Messy Things

In case you wonder where he gets his messy ways...look no further than his momma. Or at least her craft room..(I'm in the middle of Spring Cleaning, I'll have you know)

Apparently I also have the "big butt" gene that I inherited from my father...or so that's what Thing One announced last night at dinner "It's OK Mom, it's your Granum gene that makes your butt big". Hubby did his best not to snicker but only said "Son, I've got a lot to teach you when it comes to sweet talking the girls"

In other random weekend news, I found myself letting up on my hover-mom tendencies just a tad when we let the boys get trampy with the neighbor's new trampoline. It still isn't totally my thing (in other words, NO, we won't be getting one ourselves) but they had fun and were eager to be outside so I think I'll manage. Heck, I've overcome my worries about Hubby and his mistress...(not once did I nag this winter when he said he was riding to work so maybe there is hope for me after all?) Again, you won't see me on a motorcycle but I realize that if I worry too much then all my worries and then some might just come to be.

Letting go of excess worry doesn't come naturally to me but neither is being neat but I remain a work in progress...

Speaking of making progress and working I'd best quit procrastinating and get back to my mess..

Cleaning Up

A snippet of last night's pre-bedtime exchange
"Thing One, time for your shower" hollered mom
"But why do I have to take a shower, I hate showers" replied the pre-teen, attitude and all
"Because you've played outside all day and ya stink" replied the mom

I finally get him upstairs and in the shower.
And you know what he does next?
Yep, starts singing and won't get out of the shower when I tell him "times up"
"Mom, don't you know I just love taking a shower, I don't want to get out"

And we wonder why mommies take to drinking??????????????

Trying to make sense of it all

Thing Two is my thinking/questioning one. (Thing One is quick to admit "not going to think, I"m off track" and trust me, his track off attitude reflects this admission). This morning out of the blue the youngest one asks "what's the point in having a middle finger if you can't raise it?"

I think I"ll leave that one to Hubby...as he wasn't buying my explanation about all the things we're able to do because of our five digits not just four.

Wordelss Wednesday: While I was away..

Scrappin' happened and here's the proof!

Wordless Wednesday: While I was gone

Naps happened! Thanks Dad for helping keep

the home fires burning!

(Belated) 12 on the 12th

The Midwest Edition...In the middle of nowhere....You can find this lovely retreat house called the Keepsake Kottage
Nestled in amongst some trees, the river runs right behind the Kottage..

Inside, you'll discover there is some scrapbooking going on...(that's Jill and Jodi whose husbands farm in the surrounding communities. Jill also highly recommends you check out http://www.recipetips.com/ for fabulous meal planning ideas)

Even those known more for yapping, might find themselves scrappin...(just kidding Amy!)
You can find a "dealer" in Iowa (assuming what you're buying is Mary Kay and not drugs)
You'll take a trip into town (driving along some dirt roads) where you'll lunch at the lovely Blue Bell Inn...
Where you will feast on this lovely lunch...complete with dessert

After lunch...you'll walk past the liquor store where you bought your booze the night before. Yes, I know, it looks like a bar, but trust me...if you talk to the bartender, he'll escort you down to his basement where he sells you stuff right from his stash. Yes, it is as creepy as it sounds...

You'll make a quick stop in the adorable little crafty shop, where low and behold, you find a rusty cock to add to your rooster collection (actually I passed on purchasing it because my luggage was already pretty full)
At some point you'll return back to the cottage, scrap a little, laugh a lot and just enjoy the time spent with others who share your passion for scrapbooking, and online chatter...
Thank you to my new found friends in the Midwest...I had a blast and appreciate how you treated me so well!

*yes, I know...I have more than 12 pictures...but there are so many stories to tell...12 just didn't seem like it would be enough!

Wordless Wednesday: I'm outta here

Assuming Mother Nature doesn't foil my finely crafted plan...I'll be heading out before some of you reach for that second cup of coffee tomorrow morning. Catch you on the return!

Only a matter of time...

Ever since my friend Dodi told the story of her mistaken identity, I knew with certainty, that my turn was only a matter of time. Well, today, let's just say: Time was up!

Yep, while the Things placed their candy order with the woman running the snack bar, she replied with a smile and said "as long as it is OK with Grandma!"

Yikes...and this is AFTER I've just had my roots done.
At least my children corrected her (I was just going to let it slide, why point it out?) and she appeared embarrassed but I reassured her it really was OK. Because you know what: I've got cousins, not much older than me, that have grandchildren older than the Things. I know I bloomed late: but I also know I"m a much better mom thanks to my later in life choices!

Retro Monday...

