The Jumbled Thoughts of Janet

Upside down Jesus painting

2012-01-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look so hard at something, I can't see the forest for the trees. I am so intent on making the "right" decision, I fail to look for the lessons Jesus has for me in the midst of the chaos.

A few months ago my friend posted a video on facebook that so captivated my heart, I watched it over and over and over. For weeks, I have contemplated why this video meant so much to me.

Fast forward to a recent link that is being reposted on an hourly basis on Facebook, "Why I hate religion but love Jesus."

It hit me. My perspective was upside down.

In Her Shoes

2012-01-09T09:59:00.002-07:00

The other night Paul valiantly turned on the DVR to a movie that he had recorded for me. He felt that I had "earned" a chick flick. It was a movie that neither of us had heard of, but its title definitely had "chick flick" potential.

In Her Shoes.

Whether or not you decide to see this movie, I offer my standard disclaimer. I definitely believe watching the movie will require a filter. Especially, I suspect, if you elect to watch the movie unedited for television. But, its story had me in uncontrollable sobs by the end. Sobs that were healing but hard.

Poor Paul.

2011 marked a new journey for me. One that had me miles from where I started, when I graduated from Cal Poly ready to impart teenagers with a passion of literature.

The protagonist in the movie, through several gut wrenching events, completely uproots her life. She walks away from a promising career in law and becomes a dog walker. Through her journey, which I suspect is far more developed on the pages of the book than it was in the movie, she is healed.

Healed from the need to protect others.

Healed from the need to secure her importance in this world.

Healed from the need to be anything other than what she is.

Healed from the need to hide behind her success.

I, like the protagonist, needed healing. The evidence of this mounted as 2010 marched onward. At the end of 2010, I walked away from education and my "need" to help students everywhere and crawled toward lives of my precious babies.

To say that 2011 was an adjustment would be the biggest understatement I've ever made. Never did I think I would walk away from my career.

Today, I bake cakes to help people celebrate life's accomplishments and joys. Occasionally, I substitute teach in classrooms throughout Highlands Ranch.

Today, I am healed.

Tomorrow, I find my voice!

You Just Want Me to Be Great!

2011-01-14T19:05:00.002-07:00

45 minutes until swim practice.

I can see it in her eyes. She doesn't want to go.

I am NOT in the mood to deal with the drama of the ever changing teenage attitude.

I have two choices. I can ignore it, or I can hit it head on knowing that I will walk into a hornet's nest if I do.

OH YES I DID!!!

After I successfully deliver, what I believe to be the single best lecture I have given to date, she responds with eyes rolled so far back in her head that I'm pretty sure she could see her brain stem. She delivers the next statement with such conviction and passion that I am sure she believes she has closed the case.

"This is all your fault! You just want me to be great!"

"Fine, call Kimsey and your dad and tell them you won't be at practice."

15 minutes later someone was swimming a 200 freestyle warmup.

"Did You Hear That Maddy?"

2011-01-02T19:23:00.003-07:00

Watching sports today is an art form-especially navigating the commericials.
SO, mom's of boys, listen up.

One Sunday afternoon, while doing laundry in the basement, I hear Hunter launch into hysterical laughter. Laughter reserved for embarrassment or bodily noises that boys find hilarious and will remain unmentioned.

I then hear him utter words that bring me to a cold sweat.
"Maddy, did you hear that?"

I cautiously climbed the basement stairs and stupidly asked, "Hear what, Hunter?"

"That commericial."

With fear and trembling I inquired, "What did it say?"

"Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sex." was the reply he gave.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Maddy's eyes pop out of her head. She looked at me in horror as if to say "YOU AREN'T GOING TO TELL HIM ARE YOU?!?"

I was NOT about to have THAT conversation-not without Paul. But, much to my chagrin, I also knew I could not let it go."Do you know what sex is Hunter?"

"I think so."

Gulp!

"What is it?"

Suffice it to say, he is not quite there, but his little gifted mind is definitely putting it together. I relayed the events to Paul when he returned home from his errand. He then proceeds to tell me the PROCEDURE for watching sporting events. Given that the target audience is middle aged men, he turns the channel during commercials.

Yeah, that would have been good to know.

Things that can be learned in the middle of the night!

2009-04-09T06:57:00.000-06:00

Snow reflects a soft purple hue under the street lights.
My house makes very odd noises.
Apparently the insomniac is the target audience for "Paid Programming" ads.
My couch may match the decor, but it is no place to sleep.
Tylenol PM does not make me drowsy.
Tension Tamer tea does not tame my tension.
There are a lot of people on the road in the middle of the night. Which begs the question, where could they possibly be going?
Paul can sleep through anything, even his snoring.
I have got to finish painting the upstairs hall way.
3 AM is very, very late.

My Latest Fear

2009-02-14T09:35:00.002-07:00

I absolutely love my husband! He calms me down and keeps me grounded...Usually.

The one area of "opportunity" would be the sheer horror he creates within in me regarding food safety.

Granted, I want my family safe from bacteria and food born illness. But given my aptitude for fear and his knowledge of all things food related, it can be a recipe for starvation and disaster.

It started with chicken...for the first 4 years of our marriage I refused to cook chicken...Why...
Salmonella, of course!

Then, when Paul finally figured out I wasn't cooking chicken because of fear, he gave me helpful strategies so that I could cook chicken fear free.

This involved the cone of safety, half a container of antibacterial wipes, and chicken that in the end could be used for shoe leather...BUT IT WAS COOKED.

Time has corrected this issue, and I am happy to report my family enjoys moist chicken...most of the time.

With the latest food born disaster, peanut butter has become my nemesis.

Paul lovingly emails me the latest products that I am to avoid like the plague at the store. Let me tell you the list has become too long to count. There are products I have never even heard of on the list.

During my most recent shopping trip, I rounded the corner to the snack aisle. I stopped dead in my tracks. I was paralyzed with fear...I didn't have the list...I didn't want to buy anything for fear of death by Salmonella...

We still live in America right?

My Newest, Most Favorite Flair!

2009-02-05T21:17:00.002-07:00

I am smack dab in the middle of Facebook mania. Give me a month, I'll settle in.

Today my friend Stephanie sent me the best flair ever!

I will no longer refer to myself as OCD. I am officially CDO-That's OCD in alphabetical order!

Thanks Steph. It totally made me smile!

"Yeah, It's an Oxymoron!"

2009-02-02T11:25:00.003-07:00

Paul recently posted a story on his blog heychefpw that opens the door to this one!

When Paul and I were engaged, we attended a premarital class at our church. The purpose was to address and to discuss the key areas of marriage. The point was to help us at least start the dialogue so that when things arose in the marriage, we would have already had some semblance of a plan to help with the challenges we might face.

On one particular evening the topic was finances.

The question before us was, "Of the two of you, who is the most frugal?" Hands down me! I was about to answer when, in horror, I hear Paul blurt out, "No question, it's me!"

Excuse me...Did I hear you right?

I looked at him with clear confusion (note the post's title) and said, "What did you say?"

"I'm by far more frugal than you." This of course got smirks from the group, especially the males who apparently felt his pain and identified with the fact that he faced a marriage in which he would painfully work to the bone, and I would frivolously spend his every last penny.

I calmly (which is a miracle I know, but Paul would tell the story the same way) said, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, Honey, look at how much money I have compared to you?" This brought audible laughter from the men.

At that moment it hit me.

(Imagine the light bulb and thought cloud here) He has NO idea what frugal means.

I CLEARLY love this man. Because those of you who know me, know that apart from integrity, nothing is more important to me than justice. I wanted nothing more than to explain that I had the biggest bank account, I had savings set aside, I had no credit card debt. He had several credit cards with significant balances. He had no savings account to speak of and was at that time living paycheck to paycheck.

Instead, I WAS SILENT...I let those guys think I was a typical Los Gatos girl shopping her head off. It was my sign that Paul was the one!

On the way home that night, I said to him, "Paul, do you know what frugal means?"

"Yeah, it's like overboard, outlandish. You know, like the frugal gourmet." (It's an old TV cooking show about a guy who makes outlandish meals on a great budget.)

"Yeah, it's an oxymoron. Frugal means cheap, doesn't spend carelessly."

"Oh, is that why he always talks about how much money he saved?"

What have you been doing up here?

2009-01-31T14:25:00.001-07:00

Today was cleaning day...Self explanatory...right...Yeah, as long as you aren't Hunter Sheridan Worley...

Those of you that know me, know that I am completely OCD. Paul would say I rival Kathy Bates in the movie version of Stephan King's Misery. I can spot something out of place before it moves...i.e. my shell tower at work...another time another place...

As a result, Cleaning Day used to mean, I sent the kids down to the basement to play (and honestly stay out of my way) so that I could clean the house "correctly" top to bottom. It would be able to pass the black light test with flying colors when I was done.

I did however, come to my senses, and I have since delegated chores (hence, I am no longer a member of the fun club). Maddy gets in, gets it done and moves on. Hunter...well, let's just say that he gets a little distracted.

Hunter, after being lost in his room for what seemed to be hours, emerged and declared that he was done with his room-he was going down to play with sissy in the basement. He shut his door to keep Koda out and headed to the basement. I continued the task of sanitizing the bathroom.
I proceeded to Hunter's room to vacuum. My horrified response sent Paul scaling the stairs, believing I was bleeding profusely.

Hunter's bed was unmade, the curtain to his "hideout" was on the floor, his desk was a disaster, his drawers were open and over flowing with "important stuff." His hats were everywhere.

But then it caught my eye...his lego table was immaculate...

Are you serious...

"Hunter Sheridan Worley..."

"What have you been doing up here?"

Mama Ceo Likes Me!

2009-01-30T09:37:00.012-07:00

I have been the biggest blogging flake in the history of blogging. (Gee, I was dramatic, imagine that!) But with one encouraging blog from Mama Ceo, I'm back!

Now all I have to do is list 5 of my addictions and pass on the award...5 addictions...no problem...5 favorite blogs no problem. Sit back, have a great laugh, and cyber your way to fun reading...

My top 5 addictions, in no particular order,

1. Facebook

2. Diet Coke

3. Flashpoint-New TV show...like I needed another show to watch.

4. M & M's

5. Blogging

And now I pass this award on to 5 fantastic bloggers again in no particular order...

1. These are the days of our lives

2. The Glamorous Life

3. Home of the Lazy Dog

4. Along Schaefer Road

5. I'm NO superMom but I'm LOVING it!

Happy Reading!

