Sunday, December 14, 2008

89 and still having fun!




On December 13th we had the honor of celebrating Michael's Grandmother's birthday. She is a feisty 89! My mother-in-law, Corleen, even came down from MN to join the party. The girls were in awe that anyone could get to be that old. Cristina was curious to know if Great-Nani would have her party at Chuck-E-Cheese. Obviously Cristina wanted to go and thought that Great-Nani would just love to take her! We were all thrilled when we saw a large cookie bouquet arrive on her doorstep. The cookies are HUGE and we can't wait to dig into them!

We bravely headed out to Coral Ridge Mall to visit Santa. Unfortunately it really was not the place to go for a relaxing afternoon. Since Christmas is less than two weeks away it was very crowded. Great-Nani was amused at watching the girls with Santa. Since we didn't learn from the over-crowded experience by Santa we ventured off to Target. As if that wasn't bad enough we went to the Toy section! After about 15 minutes of fighting through the crowds (with Grandma in a wheelchair) we decided to leave. Plus the Apples to Apples was sold out so it was a wasted trip.

After surviving the chaos at the mall we all went to Red Lobster for dinner. The girls really wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant. They wanted to see Great-Nani wear a big sombrero and sing in Spanish too her. Yet, they were happy with Red Lobster too because they always get to pet a lobster. They even put a coaster in the lobster's claw and crack up if he snaps at it. They have now been dubbed professional lobster handlers since neither one of them is afraid.

The really enjoyed eating crab legs! It is one of the few times they finish their entire meal with no coaxing from us. They enjoy their meal so much that it always makes me wish I had ordered the crab legs too. I think they would be great on a commercial for Red Lobster. Victoria had us laughing really hard when she used her crab claw as a fork! She was very animated and even gave the claw a voice. She was a bit upset when I finally made her crack it open to get the great crab meat out.

All in all we had a great time. We consider it an honor to be able to celebrate with Great-Nani. We look forward to many more years with her.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Roughing it

I'm not much of a camper. Ok, who am I kidding? I'm not a camper at all! I like the outdoors for about an hour, or however long it takes to roast a few marshmallows. I could do that EVERY weekend! Mmmmm I am a bit particular on how I like them so it takes quite a while. Oh, but it is worth it!! (Now I really want some!)


I'm sure my girls would love to go camping sometime. In order to give them a slight feel for what it would be like to rough it we camp out in the living room instead. Typically that is what we do on Friday nights. We eat supper in the living room, they each get to pick out a movie, later on in the evening we have popcorn. Lately the girls have created a tent using sheets and blankets and whatever else they can find to hang off of the chairs. Sometimes this can be a lengthy process and Daddy has to lend a hand!




Here we are getting cozy for the movie. In case you are curious I didn't sleep in the tent. I lasted about 10 min. Mainly because....well just because! It didn't matter because the girls loved it. They always look forward to FamilyFunNight and that is all that truly matters!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Mourning the loss....

Mid Oct 2008 - Nov 16, 2008
It is with a deep sigh that I post that Caty the Caterpillar Ciha is no longer with us. It was a sad day for all.

Cristina found Caty one afternoon while playing with a neighbor girl and Victoria. The three of them came running inside shrieking! So, I let them put Caty in our bug catcher. I didn't think we'd keep her. Yet, each day we were all amused by watching her get around the leaves and sticks we had in the cage. The girls would take turns trying to find fresh grass and leaves for her to eat.

Michael and I are not real 'pet' people despite his computer ID of CihaPet on most sites. I think the main problem is that he is a cat person and I'm a dog person. Regardless, neither one of us is willing to take on the responsibility and cost of a pet.

The girls would talk to her and stare at her every day. They even put a little skateboard for her to ride in her cage. Cristina even had the opportunity to take her to school last Friday. She was part of her show & tell. I think venturing outside to the first grade class was too much for her though. After that she didn't look so good. By Sunday night we knew she was gone. Cristina seemed ok at first until we buried her outside by our tree. Then she really lost it! Poor thing. I admit I even got a bit teary eyed myself.

