Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Hi Honey, We're Home!
We are finally back and home and getting settled into our regular routine after a whirlwind two weeks.
The kids had a blast at Grandpa Rick and Nana Holly's and now have a standing invitation to visit for a week every summer. Char almost grew gills and fins she spent so much time in Nana's pool. Emmett hung out with Uncle Devon and learned how to play Game Cube.
Richard and I spent the last couple days of our trip taking it easy. We swam in the Bay of Fundy at Shediac beach, which was cold but absolutely wonderful. We also spent a day with our friends Ross and Cynthia. The morning was spent at Hopewell Rocks then Cynthia and I went shoe shopping. The day was capped off with dinner at our new favourite hangout, The Pumphouse Brewery. I sampled blueberry ale, and Richard finally found chicken wings hot enough to satisfy him.
Upon arriving home with tired and slightly more tanned children, we dropped our bags on the floor and repacked to go Up North to Manitoba Farm Girl's wedding party.
Richard helped my mom with the kids while I attended to assorted bridesmaid duties, then it was back in the van for the trip back home. We found out the hard way that Emmett now suffers from carsickness on long road trips. We also found out he responds well to Gravol.
My friend Janelle followed us home from Up North so we had a little slumber party at my house before she had to drive to Winnipeg to pick up her husband at the airport. We haven't hung out in two years since she moved to BC, so the time we spent together was precious.
The kids had a blast at Grandpa Rick and Nana Holly's and now have a standing invitation to visit for a week every summer. Char almost grew gills and fins she spent so much time in Nana's pool. Emmett hung out with Uncle Devon and learned how to play Game Cube.
Richard and I spent the last couple days of our trip taking it easy. We swam in the Bay of Fundy at Shediac beach, which was cold but absolutely wonderful. We also spent a day with our friends Ross and Cynthia. The morning was spent at Hopewell Rocks then Cynthia and I went shoe shopping. The day was capped off with dinner at our new favourite hangout, The Pumphouse Brewery. I sampled blueberry ale, and Richard finally found chicken wings hot enough to satisfy him.
Upon arriving home with tired and slightly more tanned children, we dropped our bags on the floor and repacked to go Up North to Manitoba Farm Girl's wedding party.
Richard helped my mom with the kids while I attended to assorted bridesmaid duties, then it was back in the van for the trip back home. We found out the hard way that Emmett now suffers from carsickness on long road trips. We also found out he responds well to Gravol.
My friend Janelle followed us home from Up North so we had a little slumber party at my house before she had to drive to Winnipeg to pick up her husband at the airport. We haven't hung out in two years since she moved to BC, so the time we spent together was precious.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Greetings from Rainy PEI
We drove over Confederation Bridge onto Prince Edward Island yesterday. When we left the only plan we had was to avoid anything related to Anne of Green Gables.
That is how we ended up driving all along Malpeque Bay and up to Port Hill to wander around a museum built at an old ship building yard. The home of the ship builder had been restored and there were even friendly guides dressed in period-appropriate costumes to tell us about the artifacts in the house. We also learned how ships were built and looked at a blacksmith and carpentry shop on the shore of the bay.
We backtracked a bit and headed over to New Glasgow because we heard that is where the best lobster dinners could be found. We lined up (always a good sign), chose our beast and waited in a boisterous dining room for our feast. A bucket of mussels and a basket of homemade rolls was placed on our table for an appetizer with bowls of seafood chowder on the side. Next came salads, then the giant red crustaceaon. We had our choice of 5 different kinds of pie, three different kinds of cake and several flavours of icecream for dessert. The only thing you couldn't have seconds of was the lobster. The atmosphere and food reminded me of a big church supper. The potato salad was to die for. My internet buddy Susan was right when she said we would roll out of the restaurant. We spent some time in the giftshop and I bought Emmett a t-shirt dyed with real PEI dirt. We also spent time at the New Glasgow Toy Factory where we marveled at the hand made wooden toys and puzzles.
I mastered map reading while driving around the Island. Those of you who know me well will fall off your chairs laughing at the thought of me navigating while Richard drove. We only sort of got lost once. Hey, it is a tiny island--how lost could we get?? My prairie brain had a hard time with the map because it seemed to be a full-size representation of the island. In Manitoba, a couple of inches of highway on the map could equal at least a three hour drive. The width of both of my hands placed side to side on this map (the distance from Kensigton to Charlottetown)is just over 50 km. I had to be extra vigilant at watching out for our turns. No easy feat since I just loved watching all of the rolling farmland pass by my car window. Yes, I am a hick and couldn't get over the deep red colour of the soil--almost clashing with the deep green of the grass. PEI is a beautiful island, and more than just Anne of Green Gables.
When we got back to Moncton we found the street blocked off in front of our hotel and stages and lights set up. It turns out Moncton celebrates Acadian Day a little early.
