After a restful vacation we are back into the normal rush of homelife. Also, we are preparing for the start of homeschool, planning vacations, and trying to accomplish various home improvement projects.
Jamie and Dot survived a day-long trip in the car with just me driving. Amazing! They were thrilled to get out and swing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Aunt Linda and Uncle Michael were willing to give them push after push.
On Saturday we travelled again, this time up to Meadville, PA for a 65th anniversary party. We surprised the Grimes and had a wonderful time. It was nice to see more family, and to catch up on what's happenning in the different families. It was interesting to see my kids (and neice and nephews) playing with the same toys I played with there when I was young! I made sure to get photos of the kids with great-grandparents. I wish we could have spent more time with them!
On Sunday Dot left to go to Norwalk, to spend her week being spoiled by Grandma. Apparently she had a very good time, made a new friend, and tried a new food. (Cucumbers are now acceptable.) Lots of hugs when she came "home", though. She must have missed us after all. :-)
Jamie and I spent the week with Mom and Dad, and it was a very nice, sort of quiet week. We visited the thrift stores (and found some really good bargains!) and went to garage sales, but we also helped clean chairs at NCS. Throughout the week we tried to get Jamie to talk more, and took him on walks to see the trains and dogs. He was thrilled with all the attention he got. Jamie is a surprisingly obedient little boy.
Jim flew in Friday night to spend a quick weekend in Ohio. He did get to visit both Half-Price Books locations, and still had time to go to a local boy scouts garage sale - where he found more books! :-) We played Dutch Blitz and visited with Doug and Lori. Just like old times!
Monday we packed up and travelled back to Baltimore, and the trip went well until we arrived in time for rush hour traffic. We pushed on through, and both kids were happy to see our home again, especially when they found surprises awaiting them! Jamie was thrilled with the new rocking horse and Dot loved her canopy over her bed.
For a week or so I lived a wonderful life - reduced responsibilities (no cooking, less cleaning/laundry). I had someone else around to help watch the kids, and the kids were happy to play with "new" toys. Thanks, Mom and Dad. I feel refreshed.
It would be so nice to live near family! We really miss them all!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
rather than forwarding this...
The Guys' Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don 't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.
1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don 't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.
1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Bollywood
Perhaps you know how much I enjoy Jane Austen. I have read the books, seen the movies. Obviously, some of the movies are better than others, with those that stick to the actual story being the best. (For example, "Clueless" is not a classic.) I watched another one yesterday - "Bride and Prejudice."
"Bride and Predjudice" is an odd combination of American, British and Indian film ideas. There are song-and-dance sequences sprinkled throughout the movie, and, no, they are not traditional Indian dances. The songs are a combination of Indian sounds and hip-hop or pop. (If watching again, I would skip the song by Ashanti all together - it's a little too risque for my taste. It's probaby what gave it the PG-13 rating. That and a short dream sequence with Mr Kholi...) There are a few cases of swearing, but not many. Also, keep in mind that they will wear traditional Indian clothing at times, with bare midriffs in many scenes.
Overall I had a hard time taking the movie seriously. It was strange, but funny. Odd, odd, odd. I don't plan on adding it to our collection.
PS After a watching a "condensed" version, Jim thought that the main female character didn't look Indian enough... even if she is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood!
"Bride and Predjudice" is an odd combination of American, British and Indian film ideas. There are song-and-dance sequences sprinkled throughout the movie, and, no, they are not traditional Indian dances. The songs are a combination of Indian sounds and hip-hop or pop. (If watching again, I would skip the song by Ashanti all together - it's a little too risque for my taste. It's probaby what gave it the PG-13 rating. That and a short dream sequence with Mr Kholi...) There are a few cases of swearing, but not many. Also, keep in mind that they will wear traditional Indian clothing at times, with bare midriffs in many scenes.
Overall I had a hard time taking the movie seriously. It was strange, but funny. Odd, odd, odd. I don't plan on adding it to our collection.
