Goodbye 2008

So it's New Year's Eve, 2008.

Husband is working, all quiet in the house,
Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.
The kids are all sleeping, snug in their beds,
While we wait for celebratory gun fire to rattle our heads!
I'll be sleeping by midnight, completely sober.
And up by six a.m. and NOT hungover.
So maybe next year we'll go out and party
Have a drink for me, Happy New Year Everybody!

Yes, I'm aware I'm a dork.

But seriously, it's been a good year. We celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary, had a baby boy, got a new niece, found out of two other nieces on the way... Our family is growing. We tried to sell our home, gave up but will try again in 2009. We have become more organized and frugal than we have ever been. We are healthy and our kids are healthy.

I've made a few resolutions for the 2009 year:
1. I'd like to loose weight. (yeah, you saw that one coming I'm sure)
2. I'd like to become a more active person, physically and socially.
3. I'd like to find a way to contribute financially to my household.

And on a more somber note, this year we (Kirk and I) have resolved to create a plan. A will of sorts. We have 2 kids now and we need to think about what could and would happen if something were to happen to either or both of us. We're not going to get a lawyer and have official wills drawn up, but just write out our basic wishes and keep it somewhere safe. (By the way, for those of you who may ever need to find these documents, they will be in my file cabinet in the "Important Documents" file...) Also, if anyone wants our kids, now's the time to call dibs! Just kidding! Okay - enough of that.

So all in all, it's been a good year. And I'm thinking we will have an even better year in 2009. If anything, we won't have such high medical expenses (because we won't be having a baby in 2009). Hopefully we will have a larger place to call home by the end of the year. And if all goes well, we will have some more of our debt paid off. Kirk may be changing jobs, that will be good. The kids will be turning 3 and 1 (so we have a first birthday party to plan!). More cousins for the kids will be born - yeah babies! Logan will still be an only boy though, poor guy. And I might even think about quitting smoking... but don't hold your nicotine filled breath.

So Happy New Year Everyone - and Goodbye 2008!

Book Recomendations, Please

I need to read a book. I need to read something that will capture my interest pretty quickly so I can get into it... other wise I will end up reading about a page or two a week - and that's no good.

So please recommend a book for me to read - if you have any opinions on the topic. And if you have a book you think I should read and can actually lend me a copy that would be even better!

Ok - just thought I'd ask

I haven't...

I haven't done much since the holiday season started...

I haven't blogged much at all. I haven't had time. It seems every day (and night) I've had to plan for the next day. What to pack for the kids, where we're going, who's coming here, what time we have to leave, will there be a nap time... It's been busy. But not too bad. I had a fun holiday overall. But I'm tired. AND - one night Kirk sat up and actually read my blog (he never had before I guess) and informed me that he thought it was boring. I guess it is. So I got a little turned off from writing for about 2 weeks...

I haven't lost any weight... The apple pie I made on Christmas is gone. I ate the last of it tonight, thank you very much! Most of the Christmas candy and cookies are gone. There is a tiny bit of ham left and still a few twice baked potatoes in the fridge. And we still have ice cream... But tomorrow is my big day. I'm supposed to really start my weight loss program. And by program I mean to NOT eat like a big fat pig anymore and to try and work out three times a week. We have an exercise bike in the basement (along with a slew of other weight training machines that are not mine and look like I could hurt myself on). I plan to get down there on Mon, Wed, and Fridays... We'll see how it works out. Kirk is supposed to watch the kids by himself for a hour on each of those days. And already he has 'things to do' tomorrow morning which cuts into my agreed upon time... but we'll work it out.

I also haven't done much in the way of my picture taking lately. I should be working on my photography stuff, but I'm not. I'm tired. Once I finally get everyone to sleep I just want to sleep myself. But I've found myself strangely addicted to Lifetime and Hallmark movies the past few days. Geez, they sure know how to make a love story that somehow includes Santa! I usually hate that kind of crap... But I've seen about 4 of them since Christmas! What's up with that? I need to read a book.

I guess that's about all for now...

Tell Me...

...what to do with this project!

I got this yarn from my sister in law. I have five skeins of it! It's really colorful and very soft, like baby yarn. I started a square, because I had a hard time crocheting in rows with it because it was so soft. (Maybe I should try again now that I'm used to it) But I stopped my square because I have no plan. I could carry on with the square forever and make a large square blanket... I could make multiple squares and put them together for a variety of things like a blanket, a scarf or two or three, some sort of outfit for the kids... I don't know! Anyone have any ideas?

Here is the square I finished (and one skein of the yarn):


And here is a closer up version:

Progress and Dead Roses

So I was laying in bed last night thinking about how I don't really make much progress around the house. I keep trying to make schedules and lists and plans... they just don't seem to work. Life just keeps getting in the way. It's hard to try and function as a productive person with a baby. (For me at least.) I'm always running on tired. I never feel like I sleep enough or rest enough. And I have a great sleeper too! He sleeps through the night (from around 9pm to 6am). I guess it's just that they are both so young and need constant 'something' all day long. Somebody always needs food, a new diaper, to play, to read a book, to color, to cry for no reason, to be held... So I'm constantly on call from 6am or earlier until about 9pm... no breaks.

So anyway - back to no progress... I feel like my house should be cleaner. For those of you who know me well, I've always been a little messy. I've never been a good housekeeper. I've gotten so much better though. My high school bedroom looked like a laundry room. My college apartments were better because there were other people there to help and to answer to... but my bedroom always looked like the worst room in the place (when the door was actually left open). And my apartment with Kirk was total chaos! He claims to be cleanly - but no, he's sloppy too. And I should say that neither of us is dirty, things are clean underneath all the piles of stuff - we just don't pick up our stuff. And we both had so much stupid stuff! When we moved into a house we were able to throw out things and spread what was left throughout a house as opposed to a one bedroom studio apartment. But now we are in a small house - with 2 kids... and the room thing has taken it's toll. We have things that have no place to go even when the entire house is clean and tidy. Like our son! He doesn't even have a bedroom! So his stuff is in our room, crowding it... and in Nola's room, crowding it up too. We need more space.

I sure do ramble on... anyway... So I've made progress in the cleaning department... But I need to make more. And I need to start teaching my kids how to keep a clean house or I'm going to send two more of me's out into the world... and we don't need two more messy houses out there someday.

