A bad week for bloggers?

So, I've been checking all my various blogs and nobody has updated their blogs. Then, I check my own blog, and UH OH, I too am part of that collective Nobody. Seems like the only one who's done much blogging this week has been my hubby. And, that's been show 'n tell with gadgets for his babe, Maria. (in motorcycle speak, that means she's got new farkle). Oh well, farkle for Maria is sort of like giving Martha a pre-approved kitchen pass. So, I don't complain about farkle. Nope, keep on shopping honey, it eases my own hobby guilt!

Where did the week go? Well, I worked 3 days, worked on Operation MCB (which I'll share later, suffice to say the craft room was a humming again this week as I got ready for Carol's 40th bday which is today. Photos to follow probably tomorrow or this evening), I then tried to tackle a few household chores and errands.

We also had Halloween tucked in there and the usual routine of school. Busy Busy Busy, I tell ya. But, it is good to be busy because my mind hasn't gotten stuck on some of the details that it sometimes gets stuck mulling over. Too much time to ponder my thoughts isn't necessarily a good thing for us Martha's.

But you didn't come here for the chatter, you came for some pictures. I'll shut up and go find some pictures For those of you who live in the 'hood, this is the pirate house I was raving about.

For those of you who don't live nearby, these are the resident Griswalds, who went ALL out. On Halloween night, they had a man walking on the top deck, calling out to the kids while his Dock wenches (I believe it was the multigenerational women folk in the family) passed out Hot Chocolate in period appropriate costumes (in other words, they were dressed like lady pirates but not in the glam/trampy stuff you saw all the stores selling costumes for this year). It was way cool and yes, really did make this one of the best Halloweens ever!

And I'm off...I shall try to do a better job of blogging this week. Assuming life doesn't get in the way...

Fear Factor

This week's blog challenge:

• With Halloween upon us, tell us about a time in your life when you were scared. Shaking, screaching, frozen, trembling, crying, sick-to-your-stomach, whatever scared. Maybe you were a child, maybe you were an adult, maybe it was a nightmare, maybe it was a job interview. Whatever. You've been scared before. Tell us!

I"m too afraid to answer this!

Seriously, you need to believe that I am a strong, confident woman and not the slightest bit afraid of mice.

Really, mice, they don't bother me in the least. (hyperventilating begins)

Honest, you've got to believe me on this one....(where is that darn brown paper bag when you need it, must get visual images of mice out of my mind, NOW!)

Only on Jericho Court

Will you find...

A pumpkin with leaves for hair...








A moose doing his homework...

and a snowman melting before we can get to the photo op! It's just been one of those fun filled days of Fall!

Welcome to the world Baby E.K.!

It's been 9 plus years since I've celebrated the birth of a nephew. So, it is with great pride and excitment that I note the safe arrival of Little E., born to my BIL and his wife out in CA.

He arrived Thursday, just a day after his uncle's birthday (so, as long as I remember Hubby's birthday, I stand a fair chance of remembering Little E's birthday). He's a big one: checking in at 8 pounds, 14.8 ounces. All are doing well and hope to be released from the hospital tomorrow or Monday. (yeah, c-section. But come on, have you noticed the melons the Things sport? That's not from MY side! Giggle Giggle)

Thing Two was most excited. When we asked him: why so happy, he started to do a little dance and twirl around, singing "I'm not the baby, wahooo! I"m not the baby, wahoo!". We hate to tell him that on the maternal side, he's still the youngest.

A priceless day

Thing Two was invited to a birthday party at one of THOSE places (read with dread). Not the Rodent Pizza Joint (that was code for chuck e. cheese when they were younger. If we said the actual name, they were sure to hear us, even if in the opposite end of the house, and the begging and pleading to go right now would start). But, someplace very similar: with the arcarde, the indoor mini golf, the indoor amusement rides and bowling. Yeah, one of those places: when you get the invite you go "Aw Man, must we?"

So, I decided I'd take them both, leave the one with the party and head off with the other one and let him play (of course, it would mean this would become a costly afternoon for me while trying to keep things balanced for the uninvited brother). (side note: the very kind party mom did suggest that he could join the party group but I knew I didn't have the patience in me to have him be a part of the group).

And although I entered the day with sheer dread over the entire noise and chaos factor that comes with parties at those places, my mood quickly shifted to one of delight and awe.

In the months that have passed since we've visited such a place, I realized how much growth Thing One has experienced. He was calm. He was patient and he was willing to negotiate.

And, we all had a great time.

I don't care what some people tell you, as they get older, many many things get better and easier! This was no doubt one of those days!

(and a shout out to my pal Colleen who carpooled with me. I had a great time, even if my ears are still buzzing from the noise of it all!)

Do Overs

This week's blog challenge:

• Quote:
  If I had it all to do over again, I would do most all things differently. However, how would I know that, if I had not had the opportunity to do them the first time.-Janice Markowitz
• In golf, there's this thing called a Mulligan. Basically, if your golfing buddies agree to let you have it, it's your chance to try again without a penalty. It's a do-over. We don't get many Mulligans in life. But if we did... If there was one Mulligan you could take - one do-over - what would it be?

Ok, here she goes with another tough challenge for me! But, I know that if I blow it off, I'll be ridden with challenge guilt. So, I"ll give it a try: at least I'll share with you why I find this task almost impossible to complete.

Oh, don't worry, I've done plenty of things wrong in my life. But, since I'm one of those glass half full types, spending time thinking of the would a, should a, could a's just doesn't go with the way I look at life.

In terms of dating, sure, there were "fish that got away", but as I'm sure my sister will back me up when I say, they all needed to be caught and released! And from those experiences, I knew when Hubby came along, he was one worth hanging on to. I caught him and have no intentions of releasing him. (even with Midlife Crisis v2.1)

When my mom was in the end stages of her battle with cancer, sure I could have asked Uncle Sam for a compassionate re-assignment to here in Denver. I could have been within a short drive to her place in Wyoming. A Do-Over I still ponder over some 19 years later. But, that eternally optimistic side of me says "well, yes, but if you weren't at Ft. Bragg, you'd not have met JandL who later introduced you to Hubby". Nor, would I have learned that very important lesson that friends are the family you meet along the way. During my Army days, living far away from family as many of us do, you become really close to those that share your plight. Would I have experienced that same life lesson if I'd exercised my "do over" for the decision I made to stay put? I really don't think I would have.

Same with other matters in my every day mom life. Just today, I went all "tea kettle" on someone who, although she probably deserved it for other things, today's action didn't warrant me reaching a boiling point and screeching at her. Based on past experiences, once I realized I'd goofed up (again, because I try to learn from those Uh Oh moments in life), I knew I'd better take the high road and just admit my error and get through it as fast as I could. Having a do-over would have saved me the embarrassment of apologizing. But, I sort of feel like it is a good skill to practice , how to apologize graciously.

So, where does that leave me? Well, I guess...The one do-over I wish I could take was when Bill Gates called me up way back when and asked me to invest in this little thing called the internet I should have said "sure". Instead, I said "Nah, people hate to type, the idea is sure to be a flop!"

(and if you heard Nathan Lane on the View this morning, you'll know I"m totally stealing his line!)

In the words of Maya Angelou who once wrote of herself, "You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better." I try to make that one of my philosophies of who I am. Looking Back is fine. Looking Back with regret is going get you nothing but a whole heap of sadness!

A Snowy Day

Today, we enjoyed a nice healthy taste of reality that winter is on her way. We got about 6-8 inches of heavy wet stuff. But, don't worry, I'm sure that's the last storm we'll have for awhile.

Why am I so certain it won't snow for a long time?

Because I broke down and ordered the Things new snow boots!

Apparently, size 1 is very popular as I checked out 3 local spots this weekend and found NADA.... So, a package should arrive in the next couple of days.

After which, I'm sure we won't see snow again until Spring...
For today evil Mommy made them wear boots that were about one size too small. And yes, two years age separates them, but they wear the same sized EVERYTHING: coats, jackets, pants, shirts and even boots. So much for the hand me down theory!

Sneak Peek

So, I mentioned earlier what a productive weekend I had. Here's a little sample of what I've been up to.

My friend has done an incredible job of keeping those of us "wannabee" travelers" up to date on her most amazing family vacation in Spain. So, on a whim, I mentioned to another friend "I should make her a scrapbook from her blog pictures".

