Well, let's just say that Mark got things started a whole different way than I planned last night... Oh, my!
I have a "policy" of sorts that I do NOT open the door when I'm home by myself unless I'm expecting someone...someone I know. This part is sort of secretish, but Mark is selling his van. Well, there is a guy that wants to come look at it this afternoon. Great...come look...but I'm NOT going to interact with the guy. He thinks I'm crazy...some of you might too. Maybe I am paranoid, but I always live by the "better safe than sorry" motto. I just don't think that there is any reason to put myself in a situation that could be dangerous to Cassie, Conrey, and I. Do I think that this guy's an axe murderer? NO. Do I think that there have been people that respond to Craig'slist ads and get hurt/killed/raped? YES! So, why take the chance? If the guy could just come Sunday when Mark's here (or after 6:45 p.m.), then it would make me feel more comfortable and still let him look at the van...it's TWO DAYS away!
Anyway, so this exploded. I mean, EX-PLO-DED into a whole thing about the cruise (he's all stressed about going and has had a bad attitude about it saying that if he could he would just not go), about the house (which was in GREAT shape, by the way), about the bills, about this, that, and the other. BUT, it was one of those where we 'discussed,' he stormed off to go get in the shower, and then came to bed and apologized and said he was trying to change his attitude and such and blah, blah, blah. It was one of those that needed to happen, but sure was gritty when it did. :)
So, after having this sinus stuff and then crying, you can imagine what my head feels like this morning...not so good. However, my marriage feels good and my family (Mark, Cassie, and I) feels good, so that's what matters.
Long story, short: Sometimes you just gotta get everything out so that you can make up and move on.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Simple Joys
There are little things in life that make me smile. Cassie often brings that smile to my face when she learns something new, tries out a new phrase that I didn't know she knew, or is just plain funny. Tonight, she decided to try to juggle like Daddy. If only I had my camera...
May we that have children always delight in them. May we that love other people's children always marvel in their discoveries. May we that love children, no matter who's they are, always take time to notice...the simple joys that can only come from these little ones.
May we that have children always delight in them. May we that love other people's children always marvel in their discoveries. May we that love children, no matter who's they are, always take time to notice...the simple joys that can only come from these little ones.
A need to vent
I just need to vent a bit and this seems to be the natural place...especially considering that I've been on the phone ALL DAY LONG between family, insurance, Carnival Cruise Line, and dr's offices. I'm POOPED of the phone! :)
Here's my issue. Mark has worked an entire full week and then 3 days with his new job...8 days. I have made his lunch for everyone one of those days except for today, as I was sick yesterday. I have kept up really well around our house on stuff...except when I'm not feeling well, which I still feel like I'm maintaining things better than I did before. It always seemed like when he was home with me, I had no motivation because he wasn't doing anything, so I didn't get much accomplished. Anyway, he even said something to his mom about how I'd been doing so well...had kept things up...had made his lunches and had had small things available to eat for breakfast and dinner every day.
SO, today, I spend hours...literally hours working on our cruise stuff for my entire family plus Dani's bf, David. I was getting everyone's info in, making sure things were correct on our booking, etc. I had to do everyone's except for Laura's family, as she took care of that, but then I still went and made 1 modification to that so that it would all be congruent. I bet I talked to Carnival 6 times at least.
At lunch, Mark calls and I tell him my woes (it was 1:45 and I still hadn't eaten lunch, by the way). He says, "Why are you doing that when our house is a mess?" WHOA! One day of being sick and our house is a mess? One day of him not having a lunch made (he ate out, by the way...couldn't manage to make it himself, I guess) and suddenly our house is a mess...and later in the conversation "trashed?" WHOA, BUDDY!
Here's my main beef with this whole thing: the one thing that ever is a "mess" is the kitchen. THAT is because the man cannot put his dishes in the dishwasher. Last night, I had the dishwasher completely emptied and then the dirty stuff put in. This morning, there were 3 cups, a bowl, a plate, silverware, and a plastic cup left on my counter...all from him. That didn't count his breakfast stuff. When the item is in your hand, WHY CAN YOU NOT STICK IT INTO THE DISHWASHER?!?
That is something that we've dealt with as long as we've had a dishwasher. I choose to pick my battles over it. HOWEVER, when I'm sick and have struggled to keep up with our daughter, much less anything else, don't EVEN say things are a mess! Don't EVEN tell me that I need to be up doing physical work instead of the already strenuous mental work I'm doing on the phone/computer. Don't EVEN tell me that things are sub-standard, because I WILL go postal!
To make matters worse, he had this same crud this past weekend. Albeit, he worked Saturday feeling crummy, but on Sunday and Monday, he laid around and did NOTHING. He didn't go to church...he didn't do anything. SO, when I get the same thing, don't EVEN tell me that I'm not doing enough or the right stuff or whatever!!!
WHEW! I needed to get that rant out! I'm SORRY for going off like that, but sometimes you need to and sometimes it is a whole lot better if I do it this way before talking to him so that I can approach him more calmly and rationally.
So, here's my plan: When he gets home, I'm going to tell him that we need to talk and I'm going to be calm about it. I'm going to tell him that I feel that he owes me an apology and lay out the reasons why. I'm going to tell him that I have done my absolute best for a week and a half and I do NOT think that it is fair that 2 days of less getting done because of ILLNESS is any grounds for him to say hurtful things. Then, I'm going to leave it at that let him do with it what he may. However, I know that I've said what I needed to say and had my feelings known.
OK...that's my looooooooooooooooooong post for the day. Amazing how fast my fingers can fly when I'm upset! HA!
Everyone have a great evening and remind someone that you care about them!
Here's my issue. Mark has worked an entire full week and then 3 days with his new job...8 days. I have made his lunch for everyone one of those days except for today, as I was sick yesterday. I have kept up really well around our house on stuff...except when I'm not feeling well, which I still feel like I'm maintaining things better than I did before. It always seemed like when he was home with me, I had no motivation because he wasn't doing anything, so I didn't get much accomplished. Anyway, he even said something to his mom about how I'd been doing so well...had kept things up...had made his lunches and had had small things available to eat for breakfast and dinner every day.
SO, today, I spend hours...literally hours working on our cruise stuff for my entire family plus Dani's bf, David. I was getting everyone's info in, making sure things were correct on our booking, etc. I had to do everyone's except for Laura's family, as she took care of that, but then I still went and made 1 modification to that so that it would all be congruent. I bet I talked to Carnival 6 times at least.
At lunch, Mark calls and I tell him my woes (it was 1:45 and I still hadn't eaten lunch, by the way). He says, "Why are you doing that when our house is a mess?" WHOA! One day of being sick and our house is a mess? One day of him not having a lunch made (he ate out, by the way...couldn't manage to make it himself, I guess) and suddenly our house is a mess...and later in the conversation "trashed?" WHOA, BUDDY!
Here's my main beef with this whole thing: the one thing that ever is a "mess" is the kitchen. THAT is because the man cannot put his dishes in the dishwasher. Last night, I had the dishwasher completely emptied and then the dirty stuff put in. This morning, there were 3 cups, a bowl, a plate, silverware, and a plastic cup left on my counter...all from him. That didn't count his breakfast stuff. When the item is in your hand, WHY CAN YOU NOT STICK IT INTO THE DISHWASHER?!?
That is something that we've dealt with as long as we've had a dishwasher. I choose to pick my battles over it. HOWEVER, when I'm sick and have struggled to keep up with our daughter, much less anything else, don't EVEN say things are a mess! Don't EVEN tell me that I need to be up doing physical work instead of the already strenuous mental work I'm doing on the phone/computer. Don't EVEN tell me that things are sub-standard, because I WILL go postal!
