Thursday, December 27, 2007

Number 9...Number 9...

...is one of my least favorite Beatles songs, but today number 9 is different.

I married Jonathan 9 years ago today!

We have no plans, the kids have had an over load of travel and conflicting discipline for the holidays. We need to get them back in our routine before subjecting some poor babysitter to our 4. I have plans for fixing a nice dinner and we are going to rearrange for new toys (and remove more even though I did it a couple of weeks ago) and for the start of renovating V's room. It may not be an anniversary of fun activities, but it is a reminder of the adventures we always have and there is always fun involved in our own warped way, that most may not see.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

DANG!

They've got skills. You have to watch the whole thing, it gets better as it goes on.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Rush Limbaugh (updated again)

I was the first caller on Rush today! I picked on him for rooting for Missouri.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

(update 1)
Terry,

I read you comment after I posted this and laughed hard.

(update 2)
He even linked the conversation on the website on the front page (look in the left column), here's the direct link. I'm such a giddy little dork. I will pull and save the mp3 of this show.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Personal Foul

BOOMER SOONER!

OU just won the Big 12 Championship against #1 Missouri.

I predicted it (at least on my pick 'em group, I'm ranked #2).

Here is the football question to ponder. If you tackle a guy and your butt is right next to his head and you fart on purpose, could that be a personal foul? Sorry, I started laughing during the game while thinking about that.

Ya, I know that was just bad.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wait Wai

There's no need to eat your hat (made of turkey) unless your just hungry right now. The women were all in the kitchen and were around as the turkey was put in the roaster oven and prepared. The discussion had already occurred as to how to brine soak the turkey and what I put in the soak. They asked before they ate it.

The guys on the other hand cared not. It was food and it was good, they ate it. Then they all retreated to their respective chairs or outside to throw the football around with the kids and that was about the extent of what we got out of them.

19 people satisfied, I finally put my few left overs in the freezer.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Recap

I had a successful Thanksgiving in spite of Murphy's law.

Jonathan was off all last week (thankful).

We got a lot of work and organization done on the house (thankful).

Jonathan decided we needed to go to the zoo Tuesday and showed up over an hour after we did when I should have been working on the house because people were coming Wednesday night (thankful and then not thankful).

My turkey turned out pretty good (thanks Wai for the soak instructions they were great), it got cooked after it popped to try and get it to brown more and is wasn't as moist as it would have been (still thankful).

Jackson started throwing up at 1am Thanksgiving-he ate 5 crackers all day and threw up on my bed twice and on me twice (not thankful).

My in-laws stayed to care of the other kids while we took Jackson to the ER Thursday night (thankful).

No one else has gotten sick...yet (thankful).

I got the tree up and the house decorated Friday. It's nice and festive (thankful).

Jonathan had to go back to work Monday (not thankful and yet thankful-we have to have money to live).

These are just a few things from last week. I have much more to be thankful for, this is just a high and low light recap of last week. I hope you had a happy and blessed Thanksgiving and I hope you have a wonderful transition to Christmas!

I am the Queen...

...Nerd Queen that is.

NerdTests.com says I'm a Nerd Queen.  What are you?  Click here!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Eat, drink and be merry!

Okay, so maybe all I put here are things to eat and be merry. If you want the drink I'm of no help here. This is a modified version of a post I made last November. It's still the same 5 recipes.

1. I’ve posted about this one 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.

2. 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.

3. I made this pumpkin swirl cheesecake three times last year. For Thanksgiving and Christmas I cheated and didn’t swirl it. I just 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.

4 & 5. 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!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Check this out.

This may be the colest car I've ever seen in modern history. Wow!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Ch-Ch-Changes

I'm not sure if their will really be changes around here, but their might be. For those of you who don't know, my husband has 2 bachelors (Aerospace Engineering, OSU 2002 and Mechanical Engineering, OSU 2005). It's sounds very impressive, but to complete the 2nd degree he just needed 12 hours in anything not remedial. He finished those courses through OCCC in OKC.

Jonathan is a Sr. Design/Program Engineer for an Oklahoma aero company, that does a little bit of it all, repair and overhaul parts, interiors and structures, nacelles and thrust reverser's, etc. He makes more then the state median income, but he is really wanting to knock out some debt, and get an newer car (his car is on its last leg) and he'd like to have more expendable income for potential property investments. He has been told that he is on the fast track for management, but the dollar signs of contract work and the potential to double his income (yes, we would pay the taxes, out insurance, dental and retirement) is very strong. Even with the expenses he would still pull in a lot (between 40% and 50 %) more then he makes now. The drawbacks are lose of his current schedule (4 days a week, 10 hour days-most of the time), more overtime and less time at home and the possibility of being let go at any time, b/c he isn't a direct hire. The market looks to be very hot for the next 2-3 years and he can go back direct at about anytime.

The big question is, is it worth it? It looks good, but with 4 kids I'm not sure I wouldn't opt for security. This is a discussion we have about every 6 months. It might happen, it might not.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

This information supports...

...some of why my kids don't and won't go to public school. Somewhere down the line I think we lost reading, math, spelling, science, etc. for crap that has nothing to do with academics.


The public school teacher convention is going on and here are some of the workshops they are offering:

"The Unbearable Whiteness of Being: Dismantling White Privilege and Supporting Anti-Racist Education in Our Classrooms and Schools." Designed to help educators identify and deconstruct their own white privilege and in so doing more deeply commit themselves to anti-racist teaching and critical multicultural teaching.

"Talking About Religious Oppression and Unpacking Christian Privilege." Will examine the dynamics of Christian privilege and oppression of minority religious groups and nonbelievers as constructed and maintained on three distinct levels: individual, institutional and societal. God help us .. now there's not only white privilege, but Christian privilege as well.

"Beyond Celebrating Diversity: Teaching Teachers How to be Critical Multicultural Educators." This session will start from the premise that multiculturalism's greatest danger "comes from educators who ostensibly support its goals, but whose work - cultural plunges, food fairs, etc. - reflects a compassionate conservative consciousness rather than social justice. This session focuses on preparing teachers, not for celebrating diversity, but for achieving justice in schools and society."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.multicultural30oct30,0,4084309.story

How about worrying about students learning the basics and learning them well. Gee, I guess that's not what's important in school anymore.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

My lose is heaven's gain.

Grandma Overstreet passed away last night around 1 am. I had even been called last night by my sister to tell me I probably had a week or two to get back down. I heard the answering machine and my Dad said to call him when I got the message. I ran downstairs to get the phone, but I knew.

Please pray as my family mourns this lose. She needed to go and she is in a better place.

The show is over.

The musical closed Sunday. It was fun, but I really miss the many new friends I've made. John Durrill of the 60's band The Five American's was soooo fun to work with. I danced, I sang, I was embarrassed by one of my costumes, heck I even cartwheeled over a guys legs (thanks for not dropping me Nathan). If you want to see pics you can go to my myspace page (linked to the side and check the album of back stage pictures and cast party photos).

It was nice to return to the stage after 10 years. I won't make the mistake of taking that long again.

G.I. Joe

This article is frustrating, but inspiring. Read it all.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Production Week

Well, I will apologize for lack of posts and responses to e-mails. Life should be back to normal shortly. Our musical runs 2 shows. One Saturday at 7pm and one Sunday at 3pm. Wish us luck...oh, wait tell us to break a leg. lol

We had our first rehearsal on stage tonight. We have been practicing on the 9th floor of the state college here in town. Today we had our first tech rehearsal (setting the lights, BIG props, etc.). What will take less then 3 hours for the show, that has taken slightly longer then 3 hours in rehearsal took 5 1/4 hours (3 to 8:15). I thought I would be home before J and the kids got home from church, but I was about 45 minutes behind them. I had planned on making dinner and having it ready for them. I felt terrible about that.