And like so many things, it is those whims that prove the most fun! Saturday I printed out pictures and by Sunday afternoon I had her album ready. She and her family get back home later this evening and the album, completed with journaling (because I printed out her blog text too) is ready and waiting for her on her front porch. Oh, and I baked some chocolate chip cookies for the guys because well, they just don't get this whole scrapbooking thing. So, by tomorrow I should know whether Operation MTC was a success.
MTC: Make Tracey Cry. We shall see...it sure made me cry and I didn't even know half the people in the photos!

Random Acts of kindness: I know that the person on the receiving end appreciates them, but being on the giving end really fills my heart with joy and delight!

Brotherly negotiations

Most days, the Things play well together. Like any set of siblings, some moments are better than others. But, for the most part, they do pretty good. With that in mind, I overheard them discussing what they wanted to do in terms of play. Thing One really wanted to play transformers. Now, I'm not sure if Thing Two didn't want to, or rather wanted to be talked into playing with his brother. Their discussion went something like this

• Thing One: Please play transformers with me
• Thing Two: Nah, I don't think so...
• Thing One: I'll let you give me a wedgie..
• Thing Two: Ok, but they get to be atomic and I'm going to give you TEN!
• Thing One: You're on!

Boys...they'll find a way to work that whole underwear/wedgie bit into so many aspects of their day!

Tomorrow they head back to school. I must say I've enjoyed our time off. A few squabbles here and there, but for the most part, we've all had a great break. Now back to the routine of school...I sure hope we're ready for it!

Operation "MTC" is well underway

Oh, I'm just about to burst with excitement. I have two surprise projects that I needed to not only start but complete in the next couple of weeks. Version 1.0 of Operation MTC is not only started but complete. I really wish I could share with you the details but ya just never know who is lurking and reading the blog.

But, I promise, in the coming days I will share a couple pictures. Yep, even Hubby was impressed with the final project. So, there, that eliminates one possible recipient, eh?

And I'm off...to clean up the mess from this project and start brainstorming for the next project.

Busy Busy Busy...and it feels great!

Must get this day started...

But instead, I'm sitting here in my quiet little corner of the house, procrastinating as usual. Need to get my shower in before the neighbor boys come over to play. Then this afternoon I'm working.

Now I'm not sure is it fair to call it work when we're teaching the kids how to make fondue and enjoying our tasty treats. Yes, it is work because I don't get to stir in any vino or sip from my glass while savoring the finished product.

Last night my new found crafty gal pal, CFD, and I celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary by taking a calendar class together at Archivers. Ok, so she's always been my pal, but recently we've started to get together and actually craft! Prior to this, we did more talk than actual scrapbooking. The class was fun and I think she only felt a tinge of guilt for forgetting her own anniversary when she made plans to go to this class with moi! I'll try to post a couple pictures later on, if just to make TZ jealous.

(*for those non-locals, TZ is another good friend who's on Holiday in Spain and is busy blogging all about it, yet also sniffs that she's homesick. Yeah right, you should see the beautiful stuff she's getting to see while all we have to entertain ourselves with is the occasional scrap crap class. Check out her adventures at http://zimmerhouse.blogspot.com/

What a difference a day makes...

Yesterday: shorts, tshirts and belly laughs amongst the pumpkins

Today: Why yes, I believe this is the first measurable snow fall in the 'burbs for the season.

TZ, promise me you aren't still homesick. And if you are, go have a churro and a cafe con leche and blog about it in the morning, ok?

Inside, Outside, Upside, Downside

This week's blogger challenge:

• Pick a day this week, and blog about what's going on outside and what's going on inside. I'm thinking in literal terms: outside your house and inside your house. Or outside your place of business and inside it. But if you want to get creative, feel free to blog about YOU - what's going on inside as opposed to what you're allowing the world to see on the outside.Extra points for posting photos! If you can't post photos, then do your best to illustrate with your words. Give us a clear visual of what's happening inside and out!Don't worry about your house being messy, or your outside being boring. Document a day this week, just as you're living it. Tell us about the sounds outside and the sounds inside... or what the squirrels are eating and what you're eating... or what the temp is out there and how comfy you are inside... or what needs to be done outside and what needs to be done inside.Whatever. Be creative. Just blog about inside/outside.

Inside: The house is rather rumpled. The laundry basket is overflowing. There are dishes that need washing. Papers are piled on every known hot spot in the house. The Things are starting week 3 of their 3 weeks of track off. I too am feeling rumpled and worn out. I have no desire to work on chores here in the house. We've all got a good case of cabin fever (or shack rot as my dear old dad calls it).

The cure for the common track off: let's head outdoors...

Outside: Beautiful clear blue skies! You could even see Pikes Peak this morning from Smoky Hill. Lately, the haze and brown cloud has obstructed our view of the Front Range. But, not today: blue skies with puffy white clouds. Just enough crispness to the air to let you appreciate that today is to be enjoyed for tomorrow a cold front is moving in.

Upside: we managed to accomplish a couple errands. The Things picked out their Halloween costumes. We also made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch, aka, Nick's Garden center.

When they were little, I made a big deal of going out to the actual patch. We'd spend close to an hour getting there (Anderson Farms for the curious locals that read this). We'd pay a ridiculous amount of $ to ride the tractor out to the fields, picking our own pumpkins and checking out the other "agri-entertaintment" features that were included in that hideously expensive entrance fee. But, in the end, the only one who was impressed was me. So, for the past couple of years, we've stayed local, and everyone has a grand time. The Things even had the bounce house and the hay bale maze to themselves. It doesn't really get much better than that.

Downside: if the weather people are right, today was the last warm day for awhile. Cold and wet stuff moving in. I've got not a clue as to what to fix for dinner. No magic housekeeper showed up while we were out goofing off so those dishes, laundry and paperwork is still waiting for us. Or rather waiting for me...my mess, my job to pick it up. But you know what, today I just enjoyed being with my boys, visiting old, familiar places and taking a moment to enjoy the day..because as we all know, time marches on a bit too fast most days!

Another project finished...

Ah, it always feels good to put that final layout together. I've spent a lot of time working on vacation pictures this past month. And yesterday afternoon, I finished the last one destined for our vacation album. (at least until we take another trip).

I got together with two gal pals last night and was worried I'd not be inspired to start some new stuff.I'm always a little slow changing gears: from the end of one project to the start of something new. Fear not, I still managed to finish up about 8 pages.

Oh no, if I keep up this pace, I might just be ready to print off some new stuff. Nope, I just discovered some other stacks of unscrapped photos. Whew, ya'll might not want to be my friend any more if I get too caught up. Happy Scrapping to ya'll!

Last week's blogger challenge

I tried to skip it completely. It invovled picking three books to have with you if stuck on a deserted island. I've never liked these sort of challenges: because just the thought of being stuck somewhere without my family, my TiVo and/or my high speed internet is more than my lazy, technology driven brain can handle.

But, now with a new week and a new challenge posted, guilt has gotten the best of me and I feel the need to play catch up. For starters, I would take some sort of survival guide.

I'd also take an epic history book. One that has a lot of pages because when I'm in the mood to read, I read rather quickly and I don't like reading the same stuff over. Historical fiction is the type of book I"d like to read these days, but my mind wanders way too quickly for me to focus for any length of time. Stuck on an island with few distractions, well I'm hoping I'd fnd the patience to focus on reading a bit more than I have these past few months.

And as for my third book, I"m thinking the bible or some book of inspirational messages would come in mighty handy. Because, once I've finished my other two books, I"ll be a cranky gal as I don't like reading the same stuff over and over. And yet, I'd be still stuck on that deserted island, all alone because I can never figure out which two celebrities I"d want with me (that's the other "what if/pick two" games I'm hopeless at!)

So, Rescue me quickly: I need my king sized bed, my color tv, my laptop computer not to mention the social fix I get daily from my family and friends!

Maybe brothers shouldn't bathe together

Although the things are getting older, they still enjoy sharing time together in the tub. Except recently, Mr. ever so observant Thing Two has taken notice of his brother's anatomy. And in classic envy, he wonders "how does he get his into THAT mode!". (Thing One is quite the master of his domain so to speak).

Circle of Life

Number of times I got goosebumps: 5 (I can't believe I'm FINALLY seeing this play)
Number of times I wiped away the tears of happiness: 3 (He lives in You, He lives in Me...OMG! Somebody pass the tissues!)
Thoughts during intermission: Oh crap, we're half way through? I don't want this play to ever end!
Realizing I was finally getting to see this most incredible play: Priceless!

Home Sweet Home

Be it ever so humble
Be it ever so rumpled
It is so very good to be home
With not a darn tootin' thing on the calendar that requires packing, car rides or sleeping in hotels.

