6/12/2008
Fair Food
Every year we go to The County Fair and this year is no different. We haven't selected a date yet but tickets will be purchased soon.
The following few items of "new food" are a must-taste this year, don't you think???
New Food:
Charlie's Chicken on the Concourse: Deep-fried White Castle sliders, deep-fried frog legs, rotisserie chicken, tabouleh, chicken & waffles, and deep-fried SPAM®
Midway Diner in Plaza de Mexico: Deep-fried Macaroni & Cheese on a Stick, Koolickle (a dill pickle marinated in Kool-Aid)
-------Spam is bad enough but deep-fried? And the deep-fried Mac & Cheese (ewww) and the "Koolickle"??? Who comes up with these things??? I remember when the deep-fried Twinkies were all the rage - it was pretty disgusting. But, the Fair is THE place to try all new foods, so some of this must be tasted...
The following few items of "new food" are a must-taste this year, don't you think???
New Food:
Charlie's Chicken on the Concourse: Deep-fried White Castle sliders, deep-fried frog legs, rotisserie chicken, tabouleh, chicken & waffles, and deep-fried SPAM®
Midway Diner in Plaza de Mexico: Deep-fried Macaroni & Cheese on a Stick, Koolickle (a dill pickle marinated in Kool-Aid)
-------Spam is bad enough but deep-fried? And the deep-fried Mac & Cheese (ewww) and the "Koolickle"??? Who comes up with these things??? I remember when the deep-fried Twinkies were all the rage - it was pretty disgusting. But, the Fair is THE place to try all new foods, so some of this must be tasted...
6/11/2008
To answer the questions...
I received a few questions about how the "Year Round Schedule" works.
Tanya asked:
"Do you think it's harder on the parents to have to find care wile out of school? I would think it would be easier to find care for 3mo rather then a month here and there. How does the off track work during the year? "
Fortunately for us, this really isn't an issue. Foster attends a "before and after school" program that is actually on the school grounds - kind of like a "6 to 6" program, but the one Foster attends is a private program. So, this means he gets dropped off there before school and they walk him to meet up with his class, and then after school lets out, they meet him there and walk him back to the program. At his program, he's offered a multitude of options including a homework club, a jewelry making club (he's in that one), a photography club (he's in that one too), dancing, outside play, movies, etc. Therefore, when the school is "off-track" (i.e. school isn't in session) and for the summer, the "before and after school" program is open all day. Unless it's a holiday, they are open. Therefore, we don't need to find care for him during his 6 week summer break, nor his month-long winter break, nor his month-long spring break.
However, I imagine other parents who for some reason do not have access to a program such as this must scramble every few months to find daytime care. Our local YMCA's and other various places offer some programming.
So there you have it, a simple primer on "Year Round Schooling 101".
Tanya asked:
"Do you think it's harder on the parents to have to find care wile out of school? I would think it would be easier to find care for 3mo rather then a month here and there. How does the off track work during the year? "
Fortunately for us, this really isn't an issue. Foster attends a "before and after school" program that is actually on the school grounds - kind of like a "6 to 6" program, but the one Foster attends is a private program. So, this means he gets dropped off there before school and they walk him to meet up with his class, and then after school lets out, they meet him there and walk him back to the program. At his program, he's offered a multitude of options including a homework club, a jewelry making club (he's in that one), a photography club (he's in that one too), dancing, outside play, movies, etc. Therefore, when the school is "off-track" (i.e. school isn't in session) and for the summer, the "before and after school" program is open all day. Unless it's a holiday, they are open. Therefore, we don't need to find care for him during his 6 week summer break, nor his month-long winter break, nor his month-long spring break.
However, I imagine other parents who for some reason do not have access to a program such as this must scramble every few months to find daytime care. Our local YMCA's and other various places offer some programming.
So there you have it, a simple primer on "Year Round Schooling 101".
6/10/2008
Not the end of school yet...
Sure, your kid may be staring at the last day of school but not mine.
That's what happens when you attend a "Year Round School". Foster doesn't finish up first grade until July 21st (yes, a Monday). Then he's off until Sept. 2nd when he goes back to school for second grade - Sept. 2nd is also the poor kid's birthday - what a bummer!
I kinda like the year round schedule, but it's a bit complicated to learn all the days that he's either "on-track" or "off-track". And around these parts there's really no rhyme or reason for which schools are "Year Round" or "Traditional". I mean the other elementary school less than a mile away is on a Traditional schedule. Weird.
And since he's been going to the same school since Kindergarten, he really doesn't know any better. To him, going to school until almost the end of July is typical. I do think they retain a bit more in the Year Round schools. But yes, it does seem to make for a shorter summer. And, as he gets older and more aware, he'll be realizing that other kids are "FREE" for summer - well, just about...now...
That's what happens when you attend a "Year Round School". Foster doesn't finish up first grade until July 21st (yes, a Monday). Then he's off until Sept. 2nd when he goes back to school for second grade - Sept. 2nd is also the poor kid's birthday - what a bummer!
I kinda like the year round schedule, but it's a bit complicated to learn all the days that he's either "on-track" or "off-track". And around these parts there's really no rhyme or reason for which schools are "Year Round" or "Traditional". I mean the other elementary school less than a mile away is on a Traditional schedule. Weird.
And since he's been going to the same school since Kindergarten, he really doesn't know any better. To him, going to school until almost the end of July is typical. I do think they retain a bit more in the Year Round schools. But yes, it does seem to make for a shorter summer. And, as he gets older and more aware, he'll be realizing that other kids are "FREE" for summer - well, just about...now...
6/02/2008
3rd Annual Blogging for Families Day
Yikers, it's almost midnite, and I came "thisclose" to missing the deadline. Whew - I think I'll get this in before the clock strikes 12.
I completed this task last year, so here goes it again.
Hmmmmm, Blogging for Families Day - sometimes I think that when I blog about my family that really, we are very similar to any other family raising kids. But then I remember our "family" is not the "Traditional" family and we worked really hard to get here. Thankfully, Laura and I haven't been negatively affected by the fact that we are a two-mom family. Our family doctors, teachers, co-workers, etc., they are all more than welcoming to us. I used to think I had to go into a situation (i.e. school or a Dr's appt.) with an arsenal of explanations for our family, but really, I don't. Now, I just go in and when I fill out forms for the kids I cross off "father" and put "mother". I don't make a big deal over it, it just is. And for the most part, it isn't a big deal. Foster's school had a few glitches and we worked with them to correct it (i.e. the "Mother" and "Father" thingie on the forms - I mean, seeing how now the divorce rate is about 50% there are tons of kids being raised by grandparents, single parents, etc. - I want to say "Get with the program" - so I did...;-))
Anyway, now I'm of the mindset that I just go into the situation and that our family is just as valued, just as normal, and just as perfect as any other family. I expect nothing short of complete acceptance. Why should I "settle" for anything less?? My kids deserve it, they deserve to know that they have 2 loving parents - regardless of their parent's sexual orientation. And now that CA has (so far) gone so far as to 'approve' gay marriage, we have another thing to think about.
Laura and I are registered domestic partners. She adopted the boys after I birthed them. Her name is on the birth certificate. She is mom. I'm mom. Clear and simple. Should something ever happen to me, there is not ONE. SINGLE. OTHER. person in this world I'd completely trust to raise our kids than her. NONE. NONE. NONE.
So, marriage. Hmmmm, a piece of paper, some legal documents, equal opportunities - a lifetime commitment. Yup. We gotta go there. I mean, this is our chance - we are lucky, VERY lucky to live in a state that recognizes our family as a legal unit. We have to go forward and be recognized. Other states need to get with the program. Our families are everywhere. We need to stand up and be counted and recognized. That's why we fight for our families. Why we put so much effort into making sure all our proverbial ducks are in a "straight" row (if you didn't get that pun, re-read it in the context of this post...). We do it to show our 3 boys that they mean the world to us and therefore we are fighting for their freedom in the future - should one, two or all three of them need the same protections that we are afforded. For us and all the other families out there.
Isn't that what it's all about?