PS After a watching a "condensed" version, Jim thought that the main female character didn't look Indian enough... even if she is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Library
Both kids took part in our local library's summer reading program. They do not have to write down each book they read, they simply have to complete a series of reading related tasks, such as talking about a story with a friend, learning to ask a librarian for help, and, of course, reading a book. When they complete a series of tasks they turn in a coupon (signed by a parent) and receive a prize. The under-4 crowd has one coupon, school aged children have four. We turned in the final coupons yesterday. Jimbo received a soft zebra striped ball and Dot received a small panda flashlight keychain and a coupon for a free meal at Old Country Buffet. They are both happy with their prizes.
I remember getting a free ticket to Wyandot Lake... Now that's a prize! I doubt they give those away anymore...
I remember getting a free ticket to Wyandot Lake... Now that's a prize! I doubt they give those away anymore...
Summertime fun
Today marks the return of true Baltimore summer weather - hot, humid and unbearable. Following a rainstorm late last week we had a welcome break over the weekend, with temps in the 80's and partly cloudy skies. It was very nice out! I let the kids play out on the deck while I grilled. They filled the kiddie pool and ran through the sprinkler.
Remember when life was good and the sprinkler was great entertainment? Catching fireflies at dusk? Discovering discarded cicada skins? When does it change over to worrying about getting the lawn mown and having dinner ready on time? When do bug spray and sunscreen become important?
I love rediscovering summer with my kids... but I'm also glad we have air conditioning.
Remember when life was good and the sprinkler was great entertainment? Catching fireflies at dusk? Discovering discarded cicada skins? When does it change over to worrying about getting the lawn mown and having dinner ready on time? When do bug spray and sunscreen become important?
I love rediscovering summer with my kids... but I'm also glad we have air conditioning.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Jealous
I am fighting jealousy this week... first off, Jim and Dot went to Six Flags today, while Jamie and I went grocery shopping. How unfair is that?! Oh well...
What is worse, though, is that our friends are moving back to Pennsylvania, to live near their families. Oh how we wish it was possible for us to move to Ohio! Ohio is the promised land for us - family, friends, good churches, Cedar Point... However, Jim's job is a good one, and it would be tremendously hard to find another employer willing to match the pay and benefits we are getting here. Plus, where would everyone go for vacation if we moved to Ohio? :-)
What is worse, though, is that our friends are moving back to Pennsylvania, to live near their families. Oh how we wish it was possible for us to move to Ohio! Ohio is the promised land for us - family, friends, good churches, Cedar Point... However, Jim's job is a good one, and it would be tremendously hard to find another employer willing to match the pay and benefits we are getting here. Plus, where would everyone go for vacation if we moved to Ohio? :-)
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Poor me...
Poor, poor me. Yesterday someone broke into our house while we were gone. What they took didn't amount to the deductible on our insurance, but it was mostly my stuff! My earrings and bracelet , both presents from Jim, my camera, my savings bond, etc. The kids are mourning the loss of the dvd player. They did enjoy seeing the police at work, though. Word to the wise: they can't take fingerprints from dusty surfaces...
We began the tedious paperwork and legwork to get our life back in order. Credit reports are on the watch, just in case, official paperwork was filled in and filed. Insurance was called. Kids were bored to death at SSA.
Now we deal with the other side of things - Dot is inclined to worry. Every thing must be locked up tight! New locks will be put on windows (they came in through the bathroom window).
Over all, we have much to be thankful for. This isn't a huge deal - most of our stuff is still here, we are all safe. Sure, I'm out some jewelry (sentimental value outweighs the price), and that picture of "snaggletooth" will never be developed, but we'll live. We still have too much stuff! Too bad they didn't take the worthless junk we have stashed everywhere!
Something we laughed about last night - they actually used one of my pillow cases to carry the jewlry!
We began the tedious paperwork and legwork to get our life back in order. Credit reports are on the watch, just in case, official paperwork was filled in and filed. Insurance was called. Kids were bored to death at SSA.
Now we deal with the other side of things - Dot is inclined to worry. Every thing must be locked up tight! New locks will be put on windows (they came in through the bathroom window).
Over all, we have much to be thankful for. This isn't a huge deal - most of our stuff is still here, we are all safe. Sure, I'm out some jewelry (sentimental value outweighs the price), and that picture of "snaggletooth" will never be developed, but we'll live. We still have too much stuff! Too bad they didn't take the worthless junk we have stashed everywhere!
