Today was a much better day. Interesting how one kid having a bad day can bring everyone down.

But Nick took a nap today, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Then I took them to the farm, and that made them even happier. And then they got to ride on the tractor. Talk about a good time!

And to make life even better? It's Thursday and they're getting pizza for supper. Monday night is pizza night, so this is a real treat. Am I the coolest mom ever, or what?

Total switch in topics.

We had a discussion today at work about accents and how the way you speak can totally affect the way you are perceived. For instance, some of the smartest people I know speak with a very heavy southern accent. But sometimes they are not taken as seriously in professional circles, simply because of the way that they speak. One of my co-workers makes a conscious effort to NOT accent her speech for that very reason.

The conversation began when someone poked fun at the way that I speak. I will admit that I do have a bit of southern in my speech patterns, but my accent is not nearly as pronounced as it could be. I do believe, however, that it thickens if I'm speaking with someone with a more pronounced accent. At any rate... a co-worker (originally from somewhere more northern, and new around here) repeated something back to me in a very exaggerated backwoods accent. And then did it again. And again. She actually added the word "ain't", which is most definitely not a part of my vocabulary. I believe she thought she was being clever, but I was a little insulted. It sounded as though she was implying that I'm stupid. When she realized that I might be a little offended she apologized, but it sparked a fairly lively debate.

What do you think? When you hear a southern accent do you assume the person is of lesser intelligence? What about other regional dialects? Any pre-conceived notions there?

Labels: drew, farm, me, nick, work

• Because Drew got to ride the school bus today and he didn't.
• Because he didn't take a nap this afternoon.
  
• Because he smashed his finger in the truck door.
• Because I picked him up from the sitter and his daddy didn't.
• Because even though I took them to the farm to play (as requested), Callie wasn't there.
  
• Because his daddy had to leave for work.
• Because I wouldn't give him Cheetos for supper.
• Because I don't have any ice cream cones in the freezer
• and I won't take him to Sonic to buy one.
• Because he bounced off of the trampoline (even though I caught him).
  
• Because he doesn't want to take a bath.
• Because it's Drew's turn to pick the movie tonight.
• Because Drew didn't pick the movie Nick wanted to see.
• Because I am mean (his words, not mine).
• Because...
  
• Because...
  
• Because...

Beyond my frustration, I actually feel a little sorry for him. He's having a rough day.

Labels: Nick

Double post tonight, because I couldn't resist posting these pics. Scroll on down for today's 'real' content...

Labels: Drew, Nick, Photography

Today we received a catalog in the mail that has pages upon pages of Halloween costumes. The boys can't put it down. They've been over it and over it again, trying to decide what they'd like to be for Halloween this year.

The sooner they decide the better it will be for me, because that will give me plenty of time to get the costumes made.

What? Did I just say I was making their costumes? Yes, I did. I am assuming that you're surprised at that fact, because when I mentioned at work that I was planning on making their costumes everyone pretty much told me I was crazy.

My mom always made our Halloween costumes. I was a witch a few times, a princess once, and although I don't remember it, one year when I was very small (2? 3?) she sent me out as Dolly Parton. I've seen the pictures. I remember my brothers being cowboys and indians. Now that I think of it, I believe I was an indian one year. Clara Barton one year, but I think maybe that was I Love to Read day at school and not Halloween. Regardless, it was a costume.

When Drew was a baby I bought him a costume. Last year I made him a tiger costume because I borrowed a homemade lion costume for Nick. And a decision was made.

The decision is this:

My boys will wear homemade costumes. Or at least the majority of the costume will be put together by me, even if I don't actually sew anything. They will not be Power Rangers or any superheroes. They won't dress as cartoon characters, or movie characters. Last year when we were trick-or-treating I saw so many Power Ranger costumes. It just seems so unoriginal.

And hey, if you don't have the time or the desire to make your child's costume, I certainly don't hold it against you. This is not about me criticizing anyone.

This is just about me wanting to be original. To show off my creative talents in some minor way. To do something for my kids like my mom did for me.

The boys don't seem to mind. So they're browsing the catalog for ideas.

I won't be showing off my creative talents very much if they stick with their current pick--Ninja costumes don't consist of much more than black pajamas!

Labels: Drew, Holidays, Nick, Parenting

I learned something today. Not that that's anything new. I learn new stuff every day. But still, I learned something interesting. Hugs between brothers are not the same as regular hugs.

Did you know that? Brother hugs are special.



I am forever trying to take photos of the boys together. And, given Nick's recent aversion to all things camera related, that's not easy. Even when Drew is willing to pose, oftentimes I'll get a really great, clear shot of him and a blur where Nick should be. Or Nick stares down the camera with his meanest expression. Or he refuses to look at the camera at all.

This afternoon was no different. Nick wouldn't stand still for anything. Then Drew said the magic words. Magic words I didn't even know about. He said:

"Brother hugs, Nick! Brother hugs!"

Nick immediately threw his arms around his brother and grinned at me. Drew grinned, too. I didn't even have to ask them to say cheese! I got several nice shots.

Later I asked Drew about brother hugs. I asked him, "are they special hugs?" and he said that they were.

