Friday Five, a wee bit late

All that was left of Kim's (All Consuming) roasted tomatoes recipe a half hour after it came out of oven. We eventually resorted to eating it straight out of the pan.

The Hair, with a Level 1 rinse on it. It was like painting slippery, gooey shoe polish - I would not recommend this coloring product. And it only last 6-12 shampoos! I found a Level 2 rinse (Clairol Natural Instincts) that I will try next. I figure about 3-4 more inches and then SHORT HAIR! YAHOO! This Hair is clogging up our appliances, vacuums, drains. I have to cut it off the beater bars of the Dyson every time I use it. In fact; check your beater bar. Cut strings and hair off - you will be amazed at how well your vacuum works again.

Kim of All Consuming posted this recipe. It. Is. Luscious. And I will definitely make at least a double batch next time.

The last of the vegetables from our garden. We still have some tomatoes, but that's about it. Plus, it's going to freeze this week. We have a bit of work to do to put the garden to bed. It was a great success and we'll do it again next year.

The menfolk putting together my purchase of yesterday - a carpet steamer. This carpeting is 5 years old now, and is getting worn. There are pretty bad traffic patterns in it that are just now showing up (from being a model home). I don't want to spend the $ anymore to have it professionally done. But what an exhausting process! I only got the family room area rug, the living room and the stairs done yesterday so I obviously need to develop a better system.

ARGH! What's Your Pirate name?

My pirate name is:

Captain Jenny Kidd

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Photos! New Haircuts and Lounging Around...

Lounging, sick, in the master bedroom. Where Parker also slept alone for half of the night. The other half? He was up and complaining, poor thing. He got a bad cold in the middle of the night. We had musical beds. Ken ended up sleeping in Parker's bed, feet hanging off. Ryan got a great night's sleep, however.

This is Parker's idea of lounging. He broke into full Tae Kwon Do routine a second later. Leaping and kicking and then falling over dead when Ryan said "GOTCHA" Isn't he a good older brother?! (Note educational Sponge Bob on TV. You betcha!)

Ryan, sporting a new haircut.

Parker's new haircut, side view. His hair is about 1" all over. Sleek, smooth, on his nice little noggin.

Another view of Ryan's haircut. Please note the size of this child's head! Chinese people are always rubbing his head, saying "Smart Boy!"

Friday Five: Faces, Costumes, Vegetables!

Parker, first day of school. This is a phony smile, the child is scared shitless.

Ryan's tooth in the Tooth Fairy Box. Chosen by Parker, who was convinced HE was going to lose a tooth first, even though Ryan had one hanging by the proverbial thread. The box was, of course, used by Ryan first. But Parker found the money first!

Parker's Star Wars' Costume! Note the light saber being brandished about right in front of my eyes. It barely missed my nose.

Tomatoes, oh lovely tomatoes. How I have loved thee!

Gap-toothed Ryan, in his CARS costume, with his Star Wars light saber. "It's my Star Wars CARS Costume, Mommy!" And that it is.

My Friday Five, suggested by Loretta or somebody many moons ago.

I can post AnyThing. This site is private!

It just occurred to me, emailing someone just now, that I can post
Any
Darn
Thing
I
Want.

This site is by invitation only. If you are here, you are wanted. Not a GODDAM old boyfriend, who needs to grow up and get a life.

So, No more 'My K, Oldest and Youngest'

We are:
Myself, (no mention of my first name on this site)
Ken
Parker (6)
Ryan (5)

We live in a beautiful area in Colorado, South of Boulder, Northwest of Denver, nestled in the windy old foothills. Those craggy reddish mountains directly West of our home? They are the Flat irons. (purposely mispelled to evade pesky web searches)

Our address is in a small town. Until this development was built, the little town was nestled along Rock Creek, and boasted 200 houses, stores and businesses. It was NOT charming. Blighted, more like it.

Now picture Irvine, California. Yes! Take away a hundred fifty thousand or so people, and all the humidity, and you have our Perfect Little Development. We have one of the few racially-mixed populaces in the entire state of Colorado (that isn't Chicano). Said mix being Asian - engineers from China, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, Russia, and many more Points East. There are lots of people from lots of places here. We have burkah-wearers, sari-wearers, scarf wearers and baby wearers. We have 2 "Jacob has Two Mommies" kids in our sons' classes. In EACH of our sons' classes. We have women who MUST be accompanied by a male relative to drop off their children at school. We have more than one parent who is on the phone or laptop the entire time they are dropping off their children, racing around like mad dogs trying to get better reception in this hilly community. Most parents walk their kindergarteners to class and home, pushing tone-y strollers if they have younger children. The parents range in ages from quite young to *ahem* barely middle aged.

But the Annoying Thing?

We have nut allergies in both classes! And Ryan? Eats Peanut Butter Sandwiches Every Day of the World. I have to practically bathe him after lunch! And re-brush his pearly whites.

But Mostly?

This is a great place to live, raise a family, spend money, spend time and energy. It has a drop-dead beautiful climate. People in this community are athletic, generally happy, helpful and very friendly. Downright Midwestern in its comraderie feel. Western in its location, climate and recreational lifestyle. We have a SuperTarget IN our town, and a huge, high-end mall 4 minutes away. And Starbucks, grocery, video store, cleaners, banks, nail salon/hair salon, restaurants, etc. in walking distance. (Hilly, but walkable)

And expensive. Like most places on the planet.

Photos to follow. This is So Cool. I can be Who I am. I can show you my beautiful sons.

Day-Off Thursdays

Ah, they are GLORIOUS!
Okay, it's really only Thursday Morning's Off, but to lie abed with your two delicious-smelling little boys, and play with their babies (favorite stuffed animals) and massage their lovely little bodies and kiss their velvety cheeks? Am I not the luckiest woman alive these Thursday mornings?

Our favorite parlour game the last few days has been 'Little Baby/Big Baby'. Oldest is Little Baby, just learning to walk. Youngest is Big Baby, and helps me take care of Little Baby. But Big Baby needs alot of attention, too (And frequently turns into a demanding 5 year old, right in the middle of play) We play in the living room (hence 'parlour game') and use the good pillows, sectional and wide expanse of carpeting to play out the following:

Babies Falling Off the Couch.
They take turns falling off the sofa, with many exclamations of horror and hurrying over to rescue from me, and subsequent ROCKETING back into the sofa, with no cares - NO CARES WHATSOEVER - that they are Little Babies; and would little babies really like to be rocketed back into the chaise lounge portion of the sectional, sure to break their little necks? No, not these little babies! I wear out after maybe 6 sessions of rocketing; they do weigh almost 45 pounds each.

Then we play "Little Baby Learning to Walk". Oldest draws a line in the carpeting, and admonishes me in his normal voice "I have to walk All By Myself to here, Mommy. And I'm going to take little baby step, like this." and he proceeds to show me how he is going to lurch and take tiny steps, but I am to 'have confidence and just hold out my hands'. So we do that, with Youngest lurching in front of Oldest and pretending to cry, which makes Oldest snap out of 'baby' and turn into 6 yo Big Brother, yelling "HEY! I"M THE LITTLE BABY HERE!" and giving Youngest a shove out of the way and then going back to being the 'cute little walking baby' after giving Youngest The Death Stare.

But Today? Oldest wanted to play a new game. "Mommy, pretend like it's the day I got here! You are picking me up at the airport!" so I held out my arms and said "Oh, Hello, my beautiful son!" and Oldest? Held up his arms to be picked up, then turned around in my arms, waved and said "Goodbye Korea! Goodbye Foster Mommy! I am going to miss you! I love you." and I burst into Very Quiet tears and hugged and hugged him. How did we get so lucky to have these children?

And now they are watching The Magic School Bus videos we got from the NEW LIBRARY which is just too beautiful and wonderful for words. The boys beg to go every day. It's That Great.

Where I'm at this week...

Things are going really great with Youngest. He is wearing costumes, playing with friends, communicating, staking his place in the middle of the mix. Yes, his speech is still delayed and different. This boy lives in the present; there is no past or future in his conversations. And frequently no prepositions or other unnecessary embellishments. The fact is, he's alot more social than some of the highest-paid geeks at my husband's company. So, there is hope.

