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.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Weekends are the best
I got to sleep until 7:00 this morning! That may sound early to some of you, but to me it's pure heaven to be able to sleep so late. I'd have liked 8:00, but I'll take what I can get.
You see, I have non-sleeping children. Some parents are blessed with children that start sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and never look back. Some are unlucky enough that their kids don't manage an entire night until a year of age. Not my kids.
The first time Drew slept through the night was the day we brought Nick home from the hospital. No kidding. There was a point when he was 8 or 9 months old that he was up an average of 7 times between 9PM and 6AM. So, my two year old sleeps through, but I have a newborn. Nice. Nick slept fairly well compared to his brother, and I was convinced that two was the magic age. When Nick was nearly two, he had managed to keep his night wakings down to once a night for quite awhile. When Nick was nearly three, he was still up at least once most nights, sometimes two or three times. Monsters, thirst, and loneliness all would wake him from a sound sleep. I was tired. At this point I haven't had a full nights sleep in nearly five years.
One night, about a month and a half ago, Nick didn't wake up in the night. And then he did it again. And, fairly consistently, he's been sleeping all night. Nice for me. But...there is a trade off.
Both boys are early risers. Like, up with the sun (or sooner) early.
Now, I'd consider myself a morning person. When I'm not exhausted, without an alarm I'd probably wake up around 7:00. Maybe a bit later in the winter when it's darker. But 5:30? 6:00? On a weekend? No. Not even on a weekday--when my alarm goes off at 5:20 every morning I have a hard time dragging myself out of bed.
So when I woke up at 6:50AM today and the house was quiet, I was confused. I checked--both boys sleeping in their beds and Andy on the couch (he came in from work around 6:30 and didn't want to disturb me--I was in the middle of the bed). So, I crawled back in bed. And closed my eyes. And went back to sleep.
For 10 minutes.
Then, a little voice from beside the bed said "Mom? Mom? Mom! I need some milk. And will you read me Hank the Clank? And cartoons aren't on. And daddy won't move, and I want to sit on the couch. Can I sit in your chair? Mom? Mom!".
And I was up. At the late, late hour of 7 AM.
You see, I have non-sleeping children. Some parents are blessed with children that start sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and never look back. Some are unlucky enough that their kids don't manage an entire night until a year of age. Not my kids.
The first time Drew slept through the night was the day we brought Nick home from the hospital. No kidding. There was a point when he was 8 or 9 months old that he was up an average of 7 times between 9PM and 6AM. So, my two year old sleeps through, but I have a newborn. Nice. Nick slept fairly well compared to his brother, and I was convinced that two was the magic age. When Nick was nearly two, he had managed to keep his night wakings down to once a night for quite awhile. When Nick was nearly three, he was still up at least once most nights, sometimes two or three times. Monsters, thirst, and loneliness all would wake him from a sound sleep. I was tired. At this point I haven't had a full nights sleep in nearly five years.
One night, about a month and a half ago, Nick didn't wake up in the night. And then he did it again. And, fairly consistently, he's been sleeping all night. Nice for me. But...there is a trade off.
Both boys are early risers. Like, up with the sun (or sooner) early.
Now, I'd consider myself a morning person. When I'm not exhausted, without an alarm I'd probably wake up around 7:00. Maybe a bit later in the winter when it's darker. But 5:30? 6:00? On a weekend? No. Not even on a weekday--when my alarm goes off at 5:20 every morning I have a hard time dragging myself out of bed.
So when I woke up at 6:50AM today and the house was quiet, I was confused. I checked--both boys sleeping in their beds and Andy on the couch (he came in from work around 6:30 and didn't want to disturb me--I was in the middle of the bed). So, I crawled back in bed. And closed my eyes. And went back to sleep.
For 10 minutes.
Then, a little voice from beside the bed said "Mom? Mom? Mom! I need some milk. And will you read me Hank the Clank? And cartoons aren't on. And daddy won't move, and I want to sit on the couch. Can I sit in your chair? Mom? Mom!".
And I was up. At the late, late hour of 7 AM.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Today's photo session
I did it. My first real photo session is over. Well, real in that it wasn't my kids. And they set up an appointment and everything. I didn't charge, but it's still real, right? You can see a sampling of the photos here. I didn't post them all, because there were 64 to start with, and I made B&W copies of several because their mom requested some black and white shots. But, what do you think? Do they look alright? Could I have charged if I wanted to? I'll be giving Angie (the mom) the CD on Monday, and hopefully she'll give me some good feedback. She wanted shots of the kids together, but they just weren't cooperating.
Drew stayed dry today, ya'll. I was so proud. He wore the pull-up to school--I don't know if that made any difference at all. The majority of my parenting critics didn't think that was a good idea, but oh well. The deal is that if he stays dry all next week I'll come and have lunch with him at school on Friday. He really really wants that, so hopefully it will help him concentrate.
I am feeling a bit better today, and I'll openly apologize for my ranting the past few days. It's been a long week, and today is the first day I haven't felt like crying the majority of the time. My headache was so bad yesterday that I came home from work early and took a nap (I never take a nap) and still went to bed immediately after Grey's Anatomy.
Oh, and then there's this:
That's enough to make anyone's day, I think.
And now I'm going to eat supper with my family. And try to enjoy my evening with my 2 dry children and husband-that's-home-for-once.
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Drew stayed dry today, ya'll. I was so proud. He wore the pull-up to school--I don't know if that made any difference at all. The majority of my parenting critics didn't think that was a good idea, but oh well. The deal is that if he stays dry all next week I'll come and have lunch with him at school on Friday. He really really wants that, so hopefully it will help him concentrate.
I am feeling a bit better today, and I'll openly apologize for my ranting the past few days. It's been a long week, and today is the first day I haven't felt like crying the majority of the time. My headache was so bad yesterday that I came home from work early and took a nap (I never take a nap) and still went to bed immediately after Grey's Anatomy.
Oh, and then there's this:
That's enough to make anyone's day, I think.
And now I'm going to eat supper with my family. And try to enjoy my evening with my 2 dry children and husband-that's-home-for-once.
Labels: Parenting
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Because the whiny post sitting at the top was bugging me
While I stand by what I said in my previous post, I don't like it sitting at the top. It's whiny and unpleasant and I don't want it to be the first thing folks see when they stop by. So, enjoy Nick playing in the sunshine, and I'll get back to you tomorrow with a little more pleasantness.
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Boys aren't stupid, and neither am I
Drew has been having a little problem at school. I touched briefly on it before. Let's just say, the problem has not gone away. The problem, actually, is getting worse. I don't know what to do. But that is not what I'm here to say today.
Since this started happening at school, I've asked several people for advice. People whose opinions I trust. Parents, teachers, nurses. Just hoping someone could help us out. I got some good advice, and some bad bad advice (no, I won't keep him home from school for a week). But across the board, every single person said some variation of "He's a boy. It's a boy thing."
You know what? I'm getting really tired of hearing that. Certainly I can't be the only mother on the face of the earth that's getting tired of hearing that. From day one, everything that my kids did later than someone else's children, everything that they don't do well, from potty training to penmanship, has been blamed on their gender. That's not fair. And I'm sorry, but I don't happen to think it's a "boy thing" that my 5 year old can't make it an entire school day without needing to change his pants. Boys aren't dumb. They're not developmentally delayed. They're not less than girls in any way.
Also, the majority of people that I've spoken to about this have absolutely no respect for my opinion on the matter. It's like once I ask for advice it means I don't know anything about anything. The conversation might go like this:
"So, Drew didn't say dry again today. That's 5 days in a row. I just don't know what else to do."
"Well, what have you tried?"
"I've asked him all about school, and if there's a problem. I've warned him that he would lose privileges. I've taken away privileges. I threatened him with a spanking..."
"Oh, you can't spank him. You shouldn't punish him at all. What if he can't help it?"
"Well, what if he can? What if he's doing it on purpose?"
"He's not. Certainly. You should take him to the Dr."
"He's not sick. No fever, no pain, no nothing. He's not doing it at home or anywhere but school."
"Still, you shouldn't punish him".
And if I take the conversation any farther than that, it's easy to see that my parenting is being judged. One person actually had the nerve to tell me that if I would just be easier on him all around maybe he wouldn't be having any troubles. I'm almost afraid to admit to you that I didn't let him watch his movie before bed last night. I mean, really. Denying the child a treat because he's misbehaving? How dare I?
When did it become OK to openly criticize people for their parenting? Why is it alright to place any and all blame for what children do squarely on the shoulders of their parents? My child has a brain. He is capable of making decisions that I have no control over. If he wants to wet his pants he will, and I can't do anything more than I've already done. And yet, he has one too many accidents at school and I'm a bad mother. Perhaps I'm a bit defensive, but that's what I've taken away from more than one of these conversations.
My children are loved. They are well-fed and appropriately dressed. They have books and toys and games and movies. I play with them and cook for them and read to them and care for them when they're feeling under the weather. I listen to them when they have problems or concerns or just a story to tell. They are smart, and I take time to teach them not only academics but also what is right and what is wrong, and how to be polite and kind and considerate.
What else can I do? I know one thing I will certainly do. I'll be keeping my mouth shut about such things in the future. At least then I won't feel like such a failure as a parent.
edited to add...this post is not directed towards anyone that left me advice here. and it's not directed towards anything you said, either, mom. these are my reactions to things some co-workers and other friends said to me yesterday and today--people that don't even know that this blog exists. i truly appreciate everyone's comments and did not intend to offend anyone.
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Since this started happening at school, I've asked several people for advice. People whose opinions I trust. Parents, teachers, nurses. Just hoping someone could help us out. I got some good advice, and some bad bad advice (no, I won't keep him home from school for a week). But across the board, every single person said some variation of "He's a boy. It's a boy thing."