Dead Roses - I think my clippings are dead. I'm truly heartbroken! Really. So much work - well, waiting. And a few days of neglect and boom - dead roses! And my giant rose bush out front, the one they were clipped from, almost blew over and snapped in two the other night during our howling wind storm... I went out at 10pm and grabbed roses and twine and tied it back up and saved it just in time - and have many thorn pricks to show for it!

Bob Boyd

I'm not really sure who Bob Boyd is, other than he used to have a black trunk with his name painted on the side... I got it at a garage sale in late high school and put all my 'stuff' in it. Pictures, diaries, love letters, etc. I've always call the trunk Bob Boyd, cause that's it's name.

I joined Facebook last week and have now reconnected with all 4 of my best friends from gradeschool. I moved from TX to MO at 13 so it's been a long time since we've all seen each other. There were the five of us girls, most of the time broken down into groups of two or three, but always the same five girls. And not only have I found them, but other gradeschool classmates have found me too. Some I totally remember, others I have no clue who they are, or were.

So anyway - I've been doing a lot of remembering the past few days and I would love to look back at pictures from those days... But Bob Boyd has them all! And I'm not sure where exactly Bob Boyd is these days. My mom had him in her house for a long time... But then she and her ex got a storage unit for all their extra stuff and it might be there. They split up and I have no idea what happened to the contents of the storage unit. It may be in her current basement, I'm just not sure. But I would really like to find good ole Bob Boyd and take a look inside!

Sick Baby Update

Logan is still sick, but don't tell him! He seems like he doesn't even notice. I hear his chest and his voice and know he's still sick, but he's handling it like a pro!
I went out and bought a humidifier yesterday and the liquid Vicks stuff to put in the water... It seems to be helping him out a lot. Unfortunately my bedroom smells like an old men's locker room! Think Ben-Gay or Deep Heat. I hate that smell. But I can deal with it for Logan's sake.
So far, no fever and he's still sleeping good, so I'm really not to inconvenienced by his illness.... Is that a horrible thing to say or what!? But it's hard dealing with sick kids when they're super needy and there's another kid to deal with who's super hyper!
And also, so far I feel fine. I really hope this one passes me by. Right before Christmas and getting sick would SUCK!
So that's my sick-o update.

Sick Baby

Logan is sick. I hate having a sick kid. Really hate it! Not only do I just know the germs will soon pass themselves onto the rest of us and I can envision weeks of snot, fevers and coughing... but I hate to worry about him. And with Christmas coming and family coming in town to meet him for the first time... When they're a little older it gets a little easier... You can teach a toddler how to blow their nose, or clean their hands, or tell you if they really feel bad. But a 4 month old just sits there and swallows all the snot their body makes. No nose blowing, so it turns into congestion, sore throat and cough (which is what Logan currently has). I really hate sickness. I wouldn't say it gives me anxiety - but it's pretty close.

It's so sad, when he cried, his voice is hoarse! He can't even talk and he's loosing his voice. Poor little guy! So far he's not too cranky but I have a feeling he won't be letting me put him down much today. And Nola will just love that!

I will be calling his doctor when they open - and honestly, I hope they just tell me what to do instead of asking me to bring him in - I have a doctor's appointment this morning and then Kirk goes to work - so taking 2 kids to the doctor, one actually being sick - What a bunch of FUN!

Pics For Cayce

Above, cropped and turned, then brightened up (or saturated a little)
Below, just closer

Should be Sleeping!

The baby just went to sleep not too long ago and I should be doing the same... But I've been online now for about 45 min... reading blogs, searching Facebook - so addicted so quickly, damn Facebook! I should be working on my photography stuff... but now I'm blogging myself. Oh will I ever be sleepy tomorrow!

Here is a random list for ya:
Things You Can Do To Macaroni & Cheese
1. Add Peas
2. Add Tuna and Peas
3. Add Hotdogs, sliced
4. Add a can of Chili = ChiliMac
5. Add Chicken
6. Add Chicken and Broccoli
7. Add slices of cheese for X-tra cheesy mac

Good Night and Happy Macaroni Experimentation!

7 Random Things...

I have been tagged - thanks Lucy! - but will be tagging no further. Here are some random things about me:

1. When I can't fall asleep I do math. I think of some random situation that needs to be figured out and I just do the math until I fall asleep. Like, I give myself a large inheritance from a mystery dead relative - say $545, 000.00 - and I decide, dollar by dollar, what I would do with that money. Or I think more productively, like, if there are X amount of waking hours in a day and the baby sleeps for Y amount and eats Z times, how much formula does he eat in a day and how much will that cost for a day, a week, a month... and until he goes off formula and onto real milk...Yep, that was last week sometime.

2. I hate wearing colored clothes. Black. That's what color I like to wear. Not because I'm morbid, or just so goth or anything, I just like black. It suits me. (and jeans don't count)

3. I'm addicted to sunflower seeds. I eat them almost every day!

4. My car is super messy! You'd be really surprised to see how much crap is in my car! And I never clean it until I have to take it in somewhere to have it worked on...

5. I haven't read a book in over a year. Maybe longer. That's really sad to me. I love to read!

6. I've fallen in love with Big Love - the HBO series. I rented season one and two on Netflix and couldn't get enough. I was surprised how much I missed it once it was over. I don't even know when the next season comes out... and I miss Margie and Nikki and Barb.... some people have Soap Operas, I have rented HBO dramas. I just started the first season of 6 Feet Under to fill the void from Big Love... So far, I really like it.

7. I'm terrified to die. Not of death or of what will happen to me, that part it fine... It's what I will leave behind. I don't want people to have to feel grief on my behalf. It really worries me to think of people I love having to deal with my death. And not that I think I'm some kind of super superstar or anything, just that I know how it feels to loose someone really close and I don't want to make anyone else ever feel that way.... (was that one a little too sad, sorry)


So there you have it - I'm going to bed.....
Goodnight!

Blog or Burst

I haven't blogged in a while... I've felt like total crap for at least some part of the day for over a week now. Since the IUD was put in I've had cramps every day. Every day! And they aren't the ignorable kind either, they're the bend over in pain until the Prophens kick in kind. I know it's temporary (it damn well better be) until my body gets used to the 'device' but it sure does suck feeling like you've been on your period for almost 2 weeks!

And the baby has started NOT sleeping through the night. Which does wonders for my current attitude. He stays up later, wakes up earlier and wakes in the middle! Little A-Hole! I love him, but I wish I didn't see him so often in the night. And this morning he peed on me! It's been a very long time since I've been peed on....