So, goodbye Caty! As Cristina said (a day later) "Well now she is part of the dirt. She'll have more fun in there." I'm not sure about that but at least Cristina isn't bawling anymore!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Show & Tell Success!


Cristina was the Handy Helper for the week. She was able to be the line leader every time they left the classroom. She got to help Mrs. VanOtterloo by handing out papers. Plus, at lunch she got to sit with anyone in the classroom. She chose her friend Cayley Annis. The two of them together is funny to watch. They giggle like crazy!




Victoria was the Handy Helper last week but due to a 1/2 day on Friday she never got to sit with a special friend. She chose to sit with me! I was so honored and very surprised. When I asked her why she chose me she said "Mom, I love you!" Ok I could've cried right then and there but I held it together. It was the best meal I've ever had! Considering how icky the pizza was that is saying a LOT! :)



Another MAJOR highlight of Show & Tell Day was Megan Skouby, #44, UofIA Basketball player. She came to Heritage Christian School to surprise the girls. I was a wreck! It is hard to keep such a big secret. My girls had absolutely no idea! Typically, I volunteer at the school on Friday until lunch. Since Megan was coming I was there all day. Unfortunately I spent most of the day looking at my watch. Needless to say it made for a VERY long day. I think I was driving the school secretary nuts! Luckily she and I used to work together so she is used to my frantic side.

Cristina was in the midst of showing the class her stuffed cat, Tammy, when I walked in. Mrs. VanOtterloo told the class that Cristina had something else for Show & Tell that even she didn't know about. Of course all the kids were curious. So when Megan Skouby walked in Cristina and Victoria couldn't speak!! Cristina immediately started giggling quite nervously. Megan thought that was so cute. Cristina was able to sit on her lap and all she could do was giggle and giggle! I'm not sure if she breathed at all.

The class was able to ask her questions about the team, the position she plays, her eyebrow piercing (oh my!). The question that got all the "oohs and aahs" was when they found out she is 6'6" tall! They all chimed in and said "That's taller than Mrs. Van Otterloo and Miss Veenstra!" When their teacher mentioned that Megan is even taller that Mr. VanOtterloo they all shrieked! One boy, Caden, was so excited he exclaimed "I think I'm going to faint! This is the best Friday ever!!" Oh it was so adorable. They each got to give her High 5's when it was over. They loved jumping up to reach her hand.

Megan was so gracious and professional. Our time with her went by too quickly. I know I could have sat and listened to the kids silly questions for a while longer. Megan gave them each an autographed poster, a refrigerator magnet and a trading card with their basketball schedule. I was so impressed! I truly can't wait to go to another game! I think I'm more excited than my girls. If anyone ever wants to join us please let me know! We always have a blast. GO HAWKS!


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

WHERE was the video camera???

UGH! I'm never prepared when my daughters do funny things. This morning we had a few minutes before we had to leave for school. They were playing in the living room while I finished getting ready for work. I could hear them pretending to play basketball. In January, Victoria will be taking classes through the North Liberty Rec. Center for a few weeks. She is very excited about it! Anyway, I hear Cristina yell in an announcer type of voice "Here is your own Iowa player, at 10 feet tall, #44, Megan Skouuuuubbbbbyyy" So Victoria runs onto the court dribbling her imaginary basketball and shooting a few baskets. As I peek around the corner I see them switch places. Victoria becomes the announcer and says "Ok here is Iowa player at only 7 feet tall, #11, Kristi Smiiiiiiith" Cristina comes out doing fancy dribbling tricks and of course shoots a few.

I was laughing so hard! I tried not to ruin the show but we had to get to school. Oh I wish I could have recorded it or gotten some pictures. You'll just have to trust me it was VERY cute! I think I have created some basketball fans!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Mourning the loss......of FIVE fingernails!

UGH!!! Last week I broke 3 fingernails at the same time. I broke another one while shopping. Now I just broke another one. UGH! That makes FIVE!!! Now, in my normal, everyday, typical life this is hardly anything to blog about. My nails usually aren't long enough to break (much to my mother's dismay). For the past two or three months I have had very long and beautifully manicured nails. They were so long I stopped wearing my contact lenses. I had a hard time getting my lenses out. I received a LOT of compliments on my nails. Now they are breaking off one by one. (Or three, one and one) Is this a lesson in pride? In looking at outer beauty instead of the heart? Is this some cosmic punishment for thriving on many comments and compliments?