We are off to check out Magnetic Hill and the beach at Shediac today. Tomorrow our invisible internet friends Cynthia and Ross are taking us to Hopewell Rocks.
Stay tuned!
That is how we ended up driving all along Malpeque Bay and up to Port Hill to wander around a museum built at an old ship building yard. The home of the ship builder had been restored and there were even friendly guides dressed in period-appropriate costumes to tell us about the artifacts in the house. We also learned how ships were built and looked at a blacksmith and carpentry shop on the shore of the bay.
We backtracked a bit and headed over to New Glasgow because we heard that is where the best lobster dinners could be found. We lined up (always a good sign), chose our beast and waited in a boisterous dining room for our feast. A bucket of mussels and a basket of homemade rolls was placed on our table for an appetizer with bowls of seafood chowder on the side. Next came salads, then the giant red crustaceaon. We had our choice of 5 different kinds of pie, three different kinds of cake and several flavours of icecream for dessert. The only thing you couldn't have seconds of was the lobster. The atmosphere and food reminded me of a big church supper. The potato salad was to die for. My internet buddy Susan was right when she said we would roll out of the restaurant. We spent some time in the giftshop and I bought Emmett a t-shirt dyed with real PEI dirt. We also spent time at the New Glasgow Toy Factory where we marveled at the hand made wooden toys and puzzles.
I mastered map reading while driving around the Island. Those of you who know me well will fall off your chairs laughing at the thought of me navigating while Richard drove. We only sort of got lost once. Hey, it is a tiny island--how lost could we get?? My prairie brain had a hard time with the map because it seemed to be a full-size representation of the island. In Manitoba, a couple of inches of highway on the map could equal at least a three hour drive. The width of both of my hands placed side to side on this map (the distance from Kensigton to Charlottetown)is just over 50 km. I had to be extra vigilant at watching out for our turns. No easy feat since I just loved watching all of the rolling farmland pass by my car window. Yes, I am a hick and couldn't get over the deep red colour of the soil--almost clashing with the deep green of the grass. PEI is a beautiful island, and more than just Anne of Green Gables.
When we got back to Moncton we found the street blocked off in front of our hotel and stages and lights set up. It turns out Moncton celebrates Acadian Day a little early.
We are off to check out Magnetic Hill and the beach at Shediac today. Tomorrow our invisible internet friends Cynthia and Ross are taking us to Hopewell Rocks.
Stay tuned!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Greetings from Sunny New Brunswick
I am writing this post in my hotel room in beautiful downtown Moncton. I wish I could fill this page with adventures, but sadly Hubby and I are pretty slow-moving on vacation. We haven't even rented a car until today. Our first three days of holiday were spent doing the things that parents do when there are no kids around: sleeping when they want, eating when and where they want and sleeping when they want.
Ok, we also explored downtown Moncton on foot and gazed in awe at the beautiful stone churches and cathedral on Church street, wandered along the shore of the Peticodiac River on a foot/bike path and I dragged Hubby into a craft store to fondle some yarn. I came down with food poisoning one evening but was back on my feet the next afternoon.
I love that there are sidewalk cafes all along Main Street. We have only grabbed a quick breakfast at our hotel so far--we don't want to eat indoors if we don't have too. Last night we sat outside and ate cajun food while watching the local colour wander by and listening to buskers that were just down the street. The Bananas Foster was to die for!. I think tonight we will be dining at the Irish pub that is just across the street--Hubby is having a hankering for steak and kidney pie. We will also be searching out a proper lobster feast--but that may be saved for one of our road trips to PEI or Shediac (Lobster capital of NB).
Well, I have to run--a yarn studio is calling my name. (Hubby will have to remember to bring something to read)
Happy Stagette Party--MB Farm Girl!!! I'll raise a glass of something to you tomorrow night.
Ok, we also explored downtown Moncton on foot and gazed in awe at the beautiful stone churches and cathedral on Church street, wandered along the shore of the Peticodiac River on a foot/bike path and I dragged Hubby into a craft store to fondle some yarn. I came down with food poisoning one evening but was back on my feet the next afternoon.
I love that there are sidewalk cafes all along Main Street. We have only grabbed a quick breakfast at our hotel so far--we don't want to eat indoors if we don't have too. Last night we sat outside and ate cajun food while watching the local colour wander by and listening to buskers that were just down the street. The Bananas Foster was to die for!. I think tonight we will be dining at the Irish pub that is just across the street--Hubby is having a hankering for steak and kidney pie. We will also be searching out a proper lobster feast--but that may be saved for one of our road trips to PEI or Shediac (Lobster capital of NB).
Well, I have to run--a yarn studio is calling my name. (Hubby will have to remember to bring something to read)
Happy Stagette Party--MB Farm Girl!!! I'll raise a glass of something to you tomorrow night.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Putting the "knit" back into "knit wit"
I haven't been knitting much lately.