Something we laughed about last night - they actually used one of my pillow cases to carry the jewlry!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Dedicated Sale Room
Our local library has a room that is dedicated to storing seasonal books and back issues of magazines and newspapers. This same room has a couple of shelves for the sale of their withdrawn items, too. We rarely make a visit to the library without visiting this room. Their prices are very reasonable - 4 books for $1, cd's are $2, videos are $3. Every once in awhile they have a special sale where books are 10 for $1!!!
Previously I picked up a book on daily life in medieval times (I like history, what can I say...). Jim looked it up online and found that as a new hardback it can sell for over $100. Mine, sadly, is an old paperback copy...
Anyway, we went down there yesterday, and found a few books for the kids and a couple cds. I picked up Michael Card's "Starkindler" cd. I have heard some of the songs on our local (mostly ccm) Christian radio station. These are hymns played with a celtic flair, such as "Be Thou My Vision", "The King of Love My Shepherd Is", and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul". While it seems to be a short cd, only 10 songs, it was well worth the $2 I paid. Very nice.
Previously I picked up a book on daily life in medieval times (I like history, what can I say...). Jim looked it up online and found that as a new hardback it can sell for over $100. Mine, sadly, is an old paperback copy...
Anyway, we went down there yesterday, and found a few books for the kids and a couple cds. I picked up Michael Card's "Starkindler" cd. I have heard some of the songs on our local (mostly ccm) Christian radio station. These are hymns played with a celtic flair, such as "Be Thou My Vision", "The King of Love My Shepherd Is", and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul". While it seems to be a short cd, only 10 songs, it was well worth the $2 I paid. Very nice.
Oh yeah...
I meant to post this last week, after we had visited our local Chinese buffet (yes, can you believe it? Jim even enjoyed some of the food! Of course, Jimbo ate mostly french fries... and Dot asked if pizza was Chinese!) We all enjoyed reading our fortunes, but mine was the only one that actually seemed to fit:
Traveling more often is important for your health and happiness.
It might bankrupt us, but I would be happy and healthy! I can afford a walk around the block if not a trip around the world. The kids would enjoy the walk more anyway.
Traveling more often is important for your health and happiness.
It might bankrupt us, but I would be happy and healthy! I can afford a walk around the block if not a trip around the world. The kids would enjoy the walk more anyway.
Friday, July 15, 2005
homeschool
Last night we went to Chick-Fil-A. After we ate dinner the kids played in the playplace while we had a meeting with another couple from our church. The "G" family has been homeschooling for quite awhile, their 6th child is entering the high school years now. They answered alot of questions for us, and made it all look possible. They gave us catalogs to look through and some things to think about. They also encouraged us that this is a good path to go down.
Homeschooling is so open nowadays. While many parents will choose the Abeka/BJU path, there are others who will choose to make up their own curriculum. We are leaning toward a more "classical" education, and we have found some promising resources. Veritas Press (their catalog features an article by none other than R.C. & Denise Sproul, jr.) has many interesting things for sale, and their curriculum looks challenging - in a good way! The Calvert School, even though it is secular, looks like a good choice to start out with. They provide a lot of help for homeschooling parents, sort of an "umbrella program". A bonus - they are here in Baltimore! Of course, we will go with Saxon Math - I enjoyed it for high school math, and it is highly recommended. Would you believe we are leaning toward teaching Latin?
So, here we go, heading out into a new world... it's sort of frightening and exciting at the same time!
Homeschooling is so open nowadays. While many parents will choose the Abeka/BJU path, there are others who will choose to make up their own curriculum. We are leaning toward a more "classical" education, and we have found some promising resources. Veritas Press (their catalog features an article by none other than R.C. & Denise Sproul, jr.) has many interesting things for sale, and their curriculum looks challenging - in a good way! The Calvert School, even though it is secular, looks like a good choice to start out with. They provide a lot of help for homeschooling parents, sort of an "umbrella program". A bonus - they are here in Baltimore! Of course, we will go with Saxon Math - I enjoyed it for high school math, and it is highly recommended. Would you believe we are leaning toward teaching Latin?