:)
Can you tell nothing too exciting happened today?

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Great Nani

People often ask me what I do. I work at Lemstone, I volunteer at Heritage Christian School, I am involved in MOPS. Yet, one of my primary jobs is to take care of Michael's grandmother (Great Nani). We go to K-mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Hy-Vee quite a bit. She is always quite generous and will take us out to eat in return. However, it began as a duty and something I felt I had to do because nobody else was available. When I first met her I doubt she liked me very much. The comments she made were not very flattering. It was difficult for me to be around her. Yet God is amazing because he has turned this into such a blessing for me and the girls. Not many children have a relationship with their great grandmother!





This is the girls at her house dressed up as Princesses for Halloween.




Obviously at times it is a bit exhausting yet the rewards are amazing. She has incredible stories to share of how things used to be in the good ole days. It makes me laugh whenever I ask her about when she dated. Sometimes she'll even blush as she recalls community dances and events. She gets a somewhat dreamy look in her eyes as if she can almost see the people she is describing. I think she enjoys telling me the same story over and over again. I don't mind because I love hearing about Michael's family.




This was taken at the Naibi Zoo in Moline, IL this past summer.




I wanted to post these pictures so that I can remember why I do what I do. It isn't always easy or convenient but it is always worth it! As a matter of fact, today I took her to McDonald's for breakfast. Since it was POURING rain she didn't want to get out of the car. Instead of getting frustrated we ate in the car. I wish I had a picture of that too! It was rather comical. I am glad we were able to finish my errands without getting soaked.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I'm NEVER washing my hand again!

This was the giggly shriek of my girls after the UofIA Women's Basketball game. The highlights, the score, the MVP...well none of that mattered. Even the ice cream we ate didn't seem to matter anymore. After the game, Michael, took them by the hall where all the players pass by on their way to the locker room. So they were able to give some gals a High 5. Their dream came true when they got to touch Megan Skouby's hand. I wish I had a picture of their faces because it was too cute! "Wow! I'm NEVER washing this hand again. Ever!!"

As if that wasn't enough to make their day the girls actually got to meet their idol Megan Skouby! It was actually quite by accident that we got to meet her. We were waiting for the elevator after the game. The line was huge so we decided to wait. After a bit, Megan came back out to the floor. My girls were speechless! They wanted to run up to her but they were both paralyzed. She was there to meet some other young gals. I finally coaxed me girls to go up to her. All they could do was smile. Even when asked if they enjoyed the game all they could do was giggle like crazy! Megan thought the girls were adorable. That made me giggle like crazy! If she only knew them like I do....and yes I'm kidding!

She and I will continue to chat on Facebook. She is a very sweet gal! Although I do feel bad for her team mates. If she isn't on the court my girls stop watching the game. Plus if she even looks hurt my girls become very upset. I know they are going to be upset when she graduates. For me it doesn't matter because I'm quickly becoming addicted to women's basketball. Megan will always be our personal MVP but we will probably always enjoy the game. If anyone ever wants to go to a game with us let me know. We have a blast!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Sweet Tunes

My daughter, Victoria, wasn't feeling too well in the car today. She asked me to sing to her but unfortunately my voice is really scratchy. I felt bad but just couldn't do it. So Cristina came to the rescue which actually shocked me! Unfortunately, Cristina is not typically the one filled with compassion. Yet she sang so sweetly tonight I wish I had the ability to record it. She sang songs she has learned at church and at chapel at school. Plus she sang some made up songs that I usually sing to them when they are sick. It was truly beautiful! By the time we got home both Victoria and I felt better!

