Counting down the minutes...

Mike and Kaia return today. It's been a LONG two weeks. I can't wait to see all the pictures and hear more about what they did. I know, however, that though they both had tons of fun, they are looking forward to being home as much as I am looking forward to seeing them!

I didn't finish everything on my list of house cleaning stuff. But I got damn close. The living room, kitchen, and dining room look clear and clean. The bathroom is spotless and beautiful, and our bedroom is...well, passable. It's the only full room I didn't finish. The only other place I didn't get to is our dining room storage closet, but I am hoping Mike and I can do that together this week.

My home feels so nice to be in. Without the TV, the living room feels more serene. there is a large amount of floor space for Kaia to spread out on when she plays, and the bookshelves are no longer spilling over with junk. Kaia still has her area on one of the shelves for odds and ends, and there is a basket of paperwork on the kitchen counter that I need to go through. I didn't get the kitchen cupboards cleaned out, but that's a job that can wait. I moved the toy kitchen that has plagued Mike with it's placement into a less walked through area, and moved the bookshelf that was in our room downstairs. (well, actually, John and Andrea moved those, but you get what I mean) I put a hook rack on the wall in our room where we are always wanting to hang things, so the clothes won't end up on the floor anymore. (well, John put the rack there. sheesh, people, get all technical on me!)

(thanks again, John and Andrea, your help was what made this surprise possible!)

I have made fresh bread and a sour cream apple pie for their return, and stew is on the stove for dinner. Presents for Kaia's birthday await her, and the house has been aired out and freshly vacuumed.

I am ready for my family to return to me.

"just sitting"

Last night Andrea and I got together for some "us" time.

First we went to the store so she could look for a sweatshirt, as it had started raining. She didn't find one, but she did find a pair of jeans, and I found a tank top. It was nice to just be able to wander the aisles a bit, not worrying about kids getting bored or asking for stuff.

We were going to go out for Chinese, but the place we like is closed, the owners on vacation. I swear, didn't they think of US!?!? ;-) We ended up going to a semi-new place and then had the luxury of taking our time figuring out what we wanted. Andrea decided to get a drink, though she was worried about the price. It had salt around the edges, and she found a sliver of glass in it! She ended up getting that drink plus another for free! :-)

After dinner, stuffed to the gills, we came back to my house and just sat and talked for a good 2 or 3 hours. At one point we made ourselves ice cream sundaes, but mostly we just vegged on the couch.

We talked about people, religion, kids, all sorts of stuff. It was awesome to be able to gab along not worrying about interruptions from husbands or children. (not that our husbands interrupt often....) I love getting together with all our kids and menfolk, but getting back to just us two is important to do occasionally!

Thank you, Andrea, for being one of the most special people in my life. These 3 years that we've been in the same region again have been wonderful. Here's to another 21 years!

Baby Dreams

Had two dreams about the baby last night....

In the first dream, we hadn't thought of a name yet when he was born. I was really worried about it, and was driving in the car with Michael discussing possibilities. All of a sudden, I knew the perfect name! COBALT! I excitedly told Mike, and he agreed it was the best name. I decided we could call the baby Coby for short, and he agreed that was a wonderful name.

In the second dream, I hadn't seen the baby since he was born, but had left the hospital for some reason. It was a few days after his birth, and I was waiting for him to come home. I was sitting in a car (cars were in both dreams...odd) and my dad was going to bring my son home to me, so I was looking for his blue truck. It suddenly appeared, and I could easily see inside to the car seat that my son was in. My son looked out at me, and grinned really big. I knew he recognized his Mama, and was as happy to see me as I was to see him.

Blah. and more Blah.

I am SO looking forward to tomorrow. Two weeks is too long to be without my family. Also, haven't been able to sleep very well, all my joints ache, especially my pelvis. Having only two positions to sleep in is not okay.

This morning, after bad dreams kept waking me up, a bird hit my window, scaring the shit out of me. That was at 7, so I just got up. I am still exhausted, even after sleeping after work, then going to bed early.

Okay, okay, enough bitching. I have to figure out if I'm going over to Andrea's tonight...I need to go grocery shopping, so I may do that. That way tomorrow I can finish up things around the house before Mike and Kaia get home. I'm also making a sour cream apple pie for them as a surprise. Need to figure out what to have for dinner though....something that doesn't have to be served at a specific time...

More house cleaning project pictures

Before and After shots of front closet.....

More Before and After shots of front closet.....

Here is a picture I meant to post yesterday, but forgot. This is another view of my living room now. I unfortunately don't have a Before...not sure why!

Stage Two Pictures

Here is the Before and After of one of the bookshelves. I just look around and grin.

