Typically, this is the day that I would begin preparing some of my dishes for Thanksgiving, however I did not.
"Why," you ask? Well, I'll tell you.
My dad just moved into his newly built home towards the end of August, and has been taking his time trying to figure out what he wants to do with it. He decided on surround sound for the living room and his bedroom, but wanted to add speakers to the game room, the front bedroom (my room) and the patio as well. SO, the guys from the surround sound company (I'd give them props, but I have no clue what their company name is, however, they are named Stephen and Chris and their boss is named John.) came to hang out with us today. All day.
They got here at 10:00 this morning, and when they left around 6:30 this evening they still hadn't finished. It was obviously a big job. They did mount a few televisions (including a 42" on the patio in the backyard) and installed 8 speakers. THEN they hooked everything up to my dad's tablet. Great. More electronics to get tested on before I'm "checked off" as a qualified user.
The boys picked up leaves from the front flower beds, played Trac-Ball, played Wii, and drove each other crazy for the majority of the day. I supervised the boys doing their yard work, did some schoolwork, and then supervised the speaker guys while reading my Kindle and cursing the damn Japanese beetle thingies.
You may call them orange ladybugs, but I googled those suckers yesterday when there were literally eleventy of them all over the back patio. I learned that they are Japanese beetles, they come out in droves when crops are being harvested, and something I don't really remember about wooded areas. Since my dad's house backs up to a nature preserve, I'm pretty sure the last one applies. They're stinkin' fast, and they're everywhere. I've been instructed to suck them up with the long hose of the vacuum cleaner tomorrow if they haven't miraculously disappeared.
I love my life.
After the sound guys left, we went to Five Guys for dinner, and then to buy booze. Some would say we should've started with that, but I think I would have felt more compelled to drink every bottle in the store. (Side note: On the way home, B was reading the box between N & himself in the backseat: "What is Voh-Di-kuh? Would I like it?" Oh, honey...you have no idea). We ended up going to two different places to secure our items from my Thanksgiving list. I might've text my friend Stella saying, "So...a guy, his daughter, and two little boys walk into a liquor store. No, really. It just happened."
Keeping it classy, one day at a time.
After that, we went to Target to finish our shopping for my day(s) of food prep. We'll continue that "finish our shopping" thought tomorrow. I get to go to H.E.B. and my dad "gets" to go to Sam's. I'm pretty sure he's less than thrilled. Anyway, as we pulled into Target, I saw a semi-familiar face and truck. Whether it was who I thought it was or not, my heart jumped up to my throat, and I felt a wave of panic.
And then I realized I didn't really want it to be that person. I was so proud of myself. Trust me, I've come a long way. We split up into teams, and I gave my dad and whichever kid he got stuck with a list of three things. They took off, then had to find us when they were done. It worked pretty well...and then they both wanted to go with Pampaw. Darn, time by myself? Sad.
We got home, unloaded the groceries, and I sent N to take a shower. Cue: Panic and subdued "ow ow ow." When I went in the bathroom, I find N...and part of the towel bar ripped out of the wall. Super. Because there isn't enough on my "to do" list for the next day or two. Let's just add "Repair drywall and replace towel bar" for funsies. Luckily, B showered without incident.
They're in bed, watching "UP," and I'm wondering if I should poison check the adult goodies we purchased tonight. I mean, someone's gotta do it, right?
Aubs
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Lacey Lou Wigglebutt
If y'all have known me for any extended length of time, you know about this precious girl. When I was a junior in high school, my family adopted the sweetest golden retriever/cocker spaniel and, after much deliberation, we named her Lacey. At the time, the SPCA estimated she was roughly 3, already house-trained, and incredibly sweet.
Sweet, she was...but she was also a stinker! In the first few years of our time together, she got herself into all sorts of minor trouble, but the incidents that come to mind most readily are digging in the trash/spreading it out all over the house, and eating dirty underwear. That cracks me up now, and totally disgusts my boys, but she did. She's a weird one, that Lacey. Anytime anyone talks to her, whether she's getting in trouble or getting loving attention, her butt is always wiggling. She can't help it. She has the little stub tail, so half her body wiggles with it. It's so precious!
Everyone loves Lacey. Anyone who meets her absolutely adores her. She is patient and gentle and has been known to be a little frisky from time to time. As she got older, she seemed to grow even more patient, and when N was born, she let him crawl and climb all over her without any issue. By the time B came around, she was a little more "old ladyish" and not so into being a jungle gym, but she still stayed still and just looked at him warily.
At some point, her hearing started to go. In my dad's old house, you could get her attention by stomping on the wood floor. No matter where she was in the house, she would feel the vibrations and come trotting down the hall. When he moved to Houston, she stayed with us for a few days, and then rode down to Houston with the boys and me. The boys absolutely love her too.
Now that my dad has a house and a yard, she is loving the fact that she is able to go outside without a leash and just wander around. She drives my dad crazy sometimes, wanting to go in and out all the time, but he and Lacey are buddies. She's old though, so sometimes she just doesn't make it outside. My heart hurts for her.
In addition to being deaf, Lacey has these growths that have popped up all over her body. They're kind of like skin tags, only their a lot bigger and they bleed when she messes with them. I know, it's kinda gross, but she's my girl. I love her to pieces, even though I'm mostly afraid to touch her.
Each time I come down to visit my dad and Lacey, I notice how she's changed. Yes, she's an old lady, she has a lot more trouble getting up and laying down, but she still runs (as best she can) to greet my dad (or anyone else) when they come in the door...assuming she can hear them, of course. The last few months, she has really deteriorated. She's losing weight and some of her hair. The ridges of her spine are palpable, and yet, she still follows people (namely my dad, my sister, or myself) around when she sees us.