I have nothing interesting, funny or even slightly amusing to say this evening.

I can tell you that the house is company ready as dear old Dad arrives tomorrow evening. Hubby remarked that he thinks we should have Dad visit every other month or so just so that the "Martha" side of me makes more frequent appearances. Funny dear, very funny (but shhh...he's right...many of the chores never get tended to unless we've got company coming).

So instead, I give you this picture...isn't it fun to see how much they really change in a couple years? This fella was so brave today when he had two teeth extracted. He even went back all by himself. OH MY: I've become a waiting room mom...but I only brought one short magazine...fear not, the oldest one still wants/needs Momma by his side so I don't worry about my usefulness becoming extinct any time soon. I'll always have Thing One!

She knows...

Uh oh: guess who I ran into this evening at Wally World? Thing Two's teacher.
How lovely you say.

Probably not so lovely when all I had in my basket was tonic water.
That alone ought to tell her how week one of track off went! Pass the Mommy Juice s.t.a.t!

1 in 150

children will develop Autism. This ONE is mine....
and our world is brighter thanks to him and his most unique way of looking at the world.

Take time to learn what you can about Autism...today is World Autism Awareness Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Only in my dreams

Does a Thing look anything like this when in the chair!
Goodbye mad $, Hello Southmoor Pediatrics!

Question of the day

Hair color?

That was the stumper when I went to fill out the passport renewal application. While I'm glad they didn't ask my weight (do I lie or tell the truth, the never ending moral dilemma), I found myself totally stumped for what color my hair is.

• Brown: back when the original passport was issued, you betcha. It was all the rage back in the 90s.
• Blond: my current color and the color I sported when I was a young thing
• Gray: again, we're back with the "should I be honest and tell the truth?" It's why brown no longer works for me and blond is just an attempt to cover up the gray.

Decisions decisions...which should I choose?

So much truth in one little cartoon

The Joy of Boys: NOT

Just now, Thing Two shouts "Bootie Power, Activate" followed by perfectly timed fart.

Oh my....most days I love being a mom to boys.
Just now? Not so much!

Dream Interpretation

The past two nights I've had the same dream. I'm racing up a hill where someone has left their child. I bring the kid back down and head back up the hill, finding yet another kid. Over and over I'm going up that hill, bringing down a youngster.

While I have no idea why I'm headed up that hill (I'm not usually interested in such physical endeavors), Hubby had an answer for why I'm finding kids everywhere "Obviously you've been working with kids for too long".

I'm hoping that since today is our last day of school before our three week "track off" break, I can go back to my regularly scheduled dreams...without the hills and especially minus the kids that don't belong to me!

Wordless Wednesday: If you find this funny...

Then be sure to read www.shoeboxblog.com for a daily dose of inappropriate humor!

The pupil has caught on..

Again, Thing One is helping his brother with the homework
He reads the direction "measure to the nearest half inch or half centimeter, you know nearest not furthest"

"Ah, just tell me the answer!" replies the pupil
"No, you have to learn it"
"That's just because you don't understand it either!"

Easter: Ready or not...

Here it came....

Yeah Yeah, I"m with everyone else, it came too early this year. I wasn't ready. We are barely into Spring, hardly recovered from "springing forward", how could it possibly be time for the Resurrection? Come on, if He can rise from the dead today, why not again in a couple weeks, when we're all more "ready"?

I think there has to be a sermon topic somewhere in all of this "not ready yet" but, I"m not a preacher, so I"ll skip that sermon.

But I am happy to say we managed to be ready for Easter.

We spent a lovely day with friends that are indeed like family to me. And yet, just like family, I don't get to spend nearly enough time with them just visiting and remembering when.

• Like the fact that Jenny was there "when" I got pulled over for my first and only speeding ticket ever....back in 1986. She and the other friend were roaring with laughter because well, it just isn't in my nature to go too fast...but I was and I got caught. Jenny is also one of my few local friends that has met my mom and dad. Since my mom's been gone for nearly 20 years now, well, do the math...Jenny and I have been friends for a long long time. And interestingly enough, I didn't really like her all that much the first go around. It just goes to show you that sometimes that first impression is all wrong and you need to give people a second chance.
• Or how about Judy...she was my first friend that I met when we moved here to CO. On a whim, I knocked on their door and invited them over for a Christmas open house. They came into our lives that December day and I am forever grateful for the friendship she and her family has given me and my guys these past 10 years. It also goes to show, that sometimes it is ok to open the door to a "stranger"...she might just end up becoming one of your dearest friends ever.

