I truly do not know how I had time to work! Seriously, since I have been off work, I have been soooo busy. I have been so much more active than I was sitting on my butt in front of the computer all day at work. I actually am exercising everyday. I try to take Jack and the dog for about a half-mile walk everyday. And I am trying to get this house in shape for all the Christmas company that is going to show up in 3 weeks!
Today my plan is to steam-clean the carpets in the family room. Tomorrow is THE day! The day that the NEW FURNITURE arrives!!!!!!! Yes I am just a wee bit excited about the whole thing. The people who are buying our furniture have not found a place to live yet (they had a house fire and lost everything - Sad!), so for the time being it is going into our garage.
I figure that it is a good time to clean out the family room and start fresh. Of course this means removing 3,876 toys that seemed to multiply over the past year. Another good chance to go through and give away those toys that are no longer played with. The Incrediblock is going to the neighbors who have a 4-month old boy. Ha! Let them figure out that is an incredibly useless toy. The only thing Jack ever did with the thing was put his toy cars on the thing that goes round and round to watch the cars go round and round. And those peek-a-blocks? Useless also. He never cared at all for those things and we only have about 75 of the them!
Jack is going to daycare today so I can do all these things. I worked out a deal with his daycare provider to take him there once a week. That way he can play and socialize with the other kids and I get a day a week for Mommy time, or in this case, a day to clean and organize! Yippee!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Warning: Ex-Wife Rant
I don't usually do a lot of ranting and raving on this blog, except maybe ranting about the joys of toddler tantrums. However, I just need a moment to rant about Jim's ex-wife and get it out of my system.
Her name is Dina. She has been an extremely painful thorn in my side ever since I met Jim. But Jim being the best and greatest man on earth (well except for maybe my father), he has been so worth putting up with that woman. But there are times when I just need to scream! And this is one of those times.
Laura has her first cheerleading competition on Sunday in San Diego. The girl has worked so hard these past 6 months and she is so excited about what she can now accomplish. She is also very excited about the competitions coming up. Now, let me just backtrack and let you in on the reason why Laura is in cheerleading in the first place - her mother thought she was FAT, and told that to her face time and time again. So she signed her up to basically lose weight. Let me just tell you that Laura is NOT fat and for a mother to tell a 9-year old girl that is, in my opinion, child abuse. Pre-teen girls have enough self-esteem issues to deal with without having their mothers tell them they are fat.
Okay, so Dina calls us the other night and basically tells us, NOT ask, that we have to get Laura to San Diego by 7:00 am on Sunday! It is a two hour drive! Up until that moment, it had been agreed that Dina would take her and we would show up later in time to see her compete. But now, get this, because she has a date the night before she doesn't "feel up to" getting her there that early. In fact, she won't even show up at all and support HER daughter on HER accomplishments that Dina signed her up for in the first place! Me, just being a step-mother, wasn't going to miss her competition, but her own mother "doesn't feel up to it"?
Do you have any idea how hard that day is going to be with a toddler? She doesn't care that it inconveniences us, in fact, she celebrates that fact. My friend Janet offered to take Jack for the day, which I might take her up on. But I was looking forward to taking Jack to see his Sissy compete, he would have gotten a kick out of that. But to spend almost 12 hours there with a toddler? Ummmm NO. Impossible.
Oh yeah and also there is this whole "makeup and hair" session that a parent has to attend with their cheerleader. That is tonight. Guess who gets to go to that? Yep - me. Hopefully Jim will be home in time to either take care of Jack or go with me and watch Jack while I get the hair and makeup training.
And in the meantime, Dina is just at home thinking only of herself. I have mentioned it here before, that she has cancer. And don't get me wrong, I feel very bad about that fact. In fact, I have often put myself in her shoes and can't imagine the fright of not seeing your child grow up. But this is unexcusable. She is not bed-ridden. She goes to the gym everyday, goes out on dates, she just can't go see her daughter compete. Sad. Very Sad.
Her name is Dina. She has been an extremely painful thorn in my side ever since I met Jim. But Jim being the best and greatest man on earth (well except for maybe my father), he has been so worth putting up with that woman. But there are times when I just need to scream! And this is one of those times.
Laura has her first cheerleading competition on Sunday in San Diego. The girl has worked so hard these past 6 months and she is so excited about what she can now accomplish. She is also very excited about the competitions coming up. Now, let me just backtrack and let you in on the reason why Laura is in cheerleading in the first place - her mother thought she was FAT, and told that to her face time and time again. So she signed her up to basically lose weight. Let me just tell you that Laura is NOT fat and for a mother to tell a 9-year old girl that is, in my opinion, child abuse. Pre-teen girls have enough self-esteem issues to deal with without having their mothers tell them they are fat.
Okay, so Dina calls us the other night and basically tells us, NOT ask, that we have to get Laura to San Diego by 7:00 am on Sunday! It is a two hour drive! Up until that moment, it had been agreed that Dina would take her and we would show up later in time to see her compete. But now, get this, because she has a date the night before she doesn't "feel up to" getting her there that early. In fact, she won't even show up at all and support HER daughter on HER accomplishments that Dina signed her up for in the first place! Me, just being a step-mother, wasn't going to miss her competition, but her own mother "doesn't feel up to it"?
Do you have any idea how hard that day is going to be with a toddler? She doesn't care that it inconveniences us, in fact, she celebrates that fact. My friend Janet offered to take Jack for the day, which I might take her up on. But I was looking forward to taking Jack to see his Sissy compete, he would have gotten a kick out of that. But to spend almost 12 hours there with a toddler? Ummmm NO. Impossible.
Oh yeah and also there is this whole "makeup and hair" session that a parent has to attend with their cheerleader. That is tonight. Guess who gets to go to that? Yep - me. Hopefully Jim will be home in time to either take care of Jack or go with me and watch Jack while I get the hair and makeup training.
And in the meantime, Dina is just at home thinking only of herself. I have mentioned it here before, that she has cancer. And don't get me wrong, I feel very bad about that fact. In fact, I have often put myself in her shoes and can't imagine the fright of not seeing your child grow up. But this is unexcusable. She is not bed-ridden. She goes to the gym everyday, goes out on dates, she just can't go see her daughter compete. Sad. Very Sad.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
The Boy Who Won't Wear A Hat
But he will wear a stocking on his head. He put this on himself - all his doing, not mine. I was in the kitchen and I heard him trying to get my attention, I turned around and there he was just like this. He even posed for the picture! He just knew he was cute!
Then he proceeded to push his dump truck all over the house while wearing the stocking on his head. Crazy, silly child of mine!
And The Old Lady Whispering Hush
Every night we read books in the rocking chair in Jack's room. He has a stack of them sitting on the floor and we'll go through them one by one and he'll either shake his head no or nod yes to which ones he wants to read. We usually end up reading 3 or 4 books every night. The last book of the night is always Goodnight Moon. He loves this book and it usually does the trick and he's good and sleepy by the end of the book. Well last night, when we got to the part about the old lady whispering hush, at the same time I read it, he put his fingers to his lips and said "hush" with me. So cute! I guess he does pay attention to the books!
Monday, November 28, 2005
The Weekend is Over Already?
This weekend was super-duper fast. We were busy putting up the Christmas tree and lights outside. Since we were totally guilted by our neighbors last year, we decided to hang some lights outside. We were like the only house on the street that didn't have lights, so instead of being the scrooges of the block, we decided to conform. However, there was a big BUT involved. The lights we bought could not connect to each other. There was only one plug on one end. So therefore we need to run extension cords all over the place, or go get new lights that actually connect. And I guess we should have measured our house because we don't have enough to do the whole front of the house. We bought 150' of lights, you would think that would be enough, but we have a very long ranch type house, so nope not enough. So off to the store I go today trying to find more lights. Yeeeaaahhhh, this is the part of Christmas you just love isn't it?
Below are pictures of Jim and Jack playing with the choo-choo train we always have under our Christmas tree. And yes, we had this before Jack came along, so we didn't just buy it for the choo-choo crazed toddler. I also posted a video of the toddler delight at the choo-choo. Pretty cute.
Yesterday we went to have our family pictures taken at Sears. We decided, actually Laura decided, that we all wear white shirts and blue jeans this year. Jack's little white shirt would not stay tucked in because his jeans are so big on him around the waist, but the length is perfect - skinny little kid that he is.
Of course we had to wait like an hour for our turn in front of the camera. I was praying that Jack would not get into anything too incredibly dirty before picture time. He was having fun playing with the beads-on-a-wire toy with the other kids. It was fun seeing the interaction of toddlers. It really is an age of "mine mine mine". It was also fun watching the mothers freak out about their little angels messing up their perfect hair and clothes. Hehe.
