Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Tired or lazy?

I feel tired, lazy and useless.  Granted I have a cold and I’m pregnant, but I can’t seem to get up and get anything done (I’m talking unloading the dishwasher, reading, sometimes even getting a drink).  I need a pick me up, but it’s 3 PM if I have any caffeine now I can kiss sleep goodbye tonight.

Any suggestions to motivate me off of my slug butt?

Monday, January 30, 2006

The Pet Tax

Okay, I understand registering your pet with the city and everything, but B’ville has gone too far. As of tomorrow anyone with a dog, cat of ferret must register his or her pet with the city. Now that sounds fair enough, except the registration fee is $10 a year. I’ve heard of cities charging $3 for this before, but $10 a year? That is too much. Also, if you have a pet that you register with the city that is over 6 months old and isn’t spayed or neutered you have to pay the city $20 a year for the privilege of leaving your animal intact. I understand this will help control the animal population, but this seems a bit much. If you neglect to follow the city ordinance you will be fined $200, I assume that is per animal, but I’m not sure.






When we lived in OKC there was a major stray dog and cat problem, but here I have seen only 1 dog out in 6 months that wasn’t on a leash. Heck I’ve only seen 1 cat since we moved here. I understand that they must have their reasons, but this seems a bit excessive.

Murphy, aka tall, dark and stupid (come on he's a chocolate lab) had better keep his butt in the fence, I don't want to shell out anymore cash for him then I have to, I'm glad he's neutered.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Joiners

We’ve been in B’ville for a little over 6 months now, and we finally found a church.  I should probably rephrase that we finally joined a church.  We have visited several churches in the area, but there was only one that we kept coming back to and visiting repeatedly.  So this morning we joined the church.  I point blank asked Jonathan (as I have tried to not push the issue), “Are we joining this church or not?  If not at least let me know where you plan on visiting, so I have some idea before Sunday morning.”  Jonathan is so funny, he just isn’t the social type (most of the time) and even though he knows it’s good to be a part of a body of believers he just isn’t a joiner.  Today he lead the charge and we joined, of course we were each asked to join the Praise Team right after church ended and Jonathan just said, “No thanks,” for himself.  

Well, at least he made the first step.  I love my husband and I wouldn’t have him any other way.

Cold or allergy?

We all have either a head cold or an allergy that is affecting the whole crew here.  All in all it isn’t fun.  Thankfully it isn’t a sinus infection (Yeah!), but we all have that medicine head feeling like we’ve taken an antihistamine, without having taken the antihistamine.  Unfortunately, that is what we need to take, so it makes us all even more loopy and useless when we do.  

I must say it’s been a while since we all have felt bad, and this defiantly could have been worse.  I am so thankful we got flu shots this year, this kind of cold is cake compared to that.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Rain!

Boy howdy.  We got rain today, and I’m not talking a 30-minute bit, but full-blown rain with a little thunder and lightening for good measure.

This doesn’t end the drought or fire hazard, but hey we’ll take what we can get.

They revealed the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Home today.  We didn’t go, but we drove out that direction to see if it was still nutty after it was over.  Cops were still there and about 10-15 cars.  We’ll drive out to check it out another time after the fuss ends.  At least we know where we are looking.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

OEA LAWSUIT?!?!

It is illegal for teachers to be member of a union, yet we have the NEA and the OEA that most Oklahoma teachers join. They make those who refuse to join miserable. My father-in-law even lost his job in Cleveland, Oklahoma after many years, because he refused to join. You may question the reason my father-in-law was fired, but I have never met a single person (and I have met many) who says he wasn't the greatest teacher they ever had and that he made learning easy and fun. I’ve met one who even went to college to get a degree in history, because of him.

