I think I've mentioned before that the mice have moved indoors; it happened during the heat-wave we had back in July. I saw evidence in my pots and pans drawer, cleaned it all out, washed all the pots and pans, and the next morning there was more evidence. So I gave up cooking. Almost. Mostly. Last night Buddy was intently sitting by the fireplace with his nose at the grate where the blower is. Mice. We can hear the mice in the walls. Banging the walls doesn't help. A pest control company is going to set outdoor traps and look after that part of it all for us.
So the weather is starting to turn cooler. I've even seen people in town wearing sweaters and this morning Husband was wearing a jacket. Some of the leaves on the trees are starting to turn colour as well. Don't worry, I'm getting to the mouse part of it all. On Tuesday our furnace started making sounds and shaking. Really, it was shaking. Husband thought it was a bearing (our air is hooked into the furnace) and the furnace guy came out this morning to take a look. We had turned the unit off on Tuesday night and it's been off since. Haven't really needed it because if you were paying attention to what you just read, you will have noticed that I mentioned the weather is turning cooler. So the furnace guy came out this morning to take a looksy. And of course when we turned the unit on, all was quiet. Figures. So the furnace guys get to work, taking things apart. A few minutes later the jr. furnace guy carries up a dead mouse that they had found in the furnace. They figure the mousie got stuck in the blower part, went for quite a ride, was able to crawl out of it when we turned the unit off, and died. Shudder. Shudder. Shudder. Shudder. No, I can't stop shuddering. That's part of the reason why I haven't set any traps in the house - I don't want to see dead mice. Shudder. Shudder. Shudder. Shudder.
Oh, and, have a nice day.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Curse of the Jajs
Here's the story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up. Gotcha!
Here's the story of a man named Husband, who was busy and then something happened to his eyes. They were all red, itchy and watery, and they looked soo gross.
Okay, now I can't get the Brady Bunch song out of my head.
So last week Husband's eyes started itching and watering. It didn't happen every day and it would alternate eyes. The day before yesterday he said there was something in his eye (his left one) other than his eyeball, and I was able to get some goop out. He said it felt a lot better. Yesterday, his right eye was really red and watery and he said there was something in it and it was really sore. I took a look and the lower left quadrant of his eye was bulging. BULGING. As in protuberant. And it was distorting his iris. Gross. So I called the doctors office, and of course our doctor is on holidays. We are part of the Family Network meaning if our doctor is unable to see us, another doctor who is in this network will see us. Ya right. That doctor was booked solid because all the other doctors were away for the afternoon. So since it was approaching 3:00 in the afternoon, I made the judgement call that Husband should go to the ER to have his eye checked out because the walk-in clinic didn't open until 6:00. Off we go to the ER. Our hospital has rebuilt the ER and it's really nice now. Not at all efficient, but really nice. Two hours into our wait, I asked Husband how his eye was feeling; he took off his sunglasses and his eye was oozing puss. But the portoberance was gone and it was feeling better. At 6:00 we are called back into the eye room, and at 7:00 Husband was finally seen by a doctor. By this time, his eye had stopped oozing and was just red like it normally is. Doctor O came in and said Husband, tell me your tale of woe (of course the doctor didn't call Husband Husband, that's really not actually his name). I love a doctor with a sense of humor. So the doctor put drops in Husband's which apparently really stung, and then put an orange dye in them. Freaky to say the least. The orange dye made the green of Husband's iris really prominent. I told him he would be a good character in a horror show. I also asked if I could take his picture for my blog, but he looked at me with his demon eyes and said no. Doctor O looked in Husband's eyes with the eye-looker-inner-machiney-thing and said that the dye didn't go into the pattern that it normally would if it was a corneal infection. So while the doctor thinks it's allergey related, he's treating it as an infection.
Off we go to the pharmacy. Our tale of woe is not over yet. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist and pharmacist-in-training could not read Dr. O's handwriting. Did it say Polysporin drops or Polytrim drops? A call was made to the ER to check; meanwhile the pharmacist-in-training-in-training was making calls to their other store to see if they had Polytrim drops in stock because the one I was at did not. The pharmacist discovered it was indeedy Polytrim that was prescribed and both stores did not have it in stock. Apparantly, since Dr. O is an older doctor he likes to use older medications. The pharmacist made a phone call to another drugstore and yes, they did have Polytrim in stock. So off I went (I made Husband stay in the van) to the other drugstore to get the drops. And I stood in line for minutes...a lot of them. When we finally got home it was 8:30. What a fun way to spend 5 1/2 hours.
You know what I learned?
Here's the story of a man named Husband, who was busy and then something happened to his eyes. They were all red, itchy and watery, and they looked soo gross.
Okay, now I can't get the Brady Bunch song out of my head.
So last week Husband's eyes started itching and watering. It didn't happen every day and it would alternate eyes. The day before yesterday he said there was something in his eye (his left one) other than his eyeball, and I was able to get some goop out. He said it felt a lot better. Yesterday, his right eye was really red and watery and he said there was something in it and it was really sore. I took a look and the lower left quadrant of his eye was bulging. BULGING. As in protuberant. And it was distorting his iris. Gross. So I called the doctors office, and of course our doctor is on holidays. We are part of the Family Network meaning if our doctor is unable to see us, another doctor who is in this network will see us. Ya right. That doctor was booked solid because all the other doctors were away for the afternoon. So since it was approaching 3:00 in the afternoon, I made the judgement call that Husband should go to the ER to have his eye checked out because the walk-in clinic didn't open until 6:00. Off we go to the ER. Our hospital has rebuilt the ER and it's really nice now. Not at all efficient, but really nice. Two hours into our wait, I asked Husband how his eye was feeling; he took off his sunglasses and his eye was oozing puss. But the portoberance was gone and it was feeling better. At 6:00 we are called back into the eye room, and at 7:00 Husband was finally seen by a doctor. By this time, his eye had stopped oozing and was just red like it normally is. Doctor O came in and said Husband, tell me your tale of woe (of course the doctor didn't call Husband Husband, that's really not actually his name). I love a doctor with a sense of humor. So the doctor put drops in Husband's which apparently really stung, and then put an orange dye in them. Freaky to say the least. The orange dye made the green of Husband's iris really prominent. I told him he would be a good character in a horror show. I also asked if I could take his picture for my blog, but he looked at me with his demon eyes and said no. Doctor O looked in Husband's eyes with the eye-looker-inner-machiney-thing and said that the dye didn't go into the pattern that it normally would if it was a corneal infection. So while the doctor thinks it's allergey related, he's treating it as an infection.
Off we go to the pharmacy. Our tale of woe is not over yet. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist and pharmacist-in-training could not read Dr. O's handwriting. Did it say Polysporin drops or Polytrim drops? A call was made to the ER to check; meanwhile the pharmacist-in-training-in-training was making calls to their other store to see if they had Polytrim drops in stock because the one I was at did not. The pharmacist discovered it was indeedy Polytrim that was prescribed and both stores did not have it in stock. Apparantly, since Dr. O is an older doctor he likes to use older medications. The pharmacist made a phone call to another drugstore and yes, they did have Polytrim in stock. So off I went (I made Husband stay in the van) to the other drugstore to get the drops. And I stood in line for minutes...a lot of them. When we finally got home it was 8:30. What a fun way to spend 5 1/2 hours.
You know what I learned?
