12 on the 12th: Feb. Edition

06-something...the moon is shining brightly.  That must explain the two grouchy Things that woke up soon after I took this photo.
0800:  What's on the daily chore list?  I've recently started to use the calendar from Motivated Moms.  Much like FlyLady only with a nicer tone.  Helps me stay, well, motivated...
1000:  checking out the grocery ads and making my list.  
1030:  ACK:  Thing One hasn't finished his valentines.  Mom to the rescue (they are book marks with a note on the back saying "practice random acts of reading").  Thought it was appropriate since the boy always has his nose in a book.  
1330:  Managed to make some cards for their teacher (a male teacher:  that was a challenge to come up with the right design.  Thing One approved and wrote inside "Good Luck Ice Fishing.  Don't fall in or you will get cold and wet!"  Yeah, he's a real sentimental one, isn't he?    The popcorn treats are for the monthly luncheon tomorrow at the school.  This month's theme:  snacks.  It should be themed OVER KILL (yeah, my rant...why have a teacher appreciation luncheon on the same day as all the Valentine's Day parties?  I'm so not a PTO type...I just bring what they need and keep my comments to myself...usually...)
2:45:  Thing One...sporting the look that greats me most days.  Poor kid, he works so hard to keep it together at school that when he sees me, he often just melts.  
2:55:  finally Thing Two approaches.  He takes his own time...he visits with friends and gets to chatting.  Time slips away.  Hmmm...wonder where he gets this trait from?  
4:30:  Tutor Time.  It's helping...they are both getting faster and more accurate on their basic math facts.  Our school curriculum just doesn't spend much time doing the basics.  
5:15:  Dinner time.  Hubby is out of town and Thing Two has scouts in 45 minutes.  Have I mentioned I hate Thursdays?  The pace is rather crazy...
6:00  Time for scouts.  They are taking a behind the scenes tour of the library.  

9:00:  I realize I have only 10 photos and I'm too tired to go take two more.  Instead, let's see what I can find online...Ah forget it...I've got a cold one poured and the TiVo is ready to roll.  Maybe next month...I'm done!  

He stole my mojo

As I watched Thing Two make his very unpredictable Valentines, I was struck by how easily he just "created".  He didn't over think anything:  he just stamped, asked for some of those "do-dads" (translation:  brads) and within the course of a couple hours, cranked out all 24 valentines.

Then I tried to do the same.  I putzed, and puttered as I tried to find just the right stuff. I swear the kid stole my mojo....

But then I thought to myself I needed to take his approach, so I just grabbed my paper and some stickers and went work.  

Yep, sometimes they learn from us...and sometimes we learn from them...

Happy Valentine's Day to you...a bit early.  Yeah...just because some cards have been made, doesn't mean they will get mailed out on time...  

That's my boy...

Thing Two announced "Mom, we need to get working on the valentines".  

Mom:  "OK, do you want to go and pick something at the store?." 

Thing Two:   "NO Mom, don't you know that store bought valentines are so...well, predictable!"

That's the good news...the bad new is that well....there are 24 kids in his class....

And this year, mom is backing off on creative control.  We'll see where we end up after all is said and done... 

Wordless Wednesday: Time Flies when you are having fun

Wondering where did January fly off to?  Oh yeah..I was busy being the "fun" mom.  Oh well, back in school, back on track...Fun Mom flew off with the laundry fairy.  Hope the Things had fun while it lasted...snicker snicker (yeah right....we all know me way too well to fall for that)

Wondering

if Thing One will shoot me when he discovers that THIS is the photo I submitted to the yearbook people for the 5th grade 'dedication' section? 

And on the 38th day..

I sent their hineys back to school!

YEE HAW...the 5 week winter break/track off ended without bloodshed, or major depression on either mom or child's part

. 

Seriously, it's always fun to have them home. I guess I"m weird because I like my kids and enjoy the time when we have less routine, fewer things on the schedule and a chance to just all be a bunch of homebodies.  But all good things must end, so today...off they went.