Well, the OEA has done something that I just can’t believe now. They have filed suit against the State of Oklahoma for not adequately funding education in the state. Oklahoma may be “low” on teacher pay, but when compared to the cost of living in this state they are paid in the top 5 nationally. In Oklahoma they also spend approximately $11,000 per student (this is the last stat I heard). The most elite private schools in the state only charge tuition of $6,000-$7,000 a year and our school systems over all in the state aren’t that good. My opinion, it’s not lack of funding its bureaucracy in the education department and misappropriation of funds that is the problem. I hope they don’t get away with this lawsuit.

It’s crap like this that makes me proud to homeschool.

Sara Overstreet is Dead, but I'm not.

For those who knew me by my maiden name (Sara Overstreet) I am not dead.

I got out of bed to answer a call from my sister, her first words were, “You’re dead.” How many times have I heard her say that? My response was, “What did I do?” She proceeded to tell me that I died in a trailer fire in Wagoner.

My mother-in-law called to tell me later, and when I called my husband he said he heard on his way to work and was taken aback momentarily.

This is a notice to anyone who knows me as Sara Overstreet from Norman, Oklahoma, please tell anyone you know, who knows me that I am not dead.

That is all.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Promotion

I can’t believe in the midst of all that is going on I forgot to mention Jonathan’s performance review. It went well. Jonathan thought in advance and called his brother for information on how these things go at bigger companies (his current company has a couple thousand, his OKC job was about 100-150 people). Jonathan wanted a promotion, to a level II engineer. His brother told him to ask in advance, so Jonathan wrote his boss a letter. His boss was gracious and gave him the promotion. This means a bigger raise (a totally new pay bracket), which I guess will come in the next month or 2 (know it will be here by March).

God is good, I am so thankful and this couldn’t come at a better time. Now even if our OKC house doesn’t sell soon we should be able to buy another car. And afford our additional expenses.

Do you know this man?

Okay, some of you know I don’t watch much TV at all. When I was at my mom’s I used to watch Trading Spaces (I haven’t since Ty and Paige left). I also must admit I have only seen Extreme Makeover Home Edition once at my in-laws. I am totally ready to go into stalker mode thought, because Extreme Makeover Home Edition is currently 10-15 minutes from my house. I think Ty is a hoot and my sister (heck maybe my sisters) thinks he is very cute. I’d love to get an autograph, but I can’t volunteer on site (kids at home, pregnant I doubt they want me around). This doesn’t mean I won’t try.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Got Chocolate?

By now I assume most everyone has heard the "Chocolate City" statements, made by New Orleans Mayor, Ray Nagin (and probably his silly explanation). This I thought was far too funny after all of that.

Friday, January 20, 2006

The Purchase.

I bought it.  I broke down and bought it today.  

We have those, now frequent 3-hour, trips to Norman.  Also a trip to the in-laws and back is about 2 hours total.  This morning I took Jonathan to his parents and then came straight home.  The kids were stir crazy, the only thing that made it easier was the fact that Jackson fell asleep.

So, I bought the 2-screen DVD player for the car.  I hated doing it, because I’m not a big TV watcher or even a fan of sitting my kids in front of it, but something had to give.  Hopefully our drives will be more peaceful and enjoyable.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Little Freak

My son walks around the house calling people and things “freak”.  When he does something silly I refer to him as a “little freak”, he enunciates it perfectly.  I am such a bad influence; at least he isn’t learning profanities.  

The MASTER

I still totally freaking want one. I swear I may never get over this. I check everyday on ebay, but I’m just not willing to shell out between $60 and $100 for one of these.


I'm such a nerd.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Two years ago today, right around this time, a sweet baby boy was born. He’s so big now it just amazes me. I just hope he keeps growing up enough to be potty trained by the time the twins come.


Jackson Reagan you rock!

4

I wasn’t tagged, but I liked this. Why don’t you get to know me.

Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Pinocchio’s (a restaurant in Norman that no longer exists, yummy breadsticks)
2. Stadium Sportwear (clothing store in the mall, boring)
3. Lowe’s Appliance Specialist (long hours and lots of stress)
4. El Chico (never work anywhere you give lots away for free)

**4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over**

1. The Muppet Movie
2. Underworld
3. McClintock/Donnavan’s Reef (Great John Wayne’s)
4. Hatari (John Wayne in Africa)

**4 Places You Have Lived**

1. Norman, OK
2. Stillwater/ Yale, OK area
3. Oklahoma City, OK
4. Bartlesville, OK

**4 TV Shows You Love To Watch**

1. I don’t really watch TV. I occasionally catch a PBS kids show.

**4 Places You Have Been On Vacation**

1. Texas
2. Pennsylvania
3. North Carolina
4. Washington, D.C.

**4 Websites You Visit Daily**

1. Cam Edwards blog
2. Jeremy’s blog-which leads me to Tiffany’s blog-which leads me …
3. Weather.com
4. Local homeschool site

**4 Of Your Favorite Foods**

1. avacados
2. chinese chicken lettuce wraps (Pie Wei)
3. oranges
4. steak

**4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now**

1. in bed
2. in the shower
3. in labor
4. in Hawaii (or on any tropical island)

I tag anyone who just feels like doing this.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Awww.

This is cute.

SPARK!


I used to drink 2 Spark a day, but as usual with pregnancy my taste has changed. I still love this stuff (especially mixed with cranberry juice, it makes the cran more tart), but I often don’t think of it until after my caffeine cut off time of 3pm (I won't sleep otherwise). I know I have to limit my caffeine while pregnant, usually I just don’t want anything with caffeine in it anyway right now.

Today I remembered to drink one, and it was just like heaven. Good stuff, a drink with some b vitamins, vitamin c, and a small amount of caffeine. Hopefully it gives me the energy boost and focus help I need. I’ll take all the help I can get right now.

The Name Game

I have to name 2. Well, here are some of the name ideas I have. Please bare with me I have tons of trouble with girl’s names.

Boys
Owen-Celtic-Form of Evan meaning Young Warrior
This is also my Great Grandmother (also a twin's) maiden name.
Maxwell-English-meaning the great well
This is also my mother in laws maiden name.
Alexander-Greek-meaning helper and defender of mankind
I just like this one.

Girls
Elizabeth-Hebrew-meaning consecrated to God
I just like this one and I can deal with the nickname Liz.
Ivy-Greek-meaning ivy plant
Jonathan had a great aunt named Ivy (?), plus we like it.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I may throw some more at you all I we think of them. The name game song I don’t think kills any of these names.

Good Day

So far it’s been a good day. I’m tired and stressed and I hate the gas company, but other than that I’m good.

I’ve done a no fun thing that will help us out. In an attempt to dump some credit card debt, I got a new card (oxymoron) with a 0% on transfers. I like being able to make the same payment as before, but paying off more.

Our realtors may have a valid offer on our house. This I hope comes through; we haven’t had an offer in the 6 months it’s been on the market. When we sell this house our finances will be freed up to make the many purchases we need to make (baby stuff, and an SUV).

Jonathan had a performance review lunch with his boss today and he got a promotion to a level 2-project engineer. This means a new pay bracket, so he gets a bigger raise when raises come in (I think) March. Again, my thoughts are baby stuff and an Expedition.

I also got the latest issue of Everyday with Rachel Ray. I love the show, the food, and the weird expressions. Good times.

I am feeling fairly human, just much more pregnant then I did last week (I think it’s psychological).

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

The Adventure Continues

I must admit now that I know I’m having twins; there are so many weird things that are semi-explained (I stress the semi part).  I swore this one was not behaving like the last 2.  

-This explains why I saw my stomach move 2 weeks ago (that’s way early if it’s just one).  

-This explains why I felt at least one kick on Sunday (again very early for one).

-This explains why I followed the doctor’s guidelines for additional calories (at least I quess I did, I thought I went over) and I gained no weight last month.