I will try to post pics and maybe some blackmail worthy rehearsal video from my new camera.

Thankfully the choreographer will be back tomorrow night (she was gone ALL of last week), so my dance captain duties are over. I must have faked it well to make dance captain, b/c I am not a dancer.

Friday, October 05, 2007

And the hits keep coming.

It's been quite a day.

Updates. Jonathan's Great Aunt Marie, passed away this morning, she had a heart attack. My grandmother is in a nursing home down the street from her apartment so grandpa is close by.

The FedEx man paid me a visit and brought me Snappy Jr. I took some pictures and then I put the battery on the charger. Here are the first 4 pictures. I could have taken better ones, but I wanted the 1st four pictures to not be deleted and used in this post. So here are my lovely children.

Victoria has lost 2 teeth. I'll take a better picture later I promise Mom.

Jackson playing in the office. I love those blue eyes.
Owen is almost walking, but he climb better then Alex. He also loves shoes.


Big Al loves unplugging the monitor so it's never on when I need it. He runs now.



Thanks again Wai for the recommendation. I am impressed with this camera.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and I hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Grandma O.

Okay, here is a better bit of information. I was in a hurry when I posted the last one.

Last week Grandma was taken to the hospital because of dehydration and a bladder infection. They had been struggling with keeping her electrolyte levels up and gave her some blood because her blood counts were low. On Sunday afternoon I had been told that Grandma would probably be released Monday and put in rehabilitation care before going home.

Sunday night I received another call from my Dad. He had just driven back to Texas from Norman and seeing his mom. They determined she has intestinal bleeding, probably from a tear. After talking to 3 doctors the same information was given. To do the colonoscopy she would have to be flushed, which would drop her electrolytes, which she can't keep up anyway. If surgery was needed putting her under anesthetic would cause her to go into cardiac arrest. The electrolytes are what keeps your heart going and hers would be too low. The options were to go ahead and try and let her die on the table (something she expressed earlier in life she would rather not go through) or to let her go into hospice and let her go that way. The decision for hospice has been made. Blood transfusions have been stopped, but electrolytes are still being give and she is on a full liquid diet. On top of the above issues Grandma is also diabetic and has mild dementia. There is a lot that needs cared for.

Dad and I both drove to Norman on Monday. Dad is still there and we came back late yesterday afternoon. It was hard knowing this is goodbye. Victoria sang "God Bless America" to her and recited her memory verse for the week. Jackson was sweet and wild. The babies were just sweet. I got the chance to hold Grandma's hand and pray with her. I broke down more then once last night at musical rehearsal, but I kept going.

Please keep my family and the people helping us in your prayers. Everything is a bit strange. It's hard knowing what the outcome will be. We haven't lost anyone in dad's family since Aunt Karen when I was 9.

On a positive note, grandma was on the same floor as the women's and children's center at Norman Regional. I got to take the twins down to the NICU to see their nurses. It's hard to believe that 15 months ago my boys were hooked to machines and being primarily cared for by women who weren't related to them. The NICU was home for 2 1/2 weeks. It was nice to go back and say, "Hey, thanks again." They couldn't believe how big they are.

Monday, October 01, 2007

We're off.

My Grandma O isn't well and is in the hospital. Things don't look good right now, but we'll see.

Please pray for my Grandmother, Grandfather, the Doctors and the rest of my family.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Thanks Wai!

I don't have it yet, but I just ordered my new camera (I got the silver version) and a 2GB card. Jonathan really wanted to go with a model from the Canon SD series so I relented. I don't get manual controls or image stabilization, but I am pleased with what we agreed on. If I want manual controls I'll have the camera guy in Norman fix Snappy, which I may do anyway and let V have a good camera to work with.

Jonathan wanted to go with a refurbished SD 550. After Wai posted a couple of comments about his SD1000 we agreed that it was the better way to go.

I got really impatient and almost went and spent more to have it immediately from Wal-Mart, but I'm trying to be patient. I'm also saving enough on tax that it paid for the memory card.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

At last!

We own the twins outright!. Ya, I know they are almost 15 months old and this sounds weird, but we have been getting the run around with the insurance and the neonatologist's billing department. I've even been sent to collections and pulled out of collections as we have tried to get it all straightened out.

Now, I guess they can't repo the babies. Where would you return something like that? I don't think there was a return desk at the hospital. lol

Anyway, YIPEE! I was so happy i just wanted to wake them up and kiss on them. I did contain myself so they could finish their nap.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I think this is it.

I'm almost certain I am going with this and this. At about $178 I think this is a better deal then the repair or offered upgrade. My sister said since it's outside of the warranty to get it back and take it to the guy that repairs cameras in Norman. She said he does good work and he should be cheaper then Canon. If I do that I think I'll give it to V to take whatever she wants so she and J won't touch my new one.

Now I have to talk this out with Jonathan so we are in agreement before I make a purchase like this.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Snappy's Prognosis

Well, I got word from Canon today. I'm just going to cut and past the important parts of the e-mail here:

Received: September 18, 2007
Repair Cost: $ 97.00
Status: Estimated September 18, 2007


Dear SARA :

We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. We have estimated your repair as detailed below. Upon your approval and payment remittance we will start the necessary repairs.


You can expect the repair to be completed and your equipment shipped back to you within approximately 7 business days,* from the time we receive your approval and payment. Please respond to this estimate promptly to avoid your unit being returned un-repaired.Please note that in the unlikely event that any internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization.The Canon USA repair facility may repair your equipment or exchange it for refurbished equipment of the same model, or for a new or refurbished equipment of an equivalent model to your equipment, with the same or additional features. Please note that recovered, remanufactured, repaired and/or recycled parts may be used in connection with such repair.

Thank you for purchasing Canon products and for allowing us this opportunity to serve you.

Best Regards,Canon Factory Service Center


They didn't tell me what was wrong and they gave me their "FLAT RATE REPAIR CHARGE". I at least like to know what I'm paying for.

They offered me this referb deal:

Canon has a special program for its valued customers.
As an alternative to repair you may now purchase a refurbished POWER SHOT A530 for $125.00 . Call our Customer Care Center at 1-866-443-8002 for more details.


I found the same referb cheaper on the Internet.

I really think I'm going to just buy a new camera. The offered A530 is a slower, lower megapixel, referb of what I want that's $168 and brand new.

What do you think? Anyone? Anyone?

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Pressure

It's still there, but at least my molars don't hurt anymore. I ran across the house and my teeth hurt so bad. I would just like to take the shop vac to my sinus cavities to release the rest of the pressure. I should be better in a few days. I'm going to go and take some ibuprofen and a some more allergy meds. Only 7 days left of my antibiotic.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

I'm embarrassed...

...to say I went to OSU. No, not because of football, I've never been a Poke fan. I'm embarrassed, because of this article. They are complaining about not being competitive in attracting students, because they don't get enough financial aid.

I think I've heard this before.

I remember hearing them say that they weren't competitive enough in sports, because their facilities aren't nice enough. Gee, I remember driving through Stillwater recently and I saw the stadium looking better and a neighborhood leveled to build an "athletic village," with a ridiculous donation from T. Boone Pickens. I still don't see OSU winning championships in anything except wrestling and golf (and at that who really cares).

So, OSU have those new facilities helped you? I think not.

OSU, has turned into a whiny, pity poor me university. They don't have the vision to eliminate issues before they arise. They aren't proactive and a fair amount of reporting about OSU is complaint, because they aren't good enough, smart enough and dog gone it people don't like them.