And the Before and After of one of the walls in my living room. I moved Kaia's toy kitchen into the living room because Mike HATED it where it was. I can't wait for them to get home! He's going to be so surprised!! :-)

More to come.....

Flylady.net--not about insects!

Yes, another effort at keeping my house clean...this time I've joined an online thing.
http://www.flylady.net/index.asp
You get an email each day telling you what your task is during the first month, taking Baby Steps! It helps you set a routine up that works for you, and helps you keep it.

Wish me luck!

yay! I think..need to check and make sure...

I forgot the paper to read thoroughly, and to call for details, but I THINK I won something...a $100 sitting session at a local portrait company, and a $100 wall portrait. Don't worry, I will be looking into it to make sure it's actually free, and there's nothing else I'd have to pay. Not that they won't try to talk me into paying more, I know. Anyway, here is a crudely drawn idea of what I would get.

Water!

went to water aerobics this morning! I was waffling about it when I woke up, but kicked myself in the ass and made myself go. I was the youngest one there by a couple of decades, but everyone was really nice, and I figured that at least their age meant we were at the same fitness level!

I'm going to go twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays. I'd like to go more, but oh well. Twice is so much better than nothing!

See This Movie!

I just got back from watching Knocked Up.

Awesome movie. One of the best I've seen in a while. Funny as hell, but also very moving.

Also, just cause squeaky clean newborns in movies are one of my pet peeves, I have to say they did a good job with the birth scene. Sweaty screaming mother, messy baby. Not a few little grunts and then a 6 month old bright eyed baby to hold. thumbs up just for that.

It's just all over a wonderful movie. Go see it.

Stage One Pictures

My house cleaning project is going wonderfully! Here is the first load that went to Goodwill, and there are already 3-4 more bags being filled! Andrea and John came over yesterday to help, and did SO MUCH, I can't thank them enough! The living room isn't QUITE ready for pictures yet, hopefully by tonight it will be.

Here is my laundry closet after I organized it. It doesn't look like much I know, and didn't take long, but it's something. The green garbage can isn't there anymore, I replaced it with a smaller white one from my bathroom, replacing THAT one with another one I had.

Here is part of my dining room BEFORE. The shelf that is in this picture is now in the living room with two others.

And here is AFTER. Much better, yes? Still not perfect, but it's much easier to breathe in there now.

Please keep in mind that I took these with Kaia's $70 digital camera, instead of my much better one, so the pictures aren't the highest quality, to say the least. But they get the idea across.

Even MORE about me!

001.Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
most certainly!

002. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them?
no, I don’t think so…I had a pair of jeans with holes in the knees, but finally gave up on them.

003. What are you dreading right now?
having the person I am currently on hold with tell me that they can’t do what I want, and the last 30 minutes 22 seconds and counting have been wasted.

004. Do you celebrate 4/20?:
the date? No…or is this supposed to say 4:20? Like the pot smoking time? In that case, well, the answer is still no…

005. Favorite country singer?
I don’t have any favorite singer in any genre. Country music isn’t one of my favorite genres, either, though I like some.

006. What face cleanser do you use?:
Mary Kay.

007. When was your last doctors visit?:
May 30th.

008. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep?:
I TRY, yes…

009. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?:
To get ME ready? Or me and Kaia? Just me, about 15-20 minutes. With Kaia, 20-40.

010. "First Loves Are Never Over" is this true for you?
(laughing outloud) no. no.

011. Think of all your exes - what about them?
Jason- wonder what he’s up to…haven’t seen him since 9th grade.
Steve- my first foray into white trash men. Blech.
Abe- good times. Glad I had them. Glad they’re over.
Elijah- second and last foray into white trash dating. Sheesh. I learned, oh man, did I learn.
Matt- cured me for GOOD of dating jealous guys.
(I’m stuck. Does “ex” include people I just had sex with, or just ones I called “my boyfriend”? We’ll go with option 2. And in that case, we are done!)

12. If anyone came over to your house on one of your "lazy days" would you go get ready real quick?:
I’m assuming you mean people I know and love, since who else would show up unannounced? And no..they love me, remember? And more importantly, they know me, remember?

013. Does your school have tornado drills:
It did not.

014. Have you ever been on your schools track team?:no. no no no no! No team sports for me. *shudder*

015. Do you own a pair of Converse?:
I did in 4th grade. Not since.

016. Who did you cut and paste this survey from? :
http://princessdarcy.spaces.live.com/

017. Do you eat raw cookie dough?:
I LOVE raw cookie dough! I don't care about the raw eggs and possible food poisoning! I LOVE raw cookie dough... preferably frozen!

018. What color shirt are you wearing?
maroon.

019. What did you do for your last birthday?
had Chinese takeout with my parents and Andrea’s family and watched them drink wine. Not what I had planned pre-pregnancy, but was a good time.