Of course now I'm in bed completely exhausted. Yet as I think of that sweet music I can't help but smile again. It is no surprise that God loves it when we sing praises to Him. Music really has a way of bringing joy to the heart and health to our souls. I know He was smiling tonight too!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

UofIA Women's Basketball

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to go to the UofIA Women's Basketball games. The girls really enjoy the food and some of the game. It isn't too crowded so it is a safe environment for them. On a whim I looked up some of the players, on Facebook, and found Megan Skouby. She and I chatted for a bit. Cristina thinks that is SO COOL MOM! Yay, I'm a cool mom. I wonder how long that will last. Hopefully we will get pictures of the game tomorrow to post.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Dreams

I was thinking about dreams....or maybe I was dreaming about thinking. Hmmm...now I'm not so sure exactly how it goes. Oh yeah I remember now! Curious to know about your dreams. Ever since the MOPS Convention there are some things brewing within my heart. One of them is to write. I think that is why I'm loving to blog. No purpose, no agenda, just full liberty in the written word. Is anyone gifted in grammar? I am working on a writing project that requires serious review. I tend to type the way I talk and I'z don't alwayz speech so goodly. :) Anyone interested? You never know when I become rich and famous I may dedicate my first novel to you! Either that or I'll give you 20% off of my first book.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Look at your hair!

"Oh wow! Look at your hair!" That is the polite phrase my friend Lorrie uses whenever someone gets a haircut. It isn't a good comment or a bad one. So, you can't really tell if she likes it. But she is enthusiastic and smiling so it does build you up. She is GOOD! She's done it to me and I always feel great afterward even if I didn't like my haircut.

Today at work I had the same type of "Lorrie" smile and enthusiasm. A customer walked into Lemstone (the best Christian bookstore!), when she saw me she was so excited! She hugged me and for the life of me I had NO CLUE who she was. Her husband was smiling as she introduced me but I still couldn't place her. I quickly ran through my mental address book. I knew her voice but I couldn't remember her name. How embarrassing! After about 20 min. or so, I finally remembered her. Why didn't I just ask her what her name was at the beginning? Why go through all of that?

Ok...random thoughts in the middle of the week.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Pet Peeves

Oh since today is a cold Monday morning I'm in a growly mood. Nothing too dangerous just in a mood. I told Travis, I want to blame it on the weather, society, PMS, bad carma, my upbringing, basically anything that would take the responsibility off of me! Now, I know some of you post the famous "Not Me" list. Today I wanted to try something different. What are your pet peeves? Not the things that make you mad but just small things that can cause irritation. Give me your top 5

5. I don't like a messy calendar. I get upset when I have to erase something or heaven forbid cross it out. Once it is in there it should stay there!

4. I don't like giving up the remote control! So, I usually keep it. My favorite feature is the mute button since I don't like commercials. But if someone else has it and my show starts again they better have the sound back on QUICK!

3. I cannot handle loud voices or high pitched noises. It really grinds on my teeth. Similar to fingernails on a chalkboard.

2. Sponges are gross! We use washable dish towels now. They are small and I can wash them as often as I like. Otherwise sponges get so nasty and I would be buying them constantly.

1. I have a very sensitive nose so people with bad breath or B.O. really effect me. I have at times gagged before because the scent is so strong. This is also true with sweet smelling flowers and perfumes. I'm too sensitive (hehe I'm sure Michael would silently agree!) and I can't handle it.

This is quite therapeutic and I feel better now! Ok it is your turn now Kim and Travis

Saturday, October 25, 2008

It isn't fair!


I'm sure no mom has ever heard those words before! I was really under the belief that my innocent, God fearing, sweet girls would never utter these words. Surely life would always go their way and they'd never have reason to complain. Well I heard them come from my little girl and she was mad! Her exact quote "It isn't fair! Victoria gets everything!!! She gets to miss school, she gets a cast, she gets to have x-rays at the dentist, plus she leaves school early again! MOM, it isn't fair!"

Oh my life is so hard. It is true I allowed Victoria to leave school early when she fractured her elbow. I let her to go to the pediatrician, the ER and the Ortho clinic. I let her have a check-up, x-rays and a cast. I also gave the dental hygienist permission to give her x-rays and a fluoride treatment. Plus as if that wasn't enough on Wednesday I let Victoria leave school at 9 am. Of course she had thrown up twice but that doesn't matter. My ulterior motive is to make Cristina's life difficult.

