Life's Calling

The other day I asked Nate what he would like to be when he grows up. His first response: a-duh-no.

So I rephrased it. If you could do one thing, starting tomorrow, for the rest of your life, what would it be? Second response: you know that guy that gets to test all the new sodas and soft drinks? I want to be that. I explained that would most likely include lots of sciences, certainly chemistry and math. Since those are his strong subjects in school we decided that would be a cool option for him to consider, but it may be hard to get a job doing that since there may be limited employers looking for that position.

Then I asked if there was anything else? Third answer: mass murderer. Unacceptable. Lots of giggles.

One more time. Anything else? Fourth choice: kindergarten teacher. Aha! Something I can work with. We talked about how he likes hanging out with the little kids when we are with our friends, that he likes teaching them stuff, and that it is (sometimes) cool to have them all follow him around. (Which is all true, our friends kids all follow Nate around like the Pied Piper. They all adore him, love playing with him, always ask if he'll be around. Some have even had dreams about hanging out with him.) We decided it might be fun to do some babysitting this summer to check it out (and earn some extra video game money). There will be more on that later...

Things went so well with Nate, I figured I'd ask Rex about his career choices. I know, I'm rushing things. High school, college, and the work force are much further along in his future but I thought his response would be interesting.

I was not disappointed. The response: A real whip killer. A what? Whip killer. Don't know about you, but I needed an explanation. Turns out, a whip killer is much like Indiana Jones. He is an explorer, however he only uses his whip to kill the bad guys. I knew it, very interesting.

Don't worry, I plan to check in with his choice in a few years.

Welcome Baby!

We are super excited to welcome the newest
member of our social circle!!
Isabella Jolie
was born this morning to our good friends Jenny & Karl.
We've heard the new mommy & baby are doing well so far.
We can't wait to meet her!

Daddy's Little Girl

Over the weekend I overheard a conversation between Lucy & Todd. He was explaining to her that one day I would tell her that he was unsure about her, that he didn't really think she was the best idea, and that when she hears that she needs to understand he knows he was wrong. He continued to explain to her that she was perfect in every way, truly awesome, and one of the best things he's ever done. Then he turned to me and said over the course of the last week he could physically feel himself being wrapped around her little finger.

You see, Todd was terrified of having a daughter. When the ultrasound revealed his greatest fear he was in shock for a bit. He loves the kids, but caring for a baby girl and raising a well rounded woman is like knowingly traveling into uncharted waters. Pirate infested uncharted waters.

When the shock wore off the double standards kicked in. Boys need tough names, girls need something pretty and feminine. Roughhousing is for the boys, the girl needs to be treated gently. She will have to have pretty hair. She can only wear Mary Janes. Where can we get her some cute tights?

Then she was born. Through the blood and the gore and the tears, he beamed with pride and satisfaction. He gave her the name I'd desperately fought Zoe for and held her before anyone else. That's when it started.

He loves the boys. He loves their running and tackling, baseball and hockey, video games and burning leaves. But she is different. She can erase a day worth of stress with one smile. Melt his heart with one giggle. She terrifies him and completes him with every little breath she takes.

So when she's older and she asks, I can honestly say he really didn't want her. Didn't want her teenage attitude, shapely body, eager boyfriends, expensive taste. But that the second she got here he decided all of that was a small price to pay for one little smirk that looks so much like his own.

My Dilemma

Last night while I was lounging peacefully on the verge of slumber Todd came to me and said 'It's about time I put the E in the E Family Chronicles'. I was not happy, figured it may or may not be an open threat, and screamed at him a bit for taking something I have come to love and trying to kill it before it consumes any more of my precious free time (also commonly known as my Todd time). However, I was too tired to get up and protest.

So I let it happen.

I woke up this morning terrified at what I might find. Much like his favorite author, Todd is very opinionated, cynical, suspicious. But he also carries with him that 'crystal heart', open to new things as long as they prove to be worthy. The trouble is you never quite know which way he is headed until it is too late.

So this morning I checked the blog immediately.

Am I happy with what I found? Not the Bigfoot photo, I can assure you of that. But I appreciate his virgin post because it was thoughtful. And I love the words of Christopher Moore. (After years of being force fed his blog and books, I admit I have grown to be a modest fan and appreciate his honesty and sense of humor.)

So now what do I do?

Do I delete it since he tempts me to? Do I encourage more posting like the 'anonymous' commenter? Do I change my passwords so it can never happen again? Do I thank him for a job well done?

Nope.

Today I am going to get a haircut, do some laundry, and maybe take the kids to the movies. Tonight I am going to hang out with some friends and drink some wine. I am going to let the blog work it's magic for me. I'll let the urge to write more fester inside him like any other disease would. Knowing one day it will consume him to the point he can't control it any longer. Knowing he loves reading and writing more than I do. Knowing he'll be back.