Here is the official definition of a brother hug, straight from Drew to you:

Brother hugs are hugs you can only get from or give to your brother. They make you very happy. A brother hug means your brother loves you and you love him. A brother hug can make you feel better if you're sad or hurt. A brother hug will ALWAYS make you smile. Nick likes brother hugs and I do, too, because they make us feel nice.

So, there you go.

Labels: Drew, Family, Nick, Photography

Within a few hours there were 2 requests for the photo. That's an overwhelming response, considering my normal readership. But I was going to wait until tomorrow. Then Mom just about dared me to post it. So, for your viewing pleasure, my mom wearing the Dash mask:


And of course I had a wonderful time! It was made even more enjoyable watching the boys have so much fun.

Labels: Family

This was the big weekend. The weekend of our tickets to see Disney on Ice: The Incredibles in A Magic Kingdom Adventure! I finally told the boys about it on Thursday of last week, and they were very excited.

Andy had to work, so my mom came with the boys and me to Murray to see the show. It was really good. We had awesome seats--floor chairs, front row. The ice was only 5 feet in front of us. Here are The Incredibles themselves:


Before the show Mom bought the boys each a toy of their choice. She is very generous. Nicholas got the Cinderella light spinner:


And Drew chose Incredibles binoculars:


They each got an Incredibles wristband at the door, too. It has a little blinking light that they really enjoy. They got to use it during part of the show to get rid of the bad guy.

I was impressed by how well they behaved. Once the show began they barely moved because they were so enthralled with what was going on. There was a re-enactment of the big parade from Disneyland, and all the characters were there.

We saw Mickey and Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip and Dale, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and Alice and the White Rabbit, Baloo, Pirates of the Carribean, and I'm sure there were more that I'm forgetting.

Most importantly, Cinderella was in attendance:


Prince Charming was with her, but Nick wasn't deterred. He waved to her, and she waved right back. It made his day.

Today if you ask them about the show, Drew will go on and on about the Incredibles, and the car that they drove on the ice. And how they defeated Syndrome. And how Mickey was right there.

Nick just says "I saw Cinderella. I waved at her!"

We had a great time, and I'm pretty sure Mom did, too. I have a photo of Mom wearing a Dash mask, but I'll spare her posting it here for all the world to see. Unless, of course, I get an overwhelming amount of requests to see it. Then I may consider it...

Labels: Family

Look! Here it is--the proof that I really did win!

Thanks to my cousin Natalie for the photos. And she has another neat photo from the fair up on her site that you should check out. I'm a little jealous of it.


Here's mine with the competition:


And here's a closer view of it posing with the blue ribbon:

Labels: Me, Photography

Look at this:
This is the most recent use for the trampoline. Drew never, ever fails to amaze me with his stunts. He started off just standing on the edge and jumping down, but quickly progressed to running full tilt across the thing and flying out as far as he can.

At first I was hesitant to allow it, seeing as he could break his leg and all. But then I gave it some thought. He's a kid. He needs to try things, to learn cause and effect. I think he has a pretty good grasp of his own limitations--meaning I'm fairly sure he wouldn't jump if he thought it was too high.

I've seen pictures of my husband as a kid jumping off the roof of his house into the swimming pool. When I was a kid I jumped out of trees regularly. And once I jumped out of the barn loft, but that landing hurt so bad I never tried it again. My brothers built ramps out of bricks and plywood and jumped their bikes--on a gravel drive. We all have scars, but we all also lived to tell the tale. My point? Sometimes a kid just needs to be a kid.


And this?

This is just Drew being a kid.

Nick wants to try it, too. He wants to so bad. He wants to do everything his big brother does.

But he just can't get up the nerve to jump. And to tell you the truth, I'm glad. Sometimes it's easy for me to forget that Nick is 2 full years younger than his brother, because he does such a good job keeping up with him. But 2 years is a long time when it comes to maturity, and to bone density. I'm not so sure that Nick's little body is ready for that jump. And his mind knows it.

All in good time.

I don't think, however, that I'll ever be OK with them jumping off of the roof. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried it, but I won't be taking pictures like I did tonight...

Labels: Drew, Family, Nick

One of my photographs won first place-first place!- at the Kentucky State Fair! No, not this one--this one is just for blog decoration. I will show you the winning photo when I can get a picture of it wearing its blue ribbon. But I will tell you, it was in the 'floral' category. A close-up of a milkweed seed pod that I stumbled upon one day out at the farm.

I can't believe that I won. I really thought that I had no chance--there are so many talented photographers that enter. The contest is open to professionals, even.

My Mom called with the news about an hour ago--she was standing in front of the photograph when she was talking to me. She would not play a mean trick on me, so it must be true. It's true, right Mom?

No one is answering their phone tonight, not even my husband. So you, my blog friends, are the first to know my big news. Well, Mom and my brother and sister-in-law knew first, but other than that it's all you.

Congratulate me. I did something right.

Labels: Me, Photography

Three photos, mostly the same, with just a slightly different perspective. The angle makes all the difference in the world! The last one is my favorite (these are on Flickr-click to see full size. That makes a difference, too):




And now, I'm outta here! It's my scrapbooking night, and I haven't been in well over a month--possibly 2 months. I don't imagine I'll accomplish much, but it's a night out. That's the important thing.