Two weekends back to back of being gone, as fun as each trip was, is more than this homebody was ready for. And today just sings of Fall: with overcast skies, cool temps. I'm one happy Momma! Even as I face laundry piled higher than Pikes Peak! I'm home...and that is always the very best place to be!

Rushing Through Rushmore

Just a quick update: we've made it to the Black Hills Region. Mt. Rushmore wasn't much different from what I recall as a kid. The Things: as usual were more impressed with the little stuff. Thing Two insisted on standing on stage and reciting the pledge of allegiance with his Grandpa. He also enjoyed testing out the plunger in the museum: simulating the explosions they used to create the monument.

Sadly, the wind kept us from enjoying the surrounding trails and just being outside was draining.


Next stop on the tour was the Crazy Horse Monument. If you've never been and have a chance, check it out. I can't find the right words this evening to describe what makes it so unique: maybe the grassroots approach to the construction of the monument, or the small town feel to the musuem with an eclectic collection of all things Native American. I don't know: it was just sort of an Americana Experience you should check out sometime, right up there with Wall Drug.

We finished out the day with two trips to the pool and one lesson (this time from Grandpa) about trespassing. You see, there is a small putt putt golf place right next to the hotel. But, it is closed for the season. Grandpa saved the day: when he announced that he has clubs and a ball in the trunk of his car, all they'd need to do is jump the fence. They got in a round of golf and the only one to question them was some other kid asking how much a round of golf cost. Hmmm...I guess occasionally a memorable experience is worth a little law breaking.

Tomorrow we head back, but before hitting the road, we hope to make one more tourist stop...assuming my energy lasts.

Weekend Get Away

Well, we're loaded and ready to head out for the weekend. Going to the Black Hills of SD. Hubby and a couple of his buddies are taking their bikes and I'll be driving the "support" vehicle (aka, the Mystery Van). I'm eager to show the boys Mt. Rushmore and if all goes well, Grandpa will be meeting up with us tomorrow evening.
The downside will be the drive through SE Wyoming into SD. Ugly just doesn't seem to be powerful enough to describe the landscape of the land we'll pass through tomorrow en route to the beauty that is the Black Hills.

See ya'll later...

Things we shouldn't blog about

Yesterday I was enjoying a lovely cup of coffee and delightful conversation with the neighborhood ladies (Thanks TZ!). The topic turned to what we should not blog about. We all agreed that naked pictures of our kids, as cute as they are, should be left off the blog. The same with belly aching about the people in our lives who annoy us to no end. Oh sure, once in awhile, you just can't help it, but for the most part, not a good idea to use your blog to vent.

But what about stories that you find hiliarious but your kids find rather sensitive? Thing One did something rather childish and stupid the other night.

He had something in his mouth he shouldn't have. And, he swallowed it. After I finished scolding him , he asked that I please not tell anyone because he felt so embarrassed.

Which leaves me with the dilemma, can I blog about it? The concensus was yes. Blog, just don't share photos when you find the swallowed item (TZ told us about a woman who made a scrapbook page that looked like Winnie the Pooh, only the pictures weren't of Pooh but rather Poo! EWWW).

So, here it goes...this week, until the situation passes....Thing One is knicknamed Quarter Pooper as he swallowed a quarter. Since it isn't the first time he's done something like this, we did not rush him to the Emergency Room (although we did call the Advice Nurse just to make sure protocol hadn't changed since the last time he did this).

Instead, we'll be deducting the quarter from his allowance.

We'll keep you posted on the outcome...photos not included...

Should be folding laundry..

But instead, we're enjoying our track off. The boys have no school for the next three weeks. And while they are doing their thing, I got to play in the craft room today. Here's what I came up with.




Better than laundry, don't you agree?

If I could be

I found this in amongst all the stuff that the Things bring home from school. Stuffed into the bottom of his backpack. Since Thing One is not into writing, when I find something even remotely creative, I am immediately impressed with his effort. I figure at least he's trying. I remember how he used to just answer the question based on what had the shortest letters so he could finish up the assignment. His answers are noted in italics

• If I could be an animal, I'd be a Yak, because they live in the mountains and I love the mountains.
• If I could be a bird, I'd be a woodpecker, because they get to chatter
• If I could be a flower, I'd be a sunflower because they are beautiful.
• If I could be a piece of furniture, I'd be a bed, because they are soft.
• If I could be a state, I"d be New York, because it has lots of people
• If I could be a building, I'd be the Empire State Building, because it is tall and strong, just like I want to be.

In a way, this paper ties into this week's blog challenge. Here's the assignment for those who are playing along at home:

• If you could live one day without consequences, what would you do? Would you get a tattoo just to see what it was like? Would you skip work or school and sleep all day? Would you have a one-night-stand, or would you buy a yacht, or would you tell your parents what you REALLY think of them? If you could live one day without consequences, what would you do?

I've been thinking about this challenge for two days now. How sad is that? That I spend that much time THINKING about my answer. I know some of it stems from my strong belief that our actions all have consequences, either immediate or long term and thus by nature, I'm a rather cautious person. Toss in my practical side, and well, you can see where this week's challenge is indeed a challenge for me.

I can immediately strike off the one night stand. Why stray off the ranch when you are pretty much pampered here? The grass is just green enough on this side of the fence, thank you very much. The same holds true with telling off my dad. Yeah, I"ve got my issues with some of the things he does (what adult child doesn't?) but all things considered, I realize he is a pretty good dad. (and I've also found the perfect time to call in and check on him: about an hour into his starting his evening happy hour. Best conversation is between Manhattan #2- and #3!)

I"m thinking my day to throw caution to the wind would have to involve some sort of shopping. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my retail therapy just as much as most women. But, I am often guided by what we need, what is practical and what has a purpose. So, on my consequence free day, I"d head out to buy the things that look pretty, taste yummy and are ridiculously over priced. First stop would be the Brighton shop where I"d stock up on not just a purse, but all the accessories to go with it. Then, a quick trip into Talbots to find a new outfit that matches just perfect with my new purse. I"d stop by Del Frisco's and make reservations for dinner and call up my Hubby and tell him to join me for an amazing meal, although way over priced.

But, then in the morning, would my purse and clothes be gone? I guess so, but I"d still have the memory of having had a fabulous day without a care in the world....

Hey, did you miss me?

I'm home from my scrapbooking retreat. Had a wonderful time and I even managed to scrapbook 30 pages! I'd hope to get about 40 done but that's ok: I'm pleased with my pages and am glad I took the time on several of them to get it "just right". Spending time with my good friend Mrs. Mahoney was also a long overdue treat.

I rushed home a bit early (maybe rushed is an exaggeration) as I wanted to give Hubby a chance to ride his motorcycle on this wonderful Fall weekend. Yep, I admit it, I had next to no Mommy guilt with being gone (because face it, the kids get to be an age where they aren't as much work as during those infant/toddler years). But, I did have Biker Wife Guilt! Oh my, heavy sigh, look how far I've come in such a short time. But, in all honesty, this weekend, with clear blue skies and temps in the mid 70s, it seemed more like time for outdoor pursuits rather than indoor stuff.

I was home, had the car completely unloaded (which by the way, was a BLAST to drive. But, don't let Hubby know that I had fun driving HIS convertible) before the Things noticed I was home. Gee, they better not try to pull any such mommy guilt trip on me: I see evidence throughout the house that they had their every wish fulfilled in terms of trips to the video store and dining on fast food! And, they didn't even seem to notice my return.

But, well, Hubby, if/when he reads this, he'll know that he might just have a chance at playing the guilt card if I run away during Bike Season!

Happiness

This week's blog challenge

Happiness comes from the capacity tofeel deeply,to enjoy simply,to think freely,to risk life,to be needed."-Storm JamesonYour assignment is simple. Take all or part of this quote, and let it inspire you. Write about where you find happiness. What is your strongest capacity? Your weakest? Write about people you know who excel at each of the points mentioned in the quote. Tell about someone you know whose inability to live out any one of the points has kept them from happiness.

All in all, I'm a pretty darn happy person. My blog probably gives the perception that I"m happier than I really am because well, I just don't feel like this is the right forum for me to share my frustrations in life. Oh sure, a bit here and there, but for the most part, I try to keep my entries on the lighter, happier side.

I think what makes me such a happy person is the balance I try to create in my life. As much as I love my roles as Mom and Wife, I still find a great deal of happiness being me, Martha. Yes, it is good to be needed, but also to know that if I'm not around they can still get through the day, or the weekend (as will be the case this next weekend).

If I give too much of myself to my family, without taking time for myself, then I become unbalanced and the happy state starts to fade away. Taking time for the things that I like, such as my crafting, my reading and my girls night out helps me maintain my sense of balance and keepy me happy.