Oldest? Except for sulky, moody mood swings and Drama - Oh, The Drama! - Life is Good for Oldest. He is ahead of the curve for manners, social skills (the boy likes to be liked) and agility. He'll be fine.

Today, the boys are being allowed to watch Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope, with very much of the movie fast-forwarded through, and many, many questions from them "Is he a bad guy?""What Kind of animal is that?" and finally "Well, NONE of this is real, is it?!" We all jumped out of our seats when youngest bellowed "Dat's DARK VADER, I KNOW DAT GUY!" complete with popcorn going airborne as he jumped out of his chair. We've only watched half of it so far. We wanted to see how the boys did with that much of the movie.

This was prompted by oldest poring over a Costume Express catalog, and deciding that his life could never be complete unless he had a storm trooper (clone trooper?) costume. After 2 days of pleading, his brother finally came up with a costume he wanted as well - McQueen from Cars. It's a step-into costume, pictured here. I hope he is not too big for it.
Cars Costume
Since I was ordering that costume for youngest, I told Oldest he could also pick one. Of course he chose a $60 costume right away. I told him 'something less expensive', which then meant we had a long discussion about money and budgets. I remember going through this same thing with a 6 yo godson, many moons ago. Anyway, he pounced on a clone trooper (storm trooper?) costume and once I clicked "ORDER", both boys have been hounding me mercilessly, and leaping out of their skins with every peal of the doorbell.

And about switching the blog to something much more opaque; well, I had something rather unpleasant from the past sneak up and give me a goose. So I'm leaving up the old site, hoping the Putz is thrown off scent. If not, I gave it a good try. In the meantime, if you do choose to add or keep me on a blogroll, please leave my old name out of it. In fact, that old name won't be appearing anywhere on this site, ever. Just to let you know. Also? I'll be commenting by email to your blog entries when I can. I'm going to be on the computer alot less. Reigning in an addiction, so to speak.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Let's see if this worked:

Switcheroo complete?

Bloggy Bye Bye

I'm spending way too much time on the computer and have lots of stuff to do right now.

So adieu for now.

I say, You think:

1. Wiggle ::


2. Face ::


3. Adjustable ::


4. Room ::


5. Easy ::


6. Store ::


7. Maid ::


8. 9 pm ::


9. Challenge ::


10. Debt ::

Here are Mine:

Wiggle: Room
Face: Value
Adjustable: Waistband
Room: to Grow
Easy: Livin'
Store: Bought
Maid: Servant
9 pm: Light's Out
Challenge: Fight
Debt: Free

Hmm, I see a theme of expanding girth here -

Stolen from Kim

He. Swam. By. Himself. Today.

Youngest has been taking private swimming lessons since February. Since February - that is 6 months. (With Oldest, who by now is doing an incredible backstroke, and working on proper breathing with his crawl stroke.)

They are taking swimming lessons from the best teacher we could find - an incredible young man who tolerates no nonsense, lavishes praise, and keeps them 100% on track - not easy. While one is having a lesson, the other must work on technique - even if it is blowing bubbles, etc.

3 weeks ago, Youngest was able to tolerate wearing his goggles long enough to stay underwater for more than a nanosecond. 2 weeks ago, he left his goggles on long enough to actually count to 2 under water, while hanging on to our dear Mr. Mark with both hands and both legs wrapped around Mr. Mark's leg. One week ago, Youngest left BOTH paws on his kickboard and swam out kicking with Mr. Mark's hand a fraction of an inch away from his, frequently touching Mr. Mark's hand in terror. But This Week? Youngest yelled "LOOKY DIS MOMMY!" when I reappeared at the end of their lesson:

Mr. Mark said "Ready?" and gently tugged Youngest away from the ledge seat, and then

Let Go Of The Board

Youngest kicked all around the pool, with the biggest smile (and foggiest goggles) I have ever seen. Mr. Mark was always right in front of him, smiling and talking gently to my son, who just had one of the biggest accomplishments of his life.

He swam. He really swam. All by himself. With us cheering. All the way back to the ledge. Where he handed up the kickboard to me like he's been doing it for years. And took off his foggy goggles and asked "Did you see me, Mommy? I DID IT!" And I snatched him out of that pool and smooched his little grinning cheeks right off him.

KINDERGARTEN!

Today was the official start of kindergarten. All four of us gobbled down lunch and drove up the hilly crest to the school. Oldest clung to me at first when we arrived. We had forgotten his backpack, and he was worrired about that. So I jetted home while K stayed with the boys. By the time I got back, the classroom door was closed, and everyone was enjoying the goodies a local bakery donated. So, we had to rap on the door and thrust the forgotten backpack through the crack in the door. Way off in the distance, in circle time, Oldest looked relieved.

We didn't see too many tears; 2 sets of parents and 2 children. The class has swelled to almost full (21 students). We know 2 of the children, so that is great. I know Oldest is going to love being in kindergarten. Going to all-day summer camp has him used to crowds, lines and following orders. Useful skills for a student. I hope he eventually veers from the lemming path...

I am thrilled for him. I hope this is the beginning of a love of school, and a life-long lust for learning.

I say, You think:

1. Visit ::


2. Cake ::


3. Period ::


4. Triumphant ::


5. Screen ::


6. Neglect ::


7. Guitar ::


8. Loathe ::


9. Sugar ::


10. Montage ::

My Answers:

Visit: the Library
Cake: Bread
Period: of Time
Triumphant: Return
Screen: Legend
Neglect: Benign
Guitar: Lick
Loathe: Fear and (Loathing in Las Vegas)
Sugar: Baby (Anyone else remember this candy - Sugarbabies?)
Montage: Artwork

Stolen from Kim

Getting Serious about this Home Swap Thing...

I have researched three companies that facilitate home swapping:

Swap #1

Swap #2

Swap #3

And
1. I've checked with our health club about allowing house guests to use our membership
2. I've checked with our vehicle insurer about house guests using our car
3. I've checked with our homeowner's insurer about house guests using our property in our absence
4. I've talked to the husband about what stuff we would need to lock up, rooms to put off limits, etc.

I'm thinking this might be a great idea for 2008 - we've already got alot going on in 2007, vacation-wise.

Can you think of any pitfalls? Things we may want to include in our to-do list?

Being Different in a White World:

I forget; We Are A Biracial Family.
My children are -- my children. I no longer see that they are Asian, Korean to be exact. They are simply my sons. I see people staring at us in the street and I assume "Oh, they are thinking what gorgeous boys Oldest and Youngest are!"
But today? I was snapped back. I mentioned to my sister that I had a less than good experience meeting someone today, someone who will have a bit of contact with our family. We went over the usual possible reasons; the woman may have been having a bad day emotionally or physically, She could have gotten distracted during the time she should have been giving us attention, etc. Then my sister said these words "Or maybe she doesn't like Asians. Or is thinking 'Oh yeah; another one buying herself the newest Hollywood Acquisition; different-race children'."
I was stunned. At first I thought, my sister is being a bitch to me! What in the hell! Then I processed it - This might be happening much more than I know.
It was like being socked in the belly - I was physically overwrought for a few seconds. My guts twinged. Who could possibly think there were ulterior motives in wanting my children? How could anyone not know the fierce, visceral love we have for our sons? That I could not love them more had they come shooting out of my vagina?
This really had me thinking today about stuff I hadn't visited for a long time. Harking me back to those Looooooooooooong days doing research, taking bi-racial family classes, reading books, visiting with the Social Worker (who had a few bi-racial, adopted children) and doing tons of work on the What Ifs.
Yeah - What If....
I thought I was prepared to have things like this wash off me like so much sudsy water in the shower.
I have been raw since this conversation. Hugging and holding and smooching the very cheeks off my sons. Wishing I could create a perfect world where Love was the key. When just loving your children was enough.

YO! The Village is FED UP w/rearing your kids! EDITED

(ETA: These are Major Annoyances and Unbelievable Incidents which have happened in the past 2 years, either to me and/or good friends. The shopping center bit happened when I went to another mall to the Disney Store to get an Ariel costume for a particularly sweet girl in Youngest's class just last week...)

NEWS FLASH!
The Village? She's Sick and Tired of all the free babysitting you've been taking abusive advantage of by dropping your whelp off on Society.