OSU is the whiny younger sibling of OU and instead of positivly marketing their school, they complain, because they are in OU's shadow. OSU needs to step out and chart a course based on what they do well (they never talk about that). OSU needs a better attitude and a PR turn around. OSU is an A & M even if that isn't their name. They should be building up those areas and they should try to become the MIT of the south and they should stop trying to do be a liberal arts college. If you walk their campus, ag and engineering get a lot less and they are what that college is really good at (don't mention the ATRC-engineering students don't really have class or lab in there). It a shame they can't see their potential and are desperately trying to be what they aren't.

Even thought J and I went there we have not liked the direction the university has taken since we left and we have no intention of sending our children there. Heck, I'd rather see them go to Texas and Texas to an OU fan may as well be the anti-Christ (just kidding).

We lost, but...

...we played the BEST team in our age group. These girls are all at the older end of the age group and have been playing longer. We have a very small and young team.

We got creamed 13-2. Our girls never stopped. I was very proud of them. The other coach even said we did a great job with our team. It is the beginning of the season and we can change a lot over the next 9 games. I must say what I love about our girls is that win or lose (last season we won 1, tied 1, lost 11) they have a good time and don't care too much.

PURPLE PANTHERS RULE!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Call me Coach.

Our soccer coach is out of town.

Our first game last Saturday was rained out.

I'm coaching a soccer game tomorrow!

Please don't misinterpret this as excitement. I'm scared to death. I can play soccer (at least against 8 and under girls) pretty well, I can even train them. I assist at practice as a trainer. Coaching a game is another story. This is micro soccer (4 v 4), I played full soccer. The rules and positioning is different from when I was a kid. Heck this is recreational soccer, we don't know the score unless we keep it ourselves. We were vicious, blood thirsty competitors when I played. This isn't your fathers soccer. I'm a very competitive person, I just hope I can keep that in check tomorrow.

Hopefully my head feels a little better in the morning.

Wish me luck.

Oh, my aching head!

I've only had 1 sinus infection in my entire life, that is until today. The last one occurred when I was pregnant with Jackson (almost 4 years ago). I've had many colds and allergy flare ups, but I can normally kill them quickly. I didn't have that luck this time. I leaned over to get my shoes this morning and I thought my face was going to explode. My teeth hurt, it hurts to pucker and kiss my family. I resigned myself to reality and went to the doctor and got antibiotic.

Now if you will excuse me I'm going to go and run about 8 gallons of salt water up my nose. Okay so maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get the picture.

Monday, September 10, 2007

I like...

...this one. Opinions?

I'm still sending Snappy in tomorrow, this is my plan if repair cost is high. After looking in the $100-$200 and the $200-$300 range I'm thinking it's not worth it to spend the extra money. Ratings were very similar in both price ranges.

Wish Snappy luck!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Death of a camera (updated)

I'll call him "Snappy" for lack of a better name for my camera. (Here's the update) *Snappy was a Canon PowerShot A95, 5.0 mega pixels, with 3x optical zoom, and used a standard compact flash card. He had lots of controls and I could flip out and rotate my screen. I'd take a picture and show him to you, but I can't. lol* Here is our history together.

Snappy and I met when a strange man in a brown UPS van dropped him off on my doorstep (sounds like the stork) on my birthday, August 9th, 2005. I gently removed him from his basket (insert cardboard box) and tried to figure out how to make Snappy happy (insert take pictures).

Alas, V wanted to play with Snappy too. I was not at home and Dad was supposed to be watching V and my little bundle (less then 1 week with us) and she dropped Snappy and bent his nose (insert lens which was out at the time). Jonathan fixed it (insert yanked really hard), but Snappy never made pictures as happily again.

Fast forward to last year. Snappy and the kids and I walked to homeschool PE (it was a nice day and only 10 blocks). We stopped at the gas station and I bought an OJ and set it in the bag under the stroller, with Snappy. The OJ wasn't very nice (much like the football player) except he just leaked all over Snappy. My lens was sticky, but that was about it.

Recently Snappy has been a bit short (insert runs down my batteries too quickly) and I suspected he wasn't well. I was going to send him to the doctor (insert Cannon Repair, b/c I had the extended warranty-which I never buy, but had this time). Unfortunately I didn't.

Monday, September 3, 2007 Snappy finally snapped and decided to die. I have called the doctor (insert Cannon) to see if they can play God and resurrect Snappy. I have put him in a coffin (insert card board box) and I am hoping for a miracle (a cheap miracle).

If Snappy can't be resurrected does anyone have any camera advice (other then don't let anyone else touch it and keep food, beverages, heat and cold away from it). I'm searching more for the new purchase variety (but I'm cheap-in the shopping sense-and will buy reasonable used or refurbished). I am hunting in the $150-$300 range, but I would like to stay in the $150-$225 range if possible (unless you know of something REALLY cool). I want good pictures and FAST. Snappy was a little slow on the take. I've always like Canon, but I'll be honest Snappy sucked (and I'm not sure if it was Snappy or the initial accidents). I do like the cameras that take compact flash (b/c I have a 1 GB card), but I'll take whatever. I'd also like a camera that does it's own photo editing, adds my make-up and shaves off the last 8 lbs from my last pregnancy and makes me look as young as I did when I got married (hey a girl can dream).

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

What kind of mother am I?

We've been teaching Jackson to say the typical bead time prayer. He has the dinner prayer down, so we are working on his bedtime one. The prayer goes like this:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Guide and guard me through the night,
And wake me with the mornings light...(we pray for our family and forgiveness here)
Amen

Pay close attention to the bold line. I say the line and Jackson repeats it. At this line he didn't repeat it, nor will he now.

He says, "And wake me with the wooden spoon."

You would think I beat him all the time. When he says spank it sounds like wake, so I'm not sure if he wants me to wake him or spank him.

Wow, just wow.

Another classic J thing lately is he has stopped saying, "Boomer! Sooner! Go Big Red!" he now yells "Boomer! Sooner! Go To Bed!"

I wish I had deeper insight into the mind of a three year old, then again it might be too scary for me to fathom.

Good night!

So it begins.

I decided last spring to do some homeschooling over the summer and not totally stop...ya, we got in about 1 assignment a month. I really intend to do a little more work, so we didn't have the mind of jello when it was time to start and I wouldn't have to reteach everything. We started some math and cursive review in mid August, but we begin the "official" 2nd grade stuff Monday. Granted she was doing 2nd grade math back in April, but now everything is 2nd grade.

Jonathan took vacation this week, because his company gave them 2 days for Labor Day. He figured he would only have to take off 3 days. He thought we could relax, hang out or run around whenever we wanted. Unfortunately he forgot that in the homeschool world many activities start the week after Labor Day. We missed soccer practice Monday (which just struck me as dumb to still have it) and we missed PE Tuesday (we were out of town). Today we began swim (every Wednesday) and tomorrow we begin BCHEP (B'ville Christian Homeschool Enrichment Program). V is very excited, because it is a day of electives from 9-3 every Thursday. She'll have art, music, science, more PE and history. We will follow that full day up with more soccer and our first soccer game is Saturday. The years activities have begin and now we run.

Monday, August 27, 2007

325

Wow, I've actually posted 325 times. That's impressive.

I did audition. It seemed to go well. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Auditions

Okay, so here is my decision. I'm going to audition. I am going to play the petty child in my decision to participate. If I'm just a chorus member (yes, I know the chorus is important) I will not participate. If I have any role larger then the chorus I will accept it. This is a big time investment and a huge decision, so I feel like I need a big reason to sign on. I'm not saying I have to have a lead (that would be unrealistic) I just need something bigger then the chorus.