I've struggled with the concept of balance in my professional life as well. Before Thing Two arrived, I enjoyed my work as a nurse practitioner. But, once he came on the scene, Hubby and I realized it was more important that we concentrate on the family rather than the added income to be gained by having me continue working part time. Now that they are older, I'm looking again at my professional side and trying to find balance. Yet, some of the options I've contemplated, and even tried out, haven't given me the balance that I need to stay in my preferred state of happiness. These days I seem to have found balance in my work as a TA at the school. Sure, it is about only 1/4 of what I could be earning if I were working in nursing. But, it still fuels the professional side of my self while offering me flexibility that nursing just isn't capable of providing.

When I feel a bout of the blues, or the blahs coming on, the first thing I try to do is look at my life and see what seems out of balance. And yes, there has been a time in my life when lifestyle changes weren't enough and I had to take a "happy" pill to help restore the balance. These days, I'm pretty much able to reflect on myself and see what needs to be adjusted.

The real challenge is in having the courage to make those adjustments. But, hey, I'm getting better now that I"m past 40.

For the Never Say Never File

She joined our family not quite 5 years ago. Initially, I wasn't allowed near her. And although Hubby's attitude has softened over time, I remained very hesitant to get too close. Nope, No, Never, Not gonna happen was my response. She was just too important to Hubby to risk any damage that occured while I was in close proximity to her.

But, desperate times call for desperate measures. So, today, for the first time ever, I drove Liesl.

Yeah you'd think I would have learned using the word NEVER and not really meaning it. But, the last time I distinctly remember changing courses was when I (pre-kid of course) took the very firm stance that my children (if and when I ever had any) would NEVER sleep in bed with me. HAHA...I should have learned...But there you have it. I didn't and thus now have another tale for that never say never file.

And in case you are wondering what desperation lead to this change in heart on my part, well of course it is scrapbook related. I need (ok, maybe not need, but really want) to get to the CO-SS retreat next weekend and yet I didn't want to take the family vehicle and leave the guys truly home alone with no means of transporting both Things.

Of course, it does mean I'm really having to plan and pack accordingly because guess what: two man cars don't have much storage in them! But, by golly, I"ll make it happen!

Son of a Scrapper indeed!

As I'm putting away pictures that I just picked up from Sam's Club, Thing Two tells me "Good Job Mom! You aren't so far behind now. These are from when I was 6!"

Oh sure, you just go ahead and believe that...Just because I've gotten them printed doesn't mean they are next in the queue to be scrapped. But, hey a boy's gotta believe in something!

Nurse Nitwit: I Quit!

For three school years now, I've been volunteering in the nurse's office. The cliff notes version of it all is that she needed some help and my help wasn't needed in the classroom, so I started to help her out. I had a motive at first: having not worked in nursing since the birth of Thing 2, I thought working there would give me a taste of whether this was something I wanted to pursue as a part time job.

About 1.5 years ago, I realized nope, no, uh huh, I didn't want to be a school nurse. My tongue is too sharp, my patience runs too thin and I just wouldn't want to work that much with "the system".

But, I continued to coordinate the vision and hearing days. In my mind, I figured I was "helping the kids". But recently I realized my logic was warped. I wasn't helping the kids, I was doing a part of her job and somewhere along the line her job then became my job and my worries.

The straw that broke this camel's back? I"m sitting in the hair salon, having Jane (really, that's her real name!)work her magic (hah, you think this hair is natural? No, craft crap and hair coloring are my two guilty pleasures in life). My cell phone rings. It is Nurse Nitwit.

I panic! Uh oh, I"ve got a puker and yet I'm sitting in the chair only half colored.
Ah, but no, the kids are fine. She's calling to tell me she left a message on my machine at home.

Heavy sigh. I get home. Listen to the message. Every question she asked is spelled out on the memo I typed up for her last week because I thought maybe her nitwit nature comes from her being a visual learner and I"d write it out appealing to that strength.

So, after I finished cursing out the answering machine, I picked up my remaining few vision cards and took them over to her office.

And...I quit!

Between this and the season premier of Grey's Anatomy, man, I"m feeling pretty darn good right now! That, and as usual Jane did a MARVELOUS job on my color...toning down the blond for a more suitable Fall shade of light brown.

Acrostic Challenge

This week's blog challenge:

• Last week, my friend Diana (in California) said the nicest thing, and she said it in a creative way. She posted an acrostic about me on ScrapShare!Stacy is
  SuperTalentedAwesomeCaring and Youthful.
  See? Wasn't that nice of her?Now. Your turn. Write an acrostic about yourself. Or have someone ELSE write it, and then comment on it. Go on. Don't be shy. Brag about yourself. It's good for the soul.

Last night when I first spotted the new challenge I did a heavy sigh. Oh no, this isn't gonna be easy. But then this morning I woke up and realized it had already been done. Last year my sister put together the most adorable birthday card/mini scrapbook for a rather major milestone birthday. And one page was, GASP, an acrostic. So, I can quickly complete this challenge without feeling all weird about having to come up with words on my own. So here's what Big Sis says about Little Sis

• Mischievous
• Adorable
• Reliable
• Thoughtful
• Honest
• Adenturous

Now, I wonder had she written such a poem when I was 10 and she was 12, would she have been so kind?
Thanks Laura for those kind words (and for doing my homework this week!)

My favorite sign of Fall

I like my seasons to change. No doubt about it, my favorite time of change is from Summer to Fall. When I talk to people, I find I'm not alone.

Lots of us love Fall for our own various reasons. Some people I know like the happiness they feel when they see the leaves turn colors. Yeah, well, they do have a point, but here in the Front Range, we don't get the vivid displays like they do in other parts of the country. So, nope that's not my favorite aspect of Fall.

Others like the way the weather changes. How each day provides you with a little bit of a surprise with how cool the morning will be and how warm the day will end up being.

Still there are those that talk about the scents of Fall: the crisp smell of the air, the aroma of Apple Pie baking in the oven. And there is nothing wrong with the way Fall smells. Well, unless you live near a dairy farm or the oil refinery.

But for me, well let me just show you what my favorite sign of Fall is:



Yep, we've kicked off the season of snacking. You start with that first bag of FRESH candy corn (I don't care for the stuff that sits out all year long and gets a tad stale). Next thing you know, you're looking at the mini candy bars. Somehow eating 5 minis doesn't seem as bad as eating one full size bar (Math is so not my strongest academic skill. Oh wait, I'm starting to look pretty darn stupid: I stink at grammar and I don't like math? Kids, consider yourself blessed to be average with me as your momma!).

And well...The sweet treats just keep on flowing through the stores and into my house...Until before you know it, we're hiding chocolate eggs (assuming I've not eaten them all before getting around to the actual hiding).

Yep, Let the Season of Eating begin!
Happy Fall Ya'll...

Them Danged Old Hills!

Lonestar has a song out there with some pretty powerful lyrics. My favorite this week has to be Walkin's easier when the road is flat Them danged ol' hillls'll get you every time

And much as I want my flat road , the song goes on to remind us that God gave us mountains so we might learn how to climb. So, while I'm dealing with those hills, Thing One is scaling the top of the mountains. Two scenes in the past 24 hours brought to light why I work so hard to be an advocate for him.

• Last night, homework time. I tell Thing One "time for homework" and he comes and gets his packet and runs upstairs telling me as he races up to his room "I'm going to do it in my room, ok?" Ok I say with my jaw still on the ground. This is the boy who protests loudly and frequently about homework. Next thing I know he's running downstairs "I need my math book". Ok, but you don't have math homework. "I know" he tells me, but the guys are doing math while I do spelling". What guys? I sneak a peek upstairs and he's taken his laundry basket, turned it upside down and is using it as his podium. And all his "guys" are really his collection of moose, facing him with the math work book in front of them. And he is deligently working on his spelling homework. He tells me "they are doing silent math work while I do my spelling".

I try to keep the mommy tears from flowing. To see how far this little boy has come: where he is enjoying the process of learning, eager to work on his homework by himself and to be involved in creative productive play is just more than I could take this week. THIS is why I get frustrated when other people see just his difficult quirks. If we dedicate our energies to him, there is no reason to expect anything less than a normal, typical future!

And if that wasn't enough of a sign from above, we're walking in to school this morning. I"m watching, trying to stay clear of the people I have recently called to task to do right by my son. When I hear this little voice call out Thing One's real name. "Hey wait for me" his classmate hollers. And we pause and Thing One smiles and says "Hi Johnny. How are you today? Want to walk to the back with me?". Sure says his pal and within minutes they are chatting away about Pokemon (the character that drives us mommies nuts but bridges all sorts of social gaps!).

