Have To Laugh

Mommy, upon finding Morgan with a small hairclip in her mouth:
"Morgan, don't put that in your mouth! You could choke! What are you thinking?"

Morgan:
"Ummmm....I was thinking about picking my nose."

Sometimes I just have to laugh.

Post Christmas Post

Hope you all had a great Christmas. Ours was very nice. I'm getting so emotional in my old age. I can barely make it through the Christmas Eve service at church without getting choked up. So many different emotions were going on. I was happy because my mom is doing so much better and was able to come to church. (After having chemo just hours before - she's so strong!) I had been so afraid that she was not going to be able to enjoy Christmas this year. I haven't really gone into detail about it here, but long story short, her cancer has spread a bit and that kind of threw her into an emotional tailspin. She was struggling with anxiety for a few weeks and it was tough. I hate to see her so out of it like that. Anyway, I had been praying that she would be able to enjoy Christmas and I think she really did. So, I was emotional about that. Also, I have been going to SSBC since I was born and feel like it is really an extension of my family. Looking around at all the familiar faces and thinking about how much of my life has been spent in that sanctuary made me feel so blessed. And to have both of my kids and my husband with me made it extra special. And then there was the music. Can't make it through many songs without getting teary lately. Silent Night always gets me.
Christmas Morning was fun. I was able to get a smaller set of blocks and some accessories to go with it. The kids had fun opening their gifts and responded better than they did with their stockings. We try not to get too many gifts - one big gift, one smaller gift and a book. It's hard for me to stop myself, but I'm glad we do it that way. They are able to enjoy what they get. We had a nice time opening and then we had enough time for the kids to play with their blocks before we headed to my parents' house.
Mcloud Christmas was a little different this year. My mother gave us all an envelope of money to buy our own gifts and then she wrapped them and we all opened our gifts as usual. It was fun to see what we all picked out for ourselves. Here are the favorites from Grammie - Morgan got a Fur Real Kitty (which I think is a bit frightening) and Oliver got a jackhammer (which I think is a bit loud).After brunch and gifts we hung out for a while and then in the afternoon we had appetizers and did a wine tasting. Everyone brought a different wine (or two) and we sampled each kind. I don't think any of them really went with the buffalo chicken dip I was eating.
It was a little strange not going to my aunt's house and eating pasta, but I did enjoy not having to pack up the kids a million times and rush them out. It was a nice, low key family Christmas. How was yours?
Next up...ideas for keeping my kids busy in the next few days of no school and no work.

Snowed In

It has been snowing here since Friday afternoon. At first I was so excited about being cozy at home and watching the snow fall without having to go anywhere. Now it is Sunday and all I want to do is get out of this house!! Our wonderful apartment community has been plowing and shoveling the sidewalks constantly, BUT my van is completely trapped. The snow is as high as the top of the tires. We don't even have a shovel to get it out with. I'm not sure what we are going to do. We're supposed to get another storm today that may turn to rain, but may not. I hope we are able to dig out by this afternoon.
I've also found myself in a predicament with the kids' main Christmas gift. Boy, Christmas has sneaked right up on me. I have been planning on getting them a nice, big set of blocks. I also have been planning on splitting the cost with Joel's parents. But, we waited too long to call them and have not gotten that money yet. I was thinking I could easily go out to the store in Needham and get them, but now we are snowed in. I could have them shipped, but the shipping will be over $75!! Maybe Joel will be willing to take an adventure together today. I HATE driving in the snow.
Christmas excitement has started around here. We have adopted Joel's family tradition of opening one stocking gift each day leading up to Christmas. Yesterday was the first one. After the initial excitement of his coloring books, I asked Oliver if he liked them and he enthusiastically said "No, I don't think I do." I hope my other choices will be a little more exciting.