So as this Easter day winds to an end...I'm so grateful that I got my act together and was "ready for Easter!". The rewards of the day were so worth it!

Deep Thoughts

Thing One: "I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about thinking"
Mom: "Hmm, what now, were you thinking about something specific"
Thing One: "nope just thinking about what to think about"

Ah...to be 10 and so carefree in your thoughts...nothing specific on your mind, just general pondering.

As for me, I've had a long week, and have spent a lot of time thinking...and a decision was finally reached...I gave notice for my part time gig. And right now, I'm sort of numb. I realize this will be the first time since both Things went to school that I've not had some sort of regular commitment to obligations outside the home (either through my part time job or a regular volunteer assignment).

Maybe now I too can find myself with time and inclination to think about thinking....

Wordless Wednesday: Weigh In

Now I see why I've not been losing weight....I've been using my scale all wrong
(again, thanks to Jacqui for the morning funny).
I'm either struggling with allergies or catching variation #875 of this winter's cold...either way, I'm tired and cranky so it is just as well that it is wordless Wednesday...all I"m capable of is snapping at others!

It happens to us all...

See, the guys get old too! (only I wish my waistline expanded only as much as old Richard's did)
And thanks to my friend Jacqui for sending me this morning funny!

It's an uneventful day here at the House of Chang...which given the fact that I caved and let the boys have a friend spend the night last night I consider this a great start to the weekend.

Why "teacher" is probably not a good career choice

...for Thing One at least.

Yesterday, he had no homework (standardized testing week at his school, no homework during the week of the almighty assess them till they drop process of CSAPs) so he decided to help his brother with his homework.

I'm thinking his logic was that the sooner both of them finished, the sooner they could both get back to playing.

So, he tells his brother "Are you ready for your spelling words?" Brother replies yes.

"Ok, spell the word high. You know H.I.G.H"
"Good, now spell the word flight. You know F.L.I.G.H.T"

(I fear he gets this "give 'em the answer" approach from his momma)

Who are you and what have you done with my child, The FIRST born edition

Thing One tells me "Hurry up Mom, I need to get to school so I can start working on my Big Brain project with my group!"

Um...hello? MY group? eager to work together with peers, NO WAY DUDE!
And this doesn't involve math but the dreaded task of writing...again with the NO WAY DUDE!

At this rate, what am I going to have to worry about?
Thankfully, there is still my four eyed future metal mouth to keep my mom skills sharp!

and I suppose since it is Wednesday and the 12th I should go think of something for those two posts. Doubtful since I'm still trying to recover from the 11th...my own version of a series of unfortunate events (none so devastating to blog about, just all those pesky problems that by the end of the day you're needing TWO of those fukitol tabs along with a double shot of gin in your gin and tonic...and mostly just me and my innate tendency to make mountains out of molehills)

When it rains, sometimes it pours..

Imagine this: 3 updates in a day. But there ya have it...

This afternoon, I found Thing Two downstairs softly sobbing. I asked him what was wrong (as all I had done was send him downstairs to find a book to read) to which he replied "I've had a bad day and now I"m thinking that my future isn't too bright...I mean, come on MOM, have you ever seen a kid with glasses AND braces?" (side bar: no, he doesn't have braces yet, but if you've seen his teeth you'd know for sure it is a part of his future)

Oh how it took every ounce of my mommy energies not to burst out smiling.
Time for the group hug....and a dish of ice cream (he's so my son when it comes to drowning his worries in something sweet).

Sometimes you just can't wait until Wednesday

To share something really funny. Ok, so it is probably old internet humor, but it is funny to me and this is my blog, so laugh with me, ok?

Witness this..

Since I was expecting a package delivery, I jumped up when I heard the doorbell ring.
Two nice church ladies are standing there... looking rather dazed and confused.

Turns out they are Jehovah's Witnesses and they were looking for Chinese families.
Well, while I've got the last name to might lead you to think a Chinese family lives here, my chemically enhanced blond hair, my Norwegian blue eyes and my Germanic figure do little to support this truth. You'll have to come back later to meet the Chinese delegates of this family (and honestly, they'll not be nearly as kind to your door to door approach as I was).

So, perhaps you might have better luck at the local Chinese restaurant...but then again, maybe not. (as I recall the most recent visit to the local Asian restaurant was filled with Hispanic cooks)

*what can I say? It's a slow start to the week for blogging.

Who are you and what have you done with my child (version #875)

This morning, Thing Two begs me to please go to the library and see if they have Lemony Snicket #5 "Because Mom, I just have to know what the Count does next!"

OK, your wish is my command...especially since you are the one who views reading as a chore!