Other than that, we had Thanksgiving... it was yummy and fun. We put up our Christmas tree a few days ago - the house is all a glow! But that's about all I put up this year. I don't have very many other decorations but what I do have is still in the box... There's just no room in here anymore with 2 kids, tons of kid crap and regular furniture and a small house. So the tree it is. I will hang our stockings at some point... when I figure out where to put them. Last year they hung from our glass block window (which is now covered by the TV thanks to some rearranging that I didn't agree with). I will have to buy some of those holiday hooks that stick and then release.

I have a date on Friday! Okay - so, no, it's not a date... I'm going shopping with Cayce without my kids! Kirk will be home and agreed to keep them both while I go to Target and spend my birthday gift cards. I already have my luxurious shopping list made: underware, formula, trash bags, a new bra, shoes... and hooks for the stockings. Ever so extravagant don't you think?

That's all for now....

IUD and MIA

Today was rough and long... I had my appointment this morning for my IUD to be put in - Mirena, like the commercials. It lasts for 5 years so if we decide to have another baby it will be a very deliberate decision. Because I will have to make an appointment to have the IUD removed. I can barely remember to brush my teeth every day, more less take a birth control pill... so this is a good choice for us. BUT - I had also planned on my marathon Thanksgiving cooking session today (after the appointment).

They told me to take 1000 milligrams of Ibioprophen before coming in, and I remembered this on the way to my appointment... oops. When they put it in it was like, "Oh! Ouch!, Oh, you're done... not too bad." But about 5 min into my drive home I started having cramps. And 20 min later when I got home I was in pain, really bad pain. So I took my 1000 mg of IBO and slept for about 15 min (which is a miricle in and of itself with 2 screaming kids). I spent the next 3 hours in pretty good pain. I called Cayce and cancelled coming over until later... then later... then until after naptime. I slept a little when the kids did and started to feel better. So I packed up all my stuff, food, kids, etc. and went over to Cayce's to cook.

It was a little chaotic, both of us cooking while the kids were running around and being crazy. Babies were crying and hungry on and off, and it was dinner time! But we got most of it done. I decided to do one of my dishes tomorrow morning instead and made an extra few pies for dessert... But I took NO pictures. I felt like crap, was super tired, there was no room to even put the camera down in the kitchen... So my pictures of the cook-fest will be MIA this year.

It's 9pm and all kids are sleeping, and I will be following them to bed in about 15 min. Tomorrow will be just as long, but hopefully less painful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! And to all a good feast!
(Maybe I will take some good food shots tomorrow of the finished products.)

Projects Update - November

• Loosing Weight - In Progress - No effort going into this these days... but I am still loosing a pound or two here and there... at least I'm not gaining them!

• Starting Roses from Clippings - In Progress - Still haven't put those suckers into real dirt yet - but I have new branches and leaves growing from the vase... I'm scared to kill it with dirt.
  
• 365 Project - 154/365 - In Progress - I'm still at least a week behind in photos and its getting worse... Holidays, doctor appointments... other projects... I'll catch up eventually
  
• Paying Off Debt - In Progress - well - this just isn't happening anymore. We obviously still pay our bills so technically we are paying off our debt, but my 3 year plan is out the window!
• Being 'Greener' - OnGoing - I bought a reusable grocery bag at Target... lame. I've started recycling all my formula can (even though half of them are on top of my fridge... I think I'm going to buy a composter for the kitchen... baby steps.
  
• Learning About my Camera - OnGoing - just taking pictures, no real effort here either. I need to take a photography class someday.

New Projects:

• ABC Photos - I'm trying to create a photo libraby of alphabet pictures. For my self and to give as gifts, and hopefully someday to sell. See this post to see what I'm talking about.
• De-cluttering my home - I need to get rid of things! I've become somewhat of a packrat! I think it's because I'm cheap (or frugal, or whatever you want to call it) but I have too much crap I will never use again! This will be a process! And I will need help!
• Potty Training! - oh the fun! It will be slow at first, but hopefully she will catch on and it won't be too hard.

And here's a picture - because posts are more fun with pictures:

American Idol - get ready!
And all you white toddler rappers,"Watch Out, Here I Pumm!"

SK Copycat - me!

I'm going to try and mimic - okay, just outright copy - the Smitten Kitchen Blog. I'm not going to go all foodie on you, but next week when it's super cooking time, I think I will try and get some good food photos of what I'm making (and I will include the recipes too).

Here's the menu:
Spinach Madeline
Sweet Potato Something or Another
Corn Mush
Sauteed Green Beans w/bacon & garlic
and for dessert...
Gingerbread Pumpkin Mini-Pies!

I will be partially cooking most of my menu at home on Tuesday, some at my sister's house on Tuesday as well. Then we are headed to my mother-in-law's for Thanksgiving on Wednesday where I will do the rest of my cooking (m-n-law is taking care of the turkey and stuffing).

So hopefully I will get some good pictures - or a least a good blog about it all!

"Stay Up Late"

Logan was 3 months old yesterday!
Here is a song we often sing to him...




And here is a picture of him in his "Little Red Suit" from yesterday...

Giant Babies!

The Jammie Twins!
Nola's jammies are a 3T - she just turned 2!
Logan is wearing 12 month sized jammies and he's only 3 months (almost)!
What is it with me and the giant sized babies!?
Look at that Chunk Monster!
And his super tall sister!
My kids will both look down on my by the time they're in Jr. High School.
Chunky Monkey better slow down or he's gonna be out of clothes!

Still Bored...

Still stuck in the house with nothing to do... except clean, which I'm way to bored to actually do! Here are a few highlights of my day:

Nola peed in the potty for the first time today - ever! Twice!

So, that's about it.

Pretty freaking exciting around here!
Maybe later she'll really brighten my day by pooping in the potty - Oh what a thing to look forward to. That's just how bored I am.

I'm Bored

So very bored.
Been in the house for days on end with nothing to do and no extra money to go spend.... No grocery shopping to be done... Laundry is mostly caught up... Meals are planned out... Thank You cards sent... Bills paid.... I'm Bored!

Husband is at work, two kids running around... family is all busy or sick... I'm Bored!

I finished a blanket and don't feel like jumping into another quite so soon... I have no good books to read (like I have time to read!)... I've taken pictures of just about everything interesting in my house, and most things not so interesting too... I'm Bored!

TV sucks on Saturdays, when it's actually my turn to watch something (aka not cartoon time), TV sucks most of the time really.... I can't watch my Netflix until after bedtime for the kiddos, and then I'm super tired... Geez! I'm Bored!