Unless, of course, the cynical Todd reads this first. Then I will apologize for this post. And change my passwords.

Puttin' th E in th E family chronicls

Without further ado, it's time that I owned up to the co-authorship that I'm credited with on this blog. Does Ky approve? No. Does Ky know that I changed the photo on the bottom of the page to the (in)famous Patterson Bigfoot photo? No. Would I have been a male blogger without Jarrin blazing the trail? No F'ing way. Do I care?...

I digress

As much as I'm sick of the term 'fortheblog' that my wife has recently picked up, I'm happy she's putting herself (and the rest of us) out there. Through this medium my mother is able to see pictures of her grandkids, hear about our antics, and (at least) 'get a seat toward the front' on our roller coaster ride. As opinioned as I may be, I always feel that someone has already said it better, and in this case it just happens to be my favorite author, Christopher Moore (whose new book 'Fool' will be released in early Feb).

Buy his books...or if you're one of Ky's cousins, just hope I draw your name next Xmas.

I watched the Inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. There were singers singing about freedom, and actors reading the words of great Americans from the past. And above it that great stone effigy of Lincoln scowling down like a great prophet who had delivered his message of freedom and was waiting to see how badly we’re going to fuck it up.

And I have to admit it, I got a little choked up.

And I thought,
Am I being cynical enough?

I thought,
Do I need to keep my guard up?

I thought,
Am I being suspicious enough?

I thought,
Will people think me a fool, if I’m earnest in my hope?

Then I realized, I wasn’t choked up
Because of the Rosa Parks story
Or the Lincoln quotes
Or the talk of a nation built on an idea.

I was choked up because I was tired.
Ever been that tired?
So tired you feel like you might weep?
I was tired of being lied to, and manipulated, and treated without respect,
Like I was some sort of moron.
I was tired of freedom and love of country being thrown in my face
Like ads for soap, in order to sell an unjust agenda.
I was tired of my patriotism being questioned because I had the audacity
To point out that I was being lied to.
By leaders who became avatars of cynicism, and doubt, and mistrust.
And yes, death.

I was exhausted.
And cynical.

Shouldn’t I be?

Because if I go into this new era,
With a heart clear of cynicism,
I could get hurt.
Disappointed.
I could look the fool.
I could get heartbroken.
Again.

Cynicism seems so attractive when compared to heartbreak.
You could be cool.
Heartless, but cool.

When I was talking about Death a lot.
I talked about how we may not all charge the machine gun nest
Or save the passengers from the freezing water
Or carry the child out of the burning building
But we would, we will, all face death
Maybe many times.
And how we behave at those times
Is the measure of our courage, of our character.

And so maybe now,
Like taking the chance to fall in love,
We face another one of those moments,
But instead of facing it one at a time
Small, trying moments, large in our little lives
We face this together.

We can be cynical. Hold back. Be safe.
We can be suspicious, and doubtful,
Or we can go forth openly, hopefully
Unguarded
With a heart
Clear of the cloud of cynicism.

A crystal heart.

And if I were still on speaking terms with God,
That’s what I’d pray for.
A crystal heart.
Clear in purpose,
Clear in righteousness
Clear in resolve
For us all.

And it might get broken.
And it will take courage to face that.
And it will hurt like a bitch if it does.

But then again,
Have you ever fallen in love?
Pure, sweet, illuminating, edifying love?
It makes us better than we could ever be.
Stronger, taller, kinder, more generous.
Tolerant, patient, and assured.
Better.

Should I be more cynical?

Should I be more suspicious?

Should I keep my guard up?

I think not.

To be right, to save face in retrospect, to live for the hope
Of profitable hindsight.
Is safe, and shallow and cowardly
And more likely to bring about a future darker than today.

No, I think I’ll go into this fresh American future
With a crystal heart.
Take the risk.

After all, you guys will all be there.
We’ll all be there.

Thanks for helping me think this through.

Happy Martin Luther King Day
Happy Inauguration

I hope you had the pleasure of reading this before the love of my life deletes it...

TEE

Love This...

