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.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Photo Sunday #14: Redneck Christmas
A nice, normal holiday...
...until the boys find the Bubba Teeth at the store and insist on purchasing them for their dad as a joke. Of course, they really only wanted them for themselves:
...until the boys find the Bubba Teeth at the store and insist on purchasing them for their dad as a joke. Of course, they really only wanted them for themselves:
Labels: Photo Sunday
Saturday, December 30, 2006
A Bonus! Photo Saturday!
Yeah, I'm lazy. So, Photo Saturday. And tomorrow? Photo Sunday. What can I say? Pickins are slim all around the blogosphere this week--it's not just me.
Remember Spot? Our poor, injured kitty? She's feeling better...
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Remember Spot? Our poor, injured kitty? She's feeling better...
Friday, December 29, 2006
As promised...
There he is, the homely little calf. He's got short, stubby legs, and a pretty big head for his size. He's a little knock-kneed. He's really, really fuzzy. Conformation-wise, he's a mess. Nothing any producer in his right mind would want.
He's adorable. I love him. And he's a sweetheart. Which is another red flag. No 3 day old calf in his right mind should be trotting up to a complete stranger and letting himself be touched. Especially not with his mama hollering at him in the background. I'm sure he'll grow fine. And he'll head straight to the sale barn right around August. Oh well. Life on the farm.
OK, I need help. Perhaps someone out there has a wonderful idea for me. Next Sunday, the 7th, is my Dad's birthday. I haven't yet gotten him a gift. He's not exactly easy to buy for. Yeah, one of those people. He's not into sports, really. He doesn't wear jewelry. He doesn't like candy, and he got his favorite food-type goodies at Christmas. I think he's set for clothes. He does like gadgets, but remember, I'm not a millionaire. So, hit me. Birthday gift ideas for my dad. Mom, you are more than welcome to chime in here. Chip, Doug, you too. Let's hear it.
He's adorable. I love him. And he's a sweetheart. Which is another red flag. No 3 day old calf in his right mind should be trotting up to a complete stranger and letting himself be touched. Especially not with his mama hollering at him in the background. I'm sure he'll grow fine. And he'll head straight to the sale barn right around August. Oh well. Life on the farm.
OK, I need help. Perhaps someone out there has a wonderful idea for me. Next Sunday, the 7th, is my Dad's birthday. I haven't yet gotten him a gift. He's not exactly easy to buy for. Yeah, one of those people. He's not into sports, really. He doesn't wear jewelry. He doesn't like candy, and he got his favorite food-type goodies at Christmas. I think he's set for clothes. He does like gadgets, but remember, I'm not a millionaire. So, hit me. Birthday gift ideas for my dad. Mom, you are more than welcome to chime in here. Chip, Doug, you too. Let's hear it.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Poor Poor Pitiful Me
I took the image of Callie with my new 50 mm macro lens that Andy's parents gave me for Christmas. Thanks, guys! I'm still getting the hang of it, but I do like it. Unfortunately, use of all camera settings is not yet second nature to me and I forgot to dial back down the iso from when I was shooting indoors, so while it is a nice shot it's still a bit grainy and not really suitable for enlargements. Oh well, live and learn. I've decided to invest my Christmas money plus some I have saved into a telephoto zoom lens (not super range or anything, but more than what I currently have), so I'll have a good range with which to shoot. Then I can determine my capabilities and interests and expand my equipment from there as I save the money. Photography equipment doesn't come cheap! Anyone else out there shop when they're feeling sorry for themselves?
So, I posted on here yesterday about some serious stuff. I got more visitors to my site yesterday than in any 24 hour period since I began blogging (I don't know why, but I did), and yet I got barely any response to anything that I said. That's alright--I'm not surprised. Often when I read stuff like that on other blogs I don't know what to say, either, and I'll not comment rather than leave some generic little platitude. But it does tell me that perhaps I should try to keep the mood a little more upbeat. I've established Life's Little Adventures as a happy place, and a happy place it shall be. Just like I said yesterday, I'm making changes. Not just at home, with my kids, but with myself, and in all aspects of my life.
The boys have gone with Andy tonight to visit Andy's grandparents and sister for their family Christmas celebration. I have to work this week, so I'm home. I'm going to use the uninterrupted time to dismantle the tree and decorations and to finish repairing the damage that Nicholas did to my Quicken records when he crashed my computer. I'll get the bills all paid, too, so that I can enjoy the final holiday weekend of the year without money matters hanging over my head.
There's a new calf out at the farm. He's a funny looking little guy--short, stubby legs and fuzzy hair. Not conformed well at all, and so ugly that he's really quite cute. He's not what you'd want if you're a producer, but I love him. I'm going to try to get photos of him today. If I'm successful you'll see him tomorrow, and you'll agree--he's adorable.
Labels: Photography
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Far Away
I listen to the radio in the truck on the way to work and back. Sometimes I like to turn the TV to a music station when I'm the only one home and use that for background noise for cleaning or reading or just puttering around. Music is great for when I'm mowing the grass or on the tractor or working in the yard. I do enjoy music, and my tastes run mostly to country music or top forty type stuff. Or anything pre-1995. Any 80's hair band? Great. But all in all, I'm not one of those people that's all into music. It doesn't "speak" to me. My husband and I don't have a song. Really, I can't think of too many songs that hold special meaning to me. I don't usually buy CD's, and when I do, they're usually soundtracks or greatest hits compilations that include several artists or a larger body of work.
For Christmas, Santa left 2 CD's in my stocking. Hinder, who, quite honestly, I had never heard of. I was really confused, until I realized that they sang that "Lips of an Angel" song that I enjoy singing along with every time I hear it on the radio. And Nickelback, who I have heard of and knew that I liked because of that song "Photograph" that I really like. I was happy to get both CD's.
I was driving back from our Christmas visit yesterday, and I put the Nickelback CD into the player. I listened Photograph, and then just let it play. I didn't realize that I knew most of the songs on the CD. One of the songs is Far Away, and while I've heard it played on the radio here and there, I've not really paid much attention to it before. This time I listened to it, and I listened to it again. It made me cry. It really said something to me, and, like I said, that's not like me.
For Christmas, Santa left 2 CD's in my stocking. Hinder, who, quite honestly, I had never heard of. I was really confused, until I realized that they sang that "Lips of an Angel" song that I enjoy singing along with every time I hear it on the radio. And Nickelback, who I have heard of and knew that I liked because of that song "Photograph" that I really like. I was happy to get both CD's.
I was driving back from our Christmas visit yesterday, and I put the Nickelback CD into the player. I listened Photograph, and then just let it play. I didn't realize that I knew most of the songs on the CD. One of the songs is Far Away, and while I've heard it played on the radio here and there, I've not really paid much attention to it before. This time I listened to it, and I listened to it again. It made me cry. It really said something to me, and, like I said, that's not like me.
