I should preface this by saying that I don't garden. In the past 11 years and 9 homes, we've only had one actual living plant inside our home. It was given to us as an apartment-warming gift when we arrived in Korea. I promptly killed it.
So I was feeling rather proud of myself recently when I planted some flower seeds around a tree near our curb. After watering and feeding regulary, I was seeing some results. Tiny shoots and leaves were making themselves known.
Today, our lawn care company came to do the lawn. And some idiot weed-whacked everything around that tree.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
In which the Devil Pup strikes again...
The kids and I were at Stretch's office late in the afternoon. Big Sis decided she would stay and do her homework there while waiting for him to come home. (I have to admit that I also figured he would leave more promptly if she were there.) While I was getting her settled before leaving with L'il Sis, I told her to do something (or not do something -- I can't remember now) and she responded with, "Roger that!"
My first reaction was a double-take. But as I thought about later, I wondered why can't I hear that more often? Seriously. As long as she's doing what she's told without whining or otherwise complaining.
My first reaction was a double-take. But as I thought about later, I wondered why can't I hear that more often? Seriously. As long as she's doing what she's told without whining or otherwise complaining.
Monday, April 27, 2009
chasing zits
It's bad enough that I have to battle both wrinkles AND acne at the same time. Now, it seems the zits have developed a mind of their own. I started using a zit zapper a few month ago and, for the most part, it seems to work pretty well. At least, it seems to stop them in their tracks and shorten their lifespans.
A few days ago, I started treating a spot that looked as if it could go on to become a zit-zilla if left to its own devices. The zapper did its job and that particular spot stopped growing and started shrinking. But tonight I found its clone near my nose. I can almost hear the evil laughter, "Ha ha! You thought you stopped me! But I cannot be contained. Resistance is futile!" I still used the zapper and now I'm waiting to see where the zits will strike next.
*I should clarify that the "zapper" I use is an OTC gel.
A few days ago, I started treating a spot that looked as if it could go on to become a zit-zilla if left to its own devices. The zapper did its job and that particular spot stopped growing and started shrinking. But tonight I found its clone near my nose. I can almost hear the evil laughter, "Ha ha! You thought you stopped me! But I cannot be contained. Resistance is futile!" I still used the zapper and now I'm waiting to see where the zits will strike next.
*I should clarify that the "zapper" I use is an OTC gel.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
party planning
There's just nothing like waiting to the last minute, is there? I've known for months that we were going to have a "real" party for L'il Sis when she turns 5. ("Real" in the sense that we'll be inviting people from outside our family) So... had I done anything planning-wise? Had I even thought of what the theme would be or what types of games or activities to do? Um, that would be no.
So, with less than 2 weeks to go to B-day, I really had to get in gear. On Monday, I secured a site. We decided we didn't want to do it at the house for a number of reasons, including parking. So while I toyed with a few other ideas, we ended up with a screened in outdoor room at our neighborhood clubhouse. One of the other ideas I had was a local drive-thru animal park/amusement park. But then I called and realized that it would cost us $450 (plus tax) at a MINIMUM. I love my child, but that wasn't going to happen.
After locking on the site, L'il Sis and I headed to a party store. We needed to get at least one of the invitations out that afternoon and we still didn't have any. She was really set on having a bunny theme. Yeah. Do you have any idea how hard that is, especially with Easter over?! I managed to get her to change her mind. Her obsessions are bunnies, Hawaii (because of lava -- don't ask), and Egypt (because of mummies -- again, don't ask). I figured Egypt might be equally difficult, not to mention it might creep out the other kids, so I steered her toward a luau/beach party theme. So that's what we're going with. Invites have now all gone out.
Eschewing the $200 option of having art teachers come and do crafts and activities with the kids (we're only talking about 9 at the most, 2 of them ours!), I headed to a craft store today hoping to be struck with inspiration. Foam visors were on sale 2 for $1. I also found flower- and sea-themed foam stickers. So we're going to put foam stickers on foam visors. Easy enough for 5 year-olds.