Oh, and how can anyone resist 3 wee boys doing the Macarena (blast to the past eh?)
5/30/2008
5/28/2008
Music Video - Update - Getting There
The music video we were involved in a short while ago is still in the works (see post from April 13th if you need a refresher). Anyway, the video was released in Long Beach a few weeks ago, however we haven't yet seen it .
BUT, the album cover is about ready and here's a sneak preview (you can click on each one for a larger version):
Okay, in the first picture the singer is obviously Melange Lavonne who is the chic in the big picture in the blue shirt. Now it's hard to see but there are 3 "circle-y" shapes to the left of her picture. The top "circle" is me (sitting on the ground in the yellow shirt, drawing with chalk) and Foster is to left and Logan is to the right in that picture!!!
AND, in the middle "circle" is Laura and Foster on his bike (with the helmet) - Whohoo!!! We made the COVER!
The bottom shot also shows the backside of the video cover. In the bottom "circle-y" thing you can see us playing "tug-of-war" - that's me (Ivy) on the far left of the circle and Foster is in front of me.
Now, I just can't wait to see the entire video - soon!
BUT, the album cover is about ready and here's a sneak preview (you can click on each one for a larger version):
Okay, in the first picture the singer is obviously Melange Lavonne who is the chic in the big picture in the blue shirt. Now it's hard to see but there are 3 "circle-y" shapes to the left of her picture. The top "circle" is me (sitting on the ground in the yellow shirt, drawing with chalk) and Foster is to left and Logan is to the right in that picture!!!
AND, in the middle "circle" is Laura and Foster on his bike (with the helmet) - Whohoo!!! We made the COVER!
The bottom shot also shows the backside of the video cover. In the bottom "circle-y" thing you can see us playing "tug-of-war" - that's me (Ivy) on the far left of the circle and Foster is in front of me.
Now, I just can't wait to see the entire video - soon!
5/25/2008
NO...
...no, I'm so not pregnant...
...no, Laura and I are so NOT breaking up - we are ROCK solid...
...no, nobody died...
...Thanks for your concern, everything always works out for the better in the end...
...no, Laura and I are so NOT breaking up - we are ROCK solid...
...no, nobody died...
...Thanks for your concern, everything always works out for the better in the end...
5/19/2008
Things are quiet so far...
I know I haven't posted much, lots going on but I need to wait a bit.
You'll see....
It will all be okay in the end....
;-)
You'll see....
It will all be okay in the end....
;-)
5/06/2008
Good Grief - My Mind is Mush
So, Logan and Seth's birthday is July 15th. We've been thinking about what to do, where to do it, etc. We were thinking that if we're in our new house (with a pool) that we can have maybe a combo. housewarming/birthday/pool party deal.
So, I've been thinking about the invitation. I was going to try to make it myself on the computer. I was tossing about some "headings". I was trying to find something that was catchy and that rhymed. I was so proud of myself when I came up with:
"Baby A and Baby B are turning THREE"
Sounds good eh?
Well, except for the fact that they are turning FOUR.
Yeah, details and all that.
So, I've been thinking about the invitation. I was going to try to make it myself on the computer. I was tossing about some "headings". I was trying to find something that was catchy and that rhymed. I was so proud of myself when I came up with:
"Baby A and Baby B are turning THREE"
Sounds good eh?
Well, except for the fact that they are turning FOUR.
Yeah, details and all that.
5/04/2008
We've got ourselves a new HOUSE!
We're moving to "Holland" - more on that later!
Yup, and a pool AND hot-tub too...
Yup, and a pool AND hot-tub too...
5/03/2008
Placed our offer on a house...
...hope to find out tomorrow if it's accepted - if so, we should be swimming in our new pool before July....
NO details just yet - superstition and all that.
NO details just yet - superstition and all that.
5/02/2008
Counter offer accepted - HELLO Escrow!!
We're in! Off to search out some homes tomorrow!
Yikers!
More details later, and YES, we have a few places in mind...
Yikers!
More details later, and YES, we have a few places in mind...
5/01/2008
4/29/2008
Okay, Okay...
The music video on Saturday was a complete BLAST!!!!
We all had the "bestest" time - I can't wait to tell you all about it.
I'll be posting some pic's soon - when I have time to go thru them.
No, not sure when the video is coming out but it's premiere will be in San Diego!!! Yay!!! We will DEFINITELY be going...
What an amazing experience.
We all had the "bestest" time - I can't wait to tell you all about it.
I'll be posting some pic's soon - when I have time to go thru them.
No, not sure when the video is coming out but it's premiere will be in San Diego!!! Yay!!! We will DEFINITELY be going...
What an amazing experience.
4/22/2008
Before and After
Living Room Before (icky couch, old)
New and Improved Living Room (leather couches, separate chair not shown (in storage until we move) and lamps. Yay!
New and Improved Living Room (leather couches, separate chair not shown (in storage until we move) and lamps. Yay!
4/20/2008
4/13/2008
Music Video
I'm so excited to share this - this is the music video we are going to be a part of in a few weeks. It's filming in Long Beach. The artist is Melange Lavonne, and I admit I've never heard of her before. Apparently she's an awesome hip-hop singer making the rounds at lots of Gay Prides.
Anyway, let's try this, click on this link below
Gay Parenting by Melange Lavonne
It will open up in a new window but you can then click back here to read along (you gotta read the lyrics, it's quite empowering) - remember, this is yet to be filmed - we will be at the park (mentioned by the little boy in the very beginning) having a picnic, etc. We aren't getting paid but the exposure will be fun, and we get "credit" (names) on the video. It should be shown at Prides this year and on LOGO and other music stations. So, who knows? You never know who may be listening and watching...
Lyrics:
Attached you will find the lyrics and the music for "I've Got You"-
Thank You
Camrin Pitts
I’ve Got You
Duration of Time: 4:32 minutes
- (little boy and mom)
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Verse:
You aint even here yet and I’m preparing myself yo
I’m trying to give you the best like love and health so
I’m doing everything that I can, even though they keep telling me raising kids needs a woman and man,
but I met your other momma that’s the love of my life
and I got down on one knee and made her my wife
and we both wanted kids so we made it a plan
I gave up the two seater and I bought me a van, yo
society don’t think that I can raise you right
but when it comes down to it you're my ray of sunshine
and I'll stay up all night if I have to till you go to sleep you and me reciting nursery rhymes
cant wait to see you smile and you wiggle your toes
and us tryna make you laugh when we tickle your nose
I wrote this song just to let you know
that you got two loving parents in your life watching you grow
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Verse 2
The most meaningful event was to witness your birth
I use to be self absorbed now I’m putting you first
cause when I had you, my entire life changed
I grew as an adult and responsible I became
put thought in my decisions and the choices I made to benefit you in good and positive ways
cause I know you deserve the best
I use to spend money now when I get it all I do is invest
so you can go to college and be as great as you can
accomplish all your dreams as a young woman or man
but until then help you get an awesome education
and make sure you're the proper age when you start dating
I'll love you regardless of the things you do
and I will pick you up if you should ever fall down
I'll do the best I can do to help you through
for my son or daughter, yes! I will be around
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
They say gays shouldn’t be allowed to raise any kids
if they put that much energy in something like this
imagine if they turned it around and protected a kid who got beat down by his father connecting the hits
or the parents spending money on booze
buying drugs to support their habit when the baby aint got no shoes
Parents throwing new born babies in the trash
their are some straight parents who should not be moms or dads
so don’t tell me I’m immoral cause I’m doing it still
your opinion not between my kid, me or my wife
you need to take a good look at your own parenting skills
and tell your own kid to put down that gun or the knife
I'm not saying I might be a better parent than you
what I’m saying is I am a better parent than you
so all the parents out there bringing joy in their home
I want you to know to you I'm dedicating this song
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Mélange Lavonne
Anyway, let's try this, click on this link below
Gay Parenting by Melange Lavonne
It will open up in a new window but you can then click back here to read along (you gotta read the lyrics, it's quite empowering) - remember, this is yet to be filmed - we will be at the park (mentioned by the little boy in the very beginning) having a picnic, etc. We aren't getting paid but the exposure will be fun, and we get "credit" (names) on the video. It should be shown at Prides this year and on LOGO and other music stations. So, who knows? You never know who may be listening and watching...