Did I mention that I'm bored?

The Kids

They were just cute today and I was super bored and took lots of pictures... here's a cute one!

Finished a Blanket!

I finished the blanket I'm making for my upcoming niece. My brother in law and his wife will be here for Thanksgiving so it's just in time!

Here it is:

Hello Ladies!

Nola wanted to say hello to my most frequent readers... okay, my only readers!

Hello Lucy




Hello Cayce

Birthday Cake

I asked Nola a few weeks ago what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday... She said she wanted a red cake with pink icing and purple flowers... and chocolate. I did the best I could.
Food coloring works wonders to make 2 year old wishes come true.

I started with the cake batter and added some red food coloring...



Almost an entire bottle... and I only got dark pink. But it was a pretty pink...


Then I worked on the icing. I started with regular white icing and added a few drops of the red food coloring


Mixed it together in hopes of light pink... you can't take back food coloring


And then came pink! Yeah!


So with my light pink icing and dark pink batter I started baking cakes...
Four round layers.


And many timers later and with a sturdy decorating hand... and the help of some Princess Shimmer Icing (that would be Snow White Silver, Belle Purple, Aurora Pink and Cinderella Blue) here's the cake I made!


There is no chocolate... but I don't think she'll remember her request at all anyway. Let's just hope it tastes good!

Two

She's two. Two whole years old. I still can't believe I have kids sometimes and it's been two years! Two years since I've worked outside the home, two years since I've slept in late, two years since I could truly be selfish. I've been a mom for two years. And like most families, mine has the wonderful tradition of getting to hear your birth story every year on your birthday. At least parts of it. So I guess I'd better start working on mine... Here is what I have off the top of my head:

About two years ago today I was enormously pregnant and overdue. I waited and waited to go into labor but it just never happened. I had a scheduled induction for November 5th at 8pm. We went to the hospital and by 9pm I was in a bed and gown, hooked up to IVs and on Pitocin. They told me I was 2cm dilated when I got there and having contractions (but I couldn't feel them). I think we watched TV for a while. By 10pm or so Kirk was asleep and the contractions had begun. I had my iPod and was listening away to soothing music, drifting in and out all night. By early morning I was in some real pain. My mom came up around 8 or 9am I think... I was definitely in pain by then. And I think I was somewhere around 3 or 4 cm at that point. A nurse came in and I asked when I was allowed to have an epidural. I wasn't begging or anything, I was still doing okay. I assumed it would be several hours before epidural time. She said I could have one whenever I wanted.... and with the next contraction I said okay, now.
After the epidural kicked in it was smooth sailing. Pain wise. But waiting sucked. The hours kept passing by but I wasn't making any real progress. My OB kept checking on me... and started mentioning the possibility of a c-section. I didn't want one. I really didn't want one. So we waited. They had me on this side and then that side, turning like a rotisserie chicken. I sat up, lied down, upped the Pitocin... and I only made it to 5 or 6 cm. Then in the 5 o'clock hour they had me turn over and get on my knees. I was basically on all fours but the bed was positioned so that I was able to lay my head on pillows. Then all of a sudden the machines in the room started to beep. One after the other... lots of beeping. The alarms were going off. My mom and sister and aunt were all there, and kirk of course (there may have been others, I honestly don't remember). The nurses came quickly in and said we were going to do a c-section. It was very rushed but didn't seem like that big of a deal. My mom looked scared... Kirk looked nervous... I was almost excited. Here we go!
They prepped me and Kirk and whisked me off to an OR. Kirk had to wait outside the room while they got me ready. I remember wheeling past my mom and sister on the way in. I think Mom was crying. When Kirk came in the room he asked if I was okay... I asked him if my mom and Cayce were okay... and if he was okay... We were all okay. And then I got scared. I started listening to some of the nurses and it finally hit me that we were in an operating room. And I was about to be cut open. And it was an emergency surgery. Emergency. My baby.... would she be okay? What was wrong with her? What the hell was taking so long? I desperately wanted to see my baby girl. To hear her cry.
When my OB came in I found out her heart rate had dropped and they needed to get her out fast. And they did. It was a blur of noises, smells, pulls and tugs. I was short of breath as they pushed my insides all over the place and then a whole lot of pressure and she was out. It didn't hurt... but it wasn't pleasant. And then the most glorious sound... the first cry. And I turned my groggy head to the side as they were rushing her over to the table and saw her. Nola. My little Nola. She was HUGE! And LOUD! A giant baby who's scream just wouldn't stop. I looked up at Kirk and asked if she was okay. He didn't know. He was holding my hand. I was terrified and tearing up. And then came the first sacrifice as a mother. I needed him to hold my hand and be with me... but I knew that she needed one of us with her. "Go. Go make sure she's okay." He looked down at me and I knew he didn't want to leave me there alone on the table. "Go. It's okay. "
I watched him across the room and tried to listen to what was going on. And it took everything I had inside of me to stay awake. My body and mind were shutting down and I needed to close my eyes... but I knew if I did I would be asleep and I needed to know that the baby was okay. Finally he came back and had her in his arms. She was just fine. Perfect. And then I cried, kissed her face, thought to myself that I couldn't believe something that big had been in my belly, and then fell asleep. I drifted in and out for the next hour or so... And then I was back in my room, people all around... chaos. I was tired, relieved, scared, confused, tired, tired and more tired! But she was born, she was healthy and I was okay.

Happy Birthday Dear Nola!
Happy Birthday Two You!

A Wonderful Speech

I stayed up way too late last night watching the outcome of the election... midnight! But Obama's speech was worth staying up for. Several times I had goose bumps or tears in my eyes... watching history is always worth being tired for the next day.
Every generation has their historical moments that they will always remember. Mine are when the Challenger space shuttle blew up (I was in grade school, we were watching it on TV), where I was on 9/11 (in my car on, the way to work, hearing it all on the radio and stopping in the middle of the highway like everyone else in shock), and voting for and watching the acceptance speech of the first black president of the United States of America.

Here are some excerpts of his speech that really got to me:

“It’s the answer that led those who’ve been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America.

“And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation’s next first lady Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the new White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother’s watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you’ve given me. I am grateful to them.

“There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage or pay their doctors’ bills or save enough for their child’s college education. There’s new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

“And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

“America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves — if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

“This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes, we can.

~President Obama

If you didn't see it, you should read it or watch it if you can...