OK, I'm Here

Whew, what a busy day! Started out with church and my last sunday school class until after Christmas. We attempted to do an art project today! Big mistake with 17 children and a teeny tiny classroom. I was so frazzled by the time we were done. I feel terrible because one of the kids brought me a gift and I was so distracted that I forgot to open it AND to bring it home. Ooops! I'm a horrible teacher... I am looking forward to our lives settling down a bit so that I can really focus on Sunday School and the lessons that I am teaching. I'm tired of throwing something together on Saturday night.
After church, Joel and I headed over to the old apartment to do the final clean-out and getting rid of the last few things left behind. Gave the crib and high chair to my cousin who is expecting, gave some old toys and the changing table to Nikki and Lucas and ended up losing the battle to keep my mom's sewing machine and table that she gave me. It is old and a bit worn and, ok, I'll admit, ugly, but I use it and it was my mom's so I like it. But, Joel was pretty adamant about not wanting it in the apartment, so I tried to be a submissive wife. I'm kind of sad about it, but maybe I'll be able to get a newer model with more bells and whistles. For now, my mother has it back at her house. Not sure what its fate will be.
We also picked up the fish tank that we hadn't brought over yet. We were so undecided about what to do with it. We didn't really want to bring it to the new place. We're nervous about the carpet. The tank and stand are older and a little worn out too but a new one is out of the question financially at this point. Anyway, we were kind of hoping that after a week or so in the old apartment with no heat and no food that they would have gone to fishy heaven, but no such luck. So, we cleaned it off as best as we could and lugged it over here. At least the kids are excited.
I can't believe I have to make it through another week before Christmas break. I wish I had more time off before Christmas to get everything done. I feel so behind! We did get our tree up this weekend and that makes me feel good.
So, on the list for this week? Finish shopping for the gifts for our family from my mother (long story, I'll get to it later), call old landlords and pray that we get our security deposit in time for Christmas, buy wine for our Christmas day wine tasting - a new McLoud tradition, make gifts for girls at work, go to Oliver's Christmas show, buy groceries, finish unpacking... I'm tired already! But, on the bright side, I love the Christmas music and lights and festivities. I love the little traditions that we are making up as we go with our little family. And, I love my apartment, have I mentioned that?

Weighing My Options

I really want to blog. I also really want to sleep. I think the sleep is going to win tonight. I feel like I might be coming down with something. It's about time, I've been stressed for weeks. I've been waiting for sickness to strike! I do have so much to write about. My lack of preparation for Christmas, my inability to send out an e-mail Christmas card, my lovely new apartment all decked out for Christmas, my son's obsession with me having another baby (He thinks we're having one for Christmas. - Uh, no), my mom's cancer set-back and therefore also my lack of child care. I'll get to it soon!! Promise.

Pictures!

OK, here are some shots of the new apartment. More to come when we are all unpacked and set up. We are still so excited and every time I come home, I think "Is this really where I live?"

Kids' room enormous closet.

Living room/dining roomKids' Bedroom

New Digs

We're here! We are moved in, not totally unpacked and completely exhausted. AND...drum roll please...we can pick up the free, yes free, wireless internet from the main building. Woo Hoo!!! That means I am back to blogging. But for now, I must unpack. I will try to post pictures tonight.

A Post in Pictures

Old Kids On the Block

I got a surprise free ticket to see the New Kids on the Block Friday night. Back in the day, I was completely OBSESSED (ok, obsessed isn't even the word) with them, but now that they have reunited, I've been a bit skeptical. Would seeing them now ruin my 14 year old image of them? Would they be old and sweaty and forget the words to the songs? Would they try to reinvent themselves and forget all the old stuff completely? So, I wasn't that upset about not going and when I got the call on Friday afternoon, I almost said no. But, I thought if it was free I would have nothing to lose, right?

I went with a woman I know at church who was also a big fan and a girl who is a senior in high school and was 2 at the prime of NKOTB. It was her cousin who gave us the tickets. So, I was expecting just regular seats, since they were free, but we had a executive box!! Complete with private bathroom, stocked refrigerator, tv, leather arm chairs, etc. I might never be able to go to a concert as a normal person again. It was great! Natasha Bettingfield opened and she was pretty good. I was still sort of blah about the whole thing until they showed clips of old New Kids videos up on the big screen, then they got all sentimental and the screen said "15 years ago we said goodbye and walked away and now we're back" and then they came out on the stage and it was so exciting! It was like seeing old friends again! Their performance was great, they had a perfect mix of new stuff and old stuff, they danced just as well if not better than before and they were just as nostalgic I was about it. You could really tell they were having a good time.