Now it's song decision time. My voice is not in the condition it once was, so some of my old standards are not possible. I really would love to do Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera, but I don't have the time to recondition my voice.

Current ideas:
The Lonely Goatherd (The Sound of Music)-This turns into a killer Julie Andrews impersonation
Blow, Gabriel, Blow! (Anything Goes)
Easy Street (Annie)
The National Anthem

I will accept other suggestions and if you know how I can upload songs, I can try to record something on my computer (with my lousy computer mic) and you all can vote before I audition. Auditions are Friday at 7pm, Saturday and 2pm and Saturday at 7pm, so time is short.

Your input is appreciated.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Spark or Sparks?

I'm not a soda drinker (too much corn syrup), but I do get my caffeine fix from other sources. I drink coffee (usually plain black) or I mix Spark with water or a juice of my choice. Today I was watching a bit of news on line about energy drinks and I found out there is one with alcohol in it called Sparks.

When I mention I drink Spark to people I wonder if they get the wrong idea. Couldn't you just see me driving down the street tipping one back with 4 kids in the car? Wow, what a bad thought. Maybe I just shouldn't mention my caffeine preference anymore. ;-P

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Do you have an opinion?

I was looking through the local city calendar online to see if there was anything neat to do. Well, I found something intriguing, but I'm not sure if it's a wise option.

There are musical auditions for a centennial musical about B'ville. I haven't done a musical in 10 years. This will in entail rehearsal 5 nights a week from 6-9 (or even 10) for 4-5 weeks. Jonathan said he would make it happen. He said I needed something of my own. I understand that, but I'm not sure if the time required for this doesn't fall under the heading of "more then something of my own-ie. total insanity for my family."

Selfish or worth a shot? I'd like to hear your perspective.

I'm conservative...

...in more ways then just politics. I've even thought I was REALLY REALLY conservative. I've come to the realization that I'm not quite as conservative as I once thought. I believe in moral absolutes, I believe in God the father and that his Son Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, I believe in home education, and I don't wear bikinis or overly exposing clothing and I dress my children accordingly. I believe that to truly do God's will you must love him and in doing so love others.

Then I read this article and I was totally thrown off. I won't force you to read it, but I thought it was too black and white. It was about homeschooling and preparing those children for Godly marriages. This really hit me, "I believe in home schooling, I will not consider my home schooling a success until I see my daughters and sons home schooling their own children. Accordingly, I have a special concern that my daughters be prepared to teach their own children when the time comes." It lined out that our daughters are only ready to get married when they are ready to home educate their children, and be wives and mothers.

I would honestly hope that I can set an example that my daughter(s) (who knows we could have more) will want to follow. I'm not holding my breath, nor will I consider myself a failure if they don't. More over I want my daughters to be educated in such a way that if the unforeseen happens (death or divorce) they are capable of providing for their children. I want Godly children, who turn into an remain true, loving children of God in adulthood. I also want self sufficient children who have minds and can make decisions on their own. My mother didn't homeschool my siblings and me and my mother-in-law didn't homeschool her children. They were good parents and they did what was right for their families. No set standards work for all families, that's part of being individuals. I would hate to hold such stipulations over my children. I want to shape them, not break them.

The more I think about it, I'm glad I'm just conservative instead of ultra conservative. I know their are a fair number of homeschool families in our group that only do courtships. I'm not ruling it out, but I'm not sold on it yet. Maybe I should just set up arranged marriages now. Maybe that would make the teenage years easier. I really just want well rounded, well educated, self sufficient children who love God and are looking for that in their mate.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

High Definition

I found it funny while taking the stickers off of the computer monitor. One sticker talks about our monitors high def 1680 x 1050 resolution. I ignored that part about HD when we bought it and so did Jonathan, b/c to us it was just a, "DUH!" point. Computer monitors have had this kind of resolution for a long time. The resolution of your computer monitor has been better then your TV (and may still be) for quite a while. Now this "normal" computer resolution is now required to be marked as High Def even though it has been for quite a while.

I guess adding the buzz words may make it easier to jack the price up on the same thing. It's funny how easily people are led.

It's okay...laugh at me.

I was cleaning up our old computer as I moved it to V's desk (no, it sin't "her" computer, it will just rest there). This was that cleaning that only happens when it gets moved. This is where wires are wiped and dust bunnies are forced to evacuate.

I noticed how grungy the key board looked and I decided that Clorox wipes would be my best and safest option for the task of the wipe down. I located in the pantry my little yellow container full of pre-moistened wipey goodness and I took it to the office an removed one and began my wipe down. I noticed that the dusted items just didn't look as clean so I wiped everything. The surfaces were smooth, slick and shiny. I felt like I had done a great job.

I returned later to the new computer and decided that the old trackball mouse needed wiped too, but my wipe was dry. As I looked for the container to get another I realized my mistake.

Armorall wipes really make the computer and accessories clean and shiny. Wow, just wow.

Hey...

...that 22" widescreen monitor is HUGE! I know it's bigger then our TV, but my goodness!

Ya, about the only thing I can really think is WOW!

I've been using it like 2 screens today side by side. It is so nice.

Computers (a history)

Jonathan and I had a very old computer that my mother gave us (we're talking a 486 that was later converted to Pentium) when we got married. In 1998 it was slow, but when all you need is a word processor it's no big deal. When V was almost 6 months old (fall 2000) we bought a new computer. It wasn't top of the line, but we could run some programs like MathCAD and more involved programs and we could use the net with it (at that point we were using university computers for that need).



We've used this computer for a long time and over all it has served us well (we've had to replace a few power supplies). In late 2001 or early 2002 my brother-in-law got us a deal on an old laptop from his office (it ran Windows 98) but in '02 that wasn't a big deal. Last year a friend at J's office had a computer that his hard drive fried and instead of buying a new hard drive he bought a new computer and we bought his old one cheap. This was okay (we had moved into the world of XP) until it blew 2 power supplies and sparked when we tried to fix it again. Alas we were back to the 7 year old desktop and the old laptop.



That is until last night. With our earnest money back in hand from the apartment fiasco we took the plunge. Now a better computer is more important (J can't run 3-D CAD software's without a better computer). J sees this time as the moment when God is pointing him elsewhere to pursue his own business and the computer is a necessary step. I'm moving computer today while J is helping his parents so I hope to be up and running soon.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Soccer Mom

V started soccer last night. Yes, it was at least 100 degrees at 6pm. Soccer now runs an hour and a half 2 days a week with a game every Saturday from the beginning of September to mid November.

There was a miscommunication on who was to inform the players when practice started we have 1 trainer who trains all of the 8 and under (girls) teams together even though they each have a coach. I finally called our coach from last season Wednesday to find out when practice started and found out they began Thursday. He had only contacted the newbies. V and I made a Wednesday run to get shoes since she had outgrown hers from the spring. I guess this is just the beginning. Activities will begin in full very soon. AWANA hits the first week of September and 1 day a week she will be going to a day of classes called the BCHEP (B* Christian Homeschool Enrichment Program).

Let the games begin.

Progress

Well, it's been a decent couple of days, regardless of insane, stifling heat.

2 days ago I went on a copy binge. I made almost every copy I will need for the next school year. The only major issue was that the copy machine kept reading low toner and I had just bought a new cartridge. It turns out the motor to turn the toner cartridge is shot. No big deal I now have one on back order with a company and I periodically rotate the cartridge to get better copies.