Lyrics:
Attached you will find the lyrics and the music for "I've Got You"-
Thank You
Camrin Pitts
I’ve Got You
Duration of Time: 4:32 minutes
- (little boy and mom)
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Verse:
You aint even here yet and I’m preparing myself yo
I’m trying to give you the best like love and health so
I’m doing everything that I can, even though they keep telling me raising kids needs a woman and man,
but I met your other momma that’s the love of my life
and I got down on one knee and made her my wife
and we both wanted kids so we made it a plan
I gave up the two seater and I bought me a van, yo
society don’t think that I can raise you right
but when it comes down to it you're my ray of sunshine
and I'll stay up all night if I have to till you go to sleep you and me reciting nursery rhymes
cant wait to see you smile and you wiggle your toes
and us tryna make you laugh when we tickle your nose
I wrote this song just to let you know
that you got two loving parents in your life watching you grow
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Verse 2
The most meaningful event was to witness your birth
I use to be self absorbed now I’m putting you first
cause when I had you, my entire life changed
I grew as an adult and responsible I became
put thought in my decisions and the choices I made to benefit you in good and positive ways
cause I know you deserve the best
I use to spend money now when I get it all I do is invest
so you can go to college and be as great as you can
accomplish all your dreams as a young woman or man
but until then help you get an awesome education
and make sure you're the proper age when you start dating
I'll love you regardless of the things you do
and I will pick you up if you should ever fall down
I'll do the best I can do to help you through
for my son or daughter, yes! I will be around
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
They say gays shouldn’t be allowed to raise any kids
if they put that much energy in something like this
imagine if they turned it around and protected a kid who got beat down by his father connecting the hits
or the parents spending money on booze
buying drugs to support their habit when the baby aint got no shoes
Parents throwing new born babies in the trash
their are some straight parents who should not be moms or dads
so don’t tell me I’m immoral cause I’m doing it still
your opinion not between my kid, me or my wife
you need to take a good look at your own parenting skills
and tell your own kid to put down that gun or the knife
I'm not saying I might be a better parent than you
what I’m saying is I am a better parent than you
so all the parents out there bringing joy in their home
I want you to know to you I'm dedicating this song
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Hook:
You’ll face discrimination but I got you
and some people gone be hating but I got you
and take in education that I taught you
hope to set a foundation that I go through
Mélange Lavonne
4/04/2008
Because one thing always leads to another...
So we had the new carpet put down and OMG, what a difference! I love it! The new carpet is so soft and well-padded --- and CLEAN!!!
So, now of course we needed to get rid of our coffee-table which actually was the kids' train table. We've lived with a train table as our coffee-table for about 4 years and we were done. The kids didn't use it anymore as a true train table, just a place to play on and store toys underneath.
Hello CraigsList - it sold in a few hours.
Hello Ikea - and Hello new coffee-table and side tables. Wow. Looks great.
Now, we need (want) a new sofa and loveseat. Our current one is about 10 years old and after 3 kids, it's DONE as well. And frankly, it looks more crappy now with the brand new carpet.
So, we're going shopping tomorrow for some new furniture.
And the house goes back on the market in a few weeks so we've gotten rid of lots of stuff and moved some furniture around. Laura's fixing up the backyard on Monday, new plants, new bark, etc. With all this fixing up I won't want to move.
No, really we do. We want our POOL!
So, now of course we needed to get rid of our coffee-table which actually was the kids' train table. We've lived with a train table as our coffee-table for about 4 years and we were done. The kids didn't use it anymore as a true train table, just a place to play on and store toys underneath.
Hello CraigsList - it sold in a few hours.
Hello Ikea - and Hello new coffee-table and side tables. Wow. Looks great.
Now, we need (want) a new sofa and loveseat. Our current one is about 10 years old and after 3 kids, it's DONE as well. And frankly, it looks more crappy now with the brand new carpet.
So, we're going shopping tomorrow for some new furniture.
And the house goes back on the market in a few weeks so we've gotten rid of lots of stuff and moved some furniture around. Laura's fixing up the backyard on Monday, new plants, new bark, etc. With all this fixing up I won't want to move.
No, really we do. We want our POOL!
3/31/2008
Exciting NEWS!
We've been selected as a "REAL" LGBT family to appear in a real-live music video!
It's filming in Long Beach at the end of April. Altho it's not a paid appearance, it will be shown on LOGO and at many Pride festivals this year and other music TV shows.
More details to come (it's not 100% finalized yet) but I'm sooooooo excited for this chance!
;-)
It's filming in Long Beach at the end of April. Altho it's not a paid appearance, it will be shown on LOGO and at many Pride festivals this year and other music TV shows.
More details to come (it's not 100% finalized yet) but I'm sooooooo excited for this chance!
;-)
3/30/2008
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Update coming soon!
But tomorrow is holiday for ME (and Laura is taking off too) - so that means MASSAGE and spa day!
Yay!
But tomorrow is holiday for ME (and Laura is taking off too) - so that means MASSAGE and spa day!
Yay!
3/19/2008
5 Years
So I was home later this morning than usual as I had an endodontist appt. (to re-do a root canal - so not fun) when I had the tv on.
5 years.
It's been five years since the war in Iraq started.
Now, I haven't gotten on my soapbox here on the blog about politics - other than my handy-dandy countdown ticker to when "you know who" is OUT of office.
But I remember it clearly. It was after work, I was home - I was watching tv and went to the bathroom. When I came back a few minutes later - the war had started. Just like that. "Shock and Awe". Unbelievable. How horrible. How UNhuman.
So, this morning, I had the tv on - and heard "We interrupt this programming to bring you this "Breaking News"". Bush was giving his speech. The one I'm sure he didn't write - and I could only watch a few minutes before I was so disgusted with this man, I had to change channels. More than 4,000 men and women, moms and dads are dead (not to mention the countless Iraqis) -
and we as a nation are more interested in what governor is having sex with who?
Personally - I could NOT care less about the sex-lives of our so-called leaders. Sure, Clinton got laid and Spitzer paid - but really,
4,000 dead.
That's what I care about.
Canada is looking better all the time.
5 years.
It's been five years since the war in Iraq started.
Now, I haven't gotten on my soapbox here on the blog about politics - other than my handy-dandy countdown ticker to when "you know who" is OUT of office.
But I remember it clearly. It was after work, I was home - I was watching tv and went to the bathroom. When I came back a few minutes later - the war had started. Just like that. "Shock and Awe". Unbelievable. How horrible. How UNhuman.
So, this morning, I had the tv on - and heard "We interrupt this programming to bring you this "Breaking News"". Bush was giving his speech. The one I'm sure he didn't write - and I could only watch a few minutes before I was so disgusted with this man, I had to change channels. More than 4,000 men and women, moms and dads are dead (not to mention the countless Iraqis) -
and we as a nation are more interested in what governor is having sex with who?
Personally - I could NOT care less about the sex-lives of our so-called leaders. Sure, Clinton got laid and Spitzer paid - but really,
4,000 dead.
That's what I care about.
Canada is looking better all the time.
3/17/2008
3/11/2008
Zoo and Crack
First off – the Zoo was very fun. The kids had a really good time and the highlight of the trip was the “Skyride”. We took the double-decker bus ride around the Zoo – that was fun, mostly for Foster who was tall enough to see things. I sat with Logan and Laura had Seth and Foster. Logan was most interested in the little girl across the aisle and the tractors…yeah; nothing says San Diego Zoo like a tractor. Anyway, it was a fun day; we were all quite tired by the end of the day. I particularly enjoyed the apes, monkeys, etc.; maybe they remind me of my own kids? Hmmmmmmm.
CRACK.
No, not the drug.
Our slab/foundation.
Yup.
Fun times.