I worked on Branching Out and a cotton/silk sweater while at camp but got discouraged when my wrists couldn't handle the cotton yarn. I left my darning needle at home so I couldn't move my life line up as I completed pattern repeats on my scarf--I left it in its original place until the scarf was longer over the life line than under. I thought I would be tempting the Knitting Goddess if I pulled it out any sooner than necessary. Thankfully, no frogging was required.
My enthusiasm for knitting was re-kindled when my good friend and knitting partner Poppins brought me back some crazy self-striping sock yarn from her trip to Germany. Clearly, some Jaywalker socks had to be cast on. The zigzag pattern nicely highlights the bold pink, orange and red stripe in the yarn. I turned a few heads at my Weight Watchers meeting as I knit them last night. They are my first real attempt at sock knitting, so I will be mastering the heel turn and toe graft. Right now I am having fun watching all the pretty colours show up as I go around and around the leg.
Poppins is also quite the enabler. This sweater showed up in my inbox one morning. I must have it. I visit the website daily to gaze at its loveliness and imagine what colour I will make it in (suggestions?) In fact, the yarn for this pattern is on my shopping list for my trip Out East next week. I will be bugging hubby to download the pattern today (I can't remember the PayPal password).
Hubby was teasing me about my chronic case of "startitis". He has not seen me complete an adult-sized sweater since he has known me. He rolled his eyes at me while I explained how I needed the patttern for a bulky cabled sweater as I already had the yarn in my stash. I just never knew until I saw that pattern what it was going to be. You see, the yarn in question was already the back of a sweater I started before I was pregnant with Emmett. I have grown to dislike this sweater immensely. I suddenly realized how very little I would wear a bulky pullover turtleneck. I can't stand turtlenecks and prefer layers since my internal thermostat can go from Arctic to Equator in minutes sometimes. I toyed with the idea of converting the original pullover pattern into a cardigan, but then this number caught my eye. Top down construction, minimal seaming, interesting texture, cables--it was love at first sight. The back of the pullover was frogged for swatching, and now the cardigan is emerging from the needles--this sucker is on 9mm needles and the yarn is chunky, it is taking shape quickly. I had to go up a size in needles so the garter bits are a little holey, but I still like the look. This will be my plane knitting while on vacation next week--I think a giant plastic circular needle should make it through security. I may make this the priority project so I can get some wear out of it this Autumn.
I worked on Branching Out and a cotton/silk sweater while at camp but got discouraged when my wrists couldn't handle the cotton yarn. I left my darning needle at home so I couldn't move my life line up as I completed pattern repeats on my scarf--I left it in its original place until the scarf was longer over the life line than under. I thought I would be tempting the Knitting Goddess if I pulled it out any sooner than necessary. Thankfully, no frogging was required.
My enthusiasm for knitting was re-kindled when my good friend and knitting partner Poppins brought me back some crazy self-striping sock yarn from her trip to Germany. Clearly, some Jaywalker socks had to be cast on. The zigzag pattern nicely highlights the bold pink, orange and red stripe in the yarn. I turned a few heads at my Weight Watchers meeting as I knit them last night. They are my first real attempt at sock knitting, so I will be mastering the heel turn and toe graft. Right now I am having fun watching all the pretty colours show up as I go around and around the leg.
Poppins is also quite the enabler. This sweater showed up in my inbox one morning. I must have it. I visit the website daily to gaze at its loveliness and imagine what colour I will make it in (suggestions?) In fact, the yarn for this pattern is on my shopping list for my trip Out East next week. I will be bugging hubby to download the pattern today (I can't remember the PayPal password).
Hubby was teasing me about my chronic case of "startitis". He has not seen me complete an adult-sized sweater since he has known me. He rolled his eyes at me while I explained how I needed the patttern for a bulky cabled sweater as I already had the yarn in my stash. I just never knew until I saw that pattern what it was going to be. You see, the yarn in question was already the back of a sweater I started before I was pregnant with Emmett. I have grown to dislike this sweater immensely. I suddenly realized how very little I would wear a bulky pullover turtleneck. I can't stand turtlenecks and prefer layers since my internal thermostat can go from Arctic to Equator in minutes sometimes. I toyed with the idea of converting the original pullover pattern into a cardigan, but then this number caught my eye. Top down construction, minimal seaming, interesting texture, cables--it was love at first sight. The back of the pullover was frogged for swatching, and now the cardigan is emerging from the needles--this sucker is on 9mm needles and the yarn is chunky, it is taking shape quickly. I had to go up a size in needles so the garter bits are a little holey, but I still like the look. This will be my plane knitting while on vacation next week--I think a giant plastic circular needle should make it through security. I may make this the priority project so I can get some wear out of it this Autumn.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Life without labels
People keep asking me if Emmett is autistic. I don't know. We won't have a definitive diagnosis for him until he is seen by a developmental pediatrician and occupational therapist. We don't know when that will be. At the moment his behavior and symptoms are all over the map and he doesn't fit a single set of criteria for anything. Until we find the top of the waiting lists we plod along, visiting the Speech Language Pathologist and following her instructions as best we can.
