The last one to fall...

Thing One was cranky on Saturday.
While I ran to the grocery store, he fell asleep.
When he awoke?
Fever of 103.6!

Yep, he's got what we've all had....
or at least I"m hoping he's got what we've had and not he's got something we'll be getting.

For the most part, he's doing ok...he's our fever boy...functions pretty well with a fever that would send most people to the E.R. Just one of his quirks I suppose.

But for now, he's got a few days off from school...which of course has him happy as can be since younger brother is "off track".

And well, truth be told, it seems like younger brother is happy to have the company as well..

So while he might be down, nobody seems to be complaining too much...

Random Remarks from the Younger Thing

• Last night he announced promptly at 8 p.m. "I need to hit the bed, gotta get some good rest in." Of course, I had to ask why are you so willing and ready to go to bed tonight? "Well, you know tomorrow we have THAT sub, the mean one that retired last year and if I"m gonna survive, I need to be well rested".
• This afternoon, I catch him hitchin' up his pants...and he says "Yeah, I know, my pants don't fit anymore. I guess I haven't put on my winter weight yet!" (truth is this summer he stretched up and thus slimmed down through the middle. What I wouldn't give for that to still be possible once you are 40 something).
• And finally, we were discussing how long his buddy would take to finish reading the book we loaned him (The Last Olympian: the buddy is itching to read it but the wait at the library is taking too long). I said 5 days (the kid loves to read). Thing Two said "Nope, more like 2 days, and let's up the ante, Mom...loser gives the winner a foot massage. Better start practicing 'cause you know I"m gonna win!" (sure, he's competitive when it comes to guessing how long his classmate will take to read a book...but can we spark even the slightest amount of competition in anything related to his own academic successes? Not a chance!)

Same kid tracked off today. Yep starting now, I will have him home for 3 weeks while his older brother has to get up and go to school. Wish us luck.................we're gonna need it!

What's new...

Good-Bye Maria, Hello Natasha....

Good-Bye SWAT Team, Hello FBI...

Good-Bye consultant with United, Hello Consultant with DiSH satellite

Good-Bye spoiled housewife eating bon-bons and facebooking, Hello Community College, RN-refresher training with countless hours of test taking and reading.

Picture Day

You know you are done with the whole "school picture" scene when you let your child pick out his own clothes for the photo op.

Oh, and when you promise him cash if he comes up with a cool but dorky look.

This year's photos should prove to be very interesting indeed! :)

Today...

Lest we never forget....September 11th

Fly the flag

Say a prayer

Thank a service member

Reflect and remember...

Twas only a matter of time...

As you may recall, a few years ago, I was confused as being the Things' Grandmother.

This evening, Hubby was wrapping things up with our roofers. Comes in handy when your hubby is fluent in Spanish, Si?

Not when he comes in snickering.....
Seems the roofers thought I was his mother....not the wife!

Time for a cut and color? Si Si Si!

Life Lesson #878

One should never scrimp on the quality of sheets you buy for your kids' bed.
Because, you never know when you'll find yourself sleeping there.

Yes, Hubby's cold is lingering and as is often the case...the coughing is worse at night.

For the past several nights, I have headed out in search of quieter surroundings.
Not necessarily as comfortable...but a tad quieter.

Get well soon, Hubby!

Stating the obvious....

This evening, we attended the last concert of the season in the plaza of our local mall.

Walking back to the car, Thing Two notes "Mom, some of those ladies should not have been jumping like that. Their things were going all over the place".

Yep, that's my boy...always looking, always thinking...and sometime even sharing those thoughts out loud...

If that's all it took

For YEARS we've struggled with Thing One and lunch time. An assortment of issues have plagued him: cafeteria is too loud, meds alter his appetitve, sensory issues. You name it. We've also tried a variety of solutions from begging, pleading, threatening, promising, bribery.

Finally, we agreed that if he'd at least eat the luncheon meat, drink something and nibble on some fruit, we'd call it good.

So that's what has been going in his lunch for the past few years.

Yesterday, he came home and announced "I need a sandwich tomorrow".

Really? Are you sure? Will you eat it? Why, what's going on? I asked.