To make matters worse, he had this same crud this past weekend. Albeit, he worked Saturday feeling crummy, but on Sunday and Monday, he laid around and did NOTHING. He didn't go to church...he didn't do anything. SO, when I get the same thing, don't EVEN tell me that I'm not doing enough or the right stuff or whatever!!!
WHEW! I needed to get that rant out! I'm SORRY for going off like that, but sometimes you need to and sometimes it is a whole lot better if I do it this way before talking to him so that I can approach him more calmly and rationally.
So, here's my plan: When he gets home, I'm going to tell him that we need to talk and I'm going to be calm about it. I'm going to tell him that I feel that he owes me an apology and lay out the reasons why. I'm going to tell him that I have done my absolute best for a week and a half and I do NOT think that it is fair that 2 days of less getting done because of ILLNESS is any grounds for him to say hurtful things. Then, I'm going to leave it at that let him do with it what he may. However, I know that I've said what I needed to say and had my feelings known.
OK...that's my looooooooooooooooooong post for the day. Amazing how fast my fingers can fly when I'm upset! HA!
Everyone have a great evening and remind someone that you care about them!
ABC's Meme
I was tagged for a meme about my favorite things...specifically starting with the letter A by Meshellyn. M, you'll have to remind me of this whenever it's time to do another letter. :)
Let's see...things I love that start with "A."
ASPARAGUS: I just love asparagus. I especially love it cooked in olive oil and sea salts at a very high temp on a cookie sheet until it's crispy and browned...However, I pretty much like it any way.
ARTICHOKE: I love it in dips, salads, etc. I love the whole peel off a leaf and dip it in garlic butter thing. I just love this veggie, too.
AFTERNOON NAPS: I stole this from Meshellyn. I love it when Cassie (and my daycare kids on those days) go down for a nap and I have time to myself. I love it when Cassie goes down for a nap and I get to take a nap. I LOVE naps. :)
ANIMALS: Another one stolen. This one may be hard for some to believe about me. I don't like touching animals for the most part. I DO love to hold a puppy or kitty...something small and soft. I don't like touching dogs or cats, though. Partly because of my allergies/partly because they smell. HOWEVER, I do love to see animals. I love the zoo. I love the pet store. I love nature shows. I love to see them in the wild.
ARMADILLOS: This came from a real-life encounter with one in the wild (of Kansas). Though these little armored tanks can carry and spread leprosy, they just amaze me with their protective casings and ability to roll into a ball for protection. Also, they are amazing sprinters.
ADVENTURE: This one is probably a surprise as well. I don't come off as the adventurous type. However, I LOVE rock climbing and repelling (sp?). I am soooo sad that I will miss 2 things on our cruise: The zipline through the Mexican jungle and swimming with dolphins. Both are things that I've wanted to do my whole life. Someday...someday. I would love, love, love to scuba dive, but they won't let people who have had sinus surgery do it. I've had 2 surgeries. BUMMER! I may be able to do a helmet dive some time when I'm not pregnant, but I'm not sure. They don't usually go as deep, so that is why it might be a possibility.
AQUATIC LIFE: This goes under animals to some degree...I love the undersea life and all that is there. If you haven't ever studied this, you literally have NO idea how amazing the sea is. From a shrimp that can break through 5-layer glass (mantis shrimp) to corals that pulsate and dance to a specific beat (pulsating xenia), the life that you can find in the ocean is so far beyond amazing that I just cannot describe it's majesty. To have a indescribably small little ocean within my wall (our saltwater tank is only 55 gallon) is amazing. To be able to view it in nature...in person would be priceless!
Hmmm....it's hard to think of specific "A" things.
ANGELFOOD CAKE: YUM-O! Naturally fat free and light as air! This dessert has been my favorite since I was tiny. I especially love it with strawberries and whipped cream or the icing that is a tradition of my mom's side of the family. A and B...do you guys like that icing?
AUTUMN: Though I usually call it fall, that obviously doesn't start with an "A." I love this time of year. I love the colors...I love the warm weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. I love fall. I do NOT like that it promises the coming of winter, but I've always said if you didn't have the extreme heat and cold, you wouldn't enjoy those beautiful fall and spring days.
HMMM...I think that that is going to be the entirety of my list. I can't think of anything else at the moment. I guess that's my list of "A's." Hope you've enjoyed it.
Let's see...things I love that start with "A."
ASPARAGUS: I just love asparagus. I especially love it cooked in olive oil and sea salts at a very high temp on a cookie sheet until it's crispy and browned...However, I pretty much like it any way.
ARTICHOKE: I love it in dips, salads, etc. I love the whole peel off a leaf and dip it in garlic butter thing. I just love this veggie, too.
AFTERNOON NAPS: I stole this from Meshellyn. I love it when Cassie (and my daycare kids on those days) go down for a nap and I have time to myself. I love it when Cassie goes down for a nap and I get to take a nap. I LOVE naps. :)
ANIMALS: Another one stolen. This one may be hard for some to believe about me. I don't like touching animals for the most part. I DO love to hold a puppy or kitty...something small and soft. I don't like touching dogs or cats, though. Partly because of my allergies/partly because they smell. HOWEVER, I do love to see animals. I love the zoo. I love the pet store. I love nature shows. I love to see them in the wild.
ARMADILLOS: This came from a real-life encounter with one in the wild (of Kansas). Though these little armored tanks can carry and spread leprosy, they just amaze me with their protective casings and ability to roll into a ball for protection. Also, they are amazing sprinters.
ADVENTURE: This one is probably a surprise as well. I don't come off as the adventurous type. However, I LOVE rock climbing and repelling (sp?). I am soooo sad that I will miss 2 things on our cruise: The zipline through the Mexican jungle and swimming with dolphins. Both are things that I've wanted to do my whole life. Someday...someday. I would love, love, love to scuba dive, but they won't let people who have had sinus surgery do it. I've had 2 surgeries. BUMMER! I may be able to do a helmet dive some time when I'm not pregnant, but I'm not sure. They don't usually go as deep, so that is why it might be a possibility.
AQUATIC LIFE: This goes under animals to some degree...I love the undersea life and all that is there. If you haven't ever studied this, you literally have NO idea how amazing the sea is. From a shrimp that can break through 5-layer glass (mantis shrimp) to corals that pulsate and dance to a specific beat (pulsating xenia), the life that you can find in the ocean is so far beyond amazing that I just cannot describe it's majesty. To have a indescribably small little ocean within my wall (our saltwater tank is only 55 gallon) is amazing. To be able to view it in nature...in person would be priceless!
Hmmm....it's hard to think of specific "A" things.
ANGELFOOD CAKE: YUM-O! Naturally fat free and light as air! This dessert has been my favorite since I was tiny. I especially love it with strawberries and whipped cream or the icing that is a tradition of my mom's side of the family. A and B...do you guys like that icing?
AUTUMN: Though I usually call it fall, that obviously doesn't start with an "A." I love this time of year. I love the colors...I love the warm weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. I love fall. I do NOT like that it promises the coming of winter, but I've always said if you didn't have the extreme heat and cold, you wouldn't enjoy those beautiful fall and spring days.