Lessons from my "Little Ones" revisited

2009-01-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

Bedtime is apparently a relative term.
Dessert and snack are two different things-though both apparently are supposed to contain sugar.
Studying flashcards and nightly reading are not homework if they're not on the homework sheet.
Items placed on the stairs to be put away at the next ascending are invisible.
Dishes apparently make their own way to counter if you leave them long enough.
Weather in the 50's means it's time for shorts and flip-flops.
Playing the wii does not count as TV time.
You can't be in the fun club if you delegate chores.
Being too tired absolves you from any responsibility.
Shopping at Target is supposed to include a trip to the dollar section.
Bad choices don't count if you're sick.

I'm sorry...do I look stupid...

OCD!!!

2009-01-26T14:49:00.002-07:00

OK-So as if I don't have enough to be complusive about, I have joined facebook. That was a mistake. I now have a blog and a facebook to maintain. There are not enough hours in the day for work, home, swimming, baseball, blogging, projects and now facebook.

Paul joined too...Of course the race is on...who can get the most friends...come on girls...be my friend...pretty please with sugar on top...No Ann and Balbi you can't ask to be Paul's friend it won't be fair! ;)

PRICELESS

2009-01-19T18:11:00.003-07:00

ER trip to the vet-$1001 dollars
Refund for not doing all they planned-$404
Honest vet-priceless.

Surgery for little fluff ball-$1300
Sympathy discount-$239
Compassionate family Vet-priceless.

Flooded basement on New Year's Day-$600
Compassionate Friend who does it for free-priceless.

And that's just the beginning.

All I can say is De Ja Vue 2008-I ask you to kindly refer to 2009 as 2010 in the presence of our family.

My Christmas Solutions

2008-12-08T20:07:00.012-07:00

I would love to say that at Christmas time, I put aside my need to have everything just so.

I would love to say that I embrace the traditional colors of red and green.

I would love to say that decorating is a family affair in which I have photos that chronicle the growth of my children based on where the ornaments are hung.

I don't...

My solution....
Maddy's Tree
Hunter's Tree
Mommy's Tree

One word for ya-Salmonella

2008-12-04T18:04:00.002-07:00

I'm flattered that y'all have missed me.

I am back with a vengeance-OK not really but I am so glad to be better that I plan on blogging like a crazy person.

I will spare you the details, but my friends there is only ONE way to determine if one has Salmonella. Let me assure you it AIN'T pretty.

On an up note I lost 7 pounds right before Thanksgiving. However, I assure you that it will not remain off for long.

I will NEVER EVER eat a fast food salad again. It doesn't pay. I was trying to be healthy with my choices and look where it got me. On second thought don't look. Don't even think about it.

The human body is an interesting thing. Let me assure you, I mean interesting in the worst possible way.

But I can't wait to snuggle up in sweats and get caught up on everyone's blogs!

Finals are upon me and I have students coming out my eyeballs, so my posts may be short and sweet.

But, thanks for missing me!!

I'm Back!

2008-12-02T12:54:00.002-07:00

Not really but you have to go to Stephanie's blog. I laughed and had to clap out loud!
Life on Prescott Avenue.

And the Award Goes To...

2008-11-10T19:40:00.010-07:00

Eat your heart out PW, Lori of I'm no super mom gave me my very first award. I am honored given that I think her blog and the other blogs I follow are way cooler. But hey I will happily accept and pass on the honor.

Here are rules:

1) List 5 things you love
2) Pass on the Award to 5 fellow bloggers
3) Please link back to my blog

Here are the 5 things that I love:
1) God
2) My family
3) A day to myself here and there
4) Peppermint Mochas
5) The Beach

Check out these 5 blogs...I love em for a variety of reasons...

1) Carrie of the Kerbs Family
2) Ali Home of the Lazy Dog
3) Jenn of the Bankhead Bunch
4) Valinda of the Kennedy Krew
5) Stephanie of Life on Prescott Avenue

And an honorable mention to Paul of heychefpw. What can I say? I love the man, and I think he's a great writer!

Friendly Competition

2008-11-09T16:28:00.002-07:00

OK, so it's no secret I am competitive.

Early in our marriage, Paul and I had to set boundaries when it came to playing games with other couples. The need arose, when Paul discovered that he had married Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde. We were playing an innocent game of pictionary when the realization hit. We, therefore, did not play games together for many, many months.

It saved the marriage I'm sure.

But it begs the question, what is the purpose of playing something if not to win? Another time and another place.

Fast forward to the present. I have been blogging since February. I love it. Given my OCD behavior, it also tends to be addictive. Thus, I have to temper how much time I spend doing it.

Paul, early in my blogging adventure, started a blog of his own. But it sort of fizzled. He started out enthusiastic about developing a "creative chef blog." His goal was to chronicle his adventures in the kitchen, to share cooking tips, and to amuse his readers with his stories. But, as I said, it fizzled a bit. Until recently...

He has started up again. Can I tell you the competitive demon has resurfaced in me. After two weeks of blogging, he has passed me in reader "hits." How do I know? I check the sitemeters of each blog twice a day-of course.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?

SEE! That's why I hate cleaning!!!

2008-11-02T17:10:00.003-07:00

We woke up this morning with extra time. Not because of the extra hour of sleep. But, because despite the fact that I was counting the days until we got to "Fall" back, we FORGOT!

So at 7 am when the alarm sounded for church, it was 6 am. BUMMER!! This did however create a calmness about getting ready for church.

It was, however, the calm before the storm. While curling my hair, I hear a ruckus coming from the general direction of Hunter's room.

In the next moment Paul's reflection is staring back at me trying desperately to avoid hysterical laughter. I realize curiosity killed the cat, but I didn't care.

"What is so funny?"

In his best Hunter imitation, he stomps his foot and furiously blurts out, "SEE! THAT'S WHY I HATE CLEANING!"

Knowing my son's personality intimately (given that he is a mini me), I responded with, "What can't he find?"

"His script for the musical." was the reply.

Knowing that in fact the script was NOT missing
but hidden in plain sight
by none other than me
because,
big surprise,
after asking for several days that it be put away
it remained on the island in the kitchen, I marched myself to his room for a "discussion."

"Son, Daddy said you can't find your script because you cleaned."

"Yeah, see I'm sick of cleaning. I CAN NEVER FIND ANYTHING AFTER I CLEAN." (Clearly a conversation for another day and time.)

"Well, actually buddy, your script is in the kitchen by the espresso machine because you didn't put it away when I asked you."

"Let me guess, you were teaching me a lesson."

Oh no you didn't!!! Suffice it to say...the storm had arrived.

Countdown Has Begun

2008-11-01T10:01:00.002-06:00

In less than 5 days our BG (Baby girl) will be 11.

Neither Paul nor I know when this happened.

We are pretty sure that yesterday Paul was taking her on daddy dates to the zoo and pretending to be Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. Maddy would beg him to act out the scene from the movie where Ariel would rescue Eric and then sing the song on the rock. She could play Ariel for hours. Paul loved every minute of it. She will always be his precious BG. And let me tell you. She has him wrapped around her little finger.

Now she wants to go shopping at Justice and hang out with her friends. We are thankful that she will still sneak in our room early in the morning, crawl in bed with us and cuddle. But she is growing bigger wings and trying to fly further from the nest.

Despite the occasional alien behavior, we are so proud of who she is and how she is growing up. She has an amazing heart for people. She puts others first 90% of the time, and she loves Jesus. She tries hard to do what is right. She is an AMAZING big sissy. Hunter has no idea how good he has it.

So, with mixed emotions we are getting ready to celebrate her 11th birthday. She is 2 years away from being an official teen. UGH! But she is growing up as we hoped she would-with a heart of gold.

Tag I'm it-Random things about me

2008-10-29T18:56:00.006-06:00

I'm NO super mom tagged me. So, here are several random things about me.

1. When I was in seventh grade, I climbed out of a station wagon traveling at a good clip on a mountain highway. I was trying to dump out melted red jello blocks that were beginning to spill in the back seat.

2. I backpacked through Europe for 2 and a half months, traveling in 9 countries and sleeping on trains and in youth hostiles.

3. I once flew on a plane with Ray Charles.

4. I performed at the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics. My mom found me on the field by searching for my hair.

5. My great grandparents came to America from Italy. They started a business in 1904 or 1906 that is still in business today and the building is a historic landmark in San Jose, CA.

6. My husband and I were apart for 8 months during our second year of marriage while he completed culinary school in Hyde Park, New York at the Culinary Institute of America. We didn't see each other once.

7. When I was five years old, I helped stop the bleeding from my mom's broken nose with paper while all the other adults were freaking out.

8. I had the same second grade teacher that my mom had.

Now I tag Hey Chef PW, Mama CEO, Valinda, AaronandApril, Along Schaefer Road, Moseley's Musings, Teaching Tuck and Ty, Ramblings of Robin, My Mama Days, and life on prescott avenue.

Our Day at Anderson Farm

2008-10-25T18:42:00.004-06:00

We ended Fall break with a trip to Anderson Farm. We had a great time picking pumpkins, riding the barrel trains and being together.

I hope you enjoy the photos half as much as we enjoyed the day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Does anyone speak Tween?

2008-10-23T16:26:00.004-06:00

OK, so for those of you who know me, you know I was not an overly sappy baby mom.

Yes, I adored my babies. I treasured all of their stages. But, no I did not cry when the highchair went to the basement for storage. Nor did I mourn the transformation of the baby room to the big girl/big boy room.

If I am truly honest, I did the happy dance every time a baby toy was outgrown.

I know sounds terrible, but really, I taught middle school/high school for 10 years for a reason.

There was a standing joke in our family. My sister, the amazingly gifted KINDERGARTEN teacher, would raise the kids until they were twelve, then I would take over.

Well, forget it. Apparently, it was easy for me to relate to OTHER PEOPLE'S tweens!

I need a manual for my own child.

Example...I give a direction like, "Could you please fill Koda's bowl with food and water and put him in the 'apartment'."

I descend the stairs to see, Hunter's shoes on the kitchen table and Maddy sorting out coats from the closet.

I admit, I was puzzled.

So, foolishly I ask..."What are you doing?"

"I'm coordinating jackets and shoes for everyone." was the reply I received.

I think, wow, above and beyond what I asked of her. Maybe I do have the hang of this parenting thing.

Yeah, not so much.

I come further into the kitchen to see that my direction, in its entirety, was ignored. Now, I have an added mountain of coats to assist with hanging up, a dog who is still NOT confined to the apartment, and kids who are not ready to walk out the door.