Yesterday V and I took on her file cabinet (no files in it, it is used to store craft stuff and activities) and her desk. After that I sent her on her merry way to play and I organized her school stuff for this year. Last year we had 1 file box and a 4"binder. This year we have 2 file boxes, a 4" and a 1" binder and a small Rubbermaid of books. One file box is curriculum, the other is supplies (easy to continue school at any location of my choice this way). I can just grab it all and we can head to Grandma's, the porch, upstairs. It matters not. The classroom is wherever we make it. We had it set up in that fashion at the end of last year and it made it very nice.

We are going to ease into school. J is taking vacation the first week of September and since I don't know where we are going or what we are doing (I vote we stay close to home) I don't want to be doing too much until the 2nd week in September. Today we will begin cursive review (yes, she learned cursive in the first grade) and a little math (we've done a little all summer) and naturally I'll have her read to me some. We'll kick into history, Bible, geography, language arts and more reading in a few weeks.

Maybe by that time I will have my desk and file cabinet straightened out by then and all of the out grown and unworn clothing boxed up and removed from the house. Let's not hold our breath, but a girl can dream.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I'm a bad blogger.

When I switched over to the new blogger I had tons of issues (I had subscriptions there were so many). It wasn't user error, it was simply glitches and incompatibility with my SBC browser. In that I got frustrated dealing with work arounds and began blogging very rarely and almost always about nothing in particular. It's been a while since this problem arose and has even been fixed.

I started using Myspace. I still don't like it, but I tend to throw a bulletin up without thinking and then I don't post a blog. The major problem is that the bulletins go away after a while and those records of happenings disappear. It's sad.

I need to get back on the blogger band wagon. I promise to those of you who still check in I am reading and lurking on your pages. I cheer for you and feel sorry for your loses.

-In current news I had a first yesterday. Jackson threw up in Hobby Lobby. I've never had a child throw up in a business before. Wow. Fortunately the milk in his stomach was still very fresh so it wasn't as gross as it could have been. I felt bad and yet relieved at the same time that someone else was cleaning it up.

-We tried to buy a 12 unit apartment complex and were were very close to finalizing the financing when we finished reviewing the owners tax records. The proforma he gave us was a fairy tale and the income after all expenses and mortgage payments changed so dramatically that we cancelled the contract. It's been disappointing, but we were praying really hard and we asked God for a definite sign. He really gave it to us in numbers and we hated to let it go, but after running the numbers we would be losing money if we had 2 vacancies. That was a risk we couldn't take. We are going to look at some others, maybe we'll try a small house or 2 first. We'll keep you posted as our entrepreneurial spirit takes us on adventures.

-The babies are "walking", but only up to 5 steps at a time (Alex more then Owen). They have also finally hit the 20lb mark and have new car seats that have been turned around. They are 13 1/2 months old.

-Jackson busted his head open on the swing set we bought V back in June. We sat in the emergency room with a bleeding 3 year old for more then 2 1/2 hours. We told them at the desk we were leaving and I went and got butterflies at Wal-Mart since we had stopped the bleeding while waiting. It was after 11 pm before we got home (of course the injury happened 5 minutes before they would have been called in to get ready for bed) I took him to the pediatrician the next morning and he didn't give him stitches and he said we did the right thing, by taking him home and letting him sleep. I was growing his hair out, but now he looks like a military school child.

-The dinning room renovation moves on and that is where we do V's school. J asked when I was going to start school and I told him I had planned on the first week of September, but since he was taking vacation that week the second week would have to do. He doesn't like the idea, but I asked him if he trusts me to school her to please trust me to set and fulfill my schedule and legal requirements. Public school starts here today, so she has more of a break. Homeschool activities will be kicking into high gear again soon and so will soccer.

-I turned 29 on the 9th. I thought I was turning 30. Ya, the mind is going with age. ;P Some schools started August 9th. That's too early. We always started the last week of August. We always started 1-2 weeks after the universities, now public schools are starting before. Is this a way to sneak into year round school or is this panic b/c of snow days last winter? It's nothing against year round school, we slow down in the summer, but we keep V's brain going so when we start full bore she doesn't say, "I don't remember this at all." I would just like to know their reasoning.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

BTW (no spoilers)

I finished HP 7 yesterday. Wow! That's all I have to say. I would have finished it long before then, but things got in the way.

I read 2 chapters after I got it at midnight.

The next morning I found out a close family friend died and I cried of and on until 3, so I didn't read anything. I read and folded laundry until bed time and then J stole my book. When he fell asleep I read until 2.

Sunday after church we had VBS set up and I wasn't allowed my book, b/c J was reading it. When he went to sleep I read until 2.

Monday I read off and on around doing the necessary things and I was less then 1/2 of the last chapter and the epilogue from the end. It had to wait until VBS ended and again J went to sleep reading. I finished around 10:30.

In spite of the obstacles I got through it. I laughed, I cried, and I could only make minor predictions, because she can really weave a story.

I give it 2 thumbs up and I think it really does justice to the HP series and it had a fitting ending.

Friday, July 20, 2007

In just over 7 hours...

I will hold in my hands Harry Potter 7. I will gaze upon it and then I will devour it like a tender morsel. 10 years in the making, I would say it had better be good, but I know it will be.

Am I obsessed? How could you tell?

No, I don’t own a costume, otherwise I might consider being labeled a total freak. Oh wait, I already am, regardless of a costume.

Have a skippy weekend. Child neglect will begin in T-Minus 4 and a half-hours and counting. My family will see me resurface 2 to 2 ½ days after I begin.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

1 YEAR!

Holy Cow! The twins are 1 today. I am way behind on posting pics. Here's 1. I spent 2 1/2 weeks "visiting" my sweeties while they were in the NICU! I'm so glad they are healthy!


Owen is on the left and Alex is on the right. This pic was taken June 1st.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Kitten

He's kind of a doggish cat. He's definitely not like most cats, which would mean instant hate from me.

His name has been changed again. It is now Rush Limbaugh. Yes, I have warped my kids. No, it wasn't my idea. He seems to like outside and doesn't want to come in as soon as I put him out. That's good, since it will be where he lives, b/c none of our allergies will be able to handle the dander in the house. I also refuse to have pets in the house for the shedding too. Our big lab, Murphy seems okay with him, he's still not totally sure about Murphy.

Yes, I know pics are long over due. I just put my camera software back on the computer, so I can access everything that's been on my camera since February.

Monday, June 18, 2007

It's been over a month.

Wow. Summer is here. It's still wet and relatively cool for June (if you can ignore the humidity). I'm working on my econ class. Jackson is insane. Victoria turned 7 on the 16th, we are still doing the occasional home school lesson (mainly math since she loves it and reading is just normal now). The twins will be 1 on the 27th. We have done a lot of work and have a floor (and no trim) in the dining room. Swim lessons begin tonight at the Y. We bought a wooden swing set we have to put together now. Jonathan is about to get really busy with the new Cessna program he's been given at work. He also decided we needed a cat. Now we have a kitten tentatively named Doby. I say tentatively, because I noticed it looks like he has a Hebrew letter on his forehead (a tav for those interested) and I'm tempted to call him by that letters name. I'm not sure if he's going to be dog food for our lab or not yet.

Ya, life is good.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

A RIver Runs Through It.

No, not the book. I'm talking about my dining room.

I called out a guy who specializes in floor leveling and fixing crawl space foundations (I will call it csf from here). J has done some csf work before and we had an idea of what we would do, but we decided to get and estimate and hear from the "professional". This is another instance where we just don't feel like we can trust others to do the work. What the guy told us "needed" to be done is really not the issue and even though it could use some work. If your nervous about the process is easy (it's just uncomfortable because it's under the house, ewww).