You know what? I'm getting really tired of hearing that. Certainly I can't be the only mother on the face of the earth that's getting tired of hearing that. From day one, everything that my kids did later than someone else's children, everything that they don't do well, from potty training to penmanship, has been blamed on their gender. That's not fair. And I'm sorry, but I don't happen to think it's a "boy thing" that my 5 year old can't make it an entire school day without needing to change his pants. Boys aren't dumb. They're not developmentally delayed. They're not less than girls in any way.
Also, the majority of people that I've spoken to about this have absolutely no respect for my opinion on the matter. It's like once I ask for advice it means I don't know anything about anything. The conversation might go like this:
"So, Drew didn't say dry again today. That's 5 days in a row. I just don't know what else to do."
"Well, what have you tried?"
"I've asked him all about school, and if there's a problem. I've warned him that he would lose privileges. I've taken away privileges. I threatened him with a spanking..."
"Oh, you can't spank him. You shouldn't punish him at all. What if he can't help it?"
"Well, what if he can? What if he's doing it on purpose?"
"He's not. Certainly. You should take him to the Dr."
"He's not sick. No fever, no pain, no nothing. He's not doing it at home or anywhere but school."
"Still, you shouldn't punish him".
And if I take the conversation any farther than that, it's easy to see that my parenting is being judged. One person actually had the nerve to tell me that if I would just be easier on him all around maybe he wouldn't be having any troubles. I'm almost afraid to admit to you that I didn't let him watch his movie before bed last night. I mean, really. Denying the child a treat because he's misbehaving? How dare I?
When did it become OK to openly criticize people for their parenting? Why is it alright to place any and all blame for what children do squarely on the shoulders of their parents? My child has a brain. He is capable of making decisions that I have no control over. If he wants to wet his pants he will, and I can't do anything more than I've already done. And yet, he has one too many accidents at school and I'm a bad mother. Perhaps I'm a bit defensive, but that's what I've taken away from more than one of these conversations.
My children are loved. They are well-fed and appropriately dressed. They have books and toys and games and movies. I play with them and cook for them and read to them and care for them when they're feeling under the weather. I listen to them when they have problems or concerns or just a story to tell. They are smart, and I take time to teach them not only academics but also what is right and what is wrong, and how to be polite and kind and considerate.
What else can I do? I know one thing I will certainly do. I'll be keeping my mouth shut about such things in the future. At least then I won't feel like such a failure as a parent.
edited to add...this post is not directed towards anyone that left me advice here. and it's not directed towards anything you said, either, mom. these are my reactions to things some co-workers and other friends said to me yesterday and today--people that don't even know that this blog exists. i truly appreciate everyone's comments and did not intend to offend anyone.
Labels: Parenting
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
It's been a long day, ya'll
Today was a mediocre day at best while I was at work, filled with equipment failures and tension between co-workers. And it didn't really get any better when I got home, for reasons too many to get into right now.
So, instead of whining and complaining here, which would serve no purpose at all, I'll share with you two bright spots in my day.
Here's Nick, in heaven because he's caught one of the kittens at the sitters house. He adores the kittens.
And Drew is working on learning the letter "G" this week. For this assignment he had to write 4 words that start with "G", and then choose another "G" word and draw a picture of it. His words were Grandma, Gap, Game, and Good. Then he chose to draw a Gorilla.
Those bumps on his arms are his muscles, and in one hand he's holding a rock. He's not smiling because gorillas are crabby.
Everything else I will think about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
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So, instead of whining and complaining here, which would serve no purpose at all, I'll share with you two bright spots in my day.
Here's Nick, in heaven because he's caught one of the kittens at the sitters house. He adores the kittens.
And Drew is working on learning the letter "G" this week. For this assignment he had to write 4 words that start with "G", and then choose another "G" word and draw a picture of it. His words were Grandma, Gap, Game, and Good. Then he chose to draw a Gorilla.
Those bumps on his arms are his muscles, and in one hand he's holding a rock. He's not smiling because gorillas are crabby.
Everything else I will think about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Well, just look at me!
Today I had not one, but two requests for me to photograph someones children. One request from a co-worker who is not pleased with her daughter's school portraits, and one from the mother of 2 children that go to the same babysitter that I send the boys to.
My co-worker wants pictures of each of her children alone and then with both of them together. They are 7 and 2. The other lady is expecting a baby any day now and wants photos of her other two children (ages 5 and 15 months) together before the baby is born, and possibly a shot or two with her in it "if I can make her look good".
OK, people, now it's time for me to panic. I didn't tell either of them no because, well, I just couldn't. They've seen my photos of the boys, so they know what I'm capable of. I guess they just think more highly of my skill than I do. Not that I think I'm bad, but I don't think I'm that good. I'm not charging them because I need the practice as much as they want the photos, and because they're my friends.
But, you know, if I start doing this for people that aren't my friends, through word of mouth or whatever, I will need to charge for my time. What's fair? Any ideas? I won't be out anything but time and the CD that I burn the photos onto--I'm going to let them get their own prints from the CD wherever they like. But I will have to take the time to take the photos, and to edit them and burn them to the CD.
So, on Friday afternoon I'm photographing Miranda and Nathan out here behind the house. And next week Lora Lee and Seth at the Roundtable Park (that's where I took the photos of the boys on Sunday). Oh, and some adult friends have mentioned having me take pics for them out at the wetland to give as Christmas gifts this year.
This is what I want. I want to be good enough for people to want me to photograph them or their children or their pets. Now I just need the self-confidence and the talent to actually follow through and do a good job for these folks and I might be on my way.
Right?
Oh, and one more thing. Does anyone have any idea why my 5 year old son might be wetting his pants at school all of a sudden? Friday, yesterday, and today he's done it. Not over the weekend, and not at home. Just once a day, at school. He says he forgets that he needs to go. I'm quite frustrated about the whole thing.
My co-worker wants pictures of each of her children alone and then with both of them together. They are 7 and 2. The other lady is expecting a baby any day now and wants photos of her other two children (ages 5 and 15 months) together before the baby is born, and possibly a shot or two with her in it "if I can make her look good".
OK, people, now it's time for me to panic. I didn't tell either of them no because, well, I just couldn't. They've seen my photos of the boys, so they know what I'm capable of. I guess they just think more highly of my skill than I do. Not that I think I'm bad, but I don't think I'm that good. I'm not charging them because I need the practice as much as they want the photos, and because they're my friends.
But, you know, if I start doing this for people that aren't my friends, through word of mouth or whatever, I will need to charge for my time. What's fair? Any ideas? I won't be out anything but time and the CD that I burn the photos onto--I'm going to let them get their own prints from the CD wherever they like. But I will have to take the time to take the photos, and to edit them and burn them to the CD.
So, on Friday afternoon I'm photographing Miranda and Nathan out here behind the house. And next week Lora Lee and Seth at the Roundtable Park (that's where I took the photos of the boys on Sunday). Oh, and some adult friends have mentioned having me take pics for them out at the wetland to give as Christmas gifts this year.
This is what I want. I want to be good enough for people to want me to photograph them or their children or their pets. Now I just need the self-confidence and the talent to actually follow through and do a good job for these folks and I might be on my way.
Right?
Oh, and one more thing. Does anyone have any idea why my 5 year old son might be wetting his pants at school all of a sudden? Friday, yesterday, and today he's done it. Not over the weekend, and not at home. Just once a day, at school. He says he forgets that he needs to go. I'm quite frustrated about the whole thing.
Labels: Drew, me, Photography
Monday, September 25, 2006
Randomness for Monday
First off, ignore this--I need to do it for a subscription site... alissasanderson.minti.comOK
List time again, because I have several things that I'd like to say. None of them are very long, and none of them relate to each other. So, here we go:
- Drew has decided he doesn't like his name. He wants to change it. He has 2 new names in mind. Cole, and Alison. Yes, Alison. I told him that Alison is a girls name, and he just said "No, it's not" and went right on. So, what do you think? Cole? Or Alison? Personally, I'm leaning towards sticking with the name Drew.
- Nick is addicted. To children's Tylenol. He wants it all the time. Every day, at least once (and usually 4 or 5 times) I'll hear "Mom, my headache hurts! I need some medicine!" He gets the chewable kind. I've tasted it, and I know it's not bad. And when my brother was small, he ate an entire bottle of it and ended up at the hospital, so it must hold some appeal to kids, but what it is I don't really know. Thing is, I'm aware that kids can get headaches. I have headaches alot--when not being helped by preventative medication I'll have one nearly every day. So how do I know when he really needs it?
- Every Monday Drew has homework assignments. Every Monday, without fail. It's sent home in a green folder, along with a weekly newsletter and any other announcements. Andy picked the boys up today and I went out to the farm to take some photos. When I got home, about 45 minutes after they did, everyone was playing outside. "Did Drew already finish his homework?" I asked. "He said he didn't have any." "Did you check in his green folder?" "No, he said he didn't have any". I looked in his green folder--4 sheets. "Drew, why did you tell your daddy you didn't have any homework?" Drew said, "because I wanted to play and Daddy won't check my backpack like you." The kid has it all figured out, doesn't he?
- Have you ever broken open a Magna Doodle? Nick has. He pressed so hard on his Magna Doodle with the little pen that he sliced a hole right in it. Wow, that was a mess. A huge mess. And now he's sad because Drew has a Magna Doodle and he doesn't.
Labels: Drew, Nick, Randomness, School
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday Photos
The boys were actually quite cooperative for photos this morning. I wonder if it had anything to do with the fact that I promised them Happy Meals for lunch if they behaved... *grin* More on my Flickr Photostream page, including some really fun shots of Nick's hands that I took last night. I think most them are on page one.
This camera is so different from my other one. What I see through the lens is not necessarily what I get, unlike being able to preview the actual shot on the digital screen. I have to make an effort to think more about lighting and angles than I ever did before, because the photo that looks perfect throuh my viewfinder may be very over- or under exposed in reality. But I'm getting there. I took 87 shots this morning, and 16 of them were keepers. Gotta love digital!
So, getting away from the subject of me and my little hobby...