Far Away
Nickelback
This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know
you know you know
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'cause with you, I'd withstand
all of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'cause you know
you know you know
...chorus
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'cause I needed
I need to hear you say
that I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
for being away for far too long
so keep breathing
'cause I'm not leaving
hold on to me and
never let me go
Nickelback
This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know
you know you know
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'cause with you, I'd withstand
all of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'cause you know
you know you know
...chorus
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'cause I needed
I need to hear you say
that I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
for being away for far too long
so keep breathing
'cause I'm not leaving
hold on to me and
never let me go
I come here every day, and I write. I write updates about my kids, about my photography, and sometimes about my job or my family. I try to be upbeat and cheerful. I try to be that way in life, too. But really, inside, I'm not that way most of the time. And I feel like a good deal of the time my family--mostly my children--get the short end of the stick. Because I spend so much of my time out in the world trying to maintain a happy, cheerful persona, they get stuck with me when I can't hold my crabbiness in any longer. I hear myself sometimes snap at them for things that really aren't that awful, and I know that they deserve better than that. They deserve the person that I give to the rest of the world all day long. I feel like I've let myself go somewhere inside myself, walled off to protect myself from any more stress or hurt or anger or I don't know what. But I don't think I've been letting them have me. Not the real me, the good me, the fun me or the me that's the mother that I should be. Don't get me wrong--I've been taking care of them. There is not neglect or abuse. They are fed and clothed and loved. I tell them I love them all the time every day. But I'm willing to bet they don't feel it like they should, because I wouldn't feel it if someone told me they loved me one minute and then yelled at me to just be quiet already the next. I hug them and kiss them and tuck them in at night. But I also snap at them for running in the house, after they've been running in the house for half an hour without getting into trouble at all.
There are things that go on in my head, and in my life, that are private. I can't share them here, or anywhere, because they just can't go out into the world. Some things belong inside. But I can't let those things, no matter what they are, take away from my boys. It just wouldn't be fair.
My new year resolution, starting NOW, is to come back. To stop being mean and snappish. To be certain that they know they are loved.
And to get rid of this stupid headache. It's really getting on my nerves, and I'm sure that would make a huge difference.
There are things that go on in my head, and in my life, that are private. I can't share them here, or anywhere, because they just can't go out into the world. Some things belong inside. But I can't let those things, no matter what they are, take away from my boys. It just wouldn't be fair.
My new year resolution, starting NOW, is to come back. To stop being mean and snappish. To be certain that they know they are loved.
And to get rid of this stupid headache. It's really getting on my nerves, and I'm sure that would make a huge difference.
Labels: Photography
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Did you miss me?
Well, I have returned from my blogging hiatus. It was nice. I feel somewhat refreshed. Not yet calm or relaxed, but refreshed. Above is evidence that I spent Christmas with the majority of my family. Clockwise, from the left, is my mom, dad, Drew, Kellie (sister-in-law), Nick, Doug (brother) Shira (brother's girlfriend), Aiva (Shira's daughter), and Chip (brother). I am behind the camera, and Andy was at work, as usual. The dog is Uno and she belongs to Doug and Kellie. This might possibly be one of my favorite family-type photos of all time.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was away from the computer and am still trying to get all of the new additions to our household (read: new toys) put away and organized, so I haven't yet made my blog rounds. If I haven't visited you I will, I promise. If there is any exciting news and I need to know, go on and leave me a comment (that means you, Motherkitty and Alipurr!).
I got a few new gadgets for my camera (one new lens, a remote shutter release, a cleaning kit), some candy, and some CD's. Some other nice little things. The boys now live in toyland, as if they didn't before. How many toys do 2 kids need? The Diego Rescue Center is much loved, as is the Game Boy and the set of Magnetix. Our house is now home to, in addition to the cats and hamster and occasional dog, a tank of sea monkeys. We have enough candy to last definitely until Easter, and possibly until Halloween.
And tomorrow I go back to work, and life as we know it returns. Hopefully.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was away from the computer and am still trying to get all of the new additions to our household (read: new toys) put away and organized, so I haven't yet made my blog rounds. If I haven't visited you I will, I promise. If there is any exciting news and I need to know, go on and leave me a comment (that means you, Motherkitty and Alipurr!).
I got a few new gadgets for my camera (one new lens, a remote shutter release, a cleaning kit), some candy, and some CD's. Some other nice little things. The boys now live in toyland, as if they didn't before. How many toys do 2 kids need? The Diego Rescue Center is much loved, as is the Game Boy and the set of Magnetix. Our house is now home to, in addition to the cats and hamster and occasional dog, a tank of sea monkeys. We have enough candy to last definitely until Easter, and possibly until Halloween.
And tomorrow I go back to work, and life as we know it returns. Hopefully.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
On Hiatus (did I spell hiatus right?)
Alright, here's the deal. Something's gotta give. And for now, it's this. This is the last you're gonna hear from me until after Christmas.
I love you guys. I do. I just can't do this right now. I can't work all day, and come home, and devil eggs, and do laundry, and wrap these stupid gifts that I keep having to come up with that I thought I was finished with. I can't keep having to think about parties and schedules and travel times and who is going to be where when. I can't feed my kids and play Candy Land one more time in an effort to distract them from the gifts under the tree. I can't think about my dad and how angry he makes me with his selfishness each and every time I talk to my mom. I can't think about all of that and more and still sit down here every day and be happy and nice and cheerful for you guys. I just can't.
So.
I'm just going to stop. And I'm going to try to be happy for the holidays. I don't want my kids to ask me why I'm sad anymore. That makes me feel even more crummy. I don't want my husband to feel like he has to try and make me feel better. He's got enough to worry about, thank you very much. And my mom, well, I'd say that I should be the least of her worries and I don't think that I'm making her feel too much better. So, I'm going to focus on me, and on my family, and on the real meaning of the season. You guys can just drop by each day and gaze upon my adorable offspring that I've left up there for you. Aren't they cute?
If you need me, or just want to say hi, I still have e-mail. I'm still around. And when I come back next week, it will be with stories of a happy, joyful Christmas. There will be marvelous photos, taken by yours truly, of a happy family. Smiling children, proud parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles. Festive decorations. And all will be well.
Happy Holidays to you and to your families.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Things husbands should never say to their wives
Now, this is all in good fun. No one is mad at anyone. But Andy said something to me last night that, had I not known him as well as I do, might have insulted me. And it made me think of all the things he's said to me over the years that have at times made me laugh, and made me cry, and made me very, very angry. I'm going to share just a few of these things with you, and maybe you'll laugh, too. The first one is the comment he made last night:
- Hey, do you want this shirt? It's too big for me. Yeah, so you're saying I'm bigger than you? So what if I am?
- You know what? If you lost 10 pounds and wore makeup and bought some nice clothes before that wedding, I bet you'd make Hope (old girlfriend) really jealous. Yes, he really said that. He maintains to this day he was joking. I'm sure he was. It was still a stupid thing to say. It made me cry.