Life isn't fair! Should I let her know that this is just the beginning?!! After all, big sisters usually get everything. My sister always stayed up later. She got to drive first, wear make up first, and date first. She even got to go to school in Mexico. I know my parents must have loved her more. I'm sure that is why this happened to me, right?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Loser mom moment

I had a loser mom moment recently. On Wednesday morning, Victoria woke up with a stomach ache. She didn't want any breakfast but of course I wanted her to eat a little something. I can't send her to school without breakfast, right? After a bit she perked up so, I dropped her and her sister off at school by 8:15 am. I came home and got ready for work. At 9 am I got a call from the school that Victoria has thrown up twice!

My friend, Terri, asked me if she'd eaten anything that may have caused it. Of course I said no because I wouldn't give her anything that would harm her. Well.....come to find out I unintentionally did. I keep cups of milk in the fridge for the girls. That way whenever they are thirsty they can get it themselves. Out of curiosity I took a sip of Victoria's milk. I almost gagged! Not sure how it happened but apparently she drank some sour milk. She never said it tasted bad!!!

So, my wisdom for moms...if your child has a stomach ache give them sour milk. That will purge their system! After all, Victoria was fine by 10:30 am so it must have worked. And yes I'm kidding!!! Lighten up people ;)

7 Things About Me

Ok I haven't a clue how to write a link so I'm not tagging anyone else. By now all of you know the rules so I'm taking the short cut and not posting those either.

1. I love powdered donuts and popcorn. Although not at the same time. I could easily finish a box of donuts by myself or a bag of popcorn. I'll share but in very limited quantities.

2. I actually think I sing well. Too bad the acoustics are altered whenever someone else is nearby. If you could hear what I hear you'd be really impressed too!

3. I'm not sure how it started but our girls like making us breakfast in bed on Saturdays. I'm such a good mom that I let them! I also like letting my husband help them if needed.

4. I'm a rule follower. Usually I don't speed. I'd never go in the 10 items or less line at the grocery store if I had 11 items.

5. I can't stand shopping! Unless it is a book store I truly don't see the joy in walking the mall and window shop. It has to have a purpose and it better be quick.

6. I love to read a good mystery. The only bad thing is that once I start I have to finish it asap! It drives me nuts not to know the ending. I've gone without sleep just so I can finish a book.

7. I Love Lucy and The Flintstone's are my top two favorite shows that I grew up watching and I still watch! I have both shows Season 1 DVDs.

I'm drowning!

Yikes! I'm drowning in a sea of Facebook friend requests, blog updates, regular emails and life in general. Help!!! Ok so I'm slightly exaggerating but my oh my. "Back in the day" of bbs life (which was about 15 years ago) I could carry on conversations with about 20 or more people and had no problem. I could post, talk and even eat a snack. Now I don't even understand half of the requests I'm getting. I have people writing on my wall, tagging me, and requesting to be my friend. Plus they keep multiplying at a VERY rapid rate.

I was quite excited the other day when I posted a picture hehehe Let me just say it is a sad day when my own husband requests to be my friend on Facebook and I'm not even sure what to do next. Of course, the obvious question is 'Do I want him as a friend?" mwahahaha Oh and now I get a 'relationship request' YIKES! At least it is from Michael!

I've been trying to limit my computer time but it isn't working. When we had dial-up it would take me forever to do something but that was only one or two tasks at a time. Now I'm on high speed but all that means is that I'm losing track of things faster than before. Does this ever end? I keep hearing how much fun this is supposed to be but I'm not getting that loving feeling.

Is this what happens when one gets old? Although according to a dear friend of mine "You know you are old when you become a middle school service project!" hahaha So I still have a few years left before that happens.

Seriously though I feel like I have taken a seven year break on computer games, lingo and such. So now I'm feeling overwhelmed. So if you tag me and I don't respond you'll know why. My biggest concern is that I'll be really addicted. Housework, family time, basic real life things are already taking a back seat. Where does one sign up for self-control? Could I set up a timer that would kick me offline?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The sweetest thing...


Sounds odd to say but truly my heart is aflutter...is that even a word? I'm sure some school teachers will catch me on that one! But, I am having such a 'mom' moment and I can't stop smiling!