It appears our (indoor) cats have picked up some fleas. They never go outside, at all, so we're not exactly sure where they came from. I have my suspicions, but as I have no evidence I'm not naming names... Anyway, Andy and the boys are giving the cats flea baths today. That's been a ton of fun, let me tell you. We've also sprayed the carpets, and I'm washing the bedding, and when the kitties are dry they'll get an application of Advantage. Good stuff, that Advantage. This is one of the more annoying parts of pet ownership, that's for sure. The funny thing is, they've probably had them for awhile. But fleas don't bite me and the boys, so we didn't know they were there until Andy was home long enough for them start biting him.
Hopefully after they wash the cats I can convince them to wash my truck. It's really in need of some attention. I run it through the touchless automatic wash about once a week, but that just can't replace a good old handwashing. And the inside is a pigsty. I shudder just thinking about what might be hiding under the backseat. Ugh.
And then tonight is the season opener of Desperate Housewives. Yay! I've got some TV time scheduled right in, and an early bedtime planned for the boys. Hopefully, anyway.
This camera is so different from my other one. What I see through the lens is not necessarily what I get, unlike being able to preview the actual shot on the digital screen. I have to make an effort to think more about lighting and angles than I ever did before, because the photo that looks perfect throuh my viewfinder may be very over- or under exposed in reality. But I'm getting there. I took 87 shots this morning, and 16 of them were keepers. Gotta love digital!
So, getting away from the subject of me and my little hobby...
It appears our (indoor) cats have picked up some fleas. They never go outside, at all, so we're not exactly sure where they came from. I have my suspicions, but as I have no evidence I'm not naming names... Anyway, Andy and the boys are giving the cats flea baths today. That's been a ton of fun, let me tell you. We've also sprayed the carpets, and I'm washing the bedding, and when the kitties are dry they'll get an application of Advantage. Good stuff, that Advantage. This is one of the more annoying parts of pet ownership, that's for sure. The funny thing is, they've probably had them for awhile. But fleas don't bite me and the boys, so we didn't know they were there until Andy was home long enough for them start biting him.
Hopefully after they wash the cats I can convince them to wash my truck. It's really in need of some attention. I run it through the touchless automatic wash about once a week, but that just can't replace a good old handwashing. And the inside is a pigsty. I shudder just thinking about what might be hiding under the backseat. Ugh.
And then tonight is the season opener of Desperate Housewives. Yay! I've got some TV time scheduled right in, and an early bedtime planned for the boys. Hopefully, anyway.
Labels: Photo Sunday, Photography, Randomness
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Andy
Along the same lines as yesterday's post, today I'm going to tell you about Andy. I write about him even less than Nick--usually he's just a mention in my posts. He makes an appearance when I have a complaint about him, or about his job. Occasionally when he's playing with the boys, but not often. That's not really fair. He's a part of this family, too, and this blog is supposed to be about this family. This life.
So, Andy. I met Andy in college. He was not at all my type--to this day I can't tell you how we ended up together. He partied hard in school. He kept his grades up merely because he's really smart, not at all because he worked hard. We met because we were in the same program. We went out several times over a period of months before he confessed to having a girlfriend (of four years!) at another university. That makes him sound awful. But really, he just didn't know how to deal with either one of us. Anyway, I refused to see him until he broke up with her. And he did, and now here we are.
We dated a few years, mostly long distance, before we got married in 1999. We bought this house in 2000, welcomed Drew in 2001 and then Nick in 2003.
When we got married, Andy was an exterminator. He had a degree in pre-veterinary medicine, but was working as an exterminator. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Then he got a job as a veterinary technician at one place, and then another clinic. He was very good at his job. But he wasn't really happy. When the ad appeared in the paper for police officers, he said "I want to do that." That was a surprise. Not just to me but to everyone that knows Andy. Between his juvenile delinquent behavior as a teenager and his laid-back, easy-going attitude, it didn't really seem like his thing. But he was serious, and applied. The application process was long, and difficult. In September of 2004 Andy left for the police academy. Nick was 15 months old and Drew just a little over 3. In February of 2005 he graduated near the top of his class and began work as a police officer. He's no longer with that department, but serves with a smaller, more hometown-type department. He loves his job, and is very, very good at it. He works alot. Alot. That is, perhaps, my biggest complaint. It's not the number of hours, but the timing. He has to be at work at 6 PM for a 12 hour shift, and it's every weekend and most weeknights. So he's never home when we are, and when he is (Saturday and Sunday) he's sleeping because he has to work that evening. But, that's how it is when you're a new cop. As he gains experience and seniority he'll get a shot at better shifts. He may even go on to the state police--that's something he's mentioned. I bet he'd be great at that, too.
Andy is a wonderful father. I think mostly because deep down inside he's about 10 years old. He can play with the boys for hours and hours, and he's patient (mostly) like I never am. He's never been one to shirk fatherly duties, and got up with the boys in the middle of the night as often as I ever did. He changed diapers and clothes and prepared bottles. He reads stories and plays board games and quizzes them on their alphabet or address. The boys adore him, as well they should.
As a husband Andy also is great. He's a better husband than I am a wife, that's for sure. He does his share of the housework (when he can--like I said, he's not here much) and then some. He cleans the bathroom and the litterbox, washes dishes, and vacuums the carpets. He shares the yardwork with me. He doesn't do laundry or cook, but that's alright. He's not so great at either. We most definitely have our ups and downs, but that would be more my fault than his, I think. In contrast to Andy's easygoing, pleasant attitude, I am high-strung and obsessive. It's easy for me to be mad at him for absolutely nothing. And he just listens, smiles, and goes right on. Sometimes that in and of itself makes me angry. I think that's why he does it *smile*. But, no matter what troubles we may have had in the past (and we've had our share of high-stress situations, that's for sure) or what we may face in the future, we'll be alright. We entered this marriage with the knowledge that we plan to stay together forever. Divorce is not an option. And so we work at it. Sometimes it works better than others, but we keep on working.
Oh, and most importantly, he's cute. Don't you think?
So, Andy. I met Andy in college. He was not at all my type--to this day I can't tell you how we ended up together. He partied hard in school. He kept his grades up merely because he's really smart, not at all because he worked hard. We met because we were in the same program. We went out several times over a period of months before he confessed to having a girlfriend (of four years!) at another university. That makes him sound awful. But really, he just didn't know how to deal with either one of us. Anyway, I refused to see him until he broke up with her. And he did, and now here we are.
We dated a few years, mostly long distance, before we got married in 1999. We bought this house in 2000, welcomed Drew in 2001 and then Nick in 2003.
When we got married, Andy was an exterminator. He had a degree in pre-veterinary medicine, but was working as an exterminator. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Then he got a job as a veterinary technician at one place, and then another clinic. He was very good at his job. But he wasn't really happy. When the ad appeared in the paper for police officers, he said "I want to do that." That was a surprise. Not just to me but to everyone that knows Andy. Between his juvenile delinquent behavior as a teenager and his laid-back, easy-going attitude, it didn't really seem like his thing. But he was serious, and applied. The application process was long, and difficult. In September of 2004 Andy left for the police academy. Nick was 15 months old and Drew just a little over 3. In February of 2005 he graduated near the top of his class and began work as a police officer. He's no longer with that department, but serves with a smaller, more hometown-type department. He loves his job, and is very, very good at it. He works alot. Alot. That is, perhaps, my biggest complaint. It's not the number of hours, but the timing. He has to be at work at 6 PM for a 12 hour shift, and it's every weekend and most weeknights. So he's never home when we are, and when he is (Saturday and Sunday) he's sleeping because he has to work that evening. But, that's how it is when you're a new cop. As he gains experience and seniority he'll get a shot at better shifts. He may even go on to the state police--that's something he's mentioned. I bet he'd be great at that, too.
Andy is a wonderful father. I think mostly because deep down inside he's about 10 years old. He can play with the boys for hours and hours, and he's patient (mostly) like I never am. He's never been one to shirk fatherly duties, and got up with the boys in the middle of the night as often as I ever did. He changed diapers and clothes and prepared bottles. He reads stories and plays board games and quizzes them on their alphabet or address. The boys adore him, as well they should.
As a husband Andy also is great. He's a better husband than I am a wife, that's for sure. He does his share of the housework (when he can--like I said, he's not here much) and then some. He cleans the bathroom and the litterbox, washes dishes, and vacuums the carpets. He shares the yardwork with me. He doesn't do laundry or cook, but that's alright. He's not so great at either. We most definitely have our ups and downs, but that would be more my fault than his, I think. In contrast to Andy's easygoing, pleasant attitude, I am high-strung and obsessive. It's easy for me to be mad at him for absolutely nothing. And he just listens, smiles, and goes right on. Sometimes that in and of itself makes me angry. I think that's why he does it *smile*. But, no matter what troubles we may have had in the past (and we've had our share of high-stress situations, that's for sure) or what we may face in the future, we'll be alright. We entered this marriage with the knowledge that we plan to stay together forever. Divorce is not an option. And so we work at it. Sometimes it works better than others, but we keep on working.
Oh, and most importantly, he's cute. Don't you think?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Let's talk about Nick for a minute
Drew has been getting alot of attention lately. He's got school going on, fundraisers, and all kinds of new knowledge to share lately. It's fun to see him progress, and so easy to tell everyone all about his accomplishments. Often people will ask me "how's Drew liking school?" and then ask about Nick as an afterthought. And Nick is beginning to notice.
He's been a little whiny lately. A bit clingy. And he's been having some accidents of the bathroom variety. I think he needs attention. As I was trying to come up with something to write about today, I scrolled back through some earlier posts. And I see a theme. I'll talk about myself, I'll talk about my kids. Most of the kid posts are Drew-centered. He's just got so much more going on. But this post is about Nick. My baby. So settle in, and get ready for some good old-fashioned Mommy bragging.
Nicholas is one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. Yes, he has typical 3-year old moments, but overall he's very nice and polite and loving and totally easy to get along with. He's been good natured since birth. Unfortunately for him, his good nature sometimes is overshadowed by his brother's energy and mischief. I most definitely need to work on making sure I give him one-on-one attention on a regular basis.