Disappointed...a little...the first 5 times...

Now, I'm my mom. "Why won't you follow the direction I gave you? Don't do more. Don't do less. Just do the direction I gave you."

The common reply, "Well, I figured you didn't know we needed to do the other stuff so I was helping."

I'm sorry...me not know we needed to do the other stuff...I don't think so.

Wordless Wednesday-Museum free day

2008-10-22T18:25:00.002-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Why I Love Fall

2008-10-21T15:55:00.004-06:00

Look at the color of the tree. Don't you think it's amazing! I decided to post it so that I could come back and look at it whenever I wanted.

The middle of Winter will be here before you know it. Those of you who know this California girl know that the death of Winter is VERY hard for me.

If we had a light blanket of snow layering the ground all Winter, I would be fine. But the death and brown is hard to swallow. In the middle of Winter, I miss the lush green of California. But what I don't miss about California is so long of a list that I don't know where to start. Thus. I will grit my teeth and bear the barren trees, bushes, and grass. I will miss the flowers of spring and summer and the color of Fall. When the snow comes I will cozy in and LOVE IT! When the emptiness over takes me I will read this blog and remember it will be green again!

Thank you Major League Baseball

2008-10-17T09:49:00.002-06:00

First off, know that it is NOT my intention to offend anyone with what you are about to read.

But, on the parenting level, I admit Paul and I found this too good to pass up. Those of you yet to reach the tween years or near tween years may not appreciate it as much as those of us smack dab in the middle of the horror.

Last night, Hunter and Paul were watching the Tampa Bay/Boston playoff game.

Innocent enough.

Maddy and I were occupied with other things.

I realized we were out of training pads for Koda.

I announced that I was going to PetSmart. Paul, being the handsome prince that he is, said he wanted me to stay home and he would go. (I LOVE THAT MAN!)

So, off he went.

Never occurred to me that there was a procedure for watching sporting events on TV.

SO, mom's of boys, listen up, apparently there is-at least in our house.

Not being a huge Tampa or Boston fan, I did not join Hunter to watch the game. I was within ear shot however.

The next thing I know Hunter is in hysterical laughter. Laughter reserved for embarrassment or bodily noises that boys find hilarious and will remain unmentioned.

I then hear the words that bring me to a cold sweat.

"Maddy, did you hear that?"

I cautiously asked, "Hear what, Hunter?"

"That commericial."

"What did it say?"

"Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sex." was the reply he gave.

Now, thanks to the world around us, we had to have "the talk" with Maddy last year-IN FOURTH GRADE. It went well, but early in our minds none the less.

Maddy's eyes popped out of her head. She looked at me in horror as if to say "YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TELL HIM ARE YOU?!?"

I was NOT about to have the conversation-without Paul-during a Playoff game. But, much to my chagrin, I also knew I could not let it go.

"Do you know what sex is Hunter?"

"I think so."

Gulp! "What is it?"

Suffice it to say, he is not quite there, but his little gifted mind is definitely putting it together.

I relayed the events to Paul when he returned.

He then proceeds to tell me the PROCEDURE for watching sporting events.

Given that the target audience is middle aged men, he turns the channel during commercials.

Yeah, that would have been good to know.

What am I gonna do with him?

2008-10-14T17:24:00.006-06:00

Everyone seems to love Hunter. Where ever we go, he makes friends. Strangers are happy to see him. He shows the love of Jesus to everyone. I know I can count on him to reach out to kids who need a friend.

For some kids he is like a magnet. If you need a friend or you are left out, Hunter will rescue you and you will never be without a friend again. If Hunter says you're cool, then everyone believes you're cool. His teachers and coaches can't believe how much he cares for others.

I love this about him. I love his compassionate, caring heart. He lives out the verse that says, "A friend loves at all times..." His life's mission is to care for the underdog.

So what's the problem? He's smart. Nothing seems hard for him. He just memorized 4 verses for Awanas in the last 15 minutes while I was typing this. Why am I frustrated? WE LEAVE FOR AWANAS IN 10 MINUTES. He had all week. He's the same with school work.

SO...I pose this question...What am I gonna do with him?

Opposites Attract

2008-10-13T07:43:00.003-06:00

We had such a great Sunday.

After church, we went to the library, selected some books and DVD's for the kids to enjoy over Fall Break, went to the store for supplies for pumpkin bread and Robin's pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. (See YUM under Ramblings of Robin) Oh, and of course a Frappacino for Maddy (don't get me started-Thank you Aunt Saysa!)

We settled in for a cozy afternoon of baking, watching movies and wearing sweats. We all love these family days.

We were interrupted by the doorbell. We thought that it was Maga with the rolled oated-minor detail at the store, I forgot the list. Anyway, Paul got up to get the door while I contained the attack dog.

If we are ever robbed, Koda will bark the robber to death. And I assure you, the robber will run away to maintain sanity!

It wasn't Maga. It was a political activist seeking support for the party I oppose. HOW BAD DID I WISH I OPENED THE DOOR.

Paul very calmly informed them that he would be "speaking his voice when he cast his vote in November." She asked him which way he was voting. He calmly replied he was undecided.

WHATEVER-he did not want to address or to create conflict.

Me-I had a million questions I wanted answered-but trying to display respect for my husband and not take over the conversation-I stood silent trying to calm Koda.

After the the activist handed Paul her material, believing that an over-sized postcards with half information pointing only to what they want to tickle your ears with would change our minds Paul thanked her for stopping, told her to stay warm, and shut the door.

I went on a rambling for 10 minutes about the issues, politics and how lucky that girl was that Daddy answered the door.

Hunter asked, "Why was she lucky, Daddy?"

Paul calmly replied, "Well, Mommy is my zesty Italian. She likes to make sure everybody knows both sides of the issues."

Yeah that's it-Whatever!

Fall is in the Air

2008-10-11T20:41:00.003-06:00

It's cold outside.

Drizzle fills the sky.

Forecasters predict a light snow-the first of the season.

We are bundled in for the night.

Cozy in our warm, autumn filled house.

WOW! Are we blessed by God or what!

Top Ten Reasons I Haven't Blogged

2008-10-10T19:24:00.002-06:00

10. I'm recovering from my time in an airplane.

9. We neutered Koda. Enough said.

8. I had a community...I'm sorry...Hunter had a community project that required extensive travel around Highlands Ranch...WooHoo.

7. Stephanie was in Hawaii for two weeks. Again, Enough said.

6. Paul is working on a secret project.

5. Hunter hasn't gone to yellow in weeks.

4. I've started Christmas shopping.

3. I'm Fall cleaning.

2. Madison is swimming EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK.

And the number one reason, I haven't been blogging...

1. I got nothing!!!

Florida Baby

2008-09-17T14:26:00.002-06:00

I did it! I flew all the way to Florida without a panic attack.

That my friends is a major accomplishment. I listened to my I-pod and played mindless DS games throughout the entire flight.

Before I left, Hunter prayed that the flight would be 25 minutes faster than scheduled. I love when my kids pray.

The Lord almost never says no to them. The flight was 24 minutes faster than scheduled.

OK...so it wasn't exactly 25 minutes but seriously...I'd say 24 is close enough.

I can now rest assured I am back on the ground an in control...Hah! Hah! Lesson learned. I am so not in control of...well...anything...

Imagine that! ;0!

Bear or Bare

2008-09-11T02:35:00.002-06:00

I have been negligent with my blog this past week. Not for lack of material, but lack of time. Where do the hours go?...

School work...work...house work...taking care of strep throat...taking care of bronchitis...taking care of pneumonia...you know the usual.

But this little nugget was too good to pass up. Or not...you decide.

I love the relationship between Paul and Hunter-though I admit that growing up in a house of all girls I don't get the "boy thing." I do try mind you, but sometimes even horror does not describe the reaction they can evoke from me with their antics.

Recently, Hunter was working on his spelling list.

I was giving him a test.

The word was bare. He spelled it b-e-a-r.

I said, "Not that kind buddy. Think about the word you just wrote 5 times."

He burst into to tears, a reaction we get from him if his work is not 100% correct. Huh, wonder where there comes from? Must be Paul.

Between sobs that should be reserved for things like broken bones he said, "That's the only bear I know."

Even as the words were leaving his mouth, from the corner of my eye, I can't believe what I am seeing.

Paul is mooning him. Yes, you read that correctly.

Paul is mooning him and saying, "You know bud, this kind of bare, like your bare butt."

The shock on my face was overtaken by complete hysterical laughing from Hunter.

I can assure you he will never forget these two homonyms.

The Volume War Has Begun

2008-08-25T17:18:00.002-06:00

This morning Paul and I enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee while we managed the tasks of packing lunches and fixing breakfast.

We were enjoying pleasant conversation when Paul interrupted the train of thought with, "the volume wars have begun."

I was a bit perplexed.

He followed the comment with, "Do you hear that?" I have to admit that I am able to tune out almost anything. My mom called it selective hearing when I was growing up. I like to think of it as an incredible ability to concentrate.

I paused, listened and realized that "WE WILL ROCK YOU!" was blaring out of a room in the distance.

I then focused further and realized that the Jonas Brothers were blaring at a similar level very nearby the before mentioned rock n' roll.

Paul laughing said, "You know who always wins the volume wars?"

I responded very hopefully yet in question form, "The Parents?!"

He proceeded upstairs to find Hunter in the bathroom with a very logical explanation to the volume. "Well dad, if I'm not in my room I can't hear it."

Maddy's response was similar in logic. "Well dad, Hunter's music was so loud, I had to turn mine up and shut the door so I could hear it."

Rest assured, Paul descended the stairs having won the battle. I wouldn't go as far as to say he won the war. Something tells me that remains to be seen.

Tag

2008-08-20T23:01:00.003-06:00

OK, so I am like WAY behind on my blog reading. Tonight in an effort to catch up, I realized my dear friend from Texas TAGGED me.

Sorry for taking so long Valinda but (as if you don't know-hee hee) here are the 6 quirkiest things about me...

At least the way I see it.

1. I straighten the carpet runners in the living room to exactly 1/2 an inch from the right angle at the door. This allows for the runners to be centered to the walkway. I do this at every morning, when I get home from work and double check it before bed.

2. I strip the sheets off the bed 4 times a week when I make the bed so that the sheets have an equal length across the top of the bed and the hospital corners have an equal amount of material at each end of the bed. (I so wish I was kidding.)

3. I can't leave work with anything on my desk, any items on my to do list, or emails unanswered. I have returned to work on numerous occasions so that I can sleep at night.