-This explains why my pregnancy test didn’t show positive day one like the last 2 kids.  It took almost 2 weeks to come up.

-This explains why the morning sickness came late (at 8 weeks instead of 4 weeks), thankfully it only lasted 4 weeks and I never actually threw up.

I am still very freaked out.  All of the things that I have taken for granted, as only minor possibilities have become more prominent possibilities with 2.

-Bed rest isn’t a guarantee, but it is a lot more likely, because pre-term labor is more common.

-My due day is more then likely wrong.  50% of twins are born between week 34 and week 37.  This moves my due date to somewhere between June 13th and July 4th.  Sorry July 25th, it’s not going to happen.

-I’m having a c-section.  That’s what the doctor says.  I was initially unhappy about it, but I’ve been through labor twice, I’m really not missing the birthing experience.  This just means they cut me open before contractions start (hopefully).

-I have a lot more money that has to be spent.  Our house in OKC has to sell soon.  The few things I planned to buy have changed to the many things I now need, and they aren’t cheap.  Thankfully Jonathan has performance reviews and hopefully raises this week.  I’ll be honest I hate showers and don’t want one.  I’d rather buy it myself.

-My time is short and my limitations are much greater.  I just feel like time is short, because any moment my doctor could say you have to move here and stay with your mom.

-My doctor’s visits are more frequent and I have to go see a fetal/maternal specialist and have ultrasounds every 4 weeks after I’m 20 weeks.  This is good, because if they can’t tell us what they both are at our first ultrasound I’ll still have a chance to find out and pick out names.

I just wish I were able to focus better.  I’m defiantly tired and my mind is totally wandering.  I can’t focus on a book or a movie; I can barely focus to cook dinner.  I’m off to make my list and get things started.  Maybe that will keep me on track.

The adventure continues.

Friday, January 13, 2006

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

Life just got more complicated, at the moment I feel nothing more then panic and shock. I just found out at my doctors appointment this morning...

...I'm Having TWINS!

Itseems like the fear of having number one again. I have to buy stuff for the 2nd baby, like I've never had one.

Believe me I'm happy, it's just hard to feel much of anythingright now. I'm suddenly very tired.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

I thought December was busy...

…I was wrong.

The holidays may have been busy, but as usual I am over extending myself.  I made one simple mistake a few too many times.  I said that one word, “YES!”  

1.  I agreed when asked to head up a 4-H history display for our homeschool history fair.  There isn’t a person in our county with as many 4-H connections or who knows as much about 4-H as I do, except our 4-H agent.  I was the natural choice.  That means meetings at my house (which hasn’t recovered from Christmas and we weren’t even here).

     Agreed-October/November 2005

2.  I agreed to make signs for the history fair.  I have more computer savvy then the lady in charge and I have a copier to blow up the sign.

     Agree-December 2005

3.  Jonathan scheduled Jackson’s second flu shot for the 13th, I didn’t write it down (or schedule it) and had to change it to the 12th, also the day of the history fair.  We get to take Jonathan to work at 6 am.

     Agree-December 2005

4.  I have decided to have the baby in Norman and scheduled a Dr. appointment for the 13th.  Damn I need to start carrying a calendar again.  This means we have to drive to Norman and leave the history fair early Thursday night and pick up Jonathan.  This means laundry, and packing tonight.

     Agreed-December 2005

5.  I told Jonathan I would start the search and find us a new realtor.  We will be in the OKC area on Friday, so it makes since to sign the contract then.  Today I call and get the sales pitch form many people.  Damn I wish that house would sell.

     Agreed-November/December 2005

6.  Jackson’s birthday is the 19th, so the natural choice to have a party with my family is Friday night, while in Norman.  Today I order a cake, and plan dinner (mom’s sick and I hate to mess up her house).  I still have to buy his presents.  I guess that will happen in the middle of the night Thursday or sometime Friday around Dr. appointments and meeting realtors.