All in all, it was a really fun night and I am so glad I went. Had I known it was going to be so fun, I would have made more of an effort to get tickets for me and my group of NKOTB fan friends. I feel like they are the only ones who truly understand my obsession. I did have fun with the people I went with, but sometimes, you just need your best buds. It was great to look out and see groups of women with their old NKOTB shirts on, singing along and having fun together just like we were all 14 again.

WOO HOO!!

We got picked for an apartment!!!!! YAY YAY YAY! Now, we just have to make it through the rest of the paperwork, criminal background check, credit check, etc. and then we are all set. Move in dates are set for December to January. I hope my brief stint as a bank robber doesn't impede our progress. I'll be holding my breath until we actually move in, I think. I can't believe it!
ps. Our landline phone is out of service, again. Thanks alot, Verizon! So, if you need us, call our cells.

My Hopes Are Officially Up

We recently applied for reduced rent housing at a new apartment/townhouse community in the town I grew up in. Since I work for the town and still have close relatives who live there, we qualified for the lottery. We would only have to pay about $100 more a month than what we are paying now and the apartments are so nice. Since it is a "community", there is a pool, playground and gym. AND, it is on the water. So, I have been thinking about it and praying about it and up until this week was somewhat guarded about it. But then, I went and looked at the floor plans on the website. I'm no longer neutral about the whole thing. I WANT TO LIVE THERE!! Every 2 bedroom has 2 bathrooms, there is a dishwasher (dear Lord, a dishwasher), washer/dryer and every apartment has a deck. The drawing is sometime around the end of the month. So, if you are a praying person, please pray that we get this apartment. And if we do not, please pray that I will be content with that.

Could You Pick Up That Piece of My Heart Right There?

My baby boy starts preschool next week. He'll be going to the school that Joel works at and that my sister teaches at. Two full days each week. He had his orientation ("orimatation" in Ollie- speak) this morning and seems pretty excited, though he has had his share of tears recently. The other night as I was putting him to bed, I brought up the subject of preschool and his little lip started to quiver as he was bravely trying to keep it together. He said, "I don't want to go to preschool because I am afraid I will not see you." So we talked about it how it will only be two days out of seven that he won't be able to see me all day and how much fun it will be and how Daddy and Annie will be there if he needs them. Then he said, and this is when my heart shattered into a million pieces, "But, I am afraid that there will be a mean kid in my class who will hit me or push me." At that point, I just wanted to gather him up in my arms and tell him he will never have to leave me and that I will never let a mean kid even breathe on him. Ever. But, then it was my turn to put on a brave face and explain to him that yes, there may be a mean kid in your class, and if something happens you need to use your words (man, how many times do I use that phrase every day?) and let the teacher know and try to be extra nice to the kid, etc. Meanwhile, I'm thinking that if any kid lays a finger on my boy, they will have to face the wrath of the Mama.
So, then I start to tell him that if he is really feeling nervous about going to school then we should pray about it and ask God to help him feel brave. This seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back. The tears really started flowing now, he was sobbing and said he didn't want to pray about it. He just doesn't want to go. So, in we went to Daddy because at this point I was about to start crying. He was a typical Daddy - very matter-of-fact and you'll-be-fine, with Oliver and with me.
Actually, this preschool thing is going to be more Joel's thing than mine. He went with him to orientation today since I had training for work, he'll be taking him in and getting him to my mom's afterschool AND he'll be there at school if Oliver needs anything. It's kind of hard for me to be so hands-off, but I think it is good for the boys to have a little bonding time.
Tuesday is the big first day - I'll try to blog and maybe put on some pictures if I can. This dial-up connection is super-slow, though, so no promises on the pictures.


Funny Oliver quote:

"Mommy, I love you. I love you EVEN when Mo-Mo (Morgan) poops in her underwear. I love you even when you are disappointed in someone."