B and I found her a sweater, and we brought it down for her this time. I put it on her yesterday, and she looks adorable, if I do say so myself. It hides some of the larger issues she has, and keeps the old girl warm too! Like most cockers, she has developed a habit of having seizures as she's gotten older. I've only been around for a few; I realize now that my dad has shielded my sister and myself from some of the harder issues dealing with Lacey, but today I was standing right next to her when she lost control.
She kept trying to get up, but she just couldn't...so I got down on the floor next to her and loved on her until she could move. I was so grateful that the boys were in the other room when it happened, but B was standing right next to me when she started sneezing a little later. With each sneeze, blood spattered the floor in the kitchen. I sat down and held her, and carefully wiped her mouth. A growth I had never noticed before, next to her mouth, was bleeding.
A little later, I was dusting the furniture in my dad's room, when I looked over and saw another growth bleeding...right above her eye, making it hard for her to see. I sat down next to her again, and called for N to bring me a towel. He came in, saw me crying, and was immediately concerned. B came running in, and I sent him for a box of tissues. We all just sat there with my sweet Lacey Lou Wigglebutt, and I cried while they asked me if she was going to die.
The truth is, I know she's going to...I just don't know when. I'm scared that each time I leave will be the last time I see her. Everytime I see her struggle to stand, I wonder how much she's actually hurting. I wish she could just tell us. I wish we could avoid her being in pain. I know she's had a long, well-loved life, but I selfishly wish she were still a little girl instead of an old lady.
I know my sister and I have both told my dad that we're okay with putting her to sleep if it's her time, and that we trust him to make that decision. I know he's hesitant to do so because they're best friends. They've been together for the entire time that we've had her, and his life will be so empty without her.
Lacey is, without a doubt, the best dog I've ever known. I know everyone says that about their pet, but it's true. She's just a big sweetheart, such a caring little pup. I love her to pieces, and I know it will be hard losing her. I hope she's loved being around us as much as we've loved her...
Aubs
Sweet, she was...but she was also a stinker! In the first few years of our time together, she got herself into all sorts of minor trouble, but the incidents that come to mind most readily are digging in the trash/spreading it out all over the house, and eating dirty underwear. That cracks me up now, and totally disgusts my boys, but she did. She's a weird one, that Lacey. Anytime anyone talks to her, whether she's getting in trouble or getting loving attention, her butt is always wiggling. She can't help it. She has the little stub tail, so half her body wiggles with it. It's so precious!
Everyone loves Lacey. Anyone who meets her absolutely adores her. She is patient and gentle and has been known to be a little frisky from time to time. As she got older, she seemed to grow even more patient, and when N was born, she let him crawl and climb all over her without any issue. By the time B came around, she was a little more "old ladyish" and not so into being a jungle gym, but she still stayed still and just looked at him warily.
At some point, her hearing started to go. In my dad's old house, you could get her attention by stomping on the wood floor. No matter where she was in the house, she would feel the vibrations and come trotting down the hall. When he moved to Houston, she stayed with us for a few days, and then rode down to Houston with the boys and me. The boys absolutely love her too.
Now that my dad has a house and a yard, she is loving the fact that she is able to go outside without a leash and just wander around. She drives my dad crazy sometimes, wanting to go in and out all the time, but he and Lacey are buddies. She's old though, so sometimes she just doesn't make it outside. My heart hurts for her.
In addition to being deaf, Lacey has these growths that have popped up all over her body. They're kind of like skin tags, only their a lot bigger and they bleed when she messes with them. I know, it's kinda gross, but she's my girl. I love her to pieces, even though I'm mostly afraid to touch her.
Each time I come down to visit my dad and Lacey, I notice how she's changed. Yes, she's an old lady, she has a lot more trouble getting up and laying down, but she still runs (as best she can) to greet my dad (or anyone else) when they come in the door...assuming she can hear them, of course. The last few months, she has really deteriorated. She's losing weight and some of her hair. The ridges of her spine are palpable, and yet, she still follows people (namely my dad, my sister, or myself) around when she sees us.
B and I found her a sweater, and we brought it down for her this time. I put it on her yesterday, and she looks adorable, if I do say so myself. It hides some of the larger issues she has, and keeps the old girl warm too! Like most cockers, she has developed a habit of having seizures as she's gotten older. I've only been around for a few; I realize now that my dad has shielded my sister and myself from some of the harder issues dealing with Lacey, but today I was standing right next to her when she lost control.
She kept trying to get up, but she just couldn't...so I got down on the floor next to her and loved on her until she could move. I was so grateful that the boys were in the other room when it happened, but B was standing right next to me when she started sneezing a little later. With each sneeze, blood spattered the floor in the kitchen. I sat down and held her, and carefully wiped her mouth. A growth I had never noticed before, next to her mouth, was bleeding.
A little later, I was dusting the furniture in my dad's room, when I looked over and saw another growth bleeding...right above her eye, making it hard for her to see. I sat down next to her again, and called for N to bring me a towel. He came in, saw me crying, and was immediately concerned. B came running in, and I sent him for a box of tissues. We all just sat there with my sweet Lacey Lou Wigglebutt, and I cried while they asked me if she was going to die.
The truth is, I know she's going to...I just don't know when. I'm scared that each time I leave will be the last time I see her. Everytime I see her struggle to stand, I wonder how much she's actually hurting. I wish she could just tell us. I wish we could avoid her being in pain. I know she's had a long, well-loved life, but I selfishly wish she were still a little girl instead of an old lady.
I know my sister and I have both told my dad that we're okay with putting her to sleep if it's her time, and that we trust him to make that decision. I know he's hesitant to do so because they're best friends. They've been together for the entire time that we've had her, and his life will be so empty without her.
Lacey is, without a doubt, the best dog I've ever known. I know everyone says that about their pet, but it's true. She's just a big sweetheart, such a caring little pup. I love her to pieces, and I know it will be hard losing her. I hope she's loved being around us as much as we've loved her...
Aubs
(Last Thanksgiving. I'm hesitant to post a picture from this year, but she is sooo different.)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Why didn't I think of this before?!