Turns out that the ridge in the carpet in the hallway wasn’t really “bunched up carpet padding” like we had hoped (I think we were in denial). Turned out to be a sizable crack that ran the length of the hallway and thru Logan and Seth’s room – it seemed to follow a path that led to a tree outside. Bye-bye tree. :-(
So, yesterday, our condo. association came in and fixed the crack. They completed the project in one day. The carpet had to be pulled back and stay that way for at least a day. That meant that Logan and Seth got to have a sleep-over in Foster’s room. That was fun for the first 25 minutes – then the noise-level increased and my tolerance decreased. With the recent time-change (don’t get me started), I’ve felt “off” and the kids seemed to be a bit off as well. We certainly haven’t adjusted quite yet.
Anyway, the pictures below look worse than it is. The first one (of the hallway) looks terrible, as if there was ugly mold or something – it’s really just some glue and leftover padding and hallway lighting. The picture below that is the twins’ room. Then the last one is the infamous “sleep-over”.
CRACK.
No, not the drug.
Our slab/foundation.
Yup.
Fun times.
Turns out that the ridge in the carpet in the hallway wasn’t really “bunched up carpet padding” like we had hoped (I think we were in denial). Turned out to be a sizable crack that ran the length of the hallway and thru Logan and Seth’s room – it seemed to follow a path that led to a tree outside. Bye-bye tree. :-(
So, yesterday, our condo. association came in and fixed the crack. They completed the project in one day. The carpet had to be pulled back and stay that way for at least a day. That meant that Logan and Seth got to have a sleep-over in Foster’s room. That was fun for the first 25 minutes – then the noise-level increased and my tolerance decreased. With the recent time-change (don’t get me started), I’ve felt “off” and the kids seemed to be a bit off as well. We certainly haven’t adjusted quite yet.
Anyway, the pictures below look worse than it is. The first one (of the hallway) looks terrible, as if there was ugly mold or something – it’s really just some glue and leftover padding and hallway lighting. The picture below that is the twins’ room. Then the last one is the infamous “sleep-over”.
So, we had taken the house off the market when this all began. Now we’ve decided to get new carpet in the living room and the hallway (the bedrooms really aren’t that bad) because, well you do the math – 10 year-old carpet + 3 kids + 2 adults = ick. We really needed new carpet. I’d prefer wood/laminate but since we’re still proceeding to put the house on the market again, I’d prefer NOT to invest a huge chunk of cash into something that we’d probably not realize in the end. Therefore, I’ll now be able to enjoy fresh, new, CLEAN carpet for a while. Guess that’s the good news on that. New carpet should go in in a few weeks. Then the house goes back on the market. I hope that with the new carpet (and better vibes from the floor) – we’ll sell quickly. It’s funny, it seems that every time we turn around, houses are being foreclosed – people are being forced to down-size. We want/need the opposite. We need to up-size (is that a word?) and luckily have no issues with not affording our home. I just wish we could snap up a few of those great homes we keep seeing for sale. Yes, this is truly a buyer’s market, but when you have to sell first in order to buy, it just kind of cancels each other out.
Wish us luck!
3/05/2008
You know your 6 year old is growing up when...
...I can tell him to go get the trash can at the end of the driveway...
...and he does.
Cool.
It's the little things.
I know it's time for an update but yet again, it's after 11:00pm and seeing that I have "staff meeting" tomorrow - I had better get some sleep. Yawn.
I also have an afternoon meeting (2 hours) about retirement benefits - well, it's fun to dream about it.
What else - we're probably going to head out to the Zoo on Saturday. It's funny, we're members yet we hardly ever go. And it's really in our own backyard - one of the world's most famous Zoo's right here, and we never seem to take advantage of it. In fact, I hardly ever think to go there. Usually we go when we have out of town guests - you know, to show it off - but hardly for our own benefit - just for "fun". We have no agenda but to have fun. No rushing around. Just the family at the Zoo. If we want to sit and stare at the chimps for an hour, so be it. I think I'll let the kids decide what they want to see. Maybe have each select an area they are interested in. Being that Foster has suddenly taking a liking to all things map-related, we have a copy of the Zoo map - I think we'll look at it Friday night and talk about what there is to see.
Foster is actually excited to go. I wasn't sure he would be but he is. Cool.
Next post will be all about "crack".
Stay tuned...
...and he does.
Cool.
It's the little things.
I know it's time for an update but yet again, it's after 11:00pm and seeing that I have "staff meeting" tomorrow - I had better get some sleep. Yawn.
I also have an afternoon meeting (2 hours) about retirement benefits - well, it's fun to dream about it.
What else - we're probably going to head out to the Zoo on Saturday. It's funny, we're members yet we hardly ever go. And it's really in our own backyard - one of the world's most famous Zoo's right here, and we never seem to take advantage of it. In fact, I hardly ever think to go there. Usually we go when we have out of town guests - you know, to show it off - but hardly for our own benefit - just for "fun". We have no agenda but to have fun. No rushing around. Just the family at the Zoo. If we want to sit and stare at the chimps for an hour, so be it. I think I'll let the kids decide what they want to see. Maybe have each select an area they are interested in. Being that Foster has suddenly taking a liking to all things map-related, we have a copy of the Zoo map - I think we'll look at it Friday night and talk about what there is to see.
Foster is actually excited to go. I wasn't sure he would be but he is. Cool.
Next post will be all about "crack".
Stay tuned...
2/27/2008
2/20/2008
Top 3 "Cops" moments...
"Cops" as in the tv show, not the real-life people (who have nothing better than to hang out on Maya Linda Road giving out speeding tickets to people going 28 in a 25 m.p.h. - just saying...).
Anyway, when nothing else on tv satisfies, or Laura and I really need to de-compress, we put on Cops. Most of the time we can find an episode or two (or three or four if we're bored). Now, some of the people they show on it are well, stupid. I mean really...if you're driving while drunk, your ass should NOT be behind a wheel.
Then there are the real winners - and we now have our top 3:
#1 (my favorite) - the cops pull over some guy for some infraction (don't remember what). As they are searching him they find drugs in his pants pocket. He "claims" that "they ain't my drugs". Well, cop #1 says "Well, they're in your pants", so dumb guy "claims" "they ain't my pants!". Oy. Idiot.
#2 (second favorite) - middle class-looking white guy gets pulled over for driving late at night in a well, not very nice part of town. Turns out he had his license suspended for DUI (I think) and he was only able to drive to and from work - ONLY. This was like 11:00 pm, 6 hours after he left work. He claimed he was delivering paperwork to his office. Yeah, right. Cops ask him to step out of the car - and upon searching said car they find some packets of drugs shoved into the side of his seat. Guy claims - "Hey, how did that get there?" Cops also find drugs in his ashtray which he claims "aren't his". His answer though to the drugs shoved into the seat corner...he said (and no, I'm not making this up), he was driving around (you know, after delivering paperwork to his office...) and his windows were down - and then wouldn't you know it, he stated "Some black guy on a bike rode up next to my car and just threw those drugs into my car!" That is idiot #2 - altho I keep driving past the bank with my windows down, you know, in case someone wants to throw some $20's in my car...
#3 (third favorite) - cops pull up to obviously drunk guy walking along the street. He stumbles a bit and cops ask him if he's okay, because you know, he's STUMBLING around. He stated he "didn't trip, he stepped in a gopher hole" - yeah, on the asphalt roadway. Idiot # 3.
Well, it's a fun show to watch nonetheless.
Anyway, when nothing else on tv satisfies, or Laura and I really need to de-compress, we put on Cops. Most of the time we can find an episode or two (or three or four if we're bored). Now, some of the people they show on it are well, stupid. I mean really...if you're driving while drunk, your ass should NOT be behind a wheel.
Then there are the real winners - and we now have our top 3:
#1 (my favorite) - the cops pull over some guy for some infraction (don't remember what). As they are searching him they find drugs in his pants pocket. He "claims" that "they ain't my drugs". Well, cop #1 says "Well, they're in your pants", so dumb guy "claims" "they ain't my pants!". Oy. Idiot.