Every winter the movie theater offers a cool (& cheap) movie festival for kids. It is usually pretty busy, but we go to the good ones anyway. Check out the line up here:

Frosty Flicks

Here We Go Again

Rex has been sick lately. He caught it from Nate, go figure. Nate had a cough, runny nose, was sleepy, maybe a low grade fever, for 3 days. Rex had a cough, runny nose, and fever too. For the first 2 days. Then the wheezing started, followed by gagging, a higher fever, nothing good.
When he woke up from his nap yesterday burning up, looking dazed, and talking gibberish (I eventually realized he was talking about his whip. Damn that Indiana Jones...) I called Todd frantic (something he says I do often, but I can only think of a few occasions: near the ends of the pregnancies and when the bird broke into the house*), got out the nebulizer and began to panic. I was terrified we were close to reliving last years horrid trip to the ER and hospital stay. Todd rushed home and I took Rex straight to the Dr. to check for possible breathing problems/pneumonia (again).
This is what we found out...Rex most likely has a slight form of asthma but we cannot make a clinical diagnosis until he is at least 7. Until then he will have to use a nebulizer every winter, December to March, to help keep his lungs strong and attempt to prevent any "real" problems. He has two treatments he will use, one when he's sick and one as a preventative measure.
Great.
He is doing fine now, but none of us are very excited about the treatment plan.

*In case you hadn't heard this one before...
Once when we were in Normal a bird flew into our house through a small crack next to the air conditioner. I freaked out and called Todd at work to come home and get it out of the house, while a little Nate laughed and an infant Rex screamed. The bird eventually flew out the front door, however Todd and his friends made fun of me for months. In fact, Todd still teases me about it now.

Already?

Let me start this post by saying I am not a vain person.

That said, I had a terrifying experience this morning. I went into the bathroom to wash my hands (lots of sickies around here lately, just being careful) and that's when I saw it. The dreaded gray hair.
I've been seeing a lot of them lately. During the pregnancy they started popping up like mad, I'd do a check every morning just to be sure more didn't sneak onto my head in the middle of the night. Then they kinda tapered off after the little girly got here. I assumed I was safe again.
But now it seems they are back. Springing up where I would least expect them: on my thirtysomething head.
Why? I wonder, thinking back to my mothers golden locks when I was a kid. My dad started sprouting them on his temples in his late 40's and that's still where they currently reside. They're both a little lighter these days, but they're both over 50!
Maybe it's the kids? I was warned by several family members (ok, my mom & Gigi) that the birth of my daughter would carry on our female tradition of teenage torture. Then there is Rex, I really don't think I need to say more there. And Nate is on the fast track to adolescence, complete with all areas of awkwardness.
Could it be Todd? I doubt it. He's been driving me crazy in the same ways for the last several years of my life. If it was him I'd be completely gray already. Maybe even bald.
Perhaps it's money? Christmas, hospital bills, new mouth to feed, old mouths to fix, a vacation I am desperately trying to convince Todd we can afford (and manage with Lucy). Our cash is going in lots of different directions these days and not nearly enough goes straight to my wallet. But it could be a lot worse, so we're grateful for what we do have. Guess I don't think it's that either.
I suppose it could be a million things or just the 1 I can't quite figure out right now. Maybe it's just how I was designed, to look like I'm 12 at 18 but go gray at 30.
Ah well, I've stressed about it long enough. Now I just need to get to Walgreens and purchase some of that stuff the chick from Square Pegs is always raving about.

A Rex Story

Once there was a boy named Rex. He was a very active boy, and because he liked to be on the move so much, it was very difficult to get him to sit still. He also really liked to watch movies. But when you are a very active boy sometimes you only like very active movies. According to Rex, unless it was an action movie, there is no reason to sit still and watch if you have already seen it before.
Well, one day Rex got sick. He was crabby and having trouble sleeping. He woke his mom up in the middle of the night and wanted to watch movies. Since his mom was a (really) good mom and she knew Rex pretty well, she knew he would not sit down for just any movie. She knew she had to find something that would keep Rex on the couch long enough to fall asleep.
This was a difficult task for Rex's mom. She knew he had watched all of the movies they owned lots of times. She also knew the ones he would want to watch again were not the ones she felt like watching again. So, she decided to get out some old Disney VHS tapes and show Rex some movies he had never seen before.
Rex's mom got out a handful of these tapes and let him pick from the stack, explaining a little about each one as he looked them over. Finally Rex chose one. It was called Bambi.
It turns out this movie had enough action in it to keep Rex watching. So much that he didn't fall asleep like his mom wanted. Instead he stayed up, watched the whole thing, and asked a bazillion questions about the film.
Turns out the "bad guys" in the movie are just normal guys hunting and being careless.
Turns out Rex is not a fan of hunting and being careless when it involves shooting someone's mom and setting an entire forest on fire.
Turns out Rex is not a big fan of Bambi because it has a different breed of action and violence.
Turns out Rex's mom is not as smart as she thinks she is sometimes.
Whoops.

Love This...

Browsing some of my fave sites and stumbled on this...a virtual craft show. Love it!!