Early Prediction

She's just too cute!

Election Day

This morning at 6:45 my husband went out to vote. Our polling place is a 2 min drive from our house and he was back by 8:00. Nola was upset that he was leaving the house so early. After he left she cried even harder because she wanted to go "on the Boat too..." So cute! I had to try and explain the Papa was going to Vote, not to a Boat... She still doesn't get it... But if you ask her who the president is her quick response is, "OH-Bama!" (If things go wrong today I'm going to have some explaining to do....)
When Kirk got back it was like a relay race - he walked up the front steps, handed me his keys and said, "Go now - there aren't any lines!" It was like I was passed the voting baton! I was on the phone and wasn't even wearing a bra - but off I went! I got off the phone first and had on a sweatshirt over my T-shirt (and did a quick, 'do I look okay' thing with the Mr.) but I was out the door by 8:05.
When I got there the lines were inside the school (I expected them to be around the block). I opted for a paper ballot because the lines for the touch screens were longer. I filled out all that I felt informed enough to vote on. Then I turned in my ballot for my shiny new sticker that tells the world I voted! No, I'm not going anywhere today but yes, I will have on my sticker. If the kids don't rip it off.
I feel good about voting and I can't wait to glue myself to the TV this evening to see what CHANGE is to come - hee hee hee.... (Drink one for me Pops!) I just can't belive this is the first time I've ever voted... shame shame on me!

In other news - Nola's birthday is Thursday! Wow - two years old....
And I'm in a good mood today so I'm not even going to weigh myself for Biggest Looser Tuesday... It will just piss me off. Maybe next week.
My rose clippings are totally growing! It's a gardening miracle!
Thats all I think....

GO VOTE!

Makeover Part Two (color)

I still haven't gone to get my hair re-cut (I want it shorter in the back due to a freak accident of pregnancy hormones that gave me curly hair in one back section of my head). But I did finally get around to coloring it. I went a very dark brown. Currently it almost looks black, and I'm okay with that - I like the color, even though I know it will fade a little more into a deep brown. So here is a picture of my new hair color:


This is me, trying to take my own picture in my bathroom mirror... note to self: clean bathroom mirror!

I hate the DMV

I had to renew my drivers license today so I could vote next week. My license still had my old address on it from 4 years ago as well as my maiden name from over 3 years ago... I have a year to renew it but I wasn't sure they would let me vote with all my info being incorrect.

So anyway, I went up to the DMV today, no kids, the husband watched them. It's the very small local branch and never busy. The room is divide by a single row of chairs, one side was labeled Drivers License and the other everything else. But everyone was in one line and the only 2 people working were on the 'everything else' side. So in line I got. I was about 4 people back, not too bad. As people came in they all got into the one line, which I was glad of since technically I needed to be on the other side, on which there was no working employee. Then the woman 2 ahead of me needed a drivers license renewal and the young blonde girl walked her over to the other side... Good, I was doing it the right way. Then another girl came into the building and walked over to the driver's license side... surely the clerk would correct this when the time came. She finished and there was one person in front of me. She said, "Next person in line please," and looked towards the line and not at the girl waiting (only person there NOT in line). But the girl stepped up anyway and the man in front of me said nothing... So I said, not too loudly, "She wasn't next..." No one cared.

The blonde clerk finished with the girl and then walked back over to the 'everything else' side to ask for the next in line, which was still the man in front of me. As he went up, the other clerk finished his customer and called for me. Finally! So I walk up and announce that I need my license renewed and he tells me I have to be on the other side! What! I told him that everyone had been in the same line... He was nice but explained to me that he couldn't leave the computer he was on and I'd have to wait for the blonde girl to finish and to go wait in the chairs... I hate the DMV!

So I go to sit in the chairs and wait for her to finish - and she makes no effort at all to acknowlegde me and my wait. And before she finishes up and big ole loud (on her cell phone) mean looking woman walks in and right up to the license counter. Surely, SURELY, this time the clerk girl will call on me first. NO! She walks over after her customer leaves and the woman just starts in before she even gets behind the counter... "I lost my license! I need you to just look something up for me! I don't have my this or that but you can just pull it up!" The girl just started helping her! FUCK! I don't think me or the clerk wanted to even try to correct this situation - but it's her job! She didn't. So I waited. For about 10 min. But I stood up right behind the woman so that no one else could get in line in front of me..... did I mention that I HATE the DMV?

Ok - so it's my turn. I tell her what I need, give her all my paper work, she starts to process my license... and her damn cell phone rings. It was loud, it was dance music, and it echoed throughout the whole building! And she answered it! Are there not rules in the work place? Do people have no manners anymore? Do I sound 75? Shit - she talked the whole time she was going through computer screens and inputing my information. I saw she was doing things wrong and didn't have my name correct but I just let her talk on the phone and didn't correct her. By the way, she's been married for a year, has a 2 month old, and is in trouble at her other job for being absent (but it shouldn't count because she was pregnant and had a doctors note). So when she finally got off the phone and told me she was finsihed I informed her that she had my name wrong and needed to correct it... She fussed like I should have told her before, and commented on how she would have to go back in and change it.... I said very politely, "I didn't want to interrupt your phone conversation." She shot me a look and told me to go stand in front of the blue screen for my picture.

Then the bitch didn't even give me a chance to fix my hair or smile or attempt to take a good picture, she just said, "Ok... there you go. It will be a few minutes, have a seat."

Luckly it turned out not so bad. But the moral of my story is that I HATE THE DMV!

What a Day!

Well - today has barely started and this is how it's starting out...
A big, fat fly in my coffee!



Actually it's not really that bad - Little One slept from 10:30pm to 6am... and so did I. So I just got another cup of coffee and here I am! Rested and Caffeinated. Good to go!

Boring Video

Here's a video from early this morning of Logan 'talking'. It's a little long and the lighting sucks... but if you want to see him smile and coo a little bit, have a look.

We Abandoned Him

Last night we needed to go to Toys R Us to buy Nola's birthday present... After a whole day of figuring out the best way to do this we went to Kirk's Mom's house. We stayed for a little bit and then left both kids (at her suggestion) and went to the toy store. I tried my best to get Kirk to hurry up... yeah right! It was a toy store! So after what seemed like forever were on our way back to his mom's house. He called her to see if there was anything we needed to pick up. I heard him say to her, "Are you okay? No? Okay, we'll hurry."