Labels: Drew, Me, Nick, Photography

Today I had the step bars that I got for my birthday professionally installed on my truck:



















I don't have any after pictures because it's nearly dark, but believe me when I tell you they look really nice. And it was amazing--the entire project was accomplished with all of us present and no one ended up angry or frustrated. Mark that down in the history book, folks.

Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Family Friends beware--Drew came home from school today with fundraiser stuff. He is pumped up, let me tell you! I presume they had an assembly, and they showed the kids the prizes they can win for selling. Right now he's wanting to sell to everyone in probably a 5 state area... I don't know how long his enthusiasm will last, though.

At any rate, the deadline is September 5. He's got cookie dough, gift wrap, candies and nuts, some little trinkets (candles, statues, etc...) and it looks like maybe some magazine subscriptions. The fundraiser is for "technology in the classroom". If anyone is interested, please let me know and I'll have him call you. He only needs to sell 5 things for the prize that he wants, and I've promised to buy 2.

Labels: Drew, Family, School

When I was pregnant with Drew, I did alot of thinking about what parenting would be like. I imagine that all first time mothers-to-be do that. I also imagine that alot of them are way off, just like I was. I had some things mostly right (like, I figured I wouldn't get much sleep much for awhile) but I greatly underestimated the severity. I never dreamed that I wouldn't get a full night's sleep for nearly 5 years! At sometime during my pregnancy, or at least during Drew's infancy, I'm sure it crossed my mind that one day my child would be an independent person. That one day he would do his own thing, without me, and that he would do it well. But I don't think it occured to me that the process of becoming an independent person would begin when they were children. Possibly teenagers, more likely adults. Even more likely, it was a foggy notion of some thing in the distant future. A situation I would deal with when the time came.

My boys have been together always. They stay together at the babysitter that I (well, we, but I'm blogging in first person, here) chose for them. By virtue of choosing their environment, I chose their friends. I mapped out their daily lives. There wasn't a day that I couldn't pick up the phone at any time and find out exactly what they were doing. Most days I knew pretty much what they were going to do before they did. Not a week passed that I didn't see their friends as I dropped them off or picked them up. They were both dependent on me to make decisions for them regarding everything from what they wore in the morning to who they played with during the day. Even if I wasn't directly involved, I chose the person making the decisions, and they were acting with my authority.

With Drew starting school, this is no longer the case. I find the hardest thing about sending him off to kindergarten is that I am no longer in control. Not only do I rarely get a much of a say about what he wears each day (I hold absolute veto power if he looks hideous, but that's it), but I didn't get to choose his teacher. Or his classroom. Or his classmates. Someone else, some random person in the school system, did that for me.

It's 11:00 AM. Nick just finished his lunch and is getting ready for a nap. What is Drew doing? I don't know.

Last week Drew told me that he was trying to tell Mrs. Joiner something and she told him to Be Quiet! Admittedly, my first reaction was "Hey! What's she doing telling my kid to shut up? He was just trying to tell a story!". Then logic set in, and of course I knew that he was probably talking out of turn and needed to be chastised. He wasn't upset about it, and honestly neither was I. He was just telling me a story about his day. I never let him see my first reaction--instead I shared with him my second, nearly as immediate reaction that the teacher set the rules, and he needed to learn when he was OK to talk and when it was not OK to talk, whether he had his hand up or not. Apparently he was operating under the misconception that if you have your hand raised you can speak. Now that he understands that the teacher must recognize you first, I think it won't happen again. (Or, maybe it will. I used to get in trouble alot for talking too much in school.)

Today Drew came home full of stories about a little girl named Kayla. She sits at his table, along with Nathan and Jose. I do believe he's got a bit of a crush on Kayla. But wait! I don't know this little girl! I don't know any of these kids. I've never met his friends. That feels strange.

I don't know if he eats all of his lunch, or throws it in the trash and brings me an empty lunchbox. I have no clue if he gets along well on the playground or feels like an outcast. I'm completely in the dark about the majority of his day, except for the snippets he shares with me at random moments.

I guess I'll just have to get used to it, because I don't imagine he'll become less independent as he grows. I just wish someone had warned me that it started so early, because I really don't think I was expecting it. I like control. I really like it alot.

Labels: Drew, Nick, Parenting, Photography, School

Perfect day for photos--bright overcast skies, not really too hot or too humid, slight breeze. Only one little thing keeping me from getting the perfect shot, and his name is Nick:


I did, however, get these fun shots of Drew and Andy:

Labels: Drew, Nick, Photo Sunday, Photography

Labels: Me

"Mom, can we go swimming tonight?"

"Not tonight, Drew. It's too late to drive out to Jack's house."

"Can we go swimming here?"

"We don't have a pool, Drew."

"Yes we do."

"No, we don't."

"Yes, we do."

"Fine. If you can find a pool in the backyard, you go on and swim. I'll be out in a few minutes."

So, I sent them on into the yard, with strict instructions not to go out of the gates and not to touch my flowers. I opened the back window and left the back door open so that I could hear them, and I could hear them playing and laughing. I finished cleaning up the kitchen and put in a load of laundry--probably about 5-7 minutes I was in the house. And I went outside to find that we do, indeed, have a pool:



They were happily taking turns getting in and out of the rubbermaid bin, fully clothed. Where did the water come from? It's rainwater, from the last storm. I collect it from the gutters to water my flowers.