And from the looks on their faces, it looks like they were ready for a break from mom as well. They both woke up on their own, got dressed and the younger Thing even picked up his room before heading off for school.    

Hopefully this is a sign of continued good things to come...cheerful attitudes make everything better, n'est pas?  

From the "what were we thinking" file

Thing Two wanted to try ice skating.  Why, we have no idea since neither Hubby nor I are skaters.  But since the area mall has a skating pond we decided to let him try.

Suffice to say, it didn't go so well.  He took a tumble early on and used his hands to brace his fall.  No break but jammed it enough to increase his fear and bring on the "I'm done" attitude within minutes of hitting the ice.  

The ironic part was that Thing One who had insisted "I don't ice skate" had a good time.

Yep...just when you think you have your kids figured out, they change the rules!  

Other than that, it's been a quiet weekend.  I played party pooper and cancelled our trip to the mountains.  Forecast for huge amounts of snow made me think being on the roads wasn't the smartest thing we should be doing.  Of course, as luck would have it,  the weather here in town has been marvelous (colder than earlier in the week, but still blue skies yesterday, dry roads).  Making me look like a giant worry wart.  Oh well, my bank account thanks me for being cautious...even if Hubby has enjoyed putting me on the guilt trip!  :)

Stay warm, stay safe..  

Scent of a Mom

Today, I took the boys to the mall to look for new shoes (side note:  Dillards has an awesome sale on kids shoes.  40% off most styles).  As we are walking past the countless kiosks, I was bombarded by the bored salespeople to sample some sort of lotion or potion.

After the 3rd such encounter (the first two times I replied with a quiet no thanks), Thing One replied for me..

"No thanks, she already smells BEAUTIFUL!  Just like a mom should!"

Watching History through the eyes of a child...

As the Things and I watched the Inauguration ceremony earlier this morning, I admit I got a little teary eyed looking at the now first daughters walk in. Their ages are so similar to the Things that I couldn't help but wonder what these girls must be thinking of all this excitement. The dream of having your dad as president has to be pretty amazing, and now it is their reality.

So I mentioned to the Things "would you like for your dad to be president?" Of course, they replied yes. But then I pointed out the reality that their dad could never be president and I asked them why they thought that was..

Thing One hypothesized "Because he's bald?" nope...while I don't have the hair stats on past presidents I'm sure we've had a few bald (or balding) men hold that title.

Thing Two questioned "Well, he's old enough, but maybe because he doesn't want to? He probably couldn't still ride his motorcycle if he was president" Again, he could probably continue to ride much to the dismay of secret service, he's right about Hubby not being interested in the job.

I explained to them the one rule that keeps their father from becoming president.

It's the same reason that Arnold can't run for president.

So, as we enter this new era, I wish you luck Mr. President. Not only is the nation watching you, but so are your daughters. Make them proud...all our kids are counting on that!

Running on empty (the saga continues)

Running on empty takes on new meaning...when you discover your daddy drank all your good gin and left you with nothing but generic gin and flat tonic.

Fear not, I found something to quench my thirst, but me thinks it is time we re-stock the pantry now that Dad has left....

Running on empty...

Hey, this is our track off. Where are those lazy days of sipping coffee when I have not much that needs to be done and I take all day to do it? It sure ain't happening here!

Today, I'm protesting and insisting on making that second pot of coffee and watching the snow fall!

My dad has been in town visiting and we've had an action packed schedule

• On Friday I took Dad and 5 boys to a water park like pool on the west side of town. We had the pool to ourselves, I kid you not. Private pool party for $5/kid, hard to beat that. Nobody wanted to leave, including myself.
  
• I watched Meryl Streep provide me with doubt and laughter. As for the movie: it left me with doubt, and would probably have had even more doubt if I wasn't familiar with what history has told me happened during this era. If I could have suspended my knowledge of what I knew, and just listened to the movie, I would have had even more doubt. Moms Night In was a smashing success: as we laughed, danced, and just caught up with the wonderful women who live in my 'hood and I'm honored to call them friends!