My 7 year old daughter, Victoria, has not really enjoyed reading. She'll do it but it is not one of her favorite things at all. She gets frustrated and gives up easily. I wish she could see the MAJOR improvements I've witnessed over the last few months. Anyway, yesterday morning she read a few parts from our devotional book at breakfast. Plus she joyfully read the prayer at the end. Her smile was amazing! She didn't get every word 100% right yet I could tell she loved reading it. I was speechless at first. Proud and thankful because God was so visible to me in that brief moment. (Oh and did you noticed I posted a picture!?? Whee! hehehehe)

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Tutor needed!

Help!
Wow...first time I've blogged two days in a row. Is this going to be my new addiction? Should I be concerned? Is this a result of having high speed? On dial up I never even considered blogging but now......hehehehe!
I do need help though. I know how to post and change some basic colors but that is about it. I want to post pictures, add Scripture and MAYBE get fancy and add music. Anyone up to the task? Let me know!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

5 Things I Hate To Admit

I've been tagged! Thanks Travis! Now I have to bare my soul via this blog? YIKES! 5 things, eh? Well hmmm.....I suppose confession is good for the soul.
Ok #5 - I'm a TV addict. When Without a Trace, Cold Case, Law & Order or the Amazing Race is on I purposely don't answer the phone. My kids better not have a need during that time either. I get very....shall we say...not nice. I don't like missing the opening scenes of any of those shows. I've (somewhat gently) tossed my kids a granola bar so I don't have to actually MAKE them something to eat during that time.
#4 - Clean freaks scare me! Yet some of them are my dearest friends. Sort of a contradiction. I'm FAR from a clean freak. Instead of cleaning a bit at a time I let it go until I get too overwhelmed and then I do nothing. Usually it takes company to come over before I'll actually clean. But then I get irritated at myself and anyone else nearby for letting it get so out of hand. So why do neat freaks scare me? Should be obvious I suppose. But it is because even when my home is clean I know it could be better. I am paranoid I'll be judged or criticized. Or worse they'll want to help. Usually they have far more energy than I do. :)
#3 - I can't stand being late! I don't speed (usually) but I race around the house and barking out orders. On school days I'm sure I've made my girls crazy getting out the door. On church days I'm sure if anyone eavesdropped I sound like a lunatic! Is it worth it? Obviously not but how does one break this habit?
#2 - hehehe Many times I've eavesdropped on conversations in Spanish. I admit I'm nosey. Every once in a while I freak them out by saying something in Spanish much later. Hehe

OK I gotta take a breath here...

#1 - ok the hardest one of all. I hate to admit that when I saw the movie Fireproof tonight (EXCELLENT movie!! A must see) I wanted to be the wife. A victim of her husbands selfish behavior. I wanted my husband to relate to the husband's character. To point out how I have felt sometimes. Well God doesn't usually work like that, right?! As the movie progressed and lost myself in the dialogue and the scenes I realized I'm selfish. I'm the one who has kept a score card. I keep saying I'm not doing that but I know down deep I am. I know I need to take The Love Dare. But, I also hate to admit that I don't want to! I want the results without the work. I'm sure nobody can relate to that.

ok that's enough therapy for one night

Friday, October 17, 2008

Hubby posts again!

High Speed, Routers and blogs... OH MY!
OK, I had to sneak in again...
Well, I've been digging myself out of the avalanche of contacts and stuff over on Facebook. Thanks Carlos for the invite.
Anyone who has known me over the years knows that I have always kept as distant as possible when it comes to anything political. I've always had a bit off an "activist" attitude about the few things I was passionate about, but recently, I dunno, seems like ever since I turned 40, something has been unleashed in me. I've always 'wrote to my representatives', but now I'm writing them, and others, a LOT more. I've even dedicated one of my blogs to 'all things politics'. Oh, I'm not some crafty commentator or analyst (Stephanopoulos can sleep at nights on that one I guess). I mostly post the things that I get in my email that relate to the "issues at hand".
But to the first two items on this entry... We are now on day 3 of having high speed internet. It was so EASY to set up the cable modem. Man, save yourself a few bucks when you sign up for high speed, have them send you the "do-it-yourself" kit. If you can read, you can set up your system. I think even my wife could have done it!
Up to this point, I'd been relying on open wireless connections from various neighbors to get online at home with my laptop from work. But that has been getting progressively harder to do as more secure their wireless and others are just too far away to connect. So, yesterday, a wireless router I ordered came in and I set that up as well. It was about 1 am before I headed off to bed. No, it wasn't that hard, it was actually easier than the cable modem. But we had gotten home late, had to do the 'bed time routines' while Marcie was on a conference call and occupying the computer/high speed internet. So I used my work laptop to do the things I had to do. When Marcie FINALLY came down, I went up to install the wireless router and finish up a few other items in the office. Hence 1am bed time. Nevermind that I had committed to going to the Friday morning prayer @ 6 am!!!
And then I wonder why I don't have a lot of energy at work? OH MY...