Cafe Handmade

Inaugural Fever

I am not a huge fan of politics, but I love a good speech. Naturally I am captivated by Obama's eloquence and eager to hear how he embarks on his presidential journey.
So, today I am going to park myself in front of the TV and watch the inauguration of our 44th president. All the while, explaining it to Rex and trying to persuade him to going to DC instead of the Wilderness for our birthday getaway. (My cousin's April wedding is helping immensely with this fight as there are water slides there he can enjoy, those of course the main reason he is refusing to give up the Dells.) When Nate gets home from school I will pull it up on You Tube and have him watch it as well. (He already watched a few previous inaugural addresses on the history channel website this morning. Kennedy, Roosevelt, pretty good stuff.) I'll gab until Todd's ears fall off or he goes to You Tube himself. I'll sit with Harry & Lisa describing the details as long as they let me.
They are all aware this will happen, as it has for every speech Obama has given in the last year, a few by McCain, and most recently Bush's farewell address. I can't help it, so they have no choice but to deal with it as best they can.

I Have A Dream...

Todd would say that I am a predictable person. In many ways I would agree, especially if you so closely resided in the private spaces of my life as he has for the last 10+ years. If you don't know me that well I like to think I may appear to be a bit more elusive, spontaneous, adventurous. I like to promote the facade that I am less emotional, sentimental, and traditional than most people but as I grow older I realize that is more and more the better descriptor of my personality. I am the kind of person that wears my emotions on my sleeve, relishes in nostalgia, and tries to encourage a simple lifestyle. I have many ways of displaying and promoting these feelings and beliefs, but they are what drives me forward. Past. Present. Future. Every decision I make, every path I follow, I am always moving toward the goal of a meaningful existence for me and, perhaps more importantly, my children.
Having said that, it is important to say that I am a very passionate person. When I care about something I care about it intensely and try my best to nurture it properly and thoroughly. This can be a good or a bad quality, just depends on the issue at hand or the person you talk to. (Lucky for you all Todd usually nips the really bad ones in the bud pretty fast. Those 10 years have taught him to speak up and do so firmly when necessary.)
I am also a very unconventional parent. Sometimes people don't understand my parenting philosophies. Todd and I have been criticized for what our kids watch, how they act, and what they say. So what if my 4 year old watches Kill Bill or The Dark Knight? It's a movie, pure fiction. He still says please and thank you and goes out of the way to help others. Who cares that my kids run around, jump off furniture, scream and yell? They're kids, that's what kids do. They sit still in church and at restaurants, they are quiet at the Dr.'s office and at the movies. Is it really a big deal that my tween sometimes uses cuss words? He's 11, he's trying things out for himself. We have always taught him there is a time and a place for everything and that these words are not bad, but reserved for adults that can choose to use them properly.
So how in the world does all this rambling fit together?
I am genuinely moved by the progress of our nation. Like many others, I am captivated by the intentions of president elect Obama and I am hopeful that his words are sincere. I am proud to be alive during a time when a man, regardless of his actual heritage, can provide generations of children with the ability to dream and achieve things they never thought possible. I am eager to share this moment in history with my children so that they can one day look back and say they remember when it happened.
However, we did not begin this movement toward the future without first trudging Nate through the past. It is easy to tell your kids that this occasion is momentous, but how do you help them understand why? Well, we do it by watching and talking. By inviting Nate to watch Mississippi Burning with us and explaining why some scenes bring tears to my eyes. By promising to one day take him to stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where shivers run up your spine at the sheer thought of words spoken there and where your common profile reflects in the same pool as many men of greatness before you. By sitting with him while he watches and listens to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in their entirety. By answering his questions honestly.
Today is an anniversary, but also the end of one era and the beginning of another. We are all sitting on the verge of possible greatness, in a time of war and economic turmoil, at a crossroad between material wealth and personal happiness. Today I will sit back and listen to the dreams of one great motivator and tomorrow I will watch them come true for another. I will remind my children that though the world needs ditch diggers, it also needs people who care enough to do the digging others can't. Perhaps that is not how my critics would escort their children through this transition, but then again, I am not trying to raise conventional children.

Update

Ok, Peapod is awesome!! The guy came right to the door, dropped the stuff off and that was it. Grocery shopping done. Everything looks great, even the produce. Definitely recommend trying them out. (And if you do, let me know...we can both save $10 if I refer you to them!)

Updating my update...after referring Chelsey I found out that Peapod will only let you use 1 promo at a time. So, either the $20 first delivery coupon or the $10 refer-a-friend. I will not be upset in any way if you opt for the 20 bucks. Save the dough where you can!

Love This...

Just shopping on Amazon and came across part of this poem in a baby book (yes, darling child #3 does still need a baby journal before I forget all the cool details of her birth). Thought I'd share with you...

Some Time

Last night, my darling, as you slept,
I thought I heard you sigh,
And to your little crib I crept,
And watched a space thereby;
And then I stooped and kissed your brow,
For oh! I love you so--
You are too young to know it now,
But some time you shall know!