- 200 pounds?! You weigh more than 200 pounds?! Wow! (said at the top of his lungs, and announced to several nurses, also) OK, I was in the hospital, 9 months pregnant and preparing to deliver my second child. Perhaps many of you did not top 200 pounds during pregnancy, but I did, and I wasn't happy about it at all. I certainly didn't want my husband announcing it to the world. He thought it was cool. He's still impressed by it.
- How come you're not taking the boys? On my way to the store, when I haven't been alone for 2 minutes in a week and a half.
- What can I do to help? Said just as I'm folding the last item of laundry/washing the last dish/putting away the last grocery item.
- I'm not so sure an epidural was worth $800. Perhaps when we do this again you can do it without and save us some money. He said that while reviewing hospital bills after Drew was born. As it turned out, I didn't have an epidural with Nick. However, it had nothing whatsoever to do with Andy's feelings on the matter.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sinking fast...
Tonight I have to bake cupcakes for Nick's party tomorrow. And I have to devil eggs for work tomorrow. Before Friday I need to finish the goody bags for my work friends, which means finishing the goodies. I'm a little behind on the laundry. Either tomorrow night or the next we won't be home, because we're having dinner at a friends house for the holidays. Hmmm. When am I gonna get this stuff finished?
So, tonight you're getting photos. It occurred to me that you've seen our tree and ornaments but not our other decorations. So, here are a few...
A few of the decorations made by the boys this year. Nick did the Santa, the rest is all from Drew from Kindergarten. There's more, just in other rooms. The living room is the showcase for the best selection. I'm not being biased--Nick has only done the one.
My stocking
Andy's stocking
Drew's stocking
Nick's stocking
We don't have a fireplace or mantle, so the stockings hang from the curtain rods. Yes, I made them. Every stitch, every sequin. One of the reasons I don't want more children--I can't stand the thought of making another stocking!
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So, tonight you're getting photos. It occurred to me that you've seen our tree and ornaments but not our other decorations. So, here are a few...
My oh-so-tacky and much-loved plastic mistletoe. It used to be my dad's. Notice I'm standing under it, however, no one is home to kiss me at the moment.
A few of the decorations made by the boys this year. Nick did the Santa, the rest is all from Drew from Kindergarten. There's more, just in other rooms. The living room is the showcase for the best selection. I'm not being biased--Nick has only done the one.
My stocking
Andy's stocking
Drew's stocking
Nick's stocking
We don't have a fireplace or mantle, so the stockings hang from the curtain rods. Yes, I made them. Every stitch, every sequin. One of the reasons I don't want more children--I can't stand the thought of making another stocking!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday...it's only Monday
Only one week until Christmas. Only one week until Christmas. Only one week until Christmas.
One more week of anticipation. Of two hyper little boys bouncing off the walls. Touching gifts when they think I'm not watching. Picking at each other incessantly in their excitement, unable to contain themselves any longer.
One more week of remembering to water the tree.
One more week until we all know just what's in those packages under the tree. There are even some for me under there, as of this past weekend. That's kind of exciting.
Drew brought home his Christmas list from school today. I'm in trouble. It reads, and this is a direct quote, "A motorcycle, a dirt bike, a 4-wheeler, or a jeep. Just one, but not a toy. Real." Um, I think he'll be a little disappointed on Christmas morning. He's not getting any of those things--not even the toy version...
One more week of anticipation. Of two hyper little boys bouncing off the walls. Touching gifts when they think I'm not watching. Picking at each other incessantly in their excitement, unable to contain themselves any longer.
One more week of remembering to water the tree.
One more week until we all know just what's in those packages under the tree. There are even some for me under there, as of this past weekend. That's kind of exciting.
Drew brought home his Christmas list from school today. I'm in trouble. It reads, and this is a direct quote, "A motorcycle, a dirt bike, a 4-wheeler, or a jeep. Just one, but not a toy. Real." Um, I think he'll be a little disappointed on Christmas morning. He's not getting any of those things--not even the toy version...
Labels: me
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Photo Sunday # 13: The I Didn't Take These Photographs Edition
My children are absolutely adorable. Need proof? Here it is:
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Yes, I know that's alot of pictures. But, considering he took 493 and nearly all of them were excellent and I have them here on a DVD, you're getting off easy.
edited to add: you can see some more of them here on his flickr page. currently they're on page one and two, but they'll probably move down in a day or two.
edited to add: you can see some more of them here on his flickr page. currently they're on page one and two, but they'll probably move down in a day or two.
Labels: Photo Sunday, Photography
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Glutton for Punishment
In the bowl between them? Melted chocolate candy coatingIn the other bowls? Oreos, Rice Crispie treats, and pretzels
Also present: various types of sprinkles and colored sugars
And where am I? Behind the camera. Smart move on my part, huh?
The good news is, they had a blast. The other good news is, my holiday "baking" is finished. The not-so-good-news is that my kitchen is trashed. And the chocolate coating is a little, um, messy.
But it still tastes yummy.
Labels: me
Friday, December 15, 2006
We now resume our regularly scheduled blogging...
Well, it appears things are slowly but surely heading back to normal around here. The computer is on the mend, the smiley face has been removed from the kitchen floor, and the boys are arguing over a puzzle in the next room while I type my daily blog post and Andy gets ready to leave for work.
They may actually have done me a favor, in the whole grand scheme of things. I have been forced to sit down and re-arrange and search-for and clean-out a whole bunch of stuff, and the laptop is running smoother and faster than ever. The desktop and browser bookmarks are less cluttered and much more visually appealing. I've had to update my Quicken files (still working on that one--a huge headache, but something I've been putting off for months). I am, however, still missing several e-mail addresses--if you haven't e-mailed me, please do so. A comment isn't enough, it has to be an actual e-mail message. Otherwise I won't be able to respond to your comments. I'm at alissasanderson at charter dot net. Thank you so very much!
Since when is it supposed to be 68 degrees in December? This kooky weather is probably part of the reason I'm still sick. On one hand the sunshine and warm breezes are pleasant, but it sure would be nice to pull in a full lung-full of air without coughing. I can't breathe at all. I am one big cough waiting to happen. Actually, I'm fine as long as I sit still and don't speak. But if you know me at all you know that's not likely to occur!
Big plans this Sunday. I recently ran into a guy online over at Flickr who lives here in my hometown. He's an amazing photographer, a former military photojournalist who now does mostly wedding photography and some freelance portrait work. We got to chatting online and he offered to photograph the boys for me. So Sunday we're going to meet up and he's going to do a shoot for me. I can't wait! I realize that I take decent photos of them, but it'll be different with them in front of someone else's camera. Someone else's Canon 20D. They don't like to pose for me at all, and I'm hoping they will for him. And he's thinking he's going to get me in some shots, too. We'll see.