More mommy tears are starting to form as I see not only has he figured out creative play, but what a huge leap in social interaction with a peer.

So, for all you mommy bears wondering where you will find the energy to climb that next hill when you are so damn tired of always being the one advocating for your child. THIS IS why we do what we do:

The photo is from my collection. I wish I'd had my camera today but instead, I figure any picture showing the boys being boys, happy, well adjusted boys, gets the point across.

A what kind of girl?

Thing Two got an invite to what looks to be a very cool Pirate Themed party (yeah, that Colleen must have TOO much time on her hands I tell ya!). On the way home, I asked what he thought the birthday GIRL might like for her birthday and he started out in classic Thing Two fashion

Well Mom, since she is a Thomson boy, maybe something not too frilly, ok?

Yes, indeed God did bless me with this boy to put a smile on my face when I need it most! (He meant to say Tom Boy, but like with other things, he gets them twisted around in his mind)

That day in September...

Last year, the Things and I were visiting my aunt. As I was helping clean up the kitchen, she put on a CD. The music was simply perfect. And before I knew it, I was wiping away the tears.

http://craigfraedrichmusic.com/Recordings/Come%20Sunday/11%20Track%2011.mp3

So please, take a moment today to remember that day in September...

PS: ok, so we're a little biased, that's my cousin (her son) on the trumpet. He's good, isn't he?

Counting Down

This week's Blog Challenge: Counting Down

10 Things I wanna do before I die

1. Walk along the Great Wall of China
2. Sail the Fjords of Norway
3. Drink a pint in an Irish Pub (a real Irish pub, in Ireland)
4. Cruise the Alaskan Coastline (preferably on a nice ship with a great view)
5. Return to Italy and this time despite the touristy nature of it, take that Gondola ride in Venice
6. Watch the sun set along the beaches of Hawaii
7. Do the kangaroo Hop in the Land Down Under
8. Send the Things to College
9. Dance at my boys weddings
10. Rock my grandchildren to sleep

9 Places I last spent money

1. Safeway: went in for just eggs, came out having spent $30, gee, eggs sure are expensive!
2. Costco: Why? Why? Why? I'm still asking myself what the H*#$$ was I thinking going there on a Saturday????
3. Lakeshore Learning: the inner teacher in me just can't help herself
4. Michaels: couldn't let a coupon go to waste
5. JoAnns: they have coupons too!
6. Donahue Paper: getting ready for the SS retreat
7. Fay Motorcycles: see I do errands for hubby when he asks nicely!
8. Post Office: needed stamps
9. Burger King: Thing One gets "special lunch" when he's had a good week

8 Sounds I routinely hear around my house

1. The Buzz of the washer or the dryer (they work together most days, assuming I remember to move on into the other)
2. The laughter of my boys
3. The Squabble of the boys
4. The background noise of the TV
5. The timer ringing telling the Things they are done with time out, back to their laughter
6. The rumble of Hubby's "girlfriend", Gretl the motorcycle
7. The tap tap tapping of me on the computer keyboard
8. The phone ringing and me trying to figure out how to turn it on to answer it (you'd think I'd have that new phone figured out by now, it is at least 6 months old)

7 Real restaurants where I last ate out (apparently fast food doesn't count? Man, this is gonna be tough one. I had to stretch way back to May to find enough answers since I can't count BK/McD/Sonic/Wendy's)

1. Chipotles
2. The Rock
3. Flemings
4. TGI Fridays
5. P.F Changs
6. Einstein's Bagels
7. Atlanta Bread Company

6 Things I've recently scratched off my to do list (whew, an easy one since I posted a big list last weekend)

1. Go to the Bank
2. Go to the post office
3. Pay Bills
4. Finish SS retreat goodie bag items
5. Sweep kitchen floor
6. Clean bathrooms

5 People I don't know but I"d really like to hang out with

1. Rachel Ray
2. Paula Dean (ah, you see the trend, don't you?)
3. (and 4 and 5.)Some of my online SS pals: Suite Sioux (because well, I like the way she thinks) and Heidi/aka Agent 713 (since we wouldn't have to argue over what kind of music to listen to) and Diana in KS (because she promised to have the pot of coffee on!And if I'm having a rough day, I'm guessing she'd join me in the mommy juice!)

Four Songs that Make me Happy (man, I'm even more musically impaired then I am grammatically challenged. But at least I know what songs make me happy)

1. Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville
2. Kenny Loggins Return to Pooh Corner (ok, this one makes me happy and sad all at the same time)
3. Lynden David Hall All you need is love
4. Rodney Atkins If you're going through hell (ok, so they play this one on the radio so much I can't get it out of my brain, but I still like the kicky little beat it has)

3 Things I hate to do

1. Go to the doctor for those girlie check ups
2. Mop the kitchen floor
3. Confront others even when I know I got to..

2 Things I am really good at

1. Making people feel welcome
2. Loving my family

1 Bad habit

1. Gossiping

Random notes to self..

1. There is little therapeutic value in attempting "retail therapy" on a Saturday. Crowds everywhere.
2. I live a sheltered life when it comes to traffic and that's just fine by me. On 3 separate occasions this week I realized how lucky I am that everywhere I need to go, want to go and for the most part have to go, is within an easy 5 mile radius of my house with next to no traffic headaches. On those three adventures (four if you count today) I became immediately aware that Front Range interstate traffic sucks! I'll take my sheltered little corner of the world, thank you very much.
3. I'm grateful that hubby is an excellent provider. Well, he's got some other decent qualities too, but since I got my pay stub this week, it hit home what an amazing provider he is for the Things and I!

Explain to me why

the supposed "shorter" school/work weeks seem to last longer than a regular week?

TGIF!!! It was indeed a very long week here at the House of Chang
I sense a need for some retail therapy in my immediate future...

Saving the best for home...

As moms, we know that our kids often behave differently when they are in school or at friends homes compared to how they act at home. Today I was working (remind me again why I felt the need to get a part time job?). Anyways, a couple of the boys have discovered the symphony of noise their bodies can make. Yes, we had the ever popular arm fart, and even the knee fart. Yep, I was having to use my "mommy voice" as I attempted to redirect their energy.

Thankfully there was one of the boys who refused to partake in the goofiness of his peers. Instead he calmly told me "I'm saving my farts for home!"

Bless his little heart...if only the other 3 had been that kind...

Angels among us..

This week's blog challenge

• I had a totally different challenge planned for this week, but something happened to me this afternoon that I just had to blog about. And so... I'm changing the challenge to reflect it. Write about an event in your life that you were directly impacted by, whether you were on the receiving end, or on the giving end. Tell us about an act of selflessness, an act of bravery, an act of servitude...Tell us about the woman who comforted your lost child at Walmart until you could be reunited. Tell us about the man who picked up your dinner tab and didn't stick around to be thanked. Tell about the time you scared a bunch of bullies away from a trembling puppy, or the kids you saw hanging out at the bus stop way after the school bell rang, and how you kept an eye on them until the bus finally arrived. Dig deep into your memory bank and recall the little miracles that have happened in your life at the hands of total strangers. Remember the little miracles you've been a part of, simply because you listened to your inner voice.We've all been touched. Share YOUR story.

I've mentioned time and time again, what a blessing I consider my many friends to be. But, there is one friend in particular that truly was that Angel among us.

Allison: if you are reading this, yep, this time it really is ALL ABOUT YOU!!!

When I was very pregnant with Thing Two, we learned that Thing One had significant "developmental delays". A 2 yr old with the skills and development of a 9 month old baby. The "A" word was hinted at if not spoken directly. I'm a pretty practical person, so I did what any person of my nature does with such news: I jumped right in and started to work with the therapists and my son. I joined a support group. Before I knew it, he was making progress and all seemed to be well with the world.

Now 2.5 years had passed, and that expectant baby was now a happy go lucky toddler. Yet, much of our days were still pretty focused on the programming for older brother. This preschool, that therapist, another trip in the car seat, another interupted nap. He just went with the flow as that's all he'd ever known: time to take brother somewhere for something.

In my heart, I knew this wasn't right but in mind I wasn't sure how to change it.

Until one day when another neighbor asked me to come over to their weekly "play group". I knew these ladies just casusally: as we all served on the neighborhood pool committee. I'd overhear them talking about their group but never gave it much thought. You see, I"m not really a playgroup person. Taking Thing One around "typical" kids was always a sure fire way to send me into a daze of sadness. Although he was making progress, his delays were so much more noticeable when he was around "regular" kids. Nope, we were happiest hanging with our friends who had kids with some sort of issue.

