There was some strange statistic out when I was in high school that there is a pause in conversation about every seven minutes. The problem is getting past that pause and continuing the conversation.
Well, I don't think that statistic really applied last night. We had some friends come over and we usually play games, but last night, we just sat on the sofa and talked. And talked. And talked. And, apparently, talked some more.
The wife finally mentions that they should probably get going. It was a pause in conversation and it was starting to get late. Someone asked what time it was anyway, and Eric replied, "Oh, it's just 3:45." Not believing him, we all questioned him again. Sure enough, it was nearly 4 o'clock...in the morning!! I really thought it was probably close to midnight or just past, which is a late night for us. NO!! We sat and talked with this couple for 7 straight hours!!
I hope they don't feel like we kidnapped them last night, but it was so fun and interesting to talk to them and get to know them even better. Instead of a pause every 7 minutes, we didn't really have one for 7 hours. Quite a bit of difference on that statistic, don't you think??
27 August 2010
18 August 2010
Honor
In a fast-paced world, rushing to this and that, it's usually a frustration when cars slow down and there's a back-up. Not today. Going home on 247, three lanes of traffic were backed up. I couldn't see why, but I noticed there were no cars racing ahead. I took my turn-off and continued to follow the slow-paced traffic.
Funeral.
I get really choked up about funeral processions. It's not about the person who has died. He/she is in good hands. I feel sad for those who now have a hole in their lives, but am more choked up by the way complete strangers stop to give one moment of honor to someone they never knew.
I felt such joy in the fact that every single car that came in view of the funeral procession stopped. There isn't much in this society that can do that, but a funeral is one. And, I'm not talking about a two-laned road, either. This is a busy thorough-fare and everyone stopped.
I have to say that I am happy to be an American and to share in this tradition of honoring the dead and those who are mourning that loss. Thank you, the unknown citizens who shared respect for this unknown individual.
Funeral.
I get really choked up about funeral processions. It's not about the person who has died. He/she is in good hands. I feel sad for those who now have a hole in their lives, but am more choked up by the way complete strangers stop to give one moment of honor to someone they never knew.
I felt such joy in the fact that every single car that came in view of the funeral procession stopped. There isn't much in this society that can do that, but a funeral is one. And, I'm not talking about a two-laned road, either. This is a busy thorough-fare and everyone stopped.
I have to say that I am happy to be an American and to share in this tradition of honoring the dead and those who are mourning that loss. Thank you, the unknown citizens who shared respect for this unknown individual.
16 August 2010
Why I Hate Dora Cake
Sure, "hate" is a strong word, but I really am so incredibly frustrated...and, the beat is better than "dislike" for all of you poetry lovers out there.
My girls went to a birthday party this weekend and the theme was DORA!! YEA!!! Only, Gianna came home with icing all over her little dress. BUT, at least they had fun, right? Okay, I'll give you that one, but the fallout for the next two days is something else.
Well, the next day I had my first near-fainting experience as a mother. During choir practice someone needed a diaper change. I peeked in Gianna's diaper to verify it was her (I'm not too much a fan of taking a whiff). What I saw there made my knees go weak. It looked like blood. So, I grabbed a friend and rushed to the bathroom to change her diaper and decide what to do next. I was so grateful my friend came with me because she recognized the red dye effects and quickly calmed my fears. No biggie after that. She just had red waste for 24 hours.
Think it's over? Nope. I have a ton of laundry to do and filled my washer up with light colors. In went the dress with the red icing. Thinking that it will just wash out since I even spritzed it with Spray-N-Wash, I turned on the washer. No problem! Sure enough, the dress came out looking great. No red residue or stain on it! However, I have lasting and permanent stains on two pairs of work pants for Eric, and two different pants for Emily, plus a few shirts fell to their demise. After two subsequent washes (with the same stain remover), they still all have pink splotches on them. SO-NOT-HAPPY.
So, I think I can say that I hate Dora Cake. But, I also hate washable crayons. Sure, they may wash off the walls fairly easily, but they are not actually wash-able. If you find one in your wash, I can assure you that there are multiple items also in that wash that will forever sport their contact with this art supply. They don't get any cleaner, either, after multiple washes. So, in the past month, I've lost quite a few pieces of our wardrobes to various washing disasters. And, all in the "lights" wash, too!
My girls went to a birthday party this weekend and the theme was DORA!! YEA!!! Only, Gianna came home with icing all over her little dress. BUT, at least they had fun, right? Okay, I'll give you that one, but the fallout for the next two days is something else.
Well, the next day I had my first near-fainting experience as a mother. During choir practice someone needed a diaper change. I peeked in Gianna's diaper to verify it was her (I'm not too much a fan of taking a whiff). What I saw there made my knees go weak. It looked like blood. So, I grabbed a friend and rushed to the bathroom to change her diaper and decide what to do next. I was so grateful my friend came with me because she recognized the red dye effects and quickly calmed my fears. No biggie after that. She just had red waste for 24 hours.