That's Sunday afternoon. Sunday morning I'm helping my friends work cows. Yay! It'll be fun. A good day all around. Friends, photography, family, and fun. Who could ask for more in one day?
They may actually have done me a favor, in the whole grand scheme of things. I have been forced to sit down and re-arrange and search-for and clean-out a whole bunch of stuff, and the laptop is running smoother and faster than ever. The desktop and browser bookmarks are less cluttered and much more visually appealing. I've had to update my Quicken files (still working on that one--a huge headache, but something I've been putting off for months). I am, however, still missing several e-mail addresses--if you haven't e-mailed me, please do so. A comment isn't enough, it has to be an actual e-mail message. Otherwise I won't be able to respond to your comments. I'm at alissasanderson at charter dot net. Thank you so very much!
Since when is it supposed to be 68 degrees in December? This kooky weather is probably part of the reason I'm still sick. On one hand the sunshine and warm breezes are pleasant, but it sure would be nice to pull in a full lung-full of air without coughing. I can't breathe at all. I am one big cough waiting to happen. Actually, I'm fine as long as I sit still and don't speak. But if you know me at all you know that's not likely to occur!
Big plans this Sunday. I recently ran into a guy online over at Flickr who lives here in my hometown. He's an amazing photographer, a former military photojournalist who now does mostly wedding photography and some freelance portrait work. We got to chatting online and he offered to photograph the boys for me. So Sunday we're going to meet up and he's going to do a shoot for me. I can't wait! I realize that I take decent photos of them, but it'll be different with them in front of someone else's camera. Someone else's Canon 20D. They don't like to pose for me at all, and I'm hoping they will for him. And he's thinking he's going to get me in some shots, too. We'll see.
That's Sunday afternoon. Sunday morning I'm helping my friends work cows. Yay! It'll be fun. A good day all around. Friends, photography, family, and fun. Who could ask for more in one day?
Labels: me, Photography
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Help me, please... (edited)
In the great computer deletion of 2006 that occurred last night, I lost my e-mail address book. Please e-mail me your address if I ever send you mail. Send it to alissasanderson at charter dot net. Thank you so much.
I also lost 2 months of photographs--probably close to 300.
And an entire years worth of banking information, because my computer whiz of a 3 year old managed to erase the backup Quicken files off of the jump drive as well as off of the hard drive.
And my CD drive no longer exists. Well, it's there. It just isn't recognized by the computer.
And, to top it all off, I arrived home this evening to find a big smiley face drawn on the kitchen floor with Sharpie. Yeah. We do have a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but still...
Hopefully tomorrow night I will return to regularly scheduled blogging. Until then, please have a better day than I am having.
edited to add: leaving me a comment will not ensure that i get your e-mail address, because blogger just gives me a "no reply" thing, no matter if you enter your address in the little box or not. so you'll need to e-mail it to me regardless. thanks.
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I also lost 2 months of photographs--probably close to 300.
And an entire years worth of banking information, because my computer whiz of a 3 year old managed to erase the backup Quicken files off of the jump drive as well as off of the hard drive.
And my CD drive no longer exists. Well, it's there. It just isn't recognized by the computer.
And, to top it all off, I arrived home this evening to find a big smiley face drawn on the kitchen floor with Sharpie. Yeah. We do have a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but still...
Hopefully tomorrow night I will return to regularly scheduled blogging. Until then, please have a better day than I am having.
edited to add: leaving me a comment will not ensure that i get your e-mail address, because blogger just gives me a
Labels: me
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Complete and utter panic
Oh. My. Goodness.
I am in a total panic. My computer? Dead. Well, not really. It still turns on. It still starts up. It even pretends like it's working. And I guess it is, except for one tiny little thing.
ALL MY STUFF IS GONE!
All of it. Everything. All my photographs. And I haven't backed up October or November to CD yet. All my Quicken files. All my internet bookmarks. Gone.
I don't know what happened. I have ideas, but nothing concrete. Apparently while I was gone this afternoon Nick opened and turned the computer on (laptop). Andy says all he did was turn it off. I'm not so sure that's the whole story, but what can I do?
I have a good friend that's a bit of a computer whiz. He lives far away, but I called him and he thinks it's fixable. Apparently the information is still in there somewhere, but my profile that I log on under is scrambled for some reason or another. Worst case scenario, I have to start all over again, pulling the files out of the depths of the hard drive and rebuilding my profile and settings. I'm not so sure I can do that myself, but we'll see. At any rate, he needs to confer with someone at his workplace tomorrow to see exactly what needs to be done--otherwise I'll be taking it to The Computer Shop here in town. Or perhaps I could call the Geek Squad. I wonder if they service rural western Kentucky?
So, no photo for you tonight. Although--check me out over there on the sidebar. A link to my photo sites. Cool, huh?
Oh, and I had to get a new cell phone today. That wasn't cheap. Because my contract is only 6 months old. I told everyone at work that the boys played with it last night and broke it, but that was a lie. I backed over it with my truck. Seriously. I just didn't want everyone laughing at me. So, now you guys can laugh at me.
If you're having issues with commenting on this blog and other Blogger sites, I think it's because of the Blogger Beta thing. They want everyone to have a Google account. That's easy enough to do--all it requires is an e-mail address and password. That may solve your problems. Or, I allow anonymous comments--just type your name in the name box and comment away.
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I am in a total panic. My computer? Dead. Well, not really. It still turns on. It still starts up. It even pretends like it's working. And I guess it is, except for one tiny little thing.
ALL MY STUFF IS GONE!
All of it. Everything. All my photographs. And I haven't backed up October or November to CD yet. All my Quicken files. All my internet bookmarks. Gone.
I don't know what happened. I have ideas, but nothing concrete. Apparently while I was gone this afternoon Nick opened and turned the computer on (laptop). Andy says all he did was turn it off. I'm not so sure that's the whole story, but what can I do?
I have a good friend that's a bit of a computer whiz. He lives far away, but I called him and he thinks it's fixable. Apparently the information is still in there somewhere, but my profile that I log on under is scrambled for some reason or another. Worst case scenario, I have to start all over again, pulling the files out of the depths of the hard drive and rebuilding my profile and settings. I'm not so sure I can do that myself, but we'll see. At any rate, he needs to confer with someone at his workplace tomorrow to see exactly what needs to be done--otherwise I'll be taking it to The Computer Shop here in town. Or perhaps I could call the Geek Squad. I wonder if they service rural western Kentucky?
So, no photo for you tonight. Although--check me out over there on the sidebar. A link to my photo sites. Cool, huh?
Oh, and I had to get a new cell phone today. That wasn't cheap. Because my contract is only 6 months old. I told everyone at work that the boys played with it last night and broke it, but that was a lie. I backed over it with my truck. Seriously. I just didn't want everyone laughing at me. So, now you guys can laugh at me.
If you're having issues with commenting on this blog and other Blogger sites, I think it's because of the Blogger Beta thing. They want everyone to have a Google account. That's easy enough to do--all it requires is an e-mail address and password. That may solve your problems. Or, I allow anonymous comments--just type your name in the name box and comment away.