But, I knew it wasn't about me or Thing One this time...Nope, Thing Two needed a chance to be with kids just like him. So, I set aside my worries (what would we talk about, would they like me, would I like them. I so DON"T do the whole play group thing) and went to that first gathering. And had an ok time.
So, I kept going.

This was 4 years ago, and up until last year, pretty much any Wednesday that school was in session, you'd find Thing Two and I hanging with the Gang.

Yet, if it hadn't been for Allison's kind invitation to join them...I'd have never met her and all the other wonderful women that have changed my life. Enriching me as a person. Helping me grow as a parent. Reminding me of the beautiful gift God blesses us with when he sends us our gal pals!

Thank you Allison...may there one day be that kindly neighbor who reaches out and asks you to join in their fun! PS: we miss you bunches and bunches!

I met my challenges!!!!

Yahoo! I don't know how to do those fancy edits where you line out what you wrote...but if I knew how, I'd be able to announce that I met most, if not all of my self imposed challenges for the weekend.

• I finished up Thing Two's Kindie album which, just as I predicted, was a huge relief to say "it is done, move on".
• I did a Clean Sweep/Mission Organization attack on my sticker binder. Yep, I started by dumping out all of my sticker/die cut stash and sorted into trash/donate/keep piles. Then I put back only the items I knew met my current style and projects on hand. Hopefully, having a cleaner storage system will making putting stuff away less of a chore.
• I made it to JoAnns and got my refills. And the scary thing was: that is all that I bought. I walked in, picked them up, paid for them (with coupons, Thanks Carol!) and walked out. Fear not, I still got some retail therapy in (just not at JoAnns) as I joined the Grocery Game this weekend. More on that some other time.
• I managed to finish up the 2004 pages. I was a bit worried about this challenge as it wasn't very specific and I know myself well enough that I need to be specific in my plans or else I lose my ability to stay on task. But, once I made a general list of which pics needed to be scrapped, I did fine. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE having a photo printing machine at home? I was able to print out what I was missing and move on without the lengthy process of ordering online and risking getting side tracked. My time is SO worth the 0.24/a print the machine costs when you balance it against the time involved in getting those 0.10/prints at other places. At least when you've decided to tackle a project last minute like I did!
  
• I counted my pages and although my numbers aren't as high as some (I thought I saw where someone is hoping to scrap 400 pages this year?! OH MY! That is SO not even a thought/desire or wish of mine)...I'm pleased to report that prior to this weekend, I'd scrapped 48 pages thus far for 2006. Add in what I worked on this weekend, and I'm pretty darn close to 60. But more than the numbers, is the huge sense of accomplishment I feel every time I finish a project or group of pictures.
• I didn't finish up the SS goodie bag items but that is really a quick "while watching tv" sort of project so I won't get too upset by not having "done it all"

And...I did this while not totally neglecting my family. I took the boys to the park on Saturday, we went for a bike ride this afternoon (oh my, me on a bike, what a fright, just ask Colleeen...she saw me go pedaling by). The Things had friends over to play and we tossed water balloons and had a water gun battle (Mom lost, what else is new?).

Long weekends are great...and now I know they are even sweeter when you manage to accomplish most of what you wanted on top of having a great time just being with your family!

A Labor Day Challenge

Feel free to join me in my own personal challenge. This weekend I'd like to complete the following craft related projects. I figure if I list them, then maybe I won't put off doing what I really need to, and just as importantly, stuff that I really want to work on. So, here's my list:

1. Finish Up Thing Two's KG year for his school album. I really need to wrap this project up so that I can move on to something new. This will be the last step in letting go of some of my adult disappointments regarding his kg year.
2. Finish up the CO-SS retreat goodie bag items (*thanks Carol for the coupon, a subcategory of this is making a JoAnns run to get my laminating refill).
3. Sort through the stash of stickers and do dads. I've got a good system for putting away my stamp stufff when I'm done stamping and yet know where everything is when I need it for the next project. I really need to examine my SB stash and come up with something that works a little better than my current "stash and dash" approach.
4. Count how many pages I've scrapped this year. I see many folks listing their pages completed and I've never been one to count up the pages but I think it might be interesting to see how much I've done this year. Does my slow and sure approach total up to something close to those large numbers I see on SS? I don't know, I've only counted them when I've gone to a retreat. Never done a yearly total. Not that the year has ended, but I"m in the mood to count today so might as well start the tally now.
5. Work on 2004 family album. Yeah, I know, you all thought because I'm finishing up Thing Two's KG pages, that I must be caught up on other stuff. Oh no, I have scrapbook skeletons in my craft closet just like everyone else. Towards the end of 2004, I lost my muse and when I found it in '05, I decided to switch gears and focus on vacations, Christmas and the boys' school albums. No more chronological scrapbooking. But, I hate having totally unfinished projects so I really would like to wrap up those last remaining pages.

If I can get through these projects over the long weekend, plus tend to some family matters, I'll be a very happy camper. Uh, make that happy crafter! Come on: let's go get CRAFTY~

They really do grow up TOO fast...

Exhibit A: Taken when Thing Two was about four weeks old. Yeah, yeah, bad momma that I was, I sort of forgot about those "first bath" photos until my sister and nephew arrived to help out and she asked "have you taken any pictures yet?" I know that is hard to imagine as these days I'm always the one snapping photos but in those itty bitty baby, sleep deprived days, I too forgot about the photo ops.

Fast Forward, and I really do mean FAST, I present Exhibit B. I came upstairs to discover this: Thing Two decided after school today that he was cold and a warm soak would feel really good (he gets that from me, as I like nothing better than to take a long soak when I'm chilled).
When I suggested he take a traditional bath he said "yeah, but then I can't see the TV" (and THAT he gets from his father)

Update..

Three margaritas later, mood is significantly improved. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

Happy Hour...

I've had a long week. I had a rough day. I'm not waiting until Friday for Happy Hour. Come on over, I opened up the bottle of Mommy Juice and am working my way to a state of contentment...soon there will be peace in the valley!

All about Girls...

Overheard this afternoon, as Thing One was watching YuGiOh "I've got dibs on HER. I"m going to marry her!" While I"m relieved that he's finally moved on from insisting that he's going to marry me, and his dad is relieved to know it was a female character on TV that caught his fancy, we realize we still have our work cut out for us in terms of educating him on better dating strategies. Doubtful any girl would be thrilled to hear her man say "hey, I've got dibs on you" as he proposed. And well, yes, there is that little detail about it being a cartoon character and not a real gal.

And shortly after this conversation, Thing Two was explaining to us how a doctor can tell if a woman is going to have a baby boy or a baby girl. Yup, he points to his head and says "if the baby's hair grows long, the doctor knows it is going to be a girl". Ok, I'll take that from my newly minted 7 year old! And, yes, I too am still wondering what in the world prompted him to make this comment and conclusion in the first place.

Ah...The joys of raising boys into men. I'll have my work cut out for me on many levels, eh?

Containing Myself...

This week's SS blogger challenge:

1. Open your purse/wallet/briefcase/diaper bag.
2. Inventory the contents.
3. Pick one item from your inventory list and expand on it. Why do you have it? Where did it come from? What special meaning does it have? Is there a funny/interesting story attached? Choose something that will tell the reader a little about you, whether it's serious, funny or unremarkable ()- or if you're writing for yourself, choose something that will remind an older you of who the younger you was.
4. Add photos if you'd like to.

Go - inventory your contents


Ok, so I'm making my own modification to this challenge and and instead of looking at my purse, I've decided to share with you my bedside table contents. Why? Yes, I do like to be difficult sometimes but for today, that's not why. Nope, my purse is not much of a reflection of who I am. Really, honest. Somehow when I was being made, I missed out on the accessorize gene and so my purse is rather nondescript. Oh, that and right now I"m not sure where I left my purse...

So, instead I decided I would take a look at what's on my bedside table. Now, there isn't enough room next to the bed for your traditional nightstand so instead, I use the top of my dresser to hold my stuff. I give you exhibit A

• First up is a pair of socks. When folding laundry earlier in the week, I realized those don't belong to the Things. So, I've set them aside to return to whichever pal of theirs they belong to. They've only been there since last week's birthday bash. If they look like they belong to your kid, please let me know.
  
• Next is a photo of me as a little girl. I like looking at that photo and remembering that I didn't always have to pay for my blond hair. I'm holding a kitty which I find rather perplexing as I"m not really a kitten person. Was this a cherished childhood item? I don't know but maybe my sister can refresh my memory on that. Then again, maybe it was hers and I insisted on holding it during the photo shoot? Yep, I was THAT kind of bratty kid sister!
  