Apparently both kids were screaming! We were supposed to stop at the grocery store for her on the way back. I told Kirk to just drop me off and then he could go by himself to the store. She lives in a condo complex on the second floor... when I got out of the car and started up the stairs I could hear the screaming! Outside and a story down I could hear both my kids screaming! I ran up the stairs and into her door.

Nola ran to me, face red and blotchy, sobbing. I scooped her up and she quieted. But Logan was screaming still. Screaming! High pitched, repetitive screams. He was bright red and puffy faced from all the crying! I then realized that it was the first time we'd both ever been away from him. With Nola it was an event. I was worried and made lists, packed bags, left phone numbers of everywhere I would be, call a thousand times while I was gone.... This time I didn't even know it was his first time! Oh, the poor forgotten second child!

Eventually I got them both calm... and by eventually I mean 30 min! Logan fell asleep and Nola relaxed. I ordered pizza and Kirk returned from the store. Logan woke up from his little nap and was fine. He smiled and giggled and had a bottle. But then I wanted to eat too so I asked Kirk to take him. Well, Grandma offered and I gave him back to her. Instantly Logan started screaming again! This time there was no consoling him. He was crying and wailing and screaming. Kirk took him, nothing. Grandma took him back, nothing. I tried over and over to get him to stop crying, nothing. After a half an hour of non-stop screaming we were all a little freaked out. The loudest noise in the world is your own baby crying. I changed his diaper, took off all his clothes, checked his fingers and toes for hairs, checked him for a rash, examined him all the ways I could think of and nothing was wrong. I knew he was just freaked out.

But then it was suggested that we call the doctor. I said there was probably no need, he was just freaked out because we left him. But after more screaming and having no real answers I told Kirk to go ahead and call. And I know the number by heart but couldn't think of it. I sat there, holding a screaming baby, watching a 2 year old climbing up the side of the bed I had told her 3 times not to do because it was tall and she could fall and I couldn't make that phone number come into my brain! Of all the times to go blank! Then I remembered that I had their card in my wallet. After much discussion with the oncall nurse we decided to just take him home and see if his normal environment would calm him down... if not, the emergency room it would be.

We got home and he was fine, asleep... and slept until 6am! And today - a happy baby he be!

Note to parents and future parents: Don't leave your kids alone for the first time with someone without realizing it and being prepared. Don't leave your 2 year old with your 2 month old when your 2 year old is being a brat. Don't forget to tell Grandma how to make bottles, make them for her. Don't leave without having the babysitter at least hold the kid first... Don't assume because your 2 year old is fine with Grandma that your 2 month old will be A-Okay too.

Captured!

I found a good place to put the kids while I'm trying to get something done! Actually I put Logan in there (that's Nola's crib by the way) while I was doing laundry in her room and she wanted in too. So in she went! And off I went to grab the camera.

She's pretty funny these days when she wakes up... the other day she covered her face when I walked in to get her up from nap time (this was after she called for me) and said, "I'm still asleep! Go Away!" And this morning when I went in to get her she had peed through her diaper and told me she would just "Lay in my pee-pees a while." When she was ready to get up she said she would like to "go pee-pees in livin room now."

Oh, and it's Tuesday and I still haven't lost any weight. So I'm a looser. Boo Me. I'm not even going to post the regular stats - just know that I'm fat and bummed about it.

In other news...
I have about 10 squares started on my Starry Night blanket, will post more pics when it comes together more.
I still haven't finished my hair makeover... I am going to get it re-cut sometime soon and color it a very dark brown, will post pics of that if I ever get around to it.
I have to renew my drivers license before Nov. 4th because I'm a big old slacker and still have my old address and my maiden name on it! I've been married over 3 years! I just don't want to take any chances that I won't be able to vote. I will be lying about my weight to the License Bureau by the way.
Logan is laughing all the time now - it's really cute.

Off The Hook!

I've started crocheting again... the little one is 2 months old and starting to sleep through the night, therefor I am no longer a walking zombie who needs a nap everyday. I'm just not into stressing out about a not-so-clean house... so I have a free nap time and a free couple of hours to claim back as my own (after 8pm if I so choose to stay awake). And I've been feeling that nagging need to be crafty! It's Fall and the weather is getting cooler... cold actually... and what better hobby than one that keeps your lap warm while you work on it! So Blankets it is! Have Hook - Will Crochet!

I have been planning on making my brother and sister in law a baby blanket for my upcoming niece (in January) but I've been a super-slacker... well, I did have a baby. But I really lucked out. I found a blanket I had already started and already had plenty of yarn to finish! So now I'm working on that blanket. They found out they are having a girl but it's only about a 75% chance... I'm secretly (well openly) hoping she will pop out with boy parts! So green it is! I will probably put a pink border on it... and replace it with blue is she is really a he.

So here it is so far:
Blanket #1: Baby Gem

They are making fun of us for naming Logan after an X-man (Wolverine, aka Logan) and saying that they are naming their daughter-to-be after Gem and the Holograms....

I have also been inspired by a blanket on The Purl Bee blog - the Babbette Blanket. I want to do my own version... basically it's a bunch of granny squares in different sizes and colors put together to make a crazy-quilt type blanket... ala coat of many colors.... check out the right hand side of the Purl Bee blog under crochet projects if you wanna see some. Link over from my Blogs I Like section....

Here is my color pallet for this blanket. I think I will be using the blues and purples inside the squares and outlining and connecting them all in black. My vision is for it to look like stars...


And here are a few squares that I've started with all the balls of yarn again... The two on the right will not be included in the blanket... They were practice squares just to get back into the feel of granny squaring again... and they aren't right anyway. The one on the left is my first completed square.


And here is a close up of the very first square in
Blanket #2: Starry Night


I'm not too sure what I'm going to do with this blanket... I may put it up for sale on Etsy or something if it turns out good enough....

By the way - if anyone wants to commision a lovely crocheted blanket, scarf, hat, etc... let me know! I'm open for business and could use a part time job!

PumpkinLand!

As HelloCayce said, we went to PunpkinLand yesterday. It was cold and even though I sat and watch the dads play with the toddlers while babysitting a stroller, it was still fun. There were lots of things to do for the kids, and Nola was scared of most of them at first... like the baby cow, and the pigs, and the llama, and the hay, and the dirt, and the tunnels, and the slide, and the swings, and even the ponies... But she came around to each of them (well, not the baby cow or the llama) and had a ton of fun. Here are some photos for viewing pleasure:

The entrance sign with a burst of glorious sunlight shineing through to welcome us.