#2 (second favorite) - middle class-looking white guy gets pulled over for driving late at night in a well, not very nice part of town. Turns out he had his license suspended for DUI (I think) and he was only able to drive to and from work - ONLY. This was like 11:00 pm, 6 hours after he left work. He claimed he was delivering paperwork to his office. Yeah, right. Cops ask him to step out of the car - and upon searching said car they find some packets of drugs shoved into the side of his seat. Guy claims - "Hey, how did that get there?" Cops also find drugs in his ashtray which he claims "aren't his". His answer though to the drugs shoved into the seat corner...he said (and no, I'm not making this up), he was driving around (you know, after delivering paperwork to his office...) and his windows were down - and then wouldn't you know it, he stated "Some black guy on a bike rode up next to my car and just threw those drugs into my car!" That is idiot #2 - altho I keep driving past the bank with my windows down, you know, in case someone wants to throw some $20's in my car...
#3 (third favorite) - cops pull up to obviously drunk guy walking along the street. He stumbles a bit and cops ask him if he's okay, because you know, he's STUMBLING around. He stated he "didn't trip, he stepped in a gopher hole" - yeah, on the asphalt roadway. Idiot # 3.
Well, it's a fun show to watch nonetheless.
2/17/2008
Yet another item to cross off my sidebar
We went to see and play in the snow today. First time for the kids - they had such a blast! Just about an hour away we arrived at Mt. Laguna.
Click HERE to view all the fun!
Also, 3 very, VERY short clips of the fun. Sorry, tilt your head to the left, I forgot to turn the camera around - duh!
Click HERE to view all the fun!
Also, 3 very, VERY short clips of the fun. Sorry, tilt your head to the left, I forgot to turn the camera around - duh!
2/10/2008
One item to cross off my sidebar...
Well, not exactly "cross off" since I just deleted it. A few weeks ago, Laura and I took Foster to see "The Daddy Machine" at Diversionary Theater here in San Diego. We made it a special "date" night with the boy. Logan and Seth stayed home with a sitter.
We took Foster out to dinner first at one of our favorite spots Crest Cafe - very fun!
We arrived at the theater, while Laura was parking the car, Foster and I picked up our tickets and he handed in his coloring page that they hung up.
The play was cute. But the very, very best part was just peeking over at Foster's face as he watched the "real live" play. It made me so happy to see him so enthralled.
All in all a very successful outing for the boy and his moms.
We took Foster out to dinner first at one of our favorite spots Crest Cafe - very fun!
We arrived at the theater, while Laura was parking the car, Foster and I picked up our tickets and he handed in his coloring page that they hung up.
The play was cute. But the very, very best part was just peeking over at Foster's face as he watched the "real live" play. It made me so happy to see him so enthralled.
All in all a very successful outing for the boy and his moms.
2/06/2008
"I am a ROBOT"
It's been raining quite heavily here in southern CA and for the very first time in my kids' lives, it was actually wet enough to take a "Rain Walk" and go splash in the puddles. I'll post some individaul pictures later on but this is too funny, that's Logan in the front saying "I am a ROBOT" and Seth following him. And yes, big brother decided to lay down IN the puddle. That's okay, nothing a few loads of laundry and a hot shower couldn't take care of.
2/03/2008
What did you have for dinner?
Laura (the COOK) made fresh grilled thresher shark - seasoned with sesame oil, lemon and lime juice, brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce - topped with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Also, grilled fresh zucchini, grilled fresh-sliced pineapple and citrus rice.
YUMMY!
Wanna come over for dinner?
2/02/2008
Without even trying, I’ve actually answered some of my “placeholder” comments/topics from 1/4/08. Hmmmmm, covered Laura’s birthday and dinner, Foster’s school break – and the bed. The BED.
Love it. It’s a bit higher than our old waterbed but OMG, the storage! It has one of those openings at the foot of the bed that goes clear thru to the head of the bed. You know, for your skis, your surfboard, a small child (did I just say that? Just kidding). Since we have no skis or surfboards (but we do have 3 small children) we’ve elected to store extra blankets, pillows, etc. there. Then each side of the bed has 3 very deep drawers. Our old bed had two drawers on each side that were about half as deep as these. Needless to say, I’m slowly filling them up, and with Seth’s help last night we filled one and a half. And good thing he didn’t question what he was “helping” me put in there ‘cause they were, ummmm, of the “feminine nature”. There is also storage in the headboard. Gotta love storage – I mean where else would be put all our crap? Yeah, this still doesn’t change the fact that I have to purge some crap but at least it’s not in my closet anymore.
So, just some after pictures – we sold the waterbed and comforters on CraigsList. Excellent. And thanks to my wonderful partner’s excellent financial expertise and savings, the bed is paid for – and I tell ya, it wasn’t cheap (read more than $1300) – crazy how much we spent for our “sleeping system” including the Tempur-Pedic mattress – which was almost as expensive as the bed. But, I would never, ever go back to an inner-spring mattress and boxspirng. I highly recommend the Tempur-Pedic mattress, and no, I’m not working for them.
So there you have it. Bed – triple love it!
Love it. It’s a bit higher than our old waterbed but OMG, the storage! It has one of those openings at the foot of the bed that goes clear thru to the head of the bed. You know, for your skis, your surfboard, a small child (did I just say that? Just kidding). Since we have no skis or surfboards (but we do have 3 small children) we’ve elected to store extra blankets, pillows, etc. there. Then each side of the bed has 3 very deep drawers. Our old bed had two drawers on each side that were about half as deep as these. Needless to say, I’m slowly filling them up, and with Seth’s help last night we filled one and a half. And good thing he didn’t question what he was “helping” me put in there ‘cause they were, ummmm, of the “feminine nature”. There is also storage in the headboard. Gotta love storage – I mean where else would be put all our crap? Yeah, this still doesn’t change the fact that I have to purge some crap but at least it’s not in my closet anymore.
So, just some after pictures – we sold the waterbed and comforters on CraigsList. Excellent. And thanks to my wonderful partner’s excellent financial expertise and savings, the bed is paid for – and I tell ya, it wasn’t cheap (read more than $1300) – crazy how much we spent for our “sleeping system” including the Tempur-Pedic mattress – which was almost as expensive as the bed. But, I would never, ever go back to an inner-spring mattress and boxspirng. I highly recommend the Tempur-Pedic mattress, and no, I’m not working for them.
So there you have it. Bed – triple love it!
1/21/2008
Has anybody seen my routine?
'Cause I think I've misplaced it for the past, oh, FOUR weeks...
Foster has been on 'winter break' for FOUR weeks. School starts up again tomorrow. The poor boy won't know what hit him.
He goes to a "Year-Round School". Which, in theory, I love, but man, these breaks are killers! It's not like he has no place to go - let's see...over the past 4 weeks at his day program (the same "before and after" school program has been open full days during break) - he's gone to the Zoo, ice-skating and the movies. The walking trip to the bookstore was cancelled due to rain and he elected not to go to the pizza restaurant for lunch (strange child). This is not to mention the "PNO" (Parents Night Out) where he got to stay 'til 11pm and watch movies and eat crap. Oh wait, that was fun for us as well...
Anyway, what I was getting at was that during the school year when he's in school regular days, my days are a bit easier. I know what to expect (almost) at school. My new work hours will have me off work at 4:00pm and picking him up by 4:15. That will give us an hour to work on homework before Logan and Seth come home. During breaks, we try to do "homework" but nothing really beats the stuff that the teacher sends home. I look forward to him having his regular days back - and papers home, projects to do, fund-raisings to partake him, and oh yeah, PTA meetings.
So, tomorrow it is, first day back.
Yay!
Oh - about the year-round school deal - for those of you who don't understand it - well, sometimes neither do I honestly. The school across the street can be on a "Traditional" schedule and ours is on a "Year-round" schedule. This also means that when the Traditional schools are out for summer, my kid continues on, until almost the end of July. Then he gets 6 weeks off for summer break, vs. the 11 weeks the Traditional kids get. I honestly believe that it's a good system. I think they retain more knowledge, esp. over the summer. I mean 11 weeks seems like a very looooooong time. I can do okay with 6 weeks.
