Thursday, December 28, 2006

Snopes

I'm not sure if you use this site, but I do. I get stories a lot in my inbox that I just don't believe, so I check them out on Snopes. I received one from my husband about the Brazilian plane crash, and since they produce parts for Embraer the guys at work asked him to have me check it's validity. Why they couldn't I don't know, maybe they can't remember the site name, so it came to me to check.

When I received the e-mail snopes had no information regarding this e-mail on their site. I sent them an e-mail on the 6th of December with a copy of the e-mail and pictures and on the 8th of December there was a link to the story. I feel pretty cool. I got to submit a story to Snopes (I wasn't the only one, but I still feel cool).

If you ever get an e-mail, and you think can this possibly be true, check it out. It's definitely worth checking instead of sending on crazy or wrong info.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

It's a big day!

It’s a big day in the Ritchie household.

1. Jonathan and I were married 8 years ago today.

On Sunday, December 27, 1998 I married my best friend. It amazes me that it’s been 8 years. We have 4 beautiful children and we have been through a lot. We have been poor (hungry at night poor) and in college. We entered the world of Jonathan being a professional. We have bought 2 houses and moved twice over the course of a year and a half. We have triumphed in the face of obstacles and we have rejoiced over even the smallest of victories. We have a lot more room to grow as adults, spouses and parents, and we are always able to talk about everything.

I have heard people say that they grew apart from their spouse, but Jonathan and I only seem to be getting closer. We are in tune with each other’s interests and passions and we love to share with each other. I couldn’t be more blessed. I’m not saying we don’t fight, but it’s so nice to know that I am married to a man who is as crazy about me as I am about him. It’s nice to know that we see our marriage from another side as well, the side that reminds us that love is more than an emotion it’s a daily commitment.

Jonathan thank you for all of the little things you do; like helping me cook, going to the store with me and even reading books with me. Thank you for the big things you do too; like putting in a utility room and helping de-ugly the house, helping me with the house work, understanding me and trying to keep me in check. You are the best. You are my rock.

2. The twins are 6 months old.

The boys are both around 13 lbs a piece. They are rolling and desperately want to stand and crawl. They are eating cereal and fruits and vegetables and a little bit of formula. Feeding the some other food has allowed my body to finally let go of more baby weight without any effort. I’ve lost about 8 lbs in the last 3 weeks. I'm still nursing so I will hold on to the last 10-15 lbs until done. I know I’m behind on picture postings and I need to update the photo album, but I need to find more time to sit at the computer to do it.

3. We all have a cold or some type of allergy that is messing up our sinuses.

We all have a lot of sinus pressure, scratchy/sore throats with that dry cough that sounds fake, we also have a bit of that medicine head feeling without the medicine.

My frustration with people who make meth came to a head yesterday when I couldn’t get a hold of any form of Sudafed for the kids without a bunch of other junk in it. I understand combo formulas are very popular, but if my kid doesn’t need everything I won’t give it to them. I went to more then one pharmacy in search of children’s Sudafed to go with the Claritin and Motrin I had already bought. I couldn’t get what I needed so I called several pharmacies here in town today and I’ve found it at one. Thank you meth makers for making it so much harder to buy medication for my children and myself. I bet I’ll be on a watch list for the amount of Sudafed I’ve bought lately.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Fun. Fun. Fun.

Yep, you got it I have the stomach thing now too. Mine is abdominal craps which makes for great discomfort nursing or anytime. My hour on the couch trying to nap (when Jackson wasn't in smacking my head) wasn't bad. Sleep made the stomach aggrivation stop. So far nothing major has been unleashed, my stomach is just very angry.

It's going around town and it's going around in Norman too, so chances are it's going around where you live. Keep your hands washed and I wish you the best.

Finished

I can officially say I’m finished decorating and I’m almost finished shopping. I need to take and post pictures. The tree is done, the stairs are done, I bought stockings and a tree skirt Saturday and we wrapped packages Friday. This has been a real experience for us.

I think I have Jackson convinced not to take the ornaments off the tree, finally. We only decorated the entryway. We are desperately trying to de-ugly the house and too much will get in the way of progress.

Dang, the mail just came and I got my first Christmas card. Now I have to find something to do with these! Okay, I thought I was done at least this isn’t much.

I’ll take and post pics soon. It turned out cool. I decorated the tree the lazy womans way. I stuck artificial poinsettia heads on the tree so we didn’t have as many ornaments to put on (the kids lost interest fast).

In other news illness has passed, Jonathan felt bad yesterday, but he’s okay today. At least when he's sick the mess hits the trashcan and toilet. I now have to finish the laundry and mop the living room and office (I love hardwood floors). I managed to take the chair cushion out of its cover and took Lysol to it and I upholstery cleaned the cover last night. The kids are still tired. I’m the only one left standing (not counting the babies), lets see if I can last.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Vomit

Isn’t that a fun way to start a post?

The 2 older kids are sick and J refuses to use a trashcan or the toilet, which means frequent mop-ups and costume changes. Fun!

I hope Jon, the twins and I don’t get this

Monday, December 04, 2006

Could I be anymore stupid?

Yesterday afternoon we went sledding. Someone had made a great snow ramp. We all slid down the hill. We all took the ramp. We all sat at the emergency room, after I thought I broke my tailbone. I was there for 7 hours. It took me 5 to get into an exam room. It isn’t broken, but it is bruised very badly. I’m not even supposed to pick up the babies. My in-laws have been a huge help and stayed last night and they are here to help me today.

Well, you know what they say…it’s all fun and games until someone looses an eye (or bruises their tailbone).

Yes, I cried like a baby-thankfully my family were the only people there at the moment.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Blizzard?!?!? (updated)

You have got to be kidding me. The National Weather Service has just issued a Blizzard warning.

Last night’s conversation

Victoria: “Have you and mom ever been in a blizzard?”

Jonathan: “No, we live in Oklahoma, we don’t really have blizzards.”

I just called him at work and he couldn’t believe it. I told him if he wasn’t certain he would finish today to pack up and come home. I’d rather him get home now and go in tomorrow, then have a wreck in the ¼ mile visibility and the underlying ice slick. We’ll see what he decides.

(UPDATE)
Little convincing of the husband is required when they decide to close the plant. When the shop guys aren't there the engineering guys get to go home too! YIPEE!

Daddy did you know?

I read this article about things dads should know and I got a big kick out of it. Some of those things are even things mom’s should know. Much of it is funny, yet so true (not all mind you and a bit of it is just wrong).

Jeremy I hope it gives you a laugh.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Deep Freeze

Yesterday the high was 76 degrees with a low of 61 degrees. My heater hasn’t run in days.

It is currently 33 degrees and we are expecting a foot of snow. The high Thursday is supposed to be 29 with a low of 15.

Oklahoma has the screwiest weather.

Jonathan's heater in his car isn't working. He'll be taking my car to work tomorrow.

What we have here is a failure to communicate.

I’d just like to know why. It seems we all have communication issues. It doesn’t matter if it’s with our family or our spouse, our friends or even the person on the phone with something to “offer” us from the credit card company.

Times of stress (that should be times of joy) like the holidays can heighten communication struggles.

I guess it’s safe to say we all have our issues. Maybe if we could communicate better with God, we could communicate better with each other.

Just a thought.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Tumbleweed

This was an article I was surprised to see.

I lived in Stillwater for about 6 years, and I only went to “The Weed” about 4 or 5 times. The last time was over 6 years ago. It wasn’t my idea of a good time, but to many Stillwater area residents it is THE thing to do on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. People loved and flocked to the Calf Fry (something I had no intention of trying), my cousin even called when she was coming up to a concert with Tone Loke.

