I'm a mom. I have 2 sons: Drew, who is my favorite, and Nick, who is also my favorite. My husband, Andy, is a police officer. I take lots of pictures, and I like to think that they're good. I scrapbook. Oh, and I also work full time in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Currently my biggest desire is to find land available and build a house far out in the country, no neighbors nearby, with space for a herd of cattle and a big veggie garden.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Video...let's see if this works
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Sunday, February 26, 2006
Photo Sunday
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Friday, February 24, 2006
A different perspective
Sunset from behind the fence
Sunset reflected in the window of the truck
Rush hour
Sunset reflected on the truck toolbox
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Caught off guard...
If there was ever a sentence I wasn't expecting my 4 year old to say, that sentence would be:
"Hey, Mom. A daddy donkey is called a jackass. Did you know that?"
Yes, he did. And I guess, technically, he's right.
Parenting. Never a dull moment.
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"Hey, Mom. A daddy donkey is called a jackass. Did you know that?"
Yes, he did. And I guess, technically, he's right.
Parenting. Never a dull moment.
Labels: Parenting
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Imagination
About half an hour ago, Nick came into the kitchen and informed me that his dog was hungry and needed a piece of bread. I figured this meant that HE wanted some bread to eat. I gave him a slice, no big deal. 30 minutes later, the dog is still eating. As a matter of fact, Nick has been playing with a stuffed dog, a bowl, and a slice of bread for the entire 30 minutes. Amazing.
Because see, I have no imagination. None. I need a book or a tv or a radio or another person to entertain me. There's not a book out there that I haven't read. If I haven't read it, I will. I just haven't gotten to it yet.
Both of my kids have very active imaginations. Are all kids like that? Was I like that once? I don't remember. I can remember my mom telling me stories, and reading me stories. I remember reading book after book after book. I remember one time I got into trouble for something (can't recall what) and my punishment was that I couldn't read anything but my textbooks for school for 2 entire weeks. Desperate, I read my entire english lit book...twice. Even now, if I run out of reading material I get a little panicky. Andy is amazed at the sheer volume of books that I go through, from fluff romance novels and "chick lit" to New York Times bestseller list books to Oprah's recommendations, and magazines, too. Cosmo and Glamour and Outdoor Life and Parents and Scrapbooking mags. I come from a small town, and at one point in time (in my early teens) I had read every book for my age group and below in the public library.
While Drew isn't much for stories, Nick will listen and listen and listen to books. And that makes me happy--I want them to love books like I do. But I'm glad that they have such active imaginations. They can play independently for a long while. And their Dad, well, he's got quite the imagination, too. He can play with the boys like I just can't. For me, blocks and hotwheels and plastic dinosaurs get boring after, oh, 2 minutes. But Andy and the boys can play and play and play. Sometimes I'll even put down my book just to watch...
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Because see, I have no imagination. None. I need a book or a tv or a radio or another person to entertain me. There's not a book out there that I haven't read. If I haven't read it, I will. I just haven't gotten to it yet.
Both of my kids have very active imaginations. Are all kids like that? Was I like that once? I don't remember. I can remember my mom telling me stories, and reading me stories. I remember reading book after book after book. I remember one time I got into trouble for something (can't recall what) and my punishment was that I couldn't read anything but my textbooks for school for 2 entire weeks. Desperate, I read my entire english lit book...twice. Even now, if I run out of reading material I get a little panicky. Andy is amazed at the sheer volume of books that I go through, from fluff romance novels and "chick lit" to New York Times bestseller list books to Oprah's recommendations, and magazines, too. Cosmo and Glamour and Outdoor Life and Parents and Scrapbooking mags. I come from a small town, and at one point in time (in my early teens) I had read every book for my age group and below in the public library.
While Drew isn't much for stories, Nick will listen and listen and listen to books. And that makes me happy--I want them to love books like I do. But I'm glad that they have such active imaginations. They can play independently for a long while. And their Dad, well, he's got quite the imagination, too. He can play with the boys like I just can't. For me, blocks and hotwheels and plastic dinosaurs get boring after, oh, 2 minutes. But Andy and the boys can play and play and play. Sometimes I'll even put down my book just to watch...
Another photo contest
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Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Meet the other members of our household...
Just thought it might be nice to introduce everyone else that lives with us, after bringing College the Hamster in during a previous post...
Of course they're hiding for the picture, but there are TONS of fish in here
Daisy
Fern
and Spot, who lives outside.
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Of course they're hiding for the picture, but there are TONS of fish in here
Daisy
Fern
and Spot, who lives outside.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Snowy Days
After the mild weather last week, the snow and cold was a bit of a shock. Friday was cold but clear, then we woke up Sat. morning to 2 inches of ice and snow. That made for a nice lazy day of doing nothing. It was cold enough that the boys didn't even want to play outside! Again, clear last night (but 4 degrees! Brrrrr!) and this morning, but it's snowing now, and coming down good. We're expecting 2-4 more inches by daybreak. That should make for a fun morning commute.