YEAH, YOU!
1. The parent who drops your kids off at the mall, expecting shopkeepers and customers to babysit your children. Who, of course, meet their other friends who have also been left to their own devices by lazy parents; and who then run like a pack of wild, rabid dogs. Here's a News Flash for you; unless your kids have money in their pockets, a set goal of shopping for 'x' and need to do it privately (i.e., it's a surprise for you), they have no business spending hours and hours at the mall, jus' hangin'. Would you like it if a pack of teenagers or pre-teens hung around your place of business? NO?! Well, then how can it be okay to dump your kids on other people's place of business. This is wrong, and a poor parenting decision.

2. The parent who leaves teenage kids alone and unsupervised, or worse, babysitting younger siblings; when said parents leave for overnight or the weekend. Yes, the peckerhead parents who expect the neighbors to 'keep an eye on' their house/brood! SURE! WHAT THE HECK! We have Nothing Better to Do than to keep an eye on your house, and watch as teens pour into the house with bags of liquor. And then watch as carloads of kids appear, then explode out of the house when a fight erupts, and start puking on all the neighbor's lawns. And when the neighbors call the police? They are then considered BAD NEIGHBORS and the word spreads like wildfire when the teens are issued drinking tickets - "They weren't even bothering anybody!" "There wasn't even that much alcohol involved." "My kid wasn't even drinking!" "What jerks _____ neighbors are!" And here's the one circulating lately: "I'm telling MY kids to not open the door if the police knock! The police can't come in without a search warrant!" (Meaning, you are going to let your teens have alcohol parties in your absense? And you're going to teach them to 'beat the system? Grrreat."

3. Birthday Party drop-off - Here's a Tip for you: The invitation explicitly states who is included in the party invitation. If it is addressed to one child, that is the only child in the family who is invited. If you think it's fine to just bring a sibling, you are wrong. You need to ask permission days ahead to bring additional guests. This is especially true if your child is invited to a drop-off party; it is NOT okay to bring siblings or extra 'friends' and drop them off. And Double Bad Form if you drop off not only the invited guest, but also siblings and friends (too horrible to consider if none of them can swim), to a birthday party at a lake or pool. Do you really think anyone is going to be watching your kids/friends? Do you even care? To me, this is unforgivable, and you would not be allowed to leave the party without your children in tow. And your child would be forever crossed off a guest list for my family's social events.

4. The parent who drops kids off on a playground, and then immediately gets involved in deep conversation or in a book, and doesn't watch their little darlings immediately start bullying other kids. Those rocks they are throwing? That shoving and taunting they are doing? That merciless grabbing of equipment and hogging it? That's bullying, asshat! YES! They are dying for your attention, any attention, so they have learned to bully to get it. Get up and deal with that behavior! Know that some parents won't tolerate it, and will yell at you to force you to Pay Attention To Your Child. Yes. Terrible to have to parent, isn't it. It Isn't About YOU, all the time.

5. The parents who refuse to teach their children table manners and boundaries for dining out. We don't want your children at our table, or running around the restaurant, screaming and playing tag. We don't think it's cute. It's rude and annoying. And dangerous for the wait staff. Please know that some of us do call management over. And that if your child continues to be a problem, you will be loudly presented with our dinner check, with a demand that you pay it as you and your children were the only ones who got to enjoy the dinner.

6. The parents who bring their young children into adult-themed movies, and expect everyone around them to be tolerant of the interruptions, spilled drinks and treats, crying, fighting and hissing of people around them. Please know that some of us will stand up and YELL AT YOU. YES! We will block your view and yell at you to leave or refund our ticket prices. If that doesn't work, we will go to management and demand their intervention. If this is a G movie, we will tolerate some behavior issues. But don't push your luck. Wait until the movie comes out on DVD if you can't control your children. Because we? Are getting tired of setting limits for your kids.

7. Oh, OH! You forgot about the parents who drop their kids off at the library for all the free babysitting at the reference desk! added for Liz

And a BIG, Huge, THANK YOU to parents who do choose to do the Real Work that is good parenting; raising children to be responsible for their own behavior, polite and mannerly, conscious of others and kind. A functioning member of society. I'm also not talking about special needs kids' behavior here; these are behaviors I have witnessed from normal, run-of-the-mill kids. Most parents I know with Special Needs children moniter them so acutely those kids don't have a chance to veer off the straight and narrow. The parents are On Them, redirecting, encouraging, chiding and exiting when situations deteriorate. I know. I live this. It's not that difficult to do. Consistency is the key. If you are a parent who parents, you know what I'm talking about. And I love you for being a great parent for your children.

If you are a parent who says "Oh, he's so spirited!" "She's never done that before!" "Oh, we are using the 'You're Not The Boss Of Me' style of parenting. We don't set limits!" "Oh, he's just excited to see everybody!" "I don't think he really means to hurt anyone, he's just doesn't know his own strength!" know that we have Got Your Number. And it's a Big ZERO.

BOTHER! I lost my bookmarks!

I have my sidebar to log into your blogs. But all my saved-over-a-year bookmarks? GONE!
How did this happen? By removing the Sony recalled battery, so I don't burn down the house with ourselves in it, before plugging the computer into the power cord.
Idiot!
ARRRRRRRRRGH! (She says in her best Pirate imitation.)

Unconscious Mutterings:

1. Cruel ::


2. Jive ::


3. Weak ::


4. Understand ::


5. Bum ::


6. Stairs ::


7. Tone ::


8. Quickly ::


9. Moment ::


10. Beating ::

Here are my answers:

Cruel: Joke
Jive: Turkey
Weak: Sister
Understand: Rubberband
Bum: Rap
Stairs: Elevator
Tone: Ring
Quickly: Get in the Car!
Moment: To breathe
Beating: Heart

Borrowed from Kim

5 things Great about today:

Keen shoes. 'Nuf said.

Youngest, poring over a train catalog. Thank goodness it's good old AFFORDABLE Thomas. Not the Bachman catalog that his Daddy prefers to pore over...


Hair care products. But, Oh Darn; it's raining here today. Shucks, no point in fixing my hair for lunch out with the See Jane Run bookies (old book group friends) today!


COSTCO! Christmas this year will be All About Costco. One boy is getting bunk beds, the other is getting a double bed. He keeps falling out of his twin. So there are new flannel sheets (from Portugal! The Best!) for the boys. Down lap blankies for my parents in lovely shades of green and purple. Borghese cosmetics (Ok, these are for me), Flannel sleep bottoms for somebody.

Oldest, playing with Tinker Toys. And Magnetix. And building paper airplanes. And bouncing Silly Putty around. Because? He Can.

Because it's Friday, and because I've not done the 5 things in a long time.

Outside Play Areas - For Karin

The Trex (or manufactured lumber made with plastic) sides for the Pea Gravel Diggin' Pit

View of entire gravel pit. It stays in the shade 'til 1 or so, shaded by the off-kitchen deck above

Peach/Blueberry/Almond tart that I made a couple of days ago. Puff Pastry shell. Yummy!

Boys' Play Structure. They give it a workout daily.

Close-up of mitered corner. Treated lumber inside, Trex outside. We keep meaning to put on the cap....but in the meantime? It's fully in use.

For Karin, with three, 3 and under.

Answering "Yes." to "Do You work?"

It's becoming more automatic each time I answer the question "Do you work?"
"Yes." I simply say.
Boy, do I work.
In fact, I'm working right now. My sons are enjoying a nutritious snack that I prepared, and we're discussing what we are going to prepare for dinner.
Because Tuesdays?
They are our Candlelight Dinner Nights. We always have whatever fish is most fresh at our local fishmongers. Today, it is Sea Bass - YUMMMMMMMMMM! I am going to bake it with delicate Asian spices. Served along side will be jasmine rice, a vegetable stir fry (some from our garden!) and dipping sauces.

Back to the "Do You Work?" question. Of course I work. As does every parent who takes care of home and brood. We essentially keep the World Running, in fact. Some of us have to have second jobs to make ends meet. And that's very difficult. As frequently? The huge full-time job of running the home is still left entirely up to them. And that's simply not fair. They then have two full-time jobs. And the spouse who only works the one job and seldom pitches in or offers to help with the home work? And who arrives home and expects to be able to sit and watch tv, be fed and not help with children's homework or bedtime routines? These are the idiots who wonder why the spouse with two jobs is exhausted, angry, resentful and eventually hateful. Feeling underappreciated and overworked will do that to you. Almost with certainty.