This guy went under our house and gave us an estimate of $2,000 to replace 1 stringer and add a few supports to that stringer. As we ripped up our dinning sub floor (which is needed to level before we add new floor) we saw that their are 2 stringers in the dining/office section and 2 in the living room/entry section. The stingers remove flex in the floor and could be better, but they are okay. Our issue was in a big dip on each side of the door between the living and dining room. That issue is minimal and a very simple fix. This guy was going to charge us a ton of money for nothing. I'm so glad we decided to fix it ourselves and started to rip the floor up to see we were going to be riped off.

As it stands I only have 1/2 of the sub floor down in my dining room and with all of the rain (over 6 inches in the last 9 days-this isn't counting the rain we got at the end of April) we have a small pond under the dining room and a lake under the living room. We can't rip op the rest of the floor until the rain stops so we don't sink in the mud. We now have to find out if the water is high water table, rain or both. I guess the fix for that will be a little easier with the floor out. Also our 107 year old house has knob and tube wiring, so we get to work on that too. It just never ends.

We are crazy, that or stupid, I'm not sure which yet.

**Yes, I know I need to post lots of pictures, but I still haven't loaded my camera software onto the old computer yet.

HE'S PURPLE!

Jackson was sitting on the kitchen table (yes he climbed up himself) , looking at the babies. I hear him start yelling, "HE'S PURPLE! WE'RE GOING TO GET YOU BACK BABY!" He said it 3 or 4 times.

I look to see Owen doing his "business". He was red and holding his breath as he went. Jackson I guess was assuming that he was going to die. I just laughed.

The funny thing about him freaking out about the baby is the fact that he started talking about the babies at the hospital today. It's been 10 months and he hasn't mentioned the hospital, until today. He does remember it well, we did spend enough time there.

Dusty

Dusty is home. They weren't taking very good care of him at the hospital after ICU and his blood sugar shot up (WAY UP). They weren't medicating him, so he had to get his kit from home to get insulin. The doctor sent him home, because the hospital was not taking care of him. His levels are normal again, but he is down to 115 lbs. Please keep him in your prayers still. Feeling that far down will take a bit to recover from.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Prayer Request!

My Dad just called about a half hour ago and told me that my cousin Dusty (he's in my friends under DUTTY) is in the ICU. He is diabetic and the only details I have are that his blood sugar and blood pressure went high and that his kidneys are wanting to shut down.

Please pray for strength, peace, comfort and healing for Dusty.

Please pray for peace and comfort for his family (his wife, 2 kids, parents, sister, etc).

Please pray for good competent doctors and nurses and that the Lord will bless them as they take care of him.

Thank you!

***This was what I posted on myspace if you received this in an e-mail also, that is why there is the "found in my friends" comment.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Poodles?

Wow...just wow.

Hoof's, bleating, not eating dog food, weird bowel movements (in comparison to a dog) how do you not know?

Quick Political Quiz

This is quick.

I'm down to 18 in my inbox, my goal has been reached.

Inbox

I'm down to 28.

Everyone has a cough at our house right now. I'm not sure if it's a cold or just allergies.

We re coming to the end of a lot of our current activities and our school year. PE ended Tuesday for the spring. We have 3 weeks left of AWANA. We have about 4 weeks left of dance and a recital. Soccer was to end on the 5th, but we had a game rained out. Now our season is extended to the 12th, but we have a family reunion that day and won't be here. Our coaches are considering a tournament the same day as V's recital the 19th. We'll see how it all goes down. This spring has been fun, but wild.

May 4th and 5th are busy for us. We have the homeschool convention in OKC (we are just going to the vender's to pick up and finalize our curriculum selection Friday AM). Jonathan also wants to got o the Pawnee Steam and Gas Engine Show and our soccer game is at 10:30 Saturday.

We are going to have to start gating. The babies have each climbed a step now. They each have 2 teeth, but I believe they are working on more.

Jackson is in the terrible three's (terrible two's are a lie). Issues at 2 are a lack of communication and 3's are open defiance. He might live if he's lucky. Ha! Ha!

Jonathan has been made the program engineer are a new Cessna project and he's busy, but things are going well.

I start school at the end of May and I am taking 3 hours this summer (Macro Econ) and 6 this fall (Micro Econ and Music Appreciation).

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Baptism Cannonball

Why didn't I think of this when I got baptised? This kid gets it, loving Christ should be fun!

*39 in my inbox

WIsdom in the woods

Two men were chopping wood in a forest. After some time went by, the first man noticed that the other had accumulated a much larger pile of wood than he had, even though the second man had taken several breaks. Annoyed, the first man resolved to chop harder and faster, determined to catch up with his rival. However, as time passed, the difference between the heights of the two woodpiles became even greater. The first man chopped relentlessly, while the second stopped for a few minutes every hour before returning to work.

Finally, at the end of the afternoon, the first man looked with disgust at the substantially smaller pile of wood that he had chopped. Exasperated, he said to the second man, “This is impossible. I’ve been working much harder than you all day. You’ve taken lots of breaks. What were you doing during those breaks?” The second man replied, “Sharpening my axe.”

*44 in my inbox

Travel Directions

Go to Google.com

Click on Maps

Click on get Directions

From New York,New York

To Paris,France

And read line # 23

I received this from Kilikina
*Now I'm down to 45 e-mails and all e-mails are still read.

Twins (I read it I didn't write it)

There's two to wash
There's two to dry,
There's two to argue
There's two to cry.

One's in the mud
Having a ball.
The other holds a crayon
Another marked wall.

Some days seems endless
My patients grows thin.
Why was I chosen
To be a mother of twins.

The answer comes clear
At the end of each day,
As I tuck them in bed
And to myself say.

There's two to kiss
There's two to hug,
And best of all
There's two to love.

(Poem From Twins Poetry Website and found in a TMOM's newsletter)

Mine aren't old enough to cause too much trouble, but reading this poem reminds me of Jackson. He causes more trouble then any set of multiples could ever imagine. I'm afraid of what he will teach the other 2 boys. ;-D

The Cuttlefish

This is the most impressive animal I have ever seen. The transitions it makes are indescribable and out right freaky. This animal doesn't seem real let alone from this planet. Click "Watch a Preview" for a brief taste.* I'm seriously disappointed I missed this episode.

*The preview times at aunder 2 minutes.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Dick Cheney

Love him or hate him this is great.

E-Mail Overload (UPDATED)

Do you ever open your e-mail box and find it is too full to possibly sort through or read?

Last week I went through my inbox. I hadn't been opening my forwards and I had been bad about deleting things I knew I wouldn't or didn't need to open. I had 195 unread e-mails. I had almost 400 in my inbox. I decided I needed to clean it out. Did I read most of the forwards i received? Sadly, no. I read a few that the titles caught my eye and everything my husband sent, that was it. I know have 74 e-mails and all have been read. There are a few that are funny and I would like to share, so as I continue to clean out my inbox (I'm pushing for 20 or less) I will post several funny or thought provoking e-mails.

UPDATE
I'm down to 50.

Monday, April 23, 2007

New links

My ISP won't support my old, old WINDOWS ME (on this old, old back up computer), so I can't get to my favorites. I have added 2 new links to my page so I can access them without typing. Wow, I'm lazy.

Friday, April 20, 2007

VOTE for the OKLAHOMA QUARTER

Yes, that's right go vote online here.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Dissatisfaction

I love(d) to blog. Lately I just don't care. I used to check my "blogs" multiple times a day, I used to blog several times a day. Checking now occurs every couple of day and I only lurk, as you can tell my writing is much less frequent also. My time thinking up things to say is filled with dissatisfaction. Basically I'm just not going to do this much, until I feel I have something to say.