I kind of like not having a diagnosis for now. On one hand, when we can name what is going on I am sure his therapy will change and be more effective. On the other hand, people treat him normally right now, just like any other little boy. I am afraid that will change when we have a diagnosis. He will become Emmett the [fill in a scary-sounding disorder] instead of just Emmett.
People also think that life must be hard with a non-verbal preschooler. Don't get me wrong, we have our moments, but overall it is not bad. My ears are not ringing with a constant stream of "No!" "Mine!" "Why?". We can also play dumb when Emmett want's something we don't want to give him. (Psychological warfare is the cornerstone of parenting a toddler/preschooler, to you non-parents out there). Charlotte is becoming more verbal now and saying a few words. I have visions of her translating for Emmett sometime in the near future. Maybe they will make up their own language that only they understand. We will be sooooo screwed when that happens!
I worry about what the future holds for my little guy. I have to keep telling myself that I shouldn't worry aobut things that haven't happened yet. I will just love my little boy (and girl) for who they are and know that we are strong enough as a family to face whatever comes our way. Right??
I kind of like not having a diagnosis for now. On one hand, when we can name what is going on I am sure his therapy will change and be more effective. On the other hand, people treat him normally right now, just like any other little boy. I am afraid that will change when we have a diagnosis. He will become Emmett the [fill in a scary-sounding disorder] instead of just Emmett.
People also think that life must be hard with a non-verbal preschooler. Don't get me wrong, we have our moments, but overall it is not bad. My ears are not ringing with a constant stream of "No!" "Mine!" "Why?". We can also play dumb when Emmett want's something we don't want to give him. (Psychological warfare is the cornerstone of parenting a toddler/preschooler, to you non-parents out there). Charlotte is becoming more verbal now and saying a few words. I have visions of her translating for Emmett sometime in the near future. Maybe they will make up their own language that only they understand. We will be sooooo screwed when that happens!
I worry about what the future holds for my little guy. I have to keep telling myself that I shouldn't worry aobut things that haven't happened yet. I will just love my little boy (and girl) for who they are and know that we are strong enough as a family to face whatever comes our way. Right??
Monday, July 24, 2006
There's no place like home.
I just got home from a week away. Sleeping in my own bed next to hubby was wonderful last night. Last week Char, Emm and I started out at a summer camp where I worked as the nurse. The kids had a blast and the campers really took them under their wings. Emm always had someone to play ball with or dig in the sand around the volleyball court. I even came home with the number of a camper who lives in my city and wants to babysit them!! Thankfully I didn't have to deal with anything serious beyond a mass epidemic of The Itch. I almost ran out of antihistamines. Emm and Char were ok because I didn't let them go in the lake. Besides The Itch I just had to put a lot of bandaids on a lot of bumps and scrapes. One kid came to me after butting heads with another camper--he developed a spectacular black eye that he couldn't wait to show his friends back home. Emm got a little homesick. Everyday he would take me by the hand and lead me to the van or to the road. I missed his daddy too!
The rest of the week was spent Up North in my hometown. I attended the bridal shower of my good friend (Manitoba Farm Girl if you read my comments). We had a blast hanging out together and stuffing our faces with cheesecake at the shower. I got to play farmer and help her and her hubby water cows and pick berries. I even named a calf for them, accidentally. I also played nurse to one of thier horses who ran into a barbed-wire fence. He ran right up to me to show me his owies. Emm played in a garage full of kittens and tried to take one home. I had to tear a little black kitten from his hands as he cried at me. It is too bad we are both allergic or I would have let him keep it.
Mom's house was stressful. Her home is painfully clean so we were able to trash it in the first five minutes we were there. I had to run out and buy latches for the cupboard doors to keep Char out. Mom also had porcelain dolls at floor level that had to be taken away. Char and Emm were really good at finding new things to get into. Always having to be on guard made me so tense. My house is comfortably messy and there is nothing in lower cupboards or on shelves that can't be taken down and thrown around. I prefer to spend my days not having to redirect and say no constantly.
Hubby took the bus to Mom's house on Saturday so that we could drive home together as a family--a 4-hour drive home with two kids under age three was not something I was looking forward too alone. It was with great relief that I picked him up from the bus depot. The kids were thrilled to see him and glued themselves to him until we loaded up the van to come home.
I almost didn't recognize my house when we got home--we had a two-level porch built and it was finished while I was gone. I am looking forward to relaxing on the new balcony outside my bedroom this evening. It looks fantastic and our house looks so different now.