Seems yesterday during lunch, Mrs. P (his homeroom teacher) came by and told him "you need to eat more in your lunch. How 'bout a sandwich?"

So, while I am tempted to be defensive about what was in his lunch and rant that she needs to stick with teaching and not checking lunch boxes....I'm going to hold off on that rant...

Because guess what? He's FINALLY going to eat a sandwich...all because his teacher told him to!

I think I"m going to like this mystery woman, Mrs. P. just fine...

Question of the day

Thing One: "Mom, how come that girl in gym today told me I shouldn't call our classes periods?"

Mom: "Um, let's go find your dad...."

Dreams: 12 yr old style

Recall a few weeks back, I was having some vivid dreams...I think related to the uncertainty and excitement that awaits me as I head back to school (starting on Tuesday).

 Thing One starts middle school on Monday and apparently he too is processing his feelings about all of this while he sleeps.

He reported to me earlier in the week, that he'd been having the same dream over and over...

Apparently in HIS dream he gets shoved in the locker (and while he's small, we're lucky that the lockers at the middle school are even smaller so that's not too likely to really occur), and in there with him is  MICHAEL JACKSON (and that of course is where mom would start to panic, if you know what I mean)...he finishes up with  "Mom, he turns into a werewolf.  Why couldn't he turn into a monkey or a moose?  Way better don't you think?!"

OK...there ya have it..it seems like my school anxiety is running a bit higher than his.  He's even said to me "What's the big deal, Mom?  It's only 6th grade"....to which I go running off in search of some Kleenex...yes, it is only 6th grade but by golly...it was just yesterday that I sent you to preschool!   

As always, he's ready...Mommy?  I'll get there...eventually!  

Summer Reading....

Like most of us, I've been blogging less frequently this summer. And I suppose if you asked my family, they would be sure to tell you it is because I have spent my free time playing with my children, blessing my home with my constant cleaning, and preparing scrumptious and hearty meals

Yeah, right, they would tell you I've been hanging out on Facebook and surfing the blog/message board communities.   Even still, I have occasionally stepped away from the laptop and found myself reading a few good books. 

Here's a sample of what I've read this summer..

Last night I finished this book, Sarah's Key by T. de Rosnay.  Maybe because it is the most recent book I've read, but I think it was the favorite of all that I've read this summer.  The first half is written through two voices:  one is that of an American journalist, Julia, assigned to write an article in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Veledrome d'hiver.  The other voice is that of Sarah, a young Jewish girl who finds herself in the middle of this Jewish  round up in Paris  that occurred in 1942. While I've read my fair share of books set during this time in history, I found this one unique in the perspective it took:  what about those who saw their neighbors being arrested and shipped off to camps...what did they do after the raids moved on and how did they share this piece of history with their descendants.  It's a quick read and yet one that will linger in your mind after you've finished the story...worth checking it out from the library and reading.  

Next up, was Sugar Queen by S.A. Allen...a fascinating story with a twist to the plot that I really didn't see coming but appreciated just the same.  Another quick story that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in terms of spending time with a good story and fun characters.