Some time when, in a darkened place
Where others come to weep,
Your eyes shall look upon a face
Calm in eternal sleep,
The voiceless lips, the wrinkled brow,
The patient smile shall show--
You are too young to know it now,
But some time you may know!

Look backward, then, into the years,
And see me here to-night--
See, O my darling! how my tears
Are falling as I write;
And feel once more upon your brow
The kiss of long ago--
You are too young to know it now,
But some time you shall know.

Eugene Field

Stupid Box = Smart Shopper

My feud with Wal Mart started a bit over a week ago and to Todd's disappointment I still have not gone back there. Nor do I intend to, even though he swears I will eventually give in. Ha, only if it were the last place left on the planet. (Which does give me a creepy feeling after watching Wall-E a few times as I feel they are the real life version the Buy-N-Large depicted in the movie.) We have not run out of food yet, but things are getting close enough that I now have to devise a back up plan that does not involve numerous trips down the street to get whatever item strikes my fancy at any given moment.
In some ways I am very grateful for the incompetent staff over there in Zion. I think they are providing me with an opportunity to become a more aware consumer, a smarter shopper, and a better saver. You see, I don't believe in New Years resolutions. Why mark that as the date to attempt to change how I navigate through my life? I'd rather utilize the opportunities that life presents me with whenever they appear. Who knows when the gates of sanity will open up and provide me with a clear picture of how to maneuver through the foggy days I often become comfortable with? Like now. Since I am going to be a bit inconvenienced when I shop anyway, I might as well make the most of it.
Here's my new plan of action...I clipped a few coupons from the Walgreens circular and since it is on my way to the grocery store I'm going to stop in and pick up some items they've got on sale. I've decided to do most of my shopping at Jewel and Target because they are right next to each other. I get the ads out of the paper, circle the sale stuff I need, and arm myself with an envelope full of coupons and a clear budget for the store written on the front. (Not a strict budget yet, but a guideline I'm really working on committing to.) I'm also going to try to get up to the Woodmans market in WI as often as I can. I know they have lots of local produce, not to mention they sell more Pactiv products than any other retailer we've seen around here and purchasing products manufactured by our source of livelihood is extremely important to Turbo.
I'm also going to try something new. Instead of loading the troops in the car in this awful weather I've decided to try Peapod (the grocery delivery service). I saw an ad on TV to take $20 off your first bill (promo code TV4 if you're interested) and that is enough incentive for me. They have a lot of organic stuff, plus local merchants, a way to browse only the sale items, and an area that tracks your previous shopping lists. Without millions of colorful boxes tempting me to purchase them it was really easy to stick to a list. My first bill, after the $20 coupon, was $62. AWESOME! (They're delivering Sunday, I'll let you know how satisfied I am then.)
I'm sure this just begs the question: why am I going to travel to several places and get stuff delivered if my goal is to be a smarter shopper? With our economy diving head first into the crapper and a new little tot in our family, I'd like to try to be a bit more money conscious so we can continue to enjoy the things we're used to. The way I've got everything mapped out with sales, coupons, and by going different places I'm estimating I will save $50-$75 this week alone. That's a lot of clams as far as I'm concerned. Thanks again Wal Mart!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It is C-O-L-D. So cold that when you open the door the entire house becomes chilly, stand near a window and you can feel the frigid air trying to squeeze through, go outside and your fingers are numb before you open the car door. So cold that our mailbox is frozen open, our sliding door fights against you trying to stay closed, that Otis comes back in when I call him. It is literally freezing outside.
It makes me think, while I am curled up on the couch wearing my fuzzy robe and clutching my hot cup of coffee, about how in August I welcomed the cool air September promised. How in October I longed for snow and sleds. That the first snow on Lucy's birth day was happily welcomed by my wishful eyes. I love the winter, the snow, the fun it promises. I just hate the bitter cold Chicagoland has to offer. The snow can't come alone, it must travel with below zero temps and my arch nemesis, the wind chill factor. I long for an area that has the perfect amount of snow for sledding and skiing, enough cold to freeze over a pond and make that morning cup of joe warm me and my hands to the perfect temperature. I want the sun to shimmer over our white lawn and provide warmth not just an illusion, I want to be able to complete a snowman without getting frostbite, I want to skate without wearing two pairs of socks.
Unfortunately, I chose to live in a seasonal area where this will never be possible. I am destine to yearn for winter in the sweltering days of August and dream about sunshine and swimming pools in January. Though I suppose I could trade in my snowshoes for sandals and move some place perpetually autumnal (by far my favorite of the Midwestern seasons) I could never do that to my children. Experiencing the wide range of Chicagoland weather builds character, it helps you appreciate mother nature, and it teaches you patience. Besides, our family is here and as desperate as I am to live in Fiji every winter I could never give up the holidays with our family, snow mountains in our yard, or Rumple Mintz in my hot cocoa.