HMMM...I think that that is going to be the entirety of my list. I can't think of anything else at the moment. I guess that's my list of "A's." Hope you've enjoyed it.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sick
So, I'm sick today. I've got the head/sinus crud and I'm not enjoying it. This morning, I took Cassie out to Mark's parents house (they live about 15-20 min away from us just outside of town) so that his mom could watch her. I got there and thought, "I don't think I can drive all the way home." So, I stayed there and slept and slept and slept. Then, brought Cassie home for naptime. UGH! I think that I've sneezed about 100 times and have had about a gallon of drainage! Not so much fun. Mark had this Sat-Mon and is feeling pretty much better now. I just hope mine doesn't go into a sinus infection like it usually does so that I can be done with it that quickly too. WISH ME LUCK! :)
Just a shout out really quickly about a site I've been visitng lately that I enjoy. The post today is a topic that we discussed when I first started this blog, so I thought some of you might be interested. Otherwise, she's just funny! It's http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com. Check it out!
Just a shout out really quickly about a site I've been visitng lately that I enjoy. The post today is a topic that we discussed when I first started this blog, so I thought some of you might be interested. Otherwise, she's just funny! It's http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com. Check it out!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
NEW FEATURE: Random Question of the Week
OK...I'm going to try this. I am stealing the feature from a fellow blogger, but I think that it could be fun. Hopefully, by reading her blog, it will remind me that I need to put up my random question of the week. :) No pressure, Tawnya! :)
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
If you could be any living creature for a day, what would you choose to be, what would you do, and why? OH, and just to make things a bit easier, you're guaranteed to live through that day. :)
I would be a flying bird of some sort...maybe a little finch or something cute and twittery like that. However, I'd want to be a bird with a lot of flying power and stamina, because I would spend my whole day flying. I would soar and swoop and see the world from a whole new perspective. I might even find a few people that I feel I need to poo on for some reason or another. I imagine being a bird you'd see lots of injustices that maybe a little birdie doo would rectify a tiny bit. :)
OK, you ALL comment now and tell me what creature you would be. It can be mammal, reptile, fish, etc. Heck, you can even be a plant if that gets you excited and dreaming. :)
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
If you could be any living creature for a day, what would you choose to be, what would you do, and why? OH, and just to make things a bit easier, you're guaranteed to live through that day. :)
I would be a flying bird of some sort...maybe a little finch or something cute and twittery like that. However, I'd want to be a bird with a lot of flying power and stamina, because I would spend my whole day flying. I would soar and swoop and see the world from a whole new perspective. I might even find a few people that I feel I need to poo on for some reason or another. I imagine being a bird you'd see lots of injustices that maybe a little birdie doo would rectify a tiny bit. :)
OK, you ALL comment now and tell me what creature you would be. It can be mammal, reptile, fish, etc. Heck, you can even be a plant if that gets you excited and dreaming. :)
Addendum to post below
If you haven't read my psychopathic ravings below, please do so. :)
I just wanted to mention something that I meant to do below (no, it's not about food), but forgot. I went on my first cruise when I was 12-ish. It was sooo much fun! It was 5 years before I got the chance to cruise again and needless-to-say, at almost 18, I had a blast with my brothers and their fiances, as well as my cousins alb (who is no longer alb, but rather alm, but that's still how her posts show up, so that's why I put that) and B. It's a whole new world once you're a teenager or older. It was a blast and I was deeply in love with cruising.
Fast Forward to a time when I had decided that I wasn't going back to Oklahoma Christian, but wasn't sure what I was doing. This was pre-Mark. I came across a job for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Well, seeing the obvious possibilites of free cruises and such, I jumped at the opportunity and became a reservations agent for RCCL. I LOVED the job, as they made it almost as much fun as cruising! :)
Long story short, if you ever are going to go on a cruise, I would LOVE to help you book it/plan it. I have the inside scoop on a lot of stuff about cruising and would love to help make your cruising experience just as great as all of mine have been.
That's all I have to say about that. :)
I just wanted to mention something that I meant to do below (no, it's not about food), but forgot. I went on my first cruise when I was 12-ish. It was sooo much fun! It was 5 years before I got the chance to cruise again and needless-to-say, at almost 18, I had a blast with my brothers and their fiances, as well as my cousins alb (who is no longer alb, but rather alm, but that's still how her posts show up, so that's why I put that) and B. It's a whole new world once you're a teenager or older. It was a blast and I was deeply in love with cruising.
Fast Forward to a time when I had decided that I wasn't going back to Oklahoma Christian, but wasn't sure what I was doing. This was pre-Mark. I came across a job for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Well, seeing the obvious possibilites of free cruises and such, I jumped at the opportunity and became a reservations agent for RCCL. I LOVED the job, as they made it almost as much fun as cruising! :)
Long story short, if you ever are going to go on a cruise, I would LOVE to help you book it/plan it. I have the inside scoop on a lot of stuff about cruising and would love to help make your cruising experience just as great as all of mine have been.
That's all I have to say about that. :)
Our Trip
So, I'm getting really, really excited about our trip. Actually, my ticker is not accurate and I'm not really sure why not, but I figured that I wouldn't change it so that people don't REALLY know when I'm gone. :) One of my friends asked about it and so I thought I would post a bit about it.
Anyway, we're going on a cru-uise, we're going on a cru-uise and I am so exci-ted. That's me singing in case you couldn't tell. To me, cruising is the ONLY way to travel. I mean, sure, you have to use other methods of travel to get TO the cruise, but once you're on board, you're in style! You have basically anything you could need on a board a luxury cruise liner. Food, fun, friends, family (in this case)...kinda like McDonalds "Food, Folks, and Fun!" There is ALWAYS stuff going on, but you aren't obligated to go to or do any of it (except the lifeboat drill...you are required to do that...). I LOVE the food, as you can try many different things and if you don't like it, you can order something different (and your husband will eat it--hee hee--at least in my case). You can try fish, lobster, strawberry soup--my personal favorite--and so many things that I can't imagine them. There are desserts galore and midnight buffets. There is 24-hour pizza! I'm telling you, for someone that enjoys eating as much as I do, it's a dreamland. Add in baby Conrey, and this is just HEAVEN! If you'll remember from early in my pregnancy...even before I knew I was pregnant...pizza has been my thing. To know that I can get it 24/7 by just taking a short walk on a beautiful boat in the middle of the Pacific ocean? AM-AAAAZING! Not to mention the fabulous assortment of beverages available...this time, it's all virgins for me, but I was pregnant on our last cruise, too, so I can handle it. We're going on Carnival Cruises, which they typically have basically icee or maragrita machines full of the stuff that they serve out like crazy. I'm just stoked!
SO, let's talk about the actual cruise and get off of the food for a minute... :)
We are going to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas...the Mexican Riveria. Now, my fun is quite limited at the ports of call due to my impregnanted situation, but I have moral support, as my sister-in-law, Amanda, is just 6 weeks behind me in her own "delicate situation." However, for those that are not with child, elderly, do not have heart conditions, or are not chickens, there is a HUGE array of things to do from a zipline through the jungle to swimming with dolphins (the thing that I am quite sad that I'm not allowed to do). If you're up to it, you can scuba dive, SNUBA dive, parasail, go whale watching, or just relax on the beach. There is just a whole wide world of possibilities! On board the ship, there are shows, the spa, the pools and slides, casino, the food, :) and so much more!
I'm tellin' ya, I'm in LOVE with cruising and I just CANNOT wait until we are ready to go. I've got my list ready and my sunscreen purchased! Now, if I just had enough suitcases...
*Disclaimer: Yes, I know that I'm obsessed and yes, I know that I'm a bit crazy, but I'm pregnant, so I'm allowed to be right now.......