Labels: me
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Party time
The boys and I are attending a Christmas Scrapbook Open House tonight at the home of a friend of mine. She will have Creative Memories stuff for sale (everything in stock 15% off!), but it's more of a get-together-and-chat kind of party. And everyone is supposed to bring one of their completed albums to share.
Originally the boys were going to stay home with Andy, but, as usual, he's working tonight. I was just going to stay home, but my friend has insisted that it'll be OK to bring them. She is great with kids, and another friend of mine that the boys adore will be in attendance, but I'm still wondering how much fun I'll actually have trying to keep up with my kids in a house full of adults (most of them strangers to my kids), finger foods, drinks aplenty (regular and adult beverages), and all kinds of interesting knick-knacks. I suspect I'll spend most of my time trying to keep them in line. Not that they'll be bad, but I'm sure they'll be kids. Curious, touch-everything-they-shouldn't, taste-everything-they-shouldn't, kids.
At any rate, I've promised to attend. So attend we will, from 6:30-8:00. And I'm determined to have an enjoyable time. Wish me luck!
Originally the boys were going to stay home with Andy, but, as usual, he's working tonight. I was just going to stay home, but my friend has insisted that it'll be OK to bring them. She is great with kids, and another friend of mine that the boys adore will be in attendance, but I'm still wondering how much fun I'll actually have trying to keep up with my kids in a house full of adults (most of them strangers to my kids), finger foods, drinks aplenty (regular and adult beverages), and all kinds of interesting knick-knacks. I suspect I'll spend most of my time trying to keep them in line. Not that they'll be bad, but I'm sure they'll be kids. Curious, touch-everything-they-shouldn't, taste-everything-they-shouldn't, kids.
At any rate, I've promised to attend. So attend we will, from 6:30-8:00. And I'm determined to have an enjoyable time. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Shameless Self-Promotion
Alright, today I took a big step.
I set up a Shutterfly gallery for my photographs--now I have a selection of them for sale. I set the prices at $20 for an 8x10 and $30 for an 11x14. There are also notecards available.
You can see the gallery here: The World Around Us photo gallery
This is only one album--just my starting point. These photographs are those that have generated print requests on Flickr or are personal favorites of mine. As I develop a portfolio I'll add more.
Any constructive criticism is more than welcome. Please. I'd like feedback on pricing and selection and whatever else might occur to you. Also I need some opinions on how best to advertise, if I should even advertise at all. I put a link to the gallery on my Flickr page, and I'm working on a little icon/link from the sidebar here (I'm getting some help with this, hopefully from the lady that did my blog design). Any other ideas?
So, there it is. A major leap of faith on my part, because I will be sad if I'm a huge failure. Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom!
I set up a Shutterfly gallery for my photographs--now I have a selection of them for sale. I set the prices at $20 for an 8x10 and $30 for an 11x14. There are also notecards available.
You can see the gallery here: The World Around Us photo gallery
This is only one album--just my starting point. These photographs are those that have generated print requests on Flickr or are personal favorites of mine. As I develop a portfolio I'll add more.
Any constructive criticism is more than welcome. Please. I'd like feedback on pricing and selection and whatever else might occur to you. Also I need some opinions on how best to advertise, if I should even advertise at all. I put a link to the gallery on my Flickr page, and I'm working on a little icon/link from the sidebar here (I'm getting some help with this, hopefully from the lady that did my blog design). Any other ideas?
So, there it is. A major leap of faith on my part, because I will be sad if I'm a huge failure. Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom!
Labels: me, Photography
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Photo Sunday #11: Glow
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Saturday, December 09, 2006
Superhero Sighting!
Batman lives at my house.
So does Superman.
And these 2 superheroes have said that I can play with them.
What superhero shall I be? Who will I choose? Apparently I don't have a choice. Batman and Superman have already decided for me.
I'm Wonder Woman.
OK, go on and laugh. I know--it's hilarious. Just get it out of your system, and thank me for giving you a smile today.
But seriously, isn't it great that my kids see me as Wonder Woman? Seriously?
So does Superman.
And these 2 superheroes have said that I can play with them.
What superhero shall I be? Who will I choose? Apparently I don't have a choice. Batman and Superman have already decided for me.
I'm Wonder Woman.
OK, go on and laugh. I know--it's hilarious. Just get it out of your system, and thank me for giving you a smile today.
But seriously, isn't it great that my kids see me as Wonder Woman? Seriously?
Friday, December 08, 2006
The School Christmas Program
Look at all those faceless children! In the interest of privacy and protecting myself from any possible lawsuits (although I can't imagine any of those people would ever see this) I blurred the faces of everyone but Drew.
See him there, front and center? Boots, khaki pants and brown sweater with an orange stripe?
The Christmas program went really well, I guess. Not that I'm an expert in such things. Drew's part wasn't until last, so we had to sit through an hour of 4th and 5th graders singing carols and 1st graders acting out Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer before we got to see him perform. Although, the show wasn't without it's highlights. Like the song about Kentucky Wildcats Basketball, sung to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree and complete with 4th graders shooting hoops. Or perhaps you'd be more interested in the Kentucky 12 Days of Christmas. All the state symbols of Kentucky (did you know we have a state fossil--the brachiopod? or a state mineral--coal?) sung to the familiar refrains of the 12 Days of Christmas. Every verse. It took over 10 minutes!
Drew's class came out and sang Santa Claus is Coming to Town and a version of Jingle Bells that I wasn't quite familiar with. It was very cute. Drew didn't really sing much, though--he spent most of the time waving at us and posing for the camera. One little girl pulled her dress up over her head, though, so Drew's antics went mostly unnoticed.
Today, however, Drew had a very bad day. He got into a fight. A fight! With a girl--a girl--in his class. It's unclear who started it, but the teachers finished it by pulling them apart. Drew says she pushed him, she says he pushed her. I don't know--I think they both have it in them. She's got a bruise on her cheek and he's got a split lip. And he's lost all privileges for a week. No movie at bedtime, no special snacks, and no dessert after supper. I am very disappointed in his behavior. He seems to be, too, but I'm really not sure if he's more upset about what happened or about being in so much trouble. It's interesting, though--I guess when you're 5 anger doesn't last very long, because he and the girl are buddies again, just like nothing happened.
I've related the story to several people, and it's interesting the role gender seems to play in their responses. Tell a female that he got into a fight, and the answer is invariably some variation of "Oh, no! Why? Is he alright?". Every one--every single one--of the guys I've told, including Andy, have said this exact phrase "Did he win?".
See him there, front and center? Boots, khaki pants and brown sweater with an orange stripe?