• And then there was yesterday. I saw the ads for a play coming to town, an "Oprah Winfrey presents" production and decided my dad and I should check it out. I thought to myself: how do you take a movie that addresses some very heavy topics and make it into a Broadway play? A feel good story when the movie was rather sad? How can that be entertaining and worth the cost of the ticket? Fear not, it can be done. I was swept away by The Color Purple. If it comes to a town near you, I highly encourage you to consider going to see it. It will leave you with hope, remind you of the power of love and the importance of forgiveness and in a quiet and gentle way, point out that God does watch over us even when we feel we've been forgotten! And well, if that isn't enough to get you there, the music, the top notch vocal performances and the scenes with the well toned shirtless field hands should seal the deal!


• Today I've cancelled our plans to go see the animals at the National Western Stock Show. As fun as it would be, the snow is falling and it is a good day to stay home. Besides, we need to get our gear ready for tomorrow's BIG adventure: Yep, those native Colorado Things are hitting the slopes for the first time ever! (with cameras rolling of course). I fear my wallet is not prepared for this new chapter in our lives. But come on, we need to let them try...we live where some of the best ski resorts are within driving distance. It'd be like living near an ocean and never taking the kids to play in the sand and the surf. Crazy...not to try it at least once!

I hope everyone else is doing great. One last shout out of praise to my hubby. You know, he blogs too. And he submitted one of his entries to a national publication for owners of his brand of motorcycle. And, THEY PUBLISHED IT! YEAH HUBBY...can I get your autograph? Oh yeah, I do already...every month when you sign my payroll check! Anyways, great job...and if you are curious: check it out here

Foot in mouth: the Husband edition...

Last night, I reminded my hubby that my dad is arriving for a week long visit later today.

Hubby:  "Huh?  But I thought he wasn't getting here until the 10th"

Me:  "Dude, why else do you think I cleaned house today?"
Hubby:  "Well, yeah, I did notice and was wondering what was up...but I just thought you'd turned over a new leaf"

It's a good thing I love that man....and that there is some truth in what he said...I often need the "company's coming" motivation to really get the house looking presentable (it's never worthy of an Oprah style intervention, but I do have a higher threshold for dust and debris than I think one should have).

So, depending on how the visit is going, I might post a lot (avoidance blogging) or hardly at all (so busy having fun, no time to blog).  Only time will tell...but we've got all the right ingredients in place for a good visit:  gin and tonic is fully stocked (see Dodi, here at the House of Chang, it isn't just a summer time favorite!)

Well, fiddlesticks!

I was trying to pimp my blog and now I ended up messing everything up.  This generic template will have to do...as I'm getting ready to go have my second Gin and Tonic...all bets are off as to whether I can get this thing working right after that!

Self Awareness..

Overheard:

     Thing Two:  mumbled a question (didn't hear it, as I was in the next room)

     Thing One:  How would I know?  You're the smart one, I'm just the one that goofs off!

This is one of those "is this really a good thing that he knows that about himself?" questions...I'll have to ponder that for awhile

What's your English Patient?

Mrs. Zimmer and I were chatting recently when I confessed that, try as I might, I'm just not seeing the thrill of the Twilight series. I went on to say I feel like that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine admitted to not liking The English Patient. If you recall that classic Seinfeld episode, Elaine was the only one that didn't like the movie and took a fair amount of heat for admitting so.

Well, this makes me two times the spoil sport...because I didn't understand The English Patient nor am I appreciating the beauty of Twilight. Oh sure, it's a great concept for a story...vampires living among us....but I"m really more in the mood for a book like Kite Runner or The Red Tent. These were books that entertained me, educated me a bit, forced me to look at the world from a different angle and by the time I was done I felt better having spent time reading it.

Twilight? Not so much...sure, I'm entertained, and slightly curious about the idea of vampires.

So, please share with me what your English Patient book or movie is! The one that everyone else swears by but you just don't get....honestly, I'll respect your opinions as long as you accept there is one less chick falling for Edward!

New Year's Eve funny

So, we let the Thing stay up until midnight this year.