020. What time did you wake up today?
7:40am

021. What were you doing 3 nights ago?
Monday night…hmmm…oh! Cleaned my laundry closet and had a small but good visit with Dana.

022. Last time you saw your mom?See 19.
End of May.

023. Do you like having your hair pulled?
ummmm. No. there are people who answer yes to this?

024. Are you cocky?:
I don’t believe so.

025. Shortest relationship?:
Define “relationship”.

026. Longest relationship?
30 years. My mother-daughter relationship between my mom and me. Oh, that’s not what you meant? Sorry.

027. How many boyfriends/girlfriends have told you they love you?
3? 4? Not sure…

028. Last gift you received?:
nail polish and lip gloss from Heather for going to a mary Kay thing.

029. Biggest lie you have ever told?:
Not sure.

030. Could you live without a computer?:
well, yes, of course I wouldn’t DIE. I wouldn’t enjoy it though.

031. Do you wear shoes in your house?:
not if I can help it. Makes me feel confined.

032. When you watch movies at home, do you turn the lights off?
well, yes!

033. Ever been given an engagement ring?:
twice.

034. Ever dropped your cell phone?:
there are people who answer “no” to this? They are liars.

035. What do you do when you're sad?:
sleep.

036. Who would you call first if you won the lottery?
my mom. Andrea…Kathy…Tania…

037. When was the last time you saw your best friend?
Umm…Last week? I think.

038. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
this is an ambiguous question. Physical? Mental? Possible? If it’s anything, I would want more energy on a day to day basis.

039. What is your favorite month?:
any month in full summer.

040. What sleeps with you every night?
my unborn son. He’s a “who” though isn’t he? So I guess…my pillows, blanket and mattress.

041. How many times have you been pulled over?
This year? None, though I was in the car when Mike was. In my life? 3-6.

043.Who is the last person you texted?
let me check my phone…..Michael. To ask him to pick up Kaia cause I was on the phone at work.

044. What is your favorite dessert?
favorite? You are asking me to pick a favorite?!? This is DESSERT we are talking about! There’s ice cream and cake, and fudge…crème brulee, chocolate chip cookie dough….the list goes on.

045. Is anyone on your bad side right now?
Customer care at the company I am working for.

046. What jewelry are you wearing?
a necklace with multi colored beads, my wedding ring, and my nose stud.

047. What's the first thing you do when you get online?:
check email and sign on to MSN Messenger.

048. When was the last time you worked out?:
ugh, don’t ask me that. The NEXT time is this coming Monday. So there.

049. Do you watch Grey's Anatomy?
no.

050. How do most people spell your name?:
Do they know me? If so, I hope correctly…if they don’t know me, sometimes they only put in one ell.

051. Do you wear your boyfriend/girlfriends clothes?
yes, don’t tell my husband. ;-)052. Do you watch pro sports on TV?god no.

053. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?:
waiting on hold for customer care to help me do something only to have them tell me they couldn’t.

054. What was the first movie that gave you nightmares?
Child’s Play. nasty little doll demon.

055. What is in your cd player?
Here at work? Shakira, Pink Martini, and Gnarles Barkley.

056. Name one person that made you smile today?
Briana at the school I want my daughter to go to. She called and told me Kai is accepted.

057. What were you doing around 8 am this morning?:
blearily making a German pancake and coffee.

058. Do you know anyone who was born in the United States?:umm..yes….most of the people I know were. I take it this survey started in Canada. I also know 2 people who were born there!

059. Favorite name(s) for a girl:
Kaia. Was stuck on another one, so good thing I’m having a boy.

060. Will you keep your last name when you get married?:
I did not. Either time. See post on that below.

061. Your favorite restaurant you don't get to eat at much?:
Sunrise Bagels…not really a “restaurant” but I LOVE the Italian Eggel there….mmmmm….

062: Favorite boy names:
Ben, so far. I love Jaxon, but doesn’t go well with having a husband named Michael.

063. Do you buy your own school supplies?
I love school supplies, just like Darcy, who I took this survey from! I, too, don’t go to school, so call them “planning supplies” for various projects.

064. Do you already have your school supplies?:
I have lots. But no school as of yet.

065. How often do you wash clothes?
All my laundry gets washed on the weekend. Sometimes I do a load or two during the week.

066. How do you eat your steak?:
with a fork, usually. And mashed potatoes, if I am lucky. Ooo!! Horse radish sauce, too. (medium rare)

067. What is the farthest point North you've been?
The south part of Alaska.

068. How do you get to work?
I drive.

069. If you heard your phone ringing right now, who do you expect it to be?
Mike or my mom. Possibly Andrea.

070. What do you hear?:
Pink Martini on the cd player….the computers humming. Me typing.

071. Would you survive in prison?:
I think so. I wouldn’t be very healthy when I came out, and the experience would be horrible, but I wouldn’t let it KILL me. My gosh.