"See, Mom? We have a pool. I told you!"

Well, at least they weren't stark naked in full view of the road.

This time.

Things I can do absolutely nothing about:

1. The crying coming from the next room. Nick is just flat out crabby, and I've done everything possible to help him calm down. He actually asked (OK, told) me to leave. I think sometimes you just need to let it all out. I just wish he'd get it over with already!
2. How Drew does, socially, at school. I can help him out academically all day long, but how he interacts with the other kids and the teachers is all up to him. I worry every day that he won't fit in, that he'll be lonely or feel like an outcast. Or, worse, that he'll be a bully--one of those kids that makes others feel sad. I can only do my part at home to let him know who and what we expect him to be, and then trust him to make the right decisions.
3. The programming on television these days. I can't change it, I can only turn it off. Just like I did a moment ago, when Spongebob Squarepants came on.
   
4. I firmly believe that men and women can be just friends. Just friends, good friends, and nothing more. I am living, breathing, proof. Lots (lots and lots) of people don't get this at all, and of course they are entitled to their opinion. I can't change that. All I can do is shake my head in disbelief when the same rumors circulate yet again, roll my eyes, and go on with my life and my friendships.
   
5. The fact that Andy is at work right now. He wasn't supposed to be, and I could really, really use another hand around here. But, well, that's the nature of the job, right? *sigh*
6. The state fair started today. My photographs have been judged and are on display. But no one I know is going to the fair today! And it's a 2 1/2 hour journey from here, so I won't be going, either. So I don't know if I won anything! If anyone heads to the KY state fair, please check and see if my photos placed...
   

Labels: Me, Parenting, Photography

Sometimes things happen that you're just not expecting. Someone that you haven't thought about in a long time contacts you, just as you had thought to contact them. Someone that you think about quite often contacts you, with a message that just maybe you needed to hear now. In the past 2 days, both of these things have happened to me.

Yesterday, as I told you, was my birthday. August 15 has been my birthday for, well, 32 years. And while I am fully aware that there are plenty of people in the world that share my birthday, I don't know any of them. And I like it that way. It's my special day. Or it was, until 11 years ago. 11 years ago, one of my college roomies and a good friend had her first baby. On my birthday! And while I wasn't happy about sharing, Austin was pretty cute, so I allowed it. Fast forward several years. Life and marriages and jobs and moves happened, and Trish and I don't keep in touch very well. A card or letter here and there, but nothing regular. But every year on my birthday I'm sure to remember her, because of Austin. And yesterday was no exception. Imagine my surprise when I checked my e-mail and there was a note from Trish! Wow! I gave her this link, so if you're reading, hi, Trish! At any rate, she's not living far away now and we're going to try to get together. Possibly as soon as Monday, if I can swing a day off. Won't that be nice? Old friends are the best friends. I'd scan you a college picture of us, but alas, I don't have a scanner. Too bad.

Then, today, my father-in-law sent me a link to this little inspirational movie: The Dash Movie. I don't know if you've been able to tell lately, but I've been just a little bit down. While I am very excited for Drew and happy that he's moving on and up in the world (and doing so very well, I might add), I'm more than a little sad that I'm doing such a crummy job helping Nick not be so upset. Plus I have this cold. And then there's the usual stresses of paying bills (that are more than our checks some months!) and running a household and having a husband working night shifts as a policeman. And I don't know if you've ever picked up on the fact that I'm a little high-strung, but I am. So sometimes it's nice to be reminded of the small things. The things that really matter. And when it's from an unexpected source, it's even nicer. If you're reading, sir, thank you. :)

Before I say anything else, some pictures that Natalie posted reminded me that I had been meaning to share some butterfly photos of my own. And a picture of the storm that came through here last night and left Drew quaking in his boots. Any idea how to cure a 5 year old of the notion that a tornado is going to suck him up? Anyway, photos to share:






Last night something happened in this house that's never happened before. The boys took a bath. No, really--they take a bath every night. But last night they each took their own bath. At different times. Without each other present.

Since Nick has been around, the boys have taken a bath together. First it was with the baby tub in the big tub next to Drew. Then both in the tub together. Sometimes they take a shower. But always, always together. I guess somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that when they were in high school they wouldn't be bathing together. But I really never gave any thought to how it might end. Now I know.

It was bathtime. Both boys were tired, and crabby. I sent them to the tub while I got jammies and such out. Drew came to me and said "Mom, I don't want to take a bath with Nick. I'm too big now. I can wash myself". And he did. And Nick was sad.

Poor Nick. In the past week his whole world has just fallen apart. Drew is still his bestest buddy and almost only playmate. But Drew has new friends now. New ideas about how things should be. And it's hard for Nick. It's hard for me, too. I don't know what to do to make him feel better. I don't guess I can. All I can do is be here to help him not be so sad.



So Nick took his own bath, too. And I think he might have actually enjoyed it, a little bit. No one pushing him, or taking his toys, or splashing water in his face. And by the time he got out of the tub, Drew had already fallen asleep (he's tired after school!) so he got a little one-on-one time with Mom. I think he really liked that, too.