So, to the PTA President (in Oldest's class) who asked "Do you work?" with a gleam in her eye today, sure she was going to guilt trip me into never-ending school servitude at the school; I answered simply "Yes. Long hours. It is sometimes exhausting." and left it at that.

Because, you see, I have filled our calendar until the end of December with all our family's important dates:

Every afternoon the boys have school. Those times went in first.
Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays are club mornings, when we will swim in the warm therapy pool, or the children will go to daycare while I workout or just read for 2 hours
Tuesdays or Thursday are bi-weekly Excursion mornings - so much to do and see here! The alternating Tue/Thur are Do-Nothing mornings. Lay around, read, play, whatever.
Mon/Tue/Thur afternoons are TaeKwonDo/portable DVD movie for youngest/reading for me
Wed/Fri afternoons are therapy/portable DVD movie for oldest/reading for me
Evenings? They are scheduled for game nights/restaurant nights/babysitting nights.

We are busy. Being a family. With our extended family and friends.

This new scheduling, actually writing down what I wish we were doing so it will actually happen for a change, is giving me a sense of peace and power. There is not much room in our lives for much more.

Vocalizing YES I WORK is more powerful than I ever knew.

Dell Laptops are being recalled

Seems the battery can overheat to the point where they catch fire. I thought this baby was getting a little too toasty - I'm glad I'm in the habit of turning it off. So are the boys.

If you have a Dell laptop, I think it's any that shipped Jun 04 - Jul 06 (don't quote me on that). And I had to enter my numbers a few times to get "Replacement Required" - I knew we had purchased in the right time, and my 2nd set of numbers were in the recall - I had to change some of my alphabetical o's to zero's, even in alpha streams. Shame on them for making it so difficult.

Daily Me-ander

It's been brewing for awhile; this desire to 'do' less, 'spend' less, 'have' less.

But, it's easier said than done.

The money? She flies through my fingertips, albeit more slowly.
The purging? Is happening, albeit more slowly than I thought it would happen. I reckoned this summer I would get this house whipped into shape.
I
Had
Lofty
Plans
The reality is that I found a new skill - R E L A X I N G

How? You ask?

By saying "No.":
To continuing to organize the Special Needs preschool playgroup, which only one or two parents were extremely motivated to attend (actually; which they were very avid to have their babysitters/children attend) I told them to exchange phone numbers with the two other parents and continue themselves. They wanted the email group to continue. I told them they were welcome to do that, too.

To the exchange babysitting we had been participating in. It wasn't working out for me, anymore. Many reasons. And we won't be doing it through the school year, either. After more thought, I have decided paid babysitting is not a luxury, it's a necessity to running a household smoothly when the working spouse is gone 60+ hours a week. One of the summer camp counselors is available for reasonable cost.

To so many TaeKwonDo lessons for Oldest every week. He just needs to practice more at home. He set up a mirror in the living room to accomplish this all by himself.

To more volunteering at their schools. It is somebody else's turn for awhile. I won't say I'll never volunteer again; but for now, No.

To get-togethers with mothers whose tales of woe I'm tired of and their cantankerous children. And have you noticed how, so often times, the two go together? Children who are well mannered and whose visits are pleasant? Those will continue. Others? We Are Done.

Saying YES! to:

The continuing purge of stuff and junque from this household. Clicking my heels with each box that goes OUT.

Reading! I've had many books on every horizontal surface for months. I am reading during the day and at night. It. Is. Devine. Like finding an old friend and getting a huge hug.

Keeping the TV off. Turning the radio ON.

Eating better.
Game Night (Wednesday)
Carry-out Night (Friday)
Sleep-in Morning (Sunday)

Buying, this week:

More fabric for Christmas gifts.
An answering machine so I can screen phone calls. (thanks, LC!)
More art supplies when back-to-school supplies go on sale.
Flattering jeans.

And my birthday month is coming up! I'm going to give myself a health workover - professional diet plan/workout schedule. I am excited about this!

How about you? What's on your No/Yes/Plans for Autumn (or Spring for you Southern Hemisphere folk)?

Show & Tell: Collections

The boys' train collection. Thomas is a Thing of the Past. Expensive G-Gauge trains, with brass track installed outside, have almost taken affordable Thomas's place. The menfolk in this house are All Trains, All the Time.

The yellow funny-looking engine is a diesel switcher, made to shunt trains around a trainyard, not for long hauls. The blue engine is a steam locamotive. And the bring blue fellow - well, that's Thomas, of course! A BIG Thomas. Annie & Clarabelle are lurking in the top photo, I think...

Youngest trotted by and yelped "That's my Santa Fe. My FAVORITE!" You can see how big these fellows are by the brass door hinge to the engine's lower right...You need at least 8 feet of track to turn a corner without a mishap.

And tonight, my K brought home these vegetables out of the garden. Missing are some tomatoes, basil and zucchini, soaking in another sink.

My old, and much reduced collection of enamel boxes. These few left have alot of sentimental meaning to me. Except for the blue and white Wedgwood box in the back. I have no idea from whence that one came. Who was it who was admiring Wedgwood?!

For Joke, via blackbird: Collections

Starting to Panic

Today and Thursday are the Last Days of 6-hour summer day camp for the boys of mine. I've had 16 blessed 6-hour days, and I've pissed them all away. Well, not pissed in the English sense, but pissed as in wasted. Well, not wasted in the American sense... ACK! I Have Not Done Anything Productive On Tuesday Or Thursday throughout the entire summer except polyurethaning the floors that one day. Which may not have even been a Tuesday or Thursday...

And.
I am not going to have weekly babysitting anymore. Since we've been parents, I've had babysitting 3 evenings a week during the arsenic hours of 4-7 pm (or more). Well, no more. We have to start severely cutting costs, and part of it has to be discretionary things like babysitting, eating out, fancy coffees. Which now that I type it doesn't sound discretionary at all; it sounds like How I Get Through My Days! Uh-oh...

And I'm 2 years from a clean getaway with both children in all-day school. Kindergarten is half day here. Youngest will go to kindy next year. Half Day.

I know those of you who have jobs are thinking "Oh, put a fucking sock in it! I do everything that you do, and work too!" Well, possibly. But I would not consent to working 2 essentially full-time jobs. My husband would have to do more or fork over the funds to pay for what he is not doing, chore-wise, around the house. And he works at least 60 hours a week. Usually more. When he makes the "Go back to work so I can eventually retire" noises, I wave the Word document I created with the 3 columns showing task/time/$$$ to hire out and ask him which half he is going to do, or pay to hire out. End of discussion. We still have that chat annually, but he's not stepped up to the plate with service providers or a written agreement on what he'll take over.

Running errands, food shopping, dry cleaners, all that stuff - I've been able to do child-free for 6 years. The thought of doing it with 2 little boys is making me bug-eyed.

I'm going to need to find the Zen in these chores. And so far? I'm just scared.

And, I'm also having trouble getting my head around leaving Oldest off at such a large institution - public school. Even though our neighborhood school is new, best in the district, blah blah blah; It's got 80+ kindergartners. EIGHTY kindergarten children! And there are 8 grades in the school. Grades 5 and above have even more children in them, as the school bond that funded under 22-per-classroom affected classrooms beginning after that was voted in - 5 years ago. They have 'strict bullying rules'. Yeah, so what? Kids are mean and that's just a fact. Our sons are sweet. They will get picked on. Every child does. I hate that my sons will ever suffer at the hands of classmates! But it's inevitable. So, we work on 'what to say, when', and we practice saying "So?" and walking away. But in reality? Who knows.

Yes, they will have good days and lots of them. And a few bad ones. Please dear god let me have my shit together enough to not overreact and make more of it than it needs to be to help them survive. They are not Me. My wounds may never be their wounds.

Expect Angsty posting for awhile. That's where I am in this space/time/continuim.

That is all.

65 Things Meme; Stolen

Stolen From Carolyn, Joke, Badger and some other Austinite:

"It's another meme. I haven't felt very creative as of late so I'm cheating."

Ah, Ditto.

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Yes. And once by someone pretending to be a cop.

2. What color are your eyes? My eyes are the color of cold, hard cash.

3. When was the last time you went sledding? This past winter. I can't wait 'til the boys are old enough to go tubing!

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Alone.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? No. But I believe in other weird stuff.