- People get really aggitated when they have to wait for medical treatment
- People named Darryl who look like giant biker dudes have zero patience
- People named Darryl who look like giant biker dudes should really take the nurse's advice and just go buy some benedryl instead of waiting around for 4 hours to get a shot...if your bee sting was really an allergic reaction I think you should have come in sooner than 24 hours after being stung, but I'm not in the medical field so what do I know
- Old people who can hardly walk and look so frail and ill suddenly perk up and start talking when the news comes on and when it's finally something others around them are interested in watching
- Volunteers should not dis the nurses and call them crusty
- I don't like men (or doctors) whose fingernails are longer than mine. It must be a jealousy thing I guess
- For the people in our small community who keep having fundraisers for new equipment for the new ER - maybe you should have fundraisers to hire another ER doctor so that two doctors are actually working at the same time and then maybe you wouldn't have crabby sick people agitatedly pacing around looking menacingly at everyone who makes eye contact with them
- If you wait until 8:30 at night to wolf down a burger and fries, you're still hungry...at least me
- Sometimes when people wear sunglasses indoors, there's a reason
Another interesting little tidbit - a new employee was hired yesterday - just for 2 weeks for now to see how he works out. He mentioned that he's been taking care of his Father who has cancer. So while we were patiently waiting in the ER, we saw this guy...lets call him Rick. Rick didn't see us, but he came and went a few times without going through the nurses so I mentioned to Husband that I hoped everything was okay with his father. This morning at 5:30 the dogs woke us up barking. Odd. I was thinking maybe they saw a mouse or something. Husband checked things out, turned on the office light because it was almost time for him to get up, and then he came back to bed. At 5:45 the doorbell started ringing and the dogs started barking again. It was Rick. His father was in the hospital and they were calling all the family because his dad wasn't expected to last through the day, and Rick was stopping by to say he wouldn't be able to show up for his first day of work. Honestly if we hadn't seen Rick at the hospital yesterday, we might not have believed his story. So another lesson:
- Give people the benefit of the doubt
So is this the Curse of the Jajs or the Curse of Smalltown Living? Or maybe it's just what you get for trying to deal with medical bureaucracy.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
An Anniversary-of-sorts
Today is the one year anniversary of our file being DTC. Dossier-to-China. Now I'm a little confused on this - I've always wondered if being DTC is the actual date our file left Great White North Soil, or if it is the actual date that our file landed at the CCAA. Whatever it is, our LID (Log-in-Date) isn't until September 13 which is what I've been going by. So Happy Anniversary us!
Today I need to go to the church and set up the teacher's pays for this coming school year. And I need to buy Husband's birthday gifts. And I need to buy a new blow dryer because I dropped mine on the floor on Sunday while it was on and it broke; the giant spark coming out of the nozzly end was my first clue. Pretty clever of me to figure it out, isn't it. And I need to work with Molly so that she'll pass puppy class tonight.
Yesterday Muther stopped by to drop off my birthday gifts. Okay, which one of yous told her I complained about her not coming over?! It wasn't really a complaint, more of an observation. Just kidding. She gave me two shirts, thank you for asking. Not identical to those, but similar. I'm wearing the striped t-shirt today. And she brought her friend with her, so I'm really glad I took the time to shine my sink yesterday. And Husband was even nice and came into the kitchen to say hello. Decent of him, isn't it.
Well my darlings, have a good one.
Today I need to go to the church and set up the teacher's pays for this coming school year. And I need to buy Husband's birthday gifts. And I need to buy a new blow dryer because I dropped mine on the floor on Sunday while it was on and it broke; the giant spark coming out of the nozzly end was my first clue. Pretty clever of me to figure it out, isn't it. And I need to work with Molly so that she'll pass puppy class tonight.
Yesterday Muther stopped by to drop off my birthday gifts. Okay, which one of yous told her I complained about her not coming over?! It wasn't really a complaint, more of an observation. Just kidding. She gave me two shirts, thank you for asking. Not identical to those, but similar. I'm wearing the striped t-shirt today. And she brought her friend with her, so I'm really glad I took the time to shine my sink yesterday. And Husband was even nice and came into the kitchen to say hello. Decent of him, isn't it.
Well my darlings, have a good one.
Monday, August 28, 2006
53 is the New Black
Or something like that. 53. It's a magic number. It's the number of days standing in between me and my referral. That's a collective me, meaning the whole fam. So congratulations to all those who did receive referrals this month - so very exciting and Double Congratulations to Rod & MaryMia on the referral of their twins! Go check them out - they are so cute.
Other than that, not a lot happening here. CJ is safely home from camp. He was too tired over the weekend to be crabby from his sugar high, which is a good thing, because today he's just crabby - not sugar-crabby. There's a big difference. Trust me on that.
Are you a guilty person by nature? (That was a 360 turn, wasn't it; hand on to your hats) I am even though I try not to be. On Saturday we got a phone call from the K-man at church ~ AJ had won a boat ride from VBS and the K-man was trying to organize it for that afternoon. Fine. He also asked if we had any life jackets. We're not boating people (well, not me anyway - outdoorsy to me is walking from the parking lot to the mall) but we do have a small-person life jacket from many years ago from that one time we did actually rough it up north in a cottage. You needed to take a boat from the parking area across the lake to the cottage. No phones, but we did have electricity and an indoor 'commode' of sorts - environmentally friendly. It seems like another lifetime ago. Anyhoo back to the story at hand of guilt. I informed the K-man that we indeed had a small life jacket and he asked if they could borrow it and if AJ would be fine in an adult life jacket. No problems on our end. So off I go in search of said little life jacket, only it wasn't where it was a week ago. I think my neighbours borrowed it and they weren't home for me to ask them where it was. We get along well with our neighbours. So I called the church back to talk the K-man but he isn't there anymore. So I called his house. I don't like bothering him at home, but I was feeling really bad that we didn't have after we said we did have it. Except there's no answer. So now I'm feeling extremely guilty and AJ and I go off and search everywhere there is to search. We did find 5 adult-sized life jackets - I don't think they're ours - I have no idea where they came from - but I had promised a little life jacket, so I didn't think these would do. Ridden with guilt about not being able to find the life jacket, and feeling guilty that I couldn't get ahold of the K-man to tell him, and feeling more guilty for feeling guilty in the first place when it really wasn't my fault and why did the K-man leave it 'til the last minute, I decided to place computer games until he arrived to pick up AJ. So when he did come, I went out to the van and told him I couldn't find it, that I think the neighbours borrowed it, and that I had tried to call him to tell him. He said, No problem, we don't really need it anymore anyway. Aaughhhhh! I wasted all that guilt for nothing. And I don't know why I worry so much about other people but I do. So please tell me I'm not an anomoly and you do it too. Even if you don't, just tell me you do.
Other than that, not a lot happening here. CJ is safely home from camp. He was too tired over the weekend to be crabby from his sugar high, which is a good thing, because today he's just crabby - not sugar-crabby. There's a big difference. Trust me on that.
Are you a guilty person by nature? (That was a 360 turn, wasn't it; hand on to your hats) I am even though I try not to be. On Saturday we got a phone call from the K-man at church ~ AJ had won a boat ride from VBS and the K-man was trying to organize it for that afternoon. Fine. He also asked if we had any life jackets. We're not boating people (well, not me anyway - outdoorsy to me is walking from the parking lot to the mall) but we do have a small-person life jacket from many years ago from that one time we did actually rough it up north in a cottage. You needed to take a boat from the parking area across the lake to the cottage. No phones, but we did have electricity and an indoor 'commode' of sorts - environmentally friendly. It seems like another lifetime ago. Anyhoo back to the story at hand of guilt. I informed the K-man that we indeed had a small life jacket and he asked if they could borrow it and if AJ would be fine in an adult life jacket. No problems on our end. So off I go in search of said little life jacket, only it wasn't where it was a week ago. I think my neighbours borrowed it and they weren't home for me to ask them where it was. We get along well with our neighbours. So I called the church back to talk the K-man but he isn't there anymore. So I called his house. I don't like bothering him at home, but I was feeling really bad that we didn't have after we said we did have it. Except there's no answer. So now I'm feeling extremely guilty and AJ and I go off and search everywhere there is to search. We did find 5 adult-sized life jackets - I don't think they're ours - I have no idea where they came from - but I had promised a little life jacket, so I didn't think these would do. Ridden with guilt about not being able to find the life jacket, and feeling guilty that I couldn't get ahold of the K-man to tell him, and feeling more guilty for feeling guilty in the first place when it really wasn't my fault and why did the K-man leave it 'til the last minute, I decided to place computer games until he arrived to pick up AJ. So when he did come, I went out to the van and told him I couldn't find it, that I think the neighbours borrowed it, and that I had tried to call him to tell him. He said, No problem, we don't really need it anymore anyway. Aaughhhhh! I wasted all that guilt for nothing. And I don't know why I worry so much about other people but I do. So please tell me I'm not an anomoly and you do it too. Even if you don't, just tell me you do.
Friday, August 25, 2006
BPOH - Kitchens
This week is Kitchens on Bloggy Parade of Homes, courtesy of Shannon. This is the view of my kitchen coming in from the office:
You can see the dining room beyond the kitchen and the living room to the right of the dining room.