So now it is back to Monday and I am so enjoying NOT having to go to work. Even though I have a day of cleaning, running errands, and making phone calls, I LOVE IT! When exactly did I have time to work?!?
I also have started the exercise video thing. I am REALLY liking the Yoga video I bought. It is for beginners and is only 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. It really does help you get going in the morning. I have to admit, I have only done it once at night. I also am doing the Richard Simmons video and that is really fun also. I hope to keep it up. After all that is the key to exercise regime isn't it? Keeping it up.
My two boys playing with the Christmas tree choo choo train.
The boy and his choo choo wearing, of course, his Thomas slippers.
Below are pictures of Jim and Jack playing with the choo-choo train we always have under our Christmas tree. And yes, we had this before Jack came along, so we didn't just buy it for the choo-choo crazed toddler. I also posted a video of the toddler delight at the choo-choo. Pretty cute.
Yesterday we went to have our family pictures taken at Sears. We decided, actually Laura decided, that we all wear white shirts and blue jeans this year. Jack's little white shirt would not stay tucked in because his jeans are so big on him around the waist, but the length is perfect - skinny little kid that he is.
Of course we had to wait like an hour for our turn in front of the camera. I was praying that Jack would not get into anything too incredibly dirty before picture time. He was having fun playing with the beads-on-a-wire toy with the other kids. It was fun seeing the interaction of toddlers. It really is an age of "mine mine mine". It was also fun watching the mothers freak out about their little angels messing up their perfect hair and clothes. Hehe.
So now it is back to Monday and I am so enjoying NOT having to go to work. Even though I have a day of cleaning, running errands, and making phone calls, I LOVE IT! When exactly did I have time to work?!?
I also have started the exercise video thing. I am REALLY liking the Yoga video I bought. It is for beginners and is only 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. It really does help you get going in the morning. I have to admit, I have only done it once at night. I also am doing the Richard Simmons video and that is really fun also. I hope to keep it up. After all that is the key to exercise regime isn't it? Keeping it up.
My two boys playing with the Christmas tree choo choo train.
The boy and his choo choo wearing, of course, his Thomas slippers.
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Friday, November 25, 2005
Happy Mass-Hysteria Shopping Day!
I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. We enjoyed ourselves at the Ritz Carlton outside Las Vegas. Now I understand why everybody is so ga-ga over the Ritz. They know how to treat you and pamper you. And oh my gosh, I want one of their down comforters for our bed. Of course it would be totally inappropriate for this house with the cats who puke all over, Jack who does his thing, and the dogs who do their thing. But a girl can dream about having the most luxurious down comforter right?
Anyway, we are back and Jim had to work today. I am contemplating going to the mall today. Yes, you can say it, I am crazy! I had been planning on buying Laura a small tv with the built-in dvd player for her room. I have been looking at them and saw them for about $130 at various places. Of course while looking through the million pages of ads in the newspaper, I saw where Sears has their tv on sale for $94.87. Of course that price is only good until 11 am today AND while supplies last - Ha, all 3 of them probably. I keep telling myself, that once I go purchase that, most of my shopping will be done and over with. I just am scared to face THE MALL on the Day After Thanksgiving. Scary!
So anybody else tempted to get out today and face the crowds and mass hysteria? Or am I the only absolutely insane person?
Anyway, we are back and Jim had to work today. I am contemplating going to the mall today. Yes, you can say it, I am crazy! I had been planning on buying Laura a small tv with the built-in dvd player for her room. I have been looking at them and saw them for about $130 at various places. Of course while looking through the million pages of ads in the newspaper, I saw where Sears has their tv on sale for $94.87. Of course that price is only good until 11 am today AND while supplies last - Ha, all 3 of them probably. I keep telling myself, that once I go purchase that, most of my shopping will be done and over with. I just am scared to face THE MALL on the Day After Thanksgiving. Scary!
So anybody else tempted to get out today and face the crowds and mass hysteria? Or am I the only absolutely insane person?
Tractor Love
We went into this neat toy store in Mandalay Bay. Jack about lost his mind because they also had the Thomas train set up with about 30 engines and cars. The boy's heaven for sure. So while Jack was growing the Thomas obsession/addiction even more, Jim was looking at the collection of toy tractors. He just had to buy this tractor. Now I KNOW it wasn't for Jack at the time because the boy was hypnotized, brain washed with the Thomas set. No, I really think Jim wanted the tractor and was just using the boy as an excuse. But as soon as the boy laid eyes on the tractor, let me tell you, it was LOVE at first sight. 
He gives it kisses.
He plays with it outside the hotel.
He sleeps with it in the car.
He sleeps with it in the crib at night.
He sleeps with it AND hugs it during nap time.
Do Ya Think He Likes It?
The No-Cooking, No-Cleaning, Totally Pampered Thanksgiving
We stayed at this place. The Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson. It was about 20 miles from the strip and oh my gosh was it nice. If you want to go to Vegas, but don't want the hustle and bustle of the strip, then I highly recommend this place. For about $30 more a night, you get pure luxury and pampering. And the resort is absolutely beautiful with views of Lake Las Vegas and walking trails around the lake with waterfalls and private beach. WOW!
I didn't get my facial or massage, but oh well. I had the best, most relaxing time in soooo long. It was really wonderful to just get away and spend time with Jim and Jack with no stress.
Oh and Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely wonderful. We went to their dinner in the ballroom. The food was to die for and the whole atmosphere was beautiful. We are thinking of going back again next year! The whole no cooking or cleaning up afterward thing is really really nice!
A view of their Christmas tree and gardens.
They had the most beautiful English gardens out back. At night they had the entire place lit up. I tried to take pictures, but they just didn't turn out very well, so trust me, it was very beautiful.
The resort had a lot of walking trails that we took advantage of every morning and evening. It was absolutely beautiful. It was also so nice to have a place where we could just let Jack run all over with no worry of somebody snatching him like on the Strip.
They had a chair for Santa all set up. We didn't see Santa because he wasn't scheduled in from the North Pole until Friday, but Jack filled in for him.
The view out our window with Jack pointing out the duckies and fishies in the water. You could literally see the fish jumping from our room on the 8th floor! Of course Jim was really wishing he had his fishing pole.
At night, we would take our Irish coffees out on the balcony and they would make Jack a chocolate milk. Here is Jack enjoying some balcony time.
Mommy and Jack in front of the waterfalls at the hotel.
The hotel was sooo cool. It even had its own little man made beach. Of course Jack and Daddy had to check it out.
November 23, 2005. The 3 of us at Luxor.
We did make it onto the strip for a brief time. We went to Luxor, known as "our hotel" since we have stayed there like 4 times.
Jim and I on July 6, 2003. Yep I was pregnant there with Jack, just we didn't know about yet. See, I still havent lost all the baby weight - almost 2 years later! I swear I am going to lose it before his 2nd birthday! I swear!
On Wednesday night we went to Excalibur dinner show - The Tournament of Kings. Jack really got into the whole show and was clapping and cheering just like everybody else. He loved the horsies in the show. The only bad part was at the end when the firecrackers went off. He didn't really enjoy that part. But he sat and watched and cheered and clapped for everything else.
Jack on Thanksgiving Day. You can tell he is just so thrilled to be standing there for yet another picture.
My 2 handsome boys. Don't they look good?
The 3 of us at Thanksgiving dinner.
The Thanksgiving dinner was in the ballroom. And oooooohhhhhhh was it good! Of course Jack got all the attention from the waiters.
I didn't get my facial or massage, but oh well. I had the best, most relaxing time in soooo long. It was really wonderful to just get away and spend time with Jim and Jack with no stress.
Oh and Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely wonderful. We went to their dinner in the ballroom. The food was to die for and the whole atmosphere was beautiful. We are thinking of going back again next year! The whole no cooking or cleaning up afterward thing is really really nice!
A view of their Christmas tree and gardens.
They had the most beautiful English gardens out back. At night they had the entire place lit up. I tried to take pictures, but they just didn't turn out very well, so trust me, it was very beautiful.
The resort had a lot of walking trails that we took advantage of every morning and evening. It was absolutely beautiful. It was also so nice to have a place where we could just let Jack run all over with no worry of somebody snatching him like on the Strip.
They had a chair for Santa all set up. We didn't see Santa because he wasn't scheduled in from the North Pole until Friday, but Jack filled in for him.
The view out our window with Jack pointing out the duckies and fishies in the water. You could literally see the fish jumping from our room on the 8th floor! Of course Jim was really wishing he had his fishing pole.