I won’t miss “The Weed”, but I do wonder what that group of OSU students will do for fun, cow tipping perhaps.

Monday, November 27, 2006

You can't say I never gave you anything! ;)

Merry Christmas! I know it’s the end of November, but I would like to give my valued readers (yes, the few family and friends who read my babbling) a little gift.

5 recipes.

I should have been witty and come up with a 12 days of Christmas theme and given you 12 days worth totaling 78 recipes, but I’m not that dedicated at the moment (and I doubt I have that many recipes I use), maybe next year.

2 simple dinners (we can all use something quick this time of year)
The first I’ve posted about before, this is a Rachel Ray 30 minute meal (it takes me closer to 45 without a helper for me). The chicken lettuce wraps are a lot like the ones at Pei Wei and P. F. Chang’s. I even use it as a salad topping with no dressing instead of making wraps sometimes.

The second is too easy; it is a simple homemade Vegetable beef soup. This one requires no measuring and minimal prep. Just brown some ground beef (you choose the amount). Get a large pot and dump a can or 2 of Veg-All, a can or 2 of sliced new potatoes, a can of whole green beans, 3 beef bullion cubes and some seasoned salt and pepper. Add whatever amount of water you desire. Bring it to a boil; reduce it to a simmer for 15 minutes (or how ever long you feel, simmer longer and just keep checking the water level). This is good reheated and even my kids eat it. In one pan you have multiple veggies, meat, and starch, I love one pot meals and soup on cold days.

1 easy dessert
I made this pumpkin swirl cheesecake for a dinner at our youth minister’s house and it went well. I made it again for Thanksgiving. For Thanksgiving I cheated and didn’t swirl it. I made it strait up pumpkin; this was a nice change to the usual holiday desserts. The ginger snap crust is so good. If you’ve never made a cheesecake before the videos on the page were very helpful. I’d never used a spring form pan before either.

2 recipes for the price of 1
This is the recipe for the rolls I blogged about before. This is a super simple and delicious dough. It is knead free and takes about 10 minutes to mix up. The time is mostly in letting the stuff rise, but it is well worth it. I usually make a double batch and make one batch of cinnamon and one batch of dinner rolls. By doing this you have breakfast on the go and rolls for your holiday dinner or whenever you want. Both freeze and reheat very well. I’ve been known to freeze meal size quantities of dinner rolls, so we don’t eat them, and I just pull them from our deep freeze with our dinner meat when I need them.

Cinnamon/Dinner Roll Dough
1 cake of yeast
3 tbsp warm water
Dissolve yeast in water (to check yeast activation add a very small pinch of sugar and stir in, if it begins to bubble yeast is activated).

2 eggs beaten
½ c Crisco
1 tsp salt
½ c sugar
1 c warm water
Mix together well and add yeast. Gradually stir in 4 c of flour. Cover bowl with a dish towel, if used the same day allow to rise 2-3 hours (may be stored in the refrigerator over night).

Cinnamon Rolls
After rising, divide in half. Roll on floured counter into a rectangle with dough about ¼” thick. Melt a stick of butter or margarine and brush onto the dough all the way to the edges. In a container with a lid combine ½ c dark brown sugar, ½ c white sugar and ground cinnamon, shake until well mixed. Shake ½ of the mixture onto the dough (don’t apply to the last inch on the 1 of the long edges) spread evenly and smoothly with hand. Roll like a jellyroll from the long edge that has cinnamon. Cut into 1” rolls with dental floss or a piece of string. Place in a greased pan, but not too closely. Let rise 2 hours.

Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Glaze with ¼ c butter or margarine, ½ c of powdered sugar and 2 tsp milk. Soften butter at room temperature and use a fork to combine butter and powdered sugar, add milk and heat for about 30 seconds on medium in the microwave. Mix well and spoon over hot rolls.

Dinner Rolls
Divide into 4ths and roll into circles about ¼” thick. Brush with melted butter and cut into wedges. Roll from edge to point. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Let rise 2-3 hours.

Bake 6-10 minutes at 425 degrees. Time varies upon cookie sheet and oven and desired doneness.

I use airbake pans and a temp closer to 450 degrees for 10 minutes, on the lower middle rack.

I hope someone can use these for some holiday help.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Thankful

I did call my mom on Thanksgiving (just not mid dinner like last year) and told her I wasn’t pregnant, since I called to say I was last year.

I can’t believe it was Thanksgiving Day that the test came up + last year. Looking back over the blog it’s amazing to see the changes in our life.

Last year we were still making 2 house payments and paying 2 sets of utilities. We thought we were only having 1 baby. We only had 1 car. We hadn’t found a church yet. I didn’t have a utility room (we are trimming ours now, I’ll post pics soon). Life was just so different.

Now we are a family of 6 with 2 cars and 1 house. We have a church home we love. Yep, lots to be thankful for, change this year has been good.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Blogger for Word

I use blogger for word, but since changing over to the new blogger beta, it doesn't work. Is anyone else having an issue? I know things will be different with beta, but I'm not liking it at the moment.

HAPPY ...

This post is a precaution if I don’t have time in the morning.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
&
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW!
(Your birthday is more important I should have listed it first, we love you)

We are off to Kansas for dinner with Jonathan’s family.

Today in preparation I made a big pot of chili (not for Thanksgiving), 120 more rolls, and a pumpkin cheesecake.

I pray safe travel for you all and that you all have much to be thankful for. I know I do.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Classy

I understand rivalries, but I think the AD at OSU shows a real lack of class in this article. I would like to see the people in charge at least act like adults. Just because Boone Pickens paid a lot to redo their stadium doesn’t mean they are any different in the realm of football.

It’s a football game. This emphasizes what I have said all along, OSU is more concerned about the OU game then OU is. OSU isn’t OU’s biggest rival and I think that tweeks them.

I’m with the kid who doesn’t want to pay $20 more for an OSU ticket then for an OU/Texas one. Heck, for $100 you can get an OU/Texas ticket and a tank of gas to get to Dallas and have a lot more to do. When I was a freshman at OSU (1997) a ticket to bedlam at Norman was $40. I personally wouldn’t spend $80-$100 bucks a ticket when I can watch the game on TV from the comfort of my living room.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Ready. Set. Cook!

My wonderful DH bought a recip saw yesterday. Would you like to know my first thought? I can cut out my cabinets that hold a lousy drop in out and put in my old stove! I have a 500 pound 1941 Chambers type B (scroll about 1/3 down). I have never cooked on anything that cooks half as well. It is a totally different cooking experience; heating is even (you can shut your oven vent and turn your oven off and it will hold your temp and continue cooking), simmering is right on and easy to adjust, the broiler under the griddle in handy, the griddle is awesome and the deep well (think crock pot in your stove) is too cool.

I’ve missed my stove since we moved (it’s in the garage). It’s been a year and a half since I’ve used it. I bought it in Stockyard City in OKC at a place called Tyson’s. They referb old stoves. My friend Kara’s just went out and she went and bought an old Chambers as well (think Rachel Ray). She called raving about her cooking experience and I missed mine even more. I’m so ready to cook on a gas stove that I can actually adjust to a simmer and that doesn’t have oven temperature fluctuations between 100 degrees too hot and 50 degrees too cold.