My Search for a Boobie Buddy

Last year I wrote a nice long post about how I intend to walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in June. Well, I still do. But...I was wondering if anyone else would like to?
Before I register as a single participant I figured I'd consider the option of creating a team. Check out the Avon link for info and email/post a comment if you'd like to join me. And please pass on the idea to your friends & fam if you think they'd also be interested. I'd love to have a huge crew raising money to save some boobies!!!

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: Chicago 2009

Rex Rocket

Since I was just talking about crafting the other day I figured I should share my latest creation...the superhero cape.






I saw this on my fave crafting blog a while back, but since her pattern was very involved and I am lacking time I decided to put it on my "some day" list of projects. But Rex is at the superhero age now, and I became tired of tying his knitty blanket around his neck over and over and over (etc.) again that I caved and made a much simpler version out of felt (ha, far less sewing but still sturdy!!). He adores it and it was super cheap and just as easy. I think the hardest part was the stupid R on the back. He simply could not do the star or lightning bolt the pattern offered, so he & Todd decided an R with flames coming out of the tips would best represent his alter ego Rex Rocket. Obviously they were not doing the cutting and sewing...

Quality Time

I often have very hectic days. A single day always consists of caring for the new baby and trying to teach high strung Rex things to prepare him for kindergarten, plus housework duties (even though there are 4 adults here, with no job I draw the short straw on cleaning, cooking, and all that fun stuff) not to mention I usually suffer from some sort of sleep deprivation and bewilderingly move through such a day as confused as fellow robot Johnny 5. On very special days I add in a stressful trip to the store/dr./orthodontist where at least 1 of the kids is unhappy/tired/bored. By the time Todd gets home I am halfway through dinner prep, knee deep in crying/hungry/begging-for-help-with-homework children, and utterly exhausted.
Last night was no exception. I spent most of the day at home doing the usual: cleaning/feeding/teaching. I talked to my aunt for a bit on the phone (a skill I have perfected while carrying Lucy & attending to Rex). Then picked up Nate from school for an eye doc appointment that lasted way too long and made Lucy irritable & Rex extremely bored. When I got home everyone was starving, Lucy was screaming, and I had a gruesome headache. By the time Todd asked if I wanted to watch a movie (can you believe it? a real movie, not something animated!) we were both so tired we weren't sure if either of us would make it all the way through.
We sent the kids to bed and curled up on the couch. Halfway through Tropic Thunder Todd was sleeping. Within minutes so was I. So much for staying up late on a school night. Perhaps we will make it to the end of a late night movie someday. Perhaps one day when the dishes do themselves, dinner is catered, and the kids are out of the house. Ah...someday.

Craftastic

I love making things (pillows, cookies, dinner, blankets, shelves). I've been creating things using various methods for years (drawing, sewing, baking, building). I love taking something old and making something new out of it (skirt from thrift store mumu, old flower pots to needle holders, leftover pork into egg rolls). It is something that invariably runs down both sides of my family and I have graciously accepted the challenge to keep it alive.
Naturally, I also love finding new things to do and ideas to "borrow" from fellow crafters. I adore sites like Etsy, blogs like The Long Thread, and magazines like Real Simple. I am a huge fan of Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart. I am notorious for clipping ideas out of magazines, jotting notes during TV shows, and dissecting food at restaurants (this one occasionally drives Todd nuts when I am trying to pin point spices in a pasta or contents of a burrito while he just wants to eat dinner). I can be equally annoying at craft shows because I can do everything myself, not to mention I have a tendency to be a bit of a collector when I am gearing up for an anticipated project. Some of you may understand the rush I feel when I find something cool I can recreate, the thrill of a competed project, the joy in the success of a job well done or a meal worth eating. You may also understand the frustration in a failure, the overwhelming sense of anger in a waste of time, effort and money when things go less than well.
However it turns out, the fun for me is the creativity. I enjoy making things, be it a crafty gift, goofy book for the kids, costume for Halloween, blanket for a baby. I enjoy getting my hands dirty, burying myself in a pile of fabric, and spending hours pouring over recipes. I love teaching my kids to be proud of everything they apply time, energy, and passion into creating and I am proud that they are comfortable in the kitchen, with a crayon and blank piece of paper, snapping pictures with a camera. There are so many people struggling to find something they can do that brings them joy, thankfully I don't have that problem.