The view coming in from the entry way:
The window in the kitchen looks into our sunroom, but you're not going to be seeing that because it is falling apart (leaky roof) and needs to be rebuilt. I'll show you pictures a year from now when it's finished.
The view from the living room:
School Central:
Soon this cork board will be filled with the boys schedules and everything school related. I painted the birdhouse because I like birdhouses, and Lola gave me the angel up above. Another friend gave me the chicken fly-swatter thingy and yet another gave me the butterfly cross-stitch. How embarrassing that I didn't even straighten it!
My most favourite feature of my kitchen:
You know how they say the kitchen is the heart of your home? Well, the coffee pot is the heart of my kitchen.
The feature I like best (other than the coffee pot) is the size of the counter. It's extra wide and it's great for doing school projects and crafts. And it's where we usually eat. What I don't like are the knobs on the cupboards, just haven't gotten around to getting them changed yet (after living here for 11 years) and someday, hopefully soon, we will be replacing the floor with tile and at that time I will finally get my tile back splash. It's not in the budget just yet. I like my black appliances but they are starting to wear down (why is it that everything starts to go at once?). I think it would be cool to replace them with stainless steel appliances, but then I'd need a granite countertop to match. I'm not too fond of the pink.
*****
Forgot to mention that I really really really want an island. I've been looking at those island carty thingys on wheels, but I haven't found one the size that I want, and I'm not sure where I would wheel it to when not in use. But I still want one. No, I need one.
You can see the dining room beyond the kitchen and the living room to the right of the dining room.The view coming in from the entry way:
The window in the kitchen looks into our sunroom, but you're not going to be seeing that because it is falling apart (leaky roof) and needs to be rebuilt. I'll show you pictures a year from now when it's finished.The view from the living room:
School Central:
Soon this cork board will be filled with the boys schedules and everything school related. I painted the birdhouse because I like birdhouses, and Lola gave me the angel up above. Another friend gave me the chicken fly-swatter thingy and yet another gave me the butterfly cross-stitch. How embarrassing that I didn't even straighten it!My most favourite feature of my kitchen:
You know how they say the kitchen is the heart of your home? Well, the coffee pot is the heart of my kitchen.The feature I like best (other than the coffee pot) is the size of the counter. It's extra wide and it's great for doing school projects and crafts. And it's where we usually eat. What I don't like are the knobs on the cupboards, just haven't gotten around to getting them changed yet (after living here for 11 years) and someday, hopefully soon, we will be replacing the floor with tile and at that time I will finally get my tile back splash. It's not in the budget just yet. I like my black appliances but they are starting to wear down (why is it that everything starts to go at once?). I think it would be cool to replace them with stainless steel appliances, but then I'd need a granite countertop to match. I'm not too fond of the pink.
*****
Forgot to mention that I really really really want an island. I've been looking at those island carty thingys on wheels, but I haven't found one the size that I want, and I'm not sure where I would wheel it to when not in use. But I still want one. No, I need one.
It's a Better Day
So yesterday was a pretty crummy day. If you didn't read yesterday's post, take my word for it. Wanna know why today's better? Because Muther-in-Law brought me my birthday gift! A gift certificate from one of my favourite clothing stores, a book about raising boys that looks humorous, and chocolate! Is she the greatest or what! I can't wait to dunk my chocolate in some peanut butter. Ymmmmm. Oh? You want to know why I just got my present now when my birthday was 6 days ago? Because they were in Florida at the time. They were going to send me an e-mail but couldn't get on to the computer at the compound. I mean the community. Ya community, that's it.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Just Back Away Slowly
And pretend you're not even here...I am in a mood to gripe and complain about all the injustices in my life, so gripe and complain I shall. I know I have it good but I feel like being crabby and just for today I'm going to overlook the good.
- I'm tired of being a single parent. Circumstances beyond Husband's control prevent him from being around but it gets to be a bit much when he's gone before the boys get up and gets home after they've gone to bed. Consistently. As in for the last month with no end in sight. As in I want my Husband back.
- My birthday sucked. I've debated about whether to blog about this or not but I get really upset everytime I think about it...which is every day...so I've got to blog and get it out of my system. And because blogging is cheaper than therapy. Why did it suck you ask? Because I got diddly-squat. Zero. Zilch. Nadda. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. Oh, I did get a card from Husband and a card from the boys, and a birthday cake which I was going to go buy for myself (first birthday cake I've had in about 10 years but I really needed icing). I feel like in the eyes of Husband and the children I'm not important enough for them to buy me anything. I'm not about presents, but I do think it's important in the proper raising of our offspring that Mom gets something so that they will know how to properly treat their future wives. I just don't get it. Husband and AJ went to the Card Store - and yet they couldn't take the time to get some little tchochky...worse yet Husband and AJ went to the camera store to buy a disposable camera for CJ to take with him to camp - the very same store where I actually asked for something from (a picture frame type thingy that looks like a ladder and stands about 4-5 feet tall) and yet nothing. TJ, bless his six-year-old little heart, said to me the next day You're birthday was great yesterday Mom, but too bad you didn't get any presents.
- Muthers. If it's not one thing, it's your Mother. Muther called me on my birthday to say Happy Birthday; I was busy cleaning AJ's room so I didn't actually talk to her until about 3:00 in the afternoon. She wanted us to come over to visit step-brother and step-nephew who were visiting from out west and I could get my birthday gift at the same time. First of all, I have issues with her wanting us all to be one great big happy family. Second of all, I didn't even know they were coming for a visit. Third of all, I've met step-brother once - at the parents wedding - well not really...okay. Are you ready for circumstances beyond bizarre? Let's call this particular step-brother Cow Boy. He has two brothers, let's call them Farm Boy and City Boy, and Cow Boy's son we'll call Little Hoss. When I was a kid, we lived in the country but down the road from the Boy Family. They are all 10-15 years older than me, so I only knew them to wave as they rode their bikes past our place or whatever. Our families have gone to the same church for as long as I can remember, but City Boy and Cow Boy moved away a good 20 years ago. I did see them both at their Mother's funeral, where I was the soloist and then not again until our parents united in matrimony 14 months later. Which was the last I've seen of Cow Boy. City Boy is around for holidays but I only see him at church if he's in town. So spending my birthday with step-siblings that I don't really know didn't really appeal to me. I'm sure Muther was not happy with me. The other night she wanted a Family BBQ because Cow Boy and Little Hoss were leaving the next day to go back out west. We had puppy class so we were unable to make it so I know she was disappointed at that. Little Hoss seems like a likeable kid and I know Muther wanted him to get to know the boys; it's just all too weird for me. We're not really related so I don't want to be pushed into being a family with them. That sounds really cold and bitter and I don't mean to be but I'm struggling for the right words to use here. Oh, and Farm Boy has worked for the Jaj family for the last 20 years or so.
- Muther keeps saying how much she misses us - we live 10 minutes away - she hasn't worked all summer yet she's been over to visit once. I work full-time plus have had the boys home all summer whilst I try to get work done - we just don't get away anywhere. If she really missed us I think she'd visit once in awhile. Or at least bring me my birthday gift. I'm really desparate here.
- I miss CJ and wish it were Saturday already so he'd be home.
- I WANT MY BABY!!! I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE NEXT CUT-OFF DATE OF THIS BATCH OF REFERRALS WILL BE!!! I WANT MY REFERALL!!! NEXT MONTH!!!
I'm just really crampy and emotional right now so I apologize for how this whole thing is sounding. I sound really bitter and whiny don't I. Like the world should revolve around me. It doesn't and it shouldn't but there are times in my life when I just don't feel like being happy. And today is one of those days.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Dogs
Ever feel like your life has gone to the dogs? What exactly does that mean? Do you think it's an insult to the dogs? Actually a dog's life would be pretty good - eat, sleep and play all day. Miss Molly graduates next week from puppy school. My cousin is the owner of our particular school and I started to laugh when he said that next week was graduation. Good one! Molly has become an extra appendage on my body and unless she's in a deep sleep, she follows me everywhere...even 3 feet and back...she also has developed a bad habit of taking papers out of my garbage and shredding them:
But it's better than chewing on shoes! (Molly - not me - I don't enjoy chewing on shoes)
Little Miss Innocent:
Buddy Boy:
Molly keeping gaurd as AJ plays a computer game:
Last night as we were leaving puppy class, Molly jerked on her leash and wrapped herself around me and I almost fell over...but I caught myself...and now I have a pulled muscle in my chest. I know I'm not having a heart attack because it's on the wrong side and it's only when I move in certain ways. Stupid Dog. No, she's not a stupid dog. Stupid Circumstance that led to the Dog wrapping her leash around my body thus resulting in a pulled muscle. Stupid Dog is easier to type though.