Ducktales (Part 2)

Back in May we bought Ducktales Vol. 1, 27 episodes of Ducktales fun. Last week I bought Vol. 2, the 5-episode pilot and another 19 episodes (it was $23 at Wal-Mart). They have released these in November the last 2 years. I decided to check and see how many more episodes and volumes we may see coming out. I found this site and there are 100 episodes. It looks like we will be able to buy a potential Vol. 3 and Vol. 4 over the next 2 years. Ducktales is one of my favorite cartoons. It’s up their with classic Looney Toons and Kim Possible.
I don’t like to be the parent that plants their kid in front to the TV, but this has been handy when I’ve needed a minute to myself. I will admit I’ve also enjoyed just sitting and watching too.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

R.I.P.



QuizGalaxy!
'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com





QuizGalaxy!
'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

I'll miss Leaky too, Prince Charles I won't.

I like the second one better. Obviously I must stop laughing now. I know I have a warped sense of humor. I didn't know it would kill me.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

My Accent

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The West

Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.

The Midland
Boston
North Central
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The South
The Northeast
What American accent do you have?
Take More Quizzes

Addicted to rolls.

I love to make homemade dinner rolls. I think it’s fun and even more importantly I love to eat them. I only make them around the holidays, so it has begun.

I will concede that my sister may make the best, but I think I love to make them the most.

Today I made 4 batches for a total of 128 rolls. I made 64 Saturday and took 30 to church and we ate the other 34 by Monday night. I’m going to have to freeze these so I have some next week for Thanksgiving.

Mmmm, dinner rolls –insert Homer Simpson drooling here-

Wedding Bells!

My friend Staci is getting married Friday!

Congrats Staci and Rich!

Monday, November 13, 2006

They say...

…patients is a virtue.

It’s defiantly something I need more of today. Today’s lesson was retched. I understand the concept of ADHD, but to me after reading the symptoms I think MOST (not all) kids diagnosed with it aren’t, they are just being children. Children must be taught to control the urges of childhood. Today the urges reigned supreme.

Today we had serious focus issues. Focus issues make me cranky and then I push harder. When I push harder she can’t focus even more. It’s a vicious cycle.

I hope I can remain calmer and that our work progresses better tomorrow. These are the days I question why I homeschool (not for her, but for me). My life would be much more simple without it, but I think I can provide a really great education for her with plenty of varied socialization and activities.

Some days I just have to remember what a waste of time school was (for me) and how much I hated that I could cover everything I needed in half a day in high school. I just want her to be able to learn more and experience more. I want life to be her education; I want her to expand beyond the standard confines of walls, desks and curriculum. I don’t want her to conform to what school produces I want her to excel beyond that. I know she can and that I am responsible for helping her reach that height.

I just have to find my happy place before I ram her math book down her throat. –enter chanting- I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful. (repeat)

Monday, November 06, 2006

VOTE...(Updated)

…or don’t (forget the whole “vote or die” gimmick).

Just a reminder if you intend to vote, Tuesday is the big day.

If you don’t intend to vote, please ignore this message (I’d rather you not vote if you don’t care).

Have a great Tuesday!

UPDATE

I voted straight party today. I was well informed and knew what I was voting, no lingering over my ballot. State questions and judges, the whole nine yards. I was there and gone while many were having to sit and read theirs. I love being decisive and prepared.
I didn’t get an “I Voted” sticker, I was a bit bummed about that.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

All dressed up...(Updated)

Here are a few recent pics.

Victoria is a Punk Rocker. She is also never allowed to wear make-up agian (she looks too old I can't handle it). I never thought my precious 6 year old would look good as a Goth. I made her guitar out of plywood.

UPDATE-For those wondering why I linked "Victoria is a Punk Rocker" to the Ramones site, the Ramones have a song called "Sheena is a Punk Rocker." Other days it would be because they have a song called "Beat on the Brat". Just Kidding! -insert singing-


Jackson when informed he finally got to wear his Red Mysitc Ranger costume (he picked it out) informed me he wanted to be a “punk rocket”.



They were ready to hit a total of 9 houses. We only went to houses of people we know. Traffic was slow to get candy here. We still have a ton of candy and we were giving out small handfuls. The kids had a blast handing out candy and seeing others costumes.

I wish I had gotten a pic of a group of high school students who came by. They were actually collecting canned goods for the Salvation Army (of course I gave them candy too). Their costumes were great and they asked Victoria to give them a concert and she sang in the entryway. It was a total hoot.

Cutie babies are now over 4 months old and about 9 ½ lbs each. Owen is in blue and Alex is in the white print. For Halloween they went as a mirror image. Ha. Ha.



Aren't they cheesy!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Myspace.com

Well, I’ve now added a myspace account to keep up with a few people. Over all I don’t care for myspace or the set up, so it will be a world of copying what I've already done here. If you care to network in with me let me know here, and I'll give you info to be added as a friend. There will be minimal difference between here and there, so stay tuned here for my real blog.

Monday, October 23, 2006

My Yahoo Avatar

I wish I could do my hair this way.
Yahoo! Avatars

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Weather Change

Some of my joints are sore. That makes me feel a little old.

The Divine Conspirator

Jeremy mentioned in the comments that he had attempted reading The Divine Conspiracy, and thought that maybe he should give it another try.  

This is a book that I am finding is easiest to process while reading out loud and with a pencil to mark things I find important (I’m glad I bought it).  This is very hard for me, even in school textbooks.  I just detest marking books up.  Hearing it, seeing it and making notes is improving my processing, unfortunately it is taking a long time to do this (reading allowed requires quiet children).  I’m only on page 10.  This book is written by a man who means and uses every word he puts to print.  It’s evident to me why I am a science and math person and not a philosophy person.

Here is a little interesting info on the author.  I thought this was a good article about who this man is and where he comes from as a Christian and a USC Philosophy professor.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Breaking an addiction

I am battling an addiction. I have been fighting my computer cravings. We don’t have cable and we don’t watch a ton of TV, but I’ve been filling a lot of time in front of the “tube” still. My e-mail is piling up, but I’ve been more productive around the house. I still have a long way to go. I have resorted to turning the computer off after I use it every time instead of putting it to sleep. I’m too impatient to let it boot up, so I just haven’t been using it. I’m even calling my mom to look the next day’s weather up on her computer. I need to get my life and family back in better order and I’m making progress.

On the illness front I am much better. Currently hay fever is still running rampant at our house and Victoria has pink eye, but we are doing very well.

Two new things are also taking my time. I started journaling a couple of weeks ago. It hasn’t been daily, but it’s a good way to vent and ponder things. I also just started a book by Dallas Willard called The Divine Conspiracy. It’s a long and in depth book. It will be taking a lot of my time as well.

This coming weekend is our only one this month with nothing planned and no long drive to go on, so I’ll try to post pictures again soon. The twins will be 4 months old on the 27th and the have both finally broken the 9 lb marker.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Still down

Every time I think I’m better this stomach bug comes back with a vengeance.  I seem to have a day on and a day off being sick.  Friday morning I went to the ER for dehydration.  I’m okay being sick during the day, I keep myself well hydrated in spite of being sick.  Thursday night I kept trying to go to sleep between being sick and by 4 am Jonathan and I were getting the kids together so he could drive me to the hospital.  It wasn’t a big deal, just a bag of IV fluids.  Normally I would just stay up and chug electrolyte for a while, but since I’m still nursing the twins it was too important not to take care of immediately.  I’m really tired, but I hope to be back on track soon.  