Nora, Nora, Nora:  what can I say?  It has been  years since I've read anything by the talented(?) Ms. Roberts but this cover caught my eye.  It looked like a fun book for summer.  Yet soon into it, I was quickly reminded why I don't care too much for the works of Nora Roberts:  she writes in series and it quickly became apparent that this is book 1 of a quartet.  So, while this particular story was easy enough to read, I found myself wondering about other characters and parts of the story.  I'm sure by the time she writes all four parts, my questions will be answered but I  don't care for the way in which she ignores story elements and focuses on just a portion of the story as it pertains to that character.  And let's not get into how quickly her heroine catches the man, resolves her personal issues and hang ups and heads off into the sunset known as Happily Ever After.  My  final thoughts on this?  skip it...life is too short to spend reading so-so  mass produced chick lit!  :)
Now in terms of chick lit worth reading, I would recommend Very Valentine by A. Trigiani.  She creates a heroine that is likable, includes a love interest that adds to the story without being the central theme and always includes some realistic supporting characters.  And while she too seems to use a formula in her writing (I think in every book, there is a trip to Italy involved), she manages to resolve the crisis in a way that is a bit more realistic than other romance novelists.  I'd recommend this one..
The Gate House by N. DeMille picks up 10 yrs after the ending of The Gold Coast.  I'd read the Gold Coast years ago and forgot some of the specifics, but the author does a good job of adding refresher  type elements to this  story so I found myself diving into the characters rather quickly.  It's not one of my favorite DeMille books (without a doubt, that would be Charm School) but it was still a pretty good read and worth the time.    
James Patterson:  the ultimate vacation author.  His books are so quick to get into and for the most part, easy to put down when necessary.  The 8th Confession is part of his series involving the ladies in SF who work together to solve the crimes (you've got the cop, the reporter, the coroner and the assistant DA).  I wouldn't say it is his strongest work in this collection, but proved to be the perfect vacation book when you find yourself frequently interrupted with other tasks.    I go through his stuff way too fast to ever consider purchasing...but because his stuff is quick reads, one can always find a copy of his stuff at the library (with little to no waiting involved)
I think this was the first book that got me back in the groove of reading at the start of summer.  LOVED IT...First Family is just like D. Baldacci's  earlier works with a  plot that is  engaging and the characters are interesting.  Some of his more recent works haven't captured my attention so I had sort of given up reading his stuff for awhile.  I'm glad to re-discover a favorite author and might just give some of his other stuff another try. 

So, there ya have it...a collection of stuff that I've read this summer.  Next up...oh my....I have a long list of suggested titles to check out.  Unfortunately, starting next week, I fear my nose will be stuck in such classics as Bates,  Mosby and Lippincott (I'm assuming those are still the "bibles" of nursing?)    Good thing I made the most of my summer by reading...not just facebook thank.you.very.much!  

The makings of a great spouse

Yesterday morning I was rather worked up (read:  totally annoyed and po'd).  I started fussing (ok, ranting with a bit of cursing tossed in for good  measure).

I had totally forgotten that Thing One was still in the car with me (this one kid in school, the other not?  Yeah, still problematic for me, thank.you.very.much!).

When all of the sudden I hear his sweet voice

"Um, if you need to keep talking to yourself, I can close my ears!"

Yep,if he keeps this up and he'll be a keeper in the spouse department!  (next up:  getting him to master the lid lift and the pick up after yourself  skills and he'll be all set!)

On the road conversations....

Thing Two noticed that a recent construction project is just about finished.  "How'd that happen so quickly?" he remarked.

Wise older brother chimes in..."Brother, it's time you realize life is a lot easier and things get done quicker when you have a crew!"  (yes, he really said brother.  Just like he's been calling Hubby "Pa" lately.  Has he been staying up watching Little House on the Prairie reruns?)

Thing Two shouts up to me as I"m driving "Mom, can I have a crew?"

As I return to the world of health care...

School starts for me August 25th....gotta be "refreshed"....and given the current "political hot topic" being health care, I found this joke rather timely and humorous...

Doctors take on ObamaCare -

The American Medical Association has weighed in on the new health care plan being developed by the Obama Team.

• The Allergists voted to scratch it,
• but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
• The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it,
• but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
• The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
• Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
• Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!"
• while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'
• The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness,
• while the Radiologists could see right through it.
• Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing
• The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow,
• and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."
• The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward,
• but the Urologists were ****ed off at the whole idea.
• The Anesthesiologists thought the idea was a gas,
• and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
• In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the *******s in Washington

Dreaming

Last week: I had vivid dreams I was in the van and it tumbled over the side of the road, rolling and rolling and rolling. Finally landed upright, and I unbuckled and walked away.

This week: I had vivid dreams about writing the perfect cover letter.

Oh my.....if I were into dream analysis....do you think it's safe to say I'm just a wee bit anxious about this whole return to work thing?

At this rate, I'm sort of excited to see what next Monday's dream is going to involve....

Wordy Wednesday..

Uh oh...I've neglected the blog. Quick, I better update it before the neighborhood posse realizes how much slacking I've been guilty of and start with the nagging.

So, here it goes...what's been going on since we came back from Vacation...

