on a Monday. I put my hand on my hip and just looked at him. The AH HA! light popped up above his head and he told Hannah to come out. There were two other little boys there with Hannah and they were all so cute. She did everything she was asked to do and even started learning some of the one steps. Too cute. At some point, Stephen came in and was a little shocked that Hannah was out there. Stephen's a good guy. At one point, he mentioned that there was just one left to start (he was referring to me) and I told him my condition for starting. He sighs and says, "great." Anyway, it'll be nice when she can bump up to the boys' class. I don't know how long I can take going out there four nights a week.
The boys have early release today and I hate that. Then it's back for another round of TKD and Daniel has a den meeting for Cub Scouts. Can someone at least slow the ride down a little?
Oh, and Garth Brooks is in town for the next several days (yes, Garth Brooks). It's either 6 or 9...I can't remember (I'm pretty sure it's 9). He's doing concerts with Trisha Yearwood at the Sprint Center. Every one of those concerts sold out. I'm not surprised. I'm a little bummed that we didn't get tickets (yes, I tried), but I have seen him twice before so I guess I can't be too upset. It just sucks that it's all that any radio station can talk about. :(
Friday, November 02, 2007
It's Helpful To Have A Title (and not just publish without one!)
I headed to Wal Mart after the kids were in bed last night. I had a short list, but it always seems to take forever because the things I need are always on opposite sides of the store. Ugh. I hate that. Anyway, I got the bunny food and toothpaste from one side and then headed over to the grocery side. I remembered that I was almost out of coffee, so I headed over to get some more. I searched for the Folger's Black Silk coffee that I have been enjoying for the past month and was shocked to see that it was almost $10.00 for a can. WHAT?!? Colombian Supreme was $8.50 for a can. The last time I bought a can (a couple of weeks ago) it was about $5.50 for the can (how many times can I use the word can?). And that was at Price Chopper (just a regular grocery store).I looked at the unit prices and you know what? For the first time, that I've ever seen, it was actually cheaper to buy Starbucks coffee than it was to buy my favorite Folger's. I ended up buying some Dunkin Donuts ground coffee and it's just as good at home as it is in a Dunkin Donuts (they really do have the best coffee). I suppose that I could have bought the regular Folger's (it was $5.50 per can) but right now, I'm a little angry at them. Seriously...$10 per can for Folger's is a bit silly.
I come home and start to put the stuff away. I'm talking with Mike about what's for dinner on Friday night.
Me: We're having wraps for dinner tomorrow.
Mike: What? Scraps? From where?
Me: Scraps?!? Yes. From the garbage. You all have to eat dinner out of the garbage.
Mike: Seriously. What's for dinner? It sounded like you said scraps.
Me: WRaps. You know...chicken wraps.
Mike: (laughing) Oh. Wraps.
Not long after, Mike headed for bed. He pokes his head through the little window on the stairs and tells me to come up for a minute. I ask if something's wrong. He says no, just come up. I start to head up the stairs and see that Hannah made a little bed for herself on the floor in our bedroom doorway. Her body was in our room but her head was in the hallway. After trying to figure out what would make her decide that was a good place to sleep and just smiling about how cute she is, we put her in bed.
I asked her this morning why she was sleeping on the floor in the doorway and she said that she didn't know. My kids are strange. LOL!
I come home and start to put the stuff away. I'm talking with Mike about what's for dinner on Friday night.
Me: We're having wraps for dinner tomorrow.
Mike: What? Scraps? From where?
Me: Scraps?!? Yes. From the garbage. You all have to eat dinner out of the garbage.
Mike: Seriously. What's for dinner? It sounded like you said scraps.
Me: WRaps. You know...chicken wraps.
Mike: (laughing) Oh. Wraps.
Not long after, Mike headed for bed. He pokes his head through the little window on the stairs and tells me to come up for a minute. I ask if something's wrong. He says no, just come up. I start to head up the stairs and see that Hannah made a little bed for herself on the floor in our bedroom doorway. Her body was in our room but her head was in the hallway. After trying to figure out what would make her decide that was a good place to sleep and just smiling about how cute she is, we put her in bed.
I asked her this morning why she was sleeping on the floor in the doorway and she said that she didn't know. My kids are strange. LOL!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Well, This Should Be Interesting
We talked with Master Dave after the boys' TKD class tonight and decided that Hannah will start Tae Kwon Do on Monday. She seems to be excited about it. She'll do the Monday/Wednesday class (which is a white belt orientation class) for a few weeks and then move to Jacob and Daniel's class on Tuesday/Thursday nights. So, for the next few weeks, we'll be at TKD four nights a week. We may as well just move in for the next month! LOL!
After our conversation with Dave, I turned from the desk to get ready to go home when Roxanne (another TKD mom and a brown belt herself) very quietly says to me, "now we need to get YOU enrolled." Mike starts to agree with her and says something like, "well, we could work something out if you want." I said something like, "I'll give it some thought." and left. Seriously, my main hang-up is that I don't want to completely humiliate myself in front of everyone. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. Somehow, I have a feeling that I'll be starting up with Hannah next week.
After our conversation with Dave, I turned from the desk to get ready to go home when Roxanne (another TKD mom and a brown belt herself) very quietly says to me, "now we need to get YOU enrolled." Mike starts to agree with her and says something like, "well, we could work something out if you want." I said something like, "I'll give it some thought." and left. Seriously, my main hang-up is that I don't want to completely humiliate myself in front of everyone. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. Somehow, I have a feeling that I'll be starting up with Hannah next week.
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