Big Words

I worked at the extended school year program this summer in the preschool. We had children who need the extra structure of the classroom during the summer - all have IEP's and most receive some kind of services. Speech, OT, PT, etc. So, it hasn't been a breeze. I have enjoyed it, but it is a challenge. We have one student who is older for preschool - he's five, and he has some major anger issues. I often wonder how a young child like that can be so angry. We had come to expect his outbursts of "This is stupid!" "I hate this place!" Don't talk to me!", but last week he said some words that I have never even said. We were sitting at circle time and this child, we'll call him Mouth, was unhappy that he didn't get to sit next to his friend. When it came time for Mouth to do his job for the day, collecting nametags, he was uncooperative. So, one of the other aides got up and helped him to do it right. This just happened to be the teacher who sat in between Mouth and his friend, so he already had a grudge. He started yeling and called her a stupid, f-ing b-! TWO TIMES! We were shocked, none of us knew what to say. The head teacher handled it very well, removing him from the circle and giving him time to cool off before speaking to him. The rest of circle time went to pot after that, none of us knew where to go from there. I think the other kids realized this and we pretty much lost control. Our cutie-pie autisitc student got frustrasted and bit the same teacher that got called the lovely name. She had a rough day!
Thinking about the situation after the initial shock of it all, I realize that this poor kid is really a victim, not just a fresh-mouthed naughty boy. How could he know these words and the context they are used in if he has not seen it modeled in someone else? There were so many times that he showed his true, little boy self and it made me wonder where all the anger comes from? How can a kid who loves Spiderman and makes sure he sees every picture in the books we are reading, turn around and call someone such a vicious name?
Needless to say, I am glad our program is done for the summer. Though, I do kind of wish I had more time to spend with Mouth and show him that not all adults are angry and it is ok to have fun once in a while.

What's In A Name?

My boy is the most clever, hilarious thing I've ever met. Yesterday, he chose a stuffed animal out of the stuffed animal bucket to bring to bed with him. Apparently, Zebra is not cutting it anymore. So, he chose a orange striped kitty that he got at Build-a-bear a long time ago. He was asking me about where he got it and what its name was, etc. All the questions a 3-year old asks, and then some, including why his kitty does not have a bellybutton. I told him that the kitty does not really have a name yet, so he can name it if he would like to. He thought about this for a few minutes and said, "Hydrogen Peroxide". OH MY GOSH...I about died of laughter right there, I held it in and praised his choice of such a creative name. As he was falling asleep he was quietly crooning to the kitty, "Hydrogen Peroxide, goodnight. Hydrogen Peroxide, I love you." I had to leave the room and laugh and tell Joel about it. Where does he come up with this stuff?? He had a splinter earlier in the day and I cleaned it with some hydrogen peroxide so that is why it was fresh in his mind, I guess.
Tonight I had to hug and kiss Hydrogen Peroxide good night after Oliver got his kisses. I'll take some pictures when I can of Ollie and good old H.P.

Where's Joe?

So, I've started something new. I thought for sure after starting Peapod grocery delivery that I would NEVER go to the grocery store again, but the other day I was in the neighborhood of Trader Joe's and I tried it out. I think I am in love. At first, I didn't really like it - it seemed small, unorganized and without enough options. But, the food is good. Really good. After our second trip there, I think I am sold. I think I can either live without or make a seperate trip for the things that we cannot get there. Also, I thought it would be super expensive, but I've been spending less than at the supermarket. Oliver loves that he can stay in the cart while the lady pulls it through to scan the items and he gets a balloon and stickers. The first time we were there he did ask me where Joe was. Too cute. The only bad part, it is a pretty good hike from where we live. Is it worth it? We shall see.
Ollie was in the paper again this week. This time from the fireworks in Hingham. Of course he is never with me in these pictures. Can't seem to find the link now, but I'll put it on here if I find it.

Push Present?

OK, so it is super-late and I am just winding down from the fireworks and surfing the web a bit and I came across this article about Keith Urban's push present for Nicole Kidman. I wasn't aware that this was such a popular thing. Seems a bit much to me. I mean, I got flowers when Morgan was born and nothing (Other than a sweet bundle of love) when Ollie was born. But, major pieces of jewelry, I'm not sure how I feel about that. Yes, it is a lot of work and certainly worthy of mad amounts of bling, but isn't the gift of your baby enough? Maybe the gifts should be saved for mother's day?
Anyone ever get a puch present? What was it? What are your thoughts on the issue?