072. Who was the last person you messaged on Facebook?
no one. Don’t have Facebook.

073. Do you get along with your co-workers?
Yes, I do.

074. When was the last time you said I love you, and meant it?
when I left a message for Mike to call me.

075. What song is playing right now?
Not sure what it’s called. Also, it’s in French, which I don’t speak.

076. If all of your friends were going on a road trip, who would most likely over pack the most?:
depends on where we were going.

077. Do you know anyone with the same name as you?
Not anymore. Every once in a while I meet someone though.

078. When was the last time you went clubbing?
Can’t remember.

079. What was the weather like today?
Sunny and hot! Just the way I like it.

080. What is the next holiday you have off?
ummm...none I can think of…I stop working before any more…oh! 4th of July maybe! John is a bit crazy on the 4th, so we may be closed then. Or the day after. Can’t remember last year.

081. When was the last movie you saw?:
ooo….I should know this…let’s see…oh! Shrek 3!

082. What's for dinner?
no clue. Cooking for one is something I do not excel at.

083. Whats the last thing you purchased?
Milk. And sour cream…..various other groceries.

084. What's your favorite gardening tool?
my really cool metal watering can. And an old claw shaped thingy for loosening dirt.

085. Where is your cell phone?
On the desk in front of me.

086. Is your phone on vibrate or ring most?
Ring.

087. Describe your Underwear?
non-existant.

088. How did your first pet die?
first? That would be…Buffy the dog maybe? Or one of several hamsters? I don’t know.

089. Did you have breakfast this morning?
Yes, I answered that above.

090. What's on your agenda for tonight?
Clean, then reward myself with watching a movie.

091. Who knows you the best?
My husband.

092. What brand is your digital camera?:
Nikon.

093. Do you smoke?:
Absolutely not.

094. Are you ticklish?:
Yes. But ask anyone who knows me before you do, they will tell you NOT TO UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I go into survival mode and will hurt you.

095. Last person to text you?:
Michael, saying he would pick up Kaia.

096. What song describes your love life at the moment?
I can never answer these sort of questions. Anything about real love…meaning there’s some bad, but it’s mostly wonderful.

097. Do you own expensive perfume?:
nope. All perfume turns into Old Lady Avon perfume on me, so there’s no point in me spending the money on it.

098. On average, how much do your bar shirts cost?
what are bar shirts? Shirts I wear to the bar? Seems an odd way to put it if so…

099. Are you taking college classes?I will be in a year or two.

100. Would you rather sleep alone or with someone?
with someone, but I wish that “someone” didn’t snore. Also sleeping with my daughter is more fun than I let her know.

slacker! that's me...

On Tuesday I went to a Mary Kay class thingy with Heather. She is certifying, or something, and needed people at the class, so I got a pedicure and mini-facial. Had a good time after too, stayed for dinner at Heather's (yum!) and visited. As a gift for going, she gave me a lip gloss and a nail polish, both of them in awesome colors.

On Wednesday, I went over to Amanda's after work for dinner and a laze. Both were quite satisfying. We watched TV, something I can't, now by choice, do at home, but is nice to do occasionally at other people's houses. Saw a Rachel Ray show, finally. I like her, I want a RR cookbook now! :-) Watched some celebrity news and a Planet Earth show too. All in all, a very nice relaxing evening.

However. My house cleaning plans were shunted to the side for all that, so NO MORE visiting until I am caught up! Tonight I need to finish the dishes, and work on the kitchen. If I finish with that in a decent amount of time I can finish the living room too. Not much to do in there until I get the new stuff and out with the entertainment center, but can do some.

I am not allowed to do any scrap booking or visiting until my list is at least half done. There are 17 items on my To-Do list and only two have been crossed off. Wish me luck, and more importantly, energy!

My first name is ME...my last name? depends on the year...

Over at The Parenting Post (a link to which I will add when I overdue-ly update my blog list over on the left) Damomma talks about her reluctance to give up her maiden name officially, though she gladly took her married name vocally. Got me thinking...

First, some stories of people I know....

When Andrea got married, she didn't take John's name. 6 years later, she changed her mind, and as a gift to him, changed both her and their daughter's name to his last name, matching his and their son's last name. She and her dad don't get along extremely well, so I hadn't really understood why she hadn't changed her name before, other than she simply liked it, which is a completely valid reason, but it didn't really matter to me, it was her choice, and the only time it was confusing was when I was addressing an envelope to them (which happened maybe...once? twice?) and couldn't figure out how to do it and not take up the whole front of the envelope. I thought it was a nice gift when she did change her name simply because I knew he would be pleased, which he was.