Nick loves to cuddle. He will sit and listen to stories one after the other after the other for as long as you'll read to him. He's recently begun giving "good" kisses. Those are the kind that make a big SMACK when you get kissed. They're a little sloppy, too, but that's OK. His trademark line is "I love you, best friends" when you have to leave or hang up the phone.
Nicky loves Cinderella. She's his girlfriend. When he grows up he wants to be a prince. Wouldn't that be nice? He also loves Emily, a little girl at the sitters house. But he's going to marry me. Or so he says. He gave up his paci on his own back in June, but is still very attached to his lion and his blankie. Very attached. But that's OK.
Nick can write an 'N', and an 'O'. He can draw a pretty decent smiley face, if you've got an imagination. He can sing the alphabet song, and count to 16, and he's memorized the directions to Wal-Mart (all the road names, in order). He also knows his phone number, if you start him off. And his address.
What Nick won't do is let me take his picture. I don't know why, but he hates it. Pictures of Nick smiling mean that I either (A) bribed him with candy or Pepsi or (B) his daddy is standing behind me making silly faces.
Nick loves Cheetos. They're his favorite food. He's the boss of Cheetos, don't you know? He also loves milk. He drinks alot of milk. Smoked sausage, bananas, and pizza also rank right up there at the top.
So, there you go. So many things to love about Nick. Don't you just adore him now? The thing is, I really don't know how to put into words what a great kid he is. He's cute and smart and funny and loveable, and I can write all that down, but unless you meet him you could never fully understand.
I love Nick. Like I tell him every night before bed, he's my favorite Nicky in the whole wide world.
edited to add: Nick actually helped me write this post. It was our special afternoon project while Drew was practicing "right" and "left" with his dad. Andy and I are going to try to give each of the boys a little more one-on-one time with one or the other of us instead of keeping the boys together every minute. And as projects go, this was a great one. Nick had no trouble telling me all the wonderful things about himself (that's why it sounds a little disjointed--I was taking dictation from a 3 year old!).
He's been a little whiny lately. A bit clingy. And he's been having some accidents of the bathroom variety. I think he needs attention. As I was trying to come up with something to write about today, I scrolled back through some earlier posts. And I see a theme. I'll talk about myself, I'll talk about my kids. Most of the kid posts are Drew-centered. He's just got so much more going on. But this post is about Nick. My baby. So settle in, and get ready for some good old-fashioned Mommy bragging.
Nicholas is one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. Yes, he has typical 3-year old moments, but overall he's very nice and polite and loving and totally easy to get along with. He's been good natured since birth. Unfortunately for him, his good nature sometimes is overshadowed by his brother's energy and mischief. I most definitely need to work on making sure I give him one-on-one attention on a regular basis.
Nick loves to cuddle. He will sit and listen to stories one after the other after the other for as long as you'll read to him. He's recently begun giving "good" kisses. Those are the kind that make a big SMACK when you get kissed. They're a little sloppy, too, but that's OK. His trademark line is "I love you, best friends" when you have to leave or hang up the phone.
Nicky loves Cinderella. She's his girlfriend. When he grows up he wants to be a prince. Wouldn't that be nice? He also loves Emily, a little girl at the sitters house. But he's going to marry me. Or so he says. He gave up his paci on his own back in June, but is still very attached to his lion and his blankie. Very attached. But that's OK.
Nick can write an 'N', and an 'O'. He can draw a pretty decent smiley face, if you've got an imagination. He can sing the alphabet song, and count to 16, and he's memorized the directions to Wal-Mart (all the road names, in order). He also knows his phone number, if you start him off. And his address.
What Nick won't do is let me take his picture. I don't know why, but he hates it. Pictures of Nick smiling mean that I either (A) bribed him with candy or Pepsi or (B) his daddy is standing behind me making silly faces.
Nick loves Cheetos. They're his favorite food. He's the boss of Cheetos, don't you know? He also loves milk. He drinks alot of milk. Smoked sausage, bananas, and pizza also rank right up there at the top.
So, there you go. So many things to love about Nick. Don't you just adore him now? The thing is, I really don't know how to put into words what a great kid he is. He's cute and smart and funny and loveable, and I can write all that down, but unless you meet him you could never fully understand.
I love Nick. Like I tell him every night before bed, he's my favorite Nicky in the whole wide world.
edited to add: Nick actually helped me write this post. It was our special afternoon project while Drew was practicing "right" and "left" with his dad. Andy and I are going to try to give each of the boys a little more one-on-one time with one or the other of us instead of keeping the boys together every minute. And as projects go, this was a great one. Nick had no trouble telling me all the wonderful things about himself (that's why it sounds a little disjointed--I was taking dictation from a 3 year old!).
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fifty Bucks!?
I received an envelope in the mail today from the Kentucky State Fair board. I've been expecting it, because winning a ribbon at the fair entitles you to a monetary prize. I thought it was $25 or $30. Imagine my delight when I opened the envelope to discover a check for $50! Woo hoo! I'm going to do the responsible thing and put it towards that new camera. But think of all the things I could do with it. It is fun to dream. I realize that to alot of folks $50 isn't really all that much money, but to me it's quite a bit.
What do you think of my family portrait up there? Yes, Nick is crying. Simply because he didn't want to pose for the picture. He wasn't fighting me or anything, just protesting. I think it will be fun to show it to him when he's grown. And the rest of us look pretty nice, if I do say so myself. I took several more shots this afternoon that turned out nice--they're on the top of my photostream at Flickr, and also in the color photography set.
Tonight is the season premire of Grey's Anatomy. I am so looking forward to it. I love this show--I have since the first episode. Andy doesn't have to be at work until 10:00, which is quite handy for me. I've given strict orders not to be bothered between 8 PM and 9PM CST. Not at all. Not for any reason not involving blood or broken bones--and even then wait until a commerical. Don't any of you guys call me, either. Or IM me, or anything. Well, you can, but I won't be getting back to you until 9:00. And then I'll probably want to talk about the show.
Hey--how much milk can one kid drink, anyway? I bought a gallon yesterday, and Drew had a glass with supper. Andy hasn't had any, and neither have I. And the gallon is nearly gone. As in, there will be no milk by morning. Hmmm.
What do you think of my family portrait up there? Yes, Nick is crying. Simply because he didn't want to pose for the picture. He wasn't fighting me or anything, just protesting. I think it will be fun to show it to him when he's grown. And the rest of us look pretty nice, if I do say so myself. I took several more shots this afternoon that turned out nice--they're on the top of my photostream at Flickr, and also in the color photography set.
Tonight is the season premire of Grey's Anatomy. I am so looking forward to it. I love this show--I have since the first episode. Andy doesn't have to be at work until 10:00, which is quite handy for me. I've given strict orders not to be bothered between 8 PM and 9PM CST. Not at all. Not for any reason not involving blood or broken bones--and even then wait until a commerical. Don't any of you guys call me, either. Or IM me, or anything. Well, you can, but I won't be getting back to you until 9:00. And then I'll probably want to talk about the show.
Hey--how much milk can one kid drink, anyway? I bought a gallon yesterday, and Drew had a glass with supper. Andy hasn't had any, and neither have I. And the gallon is nearly gone. As in, there will be no milk by morning. Hmmm.
Labels: Drew, me, Nick, Photography, TV
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
"I'm smart, Mom"
Every morning when I drop the boys off at the babysitter's house, we go over the rules. It used to be that they had the same set of rules, because they both stayed there all day. The rules (and they do have them memorized) are these:
Then I turned to Drew and said "OK, remember the rules, Drew. Stay in your..."
This is where I got cut off. By a 5 year old.
"Mom, I'm smart--not stupid. You don't have to tell me the rules every day."
"Well, Drew, first of all, you shouldn't be so rude to your mother. And second of all, I think I do need to go over the rules with you every day, just to make sure you remember them."
And then he said this:
"Whatever makes you happy, Mom. But I'm not an idiot."
I thought he was 5. Apparently I was mistaken. He's a teenager.
- No hitting
- No pushing
- No biting
- No taking away
- No running in the house
- No pulling hair
- and BE NICE
- Stay in your seat on the bus
- Do as your teachers tell you
- Do your best at school
- Eat all of your lunch and bring back the spoon
- Follow all the other rules, and remember to BE NICE.
Then I turned to Drew and said "OK, remember the rules, Drew. Stay in your..."
This is where I got cut off. By a 5 year old.
"Mom, I'm smart--not stupid. You don't have to tell me the rules every day."
"Well, Drew, first of all, you shouldn't be so rude to your mother. And second of all, I think I do need to go over the rules with you every day, just to make sure you remember them."
And then he said this:
"Whatever makes you happy, Mom. But I'm not an idiot."
I thought he was 5. Apparently I was mistaken. He's a teenager.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
I *heart* my new camera!
I imagine I'll love it even more once I get the hang of it. I'm still not quite sure of all the settings, but I'm too stubborn to put it on automatic most of the time. I'll get there. In the meantime, look:
Now, I need some willing subjects. Anyone want to come pose for me? Bring your kids? My children are tired of the camera.
Labels: Drew, Nick, Photography
Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday Meme
Because it's Monday and I have a zillion things to do that are more important than a blog post, and also because Stephanie tagged me for this meme last week and I have yet to do it, I present to you
Five things that are weird about me even though it will bore you to tears:
- I like peanut butter sandwiches...with cheese. Yep, cheese. Not bananas, or butter, or potato chips or any of the other more "normal" weird things to eat with peanut butter. I love love love a sandwich made from 2 pieces of white bread, peanut butter on both slices, and a Kraft single in the middle. Why peanut butter on both slices? Because the cheese isn't sticky and I don't like the sandwich to fall apart. See? Weird.