I fear we're moving into a new stage with these boys.  Used to be we'd say "sure, stay up!" knowing full well that they'd both fall asleep by 9pm.  This time:  they were wide awake and we were clock watching, waiting for midnight to roll around.

Anyways, I bought some of those "party poppers" (which by the way, Target carded me to buy 'em!  Sheesh, first no sudafed without a driver's license, now restricting the purchase of  paper poppers! I guess one  must keep paper streamers out of the hands of the under aged and under supervised.).

Thing Two was yelling "Gung Hey Fat Choy!" Which while it isn't until later this month, at least he was closer than his older brother in terms of expressing the right sentiment...

Thing One yelled with each popper "I tooted!".

Yeah, he has come so far...but still has a ways to go...

I'm calling for a delayed start...

to the New Year. I've spent the past couple of days reading some pretty amazing posts by my blogging buddies. Great recaps of the year, wonderful insight on what they hope to accomplish in 2009, what word they want to live by, what challenges they want to take on. It's all been good stuff: so if I haven't actually commented, and you are reading this now, well...good job on the blogging, my friends! I'm impressed and inspired by your way with words!


And then there is me, I'm just stuck.
Well, not really stuck...I'm just a bit behind everyone else. Thus I think I deserve a delayed start.
So, there will be no recap of 2008. I'm too lazy to do it. Those of you that got my Christmas letter know I couldn't even muster my usual "here's what we did" Christmas letter. Instead, I goofed off with a crossword puzzle. ( Which for the record the motorcycles are named Brigitta and Maria...just think Sound of Music, we've got this thing for naming our vehicles after characters from that movie)



That seems to be the name of the game of late...I'd rather goof off than focus.



Which brings me around to my one little word for 2009. FOCUS.


See I haven't even paid enough attention to know who started the idea of having a word to live by. Ali Edwards I think. Anyways, I like the idea so I'm going to play along...



Why choose focus? Well, I find myself using it a lot with my boys. Granted, only Thing One takes something to help his focus, but they both get easily distracted and forget to stay on task and finish up the project at hand. I could blame it on them being kids, or boys, but I also must confess...they probably inherited this trait more from me than from their dad.

So this year, I too shall work on my focus...

• Focus on the tasks that need to be done, not those that should be done. Being a Martha, it is sometimes hard to recognize the difference and I find myself getting lost in all that needs to be done. Which results in either spinning out of control or totally shutting down. I need to find the balance, especially as it relates to domestic details.


• Focus on the big picture when the situation calls for me to do so...try not to lose myself in the worries of the little details. Keep that big picture in mind. This mostly applies to when I get worked up about something related to Thing One and his progress. He is making progress, he has made huge progress...I need to remember that when I'm worried about some little detail about his quirks.


• Focus on the little things each day that help me move forward. Simple things like not skipping breakfast, taking a walk to clear my thoughts. These little things, when done right, will lead to success with bigger goals like maintaining my healthier weight and overall health.

I could go on and on...but back to the task at hand...wrapping up this post.

As for challenges, seems like the blog-world/scrapbook world is swimming with choices this time of year. Take a picture every day, take one every week, do 12 on the 12th, make a monthly calendar page. If you've been to any message board or online community, you know what I'm talking about. Even the blog world is a flurry with challenges being issued.

In order to tie into my FOCUS, I've picked a simple one: Scrapping my stash (thanks Cyn...you are the one!) If you want to learn more about this, email me and I'll tell you what my plans are and where you can read all about it (if you are so inclined). I plan to blog about this adventure but want to keep the focus of this blog on Chang Gang adventures.

and now that I've caught myself up...I'm off to focus on the chore of the day: Laundry! Anyone want to come over and help?

PS: The photo? I had a great time catching up with my very first group of Mommy friends with a reunion of our play group. My how the kids have changed! Yet we all remain the same: good people, with kind hearts, great sense of humor and a real concern for one another! Much love to my playgroup pals! You remain forever near and dear to my heart!

Tuesday....and the gang was all there...

I know that I am indeed one lucky lady.  I sent out an email, suggesting you bring yourself, your kids and a board game and we all meet for coffee talk at the local coffee shop.  And look, the entire gang showed up!