My sister couldn't wait to change her name. For some reason, my mom hyphenated her maiden name and my brother and sister's dad's last name and gave that to my siblings. They've never liked having a hyphenated last name, and so my sister didn't hesitate to change her name to her married name as soon as possible. I think her married name along with her first name is one of the cutest names ever, so I was happy with her choice. (Not that my opinion mattered in the slightest, nor should it.)

So on to me.

When I was born, my mom and biological father were married. My name was Della G-1 (keep track, this will get complicated) I kept that name legally even after the divorce, but I think I went by something else, because I can't remember writing Della G-1 on any of my schoolwork. I might have gone by Della L. (her maiden name), which I also went by later. Anyway, in 4th grade, my mother found out that even though my biological dad wasn't anything close to an upstanding citizen, that if he so chose he could come to my school at any time and take me, even though custody was hers, and he was violent. He could take me, simply because by our matching last name, he could prove he was my father.

My step dad at the time, Don, who I now consider "Dad" and my mom had been considering having him adopt me legally anyway, and so they pushed that through, to keep me from being kidnapped. So my name became Della T.

That it stayed until 10th grade, when we moved, and I noticed that on the enrollment forms for my new school it had a separate field for "legal name" and "name you wish to be called". At that time I wasn't getting along well with my step dad, so asked if I could go by something other than Della T. My mom figured it was no big deal ( I guess. If she had reservations, I don't remember her telling me them) so I went (back?) to Della L. (her maiden name) (keeping track? That's the 4th last name change.)

After I had to drop out of school because I was sick, and then came back, I had decided going by anything other than my legal name was stupid, so when I re-enrolled, I just put "Della T." on the form, and became that again.

At 19 I got married. And became Della C. with no hesitation. My last name had been a fluid thing. It wasn't connected to my identity in any way. It was fun, actually, to change my name as easily, almost, as my appearance. I could become someone else, now someone MARRIED! How fun!

When I got divorced, it seemed silly to go back to Della T. Della C. was easier to write, and I didn't regret the marriage (or the divorce, but I'm contradictory like that).

Later, I met Mike. When we got married, it would have seemed wrong to keep my first married name with my second husband, so again, without hesitation, I changed to Della G-2. I feel connected to my husband that way, and my children will carry on his name as well. If it is a part of "me" and an essential part of my identity, however, is debatable. Ask me again when I've had it longer than any of my other last names. ( I think I was Della C. the longest....6 years. Wait...no, Della T. is tied, unless you don't count the 2 years I was Della L. in high school, then Della T. wins. whatever.)

Maybe when Kaia gets married, she will have doubts about losing her last name. It will be who she has been her whole life, and her connection with her daddy is much stronger than mine is even with my step dad, though I call him dad and think of him as my father. Kaia and her dad, however, have been together her whole life. He is her Hero. It will be interesting to see what she decides.

I miss you too, dear.

I talked to Kaia on the phone today. About 3 minutes into it, she asked me to please be on the OTHER phone.

"what other phone?" I asked.

"Daddy's phone! Instead of this one!" (I had called their land line)

"No, sweetheart, we need to talk on this one"

"MO-Om! I don't want to! I want to talk on the other one!"

I think she felt hindered by the cord.

Then she asked to talk to Casey, my co-worker.

"Casey's not here, hon."

"Well, is there ANYONE else there for me to talk to?"

"no...but I want to talk to you!"

big sigh from her. I guess I just don't rate as an exciting phone partner.

cleaning surprises and tomatoes

Mike and Kaia got to his grandparents safe and sound. His mom was there too, and they got in a good visit before bedtime. Kaia is having a blast already, and I am so excited she has this time with them.

I am starting my plan to get the house in tip-top shape before their return. Since Mike doesn't read this blog even when he does have Internet access, I am safe in recording my progress here even though it's a surprise for him.

Last night I completed my first project, cleaning and organizing the laundry closet. Tonight I am going to a Mary Kay thing, so won't have as much time, but I think I need to put the scrap booking on hold ( I got one side of a 2 page spread done last night) until I get the cleaning done. I really want Mike to come home to a clean, cleared out house. John and Casey are helping me do a few things on Saturday too....Can't wait!

I remembered I have my daughter's camera, so took an "after" picture of the laundry closet. I'm going to take some "before" pictures tonight of everything else!

Dana let me use her camera to take a picture of my first tomato!!! After she sends it, I'll post it, I'm so excited!

percolating thoughts....

Thinking through a post about Bratz for later...it will still end up being fairly rambley...but here are two examples of how I am trying to brainwash my daughter (both of these took a surprisingly small amount of time to beat into her! I suggest the cat o' nine tails...worked for us....)