- Our bathroom is a black hole for magazines and newspapers. My husband, like most guys, likes to do alot of his reading/catalog shopping while doing his business. I think that's gross, and if he takes a magazine, etc... into the bathroom it doesn't leave unless it's in a garbage can. DO NOT bring it back out and set it on the table with all of it's yucky bathroom germs on it. Oh--I don't like the phone to go in there, either, and you better not talk to me on the phone while you're using the bathroom. Ick.
- I'm 32 years old and stilll eat my food plain. Ketchup is pretty much the only dressing I like on anything. Lettuce? Ick. Onions, peppers, tomatoes? No. Mustard? Mayo? Not happening. Eat a salad? Never gonna happen.
4. I also eat my food one thing at a time. A bite of potato and then a bite of steak? Wouldn't
see me do that. You'll see me eat all the steak, then all the potato, then all the roll. I don't
like the food to touch on the plate if I can avoid it, either.
5. I won't let my kids out of the house if their clothes don't match. Acutally, I won't let them get dressed in clothes that don't match, even at home. Really. I won't even let
them choose an entire outfit--they can pick either the top or the bottoms and I'll choose a
coordinating piece. I won't even let them go out in 2 different camo patterns. Nick was
wearing striped pajama bottoms and a green sweatshirt at my parent's house on Sunday
morning, and it was all I could do to not change him. I only didn't because I knew I'd be made fun of.
So, there you go. Bored yet?
Labels: me, Photography
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Settle in...it's gonna be a long one!
Well, I've had quite the adventure over the past few days. This promises to be a pretty long post, so if you're in a rush then you may want to stop now and check back later!
On Thursday night I touched briefly on my day out with my friends, but I don't know if I made it clear what a wonderful time I had. Mike and Jeff are my very best friends from my college days, and 10 years later we're still in touch. We live far apart and don't get to see each other often, but when we do we can pick up right where we last left off. It's that kind of friendship. We weren't expecting to bring Mikaylah with us on Thursday, but plans for a sitter fell through. However, it was a lot of fun. She's a really personable little girl, well-behaved and smart as a whip. I took some really, really nice pictures of her with my new camera. I'm not posting those, however, because I didn't get permission yet. Wouldn't want to cause any problems, ya know? Anyway...
We started the day with a trip to the Garden of the Gods. It was beautiful. We spent a few hours hiking around and taking pictures and just generally catching up. Then, on the way to Cave In Rock, we made a side trip to Iron Furnace. Iron Furnace was just a big pile of rocks where they used to make charcoal. But it was still a fun little diversion. At Cave In Rock we ate at Dutton's Cafe, and then visited the cave. Mikaylah ran us ragged on the playground, and then we headed back to Eldorado. We spent the rest of the day at Mike's mom's house, just visiting. We walked around the property (they have a row-crop farm--thousands of acres) and took pictures and just enjoyed being together. I didn't want to leave, but eventually I did and made it home before 10 PM.
Friday I was still off of work, so I spent the morning volunteering in Drew's classroom. That was an interesting experience. Not to belittle any of the children in any way, but I sure feel better about Drew's academic progress after watching them all. He's right up there at the top of the class. I had been worried that we didn't prepare him enough for Kindergarten, but I guess we did OK after all.
Friday afternoon the boys and I left for Lebanon Junction, where my parents live. It was an easy trip--as the boys get older they are much easier to travel with. Andy had to work, as usual, so it was just the three of us. My youngest brother was at the house when we got there, and we ordered pizza from Daddio's, the local pizza joint. Yum! The boys went to bed nicely after and slept well.
Saturday was a very full day. We ran to Elizabethtown to do some shopping, and then while the boys rested I wandered around the property and took some photos:
On Thursday night I touched briefly on my day out with my friends, but I don't know if I made it clear what a wonderful time I had. Mike and Jeff are my very best friends from my college days, and 10 years later we're still in touch. We live far apart and don't get to see each other often, but when we do we can pick up right where we last left off. It's that kind of friendship. We weren't expecting to bring Mikaylah with us on Thursday, but plans for a sitter fell through. However, it was a lot of fun. She's a really personable little girl, well-behaved and smart as a whip. I took some really, really nice pictures of her with my new camera. I'm not posting those, however, because I didn't get permission yet. Wouldn't want to cause any problems, ya know? Anyway...
We started the day with a trip to the Garden of the Gods. It was beautiful. We spent a few hours hiking around and taking pictures and just generally catching up. Then, on the way to Cave In Rock, we made a side trip to Iron Furnace. Iron Furnace was just a big pile of rocks where they used to make charcoal. But it was still a fun little diversion. At Cave In Rock we ate at Dutton's Cafe, and then visited the cave. Mikaylah ran us ragged on the playground, and then we headed back to Eldorado. We spent the rest of the day at Mike's mom's house, just visiting. We walked around the property (they have a row-crop farm--thousands of acres) and took pictures and just enjoyed being together. I didn't want to leave, but eventually I did and made it home before 10 PM.
Friday I was still off of work, so I spent the morning volunteering in Drew's classroom. That was an interesting experience. Not to belittle any of the children in any way, but I sure feel better about Drew's academic progress after watching them all. He's right up there at the top of the class. I had been worried that we didn't prepare him enough for Kindergarten, but I guess we did OK after all.
Friday afternoon the boys and I left for Lebanon Junction, where my parents live. It was an easy trip--as the boys get older they are much easier to travel with. Andy had to work, as usual, so it was just the three of us. My youngest brother was at the house when we got there, and we ordered pizza from Daddio's, the local pizza joint. Yum! The boys went to bed nicely after and slept well.
Saturday was a very full day. We ran to Elizabethtown to do some shopping, and then while the boys rested I wandered around the property and took some photos:
I took way more than that, but you get the idea. It was a beautiful day.
Saturday night was my aunt's annual weenie roast--you can read about the tradition here. This was the first year I was able to attend, and now I'm super sorry I missed the first few. We'll definitely do our best to make it in the future! The boys and I had a wonderful time. We stayed until almost 11:00--that's the latest I've ever had them out. Most of the family was able to make it, including my cousin Jake and his wife Christy who I never get to see. We all had so much fun. Natalie, Jake, Mom, Peggy and I all spent alot of time taking pictures. Jake, especially, was a ton of help with my new camera. I think the most fun we had was messing with timed exposures:
Saturday night was my aunt's annual weenie roast--you can read about the tradition here. This was the first year I was able to attend, and now I'm super sorry I missed the first few. We'll definitely do our best to make it in the future! The boys and I had a wonderful time. We stayed until almost 11:00--that's the latest I've ever had them out. Most of the family was able to make it, including my cousin Jake and his wife Christy who I never get to see. We all had so much fun. Natalie, Jake, Mom, Peggy and I all spent alot of time taking pictures. Jake, especially, was a ton of help with my new camera. I think the most fun we had was messing with timed exposures:
See? There are 2 Jake's and 2 Natalie's in that picture.
I took almost 140 pictures at the party, and they're all up on my Flickr site in their own set.
Here is everyone that was there:
I took almost 140 pictures at the party, and they're all up on my Flickr site in their own set.
Here is everyone that was there:
I'm a little disappointed that the heat from the fire made all the folks on the left a little wavy looking--live and learn, I guess.
At any rate, now I'm back home and while I should be catching up on all my housework that's been neglected for the past 4 days, I'm not. I'm catching up on e-mail, photo editing, and blogging. How's that for responsible?
At any rate, now I'm back home and while I should be catching up on all my housework that's been neglected for the past 4 days, I'm not. I'm catching up on e-mail, photo editing, and blogging. How's that for responsible?
Labels: Family, me, Photography
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Just in for a second
It's bedtime. I've had a long day. I visited my friends all day in Illinois, and just arrived home about a half an hour ago. I'm going to leave you with some pictures from today, and that's the last you'll see of me until Sunday or Monday, depending on when we return from our weekend adventure. Enjoy!
Mike, his daughter Mikaylah, and Jeff:
Cave in Rock, Illinois. It's a cave. In a rock. Go figure:
Garden of the Gods, Illinois. Beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice:
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Two of my very best friends, Mike and Jeff:
Mike, his daughter Mikaylah, and Jeff:
Cave in Rock, Illinois. It's a cave. In a rock. Go figure:
Garden of the Gods, Illinois. Beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice:
Labels: friends, me, Photography
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Well...
...I talked myself into it (you guys helped, though!). I never dreamed that after ordering it at nearly 11:00 last night that it would arrive on my doorstep today!
Next time I should have some great pictures for you guys...if I can ever fully figure this thing out!
Labels: me, Photography
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Things to look forward to:
- I'm fixing spaghetti and garlic bread for supper tonight. Yum! I love spaghetti. I love garlic bread even more!
- Tomorrow there is a big retirement party at work. The party itself isn't any big deal (not to me, anyway) but the party is from 2-4. The lab is suspending operations for that time, meaning my workday is ending an entire hour and a half early. Almost makes the fact that I have to dress up worth it!
- Tomorrow is school picture day. Drew's first school pictures! Am I too weird to think that's a little exciting?
- Thursday I'm driving to Morganfield and then Eldorado, IL to meet up with my some of my best friends, Mike and Jeff. I haven't seen them in over a year. We have a day trip planned to the Garden of the Gods (anyone ever been there? I haven't.) which is a park with large rock formations and hiking trails and scenic overlooks. I am very excited, even though it means 1 hour 45 minutes of driving for me. Did I ever mention that I don't like to drive?
- Friday is, well, it's Friday. And I'm off of work, again. Life of leisure, here I come! No, really, I have some odds and ends chores planned. But then...
- Either Friday night or Saturday morning, depending on everyone's individual moods, the boys and I are going to visit my parents. Probably Friday.
- I hear rumors that on Saturday, my aunt is having a bonfire/weeine roast. I plan to be there. As far as I know, most of the family will be there, including my cousin Jake and his wife who live out of town and I never get to see. That's definitely going to be fun.