Let's see...first we had Grandpa show up for Thing Two's first installment of "Grandpa's Fishing School". You see, when Hubby and I made the decision to pull the plug on scouts this past Spring, one thing that had the younger Thing most upset was "well, how will I learn to fish if I quit

scouts?". I told him "I betcha your grandpa would teach you". Enthusiastically, he replied

with "Really, he knows how to fish? COOL!".

As I retold this story to my dad, Grandpa perked right up and immediately made plans for teaching this very eager grandson all about the art of fishing. Plan A was to involve us going there for a 4 day session. But, the continued economic uncertainty led us to go for the staycation this summer instead of a trip back to WI. Plan B was put into place when Grandpa generously

offered to come here for Fishing Lessons.

(thanks Dad, he apparently occasionally lurks on the blog)

Next up was Party in the Park. This is our neighborhood's BIG event of the year...we had over 900 people RSVP.

And I found myself in the thick of most of the planning. Busy? Yeah...just a tad. And since we've had the wettest summer on record, it was no real surprise (but still a disappointment) when our party got rained on.

We still managed to have a good time (helps that we live in a neighborhood with a lot of good hearted people) and I think I'll stick with the social committee....as it really is a fun group of women to hang with (hint hint to my other PV pals on the fence about whether they'd like to serve with us!).

Toss in a birthday (mine) and another round of company (motorcycle buddy went riding with hubby) and an interview (mine, to enroll in community college, you have to be interviewed and chosen...another sign of the times I suspect)...well...we've indeed had a busy week.

Oh yeah, and this concept we call "year round school" meant that the younger Thing had to head back to school yesterday. Meanwhile, the older Thing hangs out with his momma as he's moving on to the middle school. Confused? Yeah, me too...two kids, same district, totally different school schedules. Gotta love it...but haven't found what part to love quite yet.

So on that cranky note...off I go....

Home Sweet Home

Our week of goofing off and relaxing has come to an end.

We're home now...and accepting guests assuming they come willing and able to help fold laundry, clean house and mow the lawn?

No takers? Gee...well, ok, give us a day or two to dig out and we'll be back and running with our regularly scheduled lives.

The trip home was interesting. On and off for the first 3 hrs, the car smelled "hot". Like an overheating engine or riding the brakes. I wasn't guilty of riding the brakes and it wasn't anyone else's vehicle because I pretty much had Hwy 285 to myself.

As we head into Fairplay, my service engine soon light popped up. R'uh Rho...what to do, what to do? (mind you, Hubby had already left for Denver the day before so I was traveling alone in areas with spotty cell phone coverage).

So, I quickly pulled into Fairplay's auto repair shop and played the role of the pathetic woman traveling alone with the kids (Thing One was still in his jammies at that point, adding to the sympathy vote). I explained the concerns about the odor and the new light just popping on.

The nice man came out and looked over the Mystery Van. He used his little diagnostic gizmo. The first time he used his "baby" sized gizmo and when that didn't work, he went got his bigger diagnostic gizmo.

Silent pause while we waited to learn that the engine light was a misfire on the system and that in his assessment, I could safely make it to Denver.

Meanwhile, while we were waiting for the car to be checked out, Thing Two asked to use the restroom. He was gone for a few minutes and finally came out, proudly announcing he felt "much better" and described the magnitude of his work.

Now here is where it gets interesting. After that "pit stop", I no longer smelled that stinky engine odor.

Please Dear God, don't tell me that my son was bustin grumpies and I thought it was a burning engine? That one, I'd never live down....

Road trips...never a story-less adventure that is for sure!

Taking one for the team...

The Things asked if we could please go back to that cool place with all the thermal tubs and the cool river to play in.

Ah...if I must...yes, let me grab my suit, my library book, sunscreen and we'll get going...

Really the things we do for the sake of the kids...sometimes it is embarrassingly easy to say "sure!"

Wordless Wednesday: I spy....the Colorado Edition

Rocky Mountain Splendor

Babbling Brooks
Reflections of the past

Traveling Train

Wildflower Wonders

Gold Diggers

History in action

Family Time

Riding Redleg

Easily Entertained

Horsin' Around

All while taking time to smell the flowers!