We just returned from O'Charleys. Despite the weather the place was packed. But the food was yummy, as always. Love Love Love that loaded potato soup!
On the way home Drew was singing in the backseat. The song went like this:
I love rock-and-roll!
Put another dime in the juice box, baby!
Unfortunately, those lyrics are now stuck in my head.
Pictures I took today. Credit to Andy for the photos of me, who did NOT want her picture taken at this time!
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We just returned from O'Charleys. Despite the weather the place was packed. But the food was yummy, as always. Love Love Love that loaded potato soup!
On the way home Drew was singing in the backseat. The song went like this:
I love rock-and-roll!
Put another dime in the juice box, baby!
Unfortunately, those lyrics are now stuck in my head.
Pictures I took today. Credit to Andy for the photos of me, who did NOT want her picture taken at this time!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Where is winter, anyway?
Today was unseasonably warm...again. 68 degrees in February is unusual, even for the Ohio River Valley. It was warm enough, in fact, that I let the boys play in this bucket of water. They were having so much fun that it didn't seem right to stop them! Especially since we're expecting freezing rain and snow starting tomorrow night and right on through Sunday. They should get to enjoy the weather while they can.
Look at what Drew made for me at his Valentine party. Isn't it lovely? He was so very proud of himself--he even did some of the scissor work. And he did ALL of the pasting and glittering, and he wrote 'Mom' on the back.
I love my kids.
And while we're on the topic of loving our kids. You know, sometimes it's hard to love them. It really is. Like when your 4 year old thinks it's funny to throw (with all of his 4 year old might) a handful of driveway gravel at your truck. Or when your 2 year old refuses to eat his sucker because it's pink, not red. Or when they gang up and, while you're not looking, both of them pee on the wheel of your friends truck. His work truck. That he just washed. Or when they tell your neighbor that their daddy is a policeman, and that he locks them up in handcuffs every night (he doesn't, I promise!).
But even though they make it so difficult, I still love them. That's my job, right?
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Look at what Drew made for me at his Valentine party. Isn't it lovely? He was so very proud of himself--he even did some of the scissor work. And he did ALL of the pasting and glittering, and he wrote 'Mom' on the back.
I love my kids.
And while we're on the topic of loving our kids. You know, sometimes it's hard to love them. It really is. Like when your 4 year old thinks it's funny to throw (with all of his 4 year old might) a handful of driveway gravel at your truck. Or when your 2 year old refuses to eat his sucker because it's pink, not red. Or when they gang up and, while you're not looking, both of them pee on the wheel of your friends truck. His work truck. That he just washed. Or when they tell your neighbor that their daddy is a policeman, and that he locks them up in handcuffs every night (he doesn't, I promise!).
But even though they make it so difficult, I still love them. That's my job, right?
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
The Valentine Bunny
Look at my Valentine's loot! I found all of this waiting for me on the kitchen counter this morning when I was getting ready to leave. My Valentines know me well--flowers to smell, flowers to grow, chocolate covered pretzels, and caffiene in the form of Mt. Dew.
Drew walked into the kitchen and said "Wow, Mom! The Valentine Bunny put all your stuff out!" I don't know where he got that idea, but it sure was funny!
Monday, February 13, 2006
A day in my life
Monday, Feb. 13th, 2006
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- Get up at 5:25 (10 minutes late). Andy has already left for work.
- Shower quickly, dry hair 'cause it's cold outside, get dressed.
- 5:50, wake the boys up. Immediately decide to let them wear their jammies to the sitters because they're being difficult.
- Pack 2 outfits, convince them to use the bathroom and at least put on clean underwear.
- 6:05, leave. Drive 8 miles AWAY from work to drop the boys off. On the way, realize I've forgotten my lunch.
- On the way back past the house, stop and get my lunch. Change clothes, because Olivia (baby at the sitters house) spit up on me.
- 6:32, pull into Sonic for Monday breakfast (my weekly treat).
- 6:46, arrive at work.
- 7:00-12:00, work work work. Very busy today, and this week's not looking any easier so far.
- 12:00-1:07, lunch. Really, eating for 15 minutes and the rest is a gab session with the girls. Some juicy work gossip was revealed, along with the story of a co-workers wild weekend. Hence the extra 7 minutes.
- 1:07-3:52, work work work some more. Business is good. Well, good for us. Not so good for the producers losing animals. (for those of you who don't know what I do, I work here.)
- 3:52, leave, finally, 22 minutes late. Head out past the house to pick up the boys.
- 4:08, arrive at babysitters house only to find that my kids don't want to leave. I'm tempted to leave them there, but force them into the truck and bring them home.