My processing of information and formulation of anything witty or of note is nonexistent lately. My current distaste for my own ramblings has slowed my computer time and I have been accomplishing more with my family particularly with V's school and our plans for next year. I guess that a good thing.

I will still be around, but until I feel I have something funny, thought provoking or important to say I think my time here at GFaW will mainly be updates of my family.

As an aside, I weened the twins Friday. I am in a little bit of pain still, but I should be good by Thursday or Friday. I am also enrolled in 3 hours for the summer and 6 hours for the fall online through Oklahoma City Community College. Taking my courses by distance education through them cost me 1/2 of the state university here in town. I can get 9 classes I need much cheaper.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Dyson Slim Vacuum

Yes, I know I've been MIA. The computers not working right has been a wonder for breaking my addiction. As it stand the main PC is shot. Currently I am living with our 6 year old back up and I don't want to buy a new one or even load programs I want/need onto the back up.

I have found a reason to blog though and I thought I'd spread the news which I heard over at Babysteps. 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Dyson Slim Vacuum. You can enter on their page. I doubt I will win, but if I did it would save me from having to ask for a new vacuum for my birthday or Mother's Day, and boy how I could use one. The boys are crawling and my vacuum picks up so little I am employing the Shop Vac about half the time to keep junk out of their mouths.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Out of Commission

My main PC's power supply went out and then Monday my back up did the same. I am out of town at my mom's, so I thought I would check in and let you all know that I am not dead. I'm just without a computer or internet access at home. I think the main PC will be back up when I get home tonight. I'll try to get caught up on your lives and I'll do something with the pictures soon.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Done.

I had my hair highlighted today. I didn't go all out blond. I need a bit of a tan before I can do that.

The other computer is still down. Pictures will come later.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Pictures

I know and apologize for the lack of pictures. Our main computers power supply blew (again) and I am functioning on my (very old) back up. I have taken a bunch of pictures, but I can't access them. Once Big J gets me up and running again I promise there will be pictures

Weening, teething, soccer and life in general.

-I am weening the boys right now. I am only nursing at night now. They will be 9 months old on the 27th, I think I've done well. Owen is taking the bottle like a champ and Alex isn't. I know it will work itself out soon. I don't have to take anymore of this stuff now! Yippee! It did a fantastic job increasing my milk supply, but it tasted bad. I always had it with a cranberry juice chaser to cut the flavor.

-The prayer request I had posted has turned out well. Everything looked good when she went to see the specialist. She has to go back just in case later.

-The twins moved to the crib 2 nights ago. They've been sleeping in separate bassinets. Alexander figured out how to pull up last night in it and I moved them. Now we have to get another crib so they can stretch out and not wake each other up. Owen stole A-Dawgs covers too. Twins are awesome, everyone should have a set. The boys are also both cutting teeth. FUN!

-We started soccer for V the last week in Feb. Life is super busy with her, between homeschooling, church, soccer, dance, PE and Awana. No one can say my homeschooler isn't socialized. ;-D She is a math wiz and is doing some multiplication (in her head) in the first grade. WILD!

-J is wild and insane. Oh, to be 3 again. He is going to be a total heartbreaker and he thinks he's a Power Ranger.

-We are planting another 500 blackberry plants out where we used to live. (Insane, yes, but not my idea)

-I'm trying to get over a cough that my allergies gave me and Jonathan is just being mister cool. He's been given a new program at work and he is thrilled.

-Life is good! I'm so glad it's warming up! I wore shorts the last 2 days-my legs are sooooo white!

-I haven't died my hair back blond yet, I've had conflicts the last 2 Friday's. I'm pushing to make it happen this Friday (Jonathan said he'd make it happen for me).

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Prayer Request

One of my blog friends is pregnant with her second and they have detected some compications. Please lift Kilikina, her baby and the specialist up in your prayers. Here is her update from her blog. She was going to see the same specialist I saw with the twins this morning.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

Amazing!

If I had 8 treadmills and 3 willing friends I would have to try and recreate this. This is definitely worth 3 minutes of your time. For a good laugh.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity .

Anyone who really know me knows I'm just stupid enough...wait, crazy enough...wait, knows I just might do several of these things.

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15 Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile.

Its Called ..... therapy

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Drugs?

Okay, so I am actually using my blog as a forum to discuss Britney Spears. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan and for the most part I don’t care, but she is like a violent wreck that you can’t help but stare at. It doesn’t help that information about her latest fiascos are everywhere.

I’m not sure what all she’s done, but I know since dumping her scrubby hubby, she’s acting like a crazy kid given freedom for the first time and being totally irresponsible (something I don’t relate to in all honesty). Her latest high jinx has her shaving her head. I thought this was just some weird makeover or a desperate cry for help, but my husband had a different spin. I was surprised that he mentioned this; because he cares less then anyone would what any celebrity does.

Jonathan mentioned that this was discussed at work. Can’t you picture it engineers sitting around discussing celebrity scandal? He reminded me that she is in an ongoing custody battle and that drug use (even long ago) can be detected in your hair. She has since entered rehab. Maybe the shaved head was a calculated move to prevent detection of her bad habits and to help her in the custody case. That’s a spin I haven’t heard yet, but I think it has merit.

I’ll be honest, I feel sorry for her kids. I would hate to be raised in a media circus and I hope that what is best for them comes through in the end. Kids don’t get a choice to who they are born and in what circumstances they have to live in. I just wish them some stability and maturity from someone in their life that loves them. They certainly need it.

The votes are in.

After tallying up the votes from Myspace, Blogger and e-mails I am doing what I want anyway! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Oh, forget it, I’m not funny.

In all sincerity thank you all for your opinions, they are very appreciated. Though the brown will be easier to maintain I am going to dye it blond again. I like looking at older pictures and myself and seeing similarities. I’m not sure the brown is really me (personality wise), even though it looks good.

I’m also eager to have people tell me that I look too young to have 4 kids (I used to hear that all the time), I haven’t heard it since I dyed my hair. What can I say? I am a little shallow. Yes, it's sad I know.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Blond vs. Brunette (please comment)

Okay, I was being a good wife. My husband doesn’t like what I spend to get my hair colored (which is a lot cheaper then what most people pay). As a kind gesture I had it dyed the last time to match my roots, so I could go without coloring it. I like it enough to keep it and he also likes it.

The kicker comes in his statement yesterday (just over 3 weeks of me with brown hair). He asked, “How much would it cost each month to keep you blond? I like the brown, but I prefer the blond.” I was able to tell him he it isn’t a monthly expense; it’s a 6-8 week expense.

So know the debate is on, blond or brunette (check my pictures to see pics of both). Cast your vote.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Make it stop!

CAUTION STOP NOW IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A HAPPY POST!

It’s just one of those mom days. If you’re a mom you know what I’m talking about. It’s the day where you just want to “call in sick” or “leave early”, because it has been so bad. This is a sad statement since it’s not even 10:30 am and we’ve only been up for about 2 ½ hours.

I guess it goes back to last night. My sleep style nursing bras were all dirty, so I wore a regular nursing bra to bed (it has under wires), this resulted in major milk leakage and clogged ducts from the wires. I hosed 2 shirts last night. It’s hard to sleep well when you’re soggy.

I woke up and all of the kids were happy. I love it when we are all happy together in the morning. This went away soon when I told Victoria to go and get dressed. She said, “No.” That’s always a big mistake. She did go and get dressed, but complained about how I had matched up her socks incorrectly in her drawer. Guess what? I didn’t match up her socks, but she blames me. Instead of re-matching her socks, she throws them out into the hallway (not in anger). I inform her to rematch them correctly and to get them out of the hall. She looks at me like I’ve told her to build a nuclear reactor, just totally dumbfounded. I try to explain to her what I want. By this time I’m not pleased, by the time she’s done I’m mad.