*and yes, there shall peace in the kingdom as they had the book on the shelf.

Wordless Wednesday: It's five o'clock, and now you know where to find me...

From boohoo to yahoo...

Thing Two is going on a field trip Wednesday. While I volunteered to chaperone, I learned they already had enough parents asking to go, and not enough space on the bus for all of us willing and able parents.

Initially I was rather sad. I know, I'm a freak but I rather enjoy these adventures with my kids. I get to see a side of them that I don't often get to be a part of.

My sadness turned to happiness today when I heard the weather forecast. It ain't pretty!
Ha! That will teach them to turn away the Volunteer of the Year for 2007!
(insert evil snicker, sneer!)

Saturday Funny

Thanks Dad for the morning laugh ( somethings are just funny no matter which team you prefer)

Little Things

Happiness sometimes comes from the little things in life. And while none of these events warrant a shout it from the roof tops, they have still put a smile on my face. Today, I"m smiling for several reasons...here's just a couple happy things from this week

• After 7 years of OT on his IEP, Thing One graduated from services
• The cold I thought I was catching from Thing Two seems to be either a mild variation or allergies. Either way makes me happy because I'm tired of the germs and grateful to finally be feeling like the worst has passed us by
• That adorable nephew of mine, Baby E is going to be a big brother come August. Yeah, a new little baby to love on!
• The days seems longer, the cold stretches seem shorter and I really feel Spring is on its' way!

So, what has put that smile on YOUR face? Remember...family blog ladies...keep it G-rated!

Wordless Wednesday: Opening Soon

Anyone want to join me at the movies this weekend?

Sleeping Through the night

Those night time wake ups were my least favorite mommy task when they were little. And when they are sick, the thing I dread the most are those middle of the night shout outs for help. You never know what you'll discover when you answer the little things cry at 0200.

But, the past two nights have been restful for most of us. Thing Two continues to cough on and off throughout the night but I am hopeful that the worst is now behind us.

And if that isn't cause for celebration than perhaps this is: apparently spell checker is back in working order. Factor in a relatively clean house, mostly caught up on laundry and a forecast for some practically Spring like weather and well...we're all smiles around here!

Wordless Wednesday: What a difference a week makes

This is SO not what he looks like this week. Suffice to say, we're still knee deep in tissues and we've added another member to the "Cougha-palooza 08" tour. I'd say Calgon take me away...but who has had time to disinfect the darn tub?

In the middle of the night..

Billy Joel might go walking in that river of dreams...but for us, well Thing Two awoke in the middle of the night with a fever, the stuffy nose and a very hungry tummy (he was too tired last night to eat his favorite dinner: steak!). Being the sweet child that he is, he said "I'm sorry mommy but I"m just so very hungry". I got up, fed him, drugged him (Advil and cold medicine) and sent him back to bed. He's still feverish this morning. Poor fella! He looks just pitiful.

And then there is Thing One. He too appears to have a cold which suits him just fine. He gets to watch more t.v. this way. I asked him "Do you have a fever, son?" for which in classic Thing One fashion he answers with a "Yes, but don't worry, I can hold it in!". Yeah...I bet you'd like to hold onto that fever through CSAP season! Busted, he found himself taking some medicine this morning as well!

So I find myself not feeling all that inspired to do much of anything except snuggle with my fellas. They are getting too grown up to want to huddle and cuddle on the couch anytime except when they are down and out with a fever. So, this momma has to catch her snuggles when she can.

For now you'd best avoid our house as we seem to have fallen prey to the countless germs out there in that big old world of ours...Stay healthy or at least keep your cabinets stocked for those middle of the night wake up calls!

Something's missing..

Yep, I got enough of my domestic duties completed that I"m treating myself to some time in the craft shack. These pictures are from the summer of 06 (lest you think I"m all caught up...hardly). But something is indeed missing...what could it be?

Ah yes, Danielle, you should move here...doesn't it look almost as good as your beaches?

Gettin' Lucky...

I find myself chuckling over the idea that as we get older, and we move into different chapters of our lives, the phrase "getting lucky" takes on a new or different meaning.

Today, I got lucky.
Yep, with the Things at school and the Hubby at work, right in the middle of the day I found myself getting lucky.

You see...there was nobody in line at Super Walmart! How's that for getting lucky, eh?

So, tell me...how did you get lucky today? (but please note, those silly Things like to read over my shoulder on the blog so try to keep it kid friendly...mind you these Things routinely watch the Simpsons and hear their momma call bad drivers all sorts of naughty names, so you do have a little extra leeway compared to what some kids are exposed to).