Victoria’s schooling has been sporadic at best this week.  We’ve even had non-curriculum related lessons.  When you can’t do much else flash card exercises requires no table work.  Jonathan also has done some schooling in the evening.  Victoria has been a big help when I’ve been down.  Homeschooling is very nice for me when I’m sick, I have a helper and if we miss a day or 2 of school it’s no big deal to just make it up on Saturday and/or Sunday.  

Monday, October 02, 2006

Yuck and stuff

I know blogging has been light and almost entirely about my family since having the twins, and it will continue in this pattern for a while.  Today though I am going to be selfish and talk about me.

Readers Digest Version of events:

I got a cut and color Friday and I had Mindi pink (it’s more of a fuchsia) streak my hair.  Yes it’s a bit off the wall, but I needed a crazy change.  It’s different and kind of neat.   I’ll find out later this month if it clashes with the dresses for Staci’s wedding.  If it does I’ll change it, other wise I think I’ll keep it, but darken the rest of my hair a bit more.  Instead of blond with brown and pink streaks I’ll make it Brown with blond and pink streaks.


I have a stomach bug and working out, eating and most everything else is going on the back burner.  The kids are getting loads of TV time.  I’ve lost 2 lbs today already.  Thankfully when I decided this wasn’t going away, I had the things the doctor said I could take and I don’t have to load up the kids to go in and get checked.

And the beat goes on…

Monday, September 25, 2006

Totally random

There are just moments you want to blow a big raspberry and say, “I told you so!”
I’ll be honest I was good and didn’t.

How do you tell if a person is feeding you a line of bull?  I’m not great at discerning if people (enter the word acquaintances) are telling me the truth.  I’m not totally gullible, but when I question a person’s honesty, it takes me a while to be totally sure.  I wish there was a trick for when you think people are being tricky or dishonest.

It’s warm, almost toasty outside.  We ran the attic fan last night and it’s outright cold in our house.  I need a sweatshirt indoor and a t-shirt outdoors.  I love fall.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Music

In my old age I now prefer talk radio to music, at least during the standard 8-5 Monday through Friday week. At home though I rarely turn on the radio during the day and I only listen to a little from the computer. My radio time is now in the evenings in the car. Since we moved a little over a year ago I haven’t taken the time to find music stations I like, until now.

I have come to the conclusion that I am old (not really) because my favorite station now is the classic rock station. I’m now feeling very “1985”, not the whole song mind you, but things like when did Motley Crue become classis rock? For that matter when did Pearl Jam? I do prefer my rock & roll, alternative, and 80’s to most (not all mind you) of what’s out today. I will admit I have found mad love for one new song, Nickelback’s Rockstar, the lyrics had me totally cracking up at how it mocks rockers.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

One Last Picture

Labor Day weekend my mom, dad, sisters and my mom's parents all came up for a visit. Here are Victoria and her Great Grandparents in the parking lot at Woolaroc on Labor Day.

Pictures Round 2

Owen is in yellow and Alex (or Xander) is in blue. They are still very little (especially compared to Jackson at this age). They are very sweet and sleep through the night.




Victoria begged for us to go to this Indian Summer thing down the street from out house. It was a waste of time with junk dealers and not much else. The only good things (outside of a nice walk) were the good pictures I got at the waaaay over priced pony ride.

Pictures Round 1

These are pictures of Victoria before dance. I bought her goucho pants to wear to dance instead of a skirt and she really likes it. She also got a jean jacket for her birthday and if I wear mine she has to wear hers.



I am a proud parent, but I honestly believe that Jackson is the most handsome 2 year old boy I've ever seen. He now informs us that his name is Jack.




Victoria is one tough cookie. Owen is in blue in this pic and Alex (or Xander we're debating now) is in off white.

I'm a bit behind.

Yes, I know I’ve promised pictures and updates and it will happen, just not right now.

The larger memory on the camera has allowed us to take more pics and video. Which takes more time to dump and I’m lazy and hate having to go and rotate the pics that need rotated before I post them.  Every time I sit at the computer the bigger two make me crazy, so I’m a bit limited.

Also, Jonathan and I started the Body for Life challenge and we’ve been at the YMCA every night, which limits my time in the evening when he gets home.  We aren’t at the Y too long, but I nurse right before we go and right after, plus we have to fix dinner.  We’re a bit sore and our evenings are limited, but we feel good.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Scary

What would you do if you saw a child being abducted? This video was amazing. This video is a staged abduction to test how people will react. It took 2 hours before anyone did anything.

Watch. The link will come up blank, but a media player window should open.

What can we teach our kids to make sure this doesn’t happen to them in a real life situation?

More importantly what would you do?


On a lighter note, check out the video of the Karaoke Cabbie in Singapore. This one you'll have to click the search to watch.

Friday, September 01, 2006

This weekend

We have company coming.  My dad is coming Sunday morning and leaving that evening.  My mother, her parents and my 2 sisters are coming Sunday right after church and staying until Monday.  They have been warned that the house may be picked up and rearranged, but it will not be “clean” (when I clean it’s like a crazy woman, so I don’t do it too often).  Today we worked on the yard, our birch tree is loosing leaves like its October and I had no idea we were so low on bags.  We now have a pile sitting on the sidewalk until I hit Wal-Mart tomorrow.

In preparation I have done a lot of rearranging and I am by no means finished.  They are bringing a few pieces of furniture including another twin bed.  The major room rearranging is to accommodate a dresser, video cabinet and the bed.  We may be done by the time they arrive Sunday, but I make no promises.

My right arm hurts after all of the yard work today.  After 2 ibuprofen and 2 glasses of wine I would think it would hurt less, but so far no luck.  I hope it hurts less tomorrow.  

All is well and I’ve been told I need to post new photos of the boys, I will soon, I just need time to rotate the photos so they aren’t sideways.

Have a great holiday weekend.

Monday, August 28, 2006

The Emmy's

I don’t watch TV much and I didn’t watch the Emmy’s, but congratulations to 24, the only TV show I rent on DVD and Congrats to Kiefer Sutherland.

I really do enjoy that show.  I have listened to a lot of people who love it and a lot of women who love Kiefer and find him sexy and irresistible.  Though I enjoy the show and I think Kiefer plays his role well, I just see him and I think of his father and the crazy pot head he played in Kelly’s Heroes.  I just can’t quite find the sexy/irresistible thing when I think of him as looking like his dad.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Fraud

This is amazing and infuriating.  This is one of the reasons I don’t watch much news or read many newspapers, I even take my Internet news with a grain of salt.  The Mark Twain quote in this video says it all.

Unfortunately the news outlets that committed this fraud rarely admit it.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

The world of, "What if...?"

I received a surprising call yesterday evening.  

It was one of those calls where you know something isn’t normal.  You get the prompt of, “Can you go someplace where you won’t be interrupted?”  You have the quick run through in your mind of what the call could be about.  Then the person gives the news.  You may be surprised, but not shocked and you give your congratulations or condolences on the situation.

Last night was a condolence situation, no one died, but the situation just wasn’t what the person wanted or planned for his or her life.

This of course sent my mind to land of “What if…?”  My “What if…?” turned into many about this situation, and then just about my life in general.  Don’t get me wrong here I’m happy about my life and I haven’t tried to answer my “What if…?” questions.  I just started throwing out ones that would have really changed my life.

You’ve been there I know, we all have.

-What if I hadn’t gone to OSU?  (I’m not an OSU fan, so it’s a surprise I went there in the first place)

-What if I hadn’t married Jonathan?

-What if Jonathan had gotten the job in Palmdale, CA?

-What if we didn’t have kids, or had timed them differently?

-What if my parents hadn’t separated when I was 7?

-What if I had graduated from college?