4. I balance the checkbook to the penny EVERY SINGLE TIME, 3 times a month. NO EXCEPTION.

5. I organize my closet first by color shade, then by pattern. I know exactly what shirt/blouse should be where. If the order gets rearranged, I remove every shirt from the bar and start over.

6. When I make a list in pen, if I make a mistake or hate my printing I start a new list. I also add items to the list if I complete them so that I can cross them off.

I now tag...
Stephanie
Holly
Tricia
Robin
Bobbi
Amy

OK-Exactly when did we get a teenager?

2008-08-20T10:37:00.003-06:00

Something tells me that Hunter is going to take a back seat in the blog this year.

Maddy has taken over the spotlight.

It started at the ice cream social last weekend.

Paul and I were looking for Maddy in the gym because she hadn't "checked in for awhile." We both searched, I would say half heartedly. I mean really where could she really go. We kind of gave up and figured she would find us sooner or later.

Paul then uttered the phrase that shocked us into reality.

"Well it's not like she's outside with all the older 5th and 6th graders."

H-E-L-L-O

Fifth grader...

Duh...

We looked at each other and proceeded outside where we found her in a huddle of girls, giggling and pointing.

Pointing where you ask...in the general direction of the boys.

And she wants to know why she can't have a cell phone.

REALLY?!?

Paul's Strategy for Dealing with Boys.

2008-08-10T00:07:00.003-06:00

Maddy recently asked me to upload a Rodney Atkins song to her Ipod. It was the song, "Cleaning This Gun."

For those of you unfamiliar with the song, it is one that addresses a father's communication to a young suitor who is picking his daughter up for a date.

He wants the boy to know that he'll "probably be up all night just cleaning this gun."

Maddy thinks it's really funny.

Poor child, she has no idea what her father has planned when boys start coming around our house.

Why Didn't I Think of That?

2008-08-09T10:57:00.003-06:00

The first day of school was a success!

Maddy made a new friend and...

Drum roll please...

Hunter got a quarter. Not a real quarter but a classroom quarter. And I quote, "Mom, great news. Mrs. Mueller hardly had to talk to me at all today so I got a coin with George Washington on it." He proceeded to tell me that if he gets $10 by the end of the year, he can buy a goldfish.

So the kid can be bought. Huh.

Maybe coming home with a yellow isn't so bad?!

Back to School Basics

2008-08-07T20:21:00.002-06:00

It's

that

time of year...

Oh, wait not that time of year. Not Christmas.

It's that back to school time of year. Excitement fills the air. New backpacks and binders. New notebooks and pencils. Crayons are nice and sharp. Markers filled to the brim with bright Crayola, nontoxic, ink.

New teachers, a new start...

5 bucks says Hunter comes home with a yellow for...what else...chatting.

Bless his heart!

And the Winner is...

2008-08-05T22:02:00.003-06:00

Maddy was voted by her swim team coaches as the most dedicated female swimmer on the team!

Are we proud?...You better believe it!!!

It is a huge honor and a great encouragement to Paul and me that just when we think she is going to go through life OK with average...

She knocks it out of the park.

I haven't seen that girl smile that big in a LONG time!!

I'm Back, Baby, I'm Back

2008-08-03T18:21:00.002-06:00

I actually got a little humorous today while catching up on some blog reading.

I visited several blogs when I finally found myself at my friend Tricia's blog. She had several new posts to enjoy. Well...new to me...anyway... I came upon one...and...well...I love ya Tricia but I couldn't resist.

No, darling, I don't actually own that espresso maker, but I had you guessing didn't I?

For full understanding of this little tease please visit teaching Tuck and Ty. The link is listed in my side bar under can't miss blogs.

BEST DAY EVER

2008-08-03T16:26:00.002-06:00

Jen's funeral was yesterday.

It was hard.

However, it offered a much needed outlet of tears for all of us.

I started in the minute we walked into the church.

Ray put together a slide show of her life to two Mercy Me songs. It opened the flood gates for all of us. Hunter cried so hard and so long that he drank a large icee and a large bottled water and didn't go potty for 3 hours.

It was healing.

God is so good.

After the service, I had tickets for Maddy and me to see Martina McBride-something I have wanted to do for years. She is my all time favorite. I love her music and the messages she delivers in it.

And to get to see her with Maddy. Icing on the cake. We had seats 14 rows from the stage at Fielders Green. It was outside under a beautiful Colorado sky. The weather couldn't have been better.

We danced, we laughed, and we cried (a little). But we made a memory that will last forever. Now every time we hear, "This ones for the Girls" we will have this memory.

We went to bed closer as mommy and daughter. She was as sweet as she could be and might I say as beautiful as she could be. Poor Paul.

We got girl time that will last forever.

It was the best day ever!

P.S. Hunter wanted me to tell you he had amazing time with his daddy. They went to see Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D.

It must have been great because this morning at 6:15, he was a mile a minute talking nonstop. I no longer have to see the movie, I've heard the whole thing. It's good to be on our way back to normal.

Put Me in My Place

2008-07-29T17:56:00.003-06:00

There should be no question in your mind as to whether or not I am competitive.

If there is...I AM!!!

Paul and I took vacation time this week to spend time together before the kids head back to school. We are laying low and having much needed R and R. We have some day trips planned and a few over night adventures scheduled.

Having no schedule or lists has been the best part.

Yesterday, we spent the entire day at the pool. The weather was great. The rec center we selected has both an indoor and an outdoor pool. This allowed us a break from the UV for awhile.
The indoor pool has a several options for entertainment. It's great.

One of the options is a "fitness pool." It's not anywhere near the distance of a lap pool.

Maddy challenged me to an IM. An IM requires the swimmer to swim all four strokes-butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke and freestyle-in that order, one at a time.

Maddy, having pity on me, said I could do freestyle twice and avoid the butterfly.

Well, given my competitive nature, this set me off a bit. I didn't let on, but I did take her up on the offer to avoid the fly.

I'm competitive, but I'm not an idiot!

How hard could it be? It's a "fitness pool." I have been running almost everyday. I knew I could take her.

Yeah not so much. She kicked my butt...She finished a full lap ahead of me...a lap and a half if you count the fact that I cheated and didn't swim to the end of the pool on any of my laps.

That girl can move!

Maddy's Race

2008-07-27T11:12:00.002-06:00

Maddy said to me before she swam the 100m IM, "No offense mom, but I am swimming this race for Miss Jen."

She took 2 seconds off her time and first by an entire lap.

When she got out of the pool she said, "Now Miss Jen will know how important she was to me!"

It's always darkest before the dawn!

2008-07-25T18:49:00.003-06:00

It can't get any darker.

Jen passed away this morning.

I still can't believe that I am writing these words.

It rained today. There was lighting too. I remember the spring storm 5 years ago that brought the entire neighborhood outside. The thunder clap was so loud Jen was sure that it had hit our house. She wanted to be sure that we were all OK.

That was Jen.

We moved into our house in October of 97. Jen greeted us immediately. I was nine months pregnant with Maddy. She made sure I had help with the unpacking of boxes.

That was Jen.

When the blizzard hit 10 days before I delivered, she made sure that I was doing OK.

That was Jen.

When I ranted and raved about how ugly this state gets in the Winter, she told me things I could plant to help keep my yard a little green all year.

That was Jen.

She embroidered a beautiful blanket for Hunter's birth.

That was Jen.

She was my emergency contact, my baby-sitter safety net. We were going to be the neighborhood originals. The two families still standing, while others come and go. We would always be here.

That was Jen.

She took interest in our kids. She treated them like they were people. She listened to Hunter- Talk and Talk and Talk and Talk.

That was Jen.

She remembered every important date in everyone's life. I can barely tell you the date on any given day. She died today. Today would have been my dad's 64th birthday. I am thankful that she will share this date with him. I will forever remember her and her legacy of faith, love and determination. I know only one other person as strong as Jen in her will and determination-My Mom.

Where is my voice?

2008-07-24T23:13:00.004-06:00

After months of blogging, I have lost my voice. No, I haven't lost my physical voice. Not at all. I have lost my writer's voice. Oh to go back to when I could half laugh at my son's choices.

The pain of Jen is all consuming.

I look across the street daily...screaming out to God...begging Him to heal her.

Today...I am worried.

There are more cars out in front.

I don't know what that means...They are looking into hospice...Did Jen come home?...Did Jen go home?...I feel like I am in a nightmare. I can only imagine how they feel.

The kids got to spend the some of the week with G-pa and G-ma Worley in the Springs. When they called. The first question out of Hunter's mouth every time they called was "How did Ms. Jen do today?"

I spend hours crying...Oh the pain that they must feel...

People talk about needing to say good-bye...Needing closure...It makes me insane to hear that...

What about Ray?...what about the kids?...They need JEN!!!

Who are these people to think they need closure?

I know that j0y comes in the morning.

Where oh where is the morning.

Mr. G

2008-07-19T16:09:00.003-06:00

Look at this little man.

Eleven months ago he entered the world, barely 4 pounds.

Clearly he has not missed a meal since.

He is our little miracle and my blessing during this painful time.

Happy Days

2008-07-19T15:56:00.005-06:00

Maddy, Hunter, Ashliana, Koda and Coconut posing for a photo after waiting over an hour and a half to walk in the 4th of July parade.

It started out like a great idea. But we soon remembered why we stopped doing this 2 years ago.

My Friend Jen

2008-07-18T09:39:00.002-06:00

We received word from Ray that Hospice is coming in to help with the Jen's passing from this earth to Heaven.

She is in unbelievable pain. Wednesday the doctor's removed over 15 pounds of fluid from her body. Her liver and kidneys have failed. The most the doctor's can do for her is manager her pain and make her comfortable.

While I am thankful that her pain and endless suffering will be over, I am dumbfounded by the loss. I can only imagine the grief and pain that Ray is enduring. I can't look across the street without crying.

I am ashamed at my lack of strength, while the ones closest to her, her dearly loved family faces the future without her.

I don't understand the ways of God sometimes. I can't see how this can ever come together for their good. I guess I have to trust God when He said, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My Ways are not your ways."

Epi-Pen

2008-07-10T23:23:00.002-06:00

I know, hard to believe, but I have now posted twice in the last 4 hours. I guess "MIA" got my juices going again and opened my mind to all that has occurred in the 2 weeks.

Huh, as I reflect I realize that, God bless him, Hunter is the source of most of my material. I just hope and pray that we both live to see him graduate high school.

Monday of this week was a Monday in every sense of the word.