So, here we go, heading out into a new world... it's sort of frightening and exciting at the same time!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
new car/used car?
We are in the process of looking at cars. Both of our vehicles are getting older, and neither one of us is a mechanic. Soooo... what do we buy? We have a truck and a minivan at this point in time, and we plan on keeping both (Jim can choose which he wants to drive to work). Therefore we have the option of a smaller vehicle, if we so desire. We have looked at wagons, small SUVs, and even those little crossovers. At the top of our list, the Honda CR-V or the Subaru Forester/Outback. (Of course, someday we'll look at MGs and Jaguars, right?)
The deals offered lately have been tempting - employee price plus customer cash? It makes a new vehicle the same price as a slightly used one. (What is the use of us buying anything that isn't slightly used? We want to get something that won't need work anytime soon!) We've browsed Carmax, and would probably buy there if we choose used - one of our friends is a mechanic there.
Someday soon we will have to brave the dreaded car dealers...
The deals offered lately have been tempting - employee price plus customer cash? It makes a new vehicle the same price as a slightly used one. (What is the use of us buying anything that isn't slightly used? We want to get something that won't need work anytime soon!) We've browsed Carmax, and would probably buy there if we choose used - one of our friends is a mechanic there.
Someday soon we will have to brave the dreaded car dealers...
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
bad attitude
Okay, so I realize that I am at fault here. I shouldn't dread VBS this much. However, I haven't had to fight rush hour/construction zone traffic for a long time now, and the kids have been sleeping in... It's hard to get my housework done... It's payday/shopping week... It's hot...
Dot has been thrilled to go to Neighborhood Bible Time, and wants to be the ultimate memory champ (or some such thing). Jimbo is having fun in the nursery - although he is very territorial now. Sharing is just one of many concepts being taught in our house right now. I did get the nursery toys and books sorted through and took a bunch as donations to Goodwill.
After hearing that they had enough teachers, I decided that I don't have to feel bad about not helping out all week. I can use my Thursday and Friday mornings as shopping days while Dot has fun at church.
Dot has been thrilled to go to Neighborhood Bible Time, and wants to be the ultimate memory champ (or some such thing). Jimbo is having fun in the nursery - although he is very territorial now. Sharing is just one of many concepts being taught in our house right now. I did get the nursery toys and books sorted through and took a bunch as donations to Goodwill.
After hearing that they had enough teachers, I decided that I don't have to feel bad about not helping out all week. I can use my Thursday and Friday mornings as shopping days while Dot has fun at church.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Symphony in shorts
Last night we went to the BSO's Star Spangled Spectacular up at Oregon Ridge Park. We were able to hear a very nice concert and enjoy some very nice fireworks. Impressive, and fully worth the money we paid.
The park was beautiful, a good choice for a concert venue. The stage was set at the bottom of a wide sledding/ski hill, and there were plenty of picnic tabels and bathrooms. The concessions were not numerous, but they were affordable; most people brought their own food, however. While they did have kids entertainment that required a $5 wristband, the park's free playground was large and new enough to keep our kids happy. The park did have parking, but they encouraged the use of their shuttle service - it was a well planned service, too, and we didn't have to wait too long before we were back at our vehicle.
The concert was very nice, with most of the music being well recognized patriotic favorites. Singing was encouraged, and they even started off with the pledge to the American flag. The second half of the concert included well choreographed fireworks. No cheap white noisemakers here, these were very nice fireworks. (Another benefit of being out of the city - no booming echoes off surrounding buildings.)
We met up with our friends from church, and enjoyed spending the evening with them. It is good to get out and do things together with friends and family! Dot danced along to the music at times, and "Jimbo" was so tired that the fireworks were a little scary... snuggling up in Mommy's lap helped. This was his first time to see fireworks! Dot fell asleep on the way home, but Jimbo stayed awake the whole time... even wanted to play when we got home. Funny kid... it was close to midnight!
The park was beautiful, a good choice for a concert venue. The stage was set at the bottom of a wide sledding/ski hill, and there were plenty of picnic tabels and bathrooms. The concessions were not numerous, but they were affordable; most people brought their own food, however. While they did have kids entertainment that required a $5 wristband, the park's free playground was large and new enough to keep our kids happy. The park did have parking, but they encouraged the use of their shuttle service - it was a well planned service, too, and we didn't have to wait too long before we were back at our vehicle.