But, still looking forward to tomorrow - new backpack and all.
Foster has been on 'winter break' for FOUR weeks. School starts up again tomorrow. The poor boy won't know what hit him.
He goes to a "Year-Round School". Which, in theory, I love, but man, these breaks are killers! It's not like he has no place to go - let's see...over the past 4 weeks at his day program (the same "before and after" school program has been open full days during break) - he's gone to the Zoo, ice-skating and the movies. The walking trip to the bookstore was cancelled due to rain and he elected not to go to the pizza restaurant for lunch (strange child). This is not to mention the "PNO" (Parents Night Out) where he got to stay 'til 11pm and watch movies and eat crap. Oh wait, that was fun for us as well...
Anyway, what I was getting at was that during the school year when he's in school regular days, my days are a bit easier. I know what to expect (almost) at school. My new work hours will have me off work at 4:00pm and picking him up by 4:15. That will give us an hour to work on homework before Logan and Seth come home. During breaks, we try to do "homework" but nothing really beats the stuff that the teacher sends home. I look forward to him having his regular days back - and papers home, projects to do, fund-raisings to partake him, and oh yeah, PTA meetings.
So, tomorrow it is, first day back.
Yay!
Oh - about the year-round school deal - for those of you who don't understand it - well, sometimes neither do I honestly. The school across the street can be on a "Traditional" schedule and ours is on a "Year-round" schedule. This also means that when the Traditional schools are out for summer, my kid continues on, until almost the end of July. Then he gets 6 weeks off for summer break, vs. the 11 weeks the Traditional kids get. I honestly believe that it's a good system. I think they retain more knowledge, esp. over the summer. I mean 11 weeks seems like a very looooooong time. I can do okay with 6 weeks.
But, still looking forward to tomorrow - new backpack and all.
1/20/2008
Cruise Fund AND Bed Fund
My, aren't we a "fun" family around here, setting up all our "funds".
Well, on the "yay" front, we did receive the $200.00 for Logan's clinical trial in the excema study. That money got plunked right into our bed fund. Buy hey, who am I to disregard $200? AND, we did get some answers to Logan's excema and an Rx too.
Tuesday is B-Day - no not a birthday, Bed Day - boy, I really need to get out more...
I can't wait.
Not that sleeping on our Tempur-Pedic on the floor is uncomfortable, it's not. I just hate getting up in the morning, uggggg, that first morning rise. 10" off the floor. Well, Tuesday it is. Just one more night on the floor.
I'm also totally looking forward to all the storage the bed has. In the meantime, all the junk that was in the storage under the waterbed is taking up much valued real estate in my closet. I want it out and under the bed where it belongs!
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - which means that even though Foster still isn't back at school (year-round school, they are STILL freakin' out on Winter Break - well 'til Tuesday), his before and after school program is open all day, so he's going there. Our wonderful neighbor/daycare provider is open so Logan and Seth are going there. Both Laura and I have off of work, sooooo, guess where we're going?
Yup.
Costco.
We know how to live it up I tell ya.
Well, okay, we are going out for breakfast...
Well, on the "yay" front, we did receive the $200.00 for Logan's clinical trial in the excema study. That money got plunked right into our bed fund. Buy hey, who am I to disregard $200? AND, we did get some answers to Logan's excema and an Rx too.
Tuesday is B-Day - no not a birthday, Bed Day - boy, I really need to get out more...
I can't wait.
Not that sleeping on our Tempur-Pedic on the floor is uncomfortable, it's not. I just hate getting up in the morning, uggggg, that first morning rise. 10" off the floor. Well, Tuesday it is. Just one more night on the floor.
I'm also totally looking forward to all the storage the bed has. In the meantime, all the junk that was in the storage under the waterbed is taking up much valued real estate in my closet. I want it out and under the bed where it belongs!
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - which means that even though Foster still isn't back at school (year-round school, they are STILL freakin' out on Winter Break - well 'til Tuesday), his before and after school program is open all day, so he's going there. Our wonderful neighbor/daycare provider is open so Logan and Seth are going there. Both Laura and I have off of work, sooooo, guess where we're going?
Yup.
Costco.
We know how to live it up I tell ya.
Well, okay, we are going out for breakfast...
1/19/2008
Where did my "babies" go?
This one has Seth on the left and Logan on the right
This one has Logan on the left and Seth on the right
This one has Logan on the left and Seth on the right
1/16/2008
Where can I find some snow?
My 6 y.o. is desperately seeking snow. The real stuff, not the fake, icy stuff they spray on the ground at the Wild Animal Park but real, falling from the sky snow.
Don't mean to brag (hahahahahaha) but I'm not evening wearing a jacket during the day - kinda nice on a daily basis not having to worry about having a jacket but kinda worrisome on a global level.
Anyway, short of going to a ski resort, any ideas where to find snow that's not more than a few hours drive from Southern CA?? We just want to play around for a bit and then come home to our warm neighborhood.
Don't mean to brag (hahahahahaha) but I'm not evening wearing a jacket during the day - kinda nice on a daily basis not having to worry about having a jacket but kinda worrisome on a global level.
Anyway, short of going to a ski resort, any ideas where to find snow that's not more than a few hours drive from Southern CA?? We just want to play around for a bit and then come home to our warm neighborhood.
1/14/2008
Laura’s Birthday and Beds
We (me, Laura and my mom) celebrated Laura’s birthday by going out to dinner the weekend before her actual birthday (1/8) since my mom was leaving the next day to fly back to NY. Anyway, it was so great – wonderful food and company – and the kids stayed home with a sitter so it was even more enjoyable. We went to a place on Coronado and after dinner we all walked over to the Hotel Del Coronado to see the Christmas tree (they always put a huge one up in the lobby) but alas, we were a few days late and the tree was gone. No matter, we walked around a bit, perused the gift shop and studied all the old photos lining the hallways. After, we went home to houseful of sleeping kiddies (yay!).
Then on Laura’s actual birthday, I became the world’s worst partner when I actually forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday...:-(
What was I thinking?? I’m an idiot. That night, all night long, I had, ummm, intestinal issues and every time I woke up during the night (about 8 times) I thought to myself, “Hey, tomorrow (or today (depending on the time I woke up, i.e. 2am, 3am, 4am)) is Laura’s birthday!” Then wouldn’t you know it, I just forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday that morning. Well, I’m still pissed at myself so I tried to make it (partially) up to her by baking a cake when I got home. Only thing, I couldn’t find the cake mix in the kitchen and had to wait ‘til she got home to bake it – which I did, Foster helping. Just as an aside, the same way I’m horrible with directions, I’m horrible about finding my way around the kitchen. I think I blogged about that before, but I highly dislike cooking or making much in the kitchen. Anyway, so although the cake was great, getting there wasn’t. So somebody, please just give me my award (ha!) and we’ll be done with that.
Beds. Yay! We will soon have a new bed. Our waterbed bit the proverbial dust, it was time though, it was about 15 years old. I sold in on Craigslist in about 4 hours. We have a super-comfy Tempur-Pedic mattress and soon (hopefully by this weekend) our new bed frame will arrive. It’s got great storage underneath and in the headboard. We needed a platform frame since we don’t have (or need) a box spring. We also wanted (needed!) storage under the bed, especially since we got so used to it with the waterbed. Do you know how hard it is to find a Cal-King Platform bed frame? Yeah, me neither. We started off at Ikea and went to dozens of places near and far. But on a rainy Saturday we tried one last place just a few miles from us and wouldn’t you know it? There it was. It was love at first sight. Perfect. I’ll take pictures when we get it. So, of course since we were getting a new bed, that meant we “needed” a new bedspread (well actually we really did, since although our mattress is a Cal-King, with the waterbed frame, we only needed a Queen-sized spread but now with the new bed, we really need the correct size), so we got that. Oh and new sheets (didn’t need those but they were cheap and I just love the “t-shirt” sheets). So, now, we are pretending to be college students and our mattress is on the floor. But with the Tempur-Pedic mattress, you can’t tell the difference – it feels the same whether on the floor or in a bed frame. But – I certainly feel the difference getting out of said mattress first thing in the morning since we’re now only 10” off the floor…
Guess that’s enough of an update for now.