By the way, best quote of the day:
Oliver when talking to Grammie about seeing the fireworks from her house:
"Grammie, did you see the fire AND the works?"

Our New Favorite Thing

We went camping this week and I am happy to say it was a huge hit! Even though it was raining, no make that torrential downpouring, most of the time we were there. We went to a campground that I grew up going to, which was exciting for me to bring my own children there. We stayed in a little cabin since we were not too sure how the kids would do with the sleeping and such. Turned out to be a great move what with all the rain. I have to say, I am very proud of us for not letting the rain get us down. We loosened up and let the kids play in the rain and get muddy, we took the time to enjoy each other and to relax. No whining or stressing about what we were not able to do. The kids had a blast playing in the rain, of course. At one point Morgan was sitting in a puddle that was at least an inch deep. They loved it and even better, they slept great! The cabin had a double bed and a bunk bed, I thought for sure I would end up in the bunk with a kid or two and Joel would be sprawled out in the big bed alone, but they did great. Morgan fell asleep while I was reading to her and then Oliver climbed up on top and went to sleep without a fuss. They slept hard, both nights. It was great! Tuesday night, after the kids went to bed, Joel and I were even able to sit out by the fire for a while. The rain cleared up just in time for us to have that time. Joel liked doing the fire. He started one in the morning and tried to keep it going all day, even in the rain. He was drenched, but the fire was worth it.
I am so looking forward to the next time we go. We're thinking about maybe next month sometime. Anyone want to join us?
I want to post some pictures, but I think I will wait until I have a faster connection.

Oliver cooking his first hog dog. We made him promise to eat it...he ate one little tiny piece.

Fun on the bunk bed!

"Cleaning" the cabin.

Famous...sort of

Hey, check this out!
We did this Relay for Life last weekend. Cute picture, huh?

Superwoman

Ok, see those links to the right? I totally just did that all by myself without any help from the computer whiz (Joel). I'm so proud of myself right now. Of course it probably took me ten times longer than it would have had I asked for help, but sometimes I just want to do it myself.

Today was my first full day off and I really enjoyed it. Had a nice relaxed morning with the kids. I actually made a roadway with them out of Fun Foam. Spent a long time measuring and cutting out pieces. I even made a couple tunnels. Am I Mom-of-the-year or what? Yeah, they only played with it for a little while, then they were more interested in the little scraps that I left on the floor. Oh well, I tried.

The Peapod Man (grocery delivery) came, which always causes quite a stir. Oliver nearly pees his pants with excitement and Morgan spends the hour before he is scheduled to arrive asking me if he is going to ring the buzzer. She hates our door buzzer and climbs my leg every time it buzzes. The anticipation of it is almost more that she can bear. Then, when the truck pulls into the parking lot, they have to go out into the hallway and wait for him to come up the stairs. When he finally gets into the apartment Oliver has to describe everything in the apartment and everything we have done thus far this morning. "We have fishies. We made a road today. This is my pick-up truck."At which point the Peapod Man just smiles and nods...Oliver is hard to understand when he speaks normally, but when he is excited, forget it. Then, the unpacking begins. I think this is my favorite part. It's like a little bit of Christmas every time. No matter what it is that they find in the bags, they yell it out with joy. Bread! Napkins! Cheese! Oh the joy! Actually, they are rather helpful with the putting away. What with the delivery and the putting away, I hardly have to do anything. It's great...it really is a little Christmas every time.
After lunch, we headed out to an appointment and then to the playground. We had the whole park to ourselves which was great. Could this girl get any cuter?? After that, we made an impromptu trip to the Farmer's Market with our friend, Miss Jennifer. Bought some fresh asparagus which I ate ALL of tonight with dinner, as well as some zucchini and some snap peas. (Does it really make your pee smell funny? I guess I'll have to let you know.) We had an ice cream and enjoyed the afternoon. I guess I am glad that I am not home every day like this, because then it wouldn't seem so special.
So, I did all of this AND I am blogging, thus Superwoman.
Oh yeah, and...I made this cake a few weeks ago. Impressed?