Coming up with the cake idea was easy enough. Execution might be a bit more difficult. I'm going to make a doll cake and decorate it as a hula-girl. I think I'll need some luck and well-wishes sent this way for that one! On the up-side, I've done doll-cakes before. The downside is I haven't attempted this level of decorating before. Just a few weeks ago, I made one for my niece. It was the fir
st time I'd done one by myself (the first one was about 7 or 8 years ago when Jody roped me into helping her make one for her daughter. Oh, and neither of us had ever decorated any type of cake before. That's a whole other post, though.) By the time I had my niece's cake "dressed," I decided I'd better quit while I was ahead and didn't add any more embellishments. The back-up plan is a generic birthday cake from the grocery store if the cake fails miserably!
So, with less than 2 weeks to go to B-day, I really had to get in gear. On Monday, I secured a site. We decided we didn't want to do it at the house for a number of reasons, including parking. So while I toyed with a few other ideas, we ended up with a screened in outdoor room at our neighborhood clubhouse. One of the other ideas I had was a local drive-thru animal park/amusement park. But then I called and realized that it would cost us $450 (plus tax) at a MINIMUM. I love my child, but that wasn't going to happen.
After locking on the site, L'il Sis and I headed to a party store. We needed to get at least one of the invitations out that afternoon and we still didn't have any. She was really set on having a bunny theme. Yeah. Do you have any idea how hard that is, especially with Easter over?! I managed to get her to change her mind. Her obsessions are bunnies, Hawaii (because of lava -- don't ask), and Egypt (because of mummies -- again, don't ask). I figured Egypt might be equally difficult, not to mention it might creep out the other kids, so I steered her toward a luau/beach party theme. So that's what we're going with. Invites have now all gone out.
Eschewing the $200 option of having art teachers come and do crafts and activities with the kids (we're only talking about 9 at the most, 2 of them ours!), I headed to a craft store today hoping to be struck with inspiration. Foam visors were on sale 2 for $1. I also found flower- and sea-themed foam stickers. So we're going to put foam stickers on foam visors. Easy enough for 5 year-olds.
Coming up with the cake idea was easy enough. Execution might be a bit more difficult. I'm going to make a doll cake and decorate it as a hula-girl. I think I'll need some luck and well-wishes sent this way for that one! On the up-side, I've done doll-cakes before. The downside is I haven't attempted this level of decorating before. Just a few weeks ago, I made one for my niece. It was the fir
st time I'd done one by myself (the first one was about 7 or 8 years ago when Jody roped me into helping her make one for her daughter. Oh, and neither of us had ever decorated any type of cake before. That's a whole other post, though.) By the time I had my niece's cake "dressed," I decided I'd better quit while I was ahead and didn't add any more embellishments. The back-up plan is a generic birthday cake from the grocery store if the cake fails miserably!
Friday, April 17, 2009
New Orleans, N'Awlins...
So Stretch had to go for work and it was my birthday... so I tagged along while my mother kept the girls. The first 2 days, I was on my own to explore the French Quarter (and it's shops). I even found a pair of dragonfly earrings. Here's a sample of a few of the sights:
Before...
and after! Yum!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Kindergarten Round-up
I know I haven't posted in forever. I was in New Orleans last week (I'll post some pics later) and have been playing catch-up since getting back.
Tonight, the girls and I attended the Kindergarten Round-up at our local elementary school. It's hard to believe that L'il Sis will actually be attending this fall. We'll have 2 school-age kids and the pre-school years will be over. I don't think I've fully grasped that yet. Although I'm already celebrating not having to pay those fees anymore! And the free time I'll have... What to do with myself?! I'm sure I'll figure out something!
Of course, the flip side is the small bit that is freaking out just a little that my "baby" is going to be going to school! Real school 5 days a week, not just preschool a couple of mornings a week. My babies are definitely growing up!