I'm off to experience the Joy that is school shopping. Don't you wish your Dog Life was as exciting as mine???
But it's better than chewing on shoes! (Molly - not me - I don't enjoy chewing on shoes)Little Miss Innocent:
Buddy Boy:
Molly keeping gaurd as AJ plays a computer game:
Last night as we were leaving puppy class, Molly jerked on her leash and wrapped herself around me and I almost fell over...but I caught myself...and now I have a pulled muscle in my chest. I know I'm not having a heart attack because it's on the wrong side and it's only when I move in certain ways. Stupid Dog. No, she's not a stupid dog. Stupid Circumstance that led to the Dog wrapping her leash around my body thus resulting in a pulled muscle. Stupid Dog is easier to type though.
I'm off to experience the Joy that is school shopping. Don't you wish your Dog Life was as exciting as mine???
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
How Do You Know If You're Blogging Too Much?
Maybe if you're blogging in your sleep? This morning I was trying to think of something clever to blog about - I want to keep the both of yous entertained (I have a long ways to go, I know) and I was thinking to myself I could blog about seeing those two dead ladybugs and how referrals usually follow a ladybug sighting...but then I realized that it was all a dream. A DREAM. In my sleep I even had something funny to say but of course now I can't remember it. D'OH!
So referrals. There are 63 days of files that the CCAA has to match before ours...actually 62 because the 63 includes September 13. There is one teeny tiny rumor out there that says possibly the referrals this month might include some of August. And lately Husband has been asking me what the rumors are and if referrals are out yet. He's never asked before - just listened. So I'm still holding out hope that we will have Thumbelina home for Christmas...although realistically...ack let's just throw reality out the window and live in Jaj-land for awhile. It's funner there. We throw proper grammar out the window in Jaj-land too. For today, I will look at the world through my rose-coloured glasses.
Speaking of glasses (nice seguay, huh - anybody know how to spell seguay? Did I spell it right? See? Grammar out the window!), we finally have a new pair for CJ. AND he's keeping them on! Except this week while he's away at camp, the glasses are safely at home. His glasses have the transition lenses in them so they turn into sunglasses when he goes out in the sun. He loves them. I'm happy as long as wears them. I've switched eye doctors with him because our old one didn't have patience for him. I want to say with kids in general, but some of my friends have him for their kids and think he's great. When a doctor of any kind gets red in the face and has a hard time controlling his frustrations at a child, it upsets me, especially when it's my child. And then I look for a new doctor. Plus, he lost his patience with me as well so I was starting to see a pattern. A few years ago I tried out contact lenses. Because AJ told me I looked prettier without my glasses. He wasn't being flip, just told me what he thought. But I have astigmatism so we were having a hard time finding lenses to fit the shape of my eye. And at my last visit with him he had no patience left, the redness was starting to come back to his face and he said Well I don't know what else to do! Either you wear these or wear your glasses! So no thank you Mr. No Patience Eye Doctor Guy. I don't need you making me feel bad about myself or bad about wasting your time. I'm switching the whole family over because the new eye doctor had CJ's file faxed over to her office and it would just be too awkward going back to the old place.
Well that was more info than you wanted I'm sure. So here's to dead ladybugs and transition lenses! Have yourselves a great day filled with rainbows and Joe Louis. Hah - you thought I was going to say candy floss or butterflies...
So referrals. There are 63 days of files that the CCAA has to match before ours...actually 62 because the 63 includes September 13. There is one teeny tiny rumor out there that says possibly the referrals this month might include some of August. And lately Husband has been asking me what the rumors are and if referrals are out yet. He's never asked before - just listened. So I'm still holding out hope that we will have Thumbelina home for Christmas...although realistically...ack let's just throw reality out the window and live in Jaj-land for awhile. It's funner there. We throw proper grammar out the window in Jaj-land too. For today, I will look at the world through my rose-coloured glasses.
Speaking of glasses (nice seguay, huh - anybody know how to spell seguay? Did I spell it right? See? Grammar out the window!), we finally have a new pair for CJ. AND he's keeping them on! Except this week while he's away at camp, the glasses are safely at home. His glasses have the transition lenses in them so they turn into sunglasses when he goes out in the sun. He loves them. I'm happy as long as wears them. I've switched eye doctors with him because our old one didn't have patience for him. I want to say with kids in general, but some of my friends have him for their kids and think he's great. When a doctor of any kind gets red in the face and has a hard time controlling his frustrations at a child, it upsets me, especially when it's my child. And then I look for a new doctor. Plus, he lost his patience with me as well so I was starting to see a pattern. A few years ago I tried out contact lenses. Because AJ told me I looked prettier without my glasses. He wasn't being flip, just told me what he thought. But I have astigmatism so we were having a hard time finding lenses to fit the shape of my eye. And at my last visit with him he had no patience left, the redness was starting to come back to his face and he said Well I don't know what else to do! Either you wear these or wear your glasses! So no thank you Mr. No Patience Eye Doctor Guy. I don't need you making me feel bad about myself or bad about wasting your time. I'm switching the whole family over because the new eye doctor had CJ's file faxed over to her office and it would just be too awkward going back to the old place.
Well that was more info than you wanted I'm sure. So here's to dead ladybugs and transition lenses! Have yourselves a great day filled with rainbows and Joe Louis. Hah - you thought I was going to say candy floss or butterflies...
Monday, August 21, 2006
Well
CJ is off to camp for a week. Same camp that AJ was at last week. He'll be home on Saturday. I miss him. He went last year so he knows what to expect but I still miss him. Funny, I didn't really miss AJ all that much last week - oh I wondered what he was doing and how he was, but it wasn't the same sense of longing and homesickness. Maybe because it was his 5th year going. Maybe because he's almost a teenager and we weren't really getting along all that much before he left. Anyway, he's been very easy to get along with since he's gotten home. A week away is good for the kids. But I'm already freaking out about next year when I send TJ...oy...
I think I worry about CJ more because people don't really appreciate him the way he should be appreciated. But maybe all mom's feel that way about their kids. He's a great kid, he just doesn't know when to stop so sometimes he's hard to be around. The stinker wouldn't even give me a hug or a kiss goodbye - even after I climbed up into the van and tried to get one from him! Boys! This year he even went without Teddy. My boy is growing up.
I'm going to buy him a double bed this week and suprise him when he comes home. TJ's bed is great and it is so uncomfortable to lay down with CJ at bedtime now after having laid down with TJ. Except I only have one pair of double sheets and they're on TJ's bed. Which means I get to go shopping this week! Yay! And it also means that poor little Thumbelina will be stuck with Superman sheets...they're brand-new - what else am I supposed to do with them? I'll make sure buy girly-girl sheets too, don't worry.
So I'm expecting my house should stay relatively clean this week with CJ gone. That's the only plus. We tease him that he reminds us of Pigpen from Charlie Brown. Dirt always finds him. So my friends in bloggy-world, have a happy dirt-free week too!
I think I worry about CJ more because people don't really appreciate him the way he should be appreciated. But maybe all mom's feel that way about their kids. He's a great kid, he just doesn't know when to stop so sometimes he's hard to be around. The stinker wouldn't even give me a hug or a kiss goodbye - even after I climbed up into the van and tried to get one from him! Boys! This year he even went without Teddy. My boy is growing up.
I'm going to buy him a double bed this week and suprise him when he comes home. TJ's bed is great and it is so uncomfortable to lay down with CJ at bedtime now after having laid down with TJ. Except I only have one pair of double sheets and they're on TJ's bed. Which means I get to go shopping this week! Yay! And it also means that poor little Thumbelina will be stuck with Superman sheets...they're brand-new - what else am I supposed to do with them? I'll make sure buy girly-girl sheets too, don't worry.