- I found out that Circuit City is offering 0% store financing on all camera purchase over $299 through January 2008, plus free shipping. I really really think I want to order my Rebel tonight. Andy definitely thinks I should. He's pushing and pushing. I'm still holding back--my plan was to save up all the money and pay for it outright. I have about 1/3 of the total cost saved now. I am relatively sure I could be disciplined enough to keep saving and pay it off well before the interest starts to accrue. I could have it by the weekend... What should I do? Oh, what should I do?
Monday, September 11, 2006
My Tribute to Alan Jensen, World Trade Center, Tower 2
Monday marks five years since the events of September 11, 2001. Five years since terrorists coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon, hijacking planes to use as larger-than-life missiles and killing 2,996 innocent people.
The 2,996 Project is a collaboration of 2,996 bloggers from all parts of the world, each one posting a tribute on their blog to an individual victim.
When I signed up, I was assigned the name Alan K. Jensen.
In doing my research for this project, I discovered that some families embraced the idea of online memorial sites as ways to remember the loved ones that they lost that day. I was sidetracked on more than one occasion reading heartfelt memorials and looking at photos of people who were lost to us on that day.
Alan Jensen's family and friends chose to grieve in private. Other than the sites with victim lists, and the United in Memory Memorial Quilt, there's not alot of information out there on him. After two months of research, trying everything short of paying an investigator for information, this is what I came up with:
Alan Keith Jensen was 49 years old on September 11, 2001. He worked for Fiduciary Trust International on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center, Tower Two. He commuted there each day from Wycoff, NJ. This site has some guestbook entries for a legacy.com memorial that was set up for him, and from the comments I know that he had a family--a wife and sons. And friends who loved him. I did not feel right about even trying to contact his friends and family. Obviously that's not their desire, or they would have made it possible by putting their contact information out there.
But really, I think that this is all anyone really needs to know to understand what a loss this was. Alan Jensen, just like 2,995 other people who went to work or boarded planes on the morning of September 11, 2001, did not deserve what happened to him. He was an innocent victim of a terrorist plot. And now there's a family without a husband and father, and friends whose circle now has a hole in it that he once filled. And really, that's just not fair.
I cannot even begin to imagine what Alan and the others trapped in those towers and on those planes went through that day. It's nearly impossible to comprehend. But, for their sacrifice, they deserve to be remembered. And while I don't think anyone can forget what happened that day, the majority of us think of it as a mass tragedy. We don't put faces to the names. We should.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of this event, the news channels and radio broadcasts and newspapers will be filled with information concerning the attacks. CNN pipeline is even doing a broadcast of the actual news from that day, all day long. It's important to remember, as we watch the news and read the papers, that the majority of those 2,996 people did not choose to make this sacrifice for their country. They were just normal people in an extraordinary situation. None of us alive today know what happened on the upper floors of those towers between the times that the planes hit and the times that the towers came down. Any one of those people who perished in the attacks could have been a hero to someone else up there. And those that chose to go into those towers while others were running out, and who chose to fight back against the hijackers on the plane? Well, they didn't want to make the ultimate sacrifice either. They just wanted to help others. And they did. They made a monumental difference in the lives of those people who escaped because of their bravery and selflessness.
I will, for the rest of my life, remember the sacrifice that Alan K. Jensen and others made for this country. There's no way I could forget.
You can read other tributes here.
This post will remain at the top until Tuesday. All daily posts until then will be below.
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The 2,996 Project is a collaboration of 2,996 bloggers from all parts of the world, each one posting a tribute on their blog to an individual victim.
When I signed up, I was assigned the name Alan K. Jensen.
In doing my research for this project, I discovered that some families embraced the idea of online memorial sites as ways to remember the loved ones that they lost that day. I was sidetracked on more than one occasion reading heartfelt memorials and looking at photos of people who were lost to us on that day.
Alan Jensen's family and friends chose to grieve in private. Other than the sites with victim lists, and the United in Memory Memorial Quilt, there's not alot of information out there on him. After two months of research, trying everything short of paying an investigator for information, this is what I came up with:
Alan Keith Jensen was 49 years old on September 11, 2001. He worked for Fiduciary Trust International on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center, Tower Two. He commuted there each day from Wycoff, NJ. This site has some guestbook entries for a legacy.com memorial that was set up for him, and from the comments I know that he had a family--a wife and sons. And friends who loved him. I did not feel right about even trying to contact his friends and family. Obviously that's not their desire, or they would have made it possible by putting their contact information out there.
But really, I think that this is all anyone really needs to know to understand what a loss this was. Alan Jensen, just like 2,995 other people who went to work or boarded planes on the morning of September 11, 2001, did not deserve what happened to him. He was an innocent victim of a terrorist plot. And now there's a family without a husband and father, and friends whose circle now has a hole in it that he once filled. And really, that's just not fair.
I cannot even begin to imagine what Alan and the others trapped in those towers and on those planes went through that day. It's nearly impossible to comprehend. But, for their sacrifice, they deserve to be remembered. And while I don't think anyone can forget what happened that day, the majority of us think of it as a mass tragedy. We don't put faces to the names. We should.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of this event, the news channels and radio broadcasts and newspapers will be filled with information concerning the attacks. CNN pipeline is even doing a broadcast of the actual news from that day, all day long. It's important to remember, as we watch the news and read the papers, that the majority of those 2,996 people did not choose to make this sacrifice for their country. They were just normal people in an extraordinary situation. None of us alive today know what happened on the upper floors of those towers between the times that the planes hit and the times that the towers came down. Any one of those people who perished in the attacks could have been a hero to someone else up there. And those that chose to go into those towers while others were running out, and who chose to fight back against the hijackers on the plane? Well, they didn't want to make the ultimate sacrifice either. They just wanted to help others. And they did. They made a monumental difference in the lives of those people who escaped because of their bravery and selflessness.
I will, for the rest of my life, remember the sacrifice that Alan K. Jensen and others made for this country. There's no way I could forget.
You can read other tributes here.
This post will remain at the top until Tuesday. All daily posts until then will be below.
Just when I thought we were in the clear...
Today was a bit different for us. Our regular babysitter had the day off today, so we had to do things in a new way. Remember, Drew catches the bus at her house in the mornings, so everything was different.
Drew got up fine and got dressed, and decided that he wanted to walk to school. OK. Andy went with him and it was no big deal.
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Drew got up fine and got dressed, and decided that he wanted to walk to school. OK. Andy went with him and it was no big deal.
Nick was already up and dressed when they left. He's an early riser. And he was not happy at being left behind:
He's pretty much gotten used to Drew being in school. He doesn't cry every day any more, and accepts the fact that he can't go to school for two more years.
Today we were going to have a special day, just Nick and Mom. Andy had court, so he was scheduled to be gone all day and then off to work at 5:00. Nick and I had the whole day planned. Some errands, a picnic at the park, coloring and reading stories. I was really looking forward to it, because it's so rare that I get one-on-one time with my kids.
Then Drew left for school. Nick was given the option of walking over there with him, but he declined. He sat and cried and was sad for over an hour. Nothing made him happy. He didn't want a story or to play a game or anything but to go to school with Drew.
I had stuff to do, so we went ahead and went out. He was crabby the entire time. We had our picnic, and he smiled for a minute, but refused to play on the playground. Home after lunch, he went down for his nap, and slept for an unprecedented three-and-a-half hours, waking up just in time for Drew's triumphant return on the bus (he's never gotten off the bus at home before, so it was a big deal to him).
And now? They're arguing, over the Happy Meal toy Nick got with his lunch.
Drew tells me it's not fair that Nick got to stay home and he didn't. Nick says it's not fair that Drew got to go to school and he didn't. They're both mad because I'm refusing to take them to McDonald's for supper.
I can't win.
edited to add this charming little video. it's totally unrelated to this post, but it sure is cute:
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing
Today we were going to have a special day, just Nick and Mom. Andy had court, so he was scheduled to be gone all day and then off to work at 5:00. Nick and I had the whole day planned. Some errands, a picnic at the park, coloring and reading stories. I was really looking forward to it, because it's so rare that I get one-on-one time with my kids.
Then Drew left for school. Nick was given the option of walking over there with him, but he declined. He sat and cried and was sad for over an hour. Nothing made him happy. He didn't want a story or to play a game or anything but to go to school with Drew.
I had stuff to do, so we went ahead and went out. He was crabby the entire time. We had our picnic, and he smiled for a minute, but refused to play on the playground. Home after lunch, he went down for his nap, and slept for an unprecedented three-and-a-half hours, waking up just in time for Drew's triumphant return on the bus (he's never gotten off the bus at home before, so it was a big deal to him).
And now? They're arguing, over the Happy Meal toy Nick got with his lunch.
Drew tells me it's not fair that Nick got to stay home and he didn't. Nick says it's not fair that Drew got to go to school and he didn't. They're both mad because I'm refusing to take them to McDonald's for supper.
I can't win.
edited to add this charming little video. it's totally unrelated to this post, but it sure is cute:
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Happy Grandparent's Day!
Not the best shot of either child, but still...you get the idea.
I conducted a short interview with my children and asked them what they like best about their Grandparents.
Drew likes "swimming with them, and playing with them, 'cause they are cool". He wouldn't specify which set of grandparents he was referring to, so we'll assume it's all of them. He has been swimming with and played with all of them, and they are all cool!
Nick's response was more interesting. He likes "camping with them". That may seem pretty normal, until I tell you that Nick has never been camping. With anyone. Ever. I guess that's what he wants to do with his grandparents. Good luck with that one, Nicky. None of them are campers.
I pressed him for another answer, and he maintained that camping with all his grandparents was his favorite thing.
So, there you go.
Happy Grandparent's Day to all the grandparents out there!
**edited to add: Mom thinks "camping" may be spending the night at their house. Sometimes he does sleep on the floor, in his own sleeping bag. Hmmm. She may just be right!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Well, whaddya think?
I got a new design! What do you think?
Susie at Bluebird Blogs did this for me. I think she did a great job!
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Susie at Bluebird Blogs did this for me. I think she did a great job!
Friday, September 08, 2006
I'm Lazy
Enjoy the scenery. I promise some real content tomorrow.