Thanks ladies...it was fun to catch up with everyone and see how big all the kids are growing!  

From the "we should have done this years ago" file..

Santa had cable installed in Thing Two's room.  

It's 7:30 a.m. and I've  enjoyed two cups of coffee and read emails/blogs/message boards in total silence.  Not a creature has stirred, not even my morning Thing!  (whose usual internal alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. rain/shine/track on/track off/weekday/weekend).  

Don't you love the honeymoon phase that comes after something new?

*disclaimer:  yes, I know a tv in a kid's room is wrong and we'll end up regretting this action at some point.  But for now:  did I mention how much I love my quiet and alone time in the morning?  

And off they go...

with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.....

sweet dreams little ones....

'Twas the day before Christmas...

and my neighbors reminded me what a wonderful community I live in!  

A week or so ago, I learned of a family in our neighborhood that has really fallen on some hard times.  I thought how can we help out this family?   So, I sent out a quick email and before I knew it...well, you can see the response.  Inside the one gift bag is all sorts of gift cards to local groceries and retail stores.  

You'd have to know our neighborhood to fully appreciate what a special place this is.  It's not as upscale as many of the communities that surround us.  We're a mixed community:  again, not necessarily ethnically diverse, but certainly economically diverse compared to many of the surrounding subdivisions.  

So, this morning I dragged my family out in the cold (actually, no dragging was required, they were all willing participants.  Thanks family!) to deliver these treats.

As we were heading home, Thing One remarked "Mom, that felt good!  I'm so happy we could help them!"  That alone brought a big smile to my face...because one thing about Thing One is, he doesn't necessarily appreciate the art of schmooze, so if he says it, chances are good he really does mean it.  

So, on this Christmas Eve...I hope you too were able to find a way to spread Holiday Cheer with those around you...and be reminded yet again of the truth that it really is better to give than to receive!  

Sometimes I forget...

what a beautiful state I live in. I get so used to my life out here in the 'burbs. Surrounded by homes that look just like mine. Whenever I get away from this brownish blur of the SE side of town, I tell myself "I need to do this more often!".

Yesterday, we did just that. Another mom friend and I took our crazed children over to the foothills. In search of some winter fun, we figured they had more snow as this community is a good 1200 feet higher in elevation than we are. Not a lot of luck on the "more snow" part but we struck gold in terms of having fun enjoying the fresh mountain air. We all slept like babies.

Thing One had his first experience walking on water, and as you can see, he's not too much of a fan...especially when he heard the loud crack that comes with the ice settling. 8 inches of frozen lake water wasn't enough of a comforting thought for him as he went scurrying to the shore and watched from afar while the rest of the gang checked out the ice fishing.

Thing Two proved me right. I've hesitated to introduce him to skiing/snow boarding because I know that he'll like it more than my wallet can handle. Today, he borrowed his friend's toy board and went straight to the steepest part of the hill and said "watch me Mom". Yep, I fear there is no turning back.

Of course, with all this fun and frolic, I'm further behind in the preparations for Christmas. But you know what, it really doesn't matter...because days like yesterday are what really matters when it comes to celebrating this season of Joy!

More questions...

Overheard just now..

Thing Two to his visiting friend, A:  "How do you know if you've been good?"

Friend:  "Well, if your sister doesn't yell A. get out of my room NOW, it's probably safe to assume you've been good"

Thing One:  "Yeah, and if you don't make mom and dad yell"

Thing Two:  "But that is like impossible...Mom always yells when she's driving".

Oh my...they are all on a roll today....

Sunday Funnies...

Besides this cartoon...the Things had me laughing this morning as they talked about the usual assortment of topics while we were out and about.

First, Thing One asked where babies come from and he wasn't buying my response of "ask your dad" so his younger brother chimes in with the "well, some people get them from China!"

The conversation quickly drifted over to what were they...Thing One proudly says "I'm all American" and Thing Two said "well, I'm a Chinese Viking!".  The truth?  They are both right...

