Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Not sure what's going on here...

Why is it that I am having a harder time today than I did when William started Kindergarten?!?!?! You'd think this should all be old hat by now. Only 2 more hours to worry, then Aunt Christy is taking him (and her kids, too) to Dairy Queen to celebrate his first day in 1st grade! Hard to believe...Katie is a senior (and Ronda and I *still* talk about how she used to say "big truck" when she was little!), Aaron is a sophomore (17 seconds, Aunt Cyndee!), Seth started middle school (!), Olivia is in 3rd, Ethan in 2nd, and William in 1st. Evie and Tristan will be starting Kindergarten next year. Wow...time flies.

And now for a random observation: Spell-check does not like Evie's name.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Almost history...

Where were you on December 29, 2000?? Me...well, I was marveling over the new, shiny-white tooth just appearing in my infant, first-born child's mouth. His first tooth. *sigh* Now, that tooth will soon be a thing of the past. At lunch today we discovered that his very first tooth will, within days, become his very first LOST tooth. To quote William, it is "super wiggly." It was actually hurting him to try to bite through his sandwich. The new tooth can already be seen coming in right behind it. I would say that its possible that Wednesday could be more than the first day of school, but also our home's first visit from the tooth fairy. Which begs the question...how much is the tooth fairy giving per tooth these days??

Just goes to show you that even beyond the "firsts" of infanthood - first smile, first tooth, first word, first step - there are still many more to look forward to.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Dental exams and school supplies

Kids had their 6 month check-up with the dentist this morning and once again...NO CAVITIES! He did say that William is a "little behind." Meaning that most kids his age have lost AT LEAST their 2 bottom front teeth by the time they are his age, but I know a few other kids personally who were his age or older before they lost their first tooth. All in good time. The highlight of the trip for William is that now that he is 6, he gets to take the slide down from the top floor where they do the cleanings to the ground floor office/waiting area. Evie was a little bummed that she still has to take the steps.

My first lesson in school shopping has been learned...don't go before you have the list. I thought for sure we would have gotten everything when we went crazy at Target a week ago. Who knew we would need 200 index cards, gallon-size Ziploc bags, and 2 boxes of baby wipes? And who knew that ALL of the 3-prong folders would have to be green? Oh, well. Just another great excuse to go shopping again!! The countdown has begun...1 more week of "freedom"

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Okay, so I saw this on another blog and thought it might be fun (for me, not for you to read...notice I didn't say it would be interesting :) Who knows, you might learn something about me that you never knew before.

1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Open. My closet door happens to lead to William's bedroom (strange set-up...don't ask me to try and explain it), so it stays open all the time.

2. Do you take the shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotel rooms?
Not unless I'm traveling off to another destination and have somehow forgotten to bring my shampoo from home.

3. Who would you like to sing a duet with?
Tough choice. Do I have to just pick one?? Mandy Patinkin.

4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Uh, no.

5. Do you like to use post-it notes?
No, I don't LIKE to use them, but in my job, they are a necessary evil.

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
Oh, of course. You never know when you might need a dollar off toothpaste, but then it expires before you actually need to buy toothpaste, so...

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?
A bear. I'd die much faster that way, and wouldn't look as ridiculous swatting at a bear as I would flailing to try to get the bees off.

9. Do you always smile for pictures?
I HATE having my picture taken, but I always try to smile. BUT, I'm usually the one taking the pictures.

10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Depends on the hour. I hate stupidity.

11. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Out. I don't like to sleep with my feet covered.

12. Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
No, unless the kids want to do it for fun.

13. Have you ever peed in the woods?
I think maybe once while camping. Not sure about that though.

14. Do you ever jump up and down to make your privates bounce?
Okay, who came up with this question???? No.

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Sometimes on pen lids, if I'm in a boring meeting/conference.

16. How many people have you slept with this week?
Since I am going to take this to mean actual SLEEP, and can't include the cat as a person...three.

17. Do you like popcorn from those big tins?
Not really. I'm not much of a popcorn fan in any form.

18. What is your "song of the week"?
"Running to Catch Myself" by Mark Schultz. Actually, that's Evie's song on the week, but since she tends to control the van stereo, I guess it has to be mine too.

19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Most guys actually look good in pink.

20. Do you still watch cartoons?
Mostly because I don't have an option. I do enjoy a good Spongebob episode now and then.