Labels: Drew, Nick, Photography
Thursday, September 07, 2006
More on Halloween
I mentioned Halloween in an earlier post. It's still a popular topic of conversation around here. The boys are very excited, because the costume decisions have been made and now it's time to begin working on them.
Drew has decided to be a Ninja. I fully intended to make him a Ninja costume out of black material or clothing, until I found a real Ninja uniform (from a martial arts store) online for less money than I would have paid for the fabric or other materials. So a real Ninja uniform it is, with a red sash added by me for visibility. Although, to be totally honest, he's just in it for the weapons. Ninja weapons are apparently very cool, and he's been agonizing over which one would be the perfect one to own. Because he's only getting one.
Nick wants to be a Narnia. Yes, "A Narnia". That is the costume that he picked out of the catalog that he wants me to replicate. It's Sir Peter, from the movie Narnia. He doesn't ask for much, does he? The one he wants has chain mail sleeves! I've ordered him a black karate set for the base layer (only $12.99!) and I'll work on the rest. He also gets one weapon (he's chosen a sword, like Sir Peter) and a knight's helmet.
Now, here's the real kicker. Apparently I need a costume, too. According to my kids, I can't take them trick-or-treating unless I'm dressed up. I don't mind dressing up. It's fun. I did last year, just for work. But I don't know what to be. So, I asked the boys:
"If you're wanting me to dress up, you need to give me some ideas. What should I be?
Nick: "I think you should be Cinderella!" (the boy is nothing if not predictable)
Drew: "You need to be a Ninja"
Nick: "You could be Tinkerbell..."
Drew: "Or a fairy princess"
Nick: "Yeah, a fairy princess!"
Great, I need to be a fairy princess for Halloween. That should be a fun costume to create, not to mention the comments I'll get when I wear it to work, because I'm really not the fairy princess type. And I will wear it to work.
So, the boys and I sat down together and cruised the internet looking for ideas for a fairy princess costume. They settled on this dress, and they think I should also wear flowers in my hair and shiny shoes. And I need a wand.
Since I can't see myself ever wearing that dress again, I'm not paying $45 for it. $20, maybe. But not $45. So, do you think I'm that talented? Can I sew that dress?
Probably not, but I can watch e-bay for a lower priced one...
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Drew has decided to be a Ninja. I fully intended to make him a Ninja costume out of black material or clothing, until I found a real Ninja uniform (from a martial arts store) online for less money than I would have paid for the fabric or other materials. So a real Ninja uniform it is, with a red sash added by me for visibility. Although, to be totally honest, he's just in it for the weapons. Ninja weapons are apparently very cool, and he's been agonizing over which one would be the perfect one to own. Because he's only getting one.
Nick wants to be a Narnia. Yes, "A Narnia". That is the costume that he picked out of the catalog that he wants me to replicate. It's Sir Peter, from the movie Narnia. He doesn't ask for much, does he? The one he wants has chain mail sleeves! I've ordered him a black karate set for the base layer (only $12.99!) and I'll work on the rest. He also gets one weapon (he's chosen a sword, like Sir Peter) and a knight's helmet.
Now, here's the real kicker. Apparently I need a costume, too. According to my kids, I can't take them trick-or-treating unless I'm dressed up. I don't mind dressing up. It's fun. I did last year, just for work. But I don't know what to be. So, I asked the boys:
"If you're wanting me to dress up, you need to give me some ideas. What should I be?
Nick: "I think you should be Cinderella!" (the boy is nothing if not predictable)
Drew: "You need to be a Ninja"
Nick: "You could be Tinkerbell..."
Drew: "Or a fairy princess"
Nick: "Yeah, a fairy princess!"
Great, I need to be a fairy princess for Halloween. That should be a fun costume to create, not to mention the comments I'll get when I wear it to work, because I'm really not the fairy princess type. And I will wear it to work.
So, the boys and I sat down together and cruised the internet looking for ideas for a fairy princess costume. They settled on this dress, and they think I should also wear flowers in my hair and shiny shoes. And I need a wand.
Since I can't see myself ever wearing that dress again, I'm not paying $45 for it. $20, maybe. But not $45. So, do you think I'm that talented? Can I sew that dress?
Probably not, but I can watch e-bay for a lower priced one...
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
In the Bag
I bought something today. Something totally for me. Something that I didn't really need, but that I've been wanting for awhile.
I bought a camera bag.
Yeah, I know. You thought it was going to be something really exciting. But to me, it is exciting!
I bought an Avery Pro Camera Bag. It's also called an Avery Pro Blind Bag. Because it's not just a camera bag--it's hunting equipment.
Uh-huh. It's camouflage. Mossy Oak new break-up, to be exact. The boys are thrilled. Andy thought I was nuts. But I have my reasons.
It's a pretty big bag. And the camera I have now isn't really all that big. But still, I don't want it getting all beat up. And I take it out ALOT. To places with large bodies of water, and brambles and trees and tall, tall grass. The bag is waterproof, and heavily padded. And it floats. So I can carry my camera and manual, my phone, some snacks, and a drink and be set for a few hours.
The camouflage part is important if I want wildlife photos. If I'm sitting in a tree stand or leaning against a tree blending in, a solid color bag will stick out like a sore thumb. And I do want wildlife photos. I'm going to try really hard this fall to get deer and turkey photos.
The bag will be even more important once a get my digital SLR. Because then I'll need space to tote individual lenses, extra compact flash cards, filters, manuals, and a lens cleaning kit.
And I'm saving my $$. I'm trying very hard. No lunches out, no cokes from the machine, not alot of extra stuff for me (hey, maybe I'll lose weight, too!). I'm not making the boys or Andy skimp--that wouldn't be fair. But my individual spending has been cut way back. I'm going to get that camera, and sooner rather than later.
I'll leave you today with some photos of the boys playing on the haystacks out at the farm.
Enjoy!
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I bought a camera bag.
Yeah, I know. You thought it was going to be something really exciting. But to me, it is exciting!
I bought an Avery Pro Camera Bag. It's also called an Avery Pro Blind Bag. Because it's not just a camera bag--it's hunting equipment.
Uh-huh. It's camouflage. Mossy Oak new break-up, to be exact. The boys are thrilled. Andy thought I was nuts. But I have my reasons.
It's a pretty big bag. And the camera I have now isn't really all that big. But still, I don't want it getting all beat up. And I take it out ALOT. To places with large bodies of water, and brambles and trees and tall, tall grass. The bag is waterproof, and heavily padded. And it floats. So I can carry my camera and manual, my phone, some snacks, and a drink and be set for a few hours.
The camouflage part is important if I want wildlife photos. If I'm sitting in a tree stand or leaning against a tree blending in, a solid color bag will stick out like a sore thumb. And I do want wildlife photos. I'm going to try really hard this fall to get deer and turkey photos.
The bag will be even more important once a get my digital SLR. Because then I'll need space to tote individual lenses, extra compact flash cards, filters, manuals, and a lens cleaning kit.
And I'm saving my $$. I'm trying very hard. No lunches out, no cokes from the machine, not alot of extra stuff for me (hey, maybe I'll lose weight, too!). I'm not making the boys or Andy skimp--that wouldn't be fair. But my individual spending has been cut way back. I'm going to get that camera, and sooner rather than later.
I'll leave you today with some photos of the boys playing on the haystacks out at the farm.
Enjoy!
Labels: me, Photography
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Tuesday Ramblings (in list form, because I'm lazy)
- The first day back at work after a long weekend is never easy. Today was no exception. We were extraordinarily busy. 5 horses, not to mention a few goats and calves. We haven't seen 5 horses all summer! We'll be busy tomorrow, too. *sigh*
- Andy got home at 3:00 today. That may seem early, until I tell you that he went to work at 6:00 last night. That's a 21 hour workday, folks. Anyone feel sorry for him? I do. And the real kicker? He's still up. He wanted to see the boys because he's been so scarce lately. I bet he sleeps good tonight!
- After being in school, with an actual peer group, Drew has decided that our house is "old and small". He's begun a campaign for a "bigger, new house with stairs". Funny thing is, he's pointed out to me some of the houses he'd like to have. Most of them are little cape cod-style homes that aren't much bigger than our current house.
- Also while in school, Drew has picked up some colorful language. And he's teaching it to his brother. *another, bigger, sigh* I really thought that stuff came later. In another 4 or 5 years, anyway.
- In case anyone was wondering, Nick is feeling better today. Alot better.
- We're having smoked sausage, mashed potatoes, and crescent rolls for supper tonight. But now I wish I'd made macaroni and cheese instead of the potatoes.
Labels: Randomness
Monday, September 04, 2006
Summer's Over
Even though fall isn't officially here until later this month, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer.
This summer went out in a blaze of glory. I took this photo out behind the house this evening. Goodbye, summer of 2006.
More on Flickr, if you're interested...and my regular daily post is below. Goodnight!
Labels: Photography
Five Long Years
I am not a kid person. I'm really not.
Don't get me wrong--I love my children. I wouldn't trade them for the world (well, not most of the time...). And really, I don't mind most other kids, as long as they're reasonably well behaved. And as long as they're going home with someone else at the end of the day. But I won't ever be that person that snatches up new babies at every opportunity. I'd rather pat their little heads and go on--nevermind ooohing and ahhhing over them. And I really don't think it's fun trying to understand a 2 year old insistent on telling me something in some sort of kid babble. It's just not me.
Kids cramp my style.
When I was pregnant with Drew, I didn't fully understand how my life would change. "Babies are portable" people would say. Yes, they are. If you don't mind packing for a small army every time you leave the house. And if you don't mind listening to relentless screaming in the car. And if you don't mind walking around in public with spit-up on your shirt. So really, I didn't get out much. Restaurants were too much trouble, as was any shopping more than Wal-Mart. We didn't travel any further than my parent's house 2 hours away. And I was more than a little obsessive concerning the baby and his care, so really he didn't stay alone with his daddy too much, either.