bah di di dah di dah

Todd came home from work last night telling me he had the most Ky-riffic radio commute ever. I laughed at this and responded by saying there is no way he could fill 45 minutes with music I would enjoy. And certainly not without popping in a cd. Then he began to list the songs he heard: Womanzier by Britney, Shake It by Metro Station, Whatever You Like by TI, Hot & Cold by Katy Perry. Touche. (By the way, if he'd have heard So What by Pink I think I would have lost it.)
My darling husband knows me better than myself sometimes. This is exactly how he is able to repeatedly point out my obsession with pop music. In fact, he usually helps me recognize my guilty pleasures long before I realize my affections toward them. (Sometimes, he even steers me toward one I may like...hmm, T.I.). However they make it to me (MTV award shows, crap radio, walking through the mall, the checker at Target) it does not take me long to get hooked on a catchy tune. It is a love affair I have happily kept alive for most of my life, endured relentless ridicule for, and enjoyed on numerous car rides. It began ages ago with Thriller and I do not foresee it ending any time soon. So next time you see me, rolling up at the stop light, singing Single Ladies at the top of my lungs with my Beyonce accompaniment, laugh all you want because I like it so much I don't care what anyone else thinks.

Keeping You Posted

I've had a few things going on today and figure I must share the contents of my day. "Why?" you may ask. The answer is simple...because I can.

1. Lucy saw the dermatologist for the second time today to discuss her spot. According to the Dr. Lucy is fine and I am a hypochondriac. Ok, so she didn't really say that but I'm pretty sure she thinks it. Either way, the spot is nothing to be concerned about from what she can tell and she has us back in 4 months instead of 2 like we originally discussed. (Proof she thinks I am a bit of a worrier.)

2. Took the kids for a walk at the mall to burn some baby fat. While there I happily raided a K B Toys that is going out of business for awesome things for the (I think) super cool goodie bags for the kiddos at my cousins wedding. They're pain is my profit, everything I got was 50-70% off! Then, I scored some cool picture books for $1 each at the Borders outlet. Love that. Needless to say, I also had a huge coffee at Starbucks that forced Rex to run alongside the stroller...

3. Received a call from the manager at Wal Mart. He half-heartedly apologized for my inconvenience the other day and reassured me that he hired more cashiers this week. I am going to be sure to note his enthusiasm and conflict resolution skills in the letter I'm planning to write to their corporate offices.

Hey Big Baby!

Lucy had her 2 month check up today!! She is doing great so far, weighing in at 10 lbs 12 oz. She is growing well by all accounts and we're enjoying every minute of it. She's super smiley and cooing nearly all of the time. It's so much fun!!
She has an appointment tomorrow at the dermatologist to look at her spot, we're hoping that will go just as well!

Big Box Boycott

Earlier today I needed to run to the store to pick up a few things for dinner. Since Todd is home sick I loaded up Lucy and we drove 4 miles down the road to Wal Mart, as we so often do because it is so darn cheap and close. We were shopping along fine, then she got crabby. I rushed through my shopping and got in line to check out. That's when it happened. 2 lanes open, staff worried about lunch and not customers, loads of people in line. Certainly a recipe for a very angry me (especially because Lucy was now nearing an all out rage). The other people in line with me were more helpful than the staff at Wal Mart...so I wrote them this little letter:

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to inform you if my grossly disappointing visit to your Zion, IL Super Center on 1/6/09. As has happened on numerous occasions before, there were insufficient registers open when I approached your check out lanes. On this visit, at the first lane I entered the checker put up her lane closed sign after another customer and I were already waiting in her lane. She informed us that she was going to be going on her lunch break and would not be taking any further customers. This closure left 2 remaining registers open in the store, with at least 4 customers each waiting in line. The other patron and I joined this line of now 8 people where we waited as the cashier was having some difficulty. During this time another Wal Mart employee approached the lanes, but rather than open another lane she began to discuss lunch break schedules with other employees that were in the area but not operating a register. While myself and 7 other customers waited in line, 4 of your store employees congregated at the cash lanes discussing breaks and calling other available employees to operate the registers, rather than do so themselves. It took 5 minutes, 3 store pages and a member of management to finally open another register. Within this time I very seriously considered leaving my $80 cart of groceries in the store to tend to my infant daughter who began crying during this debacle.Unfortunately, I did have items I needed to purchase and felt forced to wait while the staff made their lunch plans.

This is not the only incident where my family and I have encountered this sort of situation in this store. On several trips I have often felt I am sacrificing prompt and courteous service for the convenience and low prices. This trip, however, made the most impact on my choice to shop there because of the complete disregard for customer satisfaction. I live in an extended family household of 7 people where we spend an average of $200 per week on groceries and household items, most of which we purchase at this store. Though it may not create any sort of impact on your big-box establishment, I do not have any intention to shop at this or any other Wal Mart again. In fact I would rather drive 10 miles out of my way and pay double the price to be treated with courtesy just as I would rather devote my extra time informing my friends, neighbors and associates why I refuse to shop there than explain my dissatisfaction to a member of your management who does not appear to take it seriously.