This morning, before we left for Houston, I held a powwow with the boys in the kitchen. I asked them what the rules should be for our trip, and they gave me a bunch of really bizarre ones. After the customary "No fighting, no bothering mom, no touching each other, inside voices..." I got the following:
1. Make sure you put your headphones on both ears, not just one.
2. Only mom gets to pick the music on the iPod. (I actually like this one)
3. The windows can be down for half the trip.
4. It's a law that we have to stop at the beaver place to pee.
What. Ever. They're weird. They actually did really well, linking up on their DSi's and playing some of the games they both have for the majority of the trip. When we got to Huntsville, they were hungry, so we stopped to get lunch. B, being the difficult child that he is, did NOT want Chicken Express which is what N chose. It was N's turn, but B pitched a huge fit. What did B want? Chicken nuggets...from Jack-In-The-Box. Vomit. But, they had been good, so I did it.
And then I had the greatest idea ever, in the history of ideas.
After they finished eating, I gave each of them a $1 bill...and then I told them that if they could find the spider that was hidden on the bill, they could keep it. There was silence for the rest of the trip to Missouri City, with the exception of a few discouraged, "Nevermind, Mom. I quit. This is too hard....okay, fine. At least give us a hint." They know which side of the bill it's on, and that it's on the right side, but they still haven't been able to find it. I haven't told them either. I'm going to ride this one for all it's worth. Genius!
After we got here and surprised my dad (who didn't know when we were coming because he never calls me back, but figured it was going to be tomorrow), we watched the Cowboys pull off a (miraculous) win, and (surprisingly enough) the Texans won too. Um, yay? Anyway, we went out in the backyard to play Trac-Ball. B played last time he was here with my dad, but N hadn't been to Houston since my dad had moved into his house. He picked up on the gist of it pretty quickly, and before long, all three of them were sailing those plastic balls over the back fence.
This is when Aubrey, in all her genius glory, decided to climb the fence in skinny jeans and flats...and then realized the following:
1. The fence is really flimsy.
2. It's a lot further down than it looks.
3. If you go over the fence, there's no way to get back over.
So, my dad got a ladder and pushed it over to the other side. His fence backs up to a greenbelt of sorts, and beyond that is a nature preserve. I climbed back over after I rescued the balls, and went to change into yoga pants and running shoes...then back over the fence I went. I hung out on the greenbelt for the better part of an hour. I'm pretty sure they were trying to throw them over the fence, and maybe even at me, but I'm lacking proof at this point.
Our fun outside ended when B got hit in the arm at close range and flipped out. I thought he rolled in dog poop, but after I made him smell it to check, he decided it was just mud. The boys are on poop patrol all week. I told them this is the only way a mini-gymnastics meet between my sister and myself might even be remotely possible. B witnessed this a few weeks ago, and told N it was not to be missed.
After that, my dad and I went through the liquor in his liquor cabinet and decided what else needed to be purchased for Drunk Day 2012, I mean Thanksgiving. I made a grocery list, and we started one (of many) planning sessions. Tomorrow, I'm tackling his house while he's at work. The boys don't know it yet, but they're going to be the best child labor there is...and they're going to do it without complaining.
Uh, I had to try...
Aubs
1. Make sure you put your headphones on both ears, not just one.
2. Only mom gets to pick the music on the iPod. (I actually like this one)
3. The windows can be down for half the trip.
4. It's a law that we have to stop at the beaver place to pee.
What. Ever. They're weird. They actually did really well, linking up on their DSi's and playing some of the games they both have for the majority of the trip. When we got to Huntsville, they were hungry, so we stopped to get lunch. B, being the difficult child that he is, did NOT want Chicken Express which is what N chose. It was N's turn, but B pitched a huge fit. What did B want? Chicken nuggets...from Jack-In-The-Box. Vomit. But, they had been good, so I did it.
And then I had the greatest idea ever, in the history of ideas.
After they finished eating, I gave each of them a $1 bill...and then I told them that if they could find the spider that was hidden on the bill, they could keep it. There was silence for the rest of the trip to Missouri City, with the exception of a few discouraged, "Nevermind, Mom. I quit. This is too hard....okay, fine. At least give us a hint." They know which side of the bill it's on, and that it's on the right side, but they still haven't been able to find it. I haven't told them either. I'm going to ride this one for all it's worth. Genius!
After we got here and surprised my dad (who didn't know when we were coming because he never calls me back, but figured it was going to be tomorrow), we watched the Cowboys pull off a (miraculous) win, and (surprisingly enough) the Texans won too. Um, yay? Anyway, we went out in the backyard to play Trac-Ball. B played last time he was here with my dad, but N hadn't been to Houston since my dad had moved into his house. He picked up on the gist of it pretty quickly, and before long, all three of them were sailing those plastic balls over the back fence.
This is when Aubrey, in all her genius glory, decided to climb the fence in skinny jeans and flats...and then realized the following:
1. The fence is really flimsy.
2. It's a lot further down than it looks.
3. If you go over the fence, there's no way to get back over.
So, my dad got a ladder and pushed it over to the other side. His fence backs up to a greenbelt of sorts, and beyond that is a nature preserve. I climbed back over after I rescued the balls, and went to change into yoga pants and running shoes...then back over the fence I went. I hung out on the greenbelt for the better part of an hour. I'm pretty sure they were trying to throw them over the fence, and maybe even at me, but I'm lacking proof at this point.
Our fun outside ended when B got hit in the arm at close range and flipped out. I thought he rolled in dog poop, but after I made him smell it to check, he decided it was just mud. The boys are on poop patrol all week. I told them this is the only way a mini-gymnastics meet between my sister and myself might even be remotely possible. B witnessed this a few weeks ago, and told N it was not to be missed.
After that, my dad and I went through the liquor in his liquor cabinet and decided what else needed to be purchased for Drunk Day 2012, I mean Thanksgiving. I made a grocery list, and we started one (of many) planning sessions. Tomorrow, I'm tackling his house while he's at work. The boys don't know it yet, but they're going to be the best child labor there is...and they're going to do it without complaining.