Tonight, the girls and I attended the Kindergarten Round-up at our local elementary school. It's hard to believe that L'il Sis will actually be attending this fall. We'll have 2 school-age kids and the pre-school years will be over. I don't think I've fully grasped that yet. Although I'm already celebrating not having to pay those fees anymore! And the free time I'll have... What to do with myself?! I'm sure I'll figure out something!
Of course, the flip side is the small bit that is freaking out just a little that my "baby" is going to be going to school! Real school 5 days a week, not just preschool a couple of mornings a week. My babies are definitely growing up!
Friday, April 03, 2009
In which my niece gives herself a DIY haircut...
My sister and her clan were here last week. She has 4 kids and one on the way so our house was hopping! The age break-down went like this: 12, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2. By nightfall, I'm not sure who was more tired, the kids from playing with each other all day; or their wranglers, I mean parents.
But getting back to the title... at one point, my niece, the newly minted 6 year old, came downstairs and we quickly realized her bangs were gone. They weren't just trimmed a bit unevenly. They were cut back to the hairline! Questions from all four parents started flying. Stretch and I were convinced one of our girls (the 4 year old specifically) MUST have had a part in the haircut. Oh, the relief when it was determined that no, our niece had done it all by herself. I was also relieved it wasn't one of ours that had cut her hair! Does that make me a bad mom or a bad aunt? Hmm.
Update: Here are the, ahem, bangs:
But getting back to the title... at one point, my niece, the newly minted 6 year old, came downstairs and we quickly realized her bangs were gone. They weren't just trimmed a bit unevenly. They were cut back to the hairline! Questions from all four parents started flying. Stretch and I were convinced one of our girls (the 4 year old specifically) MUST have had a part in the haircut. Oh, the relief when it was determined that no, our niece had done it all by herself. I was also relieved it wasn't one of ours that had cut her hair! Does that make me a bad mom or a bad aunt? Hmm.
Update: Here are the, ahem, bangs:
Thursday, March 26, 2009
not a good look
Now, I'm no fashionista. I can usually be seen sporting some seriously unfashionable mommy gear because it's comfortable, darn it. But today, I saw 2 outfits that stood out in their wrongness. One was a young woman sporting one of those trendy sweat suits. The pants were low-cut exposing her flat little belly because the jacket didn't quite meet the pants. But it was the shoes that got me. Bedazzled thong sandals with kitten heels. It just didn't look right, people.
But the wrongest (yes, I know that's not really a word, but it fits this situation) was the woman I saw running in my neighborhood. I imagine her mental checklist as she geared up for her run: Running shoes. Check. Running shorts. Check. Ipod. Check. Tube top. Check.
A tube top for running?! Seriously? That sounds like asking for an injury.
But the wrongest (yes, I know that's not really a word, but it fits this situation) was the woman I saw running in my neighborhood. I imagine her mental checklist as she geared up for her run: Running shoes. Check. Running shorts. Check. Ipod. Check. Tube top. Check.
A tube top for running?! Seriously? That sounds like asking for an injury.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Disappearing teachers
L'il Sis had a preschool field trip last Thursday. I'm so thankful it is the last one of the year. Parents have to transport the kids. Not so unusual in a preschool setting. That's not the problem.
For this last field trip, there were 2 moms to chaperon and drive. Between us, we had 5 kids because 2 were not there that day. (Yes, it is a very small class!) The 2 teachers drove in a separate vehicle. We met another, larger class at a nature center and combined the 2 classes for the field trip because ours was so tiny. Not a problem. After the tour was over, the guide allowed the kids to go in the nature center display area. Shortly after that, the other class left. The other mom, the kids and I wandered into a side area with the guide who continued talking to us and the kids about things.
I was waiting for the teachers. Finally, I walked out to the entrance area, looked out the front doors and saw them walking in the parking lot to their vehicle. There were only 4 cars in the lot at this time. The director of the preschool was also getting into her car and leaving. The other 2 cars belonged to the other mom and me. By the time I was able to call the other mom's attention to the fact that the teachers were leaving and round up the kids to get them out to the cars, the teachers were gone. Seriously.