It started fine enough. You know, the normal boo hoo the weekend is over. Time to enter reality and head to work.

Work was work. Same old same old. Until about 1:30.

I received a frantic call from my mom that Hunter and Ashliana had found Nana's back up Epi pen in the basement.

De Ja Vue! Bleach ring a bell.

Same chapter, different verse.

Not only had they found the epi-pen. Hunter had managed to puncture himself with it.

I guess the old saying "All's well that ends well" is true, but let me tell you there was a period of time that day that I was not sure it would end well for the darlings. Counting to ten was a drop in the bucket. I was looking at counting to like a million.

Suffice it to say they will not be playing unsupervised for-well the rest of their lives-but hey who's counting?

Oh right me!

MIA

2008-07-10T20:47:00.002-06:00

I know that I have been MIA the last couple of weeks. I have been consumed by Jen. She is fighting the fight of her life. Some how blogging seems so insignificant.

But the last two weeks have been filled with fun, joy and humor in spite of the heartache of watching Jen suffer.

We had the privilege of having Kaitie, Brandyn, and Krystie over to play the weekend before last. It was so amazing to watch all five kids be kids. Their innocent joy was so healing. They had water fights, played the wii, ate ice cream, and baked in the hot Colorado sun.

We bar-b-qued burgers and corn and ate watermelon. Summer at its best.

Fourth of July weekend brought the opportunity to spend some time with Jen. What a blessing. Paul urged me to go over. Praise God for a man of wisdom.

She is the most amazing woman I have ever met. As I reflect on the 11 years of friendship, I am in awe of how we have both grown. We were young mom's together. We wondered when we were going to have a house uncluttered by toys. As the kids have grown, we have lived through many adventures.

I have taken her for granted. Somehow, I assumed that we would always be neighbors. We would always be the "Emergency Contact" for all the school and field trip forms.
The babysitters would always know the Miller's were the go to family if anything happened.

I watch in disbelief as my dear friend fights her Pancreatic Cancer. I am awed by her faith and determination.

I still pray even at this dark hour for her healing.

Husband Control

2008-07-02T06:47:00.002-06:00

Paul has censored me.

Believe it or not I listened.

I know hard to believe, but when he's right-he's right.

It's a long way from the Freedom of Speech activist I was when I graduated from college.

I swore I would NEVER agree with censorship.

My thought-read the book, filter it through the Bible, know what is right and what is wrong.

Have an educated opinion that is backed by facts.

This is and will continue to be my belief.

Don't bury your head in the sand.

Now I realize that censorship is not burying your head in the sand.

I will continue to have educated opinions based on facts and evidence.

But it will shared with Paul.

After all, I married him because he gets it.

Looking to the Future

2008-06-22T19:23:00.002-06:00

We are so not paying for college.

Maddy is going to get a scholarship for swimming. I am sure of it. I pretty sure she is the best ever.

I know she's my kid, so I am biased. But seriously, I think we are on to something.

Yesterday at the meet, you know the one that started at 6:45 am, she took 4 first places and a second.

She took first with her relay teams in the Medley relay and Freestyle relay. She was the third leg. According to what I know, it's the anchor leg.

She did her job. She caught her team to first place by a quarter of a lap in both races. I couldn't believe it. Is this the same child that lacks motivation in, well, seemingly everything else?

Huh? Who knew?

She also took first in the 100m IM. That's definitely her race. She beat the times of the boys and girls.

Her final first was in the 25m breast stroke.

Her 2nd was in the 25m freestyle.

I had to know what the deal was. So I asked her on the way home.

"Sweetie, what makes you want to work so hard at swimming?"

"Duh, Mom, swimming's important."

Oh, course. And helping out around the house is...what...a suggestion?

Summertime!

2008-06-20T21:32:00.002-06:00

It's officially here. Not only is today the first official day of summer, school ended today.

This will be the longest summer break since Maddy finished preschool. We are going to the modified calendar next year which means, instead of starting 5th grade and 2nd grade in two weeks, we don't go back until August 6th or so.

I can't wait for lazy summer days and sleep-in mornings. This of course will have to start next week because Maddy has a swim meet at 6:45 am tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, am I the only one the that fails to see the logic in that? Seriously.

I don't need to close my eyes, Mom

2008-06-19T10:11:00.004-06:00

Tuesday night was a late night at work for both Paul and me. Paul finished up first so he went to my sister's to retrieve the darlings.

When he arrived and Greg called the kids from upstairs, Hunter came down with a now spotted blue shirt.

Greg looked perplexed and said, "Dude, what happened to your shirt?"

Hunter's responded with shrugged shoulders and a baffled, "I don't know."

On the way home, Paul probed further and learned that Hunter and Nana were spraying, and this is a direct quote from Hunter himself, "chemicals on each other."

As you can imagine this did not sit well with the parental instinct. Paul called me at work to report the instance and let me know that he was not successful at reaching my sister to let her know what they were doing.

He tried to get Hunter to recall what the chemical was, but low and behold the child who reads well above grade level and has a photographic memory couldn't remember.

Yeah, right-whatever.

I told Paul to put him on the phone.

"Hunter, I want you to close your eyes and tell me the letters that you see on the bottle you were playing with."

"Oh, I don't have to close my eyes Mommy. It had the target name on it and b-l-e-a-c-h on it."

Apparently losing your mind is contagious.

Seriously

2008-06-17T19:08:00.003-06:00

I have officially lost it.

This morning was one of those morning. Don't tell me you don't know what kind of morning I'm talking about. It was one of THOSE mornings.

It started off easy enough. Maddy and Paul left for swim team pictures at 6:40 AM. I packed lunches, watered the plants outside, fed Koda, and woke Hunter up to tell him I would be in the shower if he was looking for me.

Maddy finished pictures, came home, and helped out with Koda. Hunter was still not up. I went back to wake him at 8. He got up, reluctantly. I started getting ready, realizing that I had not yet fed Hunter.

I went down stairs, told Hunter we were short on time because it was late, and listed the choices...
1. Toast and yogurt
2. scrambled eggs
3. cereal.

I was met with a stomped foot and "Oh man, I wanted pancakes." This set me off.

Did I respond with, "Those are the choices. You can pick from them or go to school without breakfast."

Oh no, I opted to react with the same "mature" behavior. I dramatically got the supplies for pancakes, all the while lecturing on how inconsiderate he was being considering my hair was still wet, my makeup was not on and it was 8:33. We had to leave in less than 25 minutes to make it on time.

I told him it was fine I would go to work ugly and look ridiculous so he could have pancakes. I told him if we were late he would lose his DS for a week.

While observing this, Maddy pipes in with, "Oh, can I have some pancakes too."

Are you kidding me, do you not HEAR or SEE what is going on around you...Sure you can have pancakes, why not?

Can I make those chocolate chip for you, sweetie? How would you like those cooked?

I wanted to scream NO-N-O-NO that spells NO. I should have said, "No, I listed the choices. If you are still hungry you can pick from those."

Did I say that, Oh no! I launched into another soliloquy about how the pants I had on were 5 years old. I wanted to know when I was going to get to go shopping for new clothes. This seems off topic, but considering our weekend shopping experience and Madison's opinion that she is the only one in family that needs new clothes, it fit trust me.

Like I said in the beginning...I have officially lost it.

It's Official

2008-06-14T14:12:00.001-06:00

I have successfully earned the title of worst mother in America.

Maddy had a play at school Friday. I use the term "play" loosely-very loosely.

It started at 2:50. It consisted of several groups within the class performing a play that they each wrote based on the novel they just finished reading, Ruby Hollar (yeah it should be italized or underlined-moving on). Anyway, each play lasted about 7 to 10 minutes.

I could not get away from work. Now mind you it was 7 to 10 minutes-seriously. By the grace of God it is the first event I have missed since preschool.

Well...I will let you know when we will be appearing on the Dr. Phil show. To hear her tell it, I missed her High School graduation.

Check it out

2008-06-11T21:15:00.001-06:00

Wahoo! 3 new posts in one day!

Go me.

2 Down, 1 To Go

2008-06-11T21:10:00.002-06:00

As you can see the deck is now complete. Actually, it has been for about 2 weeks. Me, I have lost my mind, my voice and my sanity.

Why?

Total and complete stress.

I am going to find my way back to the light. I will regain my humor and my focus. I miss the old me.

Why?

Total and complete stress.

I will refocus and enjoy each day.

Wait a minute, didn't I just say this in the last blog.

I'm hopeless, completely hopeless.

2008-06-11T21:01:00.003-06:00

Gottcha!

2008-06-11T17:49:00.003-06:00

The tooth fairy needed to pay a visit to the Worley's this week. Maddy came home Monday missing a tooth.

This was somewhat of a surprise as we did not, or should I say, I did not know the tooth was loose. I know you're thinking that this is not surprising, but when I say I micromanage everything-I mean there is no stone unturned in our house.

She enjoyed a carmel apple sucker during lunch and in the process launched the tooth from its resting place in her gums.

Well, at 2 am I awoke to Koda whining. Time for a potty stop. I made my way downstairs to let him out. After taking care of business, I headed back upstairs anxious to go back to sleep.

As I tried to nestle back into sleep, I began dreaming that all my teeth were falling out. Common dream. Can't explain it. I just suffer through it.

Anyway, I sat straight up in bed realizing that Paul and I had both forgotten the duty of the Tooth Fairy. I frantically woke Paul up and sent him off to complete the delivery of the dinero.
30 seconds later he's back.

"Um, yeah she's awake."

"What do you mean she's awake."

"I mean, 'Hi, Daddy' she's awake."

"No she's not, sometimes she seems awake but she isn't. Try again."

30 seconds later.

"Yeah she's awake."

I proceed to take care of it because obviously this calls for mom. So off I go to cover up any chance that we have blown our cover. And honestly to see for myself because I am sure to some extent Paul is, well, inaccurate. She is absolutely asleep. I'm sure of it.

OOPS!

"Honey, what's wrong, daddy said that you're awake."

"I don't know mommy, but it's a good thing I am."

"Why is that?"

"Because Daddy's trying to steal my money!"

Attention Grabbed

2008-06-03T12:58:00.002-06:00

OK, so God got my attention BIG TIME!

With my latest decision to "Just Say No", God apparently decided that waiting to start in a few weeks was not soon enough, so He sent Paul to the hospital via an ambulance Sunday night.

Yeah, you read that right.

Paul has been suffering from major sinus issues since the cottonwoods started blooming. Surprisingly, however he did not go to the doctor. I know you find it hard to believe with how proactive he can be when it comes to his health.