Uh, I had to try...
Aubs
Saturday, November 17, 2012
I'm glad I was hesitant...
After I posted yesterday, I had a serious stroke of genius and found the other motionplus sensor thingy. It was in a drawer in the desk in the kitchen, you know...'cause that's where it belongs. When I called N at his dad's, rather triumphant, he was not impressed. He called me back 15 minutes later because I told him he should ask his stepbrother if we could borrow his copies of Wii Sports/Sports Resort, and yelled "I FOUND MY COPIES!" Last night ended up being a pretty dang good night.
Today, B and I ran errands, looking for basketball shorts and a sweater for Lacey (our family dog from when I was a teenager) who is getting pretty old and having some skin issues. I think we found a winner, and she's pretty laid back, so she'll probably be cool with it. I'll take pictures, but this poor, precious dog looks her 16+ years. Poor sweet girl. I always get choked up each time I leave my dad's house, because I'm not sure she'll be there when I come back down there. My sister and I have both had "the talk" on different occasions with my dad about putting her to sleep when it becomes necessary, and I'm pretty sure we both cried when we did it.
Tonight, B and I went to church, and while he ran off his sugar high from an ice cream float 30 minutes before church (Mom of the year, right here...) in "kid church," I hung out in "grown-up" church. I like the pastor of the church we attend (Fellowship Church in Grapevine), but I like it more when Ed Young is actually preaching the sermon in person instead of on video, like he was tonight. Still, the message was interesting; about how Jesus fed thousands with seven loaves, and when everyone was full, there were seven big baskets of bread left. The church is doing a massive expansion, and because of that, there's this series called "Seven" that has been going on for a few weeks. It's so amazing to see God working in the lives of people young and old, and to see how He provides what we need, even before we realize we need it.
After church, B and I came home to start packing for Houston. My goal is to be ready to go in the morning, but to have the house be relatively clean, so we won't come home to shambles. Thankfully, we'll come home with clean laundry, because I'll do that at my dad's before we head back, so that's one worry off my mind. SO, tomorrow morning, I'll clean out the fridge, wipe down the counters, take out the trash, and do a "quick" clean of the bathrooms...and hope that nothing smells weird when we come home.
I think my dad is pretty excited about having us all come to his new house. N hasn't been there since his house has been completed, so that's going to be fun. My dad bought baseballs and several sets of Trac-Ball, and I know the boys will love playing that. B played last time he was down there, but N has never heard of it, and it's really hard to describe. It's fun. The End. I'm excited about scooter rides to the park and just relaxing with the boys in a place where they don't have to tiptoe or talk quietly so they won't disturb the neighbors. And on that note, I wonder how many days my dad is working this week...
Man, I can't wait to help my dad cook that 22.5 lb turkey. It's right around the corner, y'all...and I'm so thankful it's Thanksgiving week!
Aubs
Today, B and I ran errands, looking for basketball shorts and a sweater for Lacey (our family dog from when I was a teenager) who is getting pretty old and having some skin issues. I think we found a winner, and she's pretty laid back, so she'll probably be cool with it. I'll take pictures, but this poor, precious dog looks her 16+ years. Poor sweet girl. I always get choked up each time I leave my dad's house, because I'm not sure she'll be there when I come back down there. My sister and I have both had "the talk" on different occasions with my dad about putting her to sleep when it becomes necessary, and I'm pretty sure we both cried when we did it.
Tonight, B and I went to church, and while he ran off his sugar high from an ice cream float 30 minutes before church (Mom of the year, right here...) in "kid church," I hung out in "grown-up" church. I like the pastor of the church we attend (Fellowship Church in Grapevine), but I like it more when Ed Young is actually preaching the sermon in person instead of on video, like he was tonight. Still, the message was interesting; about how Jesus fed thousands with seven loaves, and when everyone was full, there were seven big baskets of bread left. The church is doing a massive expansion, and because of that, there's this series called "Seven" that has been going on for a few weeks. It's so amazing to see God working in the lives of people young and old, and to see how He provides what we need, even before we realize we need it.
After church, B and I came home to start packing for Houston. My goal is to be ready to go in the morning, but to have the house be relatively clean, so we won't come home to shambles. Thankfully, we'll come home with clean laundry, because I'll do that at my dad's before we head back, so that's one worry off my mind. SO, tomorrow morning, I'll clean out the fridge, wipe down the counters, take out the trash, and do a "quick" clean of the bathrooms...and hope that nothing smells weird when we come home.
I think my dad is pretty excited about having us all come to his new house. N hasn't been there since his house has been completed, so that's going to be fun. My dad bought baseballs and several sets of Trac-Ball, and I know the boys will love playing that. B played last time he was down there, but N has never heard of it, and it's really hard to describe. It's fun. The End. I'm excited about scooter rides to the park and just relaxing with the boys in a place where they don't have to tiptoe or talk quietly so they won't disturb the neighbors. And on that note, I wonder how many days my dad is working this week...
Man, I can't wait to help my dad cook that 22.5 lb turkey. It's right around the corner, y'all...and I'm so thankful it's Thanksgiving week!
Aubs
Friday, November 16, 2012
Sometimes you feel like a nut...
Sometimes you don't. Today, I definitely did. I started getting things ready for our upcoming trip to Houston. Since N was heading to his dad's for a couple of days before we leave, I had him pick his clothes today. B decided to do the same thing, so there is an explosion of clothing on each of their beds. I guess B's sleeping on the couch tonight...
As I'm sitting here, watching "Dennis the Menace" with B, I'm thinking that B and Dennis could, quite possibly, be the same child...although Dennis seems to be fearless, and B is freaked out by the vibrations of the movie night that is apparently going on in the apartment below us. Seriously, the walls are rattling. If it goes much longer, I might get cranky. OR we might just have a dance party in heavy shoes. It's a toss-up.