Emm had a breakthrough at Grandma's house--he can blow bubbles now. Our therapist will be thrilled when we show her tomorrow. He can make the "F" sound now. I am so proud of him.
The rest of the week was spent Up North in my hometown. I attended the bridal shower of my good friend (Manitoba Farm Girl if you read my comments). We had a blast hanging out together and stuffing our faces with cheesecake at the shower. I got to play farmer and help her and her hubby water cows and pick berries. I even named a calf for them, accidentally. I also played nurse to one of thier horses who ran into a barbed-wire fence. He ran right up to me to show me his owies. Emm played in a garage full of kittens and tried to take one home. I had to tear a little black kitten from his hands as he cried at me. It is too bad we are both allergic or I would have let him keep it.
Mom's house was stressful. Her home is painfully clean so we were able to trash it in the first five minutes we were there. I had to run out and buy latches for the cupboard doors to keep Char out. Mom also had porcelain dolls at floor level that had to be taken away. Char and Emm were really good at finding new things to get into. Always having to be on guard made me so tense. My house is comfortably messy and there is nothing in lower cupboards or on shelves that can't be taken down and thrown around. I prefer to spend my days not having to redirect and say no constantly.
Hubby took the bus to Mom's house on Saturday so that we could drive home together as a family--a 4-hour drive home with two kids under age three was not something I was looking forward too alone. It was with great relief that I picked him up from the bus depot. The kids were thrilled to see him and glued themselves to him until we loaded up the van to come home.
I almost didn't recognize my house when we got home--we had a two-level porch built and it was finished while I was gone. I am looking forward to relaxing on the new balcony outside my bedroom this evening. It looks fantastic and our house looks so different now.
Emm had a breakthrough at Grandma's house--he can blow bubbles now. Our therapist will be thrilled when we show her tomorrow. He can make the "F" sound now. I am so proud of him.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Scardy Cat
I am a big scardy cat. I have a yellow belly, am lily livered and wear Nancy pants. There was a terrific windstorm blowing outside my window last night. Trees fell on cars. There were power lines and traffic lights down, a fire was started somehow somewhere in the city. A couple of roofs blew away. The DJ on the radio said winds reached speeds of 100 km/h at one point. All I know is that my house was shaking and making all sorts of grumpy groany noises. My bedroom shouldn't shake unless I have something to do with it. There is a partially broken tree branch dangling precairously over our car right now, as I am typing. I did not sleep. I guess I thought our house would fly away if I didn't sit awake asking God to protect us. Since there isn't really anything else I can do, keeping constant vigil is what I did. This is not the only time I have sat awake keeping our house from blowing away. I am quite afraid of thunderstorms and tornados. Before yesterday I would have said I am terrified of thunderstorms--that word is now reserved for windstorms. Hubby laughs at me. He slept like a log. I think Emmett would have too if he hadn't heard Char waking up. Her bedroom has a big tree right outside the window and the wind howled in there. Emm's room is in the middle of the house and was quiet and still--I know because I crawled into bed with him for a while. Our bedroom was the noisiest and scariest. Our partially completed porch stood tall and strong through it all--it is attached to our house and 12-foot concrete pilings. I have a feeling our house could blow away and the porch would still stand tall.
In addition to windstorms and thunderstorms ladders make me queasy and horror movies give me the heebie jeebies. (even the previews for them make my stomach lurch) I have a pathological, irrational fear of snakes of any size shape or form. I am not nuts about confined spaces either. Yep, I am a big scardy cat.
Ok, fess up: what are you afraid of?
In addition to windstorms and thunderstorms ladders make me queasy and horror movies give me the heebie jeebies. (even the previews for them make my stomach lurch) I have a pathological, irrational fear of snakes of any size shape or form. I am not nuts about confined spaces either. Yep, I am a big scardy cat.
Ok, fess up: what are you afraid of?
Monday, July 3, 2006
I need a weekend....
....To recover from my weekend. It all started Friday, when we drove across town to help unload the moving truck parked in front of my Grandma's new condo. She moved almost halfway across the country from a city that straddles the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. Her license plate says Alberta--she always said the Alberta side of town was better than the Saskatchewan side. Can't the Prairie Provinces all just get along? We should stop ragging on The Gap so much!
Saturday brought Canada day and associated festivities. We biked across town to the river and celebrated with our city with fun, food and music. The fireworks happened past bedtime, but we heard them from our house.
Sunday brought a trip up to The Lake to see MIL's new cabin, launch a dinghy in her lake to take water samples and lose my sandals in the knee-deep mud that passes for a beach. The sandals were recovered by my brave husband as I was already pretty grossed out by being stuck knee-deep in stinky mud. We also drove to the civilized lake nearby that had a real sand beach and sailboats floating in it to play with Emm and Char's cousin, Seth, and his mommy. The kids had a blast, all causing trouble together and sharing crackers and ice cream cones. Emm even gave Seth a hug goodbye and waved with both hands when it was time to go. The highlight of the day was when Seth had to stop in front of a chicken restaurant to cockle-doodle-do at the chicken on the sign. Did I mention he is two? There will be pictures soon--I had to use my old-fashioned camera as the digital took the weekend off. The kids slept very well last night! I was a good mommy and laid the SPF 40 on thickly so there were no sunburns! Yay!