At night, we would take our Irish coffees out on the balcony and they would make Jack a chocolate milk. Here is Jack enjoying some balcony time.
Mommy and Jack in front of the waterfalls at the hotel.
The hotel was sooo cool. It even had its own little man made beach. Of course Jack and Daddy had to check it out.
November 23, 2005. The 3 of us at Luxor.We did make it onto the strip for a brief time. We went to Luxor, known as "our hotel" since we have stayed there like 4 times.
Jim and I on July 6, 2003. Yep I was pregnant there with Jack, just we didn't know about yet. See, I still havent lost all the baby weight - almost 2 years later! I swear I am going to lose it before his 2nd birthday! I swear!
On Wednesday night we went to Excalibur dinner show - The Tournament of Kings. Jack really got into the whole show and was clapping and cheering just like everybody else. He loved the horsies in the show. The only bad part was at the end when the firecrackers went off. He didn't really enjoy that part. But he sat and watched and cheered and clapped for everything else.
Jack on Thanksgiving Day. You can tell he is just so thrilled to be standing there for yet another picture.
My 2 handsome boys. Don't they look good?
The 3 of us at Thanksgiving dinner.
The Thanksgiving dinner was in the ballroom. And oooooohhhhhhh was it good! Of course Jack got all the attention from the waiters.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Signing off Til Friday
Just wanted to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everybody. I hope everybody has a great thanksgiving, eat lots and lots of great food, and enjoy the day.
We are leaving for out of town for a couple of days. We are going someplace relaxing to spend Thanksgiving. I hope to have a massage/facial before I sign back on!
See Ya!
We are leaving for out of town for a couple of days. We are going someplace relaxing to spend Thanksgiving. I hope to have a massage/facial before I sign back on!
See Ya!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Flat Tires and Target
Jim's car had a flat tire. I am the one who probably picked up the nail that did in the tire. I am REALLY good at finding stray nails and running over them. I took his car to the movies on Saturday, and Sunday there was a flat tire. So yep probably me. Anyway, Jim took my Rav 4 to work today and I went to get the tire fixed. It was easy enough, except for the fact that I had Jack, the Grumpiest Toddler on the Block. I got that book The Happiest Toddler on the Block. It ain't working folks. So there we were waiting for the tire to get finished and Jack decided that the chairs needed to be rearranged to HIS liking. It didn't matter if there was an elderly gentleman sitting in that chair. No, he still tried to move the chair. Oh and when I told him NO, the tantrum that followed had me biting my tongue and begging for patience. The whole thing only took about 15 minutes, but I swear time slowed down and it really was an hour!
Then we went to Target, the place of all things good. Jim actually told me yesterday to go to Target to get him some underwear. Note - the mission was to get Jim a package of underwear. HA! I came out over $100 poorer and yes Jim got new underwear in case you were worried. But I figure why not get me a new belt to wear in our family pictures we are taking next weekend. Oh yeah and had to get Jack a new Christmas dressy outfit (a vest sweater with trains on it of course), and since everybody has em, some new slippers for Jack. Both Ben and Connor have them, so Jack couldn't be left out ya know. Oh yeah, Jack's are Thomas slippers, of course! Also got the fun stuff like diapers and stuff. Gotta love Target.
Then we went to Target, the place of all things good. Jim actually told me yesterday to go to Target to get him some underwear. Note - the mission was to get Jim a package of underwear. HA! I came out over $100 poorer and yes Jim got new underwear in case you were worried. But I figure why not get me a new belt to wear in our family pictures we are taking next weekend. Oh yeah and had to get Jack a new Christmas dressy outfit (a vest sweater with trains on it of course), and since everybody has em, some new slippers for Jack. Both Ben and Connor have them, so Jack couldn't be left out ya know. Oh yeah, Jack's are Thomas slippers, of course! Also got the fun stuff like diapers and stuff. Gotta love Target.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Day At The Mall
We did the mall thing today. It was such fun today. We got to the mall early and grabbed coffees at our favorite coffee house which went corporate and turned into a Starbucks. I love Starbucks and all, but they totally ruined this particular coffee house. It just lost its charm and now it is just another Starbucks, one of about 5 within a mile radius.
Anyway, we strolled around the mall drinking our coffees while Jack sipped his chocolate milk. We hit up the playland where Jack as usual lost his little toddler mind. He absolutely loves going there and runs from one climbing thing to another. We also hit up Old Navy where I can never come out of empty handed. This time we ended up buying a sweater for Jack.
We also saw Santa and from the picture below, you can see where Santa was not a hit with the Jackaroo. But I have to say that I love that picture of him crying on Santa's lap. Of course will have to show it to him when he is about 15 years old.
Jack is also extremely cranky at the moment. He slept in the car on the way home for about 10 minutes and would not go down for a nap afterward. So I have a feeling we have about 5 more hours of temper tantrums. Oh Joy!
Anyway, we strolled around the mall drinking our coffees while Jack sipped his chocolate milk. We hit up the playland where Jack as usual lost his little toddler mind. He absolutely loves going there and runs from one climbing thing to another. We also hit up Old Navy where I can never come out of empty handed. This time we ended up buying a sweater for Jack.
We also saw Santa and from the picture below, you can see where Santa was not a hit with the Jackaroo. But I have to say that I love that picture of him crying on Santa's lap. Of course will have to show it to him when he is about 15 years old.
Jack is also extremely cranky at the moment. He slept in the car on the way home for about 10 minutes and would not go down for a nap afterward. So I have a feeling we have about 5 more hours of temper tantrums. Oh Joy!
Picture Says It All
No, Santa was NOT a hit with Jack. But the santa was ALOT better this year than last year. Last year's Santa was downright SCARY! This one had a real beard and all.
What do Life Insurance, Harry Potter and Old Furniture Have In Common?
Our day yesterday. You know when you try to cram too many things into one day and you end up saying to yourself "this was one craaazzy day"?
It all started out simple enough. We went out to breakfast at the local restaurant. This place is called "Annie's" and the owner (yep named Annie) is british and very funny. They have these really silly hats that newbies (those who have never been to the restaurant before) have to wear. And she always gets about 5 people to wear these really silly hats. Well the rules are if one people takes their hat off, then everybody has to get up and dance the chicken dance. Of course at some point, she makes sure that somebody loses their hat and the rest of us get entertainment. It is really cute and fun. And the food is good too.
Anyway, after breakfast, Laura and I decided to go see the new Harry Potter movie in the brand new theatre (we were so small town that we didn't have a movie theatre and had to drive 20 miles to get to one. I kinda liked it). Jim and Jack did "guy" things. Whatever they were.
I have to say that the movie was probably the best since the first one and definitely the scariest so far. In fact, Laura pretty much clung to me the entire time and made me suffer with a full bladder for the longest time before she felt safe enough for me to go to the bathroom. And there were a few times she practically jumped out of her seat. I highly recommend it, but the movie isn't for the little kids anymore. Pretty scary stuff for them.
After the movie, we rushed home because the life insurance agent was coming to the house to talk to us about buying life insurance. The agent was actually the agent that we used at my job and I really liked him. But the man can talk and talk and talk. He got here at 2:00 and didn't leave until 5:00. But we are now covered, both of us. All I can say if both of us die, Jack is gonna be financially set.
During the 3 hours that the insurance agent was here, this house became grand central station! Our house is never grand central station, but for some reason for 3 hours yesterday, it became the busiest house in the neighborhood at least! We had a couple stop by and look at our old furniture that we were trying to sell. They took it - Yay! Sad thing is they recently just had a house fire and lost everything. Sad! We also had our neighbors stop by for a visit. Laura and their daughter Breena are good friends and play together a lot, but we usually don't see much of the rest of the family, until yesterday when we were trying to get our butts covered with insurance that is! And then there was Jack who insisted upon bringing me every single one of his toys during the talk. I kept having to get up and attend to the screaming toddler and of course making apologies left and right. I think I might of said the words "He is not usually like that" HA I am gonna go to hell for that lie for sure!
Jim had to leave to take Laura back to her mothers because of a slumber party the girl had to attend last night. He had to leave as soon as the papers were signed. I walked Mr. Talky Talky Agent to the door and said "good bye" and closed the door with relief. Of course Jack is screaming at the top of his lungs because Daddy and Sissy just up and left him. He was feeling needy - I was feeling exhausted. I heard the car in the garage, so I opened up the door and what do I see? Mr. Talky Talky Agent talking to Jim about how amazing our garage is! Does the man never leave?
So let me sum it up for you - 1 screaming toddler, 1 agent who will not shut up and leave and 1 getting-pissed-off husband because he knows he is going to get an earful from his ex-wife for being late, who by the way called in her oh-so lovely way (insert sarcasm here) to see if Jim was on his way.