The concert was very nice, with most of the music being well recognized patriotic favorites. Singing was encouraged, and they even started off with the pledge to the American flag. The second half of the concert included well choreographed fireworks. No cheap white noisemakers here, these were very nice fireworks. (Another benefit of being out of the city - no booming echoes off surrounding buildings.)
We met up with our friends from church, and enjoyed spending the evening with them. It is good to get out and do things together with friends and family! Dot danced along to the music at times, and "Jimbo" was so tired that the fireworks were a little scary... snuggling up in Mommy's lap helped. This was his first time to see fireworks! Dot fell asleep on the way home, but Jimbo stayed awake the whole time... even wanted to play when we got home. Funny kid... it was close to midnight!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Meringue
This weekend I tried a new recipe - well, new for me... I made a chocolate pavlova. Yummy! This dessert, the Pavlova, was created and named for Anna Pavlova, a famous ballerina in the early 1900's. New Zealand and Australia both claim to be where this recipe came from, but the jury is still out. Okay, here are the basics of this dessert: a layer of meringue covered with whipped cream topped off with fresh fruit. After looking online at some different recipes, and looking at my kitchen to see what I had, I ended up doctoring a variation of the original. My dessert was a chocolate meringue covered with real whipped cream topped with cherry pie filling. It looked good and it tasted good! Yummy! I love real whipped cream!!! I took it to a wedding shower at our church, and didn't bring any home.
chocolate pavlova
chocolate pavlova
Friday, June 24, 2005
Options
We now have to consider our schooling options. Dot is too smart for her own good, and something must be done. Her teacher this past year suggested a few things, one being skipping a grade (which is not our school's policy), and the other being attending a PACE school. At home we have discussed the PACE option, homeschooling, and simply continuing at her current level.
Dot was all for homeschooling, and Jim likes the idea of being her teacher (and main influence on her character development!). However, it poses a problem for me - how to do housework and keep an toddler happy while trying to homeschool as well? I know that many women do this successfully everyday, and that it happened all the time in past centuries, but I am not ready for it! (Insert scream here!)
Yesterday we went to meet with the school principal. After going over her grades, we discussed our options. Surprisingly he offered to move her up a grade! We had not even discussed this at home, not thinking it possible. Now we have to consider this, too, weighing it's pros and cons. She may not be ready socially. (She may never be ready socially!)
What to do? What to do?
Dot was all for homeschooling, and Jim likes the idea of being her teacher (and main influence on her character development!). However, it poses a problem for me - how to do housework and keep an toddler happy while trying to homeschool as well? I know that many women do this successfully everyday, and that it happened all the time in past centuries, but I am not ready for it! (Insert scream here!)
Yesterday we went to meet with the school principal. After going over her grades, we discussed our options. Surprisingly he offered to move her up a grade! We had not even discussed this at home, not thinking it possible. Now we have to consider this, too, weighing it's pros and cons. She may not be ready socially. (She may never be ready socially!)
What to do? What to do?
Portrait Studio
Yesterday a package arrived in the mail. It was the free 8x10 we had been promised from Olan Mills - we had our photo taken for the church pictorial directory! Apparently we were right in choosing not to buy any of their portrait sheets (at $20 a piece, or $25 for a re-touched one, where they take 5-10 years off your face), for it was a bit disappointing. Needless to say, it is not going up on our wall.
Today we are going to Target to have James' two-year-old portrait done. (If we had an endless supply of money, we might actually go to a good portrait studio that is not attached to a store. However, we are not independantly wealthy, and they charge more than we can afford... and all their shots are tempting because they are all so well done!) I hope he will be good for his picture. Last time he kept climbing off the platform to go dig through the props. Apparently they had a large stuffed Clifford that he desired... I hope they have that hidden this time.
Someday we will have to go to school to pick up Dorothy's school class photo. It has been waiting there for awhile, and I know she will be happy to get it.