He'll get there. I know he will. In the meantime, though, it's hard to see him so sad.

And, in a total change of topic, it's my birthday today! Today I am 32. Andy and the boys got me a 6 pack of Mt. Dew, a flash drive for the computer, and....drumroll please......step rails for my truck! Yay! I've been wanting them. It will make my life so much easier when both boys can get in and out on their own. They're on order and will be in and installed on the 20th. Wait. That's a Sunday. Probably the 21st, then... Next project, power windows.

Drew's teacher only assigns homework on Mondays. So today was the first day there was homework to do. He didn't want to do it. One worksheet, and he put up a fuss like you wouldn't believe. He was tired. He was hungry. He wanted to play. He needed to use the bathroom. He had a headache. A million and one reasons to not have to write the letter 'M' a few times and color a pair of mittens.

Rules in our house: Homework first. If you must, you can use the bathroom. But homework before supper, before playtime, before snacktime, before friends visit. I only hope it's easier when it's winter and it's cold and yucky and dark out when he gets home.


I wanted to share with you this picture of Nicholas from yesterday:

Yes, he's sleeping. At the table. That's his lunch, untouched, in front of him. He's got a cold, on top of his general sadness lately, and he's soooo tired. He said he wanted to eat, but couldn't stay awake to take one bite. He didn't eat supper last night, either, unless you count one bite of yogurt as a meal. He does seem to be feeling better today, though, and promises me he's going to eat TWO pieces of pizza at supper.

*update: not only did he eat two pieces of pizza, he ate a large serving of macaroni and cheese AND a containter of yogurt AND some lima beans AND a bowl of ice cream. Making up for lost time, I guess...

Good thing he's feeling better, because I seem to have caught his cold. Yuck.

I wouldn't let the boys watch cartoons in the living room this morning. Footloose was on.

That's right. I was watching Footloose. And I wouldn't let them change the channel. Hey--we have 2 other televisions.

Drew and Nick really don't watch alot of TV, especially in the summertime. They are much too busy playing, either inside or outside, to sit still long enough to pay attention to a television show. So normally if they ask to watch a show, I'll let them. It's often a welcome break for me, because they'll sit quitely and not squabble. So it really took them by surprise this morning when I refused to put Power Rangers on for them.

But there are some movies that, if I'm clicking past and see, I have to watch. Footloose being one of them. Also on that list:

• Can't Buy Me Love
• The Princess Bride
• Top Gun
• The Cutting Edge
• Pure Country
• Dirty Dancing
• Gone With the Wind (bet they're glad that wasn't on this morning!)
• Overboard
• The Three Amigos
• Road House
• The Wizard of Oz
• The Breakfast Club
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
• Back to the Future (any of them)
• Indiana Jones (any of them)
• Any Doris Day movie

So, they were mad at me for a bit. They told me that I was mean. And they went off to play, because Power Rangers just isn't as good if it's not on the big TV. But they were back in a little while, and pretty soon, Nick was watching with me. Then Drew. We all watched Footloose together. Granted, by the time they sat down there was only about 15 minutes of the movie left, but still...

Maybe next time we can watch the whole thing.

It has been brought to my attention that the blog has been "all about Drew" for the past week. I guess it has--it was a big week for Drew. The post below is a video of Drew doing a review of his first week of school--no Nick in sight.

So, in the interest of making things 'fair', here's a selection of photos of just Nick. Well, with the exception of the first photo. I thought you might enjoy a picture of Batman. You didn't know that Batman had a 4-wheeler, did you?

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Some people are addicted to drugs, or alcohol. Some are addicted to gambling. Some people can't stop shopping, no matter what they do. Men and women alike have vast collections of things, be they Barbies or shoes or Star Wars memorabilia, acquired merely because they have developed a passion for that item. For nearly everyone, there's something in this world that they just can't resist. Something that they just need, be it as small as a pair of shoes or as major as real estate.

My name is Alissa, and I'm a new furniture addict.

I love new furniture. I love the way it looks, and smells, and feels. A furniture store is a wonderful place, full of all sorts of marvelous pieces. Sofas, chairs, lamps. Artwork. Kitchen tables, hutches and bedroom sets. Recliners. I could spend hours there. Really. For me, furniture is the one thing I cannot resist.

Unfortunately, a serious lack of space coupled with a not-so-huge amount of spending money leaves me wanting in the new furniture department more often than not. But it doesn't take much to make me happy, and every so often I get the chance to indulge.

Our living room is small, and already houses a sofa, a recliner, a glider rocker, one end table (near the recliner), an entertainment armoire, and a craft cabinet. The furniture lines the walls, and the space is actually quite cozy. If kept free of toys it's not cluttered at all. We do own a coffee table, but placing it in front of the sofa takes up lots of space. And so, it's in the attic. Leaving the person sitting on the couch with no place for a drink or the remote or anything. That gets annoying.

So today, Drew and I made a trip to the furniture store. And I got this:


It's an ottoman. On casters, no less. And the top lifts off, revealing a cedar lined storage area. Also, you can flip the top over and set it back down in the space, and it's got a wooden tray on the underside, so it's like a little table. Perfect! It's microfiber, so it cleans easily. And it's brand new. And it's mine! All mine! (Ok, technically it's ours. Details details...) And, because I know the right people, I got a discount! Really, does life get any better than this?