So I'm expecting my house should stay relatively clean this week with CJ gone. That's the only plus. We tease him that he reminds us of Pigpen from Charlie Brown. Dirt always finds him. So my friends in bloggy-world, have a happy dirt-free week too!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
What Age Do You Act
| You Are 23 Years Old |
 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
I always knew it! And since today is my birthday and I'm nowhere near being 23, this made my day!
Friday, August 18, 2006
As Promised
Here's a close-up of my Rooster table-runner and candle-holder made from tobacco slats:
I love them both.
Silly me only took a picture of my chicken cabinet not all of 'Chicken Corner':
I love them both.Silly me only took a picture of my chicken cabinet not all of 'Chicken Corner':
BPOH - Dining Room
Welcome to my Dining Room!
This is the view from the living room:
I didn't get a close-up picture but on my table is a rooster runner from Lola and a candle-holder made out of tobacco slats from some guy we let hunt in one of the fields. I'll have to get a close-up and post it later on. Since my pictures have loaded nicely, I don't want to jinx anything by trying again.
A small table my Dad made in High School:
On the bottom shelf of the table is a rooster that Molly got ahold of and chewed - it's my Mom's...shhhh - don't tell her!
My antique doll carriage:
This was a Mother's Day gift one year.
My collection of chickens:
The thing that really really bugs me about my dining room is that the light is off-centre of the window; it's not even in the centre of the ceiling. So as you can see in this poorly lit shot, it is way off to the one side; we can't have the table any closer to the hutch because there's no room for people to move their chairs to get in and out...I've tried...so it makes for poor lighting for the people on the other side of the table, especially in the winter.
This shot is from my kitchen.
I love everything about my dining room except for the placement of the light; I love the furniture we've picked out although I'm not too fond of the shape of the table - it's an oval but with the size of the room we didn't really have any other choice...people would always be banging into the corner of it on their way into the kitchen if it was square...but you'll have to wait for next week to see that!
This is the view from the living room:
I didn't get a close-up picture but on my table is a rooster runner from Lola and a candle-holder made out of tobacco slats from some guy we let hunt in one of the fields. I'll have to get a close-up and post it later on. Since my pictures have loaded nicely, I don't want to jinx anything by trying again.A small table my Dad made in High School:
On the bottom shelf of the table is a rooster that Molly got ahold of and chewed - it's my Mom's...shhhh - don't tell her!My antique doll carriage:
This was a Mother's Day gift one year.My collection of chickens:
The thing that really really bugs me about my dining room is that the light is off-centre of the window; it's not even in the centre of the ceiling. So as you can see in this poorly lit shot, it is way off to the one side; we can't have the table any closer to the hutch because there's no room for people to move their chairs to get in and out...I've tried...so it makes for poor lighting for the people on the other side of the table, especially in the winter.
This shot is from my kitchen.I love everything about my dining room except for the placement of the light; I love the furniture we've picked out although I'm not too fond of the shape of the table - it's an oval but with the size of the room we didn't really have any other choice...people would always be banging into the corner of it on their way into the kitchen if it was square...but you'll have to wait for next week to see that!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
What Your Name Means
I found this over at Richmond's again...wow is all I can say.
There are 18 letters in your name.
Those 18 letters total to 68.
There are 7 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.
Your number is: 5
The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.
The expression or destiny for #5:
The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.
If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.
Your Soul Urge number is: 7
A Soul Urge number of 7 means: With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.
You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly.
The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.
Your Inner Dream number is: 7
An Inner Dream number of 7 means: You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
*****
Okay, before you think I made up the #5 stuff, I didn't. How weird is it that 5 was my number in High School. And Husband's. And it's both of our favourite numbers. Huh. And try it for yourself!
There are 18 letters in your name.
Those 18 letters total to 68.
There are 7 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.
Your number is: 5
The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.
The expression or destiny for #5:
The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.
If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.
Your Soul Urge number is: 7
A Soul Urge number of 7 means: With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.
You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly.
The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.
Your Inner Dream number is: 7
An Inner Dream number of 7 means: You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
*****
Okay, before you think I made up the #5 stuff, I didn't. How weird is it that 5 was my number in High School. And Husband's. And it's both of our favourite numbers. Huh. And try it for yourself!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Oops!
It's 2:30 in the afternoon and I haven't fed my children lunch yet. They're not complaining so they must be munching on something...I'm not sure what...probably crackers like me. Very nutritious, isn't it. I'm in a good groove here working away and I noticed something smelled like it was burning. Odd. So I walked out into the kitchen and much to my horror was a pot on the stove that at one time a few hours ago had water in it to make KD but was now empty and emanating the burning smell. I wonder if my pot will be okay... oy! I hear popcorn being popped so I know the boys will be okay...
Big Sigh of Relief
You remember awhile back that I mentioned I couldn't find any of the boys' birth certificates? And I was really worried that I had mistakenly threw them out along with old plane tickets...anyway, I just found them! Yay! They were in my file of bank information. You see, we've had to change banks and we have a few details to clean up - one being switching the boys' accounts over to the new bank. And I was just opening the file to find the e-mail address of our girl at the new bank and there were the birth certificates, innocently staring at me, wondering why on earth they were stuck in a file instead of their little drawer where birth certificates and passports are kept. Why were they there in the first place you ask? Because our girl at the new bank needed them to open up accounts for the boys. Now I remember having them out and in that file for when our girl at the new bank called and asked for information...or maybe it was to remember to take them in to show her...the details are a little fuzzy...anyway, they're found! And I'm happy! Yay!
Something Silly
I found this at One For the Road and it looked fun. What super-hero are you?
| Your Superhero Profile |
 Your Superhero Name is The Time Hillbilly Your Superpower is Super Speed Your Weakness is Anger Your Weapon is Your Golden Stinger Your Mode of Transportation is Water Skis |
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Harmony
We have Sibling Harmony for the next two weeks! Yay! AJ is off to camp this week and next week it is CJ's turn. Technically TJ is old enough to go next week as well but I'm just not ready to send him yet. Husband tried to talk me into it, but I couldn't let him go. Isn't it funny how if you have an odd number of kids (that's like 3,5,7...not odd kids) and you take one kid out of the mix, doesn't matter which kid, there is Harmony. Sigh. We will have one week left - the last week of August - to go school shopping. School starts the day after Labor Day. The day after Husband's birthday. Poor guy. Can you imagine having your birthday fall on the first day of school? I shudder at the thought. Shudder. Anyway, I might take CJ and TJ shopping this week for school supplies and then AJ next week. The boys are getting to the age where they like to pick out their own stuff. Which is fine because then I'm not the bad guy if I pick out the wrong lunch pail or back pack.
We are supposed to tape the Cantata rehearsal tape this Thursday night. Remember when I blogged about it eons ago? Well I still don't like the cantata. Husband is still insistent that we will be in China and won't be around for it...I'm trying to tell him that realistically I think we'll get our referral in November and travel in January to get Thumbelina and then he says he'll just have to make two trips. I'm hoping and praying for earlier but I don't really think it will happen. But you never know. November is only 3 months away. Doesn't sound so bad, does it. 3. Three. 3. Better than 62 which is how many days of files the CCAA needs to get through to get to ours. IT will happen. It WILL happen. It will HAPPEN. Someday.
We are supposed to tape the Cantata rehearsal tape this Thursday night. Remember when I blogged about it eons ago? Well I still don't like the cantata. Husband is still insistent that we will be in China and won't be around for it...I'm trying to tell him that realistically I think we'll get our referral in November and travel in January to get Thumbelina and then he says he'll just have to make two trips. I'm hoping and praying for earlier but I don't really think it will happen. But you never know. November is only 3 months away. Doesn't sound so bad, does it. 3. Three. 3. Better than 62 which is how many days of files the CCAA needs to get through to get to ours. IT will happen. It WILL happen. It will HAPPEN. Someday.