"Kaia, what are you going to do before you get married and have kids?"
"Go to college!"
"Good girl"

"Kaia, what is more important than being pretty?"
"Being nice!"
"That's my awesome girl"

The first one might be slightly hampered by the fact that she is well aware that neither her father nor I went to college before we were married or she was in the world, and we both turned out fine. I hope the brainwashing runs deeper than logic. ;-)

Turning Six!

Today was Kaia’s 6th birthday party! There were about 10 kids there, and we held the party at a local park. I was a little concerned that it would rain, and though the clouds hovered over us all day, nary a drop fell! The kids didn’t care that it wasn’t bright and sunny, they had a blast playing at the playground and building their own ice cream sundaes. As usual, I overestimated the amount of supplies needed….we will be eating ice cream sundaes for a looong time…..
After the sundaes, the kids all circled ‘round the piñata and pulled the ribbons. out cascaded the innards (with a little help) and the kids fell to their knees collecting the candy and toys (again, I went a little overboard).
Time for presents! Kaia tore open her gifts, long past the days that she needed help with the ribbons and paper. She received a whole set of tiny My Little Ponies, which were the first things she played with when we got home! She also got some Bratz dolls – ugh! One wasn’t too bad, a doll and horse set that I’m sure she’ll love to play with. The other one however…typical of Bratz dolls, the surfer slut doll has more makeup than your average drag queen, and a teeny bikini. Ah well. I can’t choose her toys forever. We will be having a discussion about why that’s not appropriate when it’s opened (mom is such a spoil sport!)
Dora play dough, a toy bird, a Polly Pocket-style Barbie, and a My Little Petshop rounded out the gifts from friends. Mike and I gave her a Dora sleeping bag and an mp3 player for her trip to California next week. When asked if she was having a good party, she grinning widely and nodded. “Uh HUH!”
Full of sugar and high spirits the kids ran out to play more. I sat down to relax and talk with other moms. I noticed Kaia was eating a lot of her candy, but figured she may as well enjoy it all now, less to take home! That was a mistake…about 20 minutes later, Kaia walked quickly up to me, flanked by two friends. “Mom! I’m gonna…..!” Leaning over, she threw up. Removing her shirt and rinsing out her mouth at the drinking fountain helped her feel better, but it was clear the party was over.

Kaia had a wonderful time, and the party itself was awesome. Thanks to all her friends and their parents for helping make such a special memory!

How is apple sauce made?

according to Kaia:

"They first put sauce in, then they add apple squishings"

Marvelous thoughts way past bedtime

I just got my first "small house" book...and oh my god has it given me so many ideas!!! My house is filled with so much crap, and I hate it. The two weeks that Mike and Kaia are gone are going to be filled with editing and scrap booking.

so here's one of my ideas:

when I come across something I love, purely for the memories, but is kept stored away, either because of ugliness or simply no place to put it, I will take a picture of it to scrapbook in a "Memories" scrapbook. Then I will give the item away. Exceptions will include things I want to keep for my children, but really, neither of them will ever want my old Converse high tops from 4th grade that I have kept for so long. But those shoes represent the year I met Andrea. A year of extreme happiness in my childhood. However, I think I also have a picture of myself in those shoes, next to Andrea in her matching ones. A page in a scrapbook with that picture, and a close-up of the shoes, with an explanation, will take up much less room than the shoes themselves, which will never be worn again.

my closet. an area that must tell so much about my psyche. clothes from so many different styles and eras in my life. clothes that are SO HARD for me to give up, though I never wear most of them. Some I don't even like, but keep "in case". In case of what? I suddenly need an illfitting, faded undershirt in a color I don't like? When will that happen? I have plenty in colors I DO like, that FIT. And if I had less clothes, I'd be able to organize them better, and find that shirt that actually fits. I have about 5-6 tank tops that I don't wear. in case, yes, in CASE someday, though I don't now, but someday, I get a shirt that needs that particular style of tank top under it. sheesh.

I have two entire dresser drawers stuffed with clothes that I HAVEN'T OPENED in at least a year. They are clothes that I admitted to myself I don't wear, but I might someday. They are clothes I like, but have no use for now, in my life as a cell-phone selling wife of a college student. Ahhh..but someday I will be the ultrasound tech mother of two brilliant children and wife of a software developer who can choose her own kooky style, and then I will want to wear those clothes often. really. no, really. that is what I tell myself. And I do want to keep a FEW of those clothes. But I might wear them NOW if they were out and visible, taking up the space of those tank tops and disliked undershirts.

I look around my house and feel claustrophobic. I feel suffocated and as if I am about to be buried in all my crap.

I will change this.

Katy over at http://littlerockbarnyard.spaces.live.com/ had her baby, Charlie, last Thursday. There were apparently complications, and Katy, her husband, and Charlie need your prayers, thoughts, lit candles, or whatever you believe helps. Thank you.

some ups. some downs.