Swiper

Hey, who stole my "get up and go?"
I had a very productive day yesterday and if the momentum kept up through today, I'd be organized enough and the house would be clean enough that I could possibly justify some time in the craft room or on the couch with a good book this weekend.

But this morning, I'm dragging. I'm just a big 'ole couch blob wishing for another delayed start (yesterday's was so sweet and probably how I got my day started on the right foot).

So, please if you borrowed the motivation I had yesterday, please return it...I NEED IT!

Wordless Wednesday

*is really hard when it falls right after 12 on the 12th

12 on the 12th: All in a day's work...

Ouch: over a week since I tried to rip my nail from the bed. Trust me, there is pain involved when someone says "I broke a finger nail!"

Wishful Thinking: them weather men lied to me...told me it might snow but oh no, not even a flurry . I so wanted at least a delayed start.

For some reason it feels much colder. Oh yeah, the wind. It's been so stinkin' windy this winter it reminds me of Wyoming. In fact, the wind blew out the pilot light last night. A shout out of thanks to my wonderful and handy husband who discovered the problem and I'm pretty sure has corrected the mechanics involved that allowed it to happen in the first place.
Past Due...what can I say, even us Martha's are late in returning our stuff

Pay Day: or at least make the deposit so we'll be ready for pay day.It ain't just our cars that need re-fueling!
Still earning my title as Volunteer of the Year!
If I must...off to work I go...

False Advertising: the package insert looked much prettier!

Sometimes you just got to know when to fold...and call for reinforcements in the kitchen department.

The BIG day is almost here and his box is ready (and yes, he did that all himself...I even, gasp, let him use my Cricut!)

What a perfect way to end a long day.....while I don't want to jinx anything, the reluctant reader seems a bit less reluctant these days...

My problem with larger class sizes...

It isn't that I worry about what type of quality teaching can occur with that many kids in the class. Nope, the real problem with my boys having 23 and 22 kids in their class is that we have found ourselves making 45 pixi pops!
Whine over, they did turn out cute didn't they? and oh so very easy...

If I must...a meme

I've been in a funk all week...and would really rather skip playing along with this most recent game of tag...but oh well, it isn't like I"m inspired to do much else.

Here are the rules:(1) Link to the person that tagged you.(2) List
the rules on your blog.(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about
yourself.(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their
blogs.(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged.

I was tagged by so many of you, that it just seems rude not to play along. Thanks to you, you and you for making me feel part of the fun. The rules are above. But, you've already read them if you are this far in my entry.

Six facts you say? Random?

So, things like

1. I didn't make my bed yesterday morning and had not an ounce of guilt for doing so. I also did something else rather naughty yesterday but I'm not going to tell you what it was. You'll have to guess. And again, little if any associated guilt for doing so.

2. Old bitties don't retire, they go to work at JCPennys at Southlands.

3. Just when you think your children are outgrowing something, they surprise and are more excited about the cheesy Chinese New Year dragon we take to school year in and year out than ever before. Go figure?

4. I leave the caps off of things and cupboards/doors open. Annoying as hell, I know, just ask my hubby but I just don't seem to notice these minor details. Of course, if I go to your house and see your top off the toothpaste I'll think all sorts of snarky things about you, but just don't look back at me, ok?

5. This is harder than I thought, especially since the rest of you have pointed out how spell check is all dorked up. Now you'll all know how bad I am at English and grammar. Oh, but my hubby could have told you that. He's been known to send me sweet emails pointing out an error on my blog. Isn't he special? Some gals get flowers, chocolate...but nope, I get "hey, you mispelled bolg". I"m the luckiest girl in the world because he's got my back!

6. It is a good thing indeed that my hubby doesn't have the gift of gab or a talent for being catty like I do...because if he started to talk, none of you would like me that much! See he does protect me from more than just my spelling mistakes. He's a good egg...and in fact, that adorable rodent on my last entry? He sent it to me...knowing how I don't care much for the species, he made sure to find a greeting with the cutest rat out there.

Whew...this is not my best work...but it is done. Oh but wait, I have to tag some others. You know, I'm not going to tag anyone. You see, another random truth about me is I like to modify whatever assignement I've been given. Must be that need for control...but regardless...this tagging and meme stuff stops here. :)

While not a fan of the rodent...

I'll have to make an exception for the year...today we begin the year of the Rat. May it be a prosperous and healthy one for you and your families!

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks for looking out for me, Colleen-O.

I'm here and being back to work...well, it is indeed a grind?

Oh wait, this was supposed to be a wordless entry...but it still counts if my words aren't worth reading, right?

More to follow...once I find something worth saying! :)