Logan in his pumpkin outfit - what a cutie!


Kirk and Nola going down the big slide


Nola riding on a toy tracter... not actually going anywhere!


Picking out her two punpkins...


And leaving to go home... new pumpkin in hand...

Man Child

Well - I noticed yesterday just how much of a boy Logan really is... Yes, I'm fully aware I gave birth to a male humanoid, but he just seems so boyish lately. Especially when dressed in macho clothes. (And when he whips it out and pees on me!)

Sometimes I just look at him and wonder where this gigantic, light haired, apple-headed, man-child came from! He looks like he belongs in our family yet he doesn't. I think I'm just so used to females, girl babies. I think he may grow up to be a line backer for the Bears. Oh Papa would be so proud!

Yesterday he was 8 weeks old. He started wearing #2 diapers for the first time, see - a big boy! And today (this morning) he really tricked me!
It was 5am. I heard him waking up (he sleeps in our room) so I hopped up and got dressed - he still didn't wake up all the way. I went to the bathroom, still stirring but not crying. So I made coffee and washed his bottle, still not up! SO I went out to smoke.... nothing.... Now I'm blogging and awake at 5:45 and that big old lump is still sleeping. I had almost 8 hours of sleep so I'm good, but I still would have gone back to bed if I wasn't already on coffee cup number two! Tricky little Man-Child!

Sugar & Spice

WARNING: Foul Language to Follow

There are two little girls, sisters, who moved in a few houses down from me. They are the cutest little things. I see them playing in their front yard, holding hands, running through the fallen leaves. I've been seriously tempted to get out my camera and try to secretly capture their adorableness. I would guess they are around 5 and 7 years old.

Today I was outside and I heard some yelling coming form down the street. I looked over and saw the two girls, Sugar & Spice, sitting on their steps. Then I heard what I thought was the word 'fuck'. Surely not! So I quieted myself down so I could listen... and here's what I heard:

"I'm gonna fuck you up! Fuck you up!"
"Fuck Fuck Fuck you up!"
Squealing and laughter for s second...
"Mother fucker! You motherfucker!"
More laughter...
"I'm gonna beat your ass! Beat your ass!"
They were running after each other at this point. I'm pretty sure it was only the older one who was cussing like a trucker. The younger one was the squealer.
"Fuck fuck fuck motherfucker, I'm gonna beat your ASS!"
Then the big one pushed the little one and the little one said, "Hey! You pushed me... I'm gonna tell Mom!" So that's what it takes to tattle, a push... Not the stream of profane threats on her ass.
So the older girl says, "I didn't mean tooo..... Don't tell Mom."
"Okay..."
And then, like it was business as usual, "Fuck You!" followed by peals of laughter.

I think I'm in shock... Now I will never let my kids play with them!

BL - BS

Well - it's Tuesday again... and I gained back another pound. What the hell people? Biggest Looser is taking on it's true meaning...

What a bunch of BS! Going up and down by a pound or two doesn't really mean much - just that I'm not loosing any weight! If I was thin and gained or lost a pound or two back and forth I wouldn't even care... but since I'm not thin... not even close, that pound is really pissing me off!

Some Cute Ones

So I have some really cute pictures to share (I sent them in the Shutterfly batch today if you get those). I just thought these particular ones were really cute. So, here you go - have a looksie:


He was sleeping and I posed him with our Olympic themed teddy bears. The big one on the right is Nagano (after the 1998 Winter Games) and the smaller one on the left is Beijing (after the 2008 Summer Games). I've had Nagano since 1998. He started out as mine and then was given to our old dog Budder... and then was abandoned in the basement and re-named Yucky Bear by Nola.... We've since washed him several times and are trying to reestablish his given name of Nagano. And the baby's cute too!



And here is our newest Bears Fan! That would be the Chicago Bears (DA BEARS!), not teddy bears. We have about 3-4 Bears outfits lined up for the season. I think he looks pretty darned cute in his cheerleading outfit (don't tell Kirk I said that!).



And last but not least, my cute little monster.... They were all laying on my bed and goofing off. I got a few really cute pictures and this is one of them.

So that's all tonight - everyone is asleep and I too will be shortly.
Goodnight All! (Oh - and I added quotes of the day to both my blogs - FUN!)


Edit: Due to Cayce's comment I have added the one with his eyes open...

When She Grows Up

Me: Hey, Nollie... What do you wanna be when you grow up?
Nola: Ummm.... How Bout...
Me: Like when Papa goes to work... What do you want to do when you go to work?
Nola: Work like Papa?
Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Nola (with a sudden understanding of the conversation and a proud look on her face): A soccer ball!
Me: A soccer ball?
Nola (again very sure of her answer): A soccer ball!
Me (laughing): You mean a soccer player?
Nola (angry): Soccer Ball!
Me: Ok! Okay... What should Logan be when he grows up?
Nola (again thinking...): A football!

Hair Isn't Heavy

So in my efforts to cheat at weight loss I thought maybe my hair would earn me a pound or two lost... Well, apparently hair barely registers on the fat scale. No change in poundage after the big cut. DAMN! You see, I'm still trying to will away the weight... Haven't quite found it within myself to actually DO anything in my own favor.
Soon... Soon... soon...
Next week?
Today is Friday - why bother starting something new on a Friday? hee hee hee...
Well, because my Fridays are no different than my Mondays... or Thursdays... or Saturdays....!!!!!!!

I'm just lazy... Hence the fat!
I haven't even stuck to my plan of increasing my water intake... I'm just so tired all the time I drink coffee all day! I'm drinking coffee now! And somehow I seem to keep finding myself eating fast food. I'm not even buying it! People keep buying my lunch or dinner and it's fast food! It's hard to say no to free food of any kind... Especially when you're an overweight person who LOVES food!

OK. Here we go. Today. On a Friday, I will start something! Water. I have already had 2 glasses of water today... I will force myself to drink 6 more by bedtime... (I just chugged my coffee and went to get a glass of water - #3) Starting Monday I will add something else to my daily routine... maybe even exercise! And I will try and lay off the Fast food - even if its free.

Logan Learned to Talk!

Logan is a genius! And he really has something to say!

Makeover - Part One (Cut)

So I did it! I cut my hair!
Here are some before and after pictures.

My Long PonyTail



My Hair Down (right before I left for the salon)



Holding the two ponytails they cut from my head! Two! I have so much thick hair I'm really glad they separated it into two donations...