Well for me, Sunday was the last straw. I told him he could not attend the family birthday party unless he went to urgent care to see a doctor and get a prescription. You know given that his nose has tripled in size over the last four weeks. Kinda thought something might need to be addressed. Call me crazy. I mean I realize that I don't have a medical degree, but seriously.

Anyway, off he went. Got the prescription. Took the meds. Left for the movies. On the road to recovery. Yeah, not so much.

He leaned over during the movie and said the meds were making him sick. He returned 2o minutes later reporting he had been throwing up but thought he was good. Twenty minutes later off he went again.

Greg took him home.

When I got home with the kids, he told me he had blacked out in the bathroom, but thought he was improving because the time between episodes was getting longer. He tried to drink some juice. OOPS. Root Beer. Yeah not so much.

When I finally got the kids to bed, he seemed better. Next thing I know. I hear what sounded like a boulder coming through the ceiling. I ran upstairs to find Paul passed out on the bedroom floor.

I tried to wake him for a good 10 to 15 minutes. NOTHING. I called 911. They arrived to him awake, but I could not get him back in bed. They did. Took his vitals. Yeah not so great. Blood Pressure 96/47. No vein for an IV. Completely dehydrated.

After the trauma subsided and Paul was resting comfortably, we learned that he was given a double dose of his antibiotic.

You can imagine how well that sat with me.

My lesson in all of the stress-LIVE EVERY MINUTE TO THE FULLEST!

I ABSOLUTELY NEVER WANT TO FOLLOW AN AMBULANCE WITH ONE OF MY PRECIOUS LOVED ONES IN IT AGAIN!

So, if I am busy with my family...The world is taking a back seat. Starting yesterday.

Where have I been, What have I learned

2008-05-31T07:11:00.004-06:00

I know, I know, I have not posted for a LONG time. Life has been insane at best. I have been trying to do it all.

Tell everyone, "Yes, I can do that." or "Sure no problem. I can fit that in between school pick-up, swim practice, baseball practice, and the Vet check up."

Between work, school, practices, the dog and other events and committees, I am going 24/7 on the wheel of perpetual insanity. Why? Beats me!

Who am I helping? No idea.

My kids think I'm stressed.

I feel like I'm having panic attacks-You know the ones-What did I forget? Where was I supposed to be today? Who has practice at 5 and who has it at 6? When was that due?

My husband wonders where I am half the time.

My solution?

I'm saying no to things. Why? Sanity.

Who will be mad? Likely the people I have to say no to.

How long? Until someone else says yes.

Will they get over it? Absolutely.

Will they be irritated? Maybe for awhile, but not forever.

Who will be happy? My family.

Why am I doing it? Opportunity to lower my blood pressure and smell the flowers.

How long will it last? Until I start feeling guilty again that I am letting too many people down, or I realize I actually prefer to live less stress. (I'm hoping for the latter.)

When does it start? Well, this week is pretty booked from Saturday the 30th to June 8th. So I'm thinking probably in two or three weeks. I'm sure I can make it until then without a stroke or heart attack. Right?!?

Latest Home Project

2008-05-24T20:10:00.002-06:00

We are at it again. Or should I say Mr. Steve is at it again. I tell you, he has more creativity in one finger than I have in my whole body. Now he is building our deck. Again, it's amazing.

After 11 years in Colorado, we are finally really investing in our house. Why you ask? Well, I think I am finally convinced we are staying. Originally, we or should I say I agreed on this house because it is a great starter home for a young family. I thought we could unload it quick when Paul got transferred back to California. The place I didn't want to leave in the first place.

But time has passed and the jobs have changed, and we are still here. And I am completely thankful! My heart has really changed. Now I look at the house as our little sanctuary. It ain't big, but it ain't small either. My type A side is thankful that I can clean or should I say sanitize from top to bottom in a day. Our mortgage is less than most rent, and we can still enjoy life.

So after 11 years we are really making it ours. No time like the present.

Look How Big I Am

2008-05-23T20:48:00.002-06:00

Koda is almost 12 weeks old and probably now close to 3 and 1/2 pounds.

As you can see, he is quite at home.

In the picture where Koda appears to be surrounded by fur, he is. He has taken charge of the oversized dogs the kids lay on to watch TV.

He has dominated them and told them whose boss. Now he snuggles in to sleep on them. It is so precious.

He is learning to fetch and the kids love it.

We took him to Hunter's practice on the leash. He was in heaven.

Wii Fit

2008-05-22T23:16:00.002-06:00

Every year my in-laws give each of their boys and their wives a check as part of their Christmas gift. It is a very generous check that Paul and I greatly appreciate. It is unaccounted for, not for bills or practical use-it's for f-u-n. That spells fun.

This year I decided I would hold off on my purchase to see what kind of games became available for the Wii. Yes, truth be told, I am a bit of a gamer. Not like, Grand Theft Auto or anything, more like CSI detective type games.

I'm a geek. I admit it. I love the challenge of a good mind bender. I can spend hours on end playing games that require deductive reasoning skills.

I think my mom said it best. "If I hadn't been at the hospital when you were born, I'd swear they switched you." I don't process or think like anyone in my family. Shocker, I know.

Anyway, Wii came out with Wii Fit recently. I found my purchase. I even pre-ordered it to be sure that I would not have to wait while shelves were restocked due to sell out.

It came yesterday. Paul helped me sync it to the Wii. Yeah, Yeah, find my blog on my incompetence with the computer. Anyway...tonight was the big night. I embarked on my journey to Wii Fitness.

Even I know that the technology of this game is unbelievable. Within a matter of minutes, the thing calculated my BMI. That's short for Body Mass Index. It also calculated my Wii age. Depressing at best.

After that it asked me to set fitness goals. This I could embrace. My BMI-yeah not so much.

I have embarked on the Wii fit journey. In 3 months, my BMI should be down 22 points. I'll keep you up to date.

But let me tell you this...I look like a lunatic doing the hula hoop!

10 things I have learned since owning a dog

2008-05-20T22:03:00.005-06:00

*3 am is NOT my favorite time of day!

*Teething has taken on a whole new meaning.

*Just when you think that you have the potty training down...OOPS!

*Dogs like kids will do anything for a treat.

*Don't let them fool you, dogs know EXACTLY what they are doing!

*I DEFINITELY have a false sense of control.

*You can no longer follow the 10 second rule in our house. If it hits the floor, eat at your own risk, or should I say peril.

*I should have bought stock in antibacterial.

*You can never have enough Lysol wipes.

*Dads have a mute button. Huh, Da Ja Vue

Blah, Blah, Blah

2008-05-13T13:52:00.003-06:00

I am having one of those weeks.

You know the one I'm taking about.

The one where you are talking, but you're sure that all your children hear is the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher in the background.

If I give a direction, I'm met with the stare of horror as though they are saying, "Mom, you can't possibly expect me to do that."

Other times I'm met with the look that says, "Seriously, mom. Mother's day is over. You have to wait another 364 days to cash in on cooperation."

My problem. It's only Tuesday. Outside it is gloomy. The rain/snow mix is cold and biting to the bone. It won't be sunny until the weekend. Weather really affects me. But weather and this behavior-yeah that's a disaster waiting to happen!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T09:36:00.005-06:00

I would love to write on and on about the great things a Mother is. But being that I like to be straight and to the point, and I feel that I shouldn't reinvent the wheel, and if it ain't broke I ain't gonna fix it. I decided to direct you to my friend Valinda's blog...

For the best Mother's day chuckle please visit... http://valindak.blogspot.com. You can find the link on my blog under the "Can't miss blogs" spot on the left side of my page.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!

The Nerve

2008-05-10T16:13:00.003-06:00

Paul called me this afternoon at work to report in on Koda. He told me that he had successfully gone potty outside.

"In the rain?"

"Yep."

"Wow that's great. (Side note, Koda's not a fan of being outside on wet grass) Did you blow dry him with the blow dryer so he isn't cold?"

Silence

"Honey, I don't want him to get a cold."

"He is still a dog, right?!

"And your point is?"

Can you believe I even had to ask? Hello. No wonder girls are the moms.

What Did I Tell You!

2008-05-07T16:47:00.003-06:00

Koda has me wrapped around his itty-bitty paws. I absolutely love him to death.

What's not to love?

He is the smartest little puppers ever!

But I must confess that during the thunderstorm this morning, he made his way to my side of the bed. Only for 30 minutes or so, I promise. But gosh, he's so itty bitty and the thunder was so big and booming. How could I leave him in his kennel all alone?

Balbi says I'm in for it now. He wasn't even whimpering at the time. But hey, if Hunter came in scared surely Koda at 2.8 pounds had to feel a little fear, right?

Oh well, like I told Paul with the kids, he's only gonna be a puppy for a while. Right?

Oh dear. What have I started?

Are You Kidding?!

2008-05-05T12:47:00.003-06:00

I decided to change my work week this week in order to have one extra day for Koda to adjust to his new family. It is a beautiful day in the Rockies today. So, I decided to work in the yard.

I put the sprinkler on and began to pull weeds. I'm in the process of "hardening" some rose bushes so that I can plant them this weekend. So, I put them out in the sun. Then, I started pulling weeds.

It came time to move the sprinkler.

As I was moving it, I noticed Koda had dropped a package for me. I found this odd however, that I hadn't "seen" it happen. (Surprisingly enough, I am monitoring close to his every move. Shocked I'm sure.) I decided he must have done it when the kids had taken him out. So, I called them to find out and to remind them of the "proper procedure" for removing said package.

The response I received was, how should I say, irritating to say the VERY least. Hunter, having learned his lesson on lying responded with, "Oh, yeah that's from yesterday." Straight and to the point.

"Excuse me? And you left it for me?"

"Well, dad was with me."

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Get your father on the phone right now."

Paul sweetly started the conversation with, "Hi Sweetie, how's it going?"

"Don't you sweetie me, mister. The next time you leave a package for me to clean up, you are on night duty. You got that buster! I don't care how many 'special events' you have this week."

He had the nerve to sort of chuckle then still half laughing said, "Huh sorry."

"WHAT-EVER!" He got the message.

He is slammed this week at work. Out of kindness, I offered to take the night shift the entire week. What an Idiot.

And he wonders why I duhhed him on my last blog.

Crisis Averted

2008-05-04T11:58:00.003-06:00

11:34 pm-I wake from my pre-REM state and decided to check on Koda because he hasn't whimpered yet.

I find him staring out at me, waiting patiently...This could be a good sign...I take him out...He does his business...I put him back no crying...Good puppers...