-What if…?

-What if…?

-What if…?

There are so many directions our lives could have gone.  There are so many directions our lives can still take.  The adventure and unknown continue for us all.  The good, the bad and the indifferent.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

What a gift!

Wow.  I am currently listening to a fantastic sound, the sound of thunder.  It has been quite a while since it’s rained here.  It’s currently 77 degrees; it hasn’t made it below 90 before 9pm all week.  I’m going to go and sit on our front porch with a glass of wine and enjoy this moment made for relaxation.

I made the prediction that it would rain this week though.  It always rains the week surrounding my birthday.  Hey, I’m not complaining, with Oklahoma heat I’ll take rain to cool things down a bit in August anytime.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

YOU POOR THING! (Revised)

Seriously, just because I had twins and already have 2 children, that doesn’t make me a “poor thing”. I wish people would quit saying it. It’s not just one person; there have been several.

Why the hell do people think my life is so, rough, awful and bad? If I stated that life was like this, then maybe I'd seem like a "poor thing", but I don't.

Ya, so Alex pooped all over my bed yesterday, I changed the sheets.

Ya, so Jackson hit me in the head with a toy sword, I disciplined him.

Ya, so Owen spit up all over the couch, and me, it wiped right up.

Ya, so Victoria asks every question 100 times, I deal with it.

Ya, so my house is ugly, we’re working on it.

Ya, so I have bills due, I have the money.

I call it life!

The funny thing is these things that aren't much fun aren't things I discuss with people. When people call it's, "Hold on Jackson's doing something he shouldn't", or "Victoria just a minute I'm on the phone", or "Can you hold on a minute I need to check the babies." I've explained their monitors when the questions come up and to some degree I use them as an excuse to not take them out and to not have people over that I don't want. My explanations to the questions are very matter of fact. This is what they are for, this is what they do and I don't like packing them around.

On the other side of life…

…Jackson wanted to cuddle mom, not dad last night (he’s so soft and cuddly for being so big and tough). He is also learning to clean up and put together puzzles he dumps very well.

…Owen grinned so big at me and was awesome at the doctor today.

…Alex was so relaxed on my chest after being burped and he too was good at the doctor today.

...Heck the twins have slept between 5-7 hours the last three nights and I've had 2 naps in 3 days. That is totally cool.

…Victoria is the sweetest helper and has made my job so much easier when I’m nursing. She is also attempting to read more (she still memorizes the books when we read them and recites it when she can).

…Jonathan is a huge help and works so hard for our family at work and at home (he’s even going to potty train Jackson for me-he offered).

…We sold the house in OKC and money isn’t so tight.

“Poor Thing” I think not. Lucky that my life is the way it is? Definitely. I'm totally blessed.

Dismissed

Have you heard? If you live in Oklahoma or if you follow college football I bet you have.

Our quarterback is apparently gone, who the other player is I’m not sure.  Here’s what I can’t figure, after the days of Barry Switzer, there is proof that no one is above the rules.  Why did these 2 morons, who knew they were doing something wrong, do it?

Bomar was a pretty good quarterback, but he certainly wasn’t the best, what is he going to do now?  Obviously he’s lost his scholarship and won’t be able to play for another school until next year and it’s too late to attempt going pro.  Will he go play for the OKC Yard Dawgs?  Without the scholarship I bet he’ll drop out of school.  Honestly you think these people could look at the endgame of their decisions.  

I hope Halzle is a decent QB since he seems like the most likely option to take Bomar’s place.  Thankfully two players aren’t the whole team; hopefully recovery will be quick.

I’m not sure where to put Big Red Sports and Imports in the mix.  I know they are the business responsible, I also know they just changed ownership.  Which side was in the wrong, the previous owners or the new one?  I still wouldn’t buy anything from them after the lousy service my sister has received on her Isuzu Rodeo, but I am interested in which set of ownership is to blame.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

The Puzzle

The previous post is about the Rubik’s Magic Rings Master Edition, circa 1987.  This is the second challenge and has 12 flat panels.  The first challenge from 1986 has only 3 rings and has a black background and only 8 panels.  The picture is of one of the solutions the other kind of zigzags and looks like unlinked Olympic rings.  You fold and unfold to get to the solutions.

I received one of these for Christmas when I was around 8 years old.  My cousin broke it and I have wanted another ever since.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

I'm a Winner!

It’s about stinkin’ time. I finally won on ebay and at a price I’m not disgusted at paying. I blogged about this stupid thing months ago. Now I can blog about it making me nutty, not trying to find it.


I will now have one more thing to frustrate me other then my children.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Video Blogging Question

Does anyone know how to put video on the blog?  

4th of July we did a great display using Mentos and Diet Coke, that I would love to share with you all.  It was amazing.

Web Nursery

Here are the boy’s web nursery photos.  Can someone tell me, do they make the babies suck lemons before their pictures?

Here’s Owen

And

Here’s Alex.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Driving Quiz

You are driving in a car at a constant speed.

On your left side is a valley and on your right side is a fire engine traveling at the same speed as you.

In front of you is a galloping pig, which is the same size as your car, and you cannot overtake it.

Behind you is a helicopter flying at ground level.

Both the giant pig and the helicopter are also traveling at the same speed as you.

What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?






Answer:

Get off the children's "Merry-Go-Round". You're drunk.

*Thanks for sending this to me Michelle!

Recovery

Maybe NICU wasn’t a totally bad thing.  Would I go through it again by choice?  Not a snowballs chance in hell.

The reason I’m thinking this is that so far it hasn’t been too bad having all of the kids and being home by myself.  I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I had 2 ½ weeks of recovery time before having to take on 2 more.  I really wouldn’t wish it on anyone, just for the emotional roller coaster, but physically I’m not totally wiped out (just close).

I will also say that I am so glad at my hospital choice, my experience over all couldn’t have been better.  The staff and the facilities at Norman Regional helped a lot in the long run.  My only complaint was the long trip to the bathroom from the NICU, that’s not half bad.  

Yes!

To answer Jeremy's question, the boys are identical. The specialist had been able to tell us this at our first ultrsound with him, I was amazed he could tell us that and I even hoped he might be wrong. Now, that they are here and I see that they are it's kindof exciting. If their monitors didn't have their names on them we would have to mark them. If they are right next to each other and facing up you can tell which is which, because Alex weighs a little more and right now a little goes a long way. When they weigh more and the monitors are gone we will be in trouble.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

A quick rundown

Here I am moments after loading the car and moments before exiting for the hospital. I swear that beach ball was going to pop. Here I am 5-7 days after having the boys. Now that it's been 2 1/2 weeks my belly is almost gone. I just can't wait for my hips to return to normal and to loose the last half of the weight (if that ever really happens).
This is Owen under and oxygen hood in his isolete. It was tough not being able to really touch him. The little doors in the sided just weren't enough to satisfy me.