I gave in and purchased a video game for both boys for our trip, one neither of them had but one that they could link up and play together on their DSi's. I hope they play and get along...but I know better. Usually, it starts off all fun and friendly, but once one of them "accidentally" kills the other, they start yelling and I confiscate. It's a cute little cycle. That (randomly) reminds me that I should pick out some movies to take. My dad doesn't have a whole lot of kid-friendly choices.
I'm currently on a Wii game hunt...I know we have Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, but I can't find either one of them, nor can I find one of the stupid motionplus sensors. To most, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, but it is. Trust me. The boys can play those two games for the longest time without fighting or arguing. Yes, I'd let them play for hours if it meant they weren't arguing. Mom of the Year, right here.
Unfortunately, they seem to have dropped off the face of the Earth. I was just looking at purchasing them online instead, knowing that once I order them, they will miraculously appear...but I'm hesitant. Even if I order them, they won't be here (or in Houston) in time to make my life less crazy. Grrrr.
Also, I have to figure out what to get B for his birthday. The more I look at the list he gave me, the less I want to buy him any of that. I'm in need of inspiration here, and I'd love for inspiration to hit PRIOR to black Friday. Yeah, that would be super. Ugh. I do my best to avoid any kind of shopping experience at all for the 4 days after Thanksgiving.
Does anyone have any bright ideas on what to get for a 7 year-old? I got nothin... I'm hoping that I'll wake up tomorrow and have a more productive day. Today, I felt like I was running in circles, going nowhere. On the upside, I found out who N's basketball coach will be, and where he's practicing. I'm excited that he'll have that to keep him occupied for the next couple of months.
I'm going to a super-fancy Christmas party December 8 in Houston, and I have to find a dress. I'd really like to get something in the eggplant/purple family... Does anyone have any ideas on where to look? I'm not really a "fancy" kind of person, so I'm super-excited but also totally not looking forward to the dress shopping part. Maybe I should start with shoes and go from there...sounds like a plan!
Aubs
As I'm sitting here, watching "Dennis the Menace" with B, I'm thinking that B and Dennis could, quite possibly, be the same child...although Dennis seems to be fearless, and B is freaked out by the vibrations of the movie night that is apparently going on in the apartment below us. Seriously, the walls are rattling. If it goes much longer, I might get cranky. OR we might just have a dance party in heavy shoes. It's a toss-up.
I gave in and purchased a video game for both boys for our trip, one neither of them had but one that they could link up and play together on their DSi's. I hope they play and get along...but I know better. Usually, it starts off all fun and friendly, but once one of them "accidentally" kills the other, they start yelling and I confiscate. It's a cute little cycle. That (randomly) reminds me that I should pick out some movies to take. My dad doesn't have a whole lot of kid-friendly choices.
I'm currently on a Wii game hunt...I know we have Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, but I can't find either one of them, nor can I find one of the stupid motionplus sensors. To most, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, but it is. Trust me. The boys can play those two games for the longest time without fighting or arguing. Yes, I'd let them play for hours if it meant they weren't arguing. Mom of the Year, right here.
Unfortunately, they seem to have dropped off the face of the Earth. I was just looking at purchasing them online instead, knowing that once I order them, they will miraculously appear...but I'm hesitant. Even if I order them, they won't be here (or in Houston) in time to make my life less crazy. Grrrr.
Also, I have to figure out what to get B for his birthday. The more I look at the list he gave me, the less I want to buy him any of that. I'm in need of inspiration here, and I'd love for inspiration to hit PRIOR to black Friday. Yeah, that would be super. Ugh. I do my best to avoid any kind of shopping experience at all for the 4 days after Thanksgiving.
Does anyone have any bright ideas on what to get for a 7 year-old? I got nothin... I'm hoping that I'll wake up tomorrow and have a more productive day. Today, I felt like I was running in circles, going nowhere. On the upside, I found out who N's basketball coach will be, and where he's practicing. I'm excited that he'll have that to keep him occupied for the next couple of months.
I'm going to a super-fancy Christmas party December 8 in Houston, and I have to find a dress. I'd really like to get something in the eggplant/purple family... Does anyone have any ideas on where to look? I'm not really a "fancy" kind of person, so I'm super-excited but also totally not looking forward to the dress shopping part. Maybe I should start with shoes and go from there...sounds like a plan!
Aubs
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Coconut cream pie, take 2
So, the first round went over pretty well, but I didn't feel it was coconut-y enough, so I opted for a few changes. It wasn't the full version to begin with because I didn't bother making whipped cream and toasted coconut for the top since it was just a trial run, so that may have had something to do with it. Who knows? I actually just finished putting it in the fridge to chill, so we'll see how it works out for us tomorrow.
After a day that just started off all hectic and only got crappier, I was not the mom my boys should have messed with tonight. I wish they would have figured it out before they ignored my request four times. This mama blew up, and it was rather spectacular. I believe the highlight (and sadly the part that made me laugh...almost on the outside) was when N said, "I want a new family...or at least a mom who loves me." Most of you would think that was sad, but seriously? I'd been getting onto them all night to do their normal routines, only instead of saying "Hey it's time to _________," I was saying it at least three or four times. I'm glad they were getting along and having fun together, but really? Blatant disrespect. That outburst came after I told him to brush his teeth. Four times.
I stomped (quietly, since we live on the second floor) into their room and said, "Get your butt into the bathroom now, or I'm gonna spank it!" And he totally overreacted. After that, B got a turn for bringing a cup (sans lid) into his room so he could eat ice. Totally not okay in this house, the cup in the room OR the eating of ice. Like I said, a bunch of little things, but overall, just blatant disobedience and an obvious disrespect for their mom.
That's when we had a powwow. That's when N rolled his eyes at me and I lost it. That's when I said it wasn't working and we all needed a time out. SO, after counting to 10 and then hugging and kissing both of them, reminding them how much I loved them and what their best qualities were, I went into the living room to fume. Silently.