The Christmas program went really well, I guess. Not that I'm an expert in such things. Drew's part wasn't until last, so we had to sit through an hour of 4th and 5th graders singing carols and 1st graders acting out Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer before we got to see him perform. Although, the show wasn't without it's highlights. Like the song about Kentucky Wildcats Basketball, sung to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree and complete with 4th graders shooting hoops. Or perhaps you'd be more interested in the Kentucky 12 Days of Christmas. All the state symbols of Kentucky (did you know we have a state fossil--the brachiopod? or a state mineral--coal?) sung to the familiar refrains of the 12 Days of Christmas. Every verse. It took over 10 minutes!
Drew's class came out and sang Santa Claus is Coming to Town and a version of Jingle Bells that I wasn't quite familiar with. It was very cute. Drew didn't really sing much, though--he spent most of the time waving at us and posing for the camera. One little girl pulled her dress up over her head, though, so Drew's antics went mostly unnoticed.
Today, however, Drew had a very bad day. He got into a fight. A fight! With a girl--a girl--in his class. It's unclear who started it, but the teachers finished it by pulling them apart. Drew says she pushed him, she says he pushed her. I don't know--I think they both have it in them. She's got a bruise on her cheek and he's got a split lip. And he's lost all privileges for a week. No movie at bedtime, no special snacks, and no dessert after supper. I am very disappointed in his behavior. He seems to be, too, but I'm really not sure if he's more upset about what happened or about being in so much trouble. It's interesting, though--I guess when you're 5 anger doesn't last very long, because he and the girl are buddies again, just like nothing happened.
I've related the story to several people, and it's interesting the role gender seems to play in their responses. Tell a female that he got into a fight, and the answer is invariably some variation of "Oh, no! Why? Is he alright?". Every one--every single one--of the guys I've told, including Andy, have said this exact phrase "Did he win?".
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Ignore, and it will go away
That's my current philosophy. If I don't think about the things that are bothering me, they will soon cease to exist. That is how it works, right?
So, Drew is singing in his first-ever school Christmas program tonight at 7:00. I'm kind of excited. Just a little. He's been singing the songs for weeks now, though, so I'm only a little tired of them right now. But still. His first school production! He's really getting big. Did I tell ya'll that he can read now, too? It's like magic. One day he couldn't read when he left that morning, and then that afternoon he came home and read me a book. Amazing. I am proud. Although, he doesn't seem to share my love of reading. He'll read his homework books, but I've tried and tried to get him to read other stories to me and he tells me he's too busy. I don't know if reading is a habit you grow into or are born with, but I'm sure hoping he grows into it. Reading is such a good thing. It's a whole other world inside those books.
Here's a question for you. How much would you pay for, say, and 8x10 print of a photograph that you really, really liked? Or a 5x7, or any size, really? I've had some inquiries over on my Flickr site from folks interested in purchasing one of my photos. I'm flattered, really. But I have no clue how to go about doing that. I don't know how much to ask, or if I should have them printed and shipped to me or just shipped directly to them. At this point I don't think I could offer matted or framed prints (unless you're special, and then you're not paying for it anyway). So, ideas? Opinions? It doesn't have to be a price based on my photos, just art in general. I don't think I've ever purchased a photograph, and in searching online I see prices ranging from $5-6 all the way up to $100 for 8x10's, and the price just seems to be the whim of the photographer.
Hmmmm.
So, Drew is singing in his first-ever school Christmas program tonight at 7:00. I'm kind of excited. Just a little. He's been singing the songs for weeks now, though, so I'm only a little tired of them right now. But still. His first school production! He's really getting big. Did I tell ya'll that he can read now, too? It's like magic. One day he couldn't read when he left that morning, and then that afternoon he came home and read me a book. Amazing. I am proud. Although, he doesn't seem to share my love of reading. He'll read his homework books, but I've tried and tried to get him to read other stories to me and he tells me he's too busy. I don't know if reading is a habit you grow into or are born with, but I'm sure hoping he grows into it. Reading is such a good thing. It's a whole other world inside those books.
Here's a question for you. How much would you pay for, say, and 8x10 print of a photograph that you really, really liked? Or a 5x7, or any size, really? I've had some inquiries over on my Flickr site from folks interested in purchasing one of my photos. I'm flattered, really. But I have no clue how to go about doing that. I don't know how much to ask, or if I should have them printed and shipped to me or just shipped directly to them. At this point I don't think I could offer matted or framed prints (unless you're special, and then you're not paying for it anyway). So, ideas? Opinions? It doesn't have to be a price based on my photos, just art in general. I don't think I've ever purchased a photograph, and in searching online I see prices ranging from $5-6 all the way up to $100 for 8x10's, and the price just seems to be the whim of the photographer.
Hmmmm.
Labels: Drew, Photography, School
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Prickly
This cocklebur is an accurate representation of how I'm feeling today. All prickly and unpleasant and not content at all.
My throat hurts, a really dry scratchy kind of hurt that makes me not want to swallow but I swallow anyway, almost compulsively, to try and keep it moist. And it makes me not want to eat, but I'm still hungry, and so I'm a little headachy and on edge from that.
Aside from the physical pain, there are other things going on that are not making me happy. For reasons that only I know but some of you may be able to guess, I'm not going to go into it here. It would likely only cause trouble down the road, and it'll be best if I just get over it and get on with things.
Andy and Nick have gone up to visit my folks today and tomorrow, so it's just Drew and me hanging out. He's been pretty pleasant, despite his disappointment at being left behind. We went to the farm and had a ride in the Ranger, and took some pictures, and went shopping for Nick's Christmas gift from Drew. Happy Meals for supper rounded out the evening. We came home and did homework, and now we're getting ready to watch a movie before bedtime. I'm hoping that a good night's sleep and an easy day at work tomorrow will conspire to improve my mood.
My throat hurts, a really dry scratchy kind of hurt that makes me not want to swallow but I swallow anyway, almost compulsively, to try and keep it moist. And it makes me not want to eat, but I'm still hungry, and so I'm a little headachy and on edge from that.
Aside from the physical pain, there are other things going on that are not making me happy. For reasons that only I know but some of you may be able to guess, I'm not going to go into it here. It would likely only cause trouble down the road, and it'll be best if I just get over it and get on with things.
Andy and Nick have gone up to visit my folks today and tomorrow, so it's just Drew and me hanging out. He's been pretty pleasant, despite his disappointment at being left behind. We went to the farm and had a ride in the Ranger, and took some pictures, and went shopping for Nick's Christmas gift from Drew. Happy Meals for supper rounded out the evening. We came home and did homework, and now we're getting ready to watch a movie before bedtime. I'm hoping that a good night's sleep and an easy day at work tomorrow will conspire to improve my mood.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Resistance
First of all, the photo above has nothing whatsoever to do with the post below. I just wanted to include a picture and that's one that I like that I don't think I ever shared.