In honour of Canada's 138th birthday I unearth this old chestnut: I am Canadian Who remembers it? Whose chest still swells with pride when they hear it? Which of my American readers secretly wishes they could be Canadian for a just a minute when they hear it?
I need to go lay down now...
Saturday brought Canada day and associated festivities. We biked across town to the river and celebrated with our city with fun, food and music. The fireworks happened past bedtime, but we heard them from our house.
Sunday brought a trip up to The Lake to see MIL's new cabin, launch a dinghy in her lake to take water samples and lose my sandals in the knee-deep mud that passes for a beach. The sandals were recovered by my brave husband as I was already pretty grossed out by being stuck knee-deep in stinky mud. We also drove to the civilized lake nearby that had a real sand beach and sailboats floating in it to play with Emm and Char's cousin, Seth, and his mommy. The kids had a blast, all causing trouble together and sharing crackers and ice cream cones. Emm even gave Seth a hug goodbye and waved with both hands when it was time to go. The highlight of the day was when Seth had to stop in front of a chicken restaurant to cockle-doodle-do at the chicken on the sign. Did I mention he is two? There will be pictures soon--I had to use my old-fashioned camera as the digital took the weekend off. The kids slept very well last night! I was a good mommy and laid the SPF 40 on thickly so there were no sunburns! Yay!
In honour of Canada's 138th birthday I unearth this old chestnut: I am Canadian Who remembers it? Whose chest still swells with pride when they hear it? Which of my American readers secretly wishes they could be Canadian for a just a minute when they hear it?
I need to go lay down now...
Thursday, June 29, 2006
New Challenges
We survived our trip Up North. Three days is my limit with my parents--after that we start to get on each other's nerves. The funeral was wonderful and heartbreaking. So many sweet, personal touches. It was a heartfelt and loving tribute to my friend's Dad.
I have a new job. I have recently been appointed Superintendant of my church's Sunday school. Talk about jumping into the deep end blindfolded with both hands tied behind your back! I have never even taught Sunday school--now I am in charge of the whole shebang. I have my own office and closet full of craft supplies. Thankfully I am starting in the summer when things are a little more relaxed and toned-down. My first class is Sunday. I am scared and excited all at the same time.
Emmett contiues to make progress with his speech and communication. He sometimes shakes his head "yes" now. It doesn't happen very often, but he is three, after all! He is trying harder and harder to converse. He says "mama" from time to time. My heart sings when I hear it.
I have a new job. I have recently been appointed Superintendant of my church's Sunday school. Talk about jumping into the deep end blindfolded with both hands tied behind your back! I have never even taught Sunday school--now I am in charge of the whole shebang. I have my own office and closet full of craft supplies. Thankfully I am starting in the summer when things are a little more relaxed and toned-down. My first class is Sunday. I am scared and excited all at the same time.
Emmett contiues to make progress with his speech and communication. He sometimes shakes his head "yes" now. It doesn't happen very often, but he is three, after all! He is trying harder and harder to converse. He says "mama" from time to time. My heart sings when I hear it.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Father's Day, 2007???
I had better get started now, if I want Richard to have his own hand-knit Ferrari.
He said "No".
Emmett shook his head "no" for the first time yesterday. I have never been so thrilled to have someone say no to me before!!! He went outside and got in the stroller around 5:00 PM. When I asked if he wanted to come inside for supper, he shook his head no and just sat there. I told him we could go for a walk after Daddy got home and we ate, so he patiently sat there. I kept asking if he wanted to come in and eat and he kept shaking his head. He sat there over an hour waiting for hubby to get home to eat and take him out.
Therapy went really well today. Emm tried so hard to blow bubbles and managed to get one aloft. We have to work on blowing feathers, cotton balls and bubbles this week. He finds pursing his lips hard--he tends to close his mouth and exhale through his nose instead of his lips. It is funny because he can suck on a straw just fine, but he can't figure out how to blow.
We have to make a sad trip this week. My dear friend (the one whose wedding party I am in and who I have known since grade 5) lost her dad on Father's Day. We will be going to his funeral at the end of the week. My arms are aching to give her a giant hug right now. Readers, can you all send some positive vibes and prayers to my friend? She and her mom were with him when he took his last breath so he was sent Up with their love and left this world peacefully. He will be sorely missed.
Therapy went really well today. Emm tried so hard to blow bubbles and managed to get one aloft. We have to work on blowing feathers, cotton balls and bubbles this week. He finds pursing his lips hard--he tends to close his mouth and exhale through his nose instead of his lips. It is funny because he can suck on a straw just fine, but he can't figure out how to blow.