So, I've gotten my fix for awhile. The last time I bought furniture was last spring, when we got the kitchen table and chairs. I should be good for at least a year, if I can just stay out of the store.

Although, there was a really nice entertainment center there. And ours is pretty beat up...

No. No more furniture.


And then there's this thing here. If there's anything in the world that I cannot stand, it's a slug. I can do a necropsy on a rotten cow. I can watch surgeries on TV or in real life. I can clean up vomit and urine and fecal material, be it human or animal. But don't put me anywhere near a slug.

This slug is on the kitchen floor. How did a slug get all the way into the kitchen? I don't know, and I don't care. All I really care about is that there was a slug on the kitchen floor last night when Andy wasn't here to get rid of it. And I almost stepped on it! I had to pick it up and put it oustide myself. It was a horrible experience. The rest of the night I was afraid to walk around in the dark, because I was worried there might be more. Ugh.

Lately the boys, especially Drew, have been interested in learning what everyone does for a living. They've been asking everyone what they do.

Daddy is a policeman.
Mom works at the lab.
Ms. Trish is a babysitter.
Doug works at the car store.
Chip works at the liquor store and the welding place.
Mark works at the chicken farm.
Mandy works at the furniture store.
Grandma is a teacher.
Grandmama is a nurse.
Grandad is an engineer.

And then there's my dad. The boys call him Grandpa. He worked at the power company for years and years. The other night Drew was talking to him on the phone and asked "Grandpa, what is your job?" and Grandpa said "I make electricity".

A few minutes later Nick asked Drew "What is Grandpa's job?" and Drew answered "Grandpa makes rice crispies."

It was so funny that I haven't corrected him yet...

Well, the first day of school has finally arrived! Here's Drew, waiting for the bus this morning:

Can you tell that he's a little excited? He was so ready to get on the bus and go to school. Nick, on the other hand, was not thrilled:


Drew got on the bus with no trouble at all. As a matter of fact, I asked him to stand by the doors of the bus for a picture, and I got a very grown-up sounding "Mooooommmm". I think he may have even rolled his eyes at me. He climbed up on the bus and didn't even look back. He waved at us out of the window and was gone.

Nick cried and cried. He said he missed his brother before the bus was even out of sight. He settled in front of some cartoons, and I went on to work. I called later to check on him and Trish said he had calmed down, but was still not his normal cheerful self. Several of my co-workers seemed to expect me to be the same way, but I just didn't have it in me. I couldn't be sad when Drew was obviously so thrilled to be going to school. I am proud of him for being so independent.

I left work early so that I could meet the bus. We saw the bus coming down the road, and had to physically restrain Nick. Drew had the biggest smile on his face when he got off of the bus:

And he went straight for his brother. There was a big hug, and Nick started to cry again. But then it was all OK.


Drew has not been very forthcoming about his big day. I think he may be a bit overwhelmed, and tired. He did say that he liked his teacher, and that his lunch was good. He tells me that he made new friends, but I haven't gotten any names out of him. He sits at a blue table, with his name right on it in his spot. The bus driver gave him an orange popsicle. Actually, I think he possibly enjoyed the bus ride more than school!

The John Deere backpack was nearly as full when he got home as it was when he left this morning. Only now, all of the contents are for me! It's my very own homework! I never even dreamed that there would be so much paperwork for one little kid. But there was something in there just for me (well, for Andy and me):


So, we did it. Or he did it, really. And everything is going to be OK.

Now I just have to go do my homework, and pack his lunch for tomorrow.

Today was Big Day number 1. Open house at Drew's elementary school.

We met his teacher. Mrs. Joiner. She seems very nice. She was not the teacher that I wanted for him based on the recommendations of friends, but it's not like we really have a choice in the matter. The classroom is awesome, and Drew really seemed to like it. He got his nametag shaped like an apple to wear on the first day of school. He put his name and birthday up on the classroom bulletin board. He was very, very excited.

Sadly, his best buddy Miranda from the babysitter is not in his class. They were both a little disappointed. Again, we really have no choice. However, there is someone in his class that he was excited about. When Drew was little (newborn to age 2) there was a little boy at the babysitter named Jojo. They were best friends. Jojo's parents divorced, and he started going to a daycare in town. Both of the boys were upset. Turns out, Jojo is in his class. And amazingly enough, they remembered each other.

We also met his bus driver, Ms. Prevett. Who, much to my amazement, Drew already knew. I guess she's friends with the sitter, and he's met her when waiting at the bus stop with the older kids. She knew him by name and everything. So that's good.

So, I guess it's all settled. We have a teacher, a classroom, and the bus driver. We visited the cafeteria, the gym, and the library. We met the librarian, Mrs. Grace, who was very nice. We saw some of Drew's older friends.

Big Day number 2 will be Wednesday, the first day of school. He'll get on the bus at 6:25 A.M., and that will be that. He can't wait.

*edited to add: found out this morning that the bus will pick him up at 6:37 this year,
instead of 6:25. 12 extra minutes for getting ready and eating breakfast. Yay for me!

But maybe I could. Wait, that is. I don't know that I'm ready...