6. Do you consider yourself creative? Hell, Yes!

7. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Jolie.

8. Who was your first crush? His name was George and he was a chubby, but nice, nerd.

9. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? Yes.

10. Have you ever been ice skating? Yes, lots. But I can't skate backwards except by doing ugly hourglass thingys, and can only do cross-over turns going to the left.

11. How often do you remember your dreams? Every night. But not all of them.

12. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Yesterday talking to my sister.

13. Can you name 4 songs by The Beatles? Hell-I can name all the songs on Rubber Soul!

14. What's the one thing always on your mind? My next meal. I swear I have a tapeworm or something - I am always hungry!

15. What talent do you wish you had? Lowering my triglycerides. without drugs or dieting. *sigh*

16. Do you know anyone in jail? Yes. My niece has friends in low places.

17. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? Yes. But I don't think I would stick my neck out now that I have kids.

18. Have you ever been punched in the face? Yes, accidently and on purpose.

19. Do you own any stuffed animals? Yes.

20. Do you have a major crush on someone? Not anymore.

21. Do you miss someone right now? Yes! My girlfriends, some old boyfriends and my sister. Since I've had children I just don't have the time to keep up with my buddies.

22. What are you listening to right now? Blessed Silence. And a car just drove by.

23. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Yes, Pope John Paul. He was a Pope in a million.

24. What color underwear/boxers are you wearing? Tightie Whities.

25. Where do you work? I work where I am.

26. What ended your last relationship? Marriage.

27. What food do you crave right now? Dark Chocolate.

28. What was the last TV show you watched? Curb Your Enthusiasm off Netflix.

29. What is the last thing you ate? Dinner - restaurant Mexican. *buuuuuurp*

30. Are you on any medication? Yes.

31. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Whichever side has the most room. And usually furthest from the door.

32. What color shirt are you wearing? White Life is Good t shirt.

33. What is your favorite frozen treat? Italian Ices.

34. How many tattoos/piercing do you have? Pierced ears.

35. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? Yes, but not so many times.

36. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? Constantly.

37. Do you like your nose? Yes.

38. What color is your bedroom? India Ink navy blue - almost black.

39. Where do you live? Mocky Rountains.

40. Are you an aggressive driver? In a minivan? Puh-leze.

41. What color is your car? Dirt.

42. What do you smell like right now? Verbena soap.

43. What is your favorite color? Periwinkle, puce, heliotrope, burnt sienna

44. What character from a movie/TV most reminds you of yourself? Hmmmmm...

45. Do you enjoy giving hugs? It very much depends on whom I am hugging.

46. Do you own a digital camera? Yes. Numerous. I operate all of them badly.

47. What books, if any, have made you cry? So many

48. Are you a jealous person? Not anymore. I've mellowed.

49. (I took out a question of a sexual nature.)

50. What shoes are you wearing right now? None. Usually, Keens.

51. What is your major weakness? Dark Chocolate.

52. Do you suffer motion sickness? Never.

53. What's the best pizza? Mine.

54. Longest relationship? My parents. My sisters. My friend Sherry since 1971. My friends in Chicago since 1983. My husband since 1990.

55. Are you afraid of thunderstorms? I love them.

56. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Very, very old lady.

57. Have you ever given or been given an engagement ring? Yes, four.

58. What was the last gift someone gave you? A 3-stone anniversary ring from my husband.

59. Who would you call first if you won the lottery? 911 as I would probably have a stroke.

60. Can you cook? Yes.

61. What is your favorite jelly/jam? Cherry.

62. Can you swim? Yes, I enjoy it.

63. What is your first memory? Being at a birthday party in an itchy dress. I was 14 months old. I remember walking home, and my mother saying "You can do it!" and her turning around to wait for me. I remember taking off the itchy dress, and standing in front of the fan with my silk slip on. And then my grandmother trying to comb the knots out of my sweaty, curly long hair. So, it's pain that I remember first - it figures!

64. What item would you like to have buried with you? I'm getting cremated. So, nothing.

65. What are three things you're dying to have right now that would make everything just about perfect? World Peace, endless energy and yeah - a cure for autism.

Show & Tell Thursday: Chicken (EDITED)

I don't know what blogger is doing.
Anyway, the first photo is Early Bird - Youngest's baby toy. I sent it to him in S. Korea while we were waiting for him to come home, along with dozens of sweet baby outfits. None of which fit him! He was A Moose. His lovely Foster Mother never said a word about the tiny clothing that never fit him. She sent him home to us, carefully packing his beloved Early Bird, his Blankie that I had made and more than a few gorgeous Korean-made cotton outfits that fit him for many months. Lovely padded and lined winter outfits, that were perfect for our cold winters. She continues to send him very lovely things.

The second photo is a Chicken, all right. He is a Hot Dip Chicken. Since I don't many Hot Dips, or casseroles of such a small stature, this Chicken resides in a top shelf of the cabinet. He used to hold coins out on a mud room counter. Now Spare Change is plucked from Daddy's pocket and run upstairs to Piggy Banks in hot little hands. So Hot Dip Chicken rests with other things that are being safe from little hands.

Edited: Okay, Youngest's chicken is Earl E. Bird not Early Bird. Thanks for the email.
Hot Dip Chicken is my own moniker for the small tureen. He arrived with a half dozen recipes, all of which were essentially heated dips. Like artichoke, 4 cheese, blue cheese, bean, vegetable and an Asian flavor one which was delicious. I have lost all the recipes, unfortunately.

Tuesday Confessions:

1. I take great satisfaction in keeping our home clean. I clean something and do laundry nearly every day. When I stay at friends' houses, I clean their homes, too.
2. I have a collection of cleaning and maintenance books. I just bought 2 new ones, but I am finding them a tiresome read.
3. I am really good at sewing and alterations. I made all my clothing -- even dress jackets and coats -- in high school. I made our sons' crib bedding, and am going to make quilts for their beds.
4. I keep my closet and the boys' closets arranged according to color and season. The boys are hanging up their shirts this way now, too. "Blue lives with the other blue shirts..." Youngest said as he re-hung a shirt today. I've never said a word about it, but I guess the boys have Eyes.
5. I love to cook and bake.
6. We have brunches or dinner parties every week.
7. I had a job for 30 years straight. I have no desire to return to a job or career. (If someone asks me if I work, I quip "Oh, yes; full-time - long hours, too")

I feel embarrassed to admit these things. The jobs I value doing; keeping our home and yard in good shape, gardening, sewing, needlework, being with my children, doting on our pets, cooking, entertaining - these things are not valued much in our society. But people? Love to come to our home.

What about you? Like to clean/cook/entertain? Hate to clean? Cook? Entertain?

Swiped from Sarah Louise:

You Are a Kinetic Learner

You learn best by doing, and you have a talent for complicated, physical tasks. You excel at athletics, drama, and fixing things. You would be an excellent Olympic athlete - or a Broadway star!

What's Your Learning Style?

Hair, today.

The hair, which was washed, conditioned, styling misted and styled, for 30 minutes.

It takes that long to get it almost dry. Yes, my blow dryer is powerful and hot. Yes, I use metal core brushes - 4 of them, which get left rolled in the hair, smokin' hot.

I am hair inept. So, I blow dry my hair maybe once a month. The rest of the time? Air dried and then twisted up and held in a huge hair-clip thingy.

But it's not really my hair. It's hair I am growing for a little girl with alopacia, or going through chemo. Every 3 years, it is carefully brushed, banded into 3 big pony tails, cut above the bands, wrapped in thick plastic and boxed, and shipped to Locks of Love. Where it is combined with hair from 8 other people, and made into a wig for a child. Who doesn't have any hair.

So, I try to make it good hair, by eating good stuff and taking supplements, and not using too many chemicals and certainly not much blow drying. No siree - this hair has to be pretty pristine for that little girl who is patiently waiting. Which is mighty convenient for me - this hair of hers grows amazingly fast on this old head, and I then have the perfect excuse for not fixing my hair.

And honestly? I was All About Hair for so many years that this is just perfect.

If anyone you know is thinking about cutting off more than 10" of hair, please tell them about Locks of Love. Most salons will happily participate. And your hair can be colored. And the haircut is FREE!
Locks of Love

We are munching on grub from our garden!