And then I decided to make pie...and then I decided that we needed some quality time, so I got them out of bed and installed them as helpers. I think this will be the best pie ever. They helped measure and stir and rolled around in the kitchen in their roll-y chairs, giggling and pretending to be borders of the United States and Mexico, refusing each other entry. Yeah, I have no idea where that came from either, but B couldn't guess the password that "starts with a B and ends with an N and you hear it everyday at least 76 times..." so he was denied entry to the United States. He snuck across the border, but was caught rather quickly by the border patrol by means of rolling over his toes.
As they sat there, eating Clementines and giggling like goofballs, I wondered where these two had been earlier when they were being pains in my rear and making me rethink the whole parenting thing. Because, seriously, there are days (and today was definitely one of them) where I wonder if I was really cut out for this. I say it all the time, but patience is not a virtue I possess in great quantity. I'd say it missed me all together, but I have huge amounts of patience with kids that are not my own. Perhaps I have my expectations set a little too high, but I don't think they're unattainable. They go above and beyond my expectations all the time...if it benefits them.
I hope we can get back to the basics and really enjoy our time together next week. I'm really looking forward to it, although I feel (by the end of it) my dad's liquor cabinet will be in dire need of restocking. I also have a feeling that there will be a lot of ups and downs, but hopefully the ups will outnumber the downs. And that phrase reminds me of Robin Hood, and the song that's playing when the movie is showing all the poor people that the Sheriff of Nottingham has put in prison, and the song says, "Sometimes the ups outnumber the downs...but not in Nottingham." Some would call this a gift, while others would call me crazy. But I'm right.
Also, today was B's Thanksgiving feast at school. After a desperate email from his teacher last night, I agreed to go help this morning with the festivities. Apparently, my filter was working today because holy cow...some people are just ridiculously unfriendly, rude, and catty. I'm not, nor have I ever claimed to be, the most artistic person, and I'm far from a perfectionist (I just play one on tv), but I do think I can tape butcher paper to a table with a relative amount of success.
Or not. Because another woman followed me around, redoing my job right after me and griping when I quit. I stopped doing it because she was just going to redo it anyway, so why should I waste my time? She noticed and complained very loudly. Kiss it, sister. Also, this same woman was the one who would not "allow" us to make one row of tables yellow, one row orange, one row brown, and one row green. Oh, no. Each small table needed to be covered with a different color, but they needed to overlap a little, so it looked like Indian corn.
Seriously, y'all. I can't make this stuff up. I just stared. There were so many ridiculous things that people came up with today, and I just kept my mouth shut. Why? To argue with them would belittle my intelligence, and they'd just do it anyway. The kids loved it and had a great time, and that's all that matters. Here's my little pilgrim, munching on his celery:
After a day that just started off all hectic and only got crappier, I was not the mom my boys should have messed with tonight. I wish they would have figured it out before they ignored my request four times. This mama blew up, and it was rather spectacular. I believe the highlight (and sadly the part that made me laugh...almost on the outside) was when N said, "I want a new family...or at least a mom who loves me." Most of you would think that was sad, but seriously? I'd been getting onto them all night to do their normal routines, only instead of saying "Hey it's time to _________," I was saying it at least three or four times. I'm glad they were getting along and having fun together, but really? Blatant disrespect. That outburst came after I told him to brush his teeth. Four times.
I stomped (quietly, since we live on the second floor) into their room and said, "Get your butt into the bathroom now, or I'm gonna spank it!" And he totally overreacted. After that, B got a turn for bringing a cup (sans lid) into his room so he could eat ice. Totally not okay in this house, the cup in the room OR the eating of ice. Like I said, a bunch of little things, but overall, just blatant disobedience and an obvious disrespect for their mom.
That's when we had a powwow. That's when N rolled his eyes at me and I lost it. That's when I said it wasn't working and we all needed a time out. SO, after counting to 10 and then hugging and kissing both of them, reminding them how much I loved them and what their best qualities were, I went into the living room to fume. Silently.
And then I decided to make pie...and then I decided that we needed some quality time, so I got them out of bed and installed them as helpers. I think this will be the best pie ever. They helped measure and stir and rolled around in the kitchen in their roll-y chairs, giggling and pretending to be borders of the United States and Mexico, refusing each other entry. Yeah, I have no idea where that came from either, but B couldn't guess the password that "starts with a B and ends with an N and you hear it everyday at least 76 times..." so he was denied entry to the United States. He snuck across the border, but was caught rather quickly by the border patrol by means of rolling over his toes.
As they sat there, eating Clementines and giggling like goofballs, I wondered where these two had been earlier when they were being pains in my rear and making me rethink the whole parenting thing. Because, seriously, there are days (and today was definitely one of them) where I wonder if I was really cut out for this. I say it all the time, but patience is not a virtue I possess in great quantity. I'd say it missed me all together, but I have huge amounts of patience with kids that are not my own. Perhaps I have my expectations set a little too high, but I don't think they're unattainable. They go above and beyond my expectations all the time...if it benefits them.
I hope we can get back to the basics and really enjoy our time together next week. I'm really looking forward to it, although I feel (by the end of it) my dad's liquor cabinet will be in dire need of restocking. I also have a feeling that there will be a lot of ups and downs, but hopefully the ups will outnumber the downs. And that phrase reminds me of Robin Hood, and the song that's playing when the movie is showing all the poor people that the Sheriff of Nottingham has put in prison, and the song says, "Sometimes the ups outnumber the downs...but not in Nottingham." Some would call this a gift, while others would call me crazy. But I'm right.
Also, today was B's Thanksgiving feast at school. After a desperate email from his teacher last night, I agreed to go help this morning with the festivities. Apparently, my filter was working today because holy cow...some people are just ridiculously unfriendly, rude, and catty. I'm not, nor have I ever claimed to be, the most artistic person, and I'm far from a perfectionist (I just play one on tv), but I do think I can tape butcher paper to a table with a relative amount of success.