Me at home after (my mom takes bad pictures - she forgets to tell me that you can barely see my hair in the photo!)


I just took this one - It's late (well, dark) and I'm not good at taking my own picture - I look like a ghost! But you can see my hair a little better. I will have Kirk take some more tomorrow when it's daytime.

So YEAH! I feel good about it... although there is one problem with the new hair... After having Nola my hormones decided to play tricks on me and mess with my hair growth. I now have a wavy patch in the back of my head. I have always had straight straight hair until after I was pregnant! (Look back at the before picture with my hair down and you can see the wavy patch.) So now, with a short hair do the waves might be a problem... I haven't had time to really check it out and see the damage... but I have a feeling I may have to (and kindof want to anyway) cut the back a few inches shorter.

So this is part one of my own personal makeover. I wanted to color it too but they use such heavy shampoo and conditioner at the salon that I think I need to wait until at least tomorrow. So that will be Part Two... Color!

Gonna Do It (I think...)

So.... I think I'm ready to cut my hair off again. When I was around 5 months pregnant with Nola (mid 2006) I went and had my long hair chopped off. I donated it to Locks of Love. I think I donated about 16 inches. It felt really good to do that. All the donated hair goes to children with medical reasons for hair loss to make wigs... what better reason to cut your hair?

So here we are again - me, with hair down to my ass and no time to do anything with it but put it back into a ponytail. I think I'm ready for a change... And not the "I'm a mommy now so I will get a generic short and easy hairdo" I want a funky cool hairdo that feels more like me. I will most likely be changing my hair color as well. Probably more than once, maybe two colors at once - who knows, I'm feeling crazy! But it will be different. I'm thinking that I will cut it just above collar length in the back and have the sides (front) come down a few inches longer. I do still need some of it to fit into a ponytail for my own sanity. Color... hmmm... I'm thinking something funky in that department too... Hey, I don't have a job - no one to answer to but my husband and the crazier the better as far as he's concerned.... which brings me to my next bit of news....

I'm getting my nose pierced. Stop right there and don't bother telling me you don't think that it's a good idea... I've thought it through for some time, and I'm doing it. So who cares... if it looks stupid, I'll make that call and then just take it out. But I think I'll like it.

Who knows when all this will take place... I found a salon that does free haircuts for the donation and they say I can walk in whenever.... But maybe the next time you see me I will be a different person... Well, not you Cayce because I'm coming over in a few hours....

Bonus - maybe my hair weighs a few pounds and I can 'cheat' in my weight loss!
Oh... here are my stats on me being a big ole looser:
This weeks pounds lost: 02 (gained!)
Total pounds lost: 24
Weight loss goal: 70
Pounds to go: 46

Pissed Off!

Ok - so I have 3 reasons why I'm pissed....

One - I started growing tomato plants from seeds (back in the spring with the girls when I had them both during the day). My plants were doing ok - but they never ended up doing good. In fact I got NO tomatoes at all! I had so many little seedlings that I gave some to my sister and my mom... I even plucked a few out of my garden later and shoved into an old pot full of dirt that used to be our ashtray. My plants did nothing, stopped growing and died. The ones beside the house that I NEVER checked on (in the old ashtray) grew up really big and tall but never gave a tomato. My sister looked good too, not sure if she got a tomato out of the deal either though. I've heard from several people that growing tomatoes from seed is almost impossible so I considered my meager accomplishment worthwhile... Until I went to my mom's house yesterday and saw this:

Yep - those are my seedlings... and that's around 6 feet tall or more! And she had a plate full of tomatoes in her kitchen! Those are MY tomatoes! I'm pissed!

Two - I weighed myself this morning and have GAINED 3 pounds since last week! What the hell? Technically I'm not counting today as my official weight, Tuesdays are my weigh in days... but I bet there will be a gain and not a loss on tomorrow's post! Super Pissed!

And Three - I was changing Logan's diaper yesterday after a marathon poop session... (he has had troubles in the pooping department so when he does go you have to just be patient and wait it all out... and have lots of wipes on hand). So he was laying there, no diaper on because I wasn't sure if he was finished yet (I've learned that if you put the new diaper on too soon during his poop sessions then you are just wasting diapers). I was talking to and looking up at Nola across the room when all of a sudden I felt the odd sensation... I was soaked! I've had pee trickle on me from him, or shoot out and hit the changing pad, but never like this... I think he whipped out a fire hose when I wasn't looking! And since I had my camera sitting right there, I decided to take a picture of my newly decorated jeans! I was Pissed ON!


Hopefully today is a better day - ha ha ha!

A Day at the Park

Yesterday we went to the park with the kids and my sister and her family. It was beautiful weather and we had lots of fun. Here are a few pictures... and some Photoshop fun.


Allyson & Nola sliding together



Nola sliding alone, "I did it!"



And a rare picture of me and the Mr. ... taken by Cayce.
Now that things have calmed down somewhat (as far as new baby crap goes) it's a shame the weather will be cooling off so quickly. The older kids can take it but it's not as much fun to take a newborn out into the crisp air too often or too long. This is the same park that we had Nola's first birthday party in. It's a beautiful park. I'm sure we will spend more time there in the future.

Registered

As much as I bitch about things it's a surprise, especially to me, that I am not registered to vote. Well, I wasn't - until today! I have no hopes of venturing out to register with 2 kids under 2... but I registered online and mailed out my forms (I had 6 days until the cutoff) today.... GO ME!
I complained and complained and finally convinced my husband to get registered... and he did, and I never got around to it. He voted in the primaries and is convinced that his one vote (oh, and his brothers) swayed the outcome in our favor... He's cute. I feel guilty that I didn't vote in the primaries, but like I said, things worked out the way I would have voted anyway.
BUT - as I sit here listening to the Vice Presidential debate that's taking place right here in town I know I must go out and vote in November. I've never voted before (a shameful fact I'm not proud of) so it will be interesting. I'm so glad I got registered in time. This will be a history making election, which ever way it goes: a woman as Vice President or a black person as the President...
It's about time I got registered to vote! Have you? You should!

6 weeks old!

So, Logan was 6 weeks old yesterday! And he's getting so big! I don't have too much to say - but here are some pictures of Logan and Molly from today.


Hangin out outside, getting to know one another...


Logan-Boo: Baby blue eyes


Good Golly Miss Molly - that's a whole lotta hat goin on!


Does he look giant sized or what? Next to tiny girl!


He thinks his new cousin is so funny! "Smell my armpit baby!"