2 More Days

Can school just be over now? I am so done and needing a break from the routine. Monday is the last day of school and then Tuesday and Wednesday we have clean up days. I don't mind those days so much - no kids, no problem. But, man, these kids are driving me nuts. (For once, I'm not referring to my own.) Here are some of the issues I have been dealing with recently:
1. Playing in the gym, I tell the kids to put all the balls in the middle. "C'mon guys, balls in the middle!" So, one of the second graders starts laughing and pointing at his nether-region saying, "Get it, balls in the middle?" SECOND GRADE!!! I don't think I would have gotten that joke in second grade.
2. I see two boys tackling each other on the Lego rug, so I run over there thinking they are fighting and one says that the other was poking him in the butt and he didn't like it, then a whole bunch of them say they are poking each other in the butt. Sometimes, I just want to look at them and say, "What are you thinking?" I often wonder if it is okay for me to just tell them to stop poking each other's butts or if I have to make a big huge deal out of it and talk about keeping your hands to your self and how butts are private, etc.
It's hard for me to keep a straight face most of the time. Like if a student tells me that another kid called him/her annoying or stinky, etc. I just want to say, "Well, are you?" Because honestly, most of the time the answer would be yes.
Oh kids...
Things on the homefront are fine. We were allegedly going to go to Chicago next week, but that got "postponed". I don't really think we'll ever go. Not that we don't want to, but it is nearly impossible to coordinate our schedules and money and children and cars and all that a road trip entails. I am trying to convince Joel to take us camping for a few days instead. I've been dying to take the kids camping. I think they would love it. I know I miss those camping days.

It is way past my bed time.

Catching Up

Ok, so I've been enjoying reading other blogs lately and have decided to get back on track with mine, though at this point, I probably am the only one who looks at it.
We've had a busy weekend. My niece graduated from high school on Saturday. Ok, why can I not get through one of those things without getting choked up? I can't figure it out. Mostly I am jealous of their new beginning. Looking up at those 30 or so kids in her class, I kept thinking about how they are about to start the most amazing journey of their lives. College and then the "real world". Life is never the same. At least it wasn't for me. College for me was a blast. I made some of my best friends, learned so much about myself and God and others and had tons of fun. I love where I am now, but sometimes I long for that new beginning of college again. The feeling that the good stuff is all about to come. It was so exciting. I feel like sitting Em down and saying "Enjoy every moment, remember everything, skip class sometimes so you can do fun things with your friends like play video games for an hour. Just don't let it pass you by so quickly - the real world is not all it's cracked up to be."
Speaking of the real world, 2 and 3 are killing me. It is a busy, crazy time. I am running in two different directions and giving double time outs and spankings. As soon as Ollie does something and I say no, Morgan is right on his heels to get in on it, too. Time outs are very effective with the boy, not so much with the girl. She trots right into her room, sits on the bed and waits patiently for me to come in and talk. Sometimes she even thumbs through a book while she's waiting. Then when I ask her why she has a time out, she replies with a big grin, "I did something naughty." Then we talk about it, she says sorry, kisses me and is on her merry way. A mere inconvenience in her 2 year old agenda. Oliver on the other hand, hates to be alone so a banishment to his room is a fate worse than death. He goes in kicking and screaming and once in there yells to us, "I don't want to be in here, somebody get me outta here. Mommmy, Dadddy, get me out." Oy.
I seem to have a new hobby, well as much of a hobby as a mother of two toddlers that works part time can have, cake making and decorating. I have found that I really love to do it. I made the kids' birthday cakes and then this weekend I made Emilee's grad cake. Caramel nougat cake with chocolate ganache frosting and fondant decorations. It came out great, if I do say so myself, and I had a really fun time doing it. I'll post pictures another time when I am not about to fall asleep at the computer.
So, I'm back. Let's hope I can keep it up.

Un-stinkin-believable

Stupid-jerk-numb nuts-car guy has again jerked us around and led us to believe he was going to pay us our money. We called today to set up an appointment and he called us back and said he doesn't have the money. UGH! We just talked to him YESTERDAY and things seemed all set. I'm so done with this guy. Now we have to take him to small claims court, which is another pain in the butt. Just give us our money, dude.

My Life in Snippets

So, life is busy with two toddlers and a job. I have been longing to sit down and write a funny, witty blog, but can't ever seem to get the time to just sit and write. At the moment kids are asleep, Joel's in the bath and things are fairly quiet. But, my brain is mush. So, you'll have to settle for snippets. Hey, at least it is something, right?