Back at the classroom, the other mom asked about it and the lead teacher said she didn't see us and thought we'd left. Hmm. Their car was parked between ours and our cars were still in the parking lot when they left the nature center. So, I'm not buying it.
The field trip before this one, we had more moms along but again, the teachers disappeared at the end. We all came back to the school and classroom because some of the kids needed to be picked up or were staying for extended care. The rest of us stood in that room waiting for the teachers who never showed. We theorized that they went to lunch and just never bothered to say anything to anyone.
Maybe I'm over-reacting. For the most part, I really like L'il Sis' teachers. But this seems to be a serious lack of communication.
*update: I had a chat with the Director of the preschool and she agreed it was an area of concern and that she would address it.
For this last field trip, there were 2 moms to chaperon and drive. Between us, we had 5 kids because 2 were not there that day. (Yes, it is a very small class!) The 2 teachers drove in a separate vehicle. We met another, larger class at a nature center and combined the 2 classes for the field trip because ours was so tiny. Not a problem. After the tour was over, the guide allowed the kids to go in the nature center display area. Shortly after that, the other class left. The other mom, the kids and I wandered into a side area with the guide who continued talking to us and the kids about things.
I was waiting for the teachers. Finally, I walked out to the entrance area, looked out the front doors and saw them walking in the parking lot to their vehicle. There were only 4 cars in the lot at this time. The director of the preschool was also getting into her car and leaving. The other 2 cars belonged to the other mom and me. By the time I was able to call the other mom's attention to the fact that the teachers were leaving and round up the kids to get them out to the cars, the teachers were gone. Seriously.
Back at the classroom, the other mom asked about it and the lead teacher said she didn't see us and thought we'd left. Hmm. Their car was parked between ours and our cars were still in the parking lot when they left the nature center. So, I'm not buying it.
The field trip before this one, we had more moms along but again, the teachers disappeared at the end. We all came back to the school and classroom because some of the kids needed to be picked up or were staying for extended care. The rest of us stood in that room waiting for the teachers who never showed. We theorized that they went to lunch and just never bothered to say anything to anyone.
Maybe I'm over-reacting. For the most part, I really like L'il Sis' teachers. But this seems to be a serious lack of communication.
*update: I had a chat with the Director of the preschool and she agreed it was an area of concern and that she would address it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
are we there yet?
It's the future...where's my flying car? Apparently, it's here but I can't afford it:
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
um...okay...
Seen when we took the kids to a BBQ place recently:
a car parked in front of the restaurant with a vegetarian bumper sticker.
a car parked in front of the restaurant with a vegetarian bumper sticker.
Happy...um....what day is it?
I've already resigned myself to the fact that I will never be Mom of the Year. I know this. But then along comes my good friend Jody to really show me up!
I didn't even remember that today was St. Patrick's Day until the rest of L'il Sis' preschool class showed up in green shirts. She picked out her own clothes and was wearing a pink tank top and denim skort with pink ruffle. There were some tiny green embroidered leaves on the skort, but I don't think they counted since her teacher pinched her anyway.
Oh, and Big Sis and I weren't wearing anything green either. Then I read Jody's blog and see they've set out leprechaun traps... and almost caught some!
I didn't even remember that today was St. Patrick's Day until the rest of L'il Sis' preschool class showed up in green shirts. She picked out her own clothes and was wearing a pink tank top and denim skort with pink ruffle. There were some tiny green embroidered leaves on the skort, but I don't think they counted since her teacher pinched her anyway.
Oh, and Big Sis and I weren't wearing anything green either. Then I read Jody's blog and see they've set out leprechaun traps... and almost caught some!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
dancing raindrops
It was a busy morning. Big Sis and Stretch had their last games for Upward Bound basketball and L'il Sis had her first dance performance at a local festival. Stretch and Big Sis left for basketball after breakfast. I was so bummed to miss her last game. After they left, I still had to wrestle L'il Sis' hair into a bun. It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't so hair-challenged. I had to get another mom to tell me how to do it. L'il Sis didn't care for the gel, hair pins, or hairspray. I can't really say I blame her. She probably wouldn't have been too crazy about the hairnet either, if she'd known about it. But, miraculously, it all stopped hurting her after I gave her a few M&M's.