About the time Drew turned one, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He could walk, and was beginning to be able to communicate better. No more formula or bottles to tote around. And he'd ride in the car quite pleasantly. I figured by the time he was two (just one more year!) I'd have my life back. Then I found out I was pregnant with Nick. And as much as I'm happy to have him now, it was a bit of an adjustment. I was actually a bit resentful of this baby who was going to cause so much trouble. More diapers! More bottles and baby toys and a crib! More spit-up and baby cries!
Nick was an awesome baby. Calm and laid back and happy, right from the beginning. Not at all like his brother. Baby-wise, I couldn't have asked for more. Well, except for the not-ever-sleeping thing. But still, he was a baby. I still had to pack a ton of stuff just to leave the house, and now I had a toddler to worry about, too. He still spit up and dirtied diapers and all the typical baby stuff, even though he smiled instead of crying while he did it.
And the countdown began.
I kept telling myself it would all be easier when they were one and three. Then they were one and three, and their daddy left for the police academy. And it was still hard. So I convinced myself that two and four would be the magic age. The age when I could start doing things again. Things like visiting friends without having to constantly get up from the chair and remove my children from the breakables. And going to the store without worrying about the baby falling out of the buggy. And going out to the farm to take pictures without being terrified that someone would eat a spider if I turned my back.
Two and four was ok. But three and five? The magic age, apparently. Three and five are the ages I've been waiting for. I'm slowly getting my life back, even though now it includes 2 small mascots.
Andy works alot. It comes with the territory. When I say this, I'm not complaining--just stating fact: I am responsible for the children 95% of the time. But lately I've been branching out, and I'm not stuck home all the time anymore. I just take my kids with me everywhere I go.
I've taken them swimming by myself (something I was hesitant to do just last summer). I took them to a tractor pull. My mom and I took them to see Disney on Ice, an hour away. We go to the lake, and the playground, and the mall. Street festivals and birthday parties. We go for haircuts, all three of us, and they sit (mostly) nicely while it's my turn. Just last night I took them out to the farm and they played while I took pictures--and no one ate any bugs or fell in the pond. We go to the store and Drew walks along beside me while Nick rides in the buggy, and for the most part they behave. I can visit friends and, for the most part, they behave well in other people's homes. I can travel to visit my family without having to plan the drive around their naptime. They can play alone in the backyard while I finish folding laundry or fixing supper, and no one eats any bugs or attempts escape. Once I mowed the back part of the lawn while they played inside the fence, even though Andy wasn't home.
Five years I've been waiting for this. Five years to be a mother with two kids, instead of a mother with a baby, or a mother with a toddler. Two really great kids, and a mom who's feeling better with every outing.
And I'll leave you with this--the photographic definition of pitiful:
Yesterday I was crabby and tired. Today it's Nick's turn.
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Don't get me wrong--I love my children. I wouldn't trade them for the world (well, not most of the time...). And really, I don't mind most other kids, as long as they're reasonably well behaved. And as long as they're going home with someone else at the end of the day. But I won't ever be that person that snatches up new babies at every opportunity. I'd rather pat their little heads and go on--nevermind ooohing and ahhhing over them. And I really don't think it's fun trying to understand a 2 year old insistent on telling me something in some sort of kid babble. It's just not me.
Kids cramp my style.
When I was pregnant with Drew, I didn't fully understand how my life would change. "Babies are portable" people would say. Yes, they are. If you don't mind packing for a small army every time you leave the house. And if you don't mind listening to relentless screaming in the car. And if you don't mind walking around in public with spit-up on your shirt. So really, I didn't get out much. Restaurants were too much trouble, as was any shopping more than Wal-Mart. We didn't travel any further than my parent's house 2 hours away. And I was more than a little obsessive concerning the baby and his care, so really he didn't stay alone with his daddy too much, either.
About the time Drew turned one, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He could walk, and was beginning to be able to communicate better. No more formula or bottles to tote around. And he'd ride in the car quite pleasantly. I figured by the time he was two (just one more year!) I'd have my life back. Then I found out I was pregnant with Nick. And as much as I'm happy to have him now, it was a bit of an adjustment. I was actually a bit resentful of this baby who was going to cause so much trouble. More diapers! More bottles and baby toys and a crib! More spit-up and baby cries!
Nick was an awesome baby. Calm and laid back and happy, right from the beginning. Not at all like his brother. Baby-wise, I couldn't have asked for more. Well, except for the not-ever-sleeping thing. But still, he was a baby. I still had to pack a ton of stuff just to leave the house, and now I had a toddler to worry about, too. He still spit up and dirtied diapers and all the typical baby stuff, even though he smiled instead of crying while he did it.
And the countdown began.
I kept telling myself it would all be easier when they were one and three. Then they were one and three, and their daddy left for the police academy. And it was still hard. So I convinced myself that two and four would be the magic age. The age when I could start doing things again. Things like visiting friends without having to constantly get up from the chair and remove my children from the breakables. And going to the store without worrying about the baby falling out of the buggy. And going out to the farm to take pictures without being terrified that someone would eat a spider if I turned my back.
Two and four was ok. But three and five? The magic age, apparently. Three and five are the ages I've been waiting for. I'm slowly getting my life back, even though now it includes 2 small mascots.
Andy works alot. It comes with the territory. When I say this, I'm not complaining--just stating fact: I am responsible for the children 95% of the time. But lately I've been branching out, and I'm not stuck home all the time anymore. I just take my kids with me everywhere I go.
I've taken them swimming by myself (something I was hesitant to do just last summer). I took them to a tractor pull. My mom and I took them to see Disney on Ice, an hour away. We go to the lake, and the playground, and the mall. Street festivals and birthday parties. We go for haircuts, all three of us, and they sit (mostly) nicely while it's my turn. Just last night I took them out to the farm and they played while I took pictures--and no one ate any bugs or fell in the pond. We go to the store and Drew walks along beside me while Nick rides in the buggy, and for the most part they behave. I can visit friends and, for the most part, they behave well in other people's homes. I can travel to visit my family without having to plan the drive around their naptime. They can play alone in the backyard while I finish folding laundry or fixing supper, and no one eats any bugs or attempts escape. Once I mowed the back part of the lawn while they played inside the fence, even though Andy wasn't home.
Five years I've been waiting for this. Five years to be a mother with two kids, instead of a mother with a baby, or a mother with a toddler. Two really great kids, and a mom who's feeling better with every outing.
And I'll leave you with this--the photographic definition of pitiful:
Yesterday I was crabby and tired. Today it's Nick's turn.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Sunday Evening Photo Shoot
A bit unusual for me, but I truly have nothing to say. I'm tired, and crabby, and I have a bit of a headache. So, here. Photographs from this evening. More on Flickr, if you're interested.
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Labels: Drew, Nick, Photo Sunday, Photography
Saturday, September 02, 2006
My Friend, Jasper Jones
Somewhere around the middle of last week the boys chose this book to read at bedtime:
This book was mine when I was small. Actually, in my memory it was my brother's book, but the name inside is mine, dated 1978. I can still hear my mom reading it. My mom is a great story reader. She does funny voices and expressions and everything.
Drew and Nick love this book. They think Teddy is so funny, blaming everything on an imaginary friend. Their favorite part is this:
I asked them if they would ever do something so silly.
"No! We're good boys!"
Oh really? What if you could blame it on Jasper Jones, your invisible friend?
Drew said "Moooom! I don't need to blame it on my invisible friend--I have a brother!"
The things kids say...
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This book was mine when I was small. Actually, in my memory it was my brother's book, but the name inside is mine, dated 1978. I can still hear my mom reading it. My mom is a great story reader. She does funny voices and expressions and everything.
Drew and Nick love this book. They think Teddy is so funny, blaming everything on an imaginary friend. Their favorite part is this:
I asked them if they would ever do something so silly.
"No! We're good boys!"
Oh really? What if you could blame it on Jasper Jones, your invisible friend?
Drew said "Moooom! I don't need to blame it on my invisible friend--I have a brother!"
The things kids say...
Friday, September 01, 2006
The Sound of Silence
I did one of those e-mail survey things the other night that I originally received from Kendra. You know what I'm talking about--those lists of questions about yourself that you answer and then send to a bunch of friends. Then they answer the questions, too, and send it back to you.Anyway, one of the questions on the survey was "what is your favorite sound?" or something like that. My answer to that question was "silence".
Since having children, I don't get much in the way of quiet. People talk to, at, and around me all day at work. I get phone calls and pages on a regular basis. I live in a home with 2 little chatterboxes. Not to mention Andy. He talks to, or at, or around me on a regular basis. Our television is almost always on, even when no one is watching it (which is most of the time). The cats meow and growl and purr, and the hamster runs on his wheel. Teenagers with loud stereos drive by regularly thumping the bass, and there are more than a few loud, rumbly trucks around here. Oh, and the cars with bad mufflers.
Not that there's anything wrong with these noises. They are the noises of daily existence. Some would say that they're pretty wonderful, being as I have the gift of hearing that some folks unfortunately don't have.
However, sometimes I just like for it to be quiet. Total silence. Or maybe just some birds singing or crickets chirping. That so rarely happens. Even in the middle of the night the house isn't quiet, because my children both talk in their sleep. And so does my husband. And Andy snores. So does Nick. And both the cats snore, too.
Today I got my chance. Andy doesn't have to be at work until 9:00 tonight, so he's free to spend some time with the boys this evening. He picked them up from the babysitter and took them to the playground. And I was alone in the house. I didn't turn on the TV or the radio. I straightened up a little, and then I sat in the silence and read a novel. It was so, so nice.
And then, they came home. Two little bundles of energy and their dad. They came running into the house, all excited to tell me about their day. They said that they missed me today. They said that they loved me. It was so, so nice.
And now? Now they're playing outside while I prepare supper. Technically I'm still alone in the house. But outside the open window I can hear them laughing and playing. They sound so happy.
That sound? The sound of happiness drifting in through the back window? That sound may just be better than the sound of silence.