We made the fish for lunch today- yay!

A shot glass-used for a vase, not to take shots (this time)- fell into the garbage disposal unbeknownst to me until I turned it on, breaking the glass into a billion pieces - ack!

I made a double batch of chocolate fudge- yum!

My flip-vac thingie that vacuums and mops the kitchen floor broke IN HALF- grrr.

but there's fudge!! That makes everything better! And the fact that this morning while hugging me said "Life is good when you are in my arms."

Fishing Day!

Yesterday we went fishing with John and Andrea's family. We went to an annual event put on by the forestry service (I think). A family who owns a local pond allows them to stock it with rainbow trout and then volunteers from around the community help the kids get set up with poles-that they get to keep!- and bait, and the kids all circle around the pond and see what they can catch. There was a three fish limit, but we hoped that they'd each catch at least one..boy were we surprised!

Kaia was excited to get started, but she had never fished before. Warnings about hooks and staying out of casting range given, she waited to be given some bait so she could get started!




The dads helped with the initial casting for the young ones. Katia showed herself to be a champion caster, and with great skill she cast her line far out into the pond.

Mike explained to Kaia how to hold her pole, and what to do when I fish nibbled her hook.

Liam slowly reels in his line, hoping to feel the fish take the bait so he could bring in his first catch of the day!

I even get in on the action for a few minutes, helping Kaia learn the proper speed to take in her line before letting it sit.

And we all settle in for what we hope won't be too long for the first bite.....

But before long each kid gets their first nibble!! Kaia's excitement grows as the fish gets closer to the top of the water, and shouts in delight as her dad helps to bring it in.

Soon all them are bringing in fish left and right it seems, to their delight.

Kaia peers into the bag at her first fish, a little grossed out by the wiggling, but it doesn't dampen her excitement about her first fish ever!

At one point, one of Katia's fish tries to make a flop for it, and almost succeeds in getting back into the water. She and her dad manage to just catch it before it makes it's escape though.

John carries the one that almost got away, now covered in grass, and puts it in the bag.

Katia makes sure a tough one to hold doesn't try the same thing the last one did!

Kaia brings in her third, and last, fish. She proudly holds the pole and shows off her final catch.

With all three kids at their limit-and in a short time!- we head back for them to take to the gut and behead station. I keep expecting Kaia to get upset when she realizes these fish are headed for death, but her excitement doesn't dim.

Kaia watches as her fish are systematically beheaded, belly-slit, and gutted. I'm very happy they do this for us. I don't want to be the one in charge on this...

Liam, Katia, and Kaia proudly show off their catch!

"adult" conversation with an almost 6 year old...

My daughter absolutely cracks me up. Here's the conversation I just had with her over the phone:

me: Hey darlin'! I miss you!
Kaia: I miss you too, mom!
me: Didja have fun at John and Andrea's?
Kaia: Oooooo! Yes, I did!
me: How about at school?
Kaia: Yes, I did!

pause

Kaia: So how're you doing?
me: I'm good, just sitting at work.
Kaia: How's work going today?
me: (laughing) It's going well!
Kaia: That's good. What's been going on there?
me: I've sold a few phones, and talked to customers.
Kaia: oh, cool.
me: What did you do at preschool?
Kaia: well....I took a nap..then that was it! (laughs) Just kidding! I drew some pictures, and played outside too!

there's a pause where her father does something on the other end that apparently scares her (in fun).

Kaia: Dad! Don't scare me! (laughs) Daddy's being a little silly today.

I realize there's nothing overtly hilarious about this conversation. It's the "adult" tone of the whole thing that cracks me up. My daughter has never asked me how work is going before. and I love how she's joking within a conversation now....she's a little person! It's so amazing.

M.C. Escher for Infants

This morning Kaia contemplated just what would be the "right" sunshade for our baby. She had noticed another car with a sunshade, and realized we'd need one too, if we were to be proper guardians to the new person in the family.

"Maybe colors....or Elmo...Dora! or maybe just a drawing with pencil and paper...I know!!! You remember that picture at Dana's house? The one with the hand that's drawing the other hand, and the other hand is drawing the other hand at the same time? That's what we should have on the baby's window cover! Isn't that a perfect idea, Mom?"

Kaia-isms

Kaia loves to watch people "jiggle". (juggle)

In winter, it's fun to watch the "snowflegs" come down.

How do you remove splinters?! With "twizzers" of course!

Finding "patter-ins" is one of her favorite things to do. (patterns)

I can't even think of a title. People are strange.