We went out to dinner and for the first time in a very long time, was craving any kind of alcohol! I didn't get any, but it sure crossed my mind. But what we did get instead - a banana split! We shared it and Jack took most of it. The boy stole my spoon from me - took it right out of my hand and dug in. He thought he had died and gone to heaven. His two favorite foods - bananas and ice cream in one dish! So it was a sweet ending to one craaaazzzyyy day.
It all started out simple enough. We went out to breakfast at the local restaurant. This place is called "Annie's" and the owner (yep named Annie) is british and very funny. They have these really silly hats that newbies (those who have never been to the restaurant before) have to wear. And she always gets about 5 people to wear these really silly hats. Well the rules are if one people takes their hat off, then everybody has to get up and dance the chicken dance. Of course at some point, she makes sure that somebody loses their hat and the rest of us get entertainment. It is really cute and fun. And the food is good too.
Anyway, after breakfast, Laura and I decided to go see the new Harry Potter movie in the brand new theatre (we were so small town that we didn't have a movie theatre and had to drive 20 miles to get to one. I kinda liked it). Jim and Jack did "guy" things. Whatever they were.
I have to say that the movie was probably the best since the first one and definitely the scariest so far. In fact, Laura pretty much clung to me the entire time and made me suffer with a full bladder for the longest time before she felt safe enough for me to go to the bathroom. And there were a few times she practically jumped out of her seat. I highly recommend it, but the movie isn't for the little kids anymore. Pretty scary stuff for them.
After the movie, we rushed home because the life insurance agent was coming to the house to talk to us about buying life insurance. The agent was actually the agent that we used at my job and I really liked him. But the man can talk and talk and talk. He got here at 2:00 and didn't leave until 5:00. But we are now covered, both of us. All I can say if both of us die, Jack is gonna be financially set.
During the 3 hours that the insurance agent was here, this house became grand central station! Our house is never grand central station, but for some reason for 3 hours yesterday, it became the busiest house in the neighborhood at least! We had a couple stop by and look at our old furniture that we were trying to sell. They took it - Yay! Sad thing is they recently just had a house fire and lost everything. Sad! We also had our neighbors stop by for a visit. Laura and their daughter Breena are good friends and play together a lot, but we usually don't see much of the rest of the family, until yesterday when we were trying to get our butts covered with insurance that is! And then there was Jack who insisted upon bringing me every single one of his toys during the talk. I kept having to get up and attend to the screaming toddler and of course making apologies left and right. I think I might of said the words "He is not usually like that" HA I am gonna go to hell for that lie for sure!
Jim had to leave to take Laura back to her mothers because of a slumber party the girl had to attend last night. He had to leave as soon as the papers were signed. I walked Mr. Talky Talky Agent to the door and said "good bye" and closed the door with relief. Of course Jack is screaming at the top of his lungs because Daddy and Sissy just up and left him. He was feeling needy - I was feeling exhausted. I heard the car in the garage, so I opened up the door and what do I see? Mr. Talky Talky Agent talking to Jim about how amazing our garage is! Does the man never leave?
So let me sum it up for you - 1 screaming toddler, 1 agent who will not shut up and leave and 1 getting-pissed-off husband because he knows he is going to get an earful from his ex-wife for being late, who by the way called in her oh-so lovely way (insert sarcasm here) to see if Jim was on his way.
We went out to dinner and for the first time in a very long time, was craving any kind of alcohol! I didn't get any, but it sure crossed my mind. But what we did get instead - a banana split! We shared it and Jack took most of it. The boy stole my spoon from me - took it right out of my hand and dug in. He thought he had died and gone to heaven. His two favorite foods - bananas and ice cream in one dish! So it was a sweet ending to one craaaazzzyyy day.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Early Mornings
For some reason, my body still thinks that I need to get up between 4 - 5 am. I don't know what it is, but I just wake up at that time and can't go back to sleep. Usually that is the time that Jim is getting up to go work, but today, he is still sleeping and I am up. But I love these early mornings. It is MY time. Time that I don't have to constantly battle wills with a toddler or worry about anything getting done. I can just sit here drinking coffee and surf the net. Or if I want to, I can sit and watch the tv shows that I recorded while drinking coffee and just relax. I love it! And the animals leave me alone in the morning also - that is once I feed them.
UPDATE - 30 seconds after posting the above statement about the animals, I heard the distinct sound of a cat puking. Scratch that blissful early morning feeling. I just spent the last few minutes cleaning up cat puke and scrubbing it out of the carpet. Oy!
UPDATE - 30 seconds after posting the above statement about the animals, I heard the distinct sound of a cat puking. Scratch that blissful early morning feeling. I just spent the last few minutes cleaning up cat puke and scrubbing it out of the carpet. Oy!
Friday, November 18, 2005
What is up with this weather?
Okay, I know that a lot of you out there are in places where it is not sunny and 80 degrees. Sorry. But we here in Southern California have had the most amazing weather lately. Jack and I just got back from a walk and we were both wearing shorts! In fact, I had to dig out one of his only two pair of shorts that actually still fit him from the summer. While we were walking today, one of the houses we walked by had their sprinklers going. Of course Jack + sprinklers are like magnets. He can not just pass by. Nope, he has to go put his hand in the water and laugh and giggle and pretty soon his feet and legs are in on the sprinkler action as well. It was so warm, I have to admit that it actually looked like fun to run through the sprinklers.
A funny thing happened this morning. I decided to wash a couple of Jack's stuffed animals because they were down right gross. Well Jack caught me putting Doggie in the dryer! He pulled Doggie out of the dryer while I was digging out the rest of the clothes from the washer. I told him that Doggie needed to get dry and took the animal and put him back in the dryer and closed the door and turned it on. Oh My GOD! The look of absolute fright on my child's face was priceless. He thought for sure Doggie was a dead doggie. And the screaming that came after holding his breath for about 10 seconds was astronomical! I was seriously trying not to laugh because I know that it was a very traumatic moment for him, but it was soooo funny. I did open the dryer back up and let Jack dig out Doggie and "rescue" him from certain death. And after that, Jack was NOT letting Doggie out of his sight. In fact, Doggie HAD to come with us on our walk today. And yep, Doggie got to "run" through the sprinkler also.
A funny thing happened this morning. I decided to wash a couple of Jack's stuffed animals because they were down right gross. Well Jack caught me putting Doggie in the dryer! He pulled Doggie out of the dryer while I was digging out the rest of the clothes from the washer. I told him that Doggie needed to get dry and took the animal and put him back in the dryer and closed the door and turned it on. Oh My GOD! The look of absolute fright on my child's face was priceless. He thought for sure Doggie was a dead doggie. And the screaming that came after holding his breath for about 10 seconds was astronomical! I was seriously trying not to laugh because I know that it was a very traumatic moment for him, but it was soooo funny. I did open the dryer back up and let Jack dig out Doggie and "rescue" him from certain death. And after that, Jack was NOT letting Doggie out of his sight. In fact, Doggie HAD to come with us on our walk today. And yep, Doggie got to "run" through the sprinkler also.
Christmas Spirit
There is just something about having kids that makes you want to celebrate Christmas. Before Jack, I really could take the holiday season or leave it. Most likely leave it. I was a bah humbug and would laugh at all the fools out there scurrying to get stupid gifts. Well I am still laughing at the fools scurrying, because I still believe that it is too hyped up and too commercialized. I mean really, spend a Christmas in a foreign country and you'll see what it should be like.
But now I admit that I am in that Christmas spirit. I actually have most of the shopping done. And the rest of the shopping, I know what I want to buy, it is just a matter of waiting for paydays. And I am so looking forward to seeing Jack's face when we put the Christmas tree up this year. He is going to love it. We have a Christmas train that we put around the bottom of the tree every year. It makes choo choo sounds and everything. He is just gonna love it. I also can't wait until we get to see Santa. I think we are going back to the train museum where the Thomas event was held. They have "Santa Trains" where Santa is aboard the train and spends time with each child. Of course, I will be probably tearing up as I do.
My family is visiting us this year for Christmas. So having Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Corlinda here for Christmas is going to be really nice. We are going to the see the Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral in Anaheim. It is a really specatular show.
So Happy Holidays to everyone. Yeah Yeah I know its a bit early, but who cares.
But now I admit that I am in that Christmas spirit. I actually have most of the shopping done. And the rest of the shopping, I know what I want to buy, it is just a matter of waiting for paydays. And I am so looking forward to seeing Jack's face when we put the Christmas tree up this year. He is going to love it. We have a Christmas train that we put around the bottom of the tree every year. It makes choo choo sounds and everything. He is just gonna love it. I also can't wait until we get to see Santa. I think we are going back to the train museum where the Thomas event was held. They have "Santa Trains" where Santa is aboard the train and spends time with each child. Of course, I will be probably tearing up as I do.