- 4:33, home, finally. Leave boys to play and begin work on treats for the boys' valentine party tomorrow. (see, for some reason I thought valentine's day was wed. silly me).
- ~5:00, chat with my mom for a bit. Always a nice diversion.
- 5:00-6:45, break up numerous skirmishes between my hyper children (Why, when they have a hundred hot wheels, must they fight over ONE?). Help Nick use the potty no fewer than 6 times. (What has that boy been drinking?!). Serve dinner--pizza cause it's Monday. Assist Drew in filling out valentine cards. Prepare Jello Jigglers for the party tomorrow. Feed the hamster and hold him so the boys can pet him. Feed the fish. Begin work on this post. Take ibuprofen for the headache that's been building all afternoon. Think about crying but don't because it will scare my kids. Instead I call my friend Jeff and chat for a bit. Feel better. I haven't talked to him in a long while.
- 6:45, Andy is home. Surprise! Not expecting him before 8:00. Nice that he's here, but I didn't fix him any supper. Oops. Boys are thrilled and immediately forget that I exist. Fine by me. I can finish this blog entry and then sit for a minute. And then fold that last load of laundry before I watch Unwrapped on TV and head to bed, hopefully before 10:00. Because I have to be up in the morning at 5:15.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Say hello to our little friend...
Meet College. He's our new hamster.
Yesterday morning in the truck, out of the blue, Drew said "Mom, can we have a hamster?" I don't know where he got that idea (I didn't even know he knew what a hamster was) but I decided to bring it up with Andy. So after we returned home, I said to Andy " I want to get the boys a hamster. Drew asked for one." And he was fine with that.
So, after out weekly supper out (Applebees, this time) we headed to Petsmart. Now, this is a major deal for us--the nearest city with real shopping is Clarksville, TN. That's a 45 minute drive, plus you have to pay the higher TN state sales tax. But alas, there are no pet stores in our town. Anyway, on the way there Drew decided he'd name the hamster 'College'. Why? Who knows.
At Petsmart, we picked out the $9 hamster, and the proceeded to pay $45 for a "habitat", bedding, food, chew sticks, etc... all chosen by Drew. And we brought him home.
So, here he is, set up in luxury in the boys' room, with a nifty cage that has a fancy wheel and some little tubes for him to crawl around in. And he seems to like it. And the boys are in LOVE with him.
I'm sure it's tempting to think that the boys are spoiled, that they get whatever they want whenever they want it. Not true. Well, mostly not true. But the fact of the matter is, they never would have gotten a hamster if their Mom hadn't wanted one, too... and I'm pretty sure that their Dad is also aware of that fact and that's why he gave in so easily.
And, to totally swtich topics, we've had some real winter weather here for the past few days. Here are some attempts at winter photography...
Gray landscape. This picture is NOT in B&W
Snow on the Ford
Same tree as always, now coated with snow
Canada geese over the wetland
This is the first spring calf. A bull (well, he was a bull)
Handsome little fella, huh? 2 days old in this picture.Labels: Photography
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Odds and Ends
What Drew does when it begins to snow:
What Nick does when it begins to snow:
Yesterday it snowed a little. Today, sunny but still cold. Tomorrow, maybe 3 inches of snow. Good thing Andy will be home for the weekend--if it does indeed snow, one of us can stay outside with Drew and one can stay inside with Nick. :)
Yesterday I was a science fair judge for a local middle school. I judged 7th grade physics projects. They were awful. I simply can't believe that those children were allowed out of their homes with projects like that. No originality at all (I looked at no fewer than 4 projects concerning the boiling point of water versus salt water) and it was pretty obvious that some of them had spent about 10 minutes total working on their display. There were some that were fairly nice, but for the most part it was a huge disappointment. Please Please Please let me be a better parent than that. Let me be involved enough in the lives of my children that their schoolwork reflects the best of their abilities.
Valentine's Day is coming up soon. The boys and I have been working on valentine projects for the past few days, and probably will continue. It takes a long time for a 4 year old to write all of those names and sign cards, plus he's insisting on writing 'I Love You' in several of them. Whew. It's enough to test my paitence. But the payoff will be worth it--I know all of the valentine recipients will truly love their cards. I'm a little sad, though--he hasn't asked to make one for me, even though he's planned a pretty elaborate one for his daddy AND already told him all about it.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Will it work or won't it?
We've been having furnace trouble. It's not looking good for the old Ruud.
Yesterday I woke up to a chilly house. The furnace wouldn't fire, no matter what I did. One company came out and got it re-lit, but told me that the chamber head was cracked and that I needed a replacement unit NOW ($2900) because not only would it not be reliable, it wouldn't be safe. Apparently a cracked chamber head can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the house. Nice. So, we turned it off and heated the house partly with a borrowed kerosene heater and partly with 2 little oscillating ceramic heaters. They kept us surprisingly warm.