• Then in the teenny tiny frame is a family portrait. It was the last time we tried to take such a photo. Was it three years ago? Or maybe even 4. Anyways, it was a real disaster and I wasn't pleased with any of the pictures enough to order larger copies. This is just the little proof that I decided to keep. It reminds me that we're just not studio portrait kind of people.
  
• Next is one of my many Longaberger Baskets. This one holds my baubles. But again, because I am lacking that accessorize gene, I often forget to open it and put on such baubles. So, it rarely sees much activity.
• Stuck somewhere in between are a couple other boxes and holders that contain stuff that really should have a more proper home but I never seem to remember to go back and clean things out after a stash and dash session. FlyLady would be so disappointed in me.
• In the front are my assorted reading materials.
  
• There are a couple chick lit novels that my friend gave me for my birthday. Haven't felt like reading lately so there they sit.
• There is a library book there. The review looked great but I was once again fooling myself thinking I could handle reading a non-fiction work. I should take it back as I'm sure there is a waiting list for it. Sensory Processing stuff is all the rage these days.
• I've got a couple magazines in the stack as well. I'm not much of a magazine reader but I like to thumb through them right before I call it a night.
• And finally is my daily journal. I tried earlier this summer to join the Scrapshare group doing the Artists Way. I lasted only a chapter or two before it dawned on me, this too it non fiction and I just can't go there. But, I did discover that there is much to be gained from daily journaling. And so that's where I do my daily journaling. It is VERY different from my blog. I use it to get rid of all my ugly thoughts and worries. If I die a sudden tragic death, first one in the house, please promise me that you will dispose of the journal post haste?
  
• Oh, I almost forgot my glasses are sitting there as well. I'm lost without them but since I wear contacts during the day, I just need the glasses at night and for those days when I'm just too unmotivated to pop in the contacts.
• And I"m sure there is more than a thin layer of dust to make it all complete

So, there you have it, a glimpse into my personal space. But now I really do need to go looking for my purse...not that there is much in it but....

A crafter's worry

I'm convinced that all crafters share one worry: that we will run out of that critical item and chaos will take over. But, we don't know what that critical item will be so we hoard a little bit of this and a lot of that. You know, just in case...

Well, yesterday my worry was realized when I ran out of stuff for my laminating gadget. Sadly, I"m sorry to report that chaos did not take over. I just shrugged my shoulders and said "oh well" and went on to another task.

Oh my, what am I to do now that I know there is no need to hoard stuff? Life still goes on even if you use that last bit of adhesive or that last swatch of favorite card stock. This will certainly take some time to process.

So while I process, I"m going to share with you some memories of two of my most loved hoarders: my mom and my grandmother.

Mom wasn't into paper crafting like I am. (Now some of that is probably due to the fact that paper crafting hadn't reached her crafter's radar back in the mid 1980s) Nope, she was a thread chick. It didn't matter: yarn, fabric, cross stitch, she loved it all. And she stashed it all! Towards the end of her battle with cancer, she did a fair amount of retail therapy even if she didn't have the strength to keep on stitchin'. When she passed away, my dad discovered her stash. A true blessing for any crafter: to have your stash discovered by your spouse AFTER you've passed away. Less confrontation I'm sure! :) But Dad took it all in stride: he gave some of the stash to my sister and I (yes, we're passing down the hoarded stuff. I"ve purged some of the stuff but some I am keeping just for sentimental reasons. How about you, Laura?) and some of the stuff he took back to the store where they issued him a refund (yep, you are right, it WASN"T a Michaels she writes with a sarcastic grin).

And then there was my maternal grandmother, Irene. She was mostly a knitter with some occasional sewing. Whenever you would visit, she'd ask "which one do you like" as she'd shuffle off to her hall closet where she kept her stash of patterns. Oh how I loved that closet: it was probably my first experience in FEELING the thrill that comes with looking through you stash. You see all the crafting projects just sitting there, waiting to be put to use. Bliss, I tell you, pure bliss!

So, maybe it isn't just worry that leads us to hoarding our stuff. I know I get a warm and cozy feeling when I sort through my stashed stuff as I imagine all the awesome things I can create with these treasured items. Not that I actually will, but the fact that I could is very comforting to me.

But first, I gotta get a refill for my xyron...and while I"m there, I bet I buy TWO just in case I run out again...

Just minutes from our house...

Is this! Honest Injun! And to think it took a third grade field trip for me and Thing One to check it out.





I learned a lot and most importantly I was pleasantly pleased to discover that serving as a chaperone for third graders is much easier than second graders. There seems to be this maturing thing going on that made it a very pleasant, yet hot, adventure.



Just the same, I'm reminded that I did not miss my calling in life when I chose nursing over teaching. Teachers must be strong hearted and even tempered and well I'm not that as often as I should be.


And a stop at the 1860s homestead at the end of the day reminded me that yep, I am definitely meant for living in this era. It all just just looked and sounded like way too much work for this air-condition loving, TV watching, mini van driving Momma to have survived. Nope, you won't hear me saying we should go back to the time when things were simpler (although it was pretty cute looking at those kids in the old fashioned school house playing by the rules of the day with their bows and curtsy and hands folded neatly on their desk, addressing us all as Ma'am or Sir!)

Hope they don't cancel my membership

I went to Sams Club yesterday. With just one thing on my list. And, I came out with JUST THAT one item. If this keeps up, I'm afraid I'll have to go see a doctor about this problem.

Fingers crossed they don't cancel my membership...

Where does he get this from?

Both hubby and I are not fancy talkers. Oh sure, I like to talk, but I've always had issues with proper pronunciation (Hubby jokes "are you sure you were educated in this country and that English is your first language?"). If given a choice, I will opt for the word with the fewest syllables, as there is less chance of an error on my part.

So, I'm reading with Thing Two this evening and in the story, the kids are fighting and I pause to ask some of those comprehension type questions (yeah, go ahead and hate me, I think it is that childhood dream to have been a school teacher that I just can't suppress when I'm working with the boys. I take this reading together a bit too serious sometimes).

Instead of saying something simple as one would expect from a rather newbie first grader, he goes on to explain that the " girl character exclamated the problem when she was bossing the other kids and that led to the starting of the fight"

Ok, I get where he comes up with exclamated instead of escalated...that's genetic from his tongue tied momma. But the rest...that's way too insightful to have come from either hubby or I!

Simply Remarkable!

This weeks Blog Challenge asks us to look at what it is that makes the ordinary things about us remarkable. In case you are curious, here is the challenge in its original format:

Read the following quote and think on it:
"My students were middle-class kids who were ashamed of their background. They felt like unless they grew up in poverty, they had nothing to write about...I felt sorry for these kids, that they thought their whole past was absolutely worthless because it was less than remarkable."-David Sedaris, from an interview in January Magazine
Admit it. You've said, "I have nothing to blog about. My life is boring." Haven't you. Haven't you?
Your challenge is to write about it anyway.Write about your less than remarkable life. Write about your routines, your habits, your schedule. Find the unremarkable things about your life and CELEBRATE them.
Go - be remarkable!

In my circle of friends, I'm known for my ability to story tell. If you want to know the latest news, it is a pretty well established fact that you should just ask Martha because surely she's heard "something" on the subject. Now I will admit that there are days when I'm telling less of an actual story and more of just spreading gossip and starting rumors. I've been known to embellish the details just a tad and spinkle in an extra dash of snark if I'm feeling on the grouchy side. But no doubt about it, being able to tell a good tale is one rather simple fact about me that makes me remarkable.

Now, to look at me, yes you do indeed see nothing but average. The house, the husband, the kids, the occasional vacation to see family and friends. But I take great pride in these average accomplishments and enjoy celebrating them in my blog.

I'm fast approaching my one year anniversary of regular blogging. I'm proud of this accomplishment and view it as something remarkable. This is actually my second blog. My first one is hopefully long since deleted as I was approaching it from a different mind set and I didn't like the tone it was taking.

Remarkable things have happened since I've started to blog. I've gotten to know several other SS bloggers a little bit better because I routinely check in on their blogs. They comment on mine, and I try to comment on theirs. Locally, two of my gal pals have started blogs themselves. Their lives are no more interesting than mine but I think they see how through a blog you can take the every day stuff and while weaving a story make it interesting and memorable.

And isn't that what makes us all remarkable? Our ability to recognize that our experiences are unique and worth remembering and celebrating.