Think it's over? Nope. I have a ton of laundry to do and filled my washer up with light colors. In went the dress with the red icing. Thinking that it will just wash out since I even spritzed it with Spray-N-Wash, I turned on the washer. No problem! Sure enough, the dress came out looking great. No red residue or stain on it! However, I have lasting and permanent stains on two pairs of work pants for Eric, and two different pants for Emily, plus a few shirts fell to their demise. After two subsequent washes (with the same stain remover), they still all have pink splotches on them. SO-NOT-HAPPY.
So, I think I can say that I hate Dora Cake. But, I also hate washable crayons. Sure, they may wash off the walls fairly easily, but they are not actually wash-able. If you find one in your wash, I can assure you that there are multiple items also in that wash that will forever sport their contact with this art supply. They don't get any cleaner, either, after multiple washes. So, in the past month, I've lost quite a few pieces of our wardrobes to various washing disasters. And, all in the "lights" wash, too!
14 August 2010
Are These Really My Kids?
Sometimes I look at my girls and think, "Are these really my kids?" They are so beautiful and amazing!
I had a wonderful "proud mama" moment tonight. We were at a friend's birthday party and the kids were playing hand-slap games. There was a new one I hadn't heard before...something that you "open the gate...who do you hate?...that's your date!" I'm sure this sounds innocent and "just another child's game" but I also think there are repercussions associated with this kind of play. (I mean, parents say they won't spank their kids or slap their hands for discipline and yet they allow them to sword fight or play punch. If spanking is bad, then allowing them to play those kinds of games is really detrimental.) In fact, I actually cringed when I overheard this game going on and thought, "Wow, this is SO not a good game." Well, my daughter made me incredibly happy when it was her turn and she announced, "Nobody! I don't hate anybody!" I'm so glad she said it and it basically put an end to the game. Beautiful. Just beautiful, inside and out.
Yes, that's my daughter and some how I got blessed to be her mom.
12 August 2010
Lovin' Life
Sure, life seems to have picked up since school started, but I have nothing to complain about. Life is good! I love my family so much. In fact, having a child in school only increases that feeling. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" IS true! I miss having Ms. Talksalot around, but I am so happy to have her in school and learning and growing and making new friends.
Snuggleupwithus is also growing and maturing. She's started saying more words and has even decided that potty training might be an option. Basically, if I'm paying attention, she'll use the potty. It's GREAT!!
We've also had an influx of activities recently and we've been on a go-go-go routine. While it is nice to be so active and social, I probably need to pull back a little and make sure we are still getting enough quality time together at home as a family, too. I only realized this last night as we came home from some friends' house and Emily broke down in tears saying she "missed Sheepie" and wanted to go home (of course, this was only AFTER getting her loaded in the car and actually driving away from her friends).
These are the days I have to remember when things get hard or something happens that dims this cheery outlook. In order for my life to remain this fairytale, there have to be some crazy things that happen, too. I'm not volunteering for trials, but just reminding myself to remember this.
Snuggleupwithus is also growing and maturing. She's started saying more words and has even decided that potty training might be an option. Basically, if I'm paying attention, she'll use the potty. It's GREAT!!
We've also had an influx of activities recently and we've been on a go-go-go routine. While it is nice to be so active and social, I probably need to pull back a little and make sure we are still getting enough quality time together at home as a family, too. I only realized this last night as we came home from some friends' house and Emily broke down in tears saying she "missed Sheepie" and wanted to go home (of course, this was only AFTER getting her loaded in the car and actually driving away from her friends).
These are the days I have to remember when things get hard or something happens that dims this cheery outlook. In order for my life to remain this fairytale, there have to be some crazy things that happen, too. I'm not volunteering for trials, but just reminding myself to remember this.
05 August 2010
Bikes
Have you noticed that riding bikes in other countries is pretty standard? Everyone has a bike like everyone here in the US has a car.
Pros for riding bikes: save the earth, get in shape, save time and money!
When Emily was accepted into school, we started making plans. One of them was the fact that we live close enough to ride the bikes to school. We put the trailer on my bike and practiced.
Well, we rode her to school yesterday and my inner thighs were KILLING me, plus, I had to pedal constantly the whole way! I couldn't figure out how these two kids had gained so much weight all the sudden. When we went back to pick her up, Eric noticed that the tires were low, so he pumped them up. Yeah, about 40 lbs of pressure too low! It made a HUGE difference, although, I think Gianna enjoyed the lower pressure better as she didn't get bounced around as much.
On the way back, we also encountered an unforseen obstacle. I've heard of roadkill, but not sidewalk kill. Usually it's a small cat or a bird or some other small animal. No. In the middle of our way (near the top of a hill, no doubt!) there was a bloated, stinking armadillo. An ARMADILLO!!???? Are you kidding me? Oh, I was so grossed out in that heat! We walked our bikes around it.
When we got there, we couldn't find Emily. I think us riding bikes is throwing everyone for a loop. I mean, who is crazy enough to ride bikes in 100+ weather, right? Well, we are. And, let me tell you, it feels SO great to get some exercise while being productive. PLUS, the incredibly long pick-up line is avoided. We spent an hour in line the other day and it was incredibly irritating. I mean, I'm going to have my toddler strapped into a carseat for an hour every day, twice a day? Are you kidding me? Not happening. Well, unless it is raining. Then I don't have much of a choice.