Plump, juicy roma tomatoes.
Crisp, gleaming green peppers.
Luscious Cucumbers.
Fragrant bunches of basil.
Gobs of bok choy.

Just give me a shaker of salt.
Okay, and a steamer.

Soon we'll have beans, zukes and pickling cukes.

Watermelon? Maybe.
Pumpkins? YES!

And waist-high weeds. Which we will mercilessly attack tomorrow. The garden plot, initial plowing and tilling and all the water is provided by my K's employer. So K has done nearly all the work. Which is very much appreciated.

Show & Tell Thursday: Sugar Bowls

Hey look! It's last week's Show & Tell - the Coffee Pot. And it's keeping company with the Dansk Sugar Bowl. The husband's bachelor pad china.

Next we have the Daily Raw Sugar. Oldest would point out that is his first Lego Bionicle in the background, which I could not quite get together properly, but which he loves anyway.

Next is the Lovely Coronado sugar bowl. It lives where it should; in the China Cabinet. With the rest of its kind. Away from hockey sticks and bats and flying objects.

Last is our frou-frou daily china sugar bowl, given to us as a wedding gift. I love it. The pattern is Noritake Royal Orchard. So pretty!

As requested by blackbird
and kitty cafe

And more affiant sayeth not.

A perfect day.

A hottish day.
A clear cool blue mountain water lake.
Lots of dappled shade.
The proper amount of sand.
Friendly, eager little sunfish.
I Huge, Rolling, free-floating, Slippery log.
4 kids, excited; 2 mothers, happy. 1 babysitter, athletic
Make that 2 mothers, really happy.

We spent 5 hours in the lake or on the shady shore. Not a cross word was heard.
The babysitter kept very close tabs of Dangerous Youngest. And played with all of them.
And Daring Oldest showed us his survival skills by floating on his back and kicking like mad for shore when he got into various pickles (Read: Over his head and lost his boogey board).
And me?
I spent hours; HOURS I'm telling you, floating, swimming, feeding sunfish, walking along the shore, snacking, visiting with my dear friend and just inhaling deeply an inch or so above the fresh, non-chlorinated lake water.
And thinking what a lucky woman I am most days.

Buying what You Buy.

First it was Joke's towels.

Now, it's shirts from Badger's favorite clothing store, Target.

What's next? Chocolate from Australia?!

What flavor Ice Cream are you?

You Are Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

You are kind, popular, and generous. You tend to be successful at anything you try. A social butterfly, you are great at entertaining a crowd. You are most compatible with strawberry ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

Show & Tell Thursday: Coffee Maker

Here is what serves the daily java around here
Coffee Maker

We also have a little espresso machine, which got moved out for a buffet dinner months ago, and I cannot now locate.

As requested by PJ via Blackbird.

Dull

It's been SSDD here - but with the absence of the Dad. Who is visiting his parents out of State. And I have been having alot of medical checkups which were scheduled before we knew he would making the trips - yes; he's leaving town again as soon as he gets back. I haven't told the boys. I like to spring stuff on them.

And I've lost the handy-dandy cable that makes the digital camera talk to the computer, and share things.

Dull.

But - I'm reading and commenting. You guys? Are not dull at all! You're brilliant!

Sunday Meme: Queer ?'s for the Queasy& Quaint

You are cordially invited to borrow this meme of queer questions for the queasy and quaint.
I stold it from blackbird who lifted it from stuff and junk.

GRUB-OLOGY
• What is your salad dressing of choice?
I love French vinaigrette. Preferable eaten in a Paris restaurant. The ones I make are pretty good...but never taste like the ones made in Paris.

• What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Chik Fil A - it is nearby.

• What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
A restaurant called Bloom that is nearby.

• On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
15 - 20%.

• What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Mexican.

• Name three foods you detest above all others.
Organ meats, Spam, rutabegas.

• What is your favorite dish to order in a Chinese restaurant?
Garlic chicken.

• What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Kitchen Sink.

• What do you like to put on your toast?
Icy chips of sweet butter and raspberry jam.

• What is your favorite type of gum?
Don't chew it, but used to love bubble gum.

BI-OLOGY
• What do you consider to be your best physical attribute?
The right side of my face

• Are you right handed or left handed?
Righty

• Do you like your smile?
Yes.

• Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Tonsils, Fibroids, thyroid.
And sadly, 5 dead embryos or fetuses. Horrible.

• Would you like to?
Please - No more souvenirs for surgeons from my body! Enough!

• Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
Smell - I am darn near neanderthal in this sense.

• When was the last time you had a cavity?
Can't remember.

• What is the heaviest item you lift regularly?
Our 45-pound youngest, regularly.

• Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Yes: At 14, in a car roll-over, and then for 8 surgeries with anesthesia

MISC-OLOGY
• If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No.

• If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
Depends on circumstances.

• How do you express your artistic side?
I create stuff w/textiles and yarn (sewing and knitting sounds boring!)
I paint and draw with my sons
I cook and plate beautiful arrangements
I write

• What color do you think you look best in?
Lime green or periwinkle

• How long do you think you could last in a medium security prison?
I hope to never find out.

• Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
Yes.

• If we weren’t bound by society’s conventions, do you have a relative you would make a pass at?
No. I like my 70 first cousins, but not THAT much.

• How often do you go to church?
Never.

• Have you ever saved someone’s life?
Yes. My sister's. I pulled her out of violent surf by her hair and left arm in Creta, Greece. I don't know where I found the strength, but I THREW her up on shore. She was 15.

• Has someone ever saved yours?
Yes.

DARE-OLOGY
For this last section, if you would do it for less or more money, indicate how much.

• Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
I'd do it for less!

• Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
Yes, but no tongues.

• Would you have sex with a member of the same sex for $10,000?
Depends. Possibly if there were another 0 added to the number. Nah - probably not. I'd be laughing too hard.

• Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
No.

• Would you never blog again for $50,000?
No.

• Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
I've done it for much less.

• Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
No.

• Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
Yes. Pick any rapist or child sex abuser. But I'd need therapy afterwards.

• Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000?
Yes. And donate the hair off my head to Locks of Love.

• Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
Yes, easily. I'd give it up for $1,000.

Oh yeah, saving LOTS of time and $$$ here!

HA!

"I'll do Oldest's party and save us a TON of money!"
"How difficult can it be?"

How could I have been this ignorant?
I have spent PLENTY on this party.
I have done research for age-appropriate games.
For wily, clever 5, 6 and 7 yos.
Some of whom are autistic.
This wasn't easy. Why did I think it would be? WHAT PLANET HAVE I BEEN LIVING ON?

I said Drop Off so I would not have to entertain parents.
I think only 2 parents are dropping off!

And...
You know
I.
Hate.
Potluck.

EVERYONE is hinting that they will bring 'something'. I have repeatedly stated "That something better just be your child and possibly a gift."

If this turns into a 7 hour potluck I am going to be pissed.

It's happened before.