21. Whats your favorite scary movie?
I can't think of my favorite right now. It's been a long time since I saw a quality scary film.

22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
Somewhere out in the open because no one in my house seems to be able to find the things that are right under their noses. :)

23. What do you drink with dinner?
Unfortunately, Coke. I have GOT to get better about this!

24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Barbecue sauce.

25. What is your favorite food/cuisine?
Mexican food

26. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Pride and Prejudice, While You Were Sleeping, Bed of Roses

27. Last person you kissed/kissed you?
William

28. Were you a boy/girl scout?
Yes. I don't think I really earned too many badges though.

29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
No way.

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
An actual letter? Not just a quick note? Probably last May.

31. Can you change the oil on a car?
Never tried it, so no.

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
If I answer this, am I going to jinx myself? No, I've never had a speeding ticket. But I have been riding with several other people when they have gotten them.

33. Ran out of gas?
Not personally, but once again...have been with someone else who has.

34. Favorite kind of sandwich?
I'm not big on sandwiches. Peanut butter and jelly is always a good one to fall back on.

35. Best thing to eat for breakfast?
I love breakfast food so this is a difficult choice for me...bacon and eggs...sunny-side up with toast for dipping.

37. Are you lazy?
Unfortunately, I have to say yes.

38. When you were a kid what did you dress up as for halloween?
A leopard, a witch, a baby, a clown...can't remember any others off the top of my head.

39. Do you read the newspaper?
When I get the chance.

40. How many languages can you speak?
Fluently, one. But, I can do a little Spanish if necessary...not well, but enough to be understood. I can read and understand it a lot better than I speak it.

41. Do you have any magazine subscription?
Yes. All of which I've gotten free for some reason or another. Us magazine, Time, Working Mother, and Woman's Day.

No.42. Which are better Legos or Lincoln Logs?
I love Lincoln Logs, but Legos are more versatile.

43. Are you stubborn?
I certainly can be. It usually depends on who I am dealing with at the time.

44. who is better.. Leno or Letterman?
Letterman. Leno has some good jokes/segments, but overall, Letterman is a better host.

45. Watch a soap opera?
No.

46. Afraid of heights?
Definitely.

47. Sing in the car?
Yep, when I am alone or when Evie will let me.

48. Dance in the shower?
Never.

49. Dance in the car?
Yes, and it will only get worse as the opportunity to embarrass my children increases.

50. Ever used a gun?
No. I don't even like the thought of holding one that isn't loaded.

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
November 2002...with my siblings.

52. Are musicals cheesy?
Probably...but I LOVE them!

53. Is Christmas stressful?
I definitely think that it can be, but I've personally been more stressed at other times of the year. I've always loved Christmas and since the kids came along, it is hard to look at it as anything other than enjoyable.

54. Ever eat a pierogie?
Yes.

55. Favorite type of fruit pie?
Cherry!

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Astronaut, teacher, mother. 2 out of three isn't bad.

57. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes.

59. Take a vitamin daily?
When I remember. I really need to do better about this.

60. Wear slippers?
Not usually...especially not in the summer. I do in the winter when my feet are cold.

61. Wear a bathrobe?
Not usually. I have at least 2, so I probably should use one more frequently.

62. What do you wear to bed?
Pajamas or a T-shirt and sweats.

63. First concert?
Night Ranger.

64. Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart?
Target. Definitely.

65. Nike or Adidas?
Neither. But if I have to choose...well, I still can't do it. I'll just say Sketchers for me, New Balance for the rest of the family and leave it at that.

66. Cheetos Or Fritos?
Fritos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds.

68.Ever hear of "gorp"?
Of course

69. Ever take dance lessons?
Not "professionally" so to speak. I took tap, modern, and jazz in college, and the lessons we got in gym classes during my school years.

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Future spouse? Lottery winner.

71. Can you curl your tongue?
Yes.

72. Ever won a spelling bee?
Yes. Class spelling bee in 2nd grade. Actually, I tied with my best friend.

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes

74. Own any record albums?
Yes, though don't ask which ones because it has been so long since I looked at them that I'm not sure I could tell you.

75. Own a record player?
Not any more.

76. Regularly burn incense?
Nope

77. Ever been in love?
Yes.

78. Who would you like to see in concert?
Elton John

79. What was your last concert you saw?
Mark Schultz

80. Hot tea or cold tea?
I like both, but I prefer it cold.

81. Tea or coffee?
Tea

82. Favorite kind of cookie?
Peanut butter. Or those chocolate chip oatmeal cookies from Great Harvest bread company in Westerville.