My family is visiting us this year for Christmas. So having Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Corlinda here for Christmas is going to be really nice. We are going to the see the Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral in Anaheim. It is a really specatular show.
So Happy Holidays to everyone. Yeah Yeah I know its a bit early, but who cares.
No Work = No Brain?
Jim forgot to take his work cell phone with him to work yesterday. I saw it laying there on the kitchen counter all day. I knew that he did not have that phone with him. But that thought did not even enter my brain as I picked up the phone to call him last night to see what time he would be home. And the sad part? As I was calling him, his cell phone did ring and any other person with a brain would of thought "oops that is me calling the cell phone". Nope that was not me. I actually went and picked up the phone to see who was calling! And when I saw the number was mine, even then it took me a couple of seconds to realize actually how stupid I was! Oy!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Shopping
I thought that I would show ya the furniture we bought and will be delivered to our house on Dec 1 (only 14 more days!!).
This is the table that we bought for the kitchen. It matches our cabinets so well. Now I am so going to need to stain the new door that we had installed back in April to match. I just know that it is going to bug me until that is done.
This is the coffee table and end tables we bought. Just disregard the ugly green furniture. No that is not the furniture we bought.
This is the table that we bought for the kitchen. It matches our cabinets so well. Now I am so going to need to stain the new door that we had installed back in April to match. I just know that it is going to bug me until that is done.
This is the coffee table and end tables we bought. Just disregard the ugly green furniture. No that is not the furniture we bought.
This is the sofa, loveseat and recliner that we bought to go with the coffee table and end tables above. Of course we got the 7 year stain resistant warranty, they will come out to fix if anything happens. With this family, that is a must.
This morning, I have also been paying tribute to the amazon.com gods. I bought Jim's Christmas gifts, a couple of exercise videos for me (Richard Simmons and a beginner Yoga) I have always wanted to do yoga, but I admit that I am so clutzy that I really wonder if I can do that. But we shall see. This is all the "Improve Dawn" plan of action. I also bought the "Happiest Toddler on The Block" book that everybody is saying is a must have. I hope it gives me some help into the constant whining, crying, screaming entity that used to be my happy child.
And speaking of that child, I hear that he is awake. So my early morning shopping spree is over.
Pictures
Below are some pictures of the past couple of weeks that I haven't put on the blog yet. So for the grandparents, aunts and uncles who have reminded me that I have not been posting pictures - Enjoy.
Here is the boy being lazy with the cat while watching tv.
We went to the model train museum at Balboa Park in San Diego. As you can guess, the boy kinda liked the place.
Here is the boy being lazy with the cat while watching tv.
We went to the model train museum at Balboa Park in San Diego. As you can guess, the boy kinda liked the place.
After the model train museum, we went to ride the merry-go-round and for some reason the boy was absolutely terrified of the thing and ended up being held by Daddy the entire ride.
We bought a jigsaw puzzle a couple of weeks ago. I forgot how fun they are to do. Well Jack had to join in the fun of putting it together. He was so cute and soooo serious as he tried to put the pieces together. He also would hand us a piece and say "thank you". We thought for sure that it would get down to the end and we would be missing at least one piece courtesy of Jack, but amazingly we actually were able to finish the puzzle, even after finding a piece in his toys.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
My First Day So Far
Well here it is almost noon and I feel exhausted! So far today, I have done 3 loads of laundry, vacuumed half the house, unloaded and loaded dishwasher, cooked breakfast and lunch for Jack and I, went for a walk with Jack and dog around the neighborhood (man this neighborhood is dead during the day), and went grocery shopping where I spent $155!!!. Now I have Jack napping. Phew this stay-at-home thing is exhausting! But so far, I am loving it. Just knowing that tomorrow I don't have to wake up and drive that hour to work and deal with all that stress is soooooo wonderful!
The rest of the day's agenda looks like this - finish laundry, vacuuming, pick up and drop off Jim's uniforms at drycleaners, play with Jack, read books with Jack, and fix dinner. Hmmm, I am thinking pork chops for dinner tonight.
The rest of the day's agenda looks like this - finish laundry, vacuuming, pick up and drop off Jim's uniforms at drycleaners, play with Jack, read books with Jack, and fix dinner. Hmmm, I am thinking pork chops for dinner tonight.
I'm Done, I'm Done, I AM DONE!
Yesterday was my last day at work. It was a really really weird feeling. For the past two weeks, I have felt like that day could not get here fast enough. And then when it did, wow what a strange, surreal feeling. I have been with this company for about 6 1/2 years and struggled with it during bad times and all. But when it came right down to say goodbye to the job that I niched out for myself there, it was very bittersweet.
They threw me a pizza party and everybody signed a card for me, which almost had me in tears. And it was funny the comments on the cards. There is one lady who has been practically dancing for joy ever since I announced I was leaving. She has for all these years been in competition with me - in her mind. I just try to do my job and that job has become more and more "important" to the company and she could not stand to see me gain "prestige" and not have it all for her. Well anyway, she signed the card "Dawn, It has been real". Yeah and she thinks I am the unprofessional one. But oh well, I am above all that.
And now I am free to do whatever I want! Wow what a scary thought that is. My first goal is to get this house in some kind of order and not be so disgusting. I have a list a mile long of projects around the house, that if I just did half of them, I would be proud of myself.
I do know that I need to get a routine going of some type. Before, on my days off, I really didn't have a routine. The routine was try to get 37 errands done in the time that Jack was cooperative to do such errands.
I am committing myself to some type of exercise program right now in front of all of you. I did join Curves awhile back, but just have not been able to get there because I had nobody to watch Jack during the hour of Curves. Jim's schedule has become that he does not get home until about 7pm and they close at that time. So instead of whining about that and in doing that whining, I get nothing done, I have decided to quit Curves and make a committment that I do something at home with Jack. I plan to get a couple of videos. Jim also bought me the bike with the trailer for Jack, I plan to ride that on the better weather days. We have to first dig it out of the garage from the scary depths that is the garage. But, I really believe that if Jack sees me exercising, he will want to do it also and hopefully be a healthier kid for it. You all know that I am just saying this for myself mostly to get myself to believe all this and more importantly DO it. I hate exercise but, I know that the time has come and there are no more excuses, so I will do it!
Well now I am off to enjoy my first day of freedom, which will include doing about 5 loads of laundry, cleaning bathrooms, kitchen and vacuuming. Sounds like a whole lotta fun huh?
They threw me a pizza party and everybody signed a card for me, which almost had me in tears. And it was funny the comments on the cards. There is one lady who has been practically dancing for joy ever since I announced I was leaving. She has for all these years been in competition with me - in her mind. I just try to do my job and that job has become more and more "important" to the company and she could not stand to see me gain "prestige" and not have it all for her. Well anyway, she signed the card "Dawn, It has been real". Yeah and she thinks I am the unprofessional one. But oh well, I am above all that.
And now I am free to do whatever I want! Wow what a scary thought that is. My first goal is to get this house in some kind of order and not be so disgusting. I have a list a mile long of projects around the house, that if I just did half of them, I would be proud of myself.
I do know that I need to get a routine going of some type. Before, on my days off, I really didn't have a routine. The routine was try to get 37 errands done in the time that Jack was cooperative to do such errands.
I am committing myself to some type of exercise program right now in front of all of you. I did join Curves awhile back, but just have not been able to get there because I had nobody to watch Jack during the hour of Curves. Jim's schedule has become that he does not get home until about 7pm and they close at that time. So instead of whining about that and in doing that whining, I get nothing done, I have decided to quit Curves and make a committment that I do something at home with Jack. I plan to get a couple of videos. Jim also bought me the bike with the trailer for Jack, I plan to ride that on the better weather days. We have to first dig it out of the garage from the scary depths that is the garage. But, I really believe that if Jack sees me exercising, he will want to do it also and hopefully be a healthier kid for it. You all know that I am just saying this for myself mostly to get myself to believe all this and more importantly DO it. I hate exercise but, I know that the time has come and there are no more excuses, so I will do it!
Well now I am off to enjoy my first day of freedom, which will include doing about 5 loads of laundry, cleaning bathrooms, kitchen and vacuuming. Sounds like a whole lotta fun huh?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
The Day Out
With Thomas. We went to see Thomas today in person. I have to first say that I am a dork. I forgot to take the camera. Not only the camera, I also forgot to take my CAMERA phone. So no pictures of Jack drooling over Thomas to be enjoyed. Sorry.