Monday, August 14, 2006
11 Eleven 11 Eleven 11 Eleven 11
Yesterday marked our 11 month LID-aversary and in honour of this momentous occasion, may I present to you Eleven Things I Would Do If I Had a Million Dollars... although with my list I know I would need a whole lot more money than just a measly million...but don'tcha just love that song?? In no particular order here we go:
1) Give to my church, various international adoption charities, invest ~ you know, make sure we're well taken care of into our future
2) Make Husband retire ~ I'm not sure how to go about doing that but if we had an excess amount of cash, I'm sure I could convince him somehow
3) Fly first-class to China and bring the boys and various family members to help look after the boys
4) Buy the 2006 Ford Explorer complete with leather seats and NavStar that I fell in love with in July ~ we took it out for a test drive and I fell in love with it just sitting in the driver's seat but we can't swing it this year so maybe next year... of course it goes without saying that whatever year the lottery is won (ha) is whatever year of model of Explorer will be purchased...and at one time I thought I wanted a Dodge Durango but we're friends with the Ford dealer in town so we have to stick with Ford
5) Build my dream house
6) Hire a gardener/pool boy to keep the landscaping and pool looking pretty
7) Build a really cool tree fort type thingy ~ doesn't that look like too much fun???
8) Buy a beach house ~ somewhere secluded with lots of windows facing the beach ~ I really like the beach house in the movie Something's Gotta Give
9) Hire a personal trainer
10) Hire a personal chef
11) Go to Hawaii
What would yous all do if you won the lottery??? Come on ~ share share share!
1) Give to my church, various international adoption charities, invest ~ you know, make sure we're well taken care of into our future
2) Make Husband retire ~ I'm not sure how to go about doing that but if we had an excess amount of cash, I'm sure I could convince him somehow
3) Fly first-class to China and bring the boys and various family members to help look after the boys
4) Buy the 2006 Ford Explorer complete with leather seats and NavStar that I fell in love with in July ~ we took it out for a test drive and I fell in love with it just sitting in the driver's seat but we can't swing it this year so maybe next year... of course it goes without saying that whatever year the lottery is won (ha) is whatever year of model of Explorer will be purchased...and at one time I thought I wanted a Dodge Durango but we're friends with the Ford dealer in town so we have to stick with Ford
5) Build my dream house
6) Hire a gardener/pool boy to keep the landscaping and pool looking pretty
7) Build a really cool tree fort type thingy ~ doesn't that look like too much fun???
8) Buy a beach house ~ somewhere secluded with lots of windows facing the beach ~ I really like the beach house in the movie Something's Gotta Give
9) Hire a personal trainer
10) Hire a personal chef
11) Go to Hawaii
What would yous all do if you won the lottery??? Come on ~ share share share!
Friday, August 11, 2006
BPOH - Living Room Part II
Finally I'm able to post pictures again!
The fish tank on the other side of the fireplace:
The fish tank on the other side of the fireplace:
The green rocking chair will eventually be going up to Thumbelina's room, but her room is still awaiting carpet to be laid before the furniture can be placed... OH and the flowers ~ I've had the vase for a couple of years and just never got around to putting anything in it before today ~ dollar store flowers, but I love how it's starting to look. I cleaned out all they had of flowers in these particular colours but you know I'll be going back soon to fill up my vase.
The view of the living room from beside Husband's chair:
The tea wagon belonged to my Grandmother; I'm not sure I like that spot for it but for now, there it sits.
A close-up of the flower arrangement on the wall:
I made this and another one identical to it for my Dad's grave...of course somebody stole the one on his grave a few months later...I knew it would happen ~ that's why I made one for myself...
And lastly for your viewing pleasure:
The part I love about my living room is the hardwood floors. With 3 boys and living on a farm, I can't imagine having anything else. What I DON'T like about my living room is the fact that the fireplace covers the entire length of the wall. I would love for it to be a normal-sized fireplace with shelving or cabinets with glass doors on either side of it. It makes it hard for furniture placement. And I just moved my Live Laugh Love picture to that spot above the fireplace this morning ~ there was a clock there and I'm still checking that spot to see what time it is...never mind there's a watch on my wrist...and I don't like the top of the entertainment centre...seems too blah to me. Anyway, thanks for stopping by!
BPOH - Living Room Part I
This is my living room, looking in from the dining room:
My little Roland:
Where the dogs sleep:
Yes, I know they are really rabbit cages but they're the perfect size for small dogs. And yes, I know that Molly has outgrown her rabbit cage but we do have a full-sized kennel for her, it's just not put together yet. And yes, I know it seems a bit odd to have dog cages in the living room, but it is oh-so-handy when disciplining a growing puppy who is way too energetic and needs the occasional time-out. When the sun-room is rebuilt, that is where the dog's cages will go.
My fireplace:
Husband's chair where I sit to knit or crochet:
That is a baby blanket that I was knitting for S! but she had a baby boy and the colours are too girly for a boy, so I'm going to put it in Thumbelina's crib. And I strategically placed it in that spot on the chair to cover up the tear in the arm from Molly.
My little Roland:
Where the dogs sleep:
Yes, I know they are really rabbit cages but they're the perfect size for small dogs. And yes, I know that Molly has outgrown her rabbit cage but we do have a full-sized kennel for her, it's just not put together yet. And yes, I know it seems a bit odd to have dog cages in the living room, but it is oh-so-handy when disciplining a growing puppy who is way too energetic and needs the occasional time-out. When the sun-room is rebuilt, that is where the dog's cages will go.My fireplace:
Husband's chair where I sit to knit or crochet:
That is a baby blanket that I was knitting for S! but she had a baby boy and the colours are too girly for a boy, so I'm going to put it in Thumbelina's crib. And I strategically placed it in that spot on the chair to cover up the tear in the arm from Molly.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
One More Thing
Our 11 Month LID-aversary is next week and I'm having trouble coming up with a Top 11 List. Any suggestions? I thought of 11 Ways I Don't Want to Die ... such as being eaten by ants, or attacked by sharks ... but that's such a morbid blog-versation to have. And it would give me bad dreams and then I'd never sleep. So I'm in desperate need of your help.
Enervated
My energy has enervated. Petered out. Mostly because Husband didn't sleep last night. Or the night before. Or the night before. Are you beginning to see a pattern here?
I'm sure you're all dying to know how last night went - it went fine. I could have/should have smiled more, but other than that, it was fine. I bet you're all so relieved, the both of yous. The pork chops were tasty - had a small fire but nothing a bit of baking soda couldn't take care of. But the noodles got burnt in the meantime...
I've been helping out with VBS this week even though I said I couldn't. I received a phone call Tuesday evening asking me to come in, so I said yes. Yesterday we had an all-time high of 161 kids. One hundred and sixty-one kids. Today we had 160 kids. One hundred and sixty. Ages 4-13. I told the powers that be that I couldn't help out tomorrow - I have to actually do some work this week.
I've been down in the playroom this afternoon trying to find the floor. I almost have a garbage bag full of toys and miscellaneous pieces that are broken or lost or I don't know what they're for. It's a start. I was hoping to have the playroom clean enough to post on the BPOH tomorrow - it's living rooms - but that ain't gonna happen. And it isn't too late to join the BPOH; just e-mail Shannon and she'll tell you all you need to know. I've got a vaccuum with my name on it, so I'm off.
I'm sure you're all dying to know how last night went - it went fine. I could have/should have smiled more, but other than that, it was fine. I bet you're all so relieved, the both of yous. The pork chops were tasty - had a small fire but nothing a bit of baking soda couldn't take care of. But the noodles got burnt in the meantime...
I've been helping out with VBS this week even though I said I couldn't. I received a phone call Tuesday evening asking me to come in, so I said yes. Yesterday we had an all-time high of 161 kids. One hundred and sixty-one kids. Today we had 160 kids. One hundred and sixty. Ages 4-13. I told the powers that be that I couldn't help out tomorrow - I have to actually do some work this week.
I've been down in the playroom this afternoon trying to find the floor. I almost have a garbage bag full of toys and miscellaneous pieces that are broken or lost or I don't know what they're for. It's a start. I was hoping to have the playroom clean enough to post on the BPOH tomorrow - it's living rooms - but that ain't gonna happen. And it isn't too late to join the BPOH; just e-mail Shannon and she'll tell you all you need to know. I've got a vaccuum with my name on it, so I'm off.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Bundle of Nerves
It's prayer meeting tonight and I'm scheduled to sing...and I'm nervous as all-get-out. I'm trying to figure out why - maybe because there are only about 50-75 people at church on Wednesday nights and I run out of people to look at - and I've had all day to think about it and get nervous. I like singing Sunday mornings the best because a) there are a lot of people to look at (not that I make eye contact - that's just not what I do) and b) Sunday mornings are hectic with choir practice and Sunday School and c) I'm not awake enough to have the jumble of nerves penetrate my consciousness...or lack thereof.