OH! WAIT! I almost forgot my shout-out! This is a shout-out to Laura's sister, Sharon. Sharon had a beautiful baby girl this morning named Molly! CONGRATS!
Anyway, we're going on a cru-uise, we're going on a cru-uise and I am so exci-ted. That's me singing in case you couldn't tell. To me, cruising is the ONLY way to travel. I mean, sure, you have to use other methods of travel to get TO the cruise, but once you're on board, you're in style! You have basically anything you could need on a board a luxury cruise liner. Food, fun, friends, family (in this case)...kinda like McDonalds "Food, Folks, and Fun!" There is ALWAYS stuff going on, but you aren't obligated to go to or do any of it (except the lifeboat drill...you are required to do that...). I LOVE the food, as you can try many different things and if you don't like it, you can order something different (and your husband will eat it--hee hee--at least in my case). You can try fish, lobster, strawberry soup--my personal favorite--and so many things that I can't imagine them. There are desserts galore and midnight buffets. There is 24-hour pizza! I'm telling you, for someone that enjoys eating as much as I do, it's a dreamland. Add in baby Conrey, and this is just HEAVEN! If you'll remember from early in my pregnancy...even before I knew I was pregnant...pizza has been my thing. To know that I can get it 24/7 by just taking a short walk on a beautiful boat in the middle of the Pacific ocean? AM-AAAAZING! Not to mention the fabulous assortment of beverages available...this time, it's all virgins for me, but I was pregnant on our last cruise, too, so I can handle it. We're going on Carnival Cruises, which they typically have basically icee or maragrita machines full of the stuff that they serve out like crazy. I'm just stoked!
SO, let's talk about the actual cruise and get off of the food for a minute... :)
We are going to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas...the Mexican Riveria. Now, my fun is quite limited at the ports of call due to my impregnanted situation, but I have moral support, as my sister-in-law, Amanda, is just 6 weeks behind me in her own "delicate situation." However, for those that are not with child, elderly, do not have heart conditions, or are not chickens, there is a HUGE array of things to do from a zipline through the jungle to swimming with dolphins (the thing that I am quite sad that I'm not allowed to do). If you're up to it, you can scuba dive, SNUBA dive, parasail, go whale watching, or just relax on the beach. There is just a whole wide world of possibilities! On board the ship, there are shows, the spa, the pools and slides, casino, the food, :) and so much more!
I'm tellin' ya, I'm in LOVE with cruising and I just CANNOT wait until we are ready to go. I've got my list ready and my sunscreen purchased! Now, if I just had enough suitcases...
*Disclaimer: Yes, I know that I'm obsessed and yes, I know that I'm a bit crazy, but I'm pregnant, so I'm allowed to be right now.......
OH! WAIT! I almost forgot my shout-out! This is a shout-out to Laura's sister, Sharon. Sharon had a beautiful baby girl this morning named Molly! CONGRATS!
Ender's Game...in short (or at least as short as I can make it)
I decided to post MY review of Ender's Game, as I was afraid that Amazon.com or something of the sort would scare you away even more. But, you have to TRUST me, as I trusted my brother sooo many years ago.
Basically, the earth has been attacked and/or threatened 2 times by an alien species, which they call the "buggers." That has happened pre-book. The military decides that the best time to teach military strategy is in childhood through classroom settings and games. They have a specific testing set that they put each child through to determine if they have the right mix of traits to go to Battle School or not. Ender (who's real name is Andrew) is a child that is tested and taken up to Battle School. They are divided up in Battle School into armies in which they attend class, train, and play the games together. The most facinating feature of the novel is the Battle Room in which the government has figured out how to manipulate gravity to make this room null gravity where they do battles with special suits and lasers. The whole point of all of this is for the "teachers" to be able to spot good leadership qualities and such for future commanders. I really can't figure out how to say more without giving away too much. I'll just say that it becomes apparent by the way they rush some kids through the training that there is another battle with the buggers impending and they are in a hurry to get the best kids out of Battle School and on to Command School so that they'll be ready in time. Command school has more games and more lessons to learn.
HOWEVER, please don't get the idea that this is a book full of military jargon or that sort of thing. It really isn't. It's really about a boy that is trying to grow up way too fast because of the circumstances that he's put in and then trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders before most of us even knew that the world had any weight to bear. If you try this book out, please just keep reading it. It caught me straight from the get-go, but there are things that you have to figure out little by little, so it is easy to be confused and give up. Just keep reading and I really and truly think that you'll add it to your list of books that you'd recommend.
There are never any alien scenes or anything like that. There are never any "Nanu-Nanu" type things (Mork and Mindy if you don't get that reference). It is just a fun, imaginitive book by an extremely intelligent and creative author.
OK...I'll be done for now. If you have any other questions, let me know!
Basically, the earth has been attacked and/or threatened 2 times by an alien species, which they call the "buggers." That has happened pre-book. The military decides that the best time to teach military strategy is in childhood through classroom settings and games. They have a specific testing set that they put each child through to determine if they have the right mix of traits to go to Battle School or not. Ender (who's real name is Andrew) is a child that is tested and taken up to Battle School. They are divided up in Battle School into armies in which they attend class, train, and play the games together. The most facinating feature of the novel is the Battle Room in which the government has figured out how to manipulate gravity to make this room null gravity where they do battles with special suits and lasers. The whole point of all of this is for the "teachers" to be able to spot good leadership qualities and such for future commanders. I really can't figure out how to say more without giving away too much. I'll just say that it becomes apparent by the way they rush some kids through the training that there is another battle with the buggers impending and they are in a hurry to get the best kids out of Battle School and on to Command School so that they'll be ready in time. Command school has more games and more lessons to learn.
HOWEVER, please don't get the idea that this is a book full of military jargon or that sort of thing. It really isn't. It's really about a boy that is trying to grow up way too fast because of the circumstances that he's put in and then trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders before most of us even knew that the world had any weight to bear. If you try this book out, please just keep reading it. It caught me straight from the get-go, but there are things that you have to figure out little by little, so it is easy to be confused and give up. Just keep reading and I really and truly think that you'll add it to your list of books that you'd recommend.
There are never any alien scenes or anything like that. There are never any "Nanu-Nanu" type things (Mork and Mindy if you don't get that reference). It is just a fun, imaginitive book by an extremely intelligent and creative author.
OK...I'll be done for now. If you have any other questions, let me know!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Not broken
This machine is not broken, just stalled due to some technical difficulties. I will post ASAP...I PROMISE! :) Until I am able to post again, everyone go read a good book or something! :) Might I suggest my absolute most favorite book in the entire world? Ender's Game by Orscon Scott Card is just a fabulously fabulous book and I've read it innumerable times in its entirety, but I often pull it out and read excerpts because I just enjoy it that much. I would loan you my copy, but it's not in too good of shape...and besides, it was signed by OSC...This is actually the first book in a series, though it was originally written as a single, stand-alone novel (which it does really well). However, people we hungry for more, so he gave them more. There are now 4 books of the "Ender" series and 4 in the "Shadow" series. The first book of the shadow series is actually a retelling of much of the same story of "Ender's Game," but from the perspective of another character, Bean.
If you pick it up at the library or something, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not look at it and put it back. It IS sci-fi and it IS futuristic and it WILL probably have a dumb, spacey cover, but trust me...it is anything BUT Star Trek! Give it a try and I really think you'll enjoy it.
So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go pull my copy out and give it a read. :) Normal posting will resume as soon as I can get the post that I wrote transferred from my non-functioning laptop. Good night to all!