Or not. Because another woman followed me around, redoing my job right after me and griping when I quit. I stopped doing it because she was just going to redo it anyway, so why should I waste my time? She noticed and complained very loudly. Kiss it, sister. Also, this same woman was the one who would not "allow" us to make one row of tables yellow, one row orange, one row brown, and one row green. Oh, no. Each small table needed to be covered with a different color, but they needed to overlap a little, so it looked like Indian corn.
Seriously, y'all. I can't make this stuff up. I just stared. There were so many ridiculous things that people came up with today, and I just kept my mouth shut. Why? To argue with them would belittle my intelligence, and they'd just do it anyway. The kids loved it and had a great time, and that's all that matters. Here's my little pilgrim, munching on his celery:
My bigger turkey is doing the school television show tomorrow, Friday Live, and he's really nervous. He's responsible for birthdays, but can't announce his brother's because it's one day after his cut-off. I told him to do it anyway, but he asked and they said he couldn't. I think it's dumb, but hey...I don't make the rules. At least not there.
I'd really like a "redo" on today, but each time I get frustrated or irritated, I always find someone, somewhere who has it worse than I do. This afternoon in Midland, a train and a parade float carrying wounded veterans collided. How horrible is that? It hurts my heart to know that some of these people who have fought so valiantly for our country were killed during a parade in their honor, and several more of their brothers and sisters were wounded. Accidents happen everyday, but this is just a tragedy. My heart goes out to those who are injured, the loved ones of those who died, and to their brothers and sisters around the world, fighting to protect us while we go about our business as usual.
Like I tell my kids, sometimes life just isn't fair...but this is just heartbreaking. I keep reminding myself that God is in control, and He has a hand on this. It doesn't make it any less sad, but it does bring an element of peace that only He can provide. Hold your loved ones close...and make tomorrow count for all it's worth.
Aubs
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Running on a super-fast treadmill
...that's how I felt today. With such a hectic night last night, I was not
prepared for this morning. At all.
As I was attempting to make lunches this morning, I realized WHY I really needed to go to the store yesterday. I was totally out of B food. He's such a picky eater when it comes to his lunch, and I had just tossed the remainder of his turkey because it smelled weird. And it was sticky. I don't think it's supposed to do that. It made me gag a little bit. Did he want beef jerky? No. That was my ace in the hole. He asked me to bring him lunch instead, so I reluctantly agreed. "What do you want for lunch, B?" His reply? "Chicken minis." Since the kid eats lunch at 10:30 in the morning, I took my kid breakfast. He was thrilled!
I got there early, so I got to watch a class of 4th graders working on their pieces for the holiday musical. I was so amused, mostly because they were so overly excited about the songs they were singing. I was openly cracking up and shaking my head at the same time. These poor kids...one day, when they grow up, they're going to see a dvd of their performance and wonder what the hell they were so jazzed about. Seriously, the music teacher kept yelling, "JAZZ HANDS! AAAAAAND Hold...wiggle wiggle wiggle." I held in my snorts of laughter, but it was really hard. After they filed out, B and his class filed in and we sat together and had a delightful lunch until he was like, "Hey, you have your wallet! Let's get ice cream!" Um, let's not. I don't want to go down that road on a Wednesday. Okay, thanks.
After I left him to run off his energy at recess, I went over to my mom's (scaring the handyman in the process: he's doing her kitchen remodel) to look for the Wii Resort Sports sensor thingy (right now I can only find one of them) AND the actual disc so we can take it to Houston with us on Sunday. I was unsuccessful. I don't know where those things are, but it's my goal in life to find them. After I searched high and low, finding a bunch of other interesting things, I looked at the clock and decided to make it even and show up for N's lunch too. See, their lunches are 2 hours apart. I think that's just silly.
Back to Chick-Fil-A I went...when he walked in with his class, he looked confused. He looked down at his lunch box and then at me, and said, "Thanks, Mom!" I asked if I could stay, and he reluctantly agreed. It was at lunch that I was informed that he was bringing someone home with him after school to work on a project. It was then that I realized I needed to go grocery shopping because I wouldn't have any free time this afternoon.
I did, and I made it home 15 minutes before they got there. B got up the stairs first and then promptly went back down the stairs to ride scooters/bikes with the kids who live below us. N and his friend finally showed up, and looked at the kitchen explosion with amazement as I attempted to put away the groceries/organize at the same time. I had all the doors and windows open, so the next thing I know, there are 3 fifth graders in my house...then there were 4. Then B came back inside. Then they were all hungry. ARGH! My mind is still reeling and I'm attempting to speak at a normal volume.
THEN, (you just thought my day was coming to an end) came the best part of the day. Last week, we made a play date with two of the boys from N's baseball team. N's been looking forward to it ever since I told him about it, so we headed to Kid Kountry. Usually N puts up a fight about going until we get there and he finds older kids to play with. B never has any trouble. He plays by himself or annoys other people until they just include him so he'll be quiet. There were 6 boys (ranging from 5-10) and one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen, and three moms. Having girl talk with these ladies was really the highlight of my day!
I am so grateful that these ladies and their sons were put in our life path. N really likes hanging out with the boys, B likes hanging out with their siblings, and we all just have a great time. I'm so sad baseball is over, but I'm so glad we can still have play dates. I suggested a slumber party in a couple of weeks, so we'll see how that goes! I haven't told N yet, but he will be so excited if it works out! Can I just say that I don't know how these other ladies do it? I am in awe of the choices they have made and the obstacles they face each day. I know everyone has stuff they deal with, but these two deal with the "stuff" and still laugh about it. It's so awesome and refreshing to meet such great, down-to-earth women.