     Agreed- No real date, come on it’s my kids birthday!

7.  I’m pregnant, and tired and totally unfocused.  My world, my family, my house and my blog are all suffering for it.  This is making me a stress kitten.


I’ll try to update more regularly, but I keep messing up and taking on too much, procrastinating and not noticing until it’s too late.

FOCUS-dude do I need some.  Thankfully I know I’m not the only person in the world who does this.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

It's a strange day.

Mark this day; it may be the end of the world. It pains me to say it, but…

HOOK ‘EM HORNS!



I hope they hand USC their butts tonight.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

What happened?

I just glanced at the blog and I know I’ve posted 4 things today.  I lost one.  That’s very annoying.  I’ll just have to update again tomorrow.

Katie Holmes?


Wow, is it really possible that Katie Holmes has turned into a 40-50-60-70 year old woman, since hooking up with Tom Cruise? I seriously wouldn’t have known this was her. She’s not an actress I care much for, and Tom Cruise has gotten so odd, I don’t care for him either. As a couple I find them totally creepy.

Christmas, Barf and More

Oh, the entertainment value of the holiday’s…it’s priceless.  Like my posts before the computer decided it hated me, if it can go wrong it will.  I just have stretches of time where things go wrong; fortunately I can laugh at most of it.  

Christmas Day was no exception.  I the middle of the night Jackson got in bed with us and had a fever.  We were a bit bleary, but gave him something to bring it down.  We got up the next morning for the 3-hour drive to Norman (it shouldn’t be that long but we always stop a couple times).  We stopped for gas and drinks and then decided to stop again when we saw the Albertson’s open to get donuts instead of waiting for the McDonald’s on the turnpike.  We get to Tulsa and are one road away from the turnpike when Jackson vomits.  Great!  We pull down the road and proceed to strip him behind the car and change his clothes.  We have no towels so we use a fleece blanket to clean up as best we can.  Unfortunately the car seat strap goes over Jackson’s head so it was in his hair.  His seat is covered and we debate turning around and going home.  We choose to drive on.

We arrive in Norman without another incident and take Jackson’s clothes and seat cover and wash them as soon as we get to moms and give him a bath before we go see Dad’s family.  The kids play, and get tons of stuff and have a good day.  Jackson doesn’t get a nap at all, and for being sick he was a trooper.   Victoria I think had a ball, getting to see her Grandma.

Monday we went to OKC to check on the house.  I was okay except I need to take a vacuum up to sweep the carpet (leaves have been tracked in) and someone did a #2 in the upstairs bathroom and didn’t flush (Yuck).  Jonathan and I also went to dinner for our anniversary (which was really Tuesday).  We had fun and then went and roamed Hasting, Best Buy and Target.  We had planned on going to a hotel, but since Jackson was still running a fever we thought we’d be nice to mom and not make her go without sleep.

Tuesday I went for my first appointment for the baby.  I decided to have the baby in Norman.  It may not be totally convenient, but it’s the decision I feel comfortable with.  Then we crammed the trunk full and drove home.  It’s so nice to be home.

No Resolutions

I have quite a bit to say today.  Yes, my computer is functioning again.  I have funny and disgusting holiday stories, home improvement pictures and stories, prayer request, praises and to be perfectly honest no resolutions.  I guess I’ll start there.  

You read it correctly; I have no New Years resolutions.  For one thing I break them.  To be perfectly honest, I resolve to do a lot of stuff through the year, some I break, some I don’t, but if I do it on the first I break it.  I did like something I saw on the blog of Greta William’s.  I’ve found her blog through another blog, by my friends’ wife Tiffany (great blog, I really enjoy it).  Greta mentioned an article about making a list of 100 things you want to accomplish in your life (I like that word-accomplish).  I really liked that idea.  I prefer it to a resolution.  It’s something I can build on and strive for each day.  

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!