Once the girls were ready to perform, my Flip froze up on me during the beginning of the routine. I managed to get it going again just after L'il Sis and the other raindrops began their part of the dance, collectively I guess they are a raincloud. L'il Sis is mostly to the far left of the screen, the tallest of the brunette raindrops:
The first thing L'il Sis said as she came off the stage was, "Do we get to try again?" with a smile. When I told her no, she asked sadly, "We only get one try?" She refused to take her costume off and wore it to the basketball game Stretch was coaching. She also provided some off-court entertainment by dancing on the side-lines. I don't think the cheerleaders' coaches were too pleased when half their girls were distracted by the little ballerina.
It's not the most beautiful thing up close, but it got the job done!
Waiting to go on.
Once the girls were ready to perform, my Flip froze up on me during the beginning of the routine. I managed to get it going again just after L'il Sis and the other raindrops began their part of the dance, collectively I guess they are a raincloud. L'il Sis is mostly to the far left of the screen, the tallest of the brunette raindrops:
The first thing L'il Sis said as she came off the stage was, "Do we get to try again?" with a smile. When I told her no, she asked sadly, "We only get one try?" She refused to take her costume off and wore it to the basketball game Stretch was coaching. She also provided some off-court entertainment by dancing on the side-lines. I don't think the cheerleaders' coaches were too pleased when half their girls were distracted by the little ballerina.
Monday, March 09, 2009
seriously?!
It's 5:20 p.m.
I'm in the midst of making dinner for my family when my cell phone rings.
It's the rental car company calling to tell me that today is the last day that my insurance will be paying for the rental.
What?!
(I'd taken my car in for repairs last week.)
Apparently, the repairs had been completed last Friday.
Again, WHAT?!
No one had called to inform me of this little nugget.
I ask when the rental office closes.
6:00.
Of course.
I call the repair office, confirm that the car is indeed ready and ask what time they close.
6:00.
By now it is 5:30.
And, oh, by the way, I live about 30 minutes away.
(The only good part was that both offices were located at the same dealership location.)
Fortunately, Stretch was home.
I told him how to finish dinner as I launched myself out of the garage.
Somehow, I made it to the repair shop in record time, with time to spare! Let's just say that I put those Korean driving skills to good use. Ahem.
I think I need a bubble bath ...or wine... or both...
I'm in the midst of making dinner for my family when my cell phone rings.
It's the rental car company calling to tell me that today is the last day that my insurance will be paying for the rental.
What?!
(I'd taken my car in for repairs last week.)
Apparently, the repairs had been completed last Friday.
Again, WHAT?!
No one had called to inform me of this little nugget.
I ask when the rental office closes.
6:00.
Of course.
I call the repair office, confirm that the car is indeed ready and ask what time they close.
6:00.
By now it is 5:30.
And, oh, by the way, I live about 30 minutes away.
(The only good part was that both offices were located at the same dealership location.)
Fortunately, Stretch was home.
I told him how to finish dinner as I launched myself out of the garage.
Somehow, I made it to the repair shop in record time, with time to spare! Let's just say that I put those Korean driving skills to good use. Ahem.
I think I need a bubble bath ...or wine... or both...
Saturday, March 07, 2009
yakka-wanna
Not only do girls want to have fun, this one has no shortage of confidence! When I showed her the video, her first words were,
"I have a cute voice!"
"I have a cute voice!"
Hmm... I just noticed she's wearing the same outfit as the previous post. I swear it is a different day and it has been laundered! ;D
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Punky Brewster
L'il Sis dressed herself today, as she does most days. The headband is supposed to make her hair look "fancy." I wondered a bit about some color choices but decided she was channeling Punky Brewster. So this is how she looked as we headed out the door to preschool this morning.