2:28 am-Slight whimpering...I nudge Paul...can you check him this time...He returns a minute later..."I opened the kennel. He came out and snuggled me and went back in."

Duh, you can't give the puppy a choice...

2:34 am-more whimpering...I head to the kennel...I take him out...Huh, big surprise he has to go again...hello...puppy...needs to pee about every two hours...De ja vu...2 am feedings...on my own.

This time Koda's not so ready to return to the kennel..."Hey lady, where are you going? Let's hang for awhile"...Yeah I'll see you in a couple of hours...Some whimpering...a few...Koda, hush...Koda, hush...Good job...

5:48 am-Whimpering...Sleep for the night is over...Potty time...Good Puppy...Let's go inside...play time...Hey Koda...wait...what are you...No KODA...OUTSIDE...

Slight jog with poop hanging on for dear life...But we made it outside...Night number one...Success.

Love at First Sight

2008-05-03T18:41:00.003-06:00

OK, so I am the biggest sap ever. We arrived to pick up Koda from the breeder today. Paul and I took one look at him and knew immediately which of the two puppy's was going to join the family. We shared only a look and knew we agreed.

Debbie brought both boys down for us to look at an make our choice. Their was no choice to make. Koda was unique, playful and loved the kids immediately. As a Bischon, he should have been white. He is a soft tan color making him unique. His brother was a bit more timid with the kids. He was stark white.

Hunter was initially sad because he didn't want to leave the brother. But after some discussion that another family was on the way to get Koda's brother, he came around.

I know in the future there will be numerous posts with my typical tone. But right now we are blissfully happy with our new pet.

P.S. He went potty OUTSIDE the first try! I am so gonna have this dog trained by tomorrow. Yeah-I know-Good luck with that.

Ta-da...

Serenity Now! Sanity Later!

2008-05-02T12:26:00.002-06:00

I looked at Paul last night and said, "Do you have any idea how much money we have wasted in our life time?"

He looked at me with a blank look.

I responded with, "I think we should just walk away from the deposit and skip the dog."

Yeah that's gonna happen.

He told me I was welcome to sit the kids down and tell them myself.

What? Why do I have to be the bad guy? Oh, right it was my idea. But seriously would walking away from the deposit be that bad? Really? How much do I spend a year at Starbuck's? MD's? Wendy's? In reality those are wastes of money when you think about it right?

Well, given that I don't want to face the jury, Koda will be making his way to the family--TOMORROW! UGH!

Serenity NOW!

Goodbye clean carpets...Goodbye quiet house...Goodbye restful nights...

Hello...Yappy dog..

Sanity later!

Watch...I'll be the most attached...Figures.

The After

2008-05-02T07:28:00.003-06:00

Getting closer...

2008-04-29T20:32:00.003-06:00

We are waiting for the grout to cure and then the sink goes in...

Thank You Miley

2008-04-29T05:45:00.003-06:00

While many fans, with good reason mind you, are reeling in the disappointment of Miley's decision to pose for the photos in Vanity Fair, I say, "Thank You, Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus."

Why, you ask?

Two reasons.

First, they created an amazing, yet tragic teachable moment with Maddy.

Second, they just saved us a small fortune.

My values are clear. And if you know me, you know I am not afraid to put it out there.

I WILL NOT in good conscience support the career of a girl who talks out of both sides of her mouth.

What happen to all the publicity from the People magazine article that communicated her wholesome values and her grounded disposition? And the interviews in which Billy Ray and Miley prided themselves on the fact that she was going to steer clear of this kind of behavior? Wasn't she going to make it without selling out?

Too bad we'll never get a chance to find out!

Now, after the pictures are published and making headlines, Miley is sorry. She says she learned her lesson. That's convenient.

Well, we have a daughter to raise-a daughter that will not be taught that sex or the use of her body will be the way to success.

She will be raised with self respect and dignity. We will do all we can to insure that when she looks at herself in the mirror she will ALWAYS like what she sees. We will fight society to the death on this. When everyone else is gone and she's alone and the lights are out, Maddy will always like who she's with-herself.

Almost There

2008-04-29T05:37:00.003-06:00

We are almost there...Mr. Steve came back yesterday to complete the tiling...

Tonight the grout...Tomorrow the sink...hardware...and frig water and ice connection...Wahoo...

Day Two

2008-04-26T18:50:00.004-06:00

Day two of the construction on the kitchen is complete. We have tile "setting up" on the counters for 24 hours. Tomorrow the wall tile and edges will be done-We might even have the hardware on the cabinets. I can't wait.

Regaining my Perspective

2008-04-26T18:00:00.004-06:00

I love my kids. I really do.

They are good kids. They love each other. There are mornings that I find them snuggling together, giggling and planning their day.

It's not uncommon to walk in on them on their knees praying for Miss Jen.

Hunter loves to read his Bible at night. Maddy loves to care for others.

Driving to school, they will hold hands while planning their recess adventures.

Today at the pool, I watched as they played together as though no one else existed.

Together they warded off the bullies who attempted to push past or drown every small child in the endless river. They were self appointed guardians. My question is where were the big kids going in such a hurry. They were in the endless river. Could it really be that important to get "ahead" of everyone else? Seriously. They were only headed to the same place-hence the term endless.

I know, I know. It sounds to good to be true. Yeah, well sometimes it is. I have left out the several examples in the last 24 hours of their selfish attitude and air of entitlement. Why? Because left to that outlook, I would probably lock myself in my room and rock back and forth for hours.

Construction is Underway!

2008-04-25T19:22:00.002-06:00

2008-04-25T19:16:00.001-06:00

My Take Away from Tony Dungy's Quiet Strength

2008-04-24T16:06:00.003-06:00

*Be a pro.

*Act like a champion.

*Respond to adversity, don't react.

*Be on time. Being late means either it's not important to you or you can't be relied upon.

*Execute. Do what you're supposed to do when you're supposed to do it. Not almost. All the way. Not most of the time. All of the time.

*Take ownership.

Whatever it takes.
No excuses, no explanations.

I Couldn't Resist

2008-04-23T08:47:00.003-06:00

I definitely have my opinions politically speaking. But the one thing I love about our country is our freedom to have opinions. So, other peoples' views politically, in my opinion, are just as valuable as mine.

But today on the Today show, listening to Hillary, I couldn't hold back.

Tim Russert (sp?) said, "Math is not her subject. Psychology is her subject..." Then I listened to Hillary's perspective of the race.

All that I can say is Bill may not have inhaled, but Hillary apparently did.

Good for you Hillary. You keep that optimistic outlook. Keep telling yourself, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me." Not this people, but hey that's the beauty of America.

Don't Tell Me it's Just a Game!

2008-04-21T19:44:00.002-06:00

Hunter has successfully shocked Paul. He (Hunter) is actually more competitive than me. Hard to believe, but true nonetheless.

Yesterday, in the bliss of the warm spring weather, Paul and Hunter played some one-on-one soccer in the backyard. I observed in preoccupied silence while I pulled the grass that is growing everywhere but the actual lawn.

There was no blood shed, but I am convinced that Hunter would have gone for the jugular given the opportunity. Every time Paul scored or out played Hunter there was a "do over" or it didn't count because he was in a "T game".

Paul has long since stopped playing "nice" in order to build Hunter's confidence. Yeah, confidence-check.

We play to win-chess, board games, sports games you name it. We feel that Hunter could benefit from-how should I put this-a little humility. Yesterday was one such example.

I finally spoke up from my silence. Hunter was shocked I even knew what was going on.

"Good grief Hunter, you're more competitive than me. It's just a game."

His eyes blazed with rage. I was sure that his head was going to start spinning. He half yelled, half roared, "Don't tell me it's JUST a game!"

And to think, while studying fact and opinion tonight with Ms. Tricia, Maddy said that it was a fact that her brother was great. She told Ms. Tricia she could prove it. Good for you sweetie. Someone in the family has to be optimistic.

Meanwhile, Paul and I will be working through Anger Management with our 6 year old.

Signs That I Know I am Old

2008-04-21T18:52:00.002-06:00

*I can't put on lounge clothes fast enough.

*The thought of going to a movie that starts after 8 pm horrifies me.

*I can't wait to catch up on the top stories of the day.

*Kids I work with today weren't even alive when I was in high school.

*Teachers I work with are young enough to have been in my middle school English class when I started teaching.

*I'd rather watch Seinfeld reruns than get attached to a new sitcom.

*I have no patience for excuses or laziness-especially from "adults."

*The newest American Girl history doll is from the 70's-excuse me-That's not history that's my life.

*I can now say that I have been alive in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and the 21st century.

*WoW, My Uncle Robert must feel really old.

*All the bands now on reunion tours were touring for the first time when I was in middle school-or should I say junior high.

Bragging Rights

2008-04-19T19:46:00.003-06:00

Hold on to your seats...I have to take a minute to brag about the BeeGee-that's short for Baby Girl. It's the nickname Paul gave Maddy weeks after she came home from the hospital.

Anyway...

She had a swim meet today and like a rock star took 2 2nd place finishes and a 3rd. She took 2nd in the 50m breast stroke, 100m IM and 3rd in the 50m fly-she was racing boys in the fly.

My next bumper sticker will read, "My daughter can swim faster than your son." You go girl!

In Violation of Terms and Conditions

2008-04-18T19:55:00.003-06:00

Wednesday I attempted to access my husband's brand new blog when much to my surprise, I was greeted by a peculiar sight.

In place of the site, I found that the page could only be accessed by the author of the blog because it was "In Violation of Terms and Conditions." Leave it to Paul.

He prides himself in going against the grain. When something he likes goes main stream, he ditches it. If something has the potential to be cool, forget it. He goes 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Follow the rules, yeah right.

Odd that we ended up together...Yeah no kidding.

I, of course, wanted to get to the bottom of it, correct it, and get the blog in compliance with the rules. So, I immediately called Paul to alert him of his situation.

His response..."What, are they gonna send the google police to the door?"

One can only hope!

5 Things I Don't Understand and 1 Thing that rips me apart

2008-04-17T06:18:00.008-06:00

*Colorado weather

*Wii Super Mario Party Eight

*Year Round School

*The difference between Tivo, DVR's, DVD's and BlueRay

*Newscasters who write a team off after 12 games. (I'm sorry-did they watch baseball from July on last year?)

**Why good families end up enduring the pain and suffering of diseases like cancer.

Huh, who knew?

2008-04-13T20:42:00.003-06:00

Mr. Steve came, took the measurements for the all the projects, and plans to get back to us with the final bid. Wahoo!