More More Meme - 62 Things

1. How old do you wish you were? 35. I was in perfect shape, physically and emotionally.
2. Where were you when 9/11 happened?I was home, with Oldest, who was 14 months old, our Nanny and her husband, who was our housekeeper. She screamed for her husband when I clicked through the channels looking for PBS for Oldest, and we all three sat down and hugged each other and the baby and cried.
3. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? N/A
4. Do you consider yourself kind? Yes. But I rarely give 2nd chances. And I am a Really Mean person when and if I need to be.
5. If you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be? HAD TO?! I would hope to never have to join such a Club.
6. If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be? Spanish.
7. Do you know your neighbors? Most of them. We have been really lucky in this hood.
8. What do you consider a vacation? Travel AWAY from home, with cooks, cleaning staff and gardeners lined up. Cruises work well.
9. Do you follow your horoscope? No.
10. Would you move for the person you loved? Depends where. If it's an undesirable place, we would maintain 2 households. Our little one needs special ed - everything would hinge on what was available elsewhere.
11. Are you touchy feely? Depends.
12. Do you believe that opposites attract? Yes. My husband and I are living proof.
13. Dream job? I'm doing it. Staying home with our sons and paying myself well.
14. Favorite channels? N/A
15. Favorite place to go on a weekend? The mountains.
16. Showers or Bath? Long, steamy bubble baths. In the winter. Otherwise, Long, steamy showers. With top-drawer soaps.
17. Do you paint your nails? Nail tech does. French Mani.
18. Do you trust people easily? Not so much.
19. What are your phobias? Heights and me are not a good match.
20. Do you want kids? Just Two and I'm Through. And I love them to pieces.
21. Do you keep a handwritten journal? No.
22. Where would you rather be right now? Getting a massage.
23. What makes you feel warm and safe? Cold, Hard Cash.
24. Heavy or light sleep? Heavy.
25. Are you paranoid? No.
26. Are you impatient? Yes.
27. Who can you relate to? Other mothers, kids.
28. How do you feel about interracial couples? No problemo. We are a bi-racial family.
29. Have you been burned by love? Usually the Burner, not the Burnee.
30. Whats your life motto? "Slow Down! There is no prize for finishing first."
31. What's your main ringtone on your mobile? Whatever it came with 5 years ago.
32. What were you doing at midnight last night? Snoozing away.
33. Who was your last text message from? Don't know nothin' about textin' no messages.
34. Who's bed did you sleep in last night? Ours, with Oldest, sans dh. (who was working)
35. What color shirt are you wearing? White Polo.
36. Most recent movie you watched? Can't remember! MI-5 series on tv (NetFlix)
37. Name five things you have on you at all times? Scars, freckles, hair, aches & guilt
38. What color are your bed sheets? This week they are Raymond Waites taupy floral.
39. How much cash do you have on you right now? $2.00? I never carry cash.
40. What is your favorite part of a chicken? Thighs.
41. What's your favorite town/city? US - Chicago, San Francisco or New York. Europe - Paris, Siena, London - depends on the time of year.
42. I cant wait till... We go to Hawaii for my sister's wedding!
43. Who got you to join MySpace? Isn't that TeenyBopper Heaven?
44. What did you have for dinner last night? Chicken Curry.
45. How tall are you barefoot? 5'5"
46. Have you ever smoked crack? Yes. Over 25 years ago. I inhaled, coughed, coughed, hacked, gagged and then puked. Then had diahrrea. Lovely!
47. Do you own a gun? Yes.
48. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water following by coffee w/cream.
49. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? My wit and sense of humor.
50. Do you have A.D.D.? Yes.
51. What time did you wake up today? 6:30 or earlier.
52. Current worry? My outta sight triglyceride levels.
53. Current hate? Parkinson's - it is killing my beautiful father in law.
54. Favorite place to be? Home with my boys.
55. Where would you like to travel? Anywhere. Although the Middle East and parts of Africa might be a bit dicey right now.
56. Where do you think you'll be in 10 yrs? Hopefully, right here.
57. Last thing you ate? Chicken Curry. Yes, 2 nights in a row.
58. What songs do you sing in the shower? I enjoy Peace and Quiet in the shower.
59. Last person that made you laugh? Oldest!
60. Worst injury you've ever had? One that hurt the most in the getting of it was dislocating my shoulder when I crashed a motorcycle I was learning how to drive. The one that hurt the most healing was a concussion I got rolling a car in a ditch when I was 14 and driving a bunch of drunk 21+'s yo's back from a liquor store. I am not kidding. They thought I was older. Yep - they were That Drunk.
61. Does someone have a crush on you? Both my sons want to marry me.
62. What is your favorite candy? I'm easy - make it Dark Chocolate and I'm Yours.

Planning a 6-year old's Party.

Well, I'm NOT actually planning Oldest's party right this minute. NO! I'm reading your blog and doing other avoidance behaviors. What's next? Washing the floors? Dyeing my hair? (No. Did it already. Never mind) Sorting through a closet? NO! I AM working on this party plan! Right Now! This very Minute! As in HEY! We have a plan, Cosmo!

Note: "Prizes" are a dip into the candy bowl

Theme: Sponge Bob

Arrival Activity:
Kiddy Bocce:

Each child gets 2 ball-pit balls with their names written in Sharpie. Adult lines up chilluns and then Adult tosses a bigger ball (the 'pallino' or "P" as it's usually called) a ways out. The children then sorta take turns throwing their ball-pit balls trying to get as close to the "P" as they can. Much measuring (BDay Boy will weild the measuring tape). Prizes for closest, furthest, worst throw, best attention, etc.

Everyone's Here! Activity:
Water Blasters, Bubbles, Water Balloons, Pistols, Pools, Slip N Slides. Prizes for tricks on the Slip N Slide. I think. Maaaaaaybe Not - don't want to encourage ridiculous behavior. Don't want to send them home bruised and bleeding...

Gone Fishin'! Activity:

The boys and babysitter will make an 'ocean' today -- Sheet painted with water, fish, seashells, Sponge Bob characters. Said sheet will then be hung across a clothesline placed Very Very High at the party. We will have a fishing pole rigged up from a broom handle, string and clothespin. The children will 'fish' using gummy worms clothespinned to the string, flung over the sheet. Adult will then replace worm with a fish or pool diving toy, and give the fisherman a bit of a fight for the reel back in, depending on the size of the fisherman. We will call out "Small Fry" so the Adult doesn't jerk a little one off his pins, forever traumatizing them for Party Games.

Rocket Dogs Rockets Activity:

We have two Rocket Dog rockets where you use your foot to Blast Off the rocket. We will line the children up in 2 lines and have 2 compete for highest rocket. Prizes for who is highest, best form, best attention, etc.

Sponge Bob Puzzle Race:

The children will draw numbers and then form teams of 2 or 3 to race to put a Sponge Bob puzzle together. We have a few 60-piece puzzles. This is the wind-down indoor activity waiting for pizzas to arrive.

PIZZA! Yes, we have Sponge Bob plates! Don't forget to Use Them!

Pin Sponge Bob on Shark Activity:

Prizes awarded for closest to jaws, furthest from jaws, highest, lowest, most spins; everyone gets Candy.

Decorate Your Own Bucket Activity:

We'll have permanent markers (GASP!) and doo-dads in an ocean theme to stick on small buckets. The kids will need the buckets for their next activity:

Treasure Hunt Activity:

Adult will read clues to where piles of booty reside. Booty includes yo-yo's (full size, not those ridiculous little things), bags of Jelly Beans, Hot Wheels Cars, Gold Fish boxes, Goofy tape dispensers, and other goodies I am ON A MISSION to discover today. Maybe 6 different things.

CAKE Activity:
Self-explanatory. Costco cake. Picked up ahead of time, I hope.

Sponge Bob Pinata Activity:

Self explanatory. Please say prayers that no adult gets delivered a death-to-the gonads blow.

Final Waiting-For-Parental Pick-up Activity:

Sponge Bob Movie in the Theatre Room. Supervised by Attila the Husband.

And feel free: Chirp in here with Any Ideas.
Really.

5 Things Meme:

Knicked from Blackbird, who stole it from elsewhere:

5 Things In My Closet:

A double laundry hamper, half empty
Four sacks of goodies from hither and yon, full of treasure hunt items for Oldest's upcoming birthday party
An ironing board and iron
My First Holy Communion Dress and Veil (we were living in Okinawa for that momentous event, and my mother had to send to New York City for one that wouldn't itch me - every seam is French seamed)
A big clear plastic box of medical remedies, all a-jumble and up Very High

5 Things In My Car:

Three tubes of Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in different colors
Dental Floss
Two straw sippy cups
Rubberneckers - an "I spy with my Little Eye" type of deck of cards
A Transponder to use on tollways and HOV lanes

5 Things in My Refrigerator:

Kafir Lime Leaves, big sprigs of Rosemary, fresh sage and basil
Vegetables we may or may not eat
Rockfish fillets waiting to be prepared tonight (eta: They were okay, nothing great)
Pink Lady apples
Lotsa Pickles

5 Things in My Purse:

Credit cards
2 Stamps
Receipt for Target to return any unused goodies from Oldest's party
Grocery store card
Medical ID card

We have a Yellow Belt in Residence!

Oldest has been taking TaeKwonDo since March. It's probably been the best thing imaginable for him - he is painfully shy, very quiet, a sweet boy. Sweet boys are great around the house, but don't fare so well in their peer group. Since he's a July baby (he will be SIX soon!), we felt well within our rights to have him wait to go to Kindergarten as a young six v. a Very Young Five. Then I found our TaeKwonDo place, and it has been heaven-sent for him.