If you pick it up at the library or something, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not look at it and put it back. It IS sci-fi and it IS futuristic and it WILL probably have a dumb, spacey cover, but trust me...it is anything BUT Star Trek! Give it a try and I really think you'll enjoy it.
So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go pull my copy out and give it a read. :) Normal posting will resume as soon as I can get the post that I wrote transferred from my non-functioning laptop. Good night to all!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I'm just a posting machine...
MAN! I've posted like CRAZY lately! I just wanted to let you all know that Mark's hours have been changed...for the better! He will still be Tu-Sa, but will now be 9-6. This means that he will get home at about 6:45 and we can have a family dinner and family time. GOD IS GOOD and is always faithful! Thank you all for your prayers and support while I've been in this little depressive mode. I was already doing better today than yesterday and I think that this will help SOOO much! You know in the Bible when it says that God saw that it was not good for man to be alone? Adam and I must be 2 peas in a pod, because I don't do well on my own. I know, I know I have Cassie (and Conrey), but I don't eat well on my own, I don't think well on my own, I simply don't do well. SO, I am completely stoked about this change in hours. PRAISE GOD!
One last thing I was going to say about Conrey's name. I have absolutely NOTHING against common or traditional names, but I loved, loved, loved the fact that there was never another "Devon" in my class. Mark always had to be "Mark V." and I just wanted my kids to have the experience I had where their names were good conversation pieces. :) Cassie is not out of the ordinary, but it's definitely not on the top lists. In fact, I don't think it has even been in the top 250 lists for the past 10 years at least. I haven't looked back further. SO, that was our motive in going for "different" names. :) If you don't like it........TOUGH! :) :) :)
Good night from the Chatty Kathy over here!
One last thing I was going to say about Conrey's name. I have absolutely NOTHING against common or traditional names, but I loved, loved, loved the fact that there was never another "Devon" in my class. Mark always had to be "Mark V." and I just wanted my kids to have the experience I had where their names were good conversation pieces. :) Cassie is not out of the ordinary, but it's definitely not on the top lists. In fact, I don't think it has even been in the top 250 lists for the past 10 years at least. I haven't looked back further. SO, that was our motive in going for "different" names. :) If you don't like it........TOUGH! :) :) :)
Good night from the Chatty Kathy over here!
The name
So, I thought I'd take a moment to write about Conrey's name...how we came up with it...etc. I would highly recommend that you take the time to read the post below, though, because I think that it is a highly valuable lesson.
Conrey...hmmm...back before I was ever pregnant, we talked names. It's one of my favorite things to do in the car or whatever. I'd throw out names. OCCASIONALLY (and on a lucky day for me), Mark would throw out names. When we'd see names, we'd mention them. Well, we both liked Pearce/Pierce, but knew that our friends had that picked out if they were having a boy (which they aren't). Jokingly, I said, "If we can't have Pierce, how 'bout Connery?" Mark said, "I kinda like that!" I said, "You know...I do too!" It might have been the opposite conversation with our roles reversed. I don't really remember. I just remember talking about it and the idea kind of stuck.
Fast Forward to once I WAS pregnant and we (read that as I) were looking at baby name websites. I found it on the website confirming that it was indeed a real name! It was top of our list, but Mark wanted to keep our options open...he always does...
So, you know the rest of that part of the story...we went through Keaton as a solid possibility, but we always came back to Connery. Cassie always came back to Graham. We'd give her 2 options and she'd always say Graham. You also know how/why we chose to modify the spelling and pronounciation.
Now, to answer Chelf's question. We HAVE gotten negative feedback. I have no clue why, either. I mean, when someone tells me their child's name and I don't like it, I don't let them KNOW that I don't like it! I'm not going to give examples, because you might know someone with a name I'm not crazy about or you might have that slated as the name for your next kid, but if there is a name that I think, "OH! That's odd/ugly/icky/etc.," I certainly don't SAY it. Both of our mom's have made it quite clear that they think it's weird...especially the new way. Mark's mom pretty much hates it, I think, but I know she'll get used to it! We've had other people say, "For a first name?" or "I've NEVER heard of THAT before............................" with a big, long pause. But, we say "BOO!" to them. We don't care if people like it or not. We only care that we've picked a name that we feel will serve him well as a baby, child, teen, and adult.
That's all I have to ramble about that. Just thought I'd write my say. :)
On a Cassie note: She's recently started saying "I Love You" back without prompting. I pretty much love it. I'll tell her that I love her and she'll say it back. FABULOUS!
Conrey...hmmm...back before I was ever pregnant, we talked names. It's one of my favorite things to do in the car or whatever. I'd throw out names. OCCASIONALLY (and on a lucky day for me), Mark would throw out names. When we'd see names, we'd mention them. Well, we both liked Pearce/Pierce, but knew that our friends had that picked out if they were having a boy (which they aren't). Jokingly, I said, "If we can't have Pierce, how 'bout Connery?" Mark said, "I kinda like that!" I said, "You know...I do too!" It might have been the opposite conversation with our roles reversed. I don't really remember. I just remember talking about it and the idea kind of stuck.
Fast Forward to once I WAS pregnant and we (read that as I) were looking at baby name websites. I found it on the website confirming that it was indeed a real name! It was top of our list, but Mark wanted to keep our options open...he always does...
So, you know the rest of that part of the story...we went through Keaton as a solid possibility, but we always came back to Connery. Cassie always came back to Graham. We'd give her 2 options and she'd always say Graham. You also know how/why we chose to modify the spelling and pronounciation.
Now, to answer Chelf's question. We HAVE gotten negative feedback. I have no clue why, either. I mean, when someone tells me their child's name and I don't like it, I don't let them KNOW that I don't like it! I'm not going to give examples, because you might know someone with a name I'm not crazy about or you might have that slated as the name for your next kid, but if there is a name that I think, "OH! That's odd/ugly/icky/etc.," I certainly don't SAY it. Both of our mom's have made it quite clear that they think it's weird...especially the new way. Mark's mom pretty much hates it, I think, but I know she'll get used to it! We've had other people say, "For a first name?" or "I've NEVER heard of THAT before............................" with a big, long pause. But, we say "BOO!" to them. We don't care if people like it or not. We only care that we've picked a name that we feel will serve him well as a baby, child, teen, and adult.
That's all I have to ramble about that. Just thought I'd write my say. :)
On a Cassie note: She's recently started saying "I Love You" back without prompting. I pretty much love it. I'll tell her that I love her and she'll say it back. FABULOUS!
Homemade Brownies
MY FATHER-IN-LAW SENT ME THIS E-MAIL AND I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS REALLY GOOD, SO I THOUGHT I'D SHARE IT WILL ALL OF YOU. HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!
Last week, I walked into my office to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chewy, tasty, homemade chocolate brownies.
Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for tasty homemade brownies had placed them there, along with a hand written short story.
I immediately sat down and began eating the first chewy, tasty, homemade brownie as I read the following story:
Two teenagers asked their father if they could go the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied
their request.
"Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"
Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior.
"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"
"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."
The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch.
As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their Father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."
About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading...
The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much." The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening. "That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium Vanilla and chocolate."
The brownies looked mouth-watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.
"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."
"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"
"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."
"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."
"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients. "
"Dad!"
"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is fresh organic...dog poop."
I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the wastebasket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.
Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.
"DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"
"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"
"No, Dad...NEVER! "
"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?
I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie.
What had been irresistible a minute go had become detestable! And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't . . . but I couldn't convince myself.)