• Have been having a fiasco with a car that we bought and had to return due to the Lemon Law. The guy we are dealing with is a total moron (and I mean that quite literally) and it looks like we are going to have to take him to small claims court. He owes us $700 and he has the nerve to tell us that we are stressing him out. Meanwhile, I have had no car for over a month!
• Work is going well. By the time I get there, I feel like it is my time to relax, we have such busy mornings.
  
• Turned 31 AND celebrated five years of marriage. I'm old. Also, my babies will be 3 and 2 soon. Ollie's going to preschool in the fall. Did I mention that I am old?
• Got tested for the gene abnormality that my mom has that caused her cancer and the results were negative. That was a huge relief.
• My house is a complete disaster and trying to clean it is like shoveling the driveway in the middle of a blizzard, while it is still snowing. I just want to throw everything away.
  
• My children are complete geniuses and are hysterical also. I love them to bits and pieces. Planning for the big birthday bash has begun. More info to come on that.
  

Ok, I think that is about all I can handle right now. Anyone read this thing anymore?

It's All About MeMe

I was tagged by Alwen to do a meme. Sounds like fun, but may take some thought. Here are the rules: 1. List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know. 2. Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours. 3. Post the rules on your blog. 4. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. (I hope I can find 7 Blogs!!!) Ok here goes:
1. I am a super-fast reader. If I am really into a book, I can read the whole thing in a matter of days. It was much easier to do this pre-children, but even now I whip through them.

2. I secretly love country music. Used to laugh at people who liked it and even make fun of them - but now I find myself moved to tears by some of the songs I hear.

3. I love photography and wish I had the time and money (and talent) to make it more of a hobby .

4. Related to #1 - If I really like a book by a certain author, I feel compelled to read every book that author has written. Some authors I have done this with are: Amy Tan, Madeline L'Engle (haven't gotten through all of hers, yet!) and now I am working on Jody Picoult. A new find for me and she should keep me busy for a while. She has a lot of books.

5. Hmmm.... this is tough. Let's see... I discovered the other day while watching a movie that it gives me the heebie jeebies to watch someone shave or be shaved . We saw "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" yesterday and there is a scene in which a son shaves his elderly father and I literally had to turn my head away so I couldn't see it. Strange, I know.

6. Come on, I can think of 2 more. I love my kids' feet. I think they are the cutest.

7. I have an iPod finally, but I can never think of any music I want to put on it. Any suggestions?

OK, I'm done. How'd I do? Instead of tagging people, I'll let you tag yourselves. If you are reading this and you have the time and energy to do one, please do. Then let me know so I can read about how much more interesting you are than me.

Infestation

This week I encountered what could be considered a parent's nightmare: my children had lice. My children, the ones who don't go to school or daycare, completely infested with lice. My only guess is that they got it in the church nursery. I think Morgan has had it for a long time, because her bugs were big and had set up camp pretty comfortably in her hair. I noticed her itching a few days before, but I thought it was due to her dry scalp. Then, I was putting her hair up in a pony tail and noticed something moving. My stomach dropped. I checked Oliver and found only a few in his hair. Never have I wanted to shave everyone's heads, including my own, as much. Maybe that is why Britney Spears shaved her head. I bet Sean Preston and Jayden got lice. We had to take everything that was washable and wash it and anything that wasn't washable and put it in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. I'm STILL doing laundry. The treatment was a nightmare. Ever tried to get a 1 1/2 year old and 2 1/2 year old to sit still long enough to comb through every strand of hair?? I still feel itchy from it. I disturbed quite a few friends from Morgan's head. Yuck! I am just praying that we got it all and that it doesn't come back. I feel like a Mama monkey picking at all the bugs in their hair. Every time they are on my lap I am fingering through their hair. The quote of the day was from Oliver when I was combing through his hair. He was screaming and thrashing and he just yelled out "Oh Holy Moly!" It was hysterical.
So, we are making due with one stuffed animal each for a few weeks and limited time on Mommy's bed. Keep your fingers crossed for no more bugs! Off to do more laundry!