Alex was under an oxygen hood to, but he wasn't completely enclosed. He was easier to love on. The isolete didn't stop Victoria from getting up close, holding hands, saying prayers, singing songs and reading books to Owen. She did the same things for Alex too.
Jackson loves the boys, but he'd still rather play. He was only allowed into the NICU in short bursts, because he would yell at the babies to "Get UP!" He refers to them as "My Baby" or "My Babies".
Alex's little foot. With the flash off this picture looks like the light in ET's finger is in his foot.
After they removed the Umbilical Arterial Catheter (UAC) I was allowed to hold Alex. We weren't allowed to hold Owen until the next day when his was removed. On this day they removed Owen from a private room in the NICU to the room where most of the babies were, and to the station next to Alex.
Here is Jonathan holding them both together for the first time. At this point they were hooked up to normal IV's so this was a close as we could get them without disconnecting something. You can't see it, but they each have a NG tube in their nose to eat through. Who thought up the idea of eating through your nose? I always hate it when things come out my nose in laughter. Naturally the boys had to have theirs reinserted at least once a day, because they ripped them out.
Owen is screaming (he doesn't cry he shrieks), I guess it's time to change his pants or feed him. I'll go wake Alex too.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thanks again to everyone for your words of encouragement and your prayers. This may be hard, but my frame of mind is better and this is getting easier, because of that. You all brighten my day. Normal blogging (and topics other then pregnancy and babies) will resume soon, as I am now better capable of streaming my news and infomation on the internet (and I'm not transfixed by cartoons on cable).

Wow, it’s amazing how nice it is to return to my own bed. The spare bed at moms house is newer, and after sleeping on it for 2 months I wondered what it would be like to home and in my own bed. It was great, and I don’t particularly think my bed is comfy. I am gearing myself up for tomorrow, when I am left alone with all 4 kids. I have successfully feed the twins at the same time (nursed, bottle feed, burped and diaper change) in about and hour. That takes a lot of the scare out. When we were feeding separately, with Jonathan bottle-feeding them it was taking an hour. Now that I can nurse at the same time the time is getting better.

Without further ado, here they are Owen Banks (on the left) and Alexander “Alex” Sloan (on the right). This was taken on Sunday, July 9th, right after they were put in the same bed together.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Antici…pation

As of about 12:30 PM today we officially have our children. We roomed in last night and came to moms this afternoon. We will be leaving for B’ville Saturday morning. Per instructions given to us at the hospital we will be limiting the kids outings and visitors, until instructed otherwise by our physician. I’m not complaining about his, because I have to feed every 3 hours by their orders as well (this takes one hour if Jonathan and I are tag team breast feeding and bottle feeding, it’s 2 hours if it’s just me). With the monitors for their “brady’s” we also are packed like we are going for a long trip, just to the next room. I’m on my own this next week and then my mom is coming to visit the week after.

Thank you all for your thoughts, kind words and prayers. I can’t wait to get home and post pictures. This adventure is a strain, but it’s pretty fun ( and tiny) too.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Breakdown

I finally broke down. We were told yesterday, that we were going to get to room in with Owen and that we were going to bring him home today. I was about to load the car for the hospital and Jonathan called and said our rooming in had been cancelled. He had an episode of bradycardia (heart rate drop); this was the same reason Alex wasn’t being released. They have both been put on medication for reflux. We are going to request heart monitors for them when we do go home, we’ll talk to the doctor about that today.

I cried when I was released from the hospital a week and a half ago, and I’ve held the tears back pretty well this far. Watching mom’s be released with their babies, while I’m walking in with milk for my babies has been tough too. Yesterday I worked on getting our laundry done and getting us packed all afternoon. I wouldn’t have done that and I would have been at the hospital with my babies if I had known I wouldn’t be with them last night. I know this is for the best, but it’s getting hard. The kids are so ready to go home too. Wednesday we will be here 2 months. The kids have at least seen home. I have only seen it in pictures.

Last nights nurse went up to the Women and Children’s center and got a full sized crib for the boys to share. They were even wrapped in the same blanket. That is making this a bit more bearable. They just belong together.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Owen and Alex

Owen Banks was born at 12:31PM, and weighed 4lbs 10oz and was 17 inches long and Alexander Sloan was bor at 12:32PM, and weighed 5lbs and was 18 inches long on Tuesday, June 27th.

The babies where put in NICU, because their lungs were immature and they were experiencing respiratory problems. It's was and is tough to see them hooked up to so much stuff, but in the last 2 days a ton of stuff has been removed. The are no longer under oxygen hoods, they have had their UAC's removed (Umbilical Arterial Catheter, used for blood draws and to check gas levels in the blood), their IV's are now in their wrists instead of their navel. Owen had a blood transfusion yesterday for anemia and the boys are now "eating" expressed milk through a tube in their nose. Alex may be showing some signs of apnea, but it's unconfirmed. We have now held both of them, I held Alex yesterday and today we held both of them today. They are doing really well. After we left Friday night was when the big improvements came. I guess it's along the lines of a watched pot never boils, I didn't sleep much in the hospital. We always had nurses or techs in, and then I kept running back and forth to the NICU.

I know it sounds bad, but it's not as bad living this as it sounds. The hardest parts for me have been Tuesday when I wasn't allowed out of my room to see them until 8PM and the first time I saw them after surgery they were just shy of untouchable, and Friday when I signed the papers for the blood transfusion and realized I was leaving that night. We are doing well dealing with all of this and we appreciate all of the prayers you have lifted up on our behalf. They are working and we are really at peace with everything going on. We haven't heard, but we are hoping to get them out Tuesday or Wednesday.

I have to go, we are off to the hosital again.

PS Owen had been in a room by himslef and they moved him to the main NICU room, right next to Alex, so they are as close to together as they've been since Tuesday (Jonathan did hold them at the same time today).

Monday, June 26, 2006

In other news...

I’ve gotten a lot of news in the last 2 days. I have congratulations and a prayer request.

First up, I received an e-mail from the minister at my church in B’ville this morning. I haven’t been since coming to Norman, and I am apparently totally out of the loop, since I haven’t had a church paper or anything. Our minister had a seizure on June 7th, and had a brain tumor removed on June 14th. He was allowed to return home on the 18th and will be going in for 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. Please pray for David, his family, the doctors and our congregation.

My buddy Kara had a baby yesterday morning. She was due last week and was set for an induction Tuesday if her little girl didn’t come on her own. Viviane Adele was born at 8:17am, at 9lbs 3oz., and 23 inches long. She has a head full of brown hair. Kara is doing well. The funny thing was that she called to tell us she had had her and we were at the hospital too. Jonathan and I were just in for my last NST and my pre-op, but it just seemed funny.

As I am not sure if I can get my laptop working well enough to dial in from the hospital blogging with info may be light or none at all for the next week (our desktop is fried at home, so we may just have nothing for a bit). We’ll see. I’ll update about the boys when I can.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

The end and the begining

Part of the adventure is about to come to an end; then again the real adventure begins then.

I went in for my pre-op today and my c-section is scheduled for noon on Tuesday and I am supposed to be at the hospital at 10:30 for surgery prep.

I am not allowed to eat or drink after midnight. I understand why, but telling a pregnant woman she isn’t allowed to eat or drink is mean, especially when she’s been drinking 10 glasses of water a day, 3 Boost Shakes and eating all day for months.

I’m glad we are almost done; the babies are trying to push out through the front of my stomach. I’m definitely more uncomfortable then my last 2 pregnancies and I am very ready for Tuesday.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

My brother

Jackson has a language and understanding that is all his own. Of course he’s almost 2 ½, so I can’t expect much more.

Here are some totally Jackson references:

My brother-this is what he calls himself, he will not say Jackson (any picture he sees he refers to himself as My Brother).
Sis-He refuses to say Victoria, she is Sis
Auda-My mother’s name is Audra and Victoria refers to her as Grandma Audra, until this last week ALL grandmothers were “Auda”. He is now referring to the others as Grandma (or Gamma), but mom is still Auda.
Cuck-He combines car and truck and refers to all vehicles as cucks.
Cacker-This is what he call a tractor.
My Shell-He calls my sister Michelle My Shell, now many of the names of family members have had My added to the front. My Auda, My Annie (Ann Dee), My Sis, My Brother.
Hi Seek-He is 2, I am having 2 babies, he is really good at the number 2. He likes to play Hi Seek (Hide and Seek). When he counts he gets to 3, then you say 4, he says Fi-Sic (5,6) and then all other numbers are 2. 2. 2. 2. 2.