Well, we got our daughter, along with many crazy looks and rode home. We ran a few errands and after dinner, Eric went into the garage to get something and heard a soft "SPshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". For some reason his back tire decided it was time to retire (hahahah! I wrote that and then realized how funny it was). So, he won't be able to enjoy another fun-filled ride to school this morning.
Will we do this again? Yes. If you haven't ridden a bike lately, I encourage you to get out there and do it. It's so much fun and easier than walking in this heat.
So, if you see us riding our bikes on your travels during the week, honk at us!!
Pros for riding bikes: save the earth, get in shape, save time and money!
When Emily was accepted into school, we started making plans. One of them was the fact that we live close enough to ride the bikes to school. We put the trailer on my bike and practiced.
Well, we rode her to school yesterday and my inner thighs were KILLING me, plus, I had to pedal constantly the whole way! I couldn't figure out how these two kids had gained so much weight all the sudden. When we went back to pick her up, Eric noticed that the tires were low, so he pumped them up. Yeah, about 40 lbs of pressure too low! It made a HUGE difference, although, I think Gianna enjoyed the lower pressure better as she didn't get bounced around as much.
On the way back, we also encountered an unforseen obstacle. I've heard of roadkill, but not sidewalk kill. Usually it's a small cat or a bird or some other small animal. No. In the middle of our way (near the top of a hill, no doubt!) there was a bloated, stinking armadillo. An ARMADILLO!!???? Are you kidding me? Oh, I was so grossed out in that heat! We walked our bikes around it.
When we got there, we couldn't find Emily. I think us riding bikes is throwing everyone for a loop. I mean, who is crazy enough to ride bikes in 100+ weather, right? Well, we are. And, let me tell you, it feels SO great to get some exercise while being productive. PLUS, the incredibly long pick-up line is avoided. We spent an hour in line the other day and it was incredibly irritating. I mean, I'm going to have my toddler strapped into a carseat for an hour every day, twice a day? Are you kidding me? Not happening. Well, unless it is raining. Then I don't have much of a choice.
Well, we got our daughter, along with many crazy looks and rode home. We ran a few errands and after dinner, Eric went into the garage to get something and heard a soft "SPshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". For some reason his back tire decided it was time to retire (hahahah! I wrote that and then realized how funny it was). So, he won't be able to enjoy another fun-filled ride to school this morning.
Will we do this again? Yes. If you haven't ridden a bike lately, I encourage you to get out there and do it. It's so much fun and easier than walking in this heat.
So, if you see us riding our bikes on your travels during the week, honk at us!!
01 August 2010
Ode to My MIL
There are certain perks about living close to your in-laws. The girls get to see grandparents at least once per week. We get extra help whenever we need it. But, I am especially grateful for a mother-in-law who cooks. She calls us up to come over for dinner. I know she is in-tune because it seems to always be on the days that I really just don't want to face my kitchen because it's already a mess or perhaps I just can't figure out what sounds good to eat.
Tonight we dined on pork loin, black-eyed peas and butter beans. Of course, the dinner was super tasty, but my mil has also been dealing with some health issues and she still pulled out this great dinner and shared it with us. I just really have to say that I love her. She's such a great person and does so much for us and the other brothers and their families, too.
Love you, Mama!!
Tonight we dined on pork loin, black-eyed peas and butter beans. Of course, the dinner was super tasty, but my mil has also been dealing with some health issues and she still pulled out this great dinner and shared it with us. I just really have to say that I love her. She's such a great person and does so much for us and the other brothers and their families, too.
Love you, Mama!!
Movie Musicals
Growing up, we watched musicals, whether on TV or at the outdoor theater in Kansas City. I loved musicals and have never lost that love affair.
Sundays have a set a rules we've established to help us keep the Sabbath holy. I must admit, the Sunday hours roll by a little more slowly because there is a limitation of what we permit to be activities.
Church movies and things about Christ are always permitted. That's obvious. There are a few other movies that have gentle enough themes that I feel they are "cleared" for Sabbath viewing. Musicals are one of these genres.
I remember watching the "Sunday Night Disney Movie" specials on the Disney channel on our cable when I was young. We'd all gather around the TV with our treat of popcorn. I want to continue this tradition, but have to make my own collection.
To start with, we have a few musicals already in our possession. The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins to name a few.
What are some of the musicals or "clean" movies you fondly remember from your own childhood that would be "Sabbath appropriate"?
Sundays have a set a rules we've established to help us keep the Sabbath holy. I must admit, the Sunday hours roll by a little more slowly because there is a limitation of what we permit to be activities.
Church movies and things about Christ are always permitted. That's obvious. There are a few other movies that have gentle enough themes that I feel they are "cleared" for Sabbath viewing. Musicals are one of these genres.
I remember watching the "Sunday Night Disney Movie" specials on the Disney channel on our cable when I was young. We'd all gather around the TV with our treat of popcorn. I want to continue this tradition, but have to make my own collection.
To start with, we have a few musicals already in our possession. The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins to name a few.
What are some of the musicals or "clean" movies you fondly remember from your own childhood that would be "Sabbath appropriate"?
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