Our tickets were at 8:30 to ride on Thomas, which worked out perfectly. When we were leaving around 11:30, the line up getting into the madhouse of crazed toddlers was very very long.
The ride on Thomas was cool. Jack's face when he first saw Thomas was not the emotion I thought he was going to have. It was one of fear. As Thomas rolled past us, I could almost read his thoughts - "Oh my gosh Thomas is BIG". The ride on Thomas lasted about 25 minutes, which basically was the train going one way for 12.5 minutes and then back for the remaining time. Of course Jack was saying "choo choo" about every other second. His other word he now says is "baby". He points to another short person and says "baby". And there was no shortage of short people, thats for sure.
After the ride, we walked around the train museum and saw all the old engines and railway cars. The place is the largest train museum in the west, or at least what they call themselves. We got to go up into old cars, including an old post office car where they would sort the mail as they traveled. It was pretty cool to see all the letter bags and old mail sitting in the little cubbies.
Then we walked into a building called "Imagination Station" but what I fondly call "Mass Chaos of Crazed Toddlers". It basically was a whole lot of train sets and other Thomas-related play things. When you walk in, it is literally a sea of toddler boys all sitting around playing with trains. Of course, Jack didn't take very long to join the chaos. It was quite amusing to watch the tantrums taking place all around as a mother would attempt to take her Thomas-addicted toddler out of the building.
Which leads me to the next question - What is it with Thomas? I mean really it is the crack cocaine of the toddler set. Claire mentioned this the other day in her blog and seriously, I think there is some sublimal messages being sent out to all our toddlers and the parents to spend more and more money on Thomas-related crap. And of course there was another whole building dedicated to buy ANYTHING you can imagine that has that little blue engine face on it. And the line to buy said blue-engine crap? That was literally out the door! I just want to meet the marketing genius behind all the craziness! And ask for a loan!
But we had a good time. I think Jack was a bit overloaded with all the choo-choos. He was one tired baby when we got home. And of course, barring major sickness, we will be back again next year. The addiction runs deep with this family.
Our tickets were at 8:30 to ride on Thomas, which worked out perfectly. When we were leaving around 11:30, the line up getting into the madhouse of crazed toddlers was very very long.
The ride on Thomas was cool. Jack's face when he first saw Thomas was not the emotion I thought he was going to have. It was one of fear. As Thomas rolled past us, I could almost read his thoughts - "Oh my gosh Thomas is BIG". The ride on Thomas lasted about 25 minutes, which basically was the train going one way for 12.5 minutes and then back for the remaining time. Of course Jack was saying "choo choo" about every other second. His other word he now says is "baby". He points to another short person and says "baby". And there was no shortage of short people, thats for sure.
After the ride, we walked around the train museum and saw all the old engines and railway cars. The place is the largest train museum in the west, or at least what they call themselves. We got to go up into old cars, including an old post office car where they would sort the mail as they traveled. It was pretty cool to see all the letter bags and old mail sitting in the little cubbies.
Then we walked into a building called "Imagination Station" but what I fondly call "Mass Chaos of Crazed Toddlers". It basically was a whole lot of train sets and other Thomas-related play things. When you walk in, it is literally a sea of toddler boys all sitting around playing with trains. Of course, Jack didn't take very long to join the chaos. It was quite amusing to watch the tantrums taking place all around as a mother would attempt to take her Thomas-addicted toddler out of the building.
Which leads me to the next question - What is it with Thomas? I mean really it is the crack cocaine of the toddler set. Claire mentioned this the other day in her blog and seriously, I think there is some sublimal messages being sent out to all our toddlers and the parents to spend more and more money on Thomas-related crap. And of course there was another whole building dedicated to buy ANYTHING you can imagine that has that little blue engine face on it. And the line to buy said blue-engine crap? That was literally out the door! I just want to meet the marketing genius behind all the craziness! And ask for a loan!
But we had a good time. I think Jack was a bit overloaded with all the choo-choos. He was one tired baby when we got home. And of course, barring major sickness, we will be back again next year. The addiction runs deep with this family.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Thomas Obsession Grows
We are going to the Day out With Thomas tomorrow morning bright and early. We have a scheduled train ride ON Thomas at 8:30 in the morning. To be honest, I have been looking forward to this for like the last 6 months to finally arrive in our area. I will be hopefully posting lots of pictures of the boy and his idol tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
SAHM or Part-time SAHM???
That is the question. An opportunity has come up that has me seriously thinking about not quitting work altogether. Yesterday I received an email from a friend who owns his own business and is looking for a part-time accounting person. The thing is, he is moving the business and will be about 5 miles from our house! How convenient is that. He was wondering if I would be interested. Again how convenient is it that I will be unemployed after next week?
I will have to talk to him about all the particulars and everything, but I am thinking about it. It sounds like I can even do a lot of work from home. Even better. I told him that I wouldn't be available until after the beginning of the year. I at least want that much time off. I will need it to destress from the current job situation. Of course, I have to figure out the whole daycare thing. Jack's daycare is literally 6 minutes from this job. Hmmm. Something to think about.
I will have to talk to him about all the particulars and everything, but I am thinking about it. It sounds like I can even do a lot of work from home. Even better. I told him that I wouldn't be available until after the beginning of the year. I at least want that much time off. I will need it to destress from the current job situation. Of course, I have to figure out the whole daycare thing. Jack's daycare is literally 6 minutes from this job. Hmmm. Something to think about.
No More Pioneering Spirit
We have our microwave back!!! After two and a half weeks of no microwave and having to live like the pioneers in the dark ages, we now can nuke to our hearts content. Phew! I seriously was having nuke withdrawals.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Online Banking
Have you ever noticed just how FAST your money goes with online bill pay? I mean on payday wham the money is there, but give me 5 minutes online and bam there it goes. At least with the old-fashioned method of check-writing it didn't seem to go so fast.
LOL and I post this after my previous post of furniture shopping splurge!
LOL and I post this after my previous post of furniture shopping splurge!
Another Day Down and New Furniture!
Today was another day done at work. I only have 5 more days left until I am out of there! I am sooooooo ready to just leave all that stress and problems and walk away. I had another lady I work with tell me in so many words that she thought that was unprofessional and that I should care more. Excuse me? I gave a 4.5 week notice, and THAT is unprofessional. Whatever. I am just counting the hours until I am out of there. Even if we figure out that I need to start earning money down the road, I just DO NOT want to work there anymore. There are a lot more jobs out there with a lot less stress. One of the great things about accounting jobs - every business needs one. HA!
So yesterday, we did something that I am SOOO excited about. We bought new furniture!!!! I had gone into the furniture store looking at tables because our kitchen table is really on its last legs (literally). And with all the family we have coming for Christmas, well I thought we needed a new one. So I found a perfect one for our kitchen. It is one of those pub height tables with the bar stool height chairs around it. And it matches our cabinets to a T. So while we were there, the sales lady told us about their interest-free until 2010! Yeah 5 years from now. Interest Free! Yeah that got this accountant's brain working and before you know it, we are picking out a whole new family room! Yep not only did we get the table, we got a new sofa, loveseat, recliner, coffee table, and 2 end tables. BUT we have FIVE years to pay it off at no interest! It is being delivered on Dec. 1 and I can. not. wait. I don't think I have been that excited about buying anything since um, gee I don't know when. Oh yeah, anybody know anybody who wants a sectional couch with recliner that has been spit up on, and scratched to death from cats, and you don't want to know what the dogs did to it. Yuck.
So yesterday, we did something that I am SOOO excited about. We bought new furniture!!!! I had gone into the furniture store looking at tables because our kitchen table is really on its last legs (literally). And with all the family we have coming for Christmas, well I thought we needed a new one. So I found a perfect one for our kitchen. It is one of those pub height tables with the bar stool height chairs around it. And it matches our cabinets to a T. So while we were there, the sales lady told us about their interest-free until 2010! Yeah 5 years from now. Interest Free! Yeah that got this accountant's brain working and before you know it, we are picking out a whole new family room! Yep not only did we get the table, we got a new sofa, loveseat, recliner, coffee table, and 2 end tables. BUT we have FIVE years to pay it off at no interest! It is being delivered on Dec. 1 and I can. not. wait. I don't think I have been that excited about buying anything since um, gee I don't know when. Oh yeah, anybody know anybody who wants a sectional couch with recliner that has been spit up on, and scratched to death from cats, and you don't want to know what the dogs did to it. Yuck.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
TWENTY MONTHS!!