We move downstairs and everyone is at least playing or hanging out calmly. Then Jackson needs to use the bathroom. He stands at the regular toilet to pee and he had been using his potty seat for BM. Jonathan has started setting him on the toilet for that since we have no bathroom stool and they broke my kitchen one. Jackson proceeds to poop all over the bathroom. It’s on the floor, the side of the tub, my comb on the edge of the tub, up and down his legs, on the front of his shirt and jacket, and all over his pants and underwear. I’m livid. I give him a shower and clean him and his mess up, while I SCREAM like a banshee at him. *Isn’t that the most effective way to communicate with a 3 year old. (sarcasm emphasized)*

Then I fix the kids bowls of cereal. In the morning I let them watch a show while they eat breakfast (it’s the only time we sit in front of the TV and eat). I place J and V’s bowls of cereal on a TV tray and go sit on the floor to feed the babies their cereal. 3-5 minutes later I hear a bang. I turn and see Victoria’s bowl on the floor over turned (she looks at it and then back at the show), her feet are on the edge of the TV tray. At this point I loose it. Both kids are sent to their beds, so I get a break and can clean up without them around. J gets called down to finish his cereal and he takes his bowl to the kitchen. I follow this with telling V to come down and that she gets nothing else to eat until lunch (since it was 10 I thought 2 hours was okay). I’ve never used this as punishment before, but I get really tired of feeling like a slave.

These are the days that I want to go enroll her in school and find him a preschool. I hope this feeling is just a hold over from being under the weather last week (I still am a little sick). Right now just holds that feeling of needing a vacation from my job. I really just need some time off.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Call me crazy.

I’m thinking about going back to school.

Yes, I know, in what free time do I have to go back to school? I’m still thinking about it.

As it stands I can’t finish my Aerospace Engineering Degree here and if I traveled to the nearest town with an engineering program I could only get a Mechanical. These degrees are also ON campus degrees and I don’t have the time right now and I may never.

So, why am I thinking about going back to school and what do I plan on doing? I always planned on finishing a degree. I looked online at the university that has a satellite campus 7-8 blocks from our house. Since I obviously can’t go engineering I plan to change my major to business. This school has a Business Administration Degree with an Entrepreneur option. Jonathan would like to eventually start his own company (for those of you who don’t know he has filed 1 patent). This would be helpful. When I went through and figured up my hours and the classes I have to have; I am 24 classes and 69 hours away from done. 14 of those classes can be taken online. I love online courses I will begin this summer with one 3-hour ECON course. I will maintain at 3 hours and increase to 6-9 hours when (and if) I feel I can. This will take a minimum of 3.5 years(based on my planned number of hours), but it will probably take longer.

It may seem crazy. I have 4 kids and I homeschool, but this is one thing I know I can do. Once the twins are weaned and sleeping through the night better this will be possible.

I’ve been talking to Jonathan about it and he is supportive of this and is willing to do what he needs to do to help me make this happen. He’s excited and intrigued by the entrepreneurial courses. I am sending off for my latest transcript and I have filled out my application. I’ll be ready to go when this summer hits and homeschooling goes on a brief hiatus.

I may be crazy, but as I’ve said before I’ve learned to accept it.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

It's doing it again!

My yard still has ice (I mean lots of ice) from the previous storm. You had 2 options of what to walk on swamp or ice. Now your options are again snow and ice.

This picture is from across the street. Parts of our 3 porch roofs still have snow (or ice). You can still see 2 mounds on each side of my front porch roof where it pours off the roof.


This picture is from one of our side porches and looks across to the art gallery across the street. Yes, there is an art gallery across the street (it's too cool). The drive in front is still a solid sheet of ice. I walked across to talk to Jody (the owner) and I almost fell on my rear (again). The last thing I need is my tail bone bruised again. It still isn't totally healed.


Oh, well let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I've never seen this much snow in my life in Oklahoma. I'm ready to see it go.

CONGRATS!

I just went through my blog roll. I don't have all of my frequented blogs on my page. I go to my friend Jeremy's and I go through his and then on to his wife Tiffany's and through her list. I was excited to see something precious posted on both of their pages today. Their first child was born Monday and he is a cutie!

Congrats! Cooper is adorable! I hope you all are doing well, sleep when you can!

Yoga and the Alternative

For those of you who know me well, you know I work out when I can. I'm not the most consistent, but I do it and I enjoy it when I do. I especially love lifting weights. I also enjoy Yoga. The Yoga I do doesn't involve meditation it is strictly an exercise video. When it is all said and done I know that Yoga is almost synonymous with Hinduism (ask any Hindi and they will agree).

I have found and alternative I am eager to buy and try. It's called Praise Moves, the Christian Alternative to Yoga. This is really interesting and they have a kids version and a non Christian version for the public school system called Power Moves.

This morning before we began Victoria's school work we did my Power Yoga for Energy video, just to get her focused. I hadn't done it in a while, but it felt really good to stretch and get myself energized. I think Praise Moves Kids would be great for her, she really liked it.

Home Improvement II (Pictures)

I didn't get a real before picture. I only got one after we had started the removal. I will also find some time soon to post pictures of Jackson's room (which is only in need of period trim replacement), the utility/sewing room renovation (crown mold and paint are left to complete this) and a post of the insane amounts of decoupage, gross wallpaper, cork tile and paneling just for a laugh.

For the moment here is a before and during photo of one wall of the dining room. This room will be painted 2 tone. The top will be a spicy brown mustard color and below chair rail height will be a red/brown (almost mahogany or dark cherry wood) color wash.









Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Home Improvement (UPDATED)

UPDATED
Kelly I will post pictures as soon as I find my camera to dump them. I love my kids, but I wish they would leave my camera alone. :)

******
Saturday my family came up to celebrate Jackson's birthday. The usual things occurred, we ate, opened presents, hung out, played, moved furniture and started a home improvement project in a matter of about 5 hours. Projects and furniture moving ended up on the list. This is a strange, yet normal phenomena in my family.

Jonathan and I have a great and old house in NE Oklahoma (it's in the photo album). It's just under 2800 square feet with a 900 square foot attic that has a full set of stairs to it. Sometime in the 1970's the owners paneled most of the house followed by the next owners adding insane amounts of decoupage(sp?) to the mix. The house is structurally sound, but it is a restoration project. Jonathan and I love these projects and do most of the work ourselves.

My mom and I were in the dinning room which is currently another living room since we don't have a table big enough to do it justice right now. We were talking about moving the game table Victoria does most of her schooling at to the window so she had more light. Thus the furniture began to move.

Later my sister asked Jonathan what needed to be done to take the paneling down. We hadn't started that, b/c we removed paneling upstairs and it was glued and nailed to the walls. The walls were Sheetrock, so it ripped of the top layer of paper and it was a big skimming job. We assumed the downstairs was still plaster under the paneling or that it was glued to Sheetrock. We really weren't in the mood to remove plaster yet or to skim 10 foot walls. So we just hadn't started.

Jonathan decided to take a butter knife and pry back a peace of paneling. Guess what? No glue and no plaster. The walls were Sheetrock underneath. Trim and paneling soon was removed. We are going to do one wall at a time. Jonathan and I went and bought paint that night. Jonathan has since removed the 2 feet of acoustic spray from he wall. With 10 foot ceilings they put up an 8 foot piece of paneling and then applied 2 feet of acoustic spray to the wall the crown molding (I said it was a restoration project). We are relieved. We are now patching and skimming the wall. We hope to paint and faux finish the wall by the end of next week. Then it's one wall down and 3 to go.