What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin? On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes. Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump; faith and sin, don't mix. (1 Corinthians 5:6, 7)
Last week, I walked into my office to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chewy, tasty, homemade chocolate brownies.
Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for tasty homemade brownies had placed them there, along with a hand written short story.
I immediately sat down and began eating the first chewy, tasty, homemade brownie as I read the following story:
Two teenagers asked their father if they could go the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied
their request.
"Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"
Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior.
"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"
"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."
The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch.
As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their Father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."
About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading...
The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much." The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening. "That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium Vanilla and chocolate."
The brownies looked mouth-watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.
"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."
"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"
"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."
"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."
"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients. "
"Dad!"
"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is fresh organic...dog poop."
I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the wastebasket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.
Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.
"DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"
"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"
"No, Dad...NEVER! "
"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?
I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie.
What had been irresistible a minute go had become detestable! And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't . . . but I couldn't convince myself.)
What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin? On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes. Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump; faith and sin, don't mix. (1 Corinthians 5:6, 7)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Day 1
No...not of creation...of our new life. It was a hard, long day with Daddy gone 11-1/2 hours. It will usually not be that many, but he left early to be sure that he arrived home on time and made a few stops on the way home. I felt rather blue all day long and Cassie was definitely out of sorts. She kept asking where Daddy was and searching around the house saying, "Daddy...where are you?!?" That obviously did not make things easier on me.
So, he's home now. Why am I at the computer? Well, let's just say that things were the happy reunion I had hoped for after a long day (for all 3 of us). He was mad at the mailman and tired from a long day (for which I don't blame him). Then, he was frustrated with Cassie and now he's on the phone with his dad. He's telling his dad far more about his day than he shared with me and I'm trying hard not to feel hurt. It's just been a hard day.
I know that there are adjustments to make and things to get used to. I know that this will all get better and we'll fall into a routine. For now, though, it just hurts my heart and I feel sad and lonely. I could definitely use some prayers, as I just have a very bleak outlook on things right now and just feel very alone.
Tomorrow, Austin and Aleigha are coming and I hope that they will help to easy the strain on Cassie and me both. I think it will help. At least I won't have time to think about it as much.
Sorry this is such a downer, but I'm feeling rather depressed. I know things will get better and I know that Mark doesn't mean to make me feel this way. It would really help if tomorrow was a bright, sunny day...
So, he's home now. Why am I at the computer? Well, let's just say that things were the happy reunion I had hoped for after a long day (for all 3 of us). He was mad at the mailman and tired from a long day (for which I don't blame him). Then, he was frustrated with Cassie and now he's on the phone with his dad. He's telling his dad far more about his day than he shared with me and I'm trying hard not to feel hurt. It's just been a hard day.
I know that there are adjustments to make and things to get used to. I know that this will all get better and we'll fall into a routine. For now, though, it just hurts my heart and I feel sad and lonely. I could definitely use some prayers, as I just have a very bleak outlook on things right now and just feel very alone.
Tomorrow, Austin and Aleigha are coming and I hope that they will help to easy the strain on Cassie and me both. I think it will help. At least I won't have time to think about it as much.
Sorry this is such a downer, but I'm feeling rather depressed. I know things will get better and I know that Mark doesn't mean to make me feel this way. It would really help if tomorrow was a bright, sunny day...
My Personality Painting
Here's my personality painting for today. You answer questions and it creates a picture for you. Click the link below...I couldn't get the HTML to work.
http://www.bored.com/createpaintings/result.php?id=12034703275480
http://www.bored.com/createpaintings/result.php?id=12034703275480
Monday, February 18, 2008
IMPORTANT NEWS FLASH
IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!!
We have changed the baby's name...well, the spelling at least. He is now Conrey Graham. We were not wanting him to go by Conner (though he'll go by whatever he wants come pre-teen years if not earlier). We figured that it was less chance of him shortening it if we used Conrey (Kahn-re) rather than Connery (Kahn-er-re). SO, his name is Conrey...we both like it...we both thought of that on our own before ever talking about it, so it was an easy decision. I don't mind the name Conner and would be fine with it, but Mark doesn't like it, so.......
Conrey Graham, it is!
We have changed the baby's name...well, the spelling at least. He is now Conrey Graham. We were not wanting him to go by Conner (though he'll go by whatever he wants come pre-teen years if not earlier). We figured that it was less chance of him shortening it if we used Conrey (Kahn-re) rather than Connery (Kahn-er-re). SO, his name is Conrey...we both like it...we both thought of that on our own before ever talking about it, so it was an easy decision. I don't mind the name Conner and would be fine with it, but Mark doesn't like it, so.......
Conrey Graham, it is!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
BRRRRRRR RABBIT!
It is a COLD day in February here today. This winter has been NASTY thanks to that "global warming..." Yeah, right. If this is global warming, then I would HATE to see global cooling. We'd never see our driveway again!!! We face north, so it is typically pretty yucky until we have a few days in the 50's and then it thaws...at least partially!
I was a brave little soldier and got Cassie and myself to church in the midst of the blizzard that we had this morning. OK, it was not techniquely a blizzard, but it was a thick, blowing snow that was very brrrrr rabbit! Luckily, Mark's parents were behind me, so Mark's dad helped me get Cassie inside as quickly as possible. BRR! Makes me cold just thinking about this morning!
Here's the bizzare thing: It then warmed up to where the streets all melted. We get 6" of snow in the morning and then it warms up to mid-40's. It was really weird!
Let's see...kid news:
Cassie is upstairs having Personal Play Time (ppt). This is a fabulous little thing that I instated after seeing how wonderfully it works for my cousin, B, and her son, H. Basically, you gate or block the child in their own room with instructions to play...that's it. Obviously, I have made good and sure that it is a safe environment for her and I check on her often. It is great for both of us. It teaches her self-sufficiency and to stretch her own imagination and gives me a little break. Once Connery comes, we'll see about a little baby ppt. :) I think that it is a valuable thing to instill in her that all she needs is her toys and herself to have fun playing. PLUS, this will cut down on TV time. We've been doing this every day for almost a week and she seems to enjoy it now that she knows that I'll be back after awhile. I was thinking about setting a timer so that she knows when the timer goes off, mommy will be back, but she seems to do okay without it, so I'll save that for future usage.
Connery is continuing to be quite the active little guy. It is weird for me to finally have a name to call him! In fact, I still sometimes think "Keaton" and then have to change it in my head. I guess he's about a pound now and just over a foot in length from head to butt (called crown-rump length). He's been helping me to have some nasty heartburn and more throwing up, which I would be happy to do without, but on the positive side, my back has been much better lately. It still hurts frequently, but nothing like before, so I can certainly live with that.
Daddy has been at orientation all day for his new job. He should be calling soon to tell me that he's on his way home. I hope and pray that this is a fulfilling job that helps him feel successful and proud. Even though he has been feeling down on himself lately for not having enough work with his business, I've been sooo proud of him and know that he has been a great husband, father, and provider. We've never starved and in fact, we've gone out to eat more than we should. I know that it has been hard on him and I am glad that some of the stress will be alleviated now.
Well, I think I'd better go check on my princess. Don't worry, I type 80-90 words per minute, so when you see this long post and think that I've been away from her for a long time, it hasn't been nearly as long as you'd think. :)
I hope that you all are warm in this cold winter and that you have plenty. Let's pray for those who are cold and have need...and try to find some way to help.
Have a great Sunday evening and we'll "talk" later!