So there you have it. I'm a total loser and weirdo. Gotta flip the pork-chops on the bbq now before my inner self explodes.
So there you have it. I'm a total loser and weirdo. Gotta flip the pork-chops on the bbq now before my inner self explodes.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
My Really Cute Thingy
See, isn't it cute?
I think technically it's called a window frame, but it really isn't framing a window, so I call it My Really Cute Thingy.
And this is what my entry way looks like without a box spring and mattress:
See My Really Cute Thingy hanging on the wall?
A close-up of the floor:
A small table I took from Muther's house:
It looks good there, so now it's mine...when she moved there was no room for it in her new abode so I've found a home for it...
I think technically it's called a window frame, but it really isn't framing a window, so I call it My Really Cute Thingy.And this is what my entry way looks like without a box spring and mattress:
See My Really Cute Thingy hanging on the wall?A close-up of the floor:
A small table I took from Muther's house:
It looks good there, so now it's mine...when she moved there was no room for it in her new abode so I've found a home for it...
Feast or Famine
There's either nothing to talk about or everything to talk about. Today, there's everything.
Saturday was AJ's birthday - he's 12 now. I feel so old. I remember being a young teen and thinking my parent's lives were over and that they should start picking out retirement homes because there was nothing left for them to live for. I wonder if that's what AJ thinks about me and Husband. Anyway, here he is in all his birthday glory:
We took the boys and a few of AJ's friends here for a birthday 'get-together'...we don't do parties every year and this was supposed to be an off-year for a party, but I've been feeling so guilty about not taking the boys anywhere to do anything fun that we splurged on the get-together. The boys have become Cartoon Connoisseurs this summer. Uncle AB and Aunt JB joined us. Here's the group enjoying pizza:
All glowy:
Uncle AB & Aunt JB's present to AJ was taking him here. They had a great time as you can see from these photos.
Uncle AB was eating AJ's dust:
So that was Friday and Saturday. Sunday night I got a phone call from my brother telling me that Auntie Rue had had a heart attack - mild - but would be in the hospital for a few days. AJ, CJ and I visited with her yesterday and she was being sent to the city for an echocardiogram because her pain wasn't going away. So. Just waiting to hear if there's anymore news on that front.
I took AJ and CJ with me to Art in the Park yesterday and CJ and I had a great time. AJ was AJ. You know, walking 20 feet in front or on the other side of the creek. The park in town has a winding little creek with bridges - a great place to play if you're a kid because sometimes the bridges just lead to an island and you have to find your way back. Except it's not appropriate when the park is packed with people and venders trying to make a buck. I bought a really cute thingy. I'll have to post a picture later on, but trust me, it's a really cute thingy. I bought CJ some candy floss and we brought some home for TJ. Yes, you heard me right - candy floss. Me, the one person who doesn't believe in candy. And you know why I don't believe in candy? Because of all the temper tantrums that happen the next morning. Like this morning. I was downstairs folding laundry and I could hear much screaming. Much screaming. So I just zoned out and went to my happy place. As happy a place as I could find pre-coffee. Speaking of pre-coffee...I'm seriously considering packing a 2-cup coffee maker for our trip to China. I've read on other people's blogs that there are Star*bucks now in China so people are silly to even consider it, but I.Need.Coffee. I need a cup of coffee to make me coherent enough to get down to breakfast. I kid you not. I.Need.Coffee. It isn't a want - it's a need.
The boys are at VBS (Vacation Bible School) this morning so I need to get a bit of work done before I pick them up in an hour. I'm experiencing a bit of guilt concerning VBS because it's the first time I haven't helped out in quite a few years, but I'll save that for another post.
See, I told you I had a lot to talk about today.
Saturday was AJ's birthday - he's 12 now. I feel so old. I remember being a young teen and thinking my parent's lives were over and that they should start picking out retirement homes because there was nothing left for them to live for. I wonder if that's what AJ thinks about me and Husband. Anyway, here he is in all his birthday glory:
We took the boys and a few of AJ's friends here for a birthday 'get-together'...we don't do parties every year and this was supposed to be an off-year for a party, but I've been feeling so guilty about not taking the boys anywhere to do anything fun that we splurged on the get-together. The boys have become Cartoon Connoisseurs this summer. Uncle AB and Aunt JB joined us. Here's the group enjoying pizza:
All glowy:
Uncle AB & Aunt JB's present to AJ was taking him here. They had a great time as you can see from these photos.
Uncle AB was eating AJ's dust:
So that was Friday and Saturday. Sunday night I got a phone call from my brother telling me that Auntie Rue had had a heart attack - mild - but would be in the hospital for a few days. AJ, CJ and I visited with her yesterday and she was being sent to the city for an echocardiogram because her pain wasn't going away. So. Just waiting to hear if there's anymore news on that front.
I took AJ and CJ with me to Art in the Park yesterday and CJ and I had a great time. AJ was AJ. You know, walking 20 feet in front or on the other side of the creek. The park in town has a winding little creek with bridges - a great place to play if you're a kid because sometimes the bridges just lead to an island and you have to find your way back. Except it's not appropriate when the park is packed with people and venders trying to make a buck. I bought a really cute thingy. I'll have to post a picture later on, but trust me, it's a really cute thingy. I bought CJ some candy floss and we brought some home for TJ. Yes, you heard me right - candy floss. Me, the one person who doesn't believe in candy. And you know why I don't believe in candy? Because of all the temper tantrums that happen the next morning. Like this morning. I was downstairs folding laundry and I could hear much screaming. Much screaming. So I just zoned out and went to my happy place. As happy a place as I could find pre-coffee. Speaking of pre-coffee...I'm seriously considering packing a 2-cup coffee maker for our trip to China. I've read on other people's blogs that there are Star*bucks now in China so people are silly to even consider it, but I.Need.Coffee. I need a cup of coffee to make me coherent enough to get down to breakfast. I kid you not. I.Need.Coffee. It isn't a want - it's a need.
The boys are at VBS (Vacation Bible School) this morning so I need to get a bit of work done before I pick them up in an hour. I'm experiencing a bit of guilt concerning VBS because it's the first time I haven't helped out in quite a few years, but I'll save that for another post.
See, I told you I had a lot to talk about today.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Parade of Homes
Shannon had a great idea to have a Blogger-Type Parade of Homes and I thought it would be fun to participate.
Welcome to the Funny Farm!
This is the view you get coming into our driveway. The 3-story chicken barn is behind our house.
The Front Door
Seven years ago we put this addition on to our house - it was only 6'x20' but it gave our home character. Our main entry before this addition was at the back of the house, so it was kind of boring to look at. Plus the house was surrounded by trees and a lot of people didn't even know there was a house - they just presumed it was a farm building. One neighbour said It actually looks like a house now.
The Foyer
Why yes, that is a box spring and mattress sitting in my entry way. It is waiting to be taken upstairs to the boys' room and put together...waiting...patiently waiting...
My View From My Front Door
A corn field...and Buddy's doghouse.
Thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit!
Welcome to the Funny Farm!