Jacksonisms are fun. I wish I had a list of some of Victoria’s. My main memory of a Victoriaism was the word “Prenda”. She was almost 2 and she made up the word and she used it with her hands on her hips as a little kid cuss word (or insult we weren’t sure), it was very snotty and you knew when she said it, it wasn’t good.

It’s always something with the kids.

On the baby front we are officially in the last week of pregnancy, if I go into labor okay and if I don’t I am scheduled for Tuesday. With as well as the anti-contraction med is working, I should be able to wait (it’s stalled me for 4 weeks, why not 5). I ordered the stroller today and it should come while I’m in the hospital. Since the seats will recline all the way back I should be able to lay the little guys down in it, until they can sit up a bit. I should be able to take a few walks when we get home.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

How evil are you?

I was on Scott’s blog and he had a link to this guiz.

You Are 44% Evil

You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side.
Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.


I’m not as evil as I’m guessing I once was. I found the question, “Have you ever shot a gun and liked it?” funny. I don’t just like shooting guns I love it.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

What's going on.

What a wild day yesterday was. My baby girl is 6. That sounds so old. I’ll post pics here and in the album when we get home, since my software isn’t playing well with mom’s computer. She had a good day. I didn’t get to see her awake until around noon. I had another NST, which then led to another ultrasound and then a hair cut and color (which I desperately needed). When I got home we gave her, her BIG present. We bought her a set of drums at Toys R Us. Yes, I know we have babies coming and drums in the house may seem like a bad idea, but honestly as long as she is drumming and not just crashing the cymbals, I’m okay and she is very understanding of not playing when people are sleeping, or on the phone, or just when you say not now. She’s pretty good and so is Jackson. We ate at Hideaway Pizza (her choice) and came back and had cake and let her open the rest of her gifts. Her cake was very cool. My mom has a bear cake pan (the bear is sitting upright), so Victoria had a sitting Panda Bear cake. She was so thrilled and she got to play with the icing while mom was icing the cake.

Today I did something different. I got to be in pictures for someone’s photography portfolio for maternity shots. It was a neat experience, and not something I had thought of doing. I tried to be a total team player and told her I was game for anything and some of the shots she took were really cool. I was really glad I was able to help, and I can’t wait to see what she took.

Victoria is off again this next week. She is going to stay with her Aunt Sarah in Tahlequah. Sarah is brave (and so is her husband); she is taking all of the nieces and nephews for 3 days and 2 nights. Well, she isn’t taking all of them, I am keeping Jackson, if he was a year older and potty trained, I think I’d send him. Currently he is just too much of a 2 year old and all of the kids are older (except her youngest), I think she’d spend more time putting out his fires then getting to play and hang out with the rest of the kids. I hope they have a blast.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Father's Day

Okay, so Father’s Day is Saturday, and of course it has been all along. I never forget Father’s Day, because it’s always the Sunday after or the Sunday of Victoria’s birthday.

I’m letting Jonathan be more involved in his gift selection this year and he hasn’t made a decision. We have discussed a nice new weight bench (we both want/need this), a recliner; I’ve debated the standards like cologne, or work clothes (a new suit) and casual clothes. He hasn’t decided what he wants and I haven’t come up with any great ideas. The recliner would have won out, but now he’s debating whether he wants theater seat recliners and to turn our living room into a theater or just a recliner. Even then he wants to have some idea of future living room furniture ideas. He’s not huge on the whole decorating thing, but he wants good colors on the walls and furniture that goes with those colors and together.

He was nice enough to let me pick my Mother’s Day gift (I received 2 fake diamond ring since my wedding ring won’t fit), and I consider my Expedition another part of my gift. I want to do something nice, but nothing is striking either one of us.

Any suggestions?

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

The countdown

14 days to go.

My C-Section has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 27th. That is exactly 36 weeks. I am to remain on the anti-contraction medicine. If I go into labor early they won't stop me, but this should help me get 2 more weeks. NICU probably won't be necessary at that point. One ironic thing happened, my friend Kara is scheduled for her induction on the 27th if she doesn't have her baby girl before. She's having hers in Stillwater; otherwise we could keep each other company in the hospital (between naps, feeding, etc.).

My bassinet playpen came today. It's up and I'm working on getting Jackson to not throw things in it. He's doing very well; he even went and got a doll to put in it.

I went to the chiropractor yesterday and my hip is a lot better. I have another appointment tomorrow. I've never been to one before, but it was well worth it.

The chair I am recovering is looking great. I would post pictures, but we are having computer issues with the camera.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Reprogramming

It’s Monday. Boy is it Monday. It’s not a bad day, I just feel a bit behind, nothing major. The kids have been back since Thursday, at about bedtime. Today is a day for attitude adjustment and a bit of training. Jackson is cutting teeth, has a head/chest cold and he’s throwing fits, I don’t feel like listening to it. Victoria is a know it all (since birth) and has been a bit on the bossy, whinny side. Both just need some adjustment. Today’s focus is on them being back with me, and since I am the hard-nosed disciplinarian, getting my control back. My friend Kara is going through the same thing. It doesn’t matter where you send them and if it’s for one night or several, it’s crazy how quickly they forget what they can, can’t, should and shouldn’t do.

My ultrasound Friday has Alex at 4lbs 3ozs and Owen at 3lbs 13ozs (that is 8lbs of baby). My doctor is back from vacation today and I have my first appointment with her back tomorrow morning. The specialist told me Friday at this point he wouldn’t do anything to stop labor; I may be off the anti-contraction medicine soon. Tomorrow I am officially 34 weeks and he still doesn’t want me to go past 36 weeks. We’ll see what my doctor says tomorrow.

Back to it feeling like Monday, the DSL isn’t working correctly, I called and it should be back up by 2, so I’ll post this then. Also at about 1-3am Saturday night/Sunday morning my hip decided it wanted to dislocate. I am waiting on a call to see if I am allowed to go to the chiropractor and have it put back in place. I’ve never been to a chiropractor before, but Mom’s chiropractor said he could make the adjustment even tough I’m very pregnant; we’ll see what my OB says. I just personally don’t like feeling like someone is stabbing me in the hip with an ice pick anymore.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Day 3

Is it really Wednesday already? Jonathan and the kids will be back tomorrow night. I’m keeping busy, watching movies you can’t watch with the kids around (Underworld, b/c Underworld Evolution came out on DVD yesterday), reading, going to the doctor, hospital and lab, and working on that stupid chair I started to recover in the fall (pictures of the chair before and stripped are in the photo album to the right). Pictures will follow when it is finished.

The chair has exploded in mom’s living room, I will say upholstery is much easier with 2 people, one of us pulls the fabric while the other staples; it works very well. It is also much easier with the kids gone, b/c they can’t get into the staples, pins, hammers or sewing stuff. The little we’ve done looks good.

Here is a quick update on baby watch 2006. I have another ultrasound on Friday, and I am still at a 2 and 50% (if you don’t know what this is don’t worry about it, I’m not going to explain it, so my description is vague), 2 ½ weeks after they put me on the anti-contraction meds. The contractions have started coming occasionally regardless of the meds since Sunday, but not enough to do too much. The current goal is to make it until at least Tuesday, June 13th that is 34 weeks. I was given steroid shots last week on Tuesday and Wednesday to boost their lung development, just in case they came. I have officially hit my limit; I lost 3 lbs in the last week. Apparently at 155lbs, my body decided it couldn’t take anymore and the kids began sucking the life out of me.