So, off we went today to the Home Depot to buy supplies necessary for the kitchen job. We picked Majestic Mauve granite. It is beautiful. We were thrilled with the look, and you couldn't beat the price $3.99 per box. Or so we thought.

We got to the check out counter, carts and kids in toe. Rang up all of our supplies. The clerk, with concern in her voice, said, "Who wants the grand total."

I cheerfully said, "I do," wondering why she was freaking out about approximately $275. Not cheap but no where near the cost of granite slab.

I, being the numbers geek I am, already had a pretty accurate accounting of the cost. Or, so I thought. My jaw hit the ground when she told us the grand total.

We asked to review the receipt. Huh, apparently the listed price is by the square foot not the box. Who knew? Well, probably anyone who can read.

PreApproved

2008-04-11T10:19:00.005-06:00

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of preapproved is "to gain favorable opinion beforehand; the act of obtaining approval first. In my opinion this seems straight forward. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if one is preapproved, one is already accepted.

Apparently not in the lovely suburb of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

I'm pretty well versed on the Highlands Ranch Homeowners Association "Rules". I use the word rules lightly however, as the adherence to these rules appears to the outside observer to be random at best.

According to said rules, homeowners are to paint their houses every five years. Well, we are approaching six. Time to paint.

Nevermind that there are houses in our neighborhood that have not been painted since they were constructed slightly over 10 years ago. You do the math.

Again with the lack of adherence to the "rules."

The "rules" also say that you have to get your colors approved. I'm sorry-have you seen some of the color schemes. Yeah, not a fan.

But, nevertheless, I being the "rule" follower that I am want to have my ducks in a row. So, I called the architectural department to clarify the process and determine what the procedure was. (Last time we painted, we didn't change colors, hence no need to get approved.)

This time we want to change colors. Thus, we have to go through the long drawn out approval process.

But wait...maybe not...I learned during my phone conversation that there are PREAPPROVED colors. THANK GOD...

The administrative assistant patiently and dutifully explained what I needed to do to get approved or offered the colors that were PREAPPROVED.

She did clarify that I was not limited by the PREAPPROVED colors, of course. Oh, of course. The thought that PREAPPROVED colors were available thrilled me, as available time to complete the process for approval is limited at best.

It was what she said next that caused me to pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it in utter disbelief. "If you select the PREAPPROVED colors, you need to submit an approval form for approval."

I'm sure those of you that know my ability to avoid confrontation know what happened next.

Oh yes I did.

I launched into a dissertation regarding the definition of PREAPPROVAL. Her response was timid and confused, "Well, uh, we still need to know what you're doing." Really? Huh, I don't recall moving into the twilight zone of George Orwell's 1984.

PSST....Hey...Hey...HEY!

2008-04-10T13:52:00.004-06:00

Apparently the new past time in fourth grade is passing notes. Do I smile about this? Yeah, that's a BIG no!

Maddy was relaying a story to me about her day when she nonchalantly added, "Yeah, so she passed me a note that said..." EXCUSE me. I looked at her with what I intended to be complete and utter disapproval.

Apparently, my exhaustion from the day had taken over. She took it to be a look of complete interest. She responded by saying, "I pass notes too sometimes. We all do." Wrong answer.

First off, I am sure "we" all don't pass notes. I don't. Do you? Second, sadly enough, I resorted to "If everyone was jumping off a roof, would you do it?"

I regained composure, trying not to roll my eyes at myself. I communicated on no uncertain terms would we allow Maddy to pass notes. I told her that we would support her teacher 100% if she was caught. I further informed her that she would lose TV for 2 weeks if she was caught. This was met with eyes so wide I was sure they were going to pop out.

Message received. LOUD and CLEAR.

I suggested she announce to her friends in "line up line" that she has the worst parents in the world. I told her to tell them that she can't pass anymore notes or she will lose TV privileges.

Better to make an announcement like that than pass a note about it, don't you think? She sure agreed!

And to think, it's been over a week since Hunter's last episode. Oh well, wouldn't want life to get boring!

Mr. Steve is on his way

2008-04-08T07:39:00.002-06:00

Mr. Steve and his family arrived home from their amazing mission trip. He reports to Paul that his kids had such a great time while on the trip they didn't want to come home.

I, of course, am thankful they did. I've been counting the days. I wish I could say that I was spiritually sound all the time-that I am happy the trip was so successful. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it was. But as we have all learned from Hunter's journey, honesty is the best policy.

I'm glad they are home. I'm glad that they are safe. I'm glad that it was a success. I'm glad they were able to share God's Word.

But selfishly, I'm really glad their home because that means Mr. Steve is coming to our house Friday. Yeah, this Friday, so we can discuss the plans we have for the house and get them underway. I'm so glad God loves me just the way I am-because I can be really pathetic!

Midnight Madness

2008-04-06T09:38:00.004-06:00

Hunter came in our room about 4 am Saturday morning to declare that he had not handled Midnight Madness (school activity) very well.

My first thought, "Great, now what did he do?"

My next didn't register so quickly. All I knew was that I was being covered in puke.

Two hours later, to the minute, Maddy was sick. Paul, being the Chef that he is, deduced that the pizza at the party had sat out too long before service, incubated, bacteria formed, blah, blah, blah.

I didn't disagree, of course. I just thanked God they hadn't chosen to sleepover. Then I thought, good Lord those poor teachers. I had visions of an infirmary-Children and teachers alike all with bags and buckets nearby.

Then I learned the new horror. My mom was getting sick, down the street at the exact time Maddy was.

Later Saturday, we confirmed with the doctor that they had food born illness-apparently that new pc way of diagnosing food poisoning. Whatever, all I know is that someone at the "home of the filth" did not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. UGH!!!

You bet the Health Department got an ear full on that! Think of it, my personality, my babies sick. Can you imagine how I handled it?

Yeah well, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. Apparently, Paul does have a dark side. Get a Chef's kid sick-Oh dear! Seriously.

Go Rockies

2008-04-04T08:03:00.005-06:00

As far as we are concerned, it might as well be a national holiday.

The Rockies home opener is today.

We couldn't get our normal seats behind the Rockies dugout so we're sitting this one out. ;)!

100 calorie pack

2008-04-02T15:07:00.004-06:00

OK, so it's no secret that after 35, weight control becomes a bit more of, shall I say a challenge. Those of you that know me well, know that passing up dessert is just not an option, especially if M&M's are involved. In fact, I will pass up every other meal and skip right to dessert whenever possible.

A day is not complete for me without snuggling on the couch with a cup of hot water (yeah, I know weird, anyway) and something sweet.

So you can imagine my sheer delight when, today at a local drug store, I discovered 100 calorie packs of my all time favorite-M&M's. Could life get any better? I doubt it.

Oh wait, maybe it can. After opening the box, I discovered...Fun Size packs? What? How much did I pay for this?

All is Right with the World

2008-04-02T14:51:00.002-06:00

Paul went to the dentist. I think I can faintly hear the Hallelujah Chorus ringing in the background. Now if I could convince him to go regularly, I'm sure we could contact the Guinness Book of World Records.

Disclaimer

2008-04-01T17:50:00.000-06:00

Paul wants you all to know that he is seeing the dentist at 2 pm tomorrow.

The Importance of Following Directions

2008-04-01T13:18:00.004-06:00

I love my husband dearly. I thank God for him everyday. There are things that he does that should win him awards. He is great with the kids. He helps around the house. For obvious reasons, he is an amazing cook. Hold on to your seat, he even does laundry. Believe me, I know how good I have it. But when it comes to directions-yeah well-Lord have mercy!

I don't mean directions like-say for constructing lego sets or putting an "assembly required" item together. No-no-for those, again, he's great.

I mean directions that matter. You know like going to the dentist every 6 months or seeing your doctor for yearly physicals.

He hasn't been to the dentist for a year and half. So being the dutiful wife, I suggested (or should I say insisted) that he make an appointment to see the dentist during his spring break.

Shockingly enough he has two cavities and a chipped tooth that needs repair. He of course is surprised by the findings.

He seems to recall thinking he was, at one point, chewing on something metal like. But hey everyone does that. Right? Didn't even occur to him to investigate.

Is he scheduling an appointment to take care of these issues? Not as of yet. It's been a week. Any takers on when he will actually go? My guess 6 to 9 months from now. Shocked I'm sure.

I wish I could say that was the least of the neglect. Oh no. Yesterday he had his yearly physical. I use the word yearly loosely-very loosely. At the appointment, he learned the minor procedure he had in 2006 had revealed pre-cancerous polyps. The doctor said he must have been relieved to know that they had been removed.

Oh, I'm sure he would have been, had he known they were pre-cancerous. He missed that tidbit. Call me crazy-but it might have something to do with not scheduling the post op appointment. Hey what do I know.

It was at this same appointment he learned he has to have follow-up procedures every 3 to 5 years. Huh! That's helpful information don't you think? Again call me crazy, but he has officially lost the privilege of managing his health care.

Like I always tell him-I didn't marry him to bury him!

What am I thinking?

2008-03-28T16:42:00.002-06:00

Being the type A person I am, I enjoy structure. Nothing wrong with that. Structure in my mind provides comfort. I know exactly where things go. I'm good with that. I come home each day to the ritual of straightening first one carpet runner then the next. I know exactly where they should hit the floor. I start each day at work straightening the binders on the shelves so they look organized. My desk at work looks the same in the morning and at night. Again, works for me.

So what the heck was I thinking. A DOG? Do you people have any idea what is involved in house breaking a puppy? Yeah, well clearly I have lost my mind.

I had already determined we would kennel the dog. That matches my personality right?! Kenneling the dog will give the dog structure and security. It will feel safe and understand the boundaries of our home. Who am I kidding? It will eliminate mess and destruction and give me the control that makes me secure.

However, do you realize that I voluntarily signed up for potty wake ups every three hours while Koda is a puppy? What is the matter with me?

I determined before giving birth to Maddy and Hunter that my children would be schedule fed. Demand feeding was not for me. Wow does that topic open a can of worms! Anyway, I chose this because, well, hello, I'm type A. Both children were sleeping through the night at 6 weeks of age. Perfect!

Do you realize that puppies whimper incessantly if they feel alone, scared, etc.? Yeah that doesn't work for me. Should have thought about that sooner.

Well let me tell you this...no dog no matter cute and cuddly will break my will for structure. It will not sleep anywhere but in its kennel. It will not run the house or control the family. It will follow the rules of our home...it will...it will...it will...