His Final Words...

Thing Two, on the eve of his seventh birthday declared "But I'm not tired". Said declaration made right before the tell tale sound a child deep in sleep. Yeah right my child, you are so not tired. You are worn out, exhausted, depleted of even that last little drop of energy. Tired would definetly be an understatement.

But oh what fun he had! He decided long ago that for his birthday, he wanted a Friday Night Beer and Pizza Happy Hour Party. It seemed appropriate given his recent fascination with all things Homer Simpson. And yes, Mom and her gal pals probably had some influence over it being a "happy hour" style affair.

Now in case anyone thinks I am destined to become "the party mom", I'll have you internet people know that the beer I served was of the root variety. I surprised them with the bottled variety and each kid had his own bottle. It was a riot watching them try to drink without the head spilling all over the place. And since there is a late summer cold spreading through the neighborhood, we struggled with ways to label brown bottles that had brown labels. But, hey a colored balloon tied around the neck is a good way to tell yours from your pals. Of course, that still didn't stop them from swapping bottles but hey, they are boys, what do they care, right?


All in all it was a fun afternoon and before the final meltdown that prompted the trip to bed, he declared this was his best birthday ever. Ah, maybe that other Martha is right, simple can indeed be a very good thing!

Ready for the Road...

Heading out to school this morning, Thing Two says "can I drive the car?". "No son, you don't have a license".

Without even pausing to think about his response he quickly replied, "But, I'll just use yours, ok? Then I can drive the car".

Heavy sigh...Sadly the day when he does have his own license will be here way before I"m ready...

Celebrating Early...

Thing Two is celebrating his birthday later in the week. Today a package arrived from MI, courtesy Auntie Laura and family. I KNEW what was in it so I figured he'd enjoy the treat of opening his packages early. Not to mention, the package arrived after he'd gotten home from school and I knew I didn't have the stamina to deal with the pleas of "can I open it now? How about now" for the next 5 days.

Sure enough, he opened his big box and first found two cards. "I must be extra special because I got two cards" (One was actually a gift receipt in an envelope, but I hated to burst his special bubble). Next, he takes off the wrapping paper and sighs a "What The?/HUH?" and commented on the fact that the present was in a shoe box. He said "they sent me shoes?" with a real tone of worry to is voice that perhaps he really was getting shoes (for the record, neither Thing has much interest in footwear). Finally, he opened the box and discovered a CD player, just like his brother had gotten earlier in the summer. A second package had also arrived over the weekend and I decided to let him open that as well. It too met with his approval. Something like a big YAHOO, MY FAVORITE were his exact words. It was the soundtrack from Rugrats in Paris, his FAVORITE movie these days.

When Hubby got home, he asked Thing Two "I wonder how they knew that was your favorite? Do you suppose Auntie Laura is psychic?"

In true Thing Two fashion, he replied "Nope, I think she's a gypsy!"

Thanks Gypsy Laura, ya done good! (and of course, he remains clueless to the reality that there is a spy here in the House of Chang)

Color me confused!

One of the online communities I visit (ok, so maybe visit is too soft of a word, more like I camp out there) started a blogger's challenge. Initially, I thought to myself, I can do this. Yeah right! Just like the various blog quizzes that I love to read but am hopeless at completing myself, this challenge is well...a challenge for me.

If you are playing along at home, here is the initial challenge:

This week, blog or journal about color. Your favorite color. Colors that
make you happy. The color of your favorite flower. Colors that speak to you or
that totally turn you off. The color of YOU. What's your color personality,
according to the thousand websites out there that analyze that sort of thing?
(Google "favorite color" and you'll find them.) Is the analysis accurate?

So, what's the problem you ask. Well, I don't really have one favorite color. I'm more into a color family or spectrum of color. If that were the question, I could answer it in a heart beat: I'm all about the warm rich earth tones. Fall Colors. Tuscan Yellow. Ruby Red. A deep rich Olive Green.

Yep, these colors speak to me. They make me think of being all cozy and warm. I've mentioned before what homebodies we all are here in The House of Chang. My home decor reflects my preference for these warm earthy colors. Gee, do you think there might be a connection between the two?

Now, I've just tried to google what this says about my personality and here's where I get turned around and confused. The reds in the palette say one thing. The blues and greens say another. But, in the end, that would be me. Right there in the middle. I've got a few strengths and character traits of each of the two main groups. And yep, the negative attributes of these colors also plague me from time to time.

As for color in our house, this is the plate that started it all. Several years ago, a dear friend gave this plate to me as a gift. I loved it from the minute I first opened it! Not only do I have this thing about roosters (I suppose I really should blog about my rooster obsession one of these days). But, we've turned to the colors in the plate time and time again when making decorating choices. Hubby spotted the yellow on the plate and immediately announced THAT was the shade he wanted to paint the family room. Which we did, at the other house. Here at the new house, there is no urgent need to paint at least the main floor. Yep, because the previous owners left us window treatments and an accent wall featuring the green in my favorite plate.

Gee, all this talk about color makes me want to go and play with some color in the craft room. Anyone want to guess what colors I'll be playing with this afternoon?

His and Her Weekends

His: riding for hours on "Gretl" as he explores the High Country




Hers: tinkering for hours in her craft room, completing 15 cards for gifts and swaps

And together they lived Happily Every After...

Stampede!

This week, the Things and I are reading a Magic Tree House book. The exact title I don't recall, but it is something like Buffalo before Breakfast. Anyways, I get to the start of Chapter 7 last night and it is called Stampede. I pause and ask the boys "do you know what that word means?"

Hubby who is partially listening to the story quickly chimes in and says "Yeah boys, it is when a herd of buffalo get together to stamp!" He then starts to giggle like a little boy. Hubby is a pretty quiet man by nature (how he survives with me and my not so quiet ways is a question we still both ponder from time to time). But, when he finds something to be funny he really is a laugh out loud kind of guy.

Next thing I know, the boys are adding to the moment. "No, mom, it is when a bunch of buffaloes start to dance" says Thing Two. "Yeah, like this" chimes in Thing One. And now, all three of my guys are humming (or trying to hum) a can-can tune and dancing like a heard of buffaloes.

Well, I'm pretty sure that Letterman and Leno can rest easy tonight knowing that nobody in the House of Chang is apt to steal their job from them...


*interesting enough, the above photo was taken at a new park we found called The Great Plains Park. No buffalo were spotted: none dancing or stamping...

Back to school blues

Thankfully, the Things are doing a pretty good job with heading back to school. And, I'm slowly getting into the groove of the school routine. But today, oh my, I met a little fella who was one unhappy camper. I figure I'm entitled to smile at his misery since most years it is one, if not both of my children crying outside the front of the school.

But, this little boy, hasn't figured out that crying gets you at least sympathy. Nope, this boy was having a full throttle temper tantrum. Don't want to go, not going to make me go. The principal was able to help him work through it and he finally made it back to his class. That's where I met him: I was doing vision checks on his class. He'd calmed down considerably so his teacher suggested I try to screen him as well. All went well with the testing.

And then in my happy mommy voice I said how much fun school can be, how he will make LOTS of friends. With the cynical tone of a grumpy old man he curtly told me "I already have plenty of friends~!"

Somehow I have a feeling that this is not the end of this little boy's back to school blues...

Ah, we made it through the week!

What a hectic week it has been.

Ok, so hectic is probably an exaggeration. But, after the weeks of sheer lazy days, with nothing on the calendar and taking all day to do just as little as possible, the return to school has been a bit busier than any of us are used to.

And it remains hot.

And, I worked this week.

And just as I was starting to whine about being tired from these realities, Friday arrived way too soon for my liking and we had our school's vision/hearing testing today. I head up our school's assessments each year. Ok, so I didn't test them all, but I did coordinate all elements of the process of screening over 300 students. And sadly, that's only half the school. We'll do it all again in September. The things I get myself into...

I'm one worn out Momma that is for sure.

But, that's the bad news around here. The good news is that both Things had a great first week of school. I had good first impressions of the teachers and class mix. As for the vision testing, I had my midlife epiphany this summer (where you go I"m getting too old to play the games and get worked up about the stuff that just doesn't matter) and managed to set some clear boundaries and distance with the school nurse. I kept my sanity and held my tongue through the countless messages she left me, telling me the same things over and over.

So in the end, I'm energized by the thought of a new school year. We may be off to a busy start and our bodies are still adjusting but I'm excited about the newness of it all. Or maybe it isn't excitement and instead, perhaps that margarita finally kicked in...all I know is it is past 5 o'clock here and we made it to the weekend...Lets celebrate!