Today we are going to Target to have James' two-year-old portrait done. (If we had an endless supply of money, we might actually go to a good portrait studio that is not attached to a store. However, we are not independantly wealthy, and they charge more than we can afford... and all their shots are tempting because they are all so well done!) I hope he will be good for his picture. Last time he kept climbing off the platform to go dig through the props. Apparently they had a large stuffed Clifford that he desired... I hope they have that hidden this time.
Someday we will have to go to school to pick up Dorothy's school class photo. It has been waiting there for awhile, and I know she will be happy to get it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Growing
This morning, bright and early, we went to the doctor's office for a two-year-old check-up. We have a healthy 29 pound, 37 inch boy who did not need any immunizations! He was in a really happy mood, and gave great big "aaahh"s when asked to open his mouth.
Yesterday we found that he does have a silly sense of humor. He laughed so hard when he saw someone on a movie sneeze. Then he went on to get us to pretend to sneeze, and laughed hysterically! "Ah... ah... ah... atchooo!"
We should be getting his picture taken this week, so next month we should have picturess to send out to you...
Yesterday we found that he does have a silly sense of humor. He laughed so hard when he saw someone on a movie sneeze. Then he went on to get us to pretend to sneeze, and laughed hysterically! "Ah... ah... ah... atchooo!"
We should be getting his picture taken this week, so next month we should have picturess to send out to you...
Monday, June 13, 2005
This week in Bawlmer, Hon.
This past weekend the Baltimore area had a very unique event - the Hon Fest. Check out the beehives!
Coming up, Flag Day. If the kids are healthy, we might go to the Flag House Museum. Remember to fly Old Glory! See here to brush up on your flag history and etiquette.
Next week we will join the crowds at the local library - it's almost time for the summer reading program! Any "must reads" for Dorothy?
I might be spending money here, they have a few things I want (okay, I would love to be able to plant MOST of these, buy my yard is only so big...). Jim thinks it is a little too goody-goody, but it seems like a fairly good deal. Ooh, I can just see those ferns by my bleeding hearts, and the black eyed susans by the daisies!
Coming up, Flag Day. If the kids are healthy, we might go to the Flag House Museum. Remember to fly Old Glory! See here to brush up on your flag history and etiquette.
Next week we will join the crowds at the local library - it's almost time for the summer reading program! Any "must reads" for Dorothy?
I might be spending money here, they have a few things I want (okay, I would love to be able to plant MOST of these, buy my yard is only so big...). Jim thinks it is a little too goody-goody, but it seems like a fairly good deal. Ooh, I can just see those ferns by my bleeding hearts, and the black eyed susans by the daisies!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Back to work... in a big way!
Vacation is over... at least for me. School is out and Dorothy has summer vacation. It was a wonderfully restful week that James and I spent with Mom and Dad in Ohio. Even James seemed to take it easy - the only door we had to block off was to the computer room. (Unlike at home, where we have three gates on the main floor!)
Perhaps it was a good thing that last week was restful, for this week is busy. Dorothy's friend is over every day this week, and we expect Andy & Sharon tomorrow. Yesterday I had to grocery shop and do laundry (still working on that last one...), put away everything from our trip, and get ready for our church directory portrait. Oh yeah, and I have make sure the kids don't kill each other! Hmmm... it's Jim's turn to provide the birthday treat at work... The garden needs weeding.... The deck gate fell off... What's for dinner???
I think I need a nanny.
Perhaps it was a good thing that last week was restful, for this week is busy. Dorothy's friend is over every day this week, and we expect Andy & Sharon tomorrow. Yesterday I had to grocery shop and do laundry (still working on that last one...), put away everything from our trip, and get ready for our church directory portrait. Oh yeah, and I have make sure the kids don't kill each other! Hmmm... it's Jim's turn to provide the birthday treat at work... The garden needs weeding.... The deck gate fell off... What's for dinner???
I think I need a nanny.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
too many clothes
Nature has changed from its winter wardrobe to its spring and summer wardrobe... why can't I? I have so many clothes sitting around - I can't put away all my winter clothes and I can't get out all my summer clothes. We have had days with sun and 80+ degrees, and days (like today) that are grey, rainy and barely 60 degrees. I will have to get to work, though, and fold up all my sweaters and sweatshirts. I certainly don't need those anymore! (At least, I hope not!!!)
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