More soon…
Then on Laura’s actual birthday, I became the world’s worst partner when I actually forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday...:-(
What was I thinking?? I’m an idiot. That night, all night long, I had, ummm, intestinal issues and every time I woke up during the night (about 8 times) I thought to myself, “Hey, tomorrow (or today (depending on the time I woke up, i.e. 2am, 3am, 4am)) is Laura’s birthday!” Then wouldn’t you know it, I just forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday that morning. Well, I’m still pissed at myself so I tried to make it (partially) up to her by baking a cake when I got home. Only thing, I couldn’t find the cake mix in the kitchen and had to wait ‘til she got home to bake it – which I did, Foster helping. Just as an aside, the same way I’m horrible with directions, I’m horrible about finding my way around the kitchen. I think I blogged about that before, but I highly dislike cooking or making much in the kitchen. Anyway, so although the cake was great, getting there wasn’t. So somebody, please just give me my award (ha!) and we’ll be done with that.
Beds. Yay! We will soon have a new bed. Our waterbed bit the proverbial dust, it was time though, it was about 15 years old. I sold in on Craigslist in about 4 hours. We have a super-comfy Tempur-Pedic mattress and soon (hopefully by this weekend) our new bed frame will arrive. It’s got great storage underneath and in the headboard. We needed a platform frame since we don’t have (or need) a box spring. We also wanted (needed!) storage under the bed, especially since we got so used to it with the waterbed. Do you know how hard it is to find a Cal-King Platform bed frame? Yeah, me neither. We started off at Ikea and went to dozens of places near and far. But on a rainy Saturday we tried one last place just a few miles from us and wouldn’t you know it? There it was. It was love at first sight. Perfect. I’ll take pictures when we get it. So, of course since we were getting a new bed, that meant we “needed” a new bedspread (well actually we really did, since although our mattress is a Cal-King, with the waterbed frame, we only needed a Queen-sized spread but now with the new bed, we really need the correct size), so we got that. Oh and new sheets (didn’t need those but they were cheap and I just love the “t-shirt” sheets). So, now, we are pretending to be college students and our mattress is on the floor. But with the Tempur-Pedic mattress, you can’t tell the difference – it feels the same whether on the floor or in a bed frame. But – I certainly feel the difference getting out of said mattress first thing in the morning since we’re now only 10” off the floor…
Guess that’s enough of an update for now.
More soon…
1/13/2008
Our Big Lots Big Find...
AKA: I'm taking Foster shopping with me wherever I go!
Just a quickie 'cause it's waaaay too freakin' late for me to be up, but among lots of other places we went to today, we made a stop at Big Lots (for a coffee pot).
On the way out with a Crock Pot (well, it's a pot but not a coffee pot), Foster exclaimed "Look I found a...........................$20 bill!".
And yup, he did.
It was a bit crumpled up so it probably fell out of someone's pocket on the way out of the store. We quickly looked around and nobody was walking around near where we were and nobody was seen checking pockets, etc.
So, he kept it.
Ya know, finders keepers and all that.
Just a quickie 'cause it's waaaay too freakin' late for me to be up, but among lots of other places we went to today, we made a stop at Big Lots (for a coffee pot).
On the way out with a Crock Pot (well, it's a pot but not a coffee pot), Foster exclaimed "Look I found a...........................$20 bill!".
And yup, he did.
It was a bit crumpled up so it probably fell out of someone's pocket on the way out of the store. We quickly looked around and nobody was walking around near where we were and nobody was seen checking pockets, etc.
So, he kept it.
Ya know, finders keepers and all that.
1/04/2008
Placeholder for a "talky"
*Final grade of A- in class (yay!) - next step, job-search 2008...
*Shopping for a new bed ($$$ ding, ding, ding $$$)...
*Shopping all day WITHOUT kids...much more peaceful...
***Cruise Fund being set up...
*Job-shopping (goes along with the first one)
*School break for Foster - and man, is it a long one (about a month - hey, good reason for me to get a job in the schools eh?)...
*Movies - "I Am Legend" and "The Golden Compass" - I really liked them both...
*Plan to go "see the snow"...
*Doctor visits, check-ups, iron levels and more...
*My new "old" job update...
*Swim lessons and Hebrew School
*New Year's Eve...
*Laura's birthday coming up (and dinner out tomorrow nite - SANS kids, hey, it's a nice place)...
***Did I mention Cruise Fund???...???
I think that's enough for now.
I needed a placeholder to remind myself of what I wanted to blog about, otherwise it just goes right out the 'ole noggin.
*Shopping for a new bed ($$$ ding, ding, ding $$$)...
*Shopping all day WITHOUT kids...much more peaceful...
***Cruise Fund being set up...
*Job-shopping (goes along with the first one)
*School break for Foster - and man, is it a long one (about a month - hey, good reason for me to get a job in the schools eh?)...
*Movies - "I Am Legend" and "The Golden Compass" - I really liked them both...
*Plan to go "see the snow"...
*Doctor visits, check-ups, iron levels and more...
*My new "old" job update...
*Swim lessons and Hebrew School
*New Year's Eve...
*Laura's birthday coming up (and dinner out tomorrow nite - SANS kids, hey, it's a nice place)...
***Did I mention Cruise Fund???...???
I think that's enough for now.
I needed a placeholder to remind myself of what I wanted to blog about, otherwise it just goes right out the 'ole noggin.
12/30/2007
Playing "school"
Foster reading his new solar system book to Logan and Seth
And, in case I'm not on here 'til "next year" - Happy New Year to you all, and no, my resolutions will so NOT be shared!
12/29/2007
In Da House
High School Musical is here. All well and good but they are just 6 and 3 (and 3). Hey, it's better than SpongeBob!
12/25/2007
Happy Holidays!!!
We had fun (minus the ugly colds we all seem to have) - the kids really got into the holidays this year. We celebrated Hanukkah first - and Foster proudly used his menorah he made at Hebrew School.
We celebrated Christmas today and that was also very fun. And as seen below, our tree runneth over. Every year we say we need to scale back, and we do, but family and friends don't help "the situation". Yeah, the kids woke up at 6:30 this morning and were totally excited to see that among all the gifts and stockings, the big Red Guy also left the twins new "big boy" bikes and Foster got a telescope.
Both Laura and I (and Bubbe too) scored in the gift department (you mean that isn't what it's all about - just kidding) and we had lots of fun opening our gifts from our family - seems like we need some babysitters on stand-by so we can go out and enjoy all our restaurant gift cards.
And now, BEHOLD, our newest Christmas tradition - introducing, the Turducken - for those of you who don't know what it is, it's a turkey, stuffed with a duck, stuffed with a chicken. And may I say - I can now claim the best cook as my very own partner. Laura out-did herself, it was excellent!!!
And now, after being off work for 5 days - tomorrow I go back - at my new (earlier) hours of 7:30 - 4:00 - yeah, great planning on my part.
Happy Everything to you all!
12/23/2007
12/19/2007
Blast from the past...
Okay, not sure if you'll admit to it, but who remembers this fine product??
I do.
And the sucker in me bought it tonite at our local Filipino store - just because
What else do you all remember?
Joke from a 3-year old - you gotta laugh...
Logan: Knock-knock
Me: Who's there?
Logan: Banana
Me: Banana who?
Logan: Banana shirt!!!!!
And then he falls down laughing hysterically...honestly, I didn't get the joke but I just had to laugh 'cause he was just so damn funny - oh - and very proud of himself.
Me: Who's there?
Logan: Banana
Me: Banana who?
Logan: Banana shirt!!!!!
And then he falls down laughing hysterically...honestly, I didn't get the joke but I just had to laugh 'cause he was just so damn funny - oh - and very proud of himself.
12/16/2007
Busy, busy - but always time for some pictures...