I guess it's not unusual for my boys to resist going to bed at night. From what I hear that's a pretty common problem for parents of young children (and not-so-young children, for that matter). It's pretty frustrating to have to repeatedly send them to their beds each night. But sometimes, if I can let go of my frustration, it's pretty funny to listen to the excuses they come up with to stay up just a few minutes longer. I've been jotting them down for awhile now, just for posterity's sake. They've come up with typical excuses, and some not so typical, like:
edited to add: due to several inquiries, i'm editing to add the bedtime rules. they are as follows: stay in your bed, no talking, no whispering, no giggling, no milk in the night, sleep good, and have nice dreams. Both boys know them by heart after hearing me repeat myself so many times, and now they'll both tell them to me each night as they climb into their beds.
I guess it's not unusual for my boys to resist going to bed at night. From what I hear that's a pretty common problem for parents of young children (and not-so-young children, for that matter). It's pretty frustrating to have to repeatedly send them to their beds each night. But sometimes, if I can let go of my frustration, it's pretty funny to listen to the excuses they come up with to stay up just a few minutes longer. I've been jotting them down for awhile now, just for posterity's sake. They've come up with typical excuses, and some not so typical, like:
- I'm thirsty
- I'm hungry
- I have to pee
- I forgot to tell you goodnight
- I forgot to give you hugs and kisses
- I forgot to tell Fern and Daisy (the cats) goodnight
- I need to look at the Christmas tree again
- I forgot to tell you the bedtime rules
- I need to look out the window and see if Daddy's home
- You didn't tuck me in right (Drew requires specific coverage and tucking with his blanket)
- My friends are messed up (this is Nick. if his friends aren't in the right spots he can't go to sleep)
- I'm cold, I need socks, or I'm hot, I need to put my socks away
- Will you take a picture of me in my jammies?
- I need to play on the monkey bars (the supports for the top bunk)
- Nick/Drew is snoring and I can't sleep
- I want some candy
- My room is not clean
edited to add: due to several inquiries, i'm editing to add the bedtime rules. they are as follows: stay in your bed, no talking, no whispering, no giggling, no milk in the night, sleep good, and have nice dreams. Both boys know them by heart after hearing me repeat myself so many times, and now they'll both tell them to me each night as they climb into their beds.
Labels: daily life, Drew, Family, Nick
Monday, December 04, 2006
No Fear
This weekend, the same evening that we took the boys to pick out a Christmas tree, we also visited Santa at the mall.
Drew has visited Santa every year since he was born. He's never been afraid, or nervous, even when he was an infant. He's sat on the laps of Santas with huge fake beards and with smaller, real beards. White Santas and black Santas. Fat Santas and not-so-fat Santas. And never once has he hesitated. He hops right up there, poses for his picture, and tells Santa his wish list. And he always has to be told to stop. To get down and let another child have a turn.
Drew has visited Santa every year since he was born. He's never been afraid, or nervous, even when he was an infant. He's sat on the laps of Santas with huge fake beards and with smaller, real beards. White Santas and black Santas. Fat Santas and not-so-fat Santas. And never once has he hesitated. He hops right up there, poses for his picture, and tells Santa his wish list. And he always has to be told to stop. To get down and let another child have a turn.
santa" height="413" width="500">It's not just with Santa, either. Drew is a very outgoing, personable child. He'll make conversation with strangers at the store, and he's always the first to speak his mind. People almost always comment on how friendly he is.
Nick is a totally different story. He's not unfriendly, just a little shy. A little slow to warm up to strangers. Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. It's just takes a bit for him to be comfortable with you.
Nick has never sat on Santa's lap. To be fair, I can see why Santa might be a little scary. A great big hairy stranger with a deep, loud voice? Yeah, a little.
Every year we tried. When he was 5 months old, I managed to put him onto the lap before he cried. When he was 17 months old, he wouldn't go within 50 feet of Santa, and I had to stand far back with his head buried in my shoulder while Drew walked up there by himself. Last year, when he was 2 1/2, he agreed to be as close as the little white fence around the North Pole setup while Drew had his visit, but he wouldn't let me put him down and refused to even look at The Big Guy.
This year, on the way to the mall, I asked Drew if he was excited to see Santa. Of course, the answer was yes. And before I could even ask him, Nick piped up "I will sit on Santa's lap this year". I was surprised, and told him that I thought that was great. But I didn't expect him to really do it.
So, we arrived at the mall. There was no line to see Santa. Not one child. So Drew immediately climbed onto Santa's lap and began his list. He smiled for the picture and then it was Nick's turn.
Nick asked me to carry him up there, and I did.
He asked me to set him on Santa's lap, please. So I did.
Then he refused to let go of my hand, even for the picture. And he refused to speak to (or even look at) Santa.
Santa was awesome, and talked to him very nicely. He asked the standard Santa questions: Have you been good? What would you like for Christmas? Every so often there would be a barely perceptible nod or shake of Nick's head. But not a word came out of his mouth.
Nick is a totally different story. He's not unfriendly, just a little shy. A little slow to warm up to strangers. Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. It's just takes a bit for him to be comfortable with you.
Nick has never sat on Santa's lap. To be fair, I can see why Santa might be a little scary. A great big hairy stranger with a deep, loud voice? Yeah, a little.
Every year we tried. When he was 5 months old, I managed to put him onto the lap before he cried. When he was 17 months old, he wouldn't go within 50 feet of Santa, and I had to stand far back with his head buried in my shoulder while Drew walked up there by himself. Last year, when he was 2 1/2, he agreed to be as close as the little white fence around the North Pole setup while Drew had his visit, but he wouldn't let me put him down and refused to even look at The Big Guy.
This year, on the way to the mall, I asked Drew if he was excited to see Santa. Of course, the answer was yes. And before I could even ask him, Nick piped up "I will sit on Santa's lap this year". I was surprised, and told him that I thought that was great. But I didn't expect him to really do it.
So, we arrived at the mall. There was no line to see Santa. Not one child. So Drew immediately climbed onto Santa's lap and began his list. He smiled for the picture and then it was Nick's turn.
Nick asked me to carry him up there, and I did.
He asked me to set him on Santa's lap, please. So I did.
Then he refused to let go of my hand, even for the picture. And he refused to speak to (or even look at) Santa.
Santa was awesome, and talked to him very nicely. He asked the standard Santa questions: Have you been good? What would you like for Christmas? Every so often there would be a barely perceptible nod or shake of Nick's head. But not a word came out of his mouth.
santa" height="405" width="500">So, we left the mall. Nick was so proud of himself. He said, over and over "Did you see me, Mom? I was a big boy! I was brave!". And he was brave. I was proud of him, too, as were his dad and brother.
Perhaps next year he'll speak.
Perhaps next year he'll speak.
Labels: christmas, daily life, Drew, Nick
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Photo Sunday #10: Let the Christmas Season Begin
These photos count as my entry into the Holiday Photo Parade. Anyone else care to join? There are some really pretty decorations to be seen all around the blogosphere!
Labels: Photo Sunday
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The Influence of Children
OK, in my holiday meme down there, I said that our tree is topped by a tacky foil star that I adore. Scratch that.