Is it really possible that it has been TWENTY months since Jack was born? I guess it is no longer appropriate to call him by his month age. I mean 20 months sounds pretty stupid when describing his age. So from now on, he is "almost 2". OH MY GOD, he is ALMOST TWO! Wow time does fly after you have kids.
So since he is 20 months today, I thought that I would talk a little bit about what he has been doing lately.
**His newest passion is trains, or choo-choos as he calls them. Both Jim and I have scoured the internet looking for video clips of trains for Jack to watch on the computer. He will sit on our laps and watch choo-choos. He even says "choo-choo, chugga chugga chug" while doing it.
**I am pretty sure that our Christmas gift to him is going to be a big hit. We bought him a wooden train set and Thomas tanks to go with it. The reason I know this is because yesterday we went to Barnes & Nobel where they have a Thomas train setup. In fact, the kid remembered this and said "choo-choo" as we were walking in the door. So I went and picked up some books to look at and then went over to the choo-choo place and let Jack play. He played with that for a full hour while I sat and read. I do not think he has EVER played with anything for a full hour. Oh yeah and the temper tantrum and screaming that the poor patrons of B&N had to endure as I dragged the boy out of the store was of epic proportions.
**Another of his favorite toys in the house is the laundry basket. He will pile all his stuff animals in the basket and then climb in and say "choo-choo". Which in Jack-speak means he wants us to push him all over the house in the basket. Thank goodness Jim devised a handle out of one of his belts, so now I just pull him and 3000 stuffed animals around the house. Problem is, he never wants to quit and can keep going forever.
**As I mentioned before, he is talking more and more. It really is fun to see him opening up and being able to communicate with us.
**He loves music. Any type of music is fine with him. It doesn't matter if it is just a jingle on a commercial or a Pink Floyd song, the kid will dance to anything. He is so funny when he "dances". His form of dancing is basically bending his knees over and over and bobbing his head. I call it "white baby dancing". It is so cute and I have tried to get it on video several times, but every time I bring out the camera, he stops and grabs at the camera.
To my talking, dancing, choo-choo loving little guy - Happy Almost 2 Birthday!
So since he is 20 months today, I thought that I would talk a little bit about what he has been doing lately.
**His newest passion is trains, or choo-choos as he calls them. Both Jim and I have scoured the internet looking for video clips of trains for Jack to watch on the computer. He will sit on our laps and watch choo-choos. He even says "choo-choo, chugga chugga chug" while doing it.
**I am pretty sure that our Christmas gift to him is going to be a big hit. We bought him a wooden train set and Thomas tanks to go with it. The reason I know this is because yesterday we went to Barnes & Nobel where they have a Thomas train setup. In fact, the kid remembered this and said "choo-choo" as we were walking in the door. So I went and picked up some books to look at and then went over to the choo-choo place and let Jack play. He played with that for a full hour while I sat and read. I do not think he has EVER played with anything for a full hour. Oh yeah and the temper tantrum and screaming that the poor patrons of B&N had to endure as I dragged the boy out of the store was of epic proportions.
**Another of his favorite toys in the house is the laundry basket. He will pile all his stuff animals in the basket and then climb in and say "choo-choo". Which in Jack-speak means he wants us to push him all over the house in the basket. Thank goodness Jim devised a handle out of one of his belts, so now I just pull him and 3000 stuffed animals around the house. Problem is, he never wants to quit and can keep going forever.
**As I mentioned before, he is talking more and more. It really is fun to see him opening up and being able to communicate with us.
**He loves music. Any type of music is fine with him. It doesn't matter if it is just a jingle on a commercial or a Pink Floyd song, the kid will dance to anything. He is so funny when he "dances". His form of dancing is basically bending his knees over and over and bobbing his head. I call it "white baby dancing". It is so cute and I have tried to get it on video several times, but every time I bring out the camera, he stops and grabs at the camera.
To my talking, dancing, choo-choo loving little guy - Happy Almost 2 Birthday!
I am such a WIMP!
I picked Laura up from her cheerleading practice last night. One of her coaches had been pregnant. It was pretty amazing to see her out there 9 months pregnant and still coaching cheer. Me? I was on bedrest laying on my right side 24/7 - Fun! Well, she had her baby girl on Monday, Halloween, 5 days ago! And what was she doing last night? Yep you got it, she was coaching cheer. FIVE days after giving birth.
That made me think about giving birth to Jack. I am such a wimp! Five days after I gave birth, I felt like I was barely functioning. I was getting out of the house a little bit, but to coach cheer and act all bubbly? Um that would be a NO. Of course, it didn't help that Jack and I were in the hospital for 3 days because of the lingering infection we both had.
So yes I am a wimp compared to this wonder cheer person. Can I hate her?
That made me think about giving birth to Jack. I am such a wimp! Five days after I gave birth, I felt like I was barely functioning. I was getting out of the house a little bit, but to coach cheer and act all bubbly? Um that would be a NO. Of course, it didn't help that Jack and I were in the hospital for 3 days because of the lingering infection we both had.
So yes I am a wimp compared to this wonder cheer person. Can I hate her?
Friday, November 04, 2005
Words!
I have to say that the words are coming fast and furious now with Jack. His list of words are quite long now. Along with saying Sissy, Daddy, Mama, kitty cat, doggie, he also says the names of the dogs - Bob & Tosha. He says bath, book, bye-bye, banana, cereal, treat, candy, choo-choo, the list goes on and on. Not only is it so much fun to hear him say these words, but now we get to communicate! Love It!
I mentioned this on Cooper's blog the other day, but thought I would also mention it here. I have been replaced as THE parent in the house. Jack has attached onto Daddy so much and Daddy reigns supreme in this house now. Probably because he knows that I am around more and Daddy is gone all day long. But man does the boy miss his Daddy AND his Sissy when they are gone. He will walk around the house saying "Daddy? Sissy?" and I will tell him that they are not here right now and he gets such a look of disappointment. The other night, Jim came home when Jack was in the bath. Jim popped his head in and said hello to us, but walked out to change his clothes and you should of seen how Jack's face just fell when Daddy walked out of the room. He no longer wanted to play in the water and was very happy to get out of the bath to go run naked through the house to see Daddy. He sure likes to have his whole family together!
The time has finally arrived that I have longed for and dreamt about since before I got pregnant - Jack loves books! It was until recently that he liked books, but he would get bored after 5 seconds of looking or listening to the story and move on. Now, he will walk up to me with a book in his hand and say "book" and want me to read it to him. He knows that before bedtime, we sit in the rocking chair in his room and read books. And now he sits and listens and points to the pictures! Love It!
I mentioned this on Cooper's blog the other day, but thought I would also mention it here. I have been replaced as THE parent in the house. Jack has attached onto Daddy so much and Daddy reigns supreme in this house now. Probably because he knows that I am around more and Daddy is gone all day long. But man does the boy miss his Daddy AND his Sissy when they are gone. He will walk around the house saying "Daddy? Sissy?" and I will tell him that they are not here right now and he gets such a look of disappointment. The other night, Jim came home when Jack was in the bath. Jim popped his head in and said hello to us, but walked out to change his clothes and you should of seen how Jack's face just fell when Daddy walked out of the room. He no longer wanted to play in the water and was very happy to get out of the bath to go run naked through the house to see Daddy. He sure likes to have his whole family together!
The time has finally arrived that I have longed for and dreamt about since before I got pregnant - Jack loves books! It was until recently that he liked books, but he would get bored after 5 seconds of looking or listening to the story and move on. Now, he will walk up to me with a book in his hand and say "book" and want me to read it to him. He knows that before bedtime, we sit in the rocking chair in his room and read books. And now he sits and listens and points to the pictures! Love It!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Just Had To Share
I was filling the dog food dish earlier. Jack loves when I do this because he loves to hand feed the dogs. He will get a handful of dog food and take it to them wherever they maybe. So while I was filling the dish, Jack ran off and came back with his stuffed dog, Doggie. He then squatted down and put Doggie's face into the dog food bowl to feed Doggie also. I about died from laughing when I saw this. Too Funny! Too Cute!
Also to just update on our microwave-broken saga. The GE guy came and said that the magnatron thingy did go out. Of course he also tells me that he has NEVER seen a magnatron thingy go out on such a young microwave. Yeah leave it to us to have a record defective magnatron thingy. So he goes out to his truck and gets the part which is under warranty, but I have to pay $156 for his labor to install. Gah!