I let the boys spend some more of their birthday money today. It wasn't the original plan for them to spend any more of it, but sometimes a deal comes along that's just too good to pass up.

They pooled their resources and bought this:

Anyone recognize him? That's Optimus Prime. A Transformer, for those of you not familiar. They were popular when I was a kid, and they've made a comeback in a big way. And they're not cheap. This guy was $49.99. But we found him in the clearance aisle at K-Mart, marked down to $35. Still not inexpensive enough for my tastes. Until a store employee told me that everything in the clearance aisle was an additional 75% off this weekend. That made him about $10. So we brought him home. The boys are thrilled. Except...

Have any of you tried to transform a Transformer? Oh. My. Goodness. It's nearly impossible-- for me, anyway. Very frustrating. For mom and for the kids that need him turned back into a semi truck from his current robot form. We're going to have to wait for Andy to mess with it tomorrow. Unless, of course, the temptation is just too much for me and I get it back down after they're in bed...

Here's Batman (really, it's Nick. Could you tell?). Interestingly enough, Batman is seen in this photo giving Fern a shot. I guess he's a vet when he's not out saving the world. When asked why Fern needed a shot, Batman told me that "she just did." His syringe is really a Crayola Color Wonder marker, in green.


Remember College? The baby hamster we got for the boys back in the winter? Here he is. It's not really a remarkable picture or anything, except for the fact that Drew took the photo. Yes, he did. He's got quite an eye. He really enjoys using the camera, too. He may need one of his own (a low-cost digital) for Christmas. It scares me when he totes mine all over the place!


Tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow is Open House at the elementary school. At 5:00 Drew and I will head over to the school, where he'll get to meet his teacher and see his classroom. He's thrilled beyond belief. Andy is going to take Nick out to McDonald's for a happy meal while we're there. Nick doesn't know yet that he's not getting to go, and I'm sure it's not going to go over well with him. But we just figured that this is Drew's big thing, and at least one of us should be able to give him our undivided attention. With Nick along, we'd be constantly distracted by him asking questions or wandering away. So we're going to make it a big deal that he's got a special date with his daddy, and hope that eases the pain a bit.

Then Wednesday is the first day of school. I can't decide if I'm more nervous or excited. I know Drew is excited. I don't think he's even going to look back when he gets on that bus. I'm thrilled that he's reached this milestone in his little life, but I'm such a worrier by nature that I keep stalling on all the things that could go wrong. Hey, at least we know he's got enough supplies. And a really cool lunch box. Right?

Ok, I'm working on my next project. I need some opinions. Everyone I ask around here (that means Andy) just says "Whatever you think" and leaves it up to me. And I'm having a difficult time making a decsion.

This is the side of the carport:
My plan is to put a flowerbed along the side. From that little peony bush there on the right all the way down, bump it out around the plum tree, and end it up at the chain-link fence, right back up against the carport. Or maybe down at the corner post of the fence (you can barely see it on the left, there). That's decision number one that needs to be made.

Once I get the layout decided, I need to figure out what to use for edging. Currently all of the landscaping is done with sandstone, like this:

That is definitely an option. But since the carport side is far removed from all the other landscaping, I was thinking of some other materials. Maybe. One thought was to use landscaping timbers, 2 deep. Or I could use railroad ties, 1 deep.

The rocks and the railroad ties I can get for free, and the landscaping timbers wouldn't be that expensive. The landscaping timbers would also have to be anchored, so they're probably third in my lineup of choices. Unless, of course, they'd look the best. The rocks and railroad ties would probably be an equal amount of work, and they would require that I get help. Landscape timbers I could do myself.

It'll be planted in a cottage-garden style, if that helps. Lots of tall, free-form type plants and flowers. Nothing formal.

So what do you guys think? Rocks, landscape timber, or railroad ties? Straight along the edge with a bump-out around the tree, or slope it out towards the fence?

Editing to add:
I've just thought of another option. One that I might like even better. What about a raised bed, the length of the wall. 3 or 4 railroad ties deep, and squared at the corners. I can probably even get fill dirt for free...

Hmmm... the possibilities seem endless...

What started out as a nice photo session:



Quickly degraded into a tickle match/face-making contest:




I didn't get very many good shots, but at least they had fun...

I took my camera to work with me today. We've had some downtime lately, and I thought I could spend some time getting nice photos of my co-workers for the newsletter. Or some still life portraits of lab equipment. Just...something. Anything. I think it's been well established around here that I like to take pictures.

I never did take any pictures today. We actually were a little busy. I did get the camera out, however. One of my co-workers was admiring it, and was going through the pictures that are still in the camera. I think there are maybe 70-80 that I haven't downloaded to the computer yet. As she was looking at them (and they're not all pictures of my kids) she said "You take way too many pictures". And she was serious!

I was unsure of how to respond to that. In my mind, you can't take too many pictures. Especially now, with a digital camera, without having to worry about film developing costs for pictures that may or may not come out, how in the world is there such a thing as too many pictures?

And let me make this clear now--I'm not forcing these pictures on people. I'm not going to work every day with a new stack of photographs or with a portfolio and making folks admire my children or my handiwork. I'm not chattering away all day about photo shoots or how-to books. Her observation was based soley on the fact that there were alot of pictures on my camera, and that I put up a new picture of the boys once a month on my desk. Nothing more. She thinks that 70 is alot of pictures. More than she would take in a year, she said. And she has small children!