Yep...laughter is indeed some of the best medicine out there!  

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Apparently Thing One did.

Today, he received his million word shirt at the quarterly awards ceremony.

Yeah Thing One!

Boo Mr. Assistant Principal who blocked my shot by taking center stage as he announced the winners.....

Oh well... 'tis OK...Thing One was having a very-thing like hair day...(next week's priority to dos:  get hair cuts!)

Wordless Wednesday: Got Tissues?

I confess, this is wordless only because they aren't my words, but without a doubt, my thoughts. It's a long video but grab a cup of something and sit back and listen...you won't be sorry you watched this one!

Got Global Warming?

We don't. At least for the next few days. Last night we set a new record: -15 degrees at the airport.

But 'tis ok: our furnace works fine, we've all got flannel lined jeans (gotta love LL Bean) and the outer gear to keep us warm. And let's just say...it's good weather to snuggle up next to the ones you love!

Got wishful thinking?

Thing One asked tonight "Mom, what would you like for Christmas from me: High School Musical 1, High School Musical 2 or all three?"

Gee, I don't know son...which one do you like?

Got Sudafed?

I'm all stuffed up....and I took the last of the good stuff (you know, the real stuff that you get only after you swear to the pharmacist you aren't using it for your meth lab) this morning. My throat is scratchy, my brain is foggy (hey Hubby, no comment if you know what's good for you!) and I just want to take a nap.

Lucky for me, we've got a Walgreens and a Rite Aide on every corner (as do you I"m sure) so hopefully once the little red pill kicks in, I'll find some joy (and relief) of my winter cold symptoms!

Wordless Wednesday: Got sleds?

Apparently, snow is optional with these new sleds.

Got cookies?

We do...or I might have to say we did. They turned out so yummy that very few remain.

Yesterday, Thing Two and I played around with the spritz cookie gun. The dough was a little too soft and they weren't turning out very good. So, I put him in charge of adding the colored sugar and told him "don't worry, I"ll let you play with the cookie gun once we finish". When we were all done I said, "Come here, son" and proceeded to shoot the leftover dough directly into his mouth.

While he was smiling and giggling and saying "yummy" with a mouth full of cookie dough, Hubby stated the obvious "He is SO your son!".

*photos? No, we were too busy laughing to think to take any pictures. Choosing joy over frustration right there in the kitchen...

Got snow?

We do and the view out my window is simply beautiful. Yeah, I know...it's beautiful because the calendar also shows we've got no where to go and all day to get there so I'm not outside driving in this mess.

Now for the less happy news. I'm sorry to report that we've had an ornament casualty here this year. Minnie has fallen to pieces.

As I look at her, I remember when I got her and all the joy that came with that California vacation back in '90. Laura, do you remember our trip?

I love that about my ornament collection: each one holds some story. And while I can't seem to remember what I had for dinner last night, I love how my memory just opens up when I look at my collection of ornaments.

Should I piece her back together or just remember who I was when I bought her? A 20 something Army LT. I had just graduated nurse practitioner school in Ft. Ord (yeah, back when it was a Fort and had a hospital) and was getting ready to drive across country by myself (I don't even like to drive downtown these days, did I really make it from CA to KY all by myself? I find that hard to believe). My sister flew out to spend some time with me. Many of my friends were spending their Christmas in Saudia Arabia, waiting for a war to start. I missed being deployed because I was in school. Sounds like a good thing, right? Not really...you want to be with your friends, doing what you were trained to do. There is a fair amount of guilt that comes with being the ones that stay behind. I was a solidly single...determined that marriage and family just wasn't part of who I wanted to be...

We can't go back...nor do I really want to...so instead, I think I'll find a new ornament to replace her with...something that reflects the Martha I am today...some 18 yrs later...happily married, mother of two, living in the 'burbs, sipping her coffee, watching the snow fall with a heart filled with joy! CHOOSE JOY!

*this month's blog challenge from Sherri is to choose joy. Throughout the month, I"ll ramble a bit about the joy I have in my life.

Wordless Wednesday: Come on over, I'll put a fresh pot on..