He then starts to take apart the microwave and then comes the gotcha. He can't get the top off to install the new magnatron thingy because the cabinets are in the way!! I either have to cut the trim off my really nice, that I totally love cabinets or not have a microwave!!! I called the builder about this "little" problem and the totally rude, ignorant lady on the other end started to laugh when I told her my dilemma. She then said "I can't believe that". At this point, I was in no laughing mood and asked her if she thought I was lying. She then said that she has to "look into this to see if there is anything they can do". Of course our one year warranty with the builder was up in June. So I am pretty sure that they are going to come back and say NO. They can't do anything. Meanwhile, we are still living like the pioneers with no microwave!
Also to just update on our microwave-broken saga. The GE guy came and said that the magnatron thingy did go out. Of course he also tells me that he has NEVER seen a magnatron thingy go out on such a young microwave. Yeah leave it to us to have a record defective magnatron thingy. So he goes out to his truck and gets the part which is under warranty, but I have to pay $156 for his labor to install. Gah!
He then starts to take apart the microwave and then comes the gotcha. He can't get the top off to install the new magnatron thingy because the cabinets are in the way!! I either have to cut the trim off my really nice, that I totally love cabinets or not have a microwave!!! I called the builder about this "little" problem and the totally rude, ignorant lady on the other end started to laugh when I told her my dilemma. She then said "I can't believe that". At this point, I was in no laughing mood and asked her if she thought I was lying. She then said that she has to "look into this to see if there is anything they can do". Of course our one year warranty with the builder was up in June. So I am pretty sure that they are going to come back and say NO. They can't do anything. Meanwhile, we are still living like the pioneers with no microwave!
The Hottest In The Nation!
That was us yesterday. I just saw on the news that yesterday, Nov 1, we were the hottest in the nation at 96 degrees! Good grief! The Santa Ana winds were up and totally warmed this place up. We are going to get down right cold today - all the way down to 80! Get your turtlenecks out and long johns! I do miss the fall weather. The crisp cool weather. I just don't miss the snow and down right bone-chilling winter weather.
Jack is still pretty sick. We stayed in yesterday. Jim didn't have to go to work until 11 yesterday, so I took that opportunity to clean up the totally disorganized desk and pay some bills. I also broke down and called the dsl company about our totally slow internet. Of course it was 49 minutes of my life that was a waste. Basically, they could not figure out why our internet speed was at 10% of what it should be. And they are coming to the house on Friday between 8am and 5pm. Nice small window there - 8 HOURS that I can't go anywhere. And I just know they will show up at 4:45pm. I just know it.
The microwave man is showing up today between 1 and 4 pm. So I will have a small window of opportunity to actually get out of the house this morning. I am getting seriously stir-crazy. I haven't been out since Monday after we got home from Jack's doctor. I think a trip to Target this morning is calling me. Of course that is if Jack seems better. He still has a pretty bad cough and it gets worse when he gets excited. He also threw up last night. Love that. There is no warning from him. He was sitting on the couch next to me watching the movie Robots and the next moment, I had lovely puke all over me and the couch. Just a reminder for me NOT to get new furniture.
Oh and what is up with Gilmore Girls last night? A rerun! The season just started and reruns already! What is up with that? Isn't November a sweeps month and the really cool shows are on? I still watched it. I am that addicted to GG!
I have missed work all this week so far. I do plan on going in tomorrow. I kinda have to go in because payroll has to be done by Friday and I am the only one who knows how to do that. I have to train the other girl on how to do payroll. Work is a real sore spot with me right now. My boss, who I am thinking is a total idiot at this point, is not going to replace me for a few months! He thinks that he can just reassign my work to other people or do it himself. I KNOW this is not going to work. Oh and he also thinks that he is going to keep me on the system so I can have access at home and he can call me and ask questions. Yeah he has another think coming because I am so done with that place. I wish I could walk away right now and never look back.
And lastly, I talked to my friend Jamie yesterday and she had her baby girl, Emily Grace (love that name) on Oct 23. It sounds like her birth was REALLY hard and after about 10 hours of hard labor, she ended up having a C-section. By that time, they had given her morphine and she was totally out of it by the time her little girl was born and then she slept the entire first day. She was really bummed about the birth experience because I know she was looking forward to the "magical moment". But in reality, very few of us actually have it. I know I was out of it with a high fever when Jack was born and it wasn't the "magical moment" that I had wanted. But she is trying cope with a newborn as we all have during that first week or month. I told her that when Jack gets better and I am finally unemployed, I would stop over for a visit. I can't wait to see her little girl. Ahh babies. Love em.
Jack is still pretty sick. We stayed in yesterday. Jim didn't have to go to work until 11 yesterday, so I took that opportunity to clean up the totally disorganized desk and pay some bills. I also broke down and called the dsl company about our totally slow internet. Of course it was 49 minutes of my life that was a waste. Basically, they could not figure out why our internet speed was at 10% of what it should be. And they are coming to the house on Friday between 8am and 5pm. Nice small window there - 8 HOURS that I can't go anywhere. And I just know they will show up at 4:45pm. I just know it.
The microwave man is showing up today between 1 and 4 pm. So I will have a small window of opportunity to actually get out of the house this morning. I am getting seriously stir-crazy. I haven't been out since Monday after we got home from Jack's doctor. I think a trip to Target this morning is calling me. Of course that is if Jack seems better. He still has a pretty bad cough and it gets worse when he gets excited. He also threw up last night. Love that. There is no warning from him. He was sitting on the couch next to me watching the movie Robots and the next moment, I had lovely puke all over me and the couch. Just a reminder for me NOT to get new furniture.
Oh and what is up with Gilmore Girls last night? A rerun! The season just started and reruns already! What is up with that? Isn't November a sweeps month and the really cool shows are on? I still watched it. I am that addicted to GG!
I have missed work all this week so far. I do plan on going in tomorrow. I kinda have to go in because payroll has to be done by Friday and I am the only one who knows how to do that. I have to train the other girl on how to do payroll. Work is a real sore spot with me right now. My boss, who I am thinking is a total idiot at this point, is not going to replace me for a few months! He thinks that he can just reassign my work to other people or do it himself. I KNOW this is not going to work. Oh and he also thinks that he is going to keep me on the system so I can have access at home and he can call me and ask questions. Yeah he has another think coming because I am so done with that place. I wish I could walk away right now and never look back.
And lastly, I talked to my friend Jamie yesterday and she had her baby girl, Emily Grace (love that name) on Oct 23. It sounds like her birth was REALLY hard and after about 10 hours of hard labor, she ended up having a C-section. By that time, they had given her morphine and she was totally out of it by the time her little girl was born and then she slept the entire first day. She was really bummed about the birth experience because I know she was looking forward to the "magical moment". But in reality, very few of us actually have it. I know I was out of it with a high fever when Jack was born and it wasn't the "magical moment" that I had wanted. But she is trying cope with a newborn as we all have during that first week or month. I told her that when Jack gets better and I am finally unemployed, I would stop over for a visit. I can't wait to see her little girl. Ahh babies. Love em.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Halloween 2005
This year Jack was a pirate for Halloween. I did take him out trick-or-treating to 3 neighbor houses last night. It was REALLY warm here last night, so warm that I myself was wearing shorts. So I figured that it couldn't hurt to go out. He REALLY got into the whole getting candy thing. But he was polite and always said thank you.
When we came back, he stayed dress as the pirate and helped me hand out the candy. He thought that was really fun also. There were a few times when the look on his face was pure priceless when he saw a really scary mask. He wasn't really scared, but more intrigued. You could almost hear him saying "what in the world is up with that guy?".
Jack also found out the pure joy that is a hershey candy kiss. I let him have one out of the bowl of candy and again the look on his face was priceless. He is no longer an innocent in the ways of chocolate. He now knows the magic that only chocolate can bring. He also learned how to get the foil off the candy kisses and pop them in his mouth all under 5 seconds. He became a crazed little chocolate-loving pirate last night. At one point I had run out of candy and went inside to get another bowl. I stepped outside and Jack saw me with that bowl of candy and literally screamed "CANDY". I think it is all downhill from here.
When we came back, he stayed dress as the pirate and helped me hand out the candy. He thought that was really fun also. There were a few times when the look on his face was pure priceless when he saw a really scary mask. He wasn't really scared, but more intrigued. You could almost hear him saying "what in the world is up with that guy?".
Jack also found out the pure joy that is a hershey candy kiss. I let him have one out of the bowl of candy and again the look on his face was priceless. He is no longer an innocent in the ways of chocolate. He now knows the magic that only chocolate can bring. He also learned how to get the foil off the candy kisses and pop them in his mouth all under 5 seconds. He became a crazed little chocolate-loving pirate last night. At one point I had run out of candy and went inside to get another bowl. I stepped outside and Jack saw me with that bowl of candy and literally screamed "CANDY". I think it is all downhill from here.
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