THEN we came home. I threw a load of laundry in the washer, sorted a load out of the dryer, and made a quick dinner of chicken nuggets, peas, and red smashed potatoes. Thank you Target, for making little bags of new potatoes that steam in their own little bag. It makes just enough mashed potatoes for my little trio. The boys showered while I made dinner, and now they're giggling like crazy in their room playing Tron on Nintendo DS. It's one of the games they both have, so they link together and either work together (tense) or fight each other and crack up as they annihilate each other. So fun.
I got an email from B's teacher today, asking for volunteers for the Thanksgiving feast tomorrow because nobody has volunteered...so I'll be at school with a bunch of 1st graders for 2-3 hours tomorrow. Apparently, we're making a map of the pilgrims' voyage and how they went to the wrong place, but met Squanto so they could wear feathers on their heads and war paint. Oh, and he taught them about how to eat cactus. How, you ask? "Very carefully 'cause those spikes are tricky." Oh, the joy of 6 year-old brainpower...
Now it's 7:40 (OU still sucks), I've finished the homework I had slated for today, I'm about to toss the clothes in the dryer, and then I'm not sure what I'm going to do... How in the world did that happen?!
Aubs
As I was attempting to make lunches this morning, I realized WHY I really needed to go to the store yesterday. I was totally out of B food. He's such a picky eater when it comes to his lunch, and I had just tossed the remainder of his turkey because it smelled weird. And it was sticky. I don't think it's supposed to do that. It made me gag a little bit. Did he want beef jerky? No. That was my ace in the hole. He asked me to bring him lunch instead, so I reluctantly agreed. "What do you want for lunch, B?" His reply? "Chicken minis." Since the kid eats lunch at 10:30 in the morning, I took my kid breakfast. He was thrilled!
I got there early, so I got to watch a class of 4th graders working on their pieces for the holiday musical. I was so amused, mostly because they were so overly excited about the songs they were singing. I was openly cracking up and shaking my head at the same time. These poor kids...one day, when they grow up, they're going to see a dvd of their performance and wonder what the hell they were so jazzed about. Seriously, the music teacher kept yelling, "JAZZ HANDS! AAAAAAND Hold...wiggle wiggle wiggle." I held in my snorts of laughter, but it was really hard. After they filed out, B and his class filed in and we sat together and had a delightful lunch until he was like, "Hey, you have your wallet! Let's get ice cream!" Um, let's not. I don't want to go down that road on a Wednesday. Okay, thanks.
After I left him to run off his energy at recess, I went over to my mom's (scaring the handyman in the process: he's doing her kitchen remodel) to look for the Wii Resort Sports sensor thingy (right now I can only find one of them) AND the actual disc so we can take it to Houston with us on Sunday. I was unsuccessful. I don't know where those things are, but it's my goal in life to find them. After I searched high and low, finding a bunch of other interesting things, I looked at the clock and decided to make it even and show up for N's lunch too. See, their lunches are 2 hours apart. I think that's just silly.
Back to Chick-Fil-A I went...when he walked in with his class, he looked confused. He looked down at his lunch box and then at me, and said, "Thanks, Mom!" I asked if I could stay, and he reluctantly agreed. It was at lunch that I was informed that he was bringing someone home with him after school to work on a project. It was then that I realized I needed to go grocery shopping because I wouldn't have any free time this afternoon.
I did, and I made it home 15 minutes before they got there. B got up the stairs first and then promptly went back down the stairs to ride scooters/bikes with the kids who live below us. N and his friend finally showed up, and looked at the kitchen explosion with amazement as I attempted to put away the groceries/organize at the same time. I had all the doors and windows open, so the next thing I know, there are 3 fifth graders in my house...then there were 4. Then B came back inside. Then they were all hungry. ARGH! My mind is still reeling and I'm attempting to speak at a normal volume.
THEN, (you just thought my day was coming to an end) came the best part of the day. Last week, we made a play date with two of the boys from N's baseball team. N's been looking forward to it ever since I told him about it, so we headed to Kid Kountry. Usually N puts up a fight about going until we get there and he finds older kids to play with. B never has any trouble. He plays by himself or annoys other people until they just include him so he'll be quiet. There were 6 boys (ranging from 5-10) and one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen, and three moms. Having girl talk with these ladies was really the highlight of my day!
I am so grateful that these ladies and their sons were put in our life path. N really likes hanging out with the boys, B likes hanging out with their siblings, and we all just have a great time. I'm so sad baseball is over, but I'm so glad we can still have play dates. I suggested a slumber party in a couple of weeks, so we'll see how that goes! I haven't told N yet, but he will be so excited if it works out! Can I just say that I don't know how these other ladies do it? I am in awe of the choices they have made and the obstacles they face each day. I know everyone has stuff they deal with, but these two deal with the "stuff" and still laugh about it. It's so awesome and refreshing to meet such great, down-to-earth women.
THEN we came home. I threw a load of laundry in the washer, sorted a load out of the dryer, and made a quick dinner of chicken nuggets, peas, and red smashed potatoes. Thank you Target, for making little bags of new potatoes that steam in their own little bag. It makes just enough mashed potatoes for my little trio. The boys showered while I made dinner, and now they're giggling like crazy in their room playing Tron on Nintendo DS. It's one of the games they both have, so they link together and either work together (tense) or fight each other and crack up as they annihilate each other. So fun.
I got an email from B's teacher today, asking for volunteers for the Thanksgiving feast tomorrow because nobody has volunteered...so I'll be at school with a bunch of 1st graders for 2-3 hours tomorrow. Apparently, we're making a map of the pilgrims' voyage and how they went to the wrong place, but met Squanto so they could wear feathers on their heads and war paint. Oh, and he taught them about how to eat cactus. How, you ask? "Very carefully 'cause those spikes are tricky." Oh, the joy of 6 year-old brainpower...
Now it's 7:40 (OU still sucks), I've finished the homework I had slated for today, I'm about to toss the clothes in the dryer, and then I'm not sure what I'm going to do... How in the world did that happen?!
Aubs
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