I come from a family of photographers. No, we're not professionals or anything. But I can't ever remember a family gathering without at least one camera, and usually it was more like 2 or 3. My Grandma Hewitt always had a camera with her. Always. And she was good at it. My mom, my aunt, my cousin. All take pictures. Lots of pictures. Good pictures.

I have literally thousands of photographs of my children. That's not a joke. Not even a fraction of them are printed out. But I have them, saved on floppy disks, CD's, and flash drives. They're taking up space on the hard drive of my laptop. There are albums full. I scrapbook, and there are several of those full. There are boxes full. But still, I can't seem to stop. I don't take pictures of just the boys--I really enjoy landscape photography. But that's a little more difficult to fit into my schedule these days. And the kids, well, isn't this part of my job as a mother? To keep up with their lives? To record who they are so that they can look back one day and see who they were?

Not all of my photos are great. Lots of them are awful. A great number of them aren't even worth keeping, and I delete as many as I save, if not more. I only keep the good ones. I have so many nice ones that I see no reason to keep the bad ones.

Still, I maintain that you cannot have too many pictures. You just can't.

So, here are some more. I tried the black and white settings on the camera last night. Look, or don't. It's up to you. But you'll want to. They're really cute.

Labels: Photography

You all know Drew:He turned 5 on July 20. He's starting Kindergarten 1 week from today. 1 week, people! But the school thing, that's for another post.

You all know Nick, too:
He turned 3 on July 22. Or, at least, I thought he did. He's decided that he's 5. Yes, 5, just like his brother. See, if he's 5, he can go to kindergarten, too. His logic is flawless. Truly.

"Nick, you aren't 5. You're 3."

"No, I'm 5. I'm going to school with Drew.

"But you can't be 5. You just turned 3 on your birthday. Remember? How are you 5?"

"I just am. I'm 5"

And that is that. Nothing anyone can say can convince him he's not starting school next week. A stranger at the store asked me if they were twins (I get that alot) and as I was explaining the age difference to her, Drew told her he was 5. Nick said "I'm 5, too". And then proceeded to correct me when I told the lady that he was 3. "No, Mom, I'm 5".

August 9 might be a fun, exciting day for Drew, but it won't be any picnic for Nick. Or for me, or the sitter. She's having a party in an effort to distract Nick and the 2 others being left behind. Let's hope that helps.

I wonder if I could fool the school system into taking him anyway? He's pretty smart...

My boys:



They are something else. I think I could (and do) learn something from them every day. Today's lesson? Loyalty.

The first words out of Nick's mouth when I arrived to pick the boys up this afternoon were "Drew was mean to me today." This after the tackle hug and tears.

According to the sitter, Drew did pick on him quite a bit. This isn't unusual, but Nick's been a bit sensitive lately. He's having some issues with the whole 'Drew starting school' thing and to say that he's out of sorts would be a minor understatement. Then, in the truck on the way home, Drew started in on him again. Little things, like taking his toys, bossing him around, poking him when he thought I wasn't looking. Typical brother stuff. But Nicky wasn't dealing with it well at all.

We arrived home, everyone came in and got settled, and all was well for awhile. Then Andy left for work, and Drew started in again. Not just with Nick this time, either. He trapped the cat under a laundry basket, sprayed water all over the bathroom with the faucet, put Nick's lion in a hiding place, and stole a Pepsi from the fridge, just to name a few things. Granted, he's a little wound up about the school stuff, too. But still...

The Pepsi was the last straw. Not that I'd been letting him run rampant, but this time he was in major trouble. Raised voice, time out, take away the new toy trouble. Drew was majorly upset. He went to sit on my bed, and he was crying. Really crying. I set the timer for 5 minutes and told him that if he could calm himself down and decide to behave before time was up, he'd get his toy back. And I left. Not that I went far, but I left the room and went back to fixing supper.

I didn't notice Nicky go in there. I did hear Drew stop crying and say something, but I just figured he was mumbling to himself. He'll do that when he's angry. Then Nick came in to the kitchen, with a very serious look on his face.

"I'm mad at you, Mom."

"Why are you mad at me?"

"You made Drew cry. That's not nice. Never make my brother cry again! Never!"

"Nick, he's crying because he did stuff that was wrong and got in trouble. Remember he was mean to you today and then took your lion?"

"Mom, don't make my brother cry. He's my best buddy"

Then he stomped off in a little 3-year-old huff. I really didn't expect to be dressed down by my youngest child, especially for defending him. Huh. But I let him get away with it because, well, I was impressed. It was a nice thing to do. I certainly didn't feel sorry for Drew, and he hadn't treated me nearly as badly as he'd treated Nick.

I peeked into the bedroom and found Nick serving the time with his brother, both of them sitting on the bed waiting for the timer to go off. It did, just then. They calmly got up, went into the living room, and began to color. Nicely. Together.

And now? All seems to be well. There hasn't been a single disagreement since.

I'm sure that they'll have their disagreements in life. They can't always get along. But hopefully this is an example of how they'll stick up for each other later in life, no matter what the situation might be.