Foster wins an award at school for "Excellent Citizenship"
Foster is learning how to knit with Bubbe - he already made a scarf!
Seth at swim lessons
Logan at swim lessons
Logan jumping in 
Seth going for a dive!
12/13/2007
Is anyone else tired of recalls?
I don’t know about you but I’m so “done” with toys being recalled. I belong to a list sent out by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and not a day goes by that I don’t receive an e-mail about a toy or some other children’s item being recalled – and mostly because of lead paint. Perhaps if my kids were younger and mouthing all their toys would I worry more. The lead paint ones don’t bother me as much as some of the other ones. Like the Bumbo seat – oh come on people! Puh-leeze. Parents, wake up! If you’re gonna stick your kid in a seat up on a table you had better be right there to catch them. And if you’re not, is it the fault of the seat? But noooooooooooooooooooo, instead, order a massive recall on an item that millions of parents love (okay so maybe not a true recall but a sticker to put on your Bumbo seat) and use CORRECTLY. And if you place that sticker on your seat will it suddenly be okay to use it on a table, or a chair or some other equally inappropriate place?
Uggggg.
But yeah, the lead paint issue – I don’t believe for one second that all the major toy manufacturers didn’t know that lead paint was being used. I think they knew but didn’t do anything about it until it became a “health issue”. Then it’s like “Oops, sorry, let’s blame China”, yeah right.
I’m sorry but I have other things to worry about, like mad cow disease and bird flu.
Uggggg.
But yeah, the lead paint issue – I don’t believe for one second that all the major toy manufacturers didn’t know that lead paint was being used. I think they knew but didn’t do anything about it until it became a “health issue”. Then it’s like “Oops, sorry, let’s blame China”, yeah right.
I’m sorry but I have other things to worry about, like mad cow disease and bird flu.
12/07/2007
How did December get here already?
Good grief, I blink and the month goes by.
I'm done with my one class, just have to wait for my grade and then proceed to get my certification. I'm gonna do it this time. Then of course, I have to look around for a job. Good news is that I'm solid in my current position, so I don't "have to" find another position RIGHT NOW. I can take my time and look.
I've already looked and the market seems a bit saturated - either that or school social work positions are scarce. Regardless, eventually, I'm sure, a position will open up for me - and from what I can tell, salaries are GREAT...really!
So, it's December and the official "stressing out" is in full swing. It seems lately I've been stressing about, well, just about everything. Like, I'm behind on my programs I've TiVo'd; I haven't finished my holiday shopping (well, except for Hanukkah, I'm done with that); I haven't been keeping up in my reading of the various magazines I get (don't look beside my bed); my "To Do" list is so not "T'done" - it's huge; and so on. You get the idea. I was just talking with my office-mate about how really stressed we are this year - what is it? I dunno. I just know I am.
Gotta remember to breathe!
Speaking of said office-mate, I just remembered a funny thing she told me. She has two kids, the oldest being the same age as my twins (age 3). She told me she can no longer go to Hillcrest - Hillcrest is our predominately gay part of town. And rightly so, there are tons of rainbow flags all over. She was there with her kids (she's not gay) and her 3 year old stated "Look mommy, FAGS" (meaning he couldn't quite say FLAG). Well, yeah, it's true, she was totally embarrassed, I thought it was totally funny - and NO, I was so not offended.
Out of the mouth of babes and all that...
I'm done with my one class, just have to wait for my grade and then proceed to get my certification. I'm gonna do it this time. Then of course, I have to look around for a job. Good news is that I'm solid in my current position, so I don't "have to" find another position RIGHT NOW. I can take my time and look.
I've already looked and the market seems a bit saturated - either that or school social work positions are scarce. Regardless, eventually, I'm sure, a position will open up for me - and from what I can tell, salaries are GREAT...really!
So, it's December and the official "stressing out" is in full swing. It seems lately I've been stressing about, well, just about everything. Like, I'm behind on my programs I've TiVo'd; I haven't finished my holiday shopping (well, except for Hanukkah, I'm done with that); I haven't been keeping up in my reading of the various magazines I get (don't look beside my bed); my "To Do" list is so not "T'done" - it's huge; and so on. You get the idea. I was just talking with my office-mate about how really stressed we are this year - what is it? I dunno. I just know I am.
Gotta remember to breathe!
Speaking of said office-mate, I just remembered a funny thing she told me. She has two kids, the oldest being the same age as my twins (age 3). She told me she can no longer go to Hillcrest - Hillcrest is our predominately gay part of town. And rightly so, there are tons of rainbow flags all over. She was there with her kids (she's not gay) and her 3 year old stated "Look mommy, FAGS" (meaning he couldn't quite say FLAG). Well, yeah, it's true, she was totally embarrassed, I thought it was totally funny - and NO, I was so not offended.
Out of the mouth of babes and all that...
11/27/2007
Drumroll please...
The answer to where these 3 objects were found:
one matchbox car
one mickey mouse magnet
one tube of chapstick
was in the VCR tape slot.
Not quite as interesting as a floor vent (!) - we don't have any of those, but nonetheless still odd. Yes, we got all the items out and of course Foster blamed it one his little brothers (but honestly, I do believe him...).
one matchbox car
one mickey mouse magnet
one tube of chapstick
was in the VCR tape slot.
Not quite as interesting as a floor vent (!) - we don't have any of those, but nonetheless still odd. Yes, we got all the items out and of course Foster blamed it one his little brothers (but honestly, I do believe him...).
11/25/2007
Quiz - still open for answers...
Thanks so far for everyone's guess.
So far, nobody got it correct - there's still time though.
I will post the correct answer in the next day or so.
Good Luck - Oh, and BTW, we did the toilet-thing a few years ago when Foster dropped a plastic ice-cream cone down the toilet causing us to call the plumber which cost us over $50.00.
Yup, boys!!!!
So far, nobody got it correct - there's still time though.
I will post the correct answer in the next day or so.
Good Luck - Oh, and BTW, we did the toilet-thing a few years ago when Foster dropped a plastic ice-cream cone down the toilet causing us to call the plumber which cost us over $50.00.
Yup, boys!!!!
11/22/2007
Quiz for parents of kids aged 7 and under...
Q: The following 3 items were found together where (someplace they shouldn't be)?
(hint: no, NOT in a bodily cavity - ick):
one matchbox car
one mickey mouse magnet
one tube of chapstick
Please answer with your best guess.
Good Luck!
(hint: no, NOT in a bodily cavity - ick):
one matchbox car
one mickey mouse magnet
one tube of chapstick
Please answer with your best guess.
Good Luck!
11/21/2007
Research Time!
Somehow, and I’m not sure exactly how – we received a postcard announcing a new clinical research study currently being conducted by our local Children’s Hospital for kids with eczema. One of the twins, Logan has had a touch of eczema for quite a long time. We’ve used mostly OTC creams and such, never anything that was an Rx. Sometimes the creams worked, sometimes not. And, Logan’s case of eczema isn’t at all as bad as some other cases I’ve seen.
Regardless, he was selected to take part in a 4-week double-blind (meaning we don’t know and the doctor doesn’t know) study for a new eczema cream.
There are 4 visits he has to go to and we have to apply this cream two times per day. And then he (we!) will receive $200.00 in compensation. But, best would be if the cream really works and his eczema improves. Too bad we probably won’t find out which cream he is using.
And no, there will be no blood-draws, injections or any other painful procedures done (otherwise I probably wouldn’t have done it).
Let the testing begin!
P.S. KEEP READING - MORE NEW POSTINGS BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Regardless, he was selected to take part in a 4-week double-blind (meaning we don’t know and the doctor doesn’t know) study for a new eczema cream.
There are 4 visits he has to go to and we have to apply this cream two times per day. And then he (we!) will receive $200.00 in compensation. But, best would be if the cream really works and his eczema improves. Too bad we probably won’t find out which cream he is using.
And no, there will be no blood-draws, injections or any other painful procedures done (otherwise I probably wouldn’t have done it).
Let the testing begin!
P.S. KEEP READING - MORE NEW POSTINGS BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!
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