Staci and Rich...

...sitting in a tree...

This post has been stewing in my head for a few weeks.

I have a huge congratulation to send out to my friend Staci. Cinco de Mayo she got engaged to a very nice guy, Rich. I’ve known Staci since 9th grade. We’ve seen each other go through high school and teen angst, we lost touch in college and we reconnected about 2 years ago. Staci is strong, fun, smart and beautiful (her Halloween Party picture is in the October or November archives). It’s been interesting watching their relationship grow (okay, listening to it over the phone, I live 3 hours away). There is one thing I have noticed; instead of nervousness, apprehension and the game playing we have all been through in the dating realm at one time or another, they just fit. The growth of their relationship has been relaxed and natural for the most part. I am truly excited for them; it’s great to find your partner for life in a person others can see is not just your love, but your friend as well.

Congratulations Staci and Rich!

PS Thanks for asking me to be in the wedding, I feel totally honored and excited.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

On my own...kind of.

I'm still being babysat.

I apologize for the lack of posts. I haven’t been paying much attention to the news or anything else for that matter.

This week is going to be interesting. Jonathan took the kids. They will be staying with his parents during the day and they will all stay at our house each night, so Jonathan can see them each evening. I cried at the initial thought, I’m getting better with it now. My kids drive me nuts, but then again I think I may go nuts without them (isn’t it funny how that works). The more I think about this the more the kids and I need it. I love them and I already miss them so much.

To make it easier on me, I let Victoria make the decision. It was hard on her after she decided what to do. She cried quite a bit, and Jonathan let her have the cell phone and she called me every 5 minutes when they left. She’s with her Dad, Uncle David and their parents right now and she sounded giddy and happy. At least the kids won’t be as cooped up for the next few days.

Victoria is close to being a master bike rider. I’ll have to post a pic of her and her bike when she gets back. My compact flash card (which is only 32 MB) is about full and I don’t want to dump it to my obsolete laptop. I have a 1GB compact flash card that should arrive before Wednesday, and then I will have plenty of space to hold pictures until I get home.

Have a great week. I’ll try too.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Get Shorty (UPDATED)

Honestly, what kind of crap is this?

Probation for child molestation, because he's "too short" to survive in prison, because he's 5'1" tall. That is just stupid. If you commit a crime you go to jail.

Call me cruel, but if you steal the innocence of children I have very little sympathy for how you fair in jail.

UPDATE

I'm not the only person who thought this was stupid. I am amazed that short people are defending the decision. I'm short (I'm even the tallest woman in my family), I'm only 5'2" tall, I don't find that to be an excuse. You suck it up and toughen up and deal with what life and God gave you. It isn't a handicap, let the man have his fate as a prison toy.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

6lbs. 12oz. Total

I should probably e-mail this to people, but I’m lazy and I’m just going to post it here.

I had another ultrasound yesterday. Combined right now the boy’s total weight is the same as Jackson’s birth weight. They weigh 6lb 12oz together. Alex is taking more then his share still, he weighs 3lbs 11oz and Owen is 3lbs 1oz. I can’t imagine having a baby half the size of Jackson at birth that would be really little. Alex was 2lbs 8oz and Owen was 2lbs 3oz two and a half weeks ago. They are certainly packing it on quick now.

Even if I hold out the specialist doesn’t think they will let me go past 36 weeks. I have another ultrasound June 9th. If my next non-stress test goes like Monday’s I’ll have more. My NST wasn’t coming out with good readings (it’s hard to monitor 3 heart rates and contractions with out the heart rates trying to cross over) so I had a very brief ultrasound Monday also.

My back is starting to really hurt, but is anyone really surprised at that. I haven’t had any caffeine is a few days I’m going to go have a little caffeine therapy and see how that makes me feel (anything to make the Tylenol work better). Have a lovely day and if you are somewhere like here that is a bit warm, stay cool.

I want my 2 dollars. (UPDATED)

UPDATE
We got our money! Let the happy dance begin.
UPDATE ENDED

Okay, so maybe I want more then 2 dollars, I want my ***** dollars. We pre-signed Friday (to close the sale of our OKC house), Jonathan works 2 hours away he couldn’t be expected to come back, plus I wouldn’t have had a babysitter to get me there.

The closing was to happen Friday, then Monday, then it happened yesterday at around 5 o’clock. It was too late for all of the money to be in, so now I sit and wait for my mortgage on that house, my bridge loan (we used the equity for a down payment on our current house) to be paid off and our profit to be electronically deposited (I trust that more then them mailing me my check).

What makes me mad about this whole deal is the lack of information I have received. I’ve been told, “I’ve been calling you all day.” from the office manager at our realtors more then once since we listed with them. Bull, our house, our cell, Jonathan’s office line all have caller ID and answering machines or voice mail. We would know if an attempt was made to reach us. I got a call saying the closing was going to happen at 1pm from the realtors office and that if anything changed they’d let me know (this was at 10:30 yesterday morning). Just to make sure I called the title company and that information was wrong and the realtor’s office never called me back with the change. The escrow closer contacted me with progress for the rest of the day. Now that is good service.

Thank you Marsha, you did a great job. As for our realtor, and his office manger, you don’t deserve you commission; you did a fair job at best on the sale of our house start to finish.

Friday, May 19, 2006

I'm just shy of bedrest. (UPDATED)

I am still progressing and Jonathan is currently picking up medication to stop contractions. The doctor wants me to go at least 2 more weeks (which would set me at 32 1/2 weeks for delivery), but she thinks I can go 4 (which would be 34 1/2 weeks at delivery). I am only allowed out every 2-3 days for no more then 1 1/2 hours and not by myself (I'm 27 and have to have a babysitter).

I have another ultrasound Tuesday, and Monday I begin non-stress tests twice a week (Monday and Thursday) at the hospital. My regular OB visits are now weekly, with progress checks.

I am upset, I am having trouble dealing with the thought of the babies in NICU and me being discharged, which is what my OB thinks will happen. I am thankful for the decision to have the babies in Norman. It's hard for me to accept help even from my family, but I can't do this alone.

UPDATE

Jonathan did let me go to Wal-Mart this afternoon to buy Victoria a new bike. It appears the babies if they make it 4 weeks will arrive near her 6th birthday. Unfortunately he made me ride the little motor cart. I guess it's a vanity thing, but it was very degrading

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Ducktales (UPDATED)

We bought a 3 DVD set of the episodes 1-27 of the great cartoon Ducktales! Jonathan and I have enjoyed it as much as the kids. Ducktales are so much fun! Victoria totally digs it and Jackson may not enjoy it as much as Scooby, but he does like it.

UPDATE

Yes, Kelly it is really fun watching them as an adult, you do get more of the subtle humor-kind of like old Looney Toons. Jonathan and I laugh at several things that we just didn't get as kids.

Jeremy-Life is like a hurricane, here in Duckburg. Race cars, lasers, airplanes; it's a duck blur. Might solve a mystery or rewrite history. Ducktales. Oh. Oh....

I'll let you try to finish it from there.

For $30 it's about a buck an episode and well worth it. I can't wait until volume 2 comes out. We found these at Hastings on a fluke one night. We didn't see anything we wanted to rent, we debated the purchase, left and went back and bought it. I'm glad we did.