Just the fact that she would willingly choose to put on tights suggests she might not be my child after all. As a child, my sister was known to ask for tights and change her clothes several times a day (something else that L'il Sis does). Somehow I ended up with my sister's child.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
At least I didn't see any scissors...
Suddenly, I realized, "Hmm, it's very quiet around here. A little TOO quiet..." Then I see doors closed, including the one to the girls' bathroom with light coming from in there. "What are you doing?" I ask as make my way to the door to open it. I hear my 8 year old answer, "Spa!"
'What?!' I'm thinking as I open the door to see my 4 year old standing in front of the mirror, staring at herself very seriously while holding a handtowel around her shoulders. I think her sister was wielding a brush. I don't know for sure, because I exited quickly. They're together and there's no screaming or blood-letting. I think I'll just enjoy the quiet.
'What?!' I'm thinking as I open the door to see my 4 year old standing in front of the mirror, staring at herself very seriously while holding a handtowel around her shoulders. I think her sister was wielding a brush. I don't know for sure, because I exited quickly. They're together and there's no screaming or blood-letting. I think I'll just enjoy the quiet.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Warning: another poop story
Unlike The Mrs., whose little ones are still quite little, my girls are 8 and 4. I potty-trained the last one around 1-1/2 years ago. One would think my days of poop stories are over. One would be wrong.
Trying to get either of the girls to close the door while in the bathroom seems to be a losing battle. This becomes more of an issue when we have a guest or are at someone else's home. But that's not what this post is about. The other morning, Big Sis was having some, ahem, issues with evacuation. Meanwhile, L'il Sis was in the outer chamber of their bathroom (door between them open, of course) cheering her on with, "Push it out! Push it out! Yay, Big Sis!"
I guess I should be grateful there was some sisterly solidarity there.
Trying to get either of the girls to close the door while in the bathroom seems to be a losing battle. This becomes more of an issue when we have a guest or are at someone else's home. But that's not what this post is about. The other morning, Big Sis was having some, ahem, issues with evacuation. Meanwhile, L'il Sis was in the outer chamber of their bathroom (door between them open, of course) cheering her on with, "Push it out! Push it out! Yay, Big Sis!"
I guess I should be grateful there was some sisterly solidarity there.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Just wait until she's hormonal...
L'il Sis is still 4 years old. Her birthday is still a few months away.
Tonight, L'il Sis had her dance class which meant dinner was pushed back almost an hour past the usual time. She was tired and hungry. Not a good combination. Stretch was doing his best to get her to eat her dinner, but she was in the midst of a major melt-down, crying and screaming. At one point, he asked her how she was feeling and she yelled, "How do you THINK I'm feeling?!"
Yeah, I'm looking forward to those teen years. Like a poke in the eye.
Tonight, L'il Sis had her dance class which meant dinner was pushed back almost an hour past the usual time. She was tired and hungry. Not a good combination. Stretch was doing his best to get her to eat her dinner, but she was in the midst of a major melt-down, crying and screaming. At one point, he asked her how she was feeling and she yelled, "How do you THINK I'm feeling?!"
Yeah, I'm looking forward to those teen years. Like a poke in the eye.
Friday, February 20, 2009
don't go in the water....
Last month there were over a thousand sharks off our shores near where we currently live. Apparently, it's an annual event, with the sharks following migratory fish. (You can see aerial pics here.) Then, there are the gators. I saw 2 from the highway when I drove to Orlando to pick up a friend who came to stay a few weeks ago. Last weekend, we drove to another part of Florida and saw some small alligators in a pond in our relatives' neighborhood. I kept my eyes peeled the whole way home at the canals lining the roads and eventually saw several more on our way home. Stretch laughed at me, asking, "Made the whole hour you spent looking worth it?"
Okay, so this particular alligator wasn't in the wild. I took this while on a field trip with my daughter's pre-K class. But still...
I'm just saying: This is NOT the state to get over your fear of water.
Okay, so this particular alligator wasn't in the wild. I took this while on a field trip with my daughter's pre-K class. But still...I'm just saying: This is NOT the state to get over your fear of water.
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