I am not sure what your customer philosophy entails, but I do not believe the behavior I witnessed is in line with that of any successful business. I hope that you can convey at least that part of my message to your staff.

Sick Bay

Kids with two weeks off for winter break, a hubby with numerous vacation days to celebrate at home, and what do we get the first day back? Sick.
We aren't even sure where it came from, but it sounds suspiciously close to a bug a friend described this weekend that ravaged her family on Christmas. Todd certainly has it, so he has been banished to the basement. I'm pretty sure I've got it too, but I'm doing my best to fight it before I get to Todd status. Then there's the kiddos, all fine now but we'll see if they make it to the weekend illness free. We're certainly crossing our fingers...

Oops, I Did It Again...

I really hate to quote Ms. Spears, but there is nothing more fitting than her old standby for what happened to me last night...Bowling Night. Two margaritas at dinner + a beer and a half at bowling = me barfing in the car on the way home (I actually threw up in a box that minutes earlier housed a very cute outfit for Lucy from some well wishing friends). Damn it. I thought I was regaining some sort of tolerance to alcohol, but apparently I was very mistaken. Todd continues to list the goofy (and somewhat obnoxious) things I was doing (so far the list includes air guitar on the lanes & showing off a belly I am VERY self conscious about right now), not to mention he is blaming me and my shenanigans for provoking similar behavior in the other bowling wives. Double damn it.
With only months before a highly anticipated family wedding I really need to work on my behavior after a few drinks, unfortunately Todd has already claimed the next bowling night as his time to return the favor of becoming ridiculously drunk...to which I simply said if he can get there in less than 4 drinks like I did, he can have at it.

The (wo)Man Behind The Magic

I had a request from my MIL to include more photos of me on this blog. Seems with all of the photos posted I am lacking some of myself.
I feel I should do some explaining because I think I have good reasons for this...#1. I am nearly always the person taking pictures. Todd does sometimes, but usually I man the camera. #2. I have not been very eager to jump in front of the lens this past year. My chubby pregnant face and unrecognizable bod have made me a temporary photo hermit. (Truthfully, I am secretly hoping there are very few pics of the 2008 Ky floating around, just as I did in '04 &'97.) #3. I am the person obsessed with blogging. I have even been scolded by my hubby for grabbing the camera solely to capture the moment "for the blog."
So...now that you understand why I act merely as the messenger, I suppose I can share a few pics of the Christmas me (please read that as the unshowered, first-thing-in-the-morning me not necessarily posing for photos taken by my aunt and her blasted cell phone).

See, I told you...even when my camera broke I opted to use Rex's to continue to take pictures.

Lucy's Honey Bear uniform. Too bad the Bears didn't make the playoffs...maybe next year.

Ok, this one isn't me, but isn't she cute!!

Wii-ly Fun

My grandma bought our family a Nintendo Wii for Christmas. The gift tag said to the family, but us adults figured it would really be more for the kids than anyone else. Well, we were wrong. I have not had as much fun with a video game system since Sega released Sonic the Hedgehog when I was a starry eyed tween.
The grown ups in this house are caught in front of the TV far more often than the kiddos these days. Last night, Harry and Lisa opted to compete in games of golf and bowling rather than watch their usual evening worth of crap network television. (At one point I even heard them argue because my dad was cheating...amidst rants that the game is nothing like the real thing he said he did not want to lose to my mom again.) Todd and I are big fans of the Boom Blox game Nate got for Christmas (we even considered bringing it to a friends so the adults could play while the kids watched movies). Perhaps the most notable shift in gaming here is that my parents returned from a trip to the store with a new fishing game they could not wait to play. That is, after Nate showed them how to do it.
Then there is the coup de grace: the Wii Fit my mother and I called every Target in a 15 mile radius trying to find and traveled near light speed to pick up 1 of 4 available in the area. For $90 ($140 after we bought a few "accessories") we purchased fitness bliss. It weighs you, motivates you, and helps you work out while playing games. So much cooler than strenuous dvds and way cheaper than a gym membership. For 30 minutes a day I do yoga, strength training, and aerobics in my living room and get updates on my progress toward my weight goals. AWESOME.
Bottom line, if your kids want one (and you can scrape up the cash), get one. You won't regret it.


LuLu update: In case you were wondering...Lucy did end her potty struggle after 7 gag-worthy prunes and mostly before we got to our friends house. Granted she did need a new diaper before getting out of her car seat at the party, but we are still considering that a success. So, this is where I have to send a shout out to Todd's boss, Tina, for the prune recommendation. She seems to know a little about everything and has yet to fail us with her knowledge. I keep telling Todd to push her to try out for Jeopardy. I think she could be the one to make us forget about Ken Jennings...