Last night, while decorating the tree, I broke the star. Me. I broke it. There is no one else to blame. I was devastated. I loved that star. It was nearly as bad as the incident last year when Drew broke one of my favorite ornaments, only this time the responsibility was mine.
I attempted a redneck approach to decorating and taped it up there with camouflage duct tape, but it was a pretty awful sight. So, this morning, the boys and I set out to find a new star.
Our town boasts 2 discount stores--Wal-Mart and K-mart. Neither had a tacky foil star. All the stars were tin, and the ones that lit up had clear lights (we require multicolored lights). There were little starburst things, and ornament toppers, and Santa toppers, and angel toppers. Nothing that I liked at all. We tried JC Penney and Peebles and Dawhares, thinking maybe they'd have something. I even tried the Goodwill store. Nothing. So, back to Wal-Mart we went, to choose something. Anything would be better than the duct taped star we had.
The boys wanted an angel. There were lots of angels, of varying sizes and colors and functions. Some moved. Some were draped in velvet. More than a few had lights. I didn't really like the idea of an angel, because I had my heart set on a star. But hey, it's their tree, too. And I didn't really like any of the stars, anyway. We looked and looked and looked some more at the angels. And finally the boys settled on a medium-sized angel with feathery wings. She's wearing a gold dress and holding a little sphere. I noticed on the packaging that she was a lighted angel, fiber optic, and figured the little ball glowed.
I don't know if you've ever noticed, but sometimes my tastes in decor are a little, um, odd. Not bad, necessarily. Not even ugly. People tell me that my house is quite tasteful, actually. But when it comes to knick-knacks, or Christmas decorations, occasionally art, and sometimes clothing and accessories, I like things to be just a little out there. A little different.
Drew and Nick are children after my own heart. We are now the proud owners of the tackiest angel on the face of the earth (that's a photo I took of the angel just a few minutes ago). Had I known what she was really like, I might have acutally chosen her myself. Not only does the ball glow, she has fiber optic strands all in her gown. And through the feathery wings. And, she doesn't just light up one color. Oh, no. All the parts of her that glow cycle through red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
She's so ugly that she's beautiful. I hope she lasts forever.
Last night, while decorating the tree, I broke the star. Me. I broke it. There is no one else to blame. I was devastated. I loved that star. It was nearly as bad as the incident last year when Drew broke one of my favorite ornaments, only this time the responsibility was mine.
I attempted a redneck approach to decorating and taped it up there with camouflage duct tape, but it was a pretty awful sight. So, this morning, the boys and I set out to find a new star.
Our town boasts 2 discount stores--Wal-Mart and K-mart. Neither had a tacky foil star. All the stars were tin, and the ones that lit up had clear lights (we require multicolored lights). There were little starburst things, and ornament toppers, and Santa toppers, and angel toppers. Nothing that I liked at all. We tried JC Penney and Peebles and Dawhares, thinking maybe they'd have something. I even tried the Goodwill store. Nothing. So, back to Wal-Mart we went, to choose something. Anything would be better than the duct taped star we had.
The boys wanted an angel. There were lots of angels, of varying sizes and colors and functions. Some moved. Some were draped in velvet. More than a few had lights. I didn't really like the idea of an angel, because I had my heart set on a star. But hey, it's their tree, too. And I didn't really like any of the stars, anyway. We looked and looked and looked some more at the angels. And finally the boys settled on a medium-sized angel with feathery wings. She's wearing a gold dress and holding a little sphere. I noticed on the packaging that she was a lighted angel, fiber optic, and figured the little ball glowed.
I don't know if you've ever noticed, but sometimes my tastes in decor are a little, um, odd. Not bad, necessarily. Not even ugly. People tell me that my house is quite tasteful, actually. But when it comes to knick-knacks, or Christmas decorations, occasionally art, and sometimes clothing and accessories, I like things to be just a little out there. A little different.
Drew and Nick are children after my own heart. We are now the proud owners of the tackiest angel on the face of the earth (that's a photo I took of the angel just a few minutes ago). Had I known what she was really like, I might have acutally chosen her myself. Not only does the ball glow, she has fiber optic strands all in her gown. And through the feathery wings. And, she doesn't just light up one color. Oh, no. All the parts of her that glow cycle through red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
She's so ugly that she's beautiful. I hope she lasts forever.
Friday, December 01, 2006
A Holiday Meme
I was tagged yesterday by Debra for this holiday meme. It looks like fun, so here we go!
HOLIDAY MEME:
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? He always wraps gifts. When I was growing up he usually wrapped them in plain tissue paper. Recently he's switched to paper with Santas on it.
3. Colored or white lights on tree/house? Always colored lights on the tree. Sometimes it's the big kind, and other times twinkle lights, but always colored. Lights on the house are usually colored, but not always multicolored. The icicle lights are white, though, on the years I put them out.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes. And usually promptly forget about it. But it's there!
5. When do you put your decorations up? A week or two after Thanksgiving. We're working on the tree tonight.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? My Grandma always made a pork roast on New Years. I can still smell it if I think really hard. That meal, with the potatoes and even the icky sauerkraut, is my favorite of the year. It brings back many happy memories.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas morning. Any Christmas morning. Not any special thing, just the general feeling of happiness and excitement and anticipation and being with family.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Santa is real. That's the truth. If I stop believing he won't bring me gifts any more.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Family gifts on Christmas Eve, Santa gifts Christmas morning.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Colored lights, the more the better. Usually some garland, chosen by the boys, and often quite tacky. Almost all of the ornaments have a memory or special meaning attached. There are a few plain glass balls as filler, but as the years pass those get fewer and fewer and the special ornaments crowd the tree.
11. Snow - love it or dread it? Love it, as long as it doesn't keep me from traveling to my family on Christmas day.
12. Can you ice skate? I've never really tried. But I'm quite sure I can't--I'm a klutz.
13. Favorite holiday movie? It's a Wonderful Life My favorite holiday TV special? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Togetherness.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Anything chocolate. And any cookie that my mom makes, especially the snickerdoodles.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Well, things are changing yearly for us, and we're trying to establish new traditions with our children. From my childhood, I'd say decorating the tree/house was my favorite. We always did it together, with each person having their own special responsibility. Now, I'd say it's taking the boys to choose their special ornament each year.
17. What tops your tree? A tacky gold foil-and-tinsel star with multicolored lights. I love it.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? While I think everyone likes getting gifts, and I certainly do, not much beats giving someone the perfect gift and watching them open it.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Angels We Have Heard On High, and The Carol of the Bells
20. Candy Canes, yes or no? I don't like peppermint. So, those multicolored fruit flavored ones? Yes. Traditional red and white mint ones? No.
I tag: Hmmm, not my usual style to tag someone. Let's break with tradition here and tag some folks. Let's say that I tag you if you're related to me. And Shira, that means you, too.