We have to make a sad trip this week. My dear friend (the one whose wedding party I am in and who I have known since grade 5) lost her dad on Father's Day. We will be going to his funeral at the end of the week. My arms are aching to give her a giant hug right now. Readers, can you all send some positive vibes and prayers to my friend? She and her mom were with him when he took his last breath so he was sent Up with their love and left this world peacefully. He will be sorely missed.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Happy Father's Day
Dear Daddy,
We have so much fun with you. Thanks for playing with us and taking us to the park and getting up in the middle of the night when we are lonely and need some company. You warm up a mean bottle.
Happy Father's Day
Hugs and Love,
Emmett and Charlotte
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Emmett has a crush.
Ah, how fast they grow up! Emmett's head was turned by a pretty little girl visiting the neighbours yesterday. An older woman at the ripe age of 4, she had long dark hair and big blue eyes with long lashes. The boy has good taste. He passed every one of his backyard toys over the fence to her, then started to give her the baby apples he could reach on the trees and then handed over a box of his best lego. I couldn't get him to go inside. He even waved at her with both hands when she had to go inside. This boy doesn't wave at anyone. The speech therapist was even impressed. Richard needs to have a chat with Emmett about how you shouldn't give up you best stuff right away--it is not good to set the bar too high at first with women. Poor guy. He was so lovestruck!
I had sushi for lunch and Emmett swiped one of my cucumber rolls that had wasabi on it. He had one lick and it soon became apparent he isn't ready for sushi just yet--thankfully wasabi doesn't burn for long!!
I had sushi for lunch and Emmett swiped one of my cucumber rolls that had wasabi on it. He had one lick and it soon became apparent he isn't ready for sushi just yet--thankfully wasabi doesn't burn for long!!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
You have to be *this* tall to go on the ride.
Today Emmett turned three. We started out the day with a parade, ate day-glo orange Dora cake and then went to the fair. Poor Emmett wanted to go on rides but he was just a bit short for most of them. We toured three funhouses and before he had a meltdown. Richard remembers when he was too short to go on rides and totally sympathized. The parade was a huge hit--especially the tiny Shriner cars and the clowns that gave out candy. Charlotte loved the day-glo frosting.
Friday, June 9, 2006
Do I need a title?
I finally got to talk to MIL today. I thought I was calm and rational--she critiqued my delivery and accused me of attacking her. Grrrrr. At least she knows how I feel--we'll see if she actually listens now. Don't know what I am talking about? Scroll down to "The Honeymoon is Over" I don't feel like typing the story all over again. Time to get on with life.
I broke through my two weeks of gaining with a nice three-pound loss last week. I am now down in the lowest WW points bracket and learning all over again how to eat. Who knew two points could be so important?? I am sticking with it. I have lost 12 pounds so far, so I must be doing something right.
It is Emm's third birthday tomorrow. How time flies. He is so tall and grown-up looking now. I still remember the pudgy little butterball that would greet me every morning with a smile. He now comes down the stairs and helps himself to breakfast. We will take him to the summer fair and eat ice cream cake to celebrate. (must call Dairy Queen and see if they have Dora cakes.....) I will resist the call of the mini doughnut. Really I will!! His cough is almost gone and he has his spunk back, so I know we will have fun on his big day. How many kids get a fair on their birthday???
I broke through my two weeks of gaining with a nice three-pound loss last week. I am now down in the lowest WW points bracket and learning all over again how to eat. Who knew two points could be so important?? I am sticking with it. I have lost 12 pounds so far, so I must be doing something right.
It is Emm's third birthday tomorrow. How time flies. He is so tall and grown-up looking now. I still remember the pudgy little butterball that would greet me every morning with a smile. He now comes down the stairs and helps himself to breakfast. We will take him to the summer fair and eat ice cream cake to celebrate. (must call Dairy Queen and see if they have Dora cakes.....) I will resist the call of the mini doughnut. Really I will!! His cough is almost gone and he has his spunk back, so I know we will have fun on his big day. How many kids get a fair on their birthday???
Monday, June 5, 2006
It is too quiet here.
There is a little boy passed out asleep on the diningroom rug. He is fighting a cold so bad I had to get him a prescription for codiene cough medicine this weekend. I thought he had allergies so we got some allergy meds as well. One dose of the cough medicine was enough to calm down the cough so he could sleep. That is all he wants to do now. He even turned up his nose at a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast this morning (that is not his usual breakfast, but when a kid is sick and not eating, you pull out all of the favourites to entice) . He seems to pick up every bug that walks down the street--any one know how to build up a kid's immune system?