83. Can you swim well?
Yes.

84. Can you hold your breath w/o manually holding your nose?
Yes

85. Are you patient?
Wow, it really depends on the day and circumstances. Sometimes I can be INCREDIBLY patient, but definitely not when I am PMS-ing (I know, TMI).

86. DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ--you can pick your own music.

87. Ever won a contest?
Yes. I've won a Christmas snow globe and a Third Day CD. Probably another one or two, but can't think of them off the top of my head.

88. Ever had plastic surgury?
Nope

89. Which are better black or green olives?
Black

90. Can you knit or crochet?
Sure...if you only want a single straight line that is. Scarf for a worm perhaps?

91. Best room for a fireplace?
Livingroom

92. Want to get married?
Already did.

93. If married, how long have you been married?
8 1/2 years

94. Who was your HS crush?
I had a few...David Bevens, Jason (can't remeber his last name), etc., etc.

95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
No...I just get/take my own way from the beginning. :)

97. Do you want kids?
No more than the 2 I already have.

98. Whats your favorite color?
Red, blue, or yellow. Depends on what we're looking at.

99. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Outer space

100. The one addiction you wish you could quell?
Pop

Dr. Suess was so smart...

"Don't be sad because its over. Be glad that it happened."

Friday, August 04, 2006

Ok, I give up...

William is BIG into Star Wars. NEVER a problem to find Star Wars stuff wherever you go. His favorite character may change on a regular basis, but if its Star Wars, its a safe bet.

Evie is into Snow White. ALWAYS a problem to find Snow White, by herself anyway, without the other Princesses. My sister even had trouble finding ANYTHING with just Snow White on it at DISNEY WORLD of all places. Even Pocahontas has more individual stuff...what gives?

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Ahhh...can it possibly have been a month since my last post?

Well, things are starting to busy up around here. The kids and I just returned from a fun trip down south to visit with several friends and family. Though the drives were long, they both did a GREAT job, especially for two kids who can rarely last 10 minutes in the van without an arguement. I packed a "goody box" for each of them that kept them busy with Play-doh and color wonder markers, we played "car bingo" and found everything on our list (though I felt REALLY bad when as we marked the helicopter off our list as it was a life flight helicopter taking off from the scene of a terrible accident), and they each got to watch a new movie on their portable DVD players. Add snacks and drinks, potty breaks, and lunch stops to the list and that pretty much got us there with rarely a squabble.

We spent Thursday in Nashville with friends, celebrating Kelsey's 7th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese that night. Then off Friday morning for Birmingham where we got to spend the day with more friends. Oh, how I wish these visits could have lasted so much longer. It was so heartbreaking to not leave the Mefford's apartment and just walk across the breezeway into ours. Of all the places we've lived, I have to say that I miss Birmingham the most.

Saturday morning we hit the road for Cookeville, TN where we got to spend some quality time with family. Pa was able to fly in for a few days, Sunday we got to hang out with quite a bit of family that we haven't seen in quite some time (Evie played shy, but we all know better!), and then Grammie took everyone to see Cars on Monday night. We headed out early Tuesday morning and made it home by the afternoon.

In other news, we are now the proud (?) owners of a kitten. His name is Pumpkin and he is actually a good fit for our family (meaning that he lets Evie torment him mercilessly without so much as a meow of resistence--and he still has claws!).

Only three weeks until school starts again. A first-grader...am I ready for a first-grader? This time next year, Evie will be in kindergarten. How is that possible? This time of year is making me feel like a kid again though because I always LOVED shopping for back-to-school supplies. I wish that I could say William shares my enthusiasm, but sadly that is not the case...he's quite indifferent about the whole process--except when it comes to the backpack and lunchbox which have just been ordered and should arive from Nick Jr. any day now. This year, we've forgone the superheroes for Diego. William does want to be an animal rescuer when he grows up, after all, so of course he MUST have a Diego backpack and lunchbox.

Along with school, so starts another season of soccer for William, dance classes for Evie, AWANA for Evie and myself, and most likely swim lessons for both the kids, or swim for Evie and karate for William. I thought these days of being overscheduled wouldn't start until they were in junior high...someone lied to me. Good thing we all love it.

I've rambled enough, so until next time...