Me at Work: Hello, how can I help you today?
Customer: I'd like to pay my satellite bill.
Me: I'm sorry, we only sell (National Wireless Service)
Customer: You are (Our Store Name)
Me: Yes, but we only sell (National Wireless Service)
Customer: But (National TV Satellite Service) gave me your name and address
Me: I'm not sure where they got that information, and I will let them know that we can't do that.
Customer: But I need to pay my satellite bill, and this is the place they sent me.
Me: I'm sorry about that, but we aren't affiliated with (National TV Satellite Service) in any way. I can't take your payment.
Customer: Then why did (National TV Satellite Service) send me here?
Me: I don't know. I am sorry.
Customer: I asked for a local pay station and they gave me your name and address.
Me: I am sorry, and I will let them know that they have the wrong information, but I can't take your payment. I would have no way of processing it.
Customer: Well, then, you're no good to me then, are you?

................................

Customer Service Rep: How can I help you?
Me: Yes, I wanted to have our business taken off your list as a pay station for (National TV Satellite Service). We only sell (National Wireless Service)
Customer Service Rep: I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean.
Me: One of your customers came in to pay his (National TV Satellite Service) bill. We are a (National Wireless Service) store and only take payments for (National Wireless Service) but apparently we are listed in your system as a pay station for (National TV Satellite Service).
Customer Service Rep: So what do you need?
Me: I need you to remove us from your list of pay stations.
Customer Service Rep: What do you sell?
Me: (National Wireless Service)
Customer Service Rep: So why are you calling me?
Me: I need to talk to someone who can take us off the list as a pay station for (National TV Satellite Service).
Customer Service Rep: What's your phone number please?
Me: (***) ***-****
Customer Service Rep: I'll make a note of it. Thank you. Goodbye.


So...how much you want to bet that more (National TV Satellite Service) customers will be in to make payments?

sometimes repeating "I love my child" over and over is necessary for survival -- hers.

Kaia has lately been in quite the mood. She's always been ....confident......some might say snotty (and I have on occasion said that exact thing!). Lately however, she's been even more "teenage girl on her period"-like. I'm getting worried for when she's ACTUALLY a teenage girl, on her period or no!

This past weekend she threw a fit, and with it her stuffed animals all over her freshly cleaned and organized room. Showing no remorse, she called me in to see the damage.

"What happened?" I said, surveying the dozens of animals strewn about.

"I threw my animals all over my room" she answered matter-of-factly, from her top bunk.

"Why?" I asked, just cause I am a glutton for punishment, not out of any lack of knowledge.

She sat up straighter, looked me in the eye, and with a gleam of defiance clear in her eye, said

"Because I am MAD"

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that. Now get down and pick them all up."

To her credit, when I came back to check, all the animals were back on the shelf.

..........................

This morning, I went in to wake her up. She's been harder to get up lately, and I've not actually used the "I'll pick out your clothes if you don't get up" threat in awhile. She hates to have anyone pick out her clothes, and I don't even buy her new clothes unless she is there to approve. So this morning, she again didn't get up, instead whined about the light, and her tired muscles, and didn't move an inch. She wanted my eye mask, and refused to get up unless it was brought to her post-haste.

After a couple loudly voiced denials I was going to bring her any such thing, I'd had it. I am tired of mornings going this way. So I went in, and without another word, began to pick out her clothes for the day. It's not like I was picking out things she never wore, but even the thought that she wouldn't be in charge enraged her, yet didn't quite budge her out of bed yet.

"NOO!!! NOO!!! I'll put them back! I will!!! NOOOOOO!!!!" She yelled down from her top bunk, only moving enough to lean over and see what atrocities I was pulling from her drawers. I stood up.

"If you don't get out of bed this minute, I will be picking out your clothes for the rest of the week."

She stomped down her ladder, repeating over and over how she'd be just putting those clothes right back away, thank you very much.

I'm actually kind of irritated at how quickly she forgot about the fact she wasn't wearing her own choices. Could be because they are still clothes she likes, though I purposely picked out ones that weren't favorites. All I can hope for is that tomorrow morning goes more smoothly, or I will have to up the ante, and I would really, really like to have a nice morning with my family before we all go about our separate days.

I love my daughter, and I am glad she's a confident person. I want her to keep the positive parts of that, but stop acting like she's the Queen. Because I've never yet slapped my daughter across the face. and I really really really don't want to start now.

Proud of my daughter

I love how my daughter reads books. She reads each person's words in the right tone of voice. She was reading a Bert & Ernie book, and Ernie woke Bert up early. Bert says "Why did you wake me up so early!?!" Kaia read this how someone would actually sound if they were woken up early.

It's awesome. When characters are excited, she makes sure they sound excited. Not only is she a wonderful reader just in how many words she knows and how well she sounds them out, but she gets the tone of the book right too.

That takes talent, folks.