I was a brave little soldier and got Cassie and myself to church in the midst of the blizzard that we had this morning. OK, it was not techniquely a blizzard, but it was a thick, blowing snow that was very brrrrr rabbit! Luckily, Mark's parents were behind me, so Mark's dad helped me get Cassie inside as quickly as possible. BRR! Makes me cold just thinking about this morning!
Here's the bizzare thing: It then warmed up to where the streets all melted. We get 6" of snow in the morning and then it warms up to mid-40's. It was really weird!
Let's see...kid news:
Cassie is upstairs having Personal Play Time (ppt). This is a fabulous little thing that I instated after seeing how wonderfully it works for my cousin, B, and her son, H. Basically, you gate or block the child in their own room with instructions to play...that's it. Obviously, I have made good and sure that it is a safe environment for her and I check on her often. It is great for both of us. It teaches her self-sufficiency and to stretch her own imagination and gives me a little break. Once Connery comes, we'll see about a little baby ppt. :) I think that it is a valuable thing to instill in her that all she needs is her toys and herself to have fun playing. PLUS, this will cut down on TV time. We've been doing this every day for almost a week and she seems to enjoy it now that she knows that I'll be back after awhile. I was thinking about setting a timer so that she knows when the timer goes off, mommy will be back, but she seems to do okay without it, so I'll save that for future usage.
Connery is continuing to be quite the active little guy. It is weird for me to finally have a name to call him! In fact, I still sometimes think "Keaton" and then have to change it in my head. I guess he's about a pound now and just over a foot in length from head to butt (called crown-rump length). He's been helping me to have some nasty heartburn and more throwing up, which I would be happy to do without, but on the positive side, my back has been much better lately. It still hurts frequently, but nothing like before, so I can certainly live with that.
Daddy has been at orientation all day for his new job. He should be calling soon to tell me that he's on his way home. I hope and pray that this is a fulfilling job that helps him feel successful and proud. Even though he has been feeling down on himself lately for not having enough work with his business, I've been sooo proud of him and know that he has been a great husband, father, and provider. We've never starved and in fact, we've gone out to eat more than we should. I know that it has been hard on him and I am glad that some of the stress will be alleviated now.
Well, I think I'd better go check on my princess. Don't worry, I type 80-90 words per minute, so when you see this long post and think that I've been away from her for a long time, it hasn't been nearly as long as you'd think. :)
I hope that you all are warm in this cold winter and that you have plenty. Let's pray for those who are cold and have need...and try to find some way to help.
Have a great Sunday evening and we'll "talk" later!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Lord willing...
As you all know, Lord willing, we will be adding our little boy to our family in June. Well, he has gone from He-Who-Could-Not-Be-Named to....
CONNERY GRAHAM VICKERS
We are so excited. Connery is the name that we liked since this summer (before I was pregnant), but we just kept looking at different names. However, we both still loved it and always came back to it. NOW, it's official...or, at least it WILL be once he's born.
Thanks for your prayers during our pregnancy, but don't stop 'em! :)
By the way, Laura...I tried calling you and Dustin both last night so that you wouldn't find out via my blog, but rather over the phone. I guess you guys were being too romantical to answer the phone! :)
CONNERY GRAHAM VICKERS
We are so excited. Connery is the name that we liked since this summer (before I was pregnant), but we just kept looking at different names. However, we both still loved it and always came back to it. NOW, it's official...or, at least it WILL be once he's born.
Thanks for your prayers during our pregnancy, but don't stop 'em! :)
By the way, Laura...I tried calling you and Dustin both last night so that you wouldn't find out via my blog, but rather over the phone. I guess you guys were being too romantical to answer the phone! :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
NAME!
We've picked a name...
The only problem is that I haven't gotten ahold of my parents to tell them yet.
Therefore, you all will just have to wait a little bit. :)
SORRY! :) :) :)
The only problem is that I haven't gotten ahold of my parents to tell them yet.
Therefore, you all will just have to wait a little bit. :)
SORRY! :) :) :)
Monday, February 11, 2008
Home
We're home, things are good. I don't really have anything too exciting to write about, but thought I'd let you all know that we are home safe and sound.
I guess I did have an unusual experience today. I went to Dillon's at like 5:30 p.m. When I walked in, I noticed that a lot of people were standing around and that the cart area was full. Weird. I then proceeded in my normal pattern, towards the produce. This is where the weird became extreme and sort of creepy in some ways. Almost everything was bare. Everything was cleaned out. The produce, the eggs, the milk...bare. The sign at the front of the store then registered in my head. It said that the store was closing down at 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 11. Whoa. I noticed that the floral department was empty, the video department, the meat, seafood, deli, Chinese, and bakery...all barren. It was just strange. All 3 Dillon's in the metro were bought out by Price Chopper. I actually knew this already, but didn't know when the change was to occur and didn't realize just how quickly it would occur. It just felt eerie/creepy walking through a partially empty store.
Well, that's my story. I hate Price Chopper, by the way...I'm sad. Oh, well. Life goes on. :) Hope you all had a great weekend. I'll update more on ours when I think of what to say about it. :) G'night!
I guess I did have an unusual experience today. I went to Dillon's at like 5:30 p.m. When I walked in, I noticed that a lot of people were standing around and that the cart area was full. Weird. I then proceeded in my normal pattern, towards the produce. This is where the weird became extreme and sort of creepy in some ways. Almost everything was bare. Everything was cleaned out. The produce, the eggs, the milk...bare. The sign at the front of the store then registered in my head. It said that the store was closing down at 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 11. Whoa. I noticed that the floral department was empty, the video department, the meat, seafood, deli, Chinese, and bakery...all barren. It was just strange. All 3 Dillon's in the metro were bought out by Price Chopper. I actually knew this already, but didn't know when the change was to occur and didn't realize just how quickly it would occur. It just felt eerie/creepy walking through a partially empty store.
Well, that's my story. I hate Price Chopper, by the way...I'm sad. Oh, well. Life goes on. :) Hope you all had a great weekend. I'll update more on ours when I think of what to say about it. :) G'night!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
QUICK update
This is going to be super quick...promise! Mark is now the master electrician for the Home Depot in Leavenworth! YAY! He's was hired on at the exact amount money-wise that he asked for and gets awesome benefits! PRAISE GOD!!! Please pray for us as we make this transition! I'll be back online by early next week!
Good Day...
So, it's been a good day. It started out with a family outing...we went to Gordmans. I got 2 cute maternity tops and an outfit for Cassie. Mark got 3 shirts. Oh, I also got a wedding gift for my cousin. Then, we went to lunch at a local place called Winsteads. It started with steakburgers in 1940 and they've scarcely changed a thing decor, menu, or service-wise. We love it.
I've been preparing for our trip that we leave on tomorrow. It's a lot to think about when your head is foggy from being all pregnant-like! I had to stop midway to get showered and such for my sonogram appointment. It is confirmed that we have ourselves a little mister. In fact, the very first view we got was of him with his legs in the air showing off...much the same as my ER visit when that was all the sonographer could get practically! Everything with him looks perfect and we are on track for June. He is measuring about 2 days bigger than my dates, but that is normal for us Dopps babies...we run big! :)
Finally, Mark got a call from Home Depot where he was interviewing. I don't remember if I blogged this or not, so I just will for the sake of keeping everyone up to speed. They hire 1 master tradesman for each trade (electrical, plumbing, etc.) to be...basically the section expert. They said that they would like to offer him the position and asked if he could go up to the store at 7:15 this evening for negotiations/paperwork/drug testing/etc. This will be a Tues-Sat; 10-7 job. The hours are less-than-desirable, but we're hoping that this can be a foot in the door to get a position at a store closer to home with better hours. So much for family dinners those 5 nights, but we'll adapt and it will be good to have steady money coming in every month. Also, the benefit of those hours is that he can work for his clients on Mondays and do bids in the early mornings.