This is the view you get coming into our driveway. The 3-story chicken barn is behind our house.The Front Door
Seven years ago we put this addition on to our house - it was only 6'x20' but it gave our home character. Our main entry before this addition was at the back of the house, so it was kind of boring to look at. Plus the house was surrounded by trees and a lot of people didn't even know there was a house - they just presumed it was a farm building. One neighbour said It actually looks like a house now.The Foyer
Why yes, that is a box spring and mattress sitting in my entry way. It is waiting to be taken upstairs to the boys' room and put together...waiting...patiently waiting...My View From My Front Door
A corn field...and Buddy's doghouse.Thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Storm of the Season
Very early this morning we had a violent thunderstorm roll through. The lightening show actually started 4 hours earlier and we even managed to capture some on film...or digital rather...but blogger isn't cooperating (are you getting as tired of reading that phrase as I am of typing it?). The clouds were so cool to watch. They looked like dancing Christmas lights ...or have you seen those spongy balls for kids that glow all different colours like a strobe light when you bounce them? Like one of those. Husband and I were up at 1 am ~ and I really think last night could have finally been the night of a decent sleep had it not been for the storm ~ and Husband went outside to prepare the barns in case the power went out. And then he came back in the house after a few minutes and said I think you better take the boys to the basement. Chilling words indeed. TJ was a bit upset, CJ was shivering and kept asking if there was hail but kept insisting it was cool. I told him I didn't know about the hail. Apparently there was some. We left AJ alone because his bedroom is in the basement and there was no point in getting him up. So the three of us camped out on the basement floor for about 30-40 minutes until Husband gave us the all clear to go back to bed. My body is not made for floor-sleeping anymore. And it's hard to relax when you're imagining all sorts of horrible mishaps happening to your beloved out in the middle of torrential rains and howling winds. Yes, Howling Winds. As in horizontal rain coming in under the door Howling Winds. Husband read on the internet that at 12:19 am Environment Canada issued severe weather warnings and recommended people take cover. Anyway. Today many of our neighbours have trees down. Trees. I have some dead flowers that were knocked over but that's about all the damage at our house. And this is some of what the CBC had to say about the storm:
I think the 120 km/hr was in our neighbourhood. And I'm sure they mean 3:20 a.m. and not 3:20 p.m. People typing the news should really pay more attention to what they're doing.
Today's rain is almost here and hopefully we won't have a repeat of last night's storm.
Environment Canada said a trained weather spotter reported a tornado
touched down in the area of Highway 401 and Highway 6 at around 3:20
p.m. ET.
At its peak, the storm's winds hit 120 kilometres an hour.
I think the 120 km/hr was in our neighbourhood. And I'm sure they mean 3:20 a.m. and not 3:20 p.m. People typing the news should really pay more attention to what they're doing.
Today's rain is almost here and hopefully we won't have a repeat of last night's storm.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Congratulations
Congratulations to all those families who are receiving their referrals!!! The CCAA website has been updated to show the July 13th cut-off date...I've been holding out hope that this months referrals would include more days until I actually saw the website with my own eyes. So now I guess I'll sigh...sigh...and hope for an October referral. But I still want my baby by Christmas!!!
Here in Crazyville we're debating on mattresses. Like we've nothing better to do. Gramma & Grampa are giving us a box spring and mattress - we don't turn down freebies. We were hoping for the double sized one - would fit perfectly in the dormer window of the boys bedroom, but they want to give us the queen. Which is fine too. It won't fit in the dormer but the bedroom is ginormous so it won't be too big for the room. Except we don't see how we're going to get the box spring up the stairs, around the corner and through the door. So right now it's sitting on a trailer in my yard. I need to clear out some stuff first anyway. So that's todays big dilemma.
I am getting my hair done tomorrow (yay) except my hairdresser is on maternity leave. I guess that's what happens when you wait 8 months between haircuts (I've been trimming my own bangs). Char has been my hairdresser for 12 years and now she has a salon in her home. I'm very willing to drive the extra 3o minutes to get to her place. So since she's due any day, she's hired a girl to work for her in her salon. And if she hasn't popped that baby out by tomorrow she'll come visit with me whilst the gray gets magically changed to an attractive colour. Yay!
Here in Crazyville we're debating on mattresses. Like we've nothing better to do. Gramma & Grampa are giving us a box spring and mattress - we don't turn down freebies. We were hoping for the double sized one - would fit perfectly in the dormer window of the boys bedroom, but they want to give us the queen. Which is fine too. It won't fit in the dormer but the bedroom is ginormous so it won't be too big for the room. Except we don't see how we're going to get the box spring up the stairs, around the corner and through the door. So right now it's sitting on a trailer in my yard. I need to clear out some stuff first anyway. So that's todays big dilemma.
I am getting my hair done tomorrow (yay) except my hairdresser is on maternity leave. I guess that's what happens when you wait 8 months between haircuts (I've been trimming my own bangs). Char has been my hairdresser for 12 years and now she has a salon in her home. I'm very willing to drive the extra 3o minutes to get to her place. So since she's due any day, she's hired a girl to work for her in her salon. And if she hasn't popped that baby out by tomorrow she'll come visit with me whilst the gray gets magically changed to an attractive colour. Yay!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
It's Crazy! Insane Even!
Our life. It has come down to literal craziness. I haven't really blogged about this before because I don't know how people will react - we are farmers and have chickens and pigs. There... I said it. Housed animals. And we eat them. And we enjoy eating them. I feel so much better coming out of the closet like that. So our pig barn is being expanded, actually quadrupled in it's current size - it's a madhouse over there. Some worker guy just called me looking for Husband and I told him that he was there already...then the guy said Oh I see his truck and then I patched his call through to Husband's cell phone. Imagine having a barn so large that you can't find the person you're looking for and you need to call him on his cell phone to find out where he is. A Barn. We are getting pigs in 2 weeks so there are swarms of worker guys there working. No wonder we haven't slept in months. I was talking to our banker earlier today and getting updated on all the happenings of the farm...I've been seeing Husband for about 10 minutes each day. Normal for most people but not really normal when we actually work together in the same office.
And it's hot. So hot that the mice have moved indoors. I usually expect to see evidence of mice in the fall when it starts to get cooler out, not in the middle of summer, but evidence I have seen. On my pots and pans. I washed them all last night (I want to Javex them but I don't know if that's safe for humans eating food that's been cooked on Javexed pots and pans) and I've still yet to find a decent mousetrap and clean underneath the pots and pans drawer. I did have a trap in the drawer because I've seen evidence in there in the past but now I'll put one under the drawer. I threw out the old trap because the stinking mice have been chewing CHEWING on the mousetrap. They are mocking me. Last night the phone rang and the number that came up was our own residence - strange - when I answered, it was just a dial tone. Half hour later the same thing - we were calling ourselves again! Except this time I got hung up on. And the boys were in bed asleep. I thought it must be the mice again playing with my mind but it was the chickens calling because the barn was too hot.
And Husband is too busy to talk to me and that is starting to annoy me because I have important stuff to say. I should probably just talk to him via my blog.
And it's hot. So hot that the mice have moved indoors. I usually expect to see evidence of mice in the fall when it starts to get cooler out, not in the middle of summer, but evidence I have seen. On my pots and pans. I washed them all last night (I want to Javex them but I don't know if that's safe for humans eating food that's been cooked on Javexed pots and pans) and I've still yet to find a decent mousetrap and clean underneath the pots and pans drawer. I did have a trap in the drawer because I've seen evidence in there in the past but now I'll put one under the drawer. I threw out the old trap because the stinking mice have been chewing CHEWING on the mousetrap. They are mocking me. Last night the phone rang and the number that came up was our own residence - strange - when I answered, it was just a dial tone. Half hour later the same thing - we were calling ourselves again! Except this time I got hung up on. And the boys were in bed asleep. I thought it must be the mice again playing with my mind but it was the chickens calling because the barn was too hot.
And Husband is too busy to talk to me and that is starting to annoy me because I have important stuff to say. I should probably just talk to him via my blog.
A Tuesday Funny For You
There is a factory in Northern Minnesota which makes the Tickle Me Elmo toys. The toy laughs when you tickle it under the arms. Well, Lena is hired at The Tickle Me Elmo factory and she reports for her first day promptly at 8:00 AM. The next day at 8:45 AM there is a knock at the Personnel Manager's door. The Foreman throws open the door and begins to rant about the new employee. He complains that she is incredibly slow and the whole line is backing up, putting the entire production line behind schedule. The Personnel Manager decides he should see this for himself, so the two men march down to the factory floor. When they get there the line is so backed up that there are Tickle Me Elmo's all over the factory floor and they're really beginning to pile up. At the end of the line stands Lena surrounded by mountains of Tickle Me Elmo's. She has a roll of plush red fabric and a huge bag of small marbles. The 2 men watch in amazement as she cuts a little piece of fabric, wraps it around two marbles and begins to carefully sew the little package between Elmo's legs. The Personnel Manager bursts into laughter. After several minutes of hysterics he pulls himself together and approaches Lena. "I'm sorry," he says to her, barely able to keep a straight face, "but I think you misunderstood the instructions I gave you yesterday...Your job is to give Elmo two test tickles."
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