Oldest worked himself into a bit of a lather worrying about the test ahead of time; I could cheerfully deliver a swift uppercut to his father for talking ad nauseum a few days ago about it being fine and normal if Oldest was nervous and upset about the test! And also, it would be perfectly fine if he didn't pass the test! IDIOT! Gee, thanks for putting that clever idea in the kid's head! Oldest immediately got eyes the size of luncheon plates and commenced fretting and worrying. He woke up this morning without a care in the world - only concern was what to choose for breakfast. Then, here comes Daddy, trotting downstairs after breakfast has been prepared, eaten and cleaned up, bidding cheerful good mornings and then loudly declaring "Hey! It's TaeKwonDo Testing Day!" Oldest immediately knitted his eyebrows together and started worrying. Lovely. It was 9 a.m. He had a full five hours to dwell on it. We practiced his creed, counting, what belt meant what, some other things I thought might crop up.

We got there a half hour early so Oldest could gallop off some steam. No other small fry arrived for 15 minutes, so it was Oldest with 20 BIG kids - like high school and college aged. He tried to make himself invisible. Master Kim worked with him a bit and that loosened him up. Then four other Little Dragons showed up (4-6) and they started tearing around like the devil was on their heels. Everyone Oh'd and Ah'd seeing these darling little guys zipping around in the uniforms. Rosy apple-red cheeks and gleaming pearly whites, giggles and shrieks. So Cute. And one of them was my Very Own. One of the youngest two there.

There were many black belts there. Four were judges, and were eventually seated at a long, draped table. Two Korean men, one anglo man and one anglo woman. Oldest's group was called first - 3 college students testing for yellow, and the two smallest students. They tested the group of 3 oldest first, and I was praying Oldest was watching them do their routines. It took longer and they did more than I dreamed they would! My heart started pounding and I started getting really nervous - YIKES! Oldest has severe anxiety during tests - and he didn't know the entire routine at practice. He is the only white belt during his practice, and there are yellow and purple belt routines to go over. Anyway, Oldest and the other little one were called up, and the other kid took off like a rocket with his routine - leaving Oldest looking lost and forlorn. They have more than a few near misses and start giggling. The crowd giggles with them. The other boy almost fell over backward and did a Speedy Gonzales backshuffle and Parker stopped to watch. They were both giggling. The crowd was laughing. The Lead Judge called a stop to the routines, and had the other child go first while Oldest was seated and waiting. I could see Oldest getting pretty flushed - the backs of his ears were magenta. I started feeling sick to my stomach! Great! I have turned into my worst fear - the mother who collapses and pisses herself during her child's presentations! Master Kim saw that Parker was losing it, so he offered some words of immediate encouragement, which I think backfired. Parker then lost all confidence and his routine flew out the window. He ended up doing parts of it alone, parts of it shadowing Master Kim. I am now dying for him - I just know this is going to cork his TKD career, which means so much to him. But then he has a burst of confidence, I see his dimples appear and then a big grin - he remembers what to do! He finishes nicely. His form is pretty darn good. His gives a big bow and his little feet practically twiddle in midair with joy! He Is DONE. He Did It. I suddenly hear the crowd again. They are ohing and ahing his performance. A dad leans over to me and says "That is the cutest kid I have ever seen." I realize I have tears in my eyes. They spill over. I leaned back into my chair and started breathing again. Then I sat straight up again - all 5 of them are now up by the judges, and they are holding up boards for the students to break! Their are two groups, 3 older students and the 2 young ones. The other boy went first, and took 2 tries to break his board. The crowd applauded. Then it is Oldest's turn. I started to sweat bullets - he hasn't done much of this, and never very successfully with the yellow practice boards. Oldest stared intently at his board, steps-behind-steps and WHACK! The board snapped in two. Oldest stared at it in amazement. The crowd breaks into tremendous appplause. The judges give him alot of praise. The grin on Oldest is dazzling; I swear his molars made an appearance.

They then line them up, and critique every performance. Oldest seems to have lost the ability to speak. They cannot find a report card for his last term, and he cannot seem to answer the question "What grade are you in?" The judge asks "Parents, what grade is he going into?" I warble "Kindergarten, Ma'am" and find my voice is two octaves higher than normal. I curse myself for not bringing in his 20-page Montessori report, then think of the trouble I had deciphering it, and reckon I did the correct thing by leaving it home. Later I find that they discuss every single student's report card or GPA, the significance of good attendance and excellent grades, the importance of balance in life, with emphasis on schooling. They ask Oldest "Who are your heros?" and he is silent. They ask an older student and he quips "My mom and dad, sir!" and they ask Oldest again. He say "My Mom and Dad?" and I felt him cringe. The judge says "YES!" and then asked "Why?" Silence again. The Judge reminded Oldest of all we do for him, and asks the other young student for his answers. Both little boys were told that they should love their fathers and mothers very much. And they were instructed to run and find us right then, and tell us how much they loved us! I was almost bawling at this point! The crowd went "AWWWW!" as the other boy and Oldest sped over and gave huge hugs and kisses.

I was mpressed that they gave many of the students difficult questions to answer; not only about the Korean flag, nation, meaning of different commands and creed, but "What would you do if another kid at school was taunting you, even pushing you, trying to get you to fight?" I was very impressed when the waiting-to-test students were brought up on a short leash when they burst out laughing at an older student's somersaulting fall (It was funny) and the lead Judge bellowed "Next one who laughs get 100 pushups! Next time laugh get sent outside. For rest of the day!" Not Another Laugh was Heard, but there was some choking. The higher belts (blue, red, brown) sparred at the end. I was open-mouth shocked at the amount of THONKS and THUDS (they were helmeted, padded on chest, legs and feet) and full contact they had.

I thought I was the Big Emotional Weirdo until I witnessed every single parent reacting as I did. One father hid bent over in his chair while his high school daughter did her routine. Every time he watched her, he giggled! The dad next to me audibly grunted and rose an inch or two off his seat during his son's routine, and stopped breathing altogether when his son was unable to break the board with more than 15 tries. His head was buried in his hands and he missed the shot of his son breaking the board. Everyone wildly applauded when that board snapped. I saw parents' lips moving in silent supplication, and saw more than a few tears - it wasn't Just Me.

Then there was the Belt Presentation. All the judges hugged or patted Oldest and his little chest was puffed out like a Capon. Other students hugged Oldest, too. The girls really hugged and patted him. I found his snapped board (they keep them - I didn't know that) and shoes while he was wrapping up. Then suddenly he was in my arms, and my heart burst.

And what was dh doing the entire time? Videoing and wrangling Youngest. Who was bored shitless and starting to misbehave. They ended up leaving and running a few errands. Youngest came back in and shrilly whispered "MOMMY! I HAVE A SPRITE!" which made me levitate about 3" off my chair. It was Dead Silent at that point. Then Master Kim's 18 month old son Daniel let out a shriek as he spotted Youngest (they are buddies - Youngest brings a portable DVD player and Daniel watches the train movies, too) so they were hustled back outside poste haste. It was actually a good tension breaker.

I am beat. We also went out to dinner and celebrated Oldest's victory. And Oldest got to call all the relatives and crow a bit. He was still sporting the Capon Look as he went to bed. He told me he loved me and said "This has been the Best Day Ever, Mommy!" I told him "For me too, my love." And I think it truly was.

Small-town parade - Most Excellent!

We beat a hot path out of here with breakfast bars to line up to watch our city's parade. It was great! Sports clubs, boy and girls clubs, politicians, companies, police/firemen and neighborhoods had floats or walked in the parade. The boys were ecstatic - candy and goody bags were tossed their way, and there was even a Shrek float, complete with steam hissing dragon and the donkey! There is also a pancake breakfast, but the one year we indulged in that breakfast we all suffered indigestion for hours - the pancakes spend more time in the air being flipped and tossed around, and they are therefore made to be tough enough to withstand the entertainment feature that they bring to the table, so to speak.

Did we get a single picture? NO! We had 5 minutes to get out the door and the cameras were forgotten.

Tonight? There are parties and many fireworks to choose from. Dh and oldest will participate. Youngest and I will have an early evening at home. He will have general anesthesia tomorrow to get dental work. I have to have him at Children's Hospital by 5:30 a.m. tomorrow - so no late night for us tonight.

Tomorrow? Will be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG day for youngest and me. Please keep a good thought for our sweet little one. Thanks.