Michael out...

Thursday, October 16, 2008

One dream come true....

One of my dreams has finally come true! We FINALLY have high speed internet at my house! Hooray! On dial up I could open up a file with an attachment, go make a sandwich, come back and it would still be loading. Some days I could even eat the sandwich, clean up, come back and it would still be loading. Now on high speed it is FAAAAAAAAST! So, no more snacks for me which could be a good thing.

I have been warned that now that I've crossed over I can never go back. I've already told my husband that I'd request more hours at work to pay for it if I had to because I'm never going back! He's fairly amused. I'm like a little kid with a new toy.

Hopefully I'll soon learn how to put pictures and music and such on here. But for now I'm having too much fun checking out sites I couldn't view before. As a matter of fact I JUST learned that my friend Travis' blog has music. Before, on dial up, I kept hearing something but didn't even realize it was supposed to be a real song!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Hubby posts one...

OK, Marcie is away at her MOPS convention so I thought I'd help her kick this thing off finally. ;-)
As any MOPS family knows, now through Sunday is the time when Mom gets to go off and play while Dad stays home and plays 'Single Dad'.
The last week has been interesting. Marcie fretting about what she was going to talk about for her presentation she will make, what to pack, which suitcase(s) to use, will she have enough room to shop at the MOPShop, will there be enough room for books, will her suitcase weigh too much for the trip home, how much will she have to pay for over weight baggage, etc...
But we finally got her packed last night and she went to bed around 10:00pm I think it was.
She then got up around 3:00am (I think) and took the little car up to Cedar Rapids and parked in long-term parking as we had planned. She then called and left a message at work to tell me (sort of) where she parked so I could find it when I went to get the car home again.
This morning went well, but I was concerned when Cristina woke up early, made a beeline for our bedroom and proceeded to cry because she missed mommy. ACK! Mommy hadn't been gone for more than 3 hours and our baby was having separation issues! I wasn't sure I could cope with this already! I held her and reassured her that this time would go quickly enough.
Luckily I've done this stint before so I am not completely lost when it comes to getting the girls to school.
I got them up, dressed, fed, lunches packed, teeth brushed, hair brushed, back packs packed and then dropped off at school.
After school they went to the Buser's house until I got off work.
From there, we came home, waited for David to come over so he could come with us to go get the car.
After we got up to the airport and found the car, it wasn't so hard to find after all, all four of us went to the A&W and had supper, my treat.
We came home, David went home, the girls got their PJs on, we read stories, said prayers and off to bed they went.
So now, I'm watching my Bug Bunny DVDs while doing some computer work and writing on my wife's blog. It only took me 4 tries to remember her password!
So, now those of you who want something more on Marcie's blog to read, here you go.
Now it will be her turn to crank something out. Who knows, maybe with pictures?
That may depend on how soon I get us set up with high speed. :-/

God bless to all and to all a good night!

Friday, August 15, 2008

And we're off....

Ok so here it is...my first post
Exciting, isn't it? Hopefully things will pick up as I learn more and more.
No big announcements right now other than school starts on Monday! The girls are sort-of excited. They miss their friends but love playing all day. It will be difficult for all of us to enter the routine that school demands.
The other big thing is that I begin working at Lemstone Books at CoralRidge Mall on Wed. Aug 20th. You can look for me there every Monday and Wednesday morning during school hours. So stop by and say hi!