The one thing that I keep forgetting to blog about that is NOT good...remember my rant on my love affair with Zesto...the ice cream place in South Dakota? Well, this weekend we're going to South Dakota. We'll be home Sunday...the 10th. My aunt e-mailed me and told me that they're opening early this year.....................FEBRUARY 19TH (or there abouts)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH! I about died when she told me this! Seriously!!! Come on, Rick (the owner), just give me a little Zesto while I'm there...I'm PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's all I know. I'll keep you all updated with Mark's job situation and all of that. Everyone have a fabulous weekend (if I don't update before we leave) and stay warm!
I've been preparing for our trip that we leave on tomorrow. It's a lot to think about when your head is foggy from being all pregnant-like! I had to stop midway to get showered and such for my sonogram appointment. It is confirmed that we have ourselves a little mister. In fact, the very first view we got was of him with his legs in the air showing off...much the same as my ER visit when that was all the sonographer could get practically! Everything with him looks perfect and we are on track for June. He is measuring about 2 days bigger than my dates, but that is normal for us Dopps babies...we run big! :)
Finally, Mark got a call from Home Depot where he was interviewing. I don't remember if I blogged this or not, so I just will for the sake of keeping everyone up to speed. They hire 1 master tradesman for each trade (electrical, plumbing, etc.) to be...basically the section expert. They said that they would like to offer him the position and asked if he could go up to the store at 7:15 this evening for negotiations/paperwork/drug testing/etc. This will be a Tues-Sat; 10-7 job. The hours are less-than-desirable, but we're hoping that this can be a foot in the door to get a position at a store closer to home with better hours. So much for family dinners those 5 nights, but we'll adapt and it will be good to have steady money coming in every month. Also, the benefit of those hours is that he can work for his clients on Mondays and do bids in the early mornings.
The one thing that I keep forgetting to blog about that is NOT good...remember my rant on my love affair with Zesto...the ice cream place in South Dakota? Well, this weekend we're going to South Dakota. We'll be home Sunday...the 10th. My aunt e-mailed me and told me that they're opening early this year.....................FEBRUARY 19TH (or there abouts)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH! I about died when she told me this! Seriously!!! Come on, Rick (the owner), just give me a little Zesto while I'm there...I'm PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's all I know. I'll keep you all updated with Mark's job situation and all of that. Everyone have a fabulous weekend (if I don't update before we leave) and stay warm!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
URGENT REQUEST
If anyone reads this by 4:00, please be praying for Mark. He is going to an interview. I will post more later. Thanks!
Time for an update...I know...
Sorry for the delay of updates. Mark and I actually were really sick yesterday, though I had many things to e-mail.
Our party was fun, though Mark went to bed about halftime feeling really crummy. Us girls played games whilest the boys watched THE game (rather noisily at times...). :) The babies and kids were pretty good. Cassie and Austin (2 weeks apart) had a few issues. Austin was being pretty rough with cheek-pinching, hair pulling, and spitting. Cassie has 2 scratches on her cheek from the pinching...little stinker!
After everyone left, I did some babying of my baby (the big one...) and then let him sleep. Some time around 12-1, I woke up sick and it was all night and all day yesterday and yesterday evening that we felt cru-mmy! I don't know how he's doing today, as he's not up, but I feel quite a bit better.
I have a sonogram tomorrow. This is the take all of the measurements and find out the gender appointment. SO, we'll find out tomorrow if it's a boy or girl....no wait......we already did that in the ER. Just teasing! :) We WOULD just now be finding out, so I'm rather relieved that we already know. TOO MUCH STRESS! :) It's always good to see that little bun, though! :)
Cassie has been a wreck lately with bad sleeping and napping. Yesterday and last night, however, were much, much better. I did have to get up with her once last night. She stayed in her bed and was really trying to go back to sleep, but kept crying out. I went in, comforted her, and turned on her aquarium (Fisher Price or whatever brand that is) so that it would sing to her. That was all I heard from her except for coughing. Poor thing is STILL coughing!
Speaking of sleep...my little one is DEFINITELY growing up! This morning at about 7:45, it was NOT Cassie that woke me up, but rather this loud 'ol thunderstorm we're having. I then heard a little noise from her room and went to investigate, only to find her quietly reading books! What a big girl and what a treat for Momma!!! I thought that it was so sweet!
Something that she's doing these days that I think is more weird than sweet, is that she now calls the baby, "Baby Brudder Jesus." If I tell her it's not Jesus, she gets mad. After loving on him, she puts my shirt back over my belly and says, "Bye Bye, Jesus." Oh, brother...literally!
Well, that's all I've got for ya for now! I will be out of town Thursday morning through Saturday night, so I'll try to find time to write a little something before I go or while I'm there (if we have internet access). You all have a great day and stay warm wherever you are!
Our party was fun, though Mark went to bed about halftime feeling really crummy. Us girls played games whilest the boys watched THE game (rather noisily at times...). :) The babies and kids were pretty good. Cassie and Austin (2 weeks apart) had a few issues. Austin was being pretty rough with cheek-pinching, hair pulling, and spitting. Cassie has 2 scratches on her cheek from the pinching...little stinker!
After everyone left, I did some babying of my baby (the big one...) and then let him sleep. Some time around 12-1, I woke up sick and it was all night and all day yesterday and yesterday evening that we felt cru-mmy! I don't know how he's doing today, as he's not up, but I feel quite a bit better.
I have a sonogram tomorrow. This is the take all of the measurements and find out the gender appointment. SO, we'll find out tomorrow if it's a boy or girl....no wait......we already did that in the ER. Just teasing! :) We WOULD just now be finding out, so I'm rather relieved that we already know. TOO MUCH STRESS! :) It's always good to see that little bun, though! :)
Cassie has been a wreck lately with bad sleeping and napping. Yesterday and last night, however, were much, much better. I did have to get up with her once last night. She stayed in her bed and was really trying to go back to sleep, but kept crying out. I went in, comforted her, and turned on her aquarium (Fisher Price or whatever brand that is) so that it would sing to her. That was all I heard from her except for coughing. Poor thing is STILL coughing!
Speaking of sleep...my little one is DEFINITELY growing up! This morning at about 7:45, it was NOT Cassie that woke me up, but rather this loud 'ol thunderstorm we're having. I then heard a little noise from her room and went to investigate, only to find her quietly reading books! What a big girl and what a treat for Momma!!! I thought that it was so sweet!
Something that she's doing these days that I think is more weird than sweet, is that she now calls the baby, "Baby Brudder Jesus." If I tell her it's not Jesus, she gets mad. After loving on him, she puts my shirt back over my belly and says, "Bye Bye, Jesus." Oh, brother...literally!
Well, that's all I've got for ya for now! I will be out of town Thursday morning through Saturday night, so I'll try to find time to write a little something before I go or while I'm there (if we have internet access). You all have a great day and stay warm wherever you are!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Superbowl Party
To quickly answer Cami's question, I'm only making little sandwiches...you know on the little rolls/buns. However, I have people bringing a veggie tray, cheese dip and chips, dessert, etc. I'm not being too exciting. I figure that that is my perogative (sp?) being the one hosting. :) Sorry I'm not much help! :)
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