This morning another gentleman came out to give a second opinion. He took it all apart and looked it over, pronounced that the chamber head was NOT cracked. Yet. At 14 years old, the system is on it's last legs and death is imminent. Anyway, he fixed a leaky gas valve and got it re-lit, and left. It ran fine all day.
5:00, I return home from a trip to return the borrowed kerosene heater and to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Guess what? Right. The furnace is out. Ugh. Sooooo, Gary comes right back out (fortunately he was just a few miles down the road), and he doesn't even charge us. Maybe the valve has a loose connection in it. It's been secured, the furnace is re-lit, and hopefully all is good.
If it goes out again, he'll replace the valve assembly, at a cost of just a little over $100. That's on top of the 2 $65 service calls we've already paid for. And we still will need to replace the unit, probably before next winter. About $2500.
Any rich folks out there that want to donate to the 'keep the sandersons warm' fund? hehe :)
Anyway, I'll leave you with some pictures taken with the nightshot function on the camera. 2 little boys who don't want to go to bed...
Oh, and remember I posted below about my good friends Annie and Craig that had a baby? Well, the hospital has finally posted her picture here. Congratulations again!
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Yesterday I woke up to a chilly house. The furnace wouldn't fire, no matter what I did. One company came out and got it re-lit, but told me that the chamber head was cracked and that I needed a replacement unit NOW ($2900) because not only would it not be reliable, it wouldn't be safe. Apparently a cracked chamber head can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the house. Nice. So, we turned it off and heated the house partly with a borrowed kerosene heater and partly with 2 little oscillating ceramic heaters. They kept us surprisingly warm.
This morning another gentleman came out to give a second opinion. He took it all apart and looked it over, pronounced that the chamber head was NOT cracked. Yet. At 14 years old, the system is on it's last legs and death is imminent. Anyway, he fixed a leaky gas valve and got it re-lit, and left. It ran fine all day.
5:00, I return home from a trip to return the borrowed kerosene heater and to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Guess what? Right. The furnace is out. Ugh. Sooooo, Gary comes right back out (fortunately he was just a few miles down the road), and he doesn't even charge us. Maybe the valve has a loose connection in it. It's been secured, the furnace is re-lit, and hopefully all is good.
If it goes out again, he'll replace the valve assembly, at a cost of just a little over $100. That's on top of the 2 $65 service calls we've already paid for. And we still will need to replace the unit, probably before next winter. About $2500.
Any rich folks out there that want to donate to the 'keep the sandersons warm' fund? hehe :)
Anyway, I'll leave you with some pictures taken with the nightshot function on the camera. 2 little boys who don't want to go to bed...
Oh, and remember I posted below about my good friends Annie and Craig that had a baby? Well, the hospital has finally posted her picture here. Congratulations again!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Shameless Solicitation
I've entered the B&W photo of Drew and the cat into a photo contest on Shutterfly. Please rate my entry here:
Drew and Spot
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Drew and Spot
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Spider-Parents
Spiderparents:
What you get when you combine Spiderman Mac & Cheese
with Fairly Oddparents Mac & Cheese
because your kids are fighting over which kind of Mac & Cheese they want with their supper.
Hey, whatever works.
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What you get when you combine Spiderman Mac & Cheese
with Fairly Oddparents Mac & Cheese
because your kids are fighting over which kind of Mac & Cheese they want with their supper.
Hey, whatever works.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Just a quick note to say...
...that I absolutely LOVE going to work knowing that my co-worker is no longer there! The work environment is sooooo much better with her gone. And I've been able to re-arrange the lab and equipment into a much more logical (read:efficient) layout. It's been busier, of course, but much more pleasant.
I would like to announce to everyone that my best friend and her husband had a new baby. Hannah Skye will be 1 week old tomorrow. I've been trying to wait until her hospital pic is online, but they're taking they're time, so I'll just get to that later. Congratulations to Annie and Craig and big brother Ryan!
I think that this may be my first post ever without a picture attached, but I'm feeling quite lazy this evening and am just not up to hooking the camera up the the computer and downloading a new one!
Andy is still at work (late again), the boys are comfortably watching Danny Phantom, and I'm getting ready to eat a slice of strawberry cream pie. Yum.
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I would like to announce to everyone that my best friend and her husband had a new baby. Hannah Skye will be 1 week old tomorrow. I've been trying to wait until her hospital pic is online, but they're taking they're time, so I'll just get to that later. Congratulations to Annie and Craig and big brother Ryan!
I think that this may be my first post ever without a picture attached, but I'm feeling quite lazy this evening and am just not up to hooking the camera up the the computer and downloading a new one!
Andy is still at work (late again), the boys are comfortably watching Danny Phantom, and I'm getting ready to eat a slice of strawberry cream pie. Yum.