This weekend was a bad one to have a sick kid--hubby was busy running a gaming convention so I was on my own the whole weekend with the kiddies. It is really hard to tend to a sickie when you also have an energetic baby who wants nothing more than to use the boy on the floor for a speed bump. I spent all of Sunday moving the speed bump to higher ground. He repeatedly made his way back to the floor. What is the attraction? The carpet is scratchy and there is no underpad. We even moved him to our bed this morning for cartoons and dozing. After his favourite show was over (Poko) he came back downstairs to the floor.
Last night I was still trying to delude myself that his cough was allergies and his lethargy was from the super-strong cough medicine so we went to a bar-be-que. I feel like Typhoid Mary today. I hope no one hates me toooo much. I really wanted to get out and talk to grownups!
Emm's birthday is coming up this weekend and we are heading into The City for a wedding. We also found out there is going to be a giant children's festival going on. Something to make us feel less guilty about leaving town instead of having a birthday party!!
This weekend was a bad one to have a sick kid--hubby was busy running a gaming convention so I was on my own the whole weekend with the kiddies. It is really hard to tend to a sickie when you also have an energetic baby who wants nothing more than to use the boy on the floor for a speed bump. I spent all of Sunday moving the speed bump to higher ground. He repeatedly made his way back to the floor. What is the attraction? The carpet is scratchy and there is no underpad. We even moved him to our bed this morning for cartoons and dozing. After his favourite show was over (Poko) he came back downstairs to the floor.
Last night I was still trying to delude myself that his cough was allergies and his lethargy was from the super-strong cough medicine so we went to a bar-be-que. I feel like Typhoid Mary today. I hope no one hates me toooo much. I really wanted to get out and talk to grownups!
Emm's birthday is coming up this weekend and we are heading into The City for a wedding. We also found out there is going to be a giant children's festival going on. Something to make us feel less guilty about leaving town instead of having a birthday party!!
It is too quiet here.
There is a little boy passed out asleep on the diningroom rug. He is fighting a cold so bad I had to get him a prescription for codiene cough medicine this weekend. I thought he had allergies so we got some allergy meds as well. One dose of the cough medicine was enough to calm down the cough so he could sleep. That is all he wants to do now. He even turned up his nose at a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast this morning (that is not his usual breakfast, but when a kid is sick and not eating, you pull out all of the favourites to entice) . He seems to pick up every bug that walks down the street--any one know how to build up a kid's immune system?
This weekend was a bad one to have a sick kid--hubby was busy running a gaming convention so I was on my own the whole weekend with the kiddies. It is really hard to tend to a sickie when you also have an energetic baby who wants nothing more than to use the boy on the floor for a speed bump. I spent all of Sunday moving the speed bump to higher ground. He repeatedly made his way back to the floor. What is the attraction? The carpet is scratchy and there is no underpad. We even moved him to our bed this morning for cartoons and dozing. After his favourite show was over (Poko) he came back downstairs to the floor.
Last night I was still trying to delude myself that his cough was allergies and his lethargy was from the super-strong cough medicine so we went to a bar-be-que. I feel like Typhoid Mary today. I hope no one hates me toooo much. I really wanted to get out and talk to grownups!
Emm's birthday is coming up this weekend and we are heading into The City for a wedding. We also found out there is going to be a giant children's festival going on. Something to make us feel less guilty about leaving town instead of having a birthday party!!
This weekend was a bad one to have a sick kid--hubby was busy running a gaming convention so I was on my own the whole weekend with the kiddies. It is really hard to tend to a sickie when you also have an energetic baby who wants nothing more than to use the boy on the floor for a speed bump. I spent all of Sunday moving the speed bump to higher ground. He repeatedly made his way back to the floor. What is the attraction? The carpet is scratchy and there is no underpad. We even moved him to our bed this morning for cartoons and dozing. After his favourite show was over (Poko) he came back downstairs to the floor.
Last night I was still trying to delude myself that his cough was allergies and his lethargy was from the super-strong cough medicine so we went to a bar-be-que. I feel like Typhoid Mary today. I hope no one hates me toooo much. I really wanted to get out and talk to grownups!
Emm's birthday is coming up this weekend and we are heading into The City for a wedding. We also found out there is going to be a giant children's festival going on. Something to make us feel less guilty about leaving town instead of having a birthday party!!
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Beans, Beans the Magical Fruit.
Who knew a box of beans could be the secret key to toddler and pre-schooler happiness? I wish I had known sooner. Yesterday while trying to buy some time to make dinner I poured all of the dried beans in my pantry into a plastic bin, threw in some funnels and measuring cups and set them in front of Emmett. I did not hear a peep from him until it was time to eat. I have heard from reliable sources (hi Poppins!) that driving toy cars through beans can be super fun as well. Cheap and fun--sounds like a great date!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Progress.
Therapy went well today. Emm is getting to know the therapist and her routine better so the session went pretty smoothly. She was impressed with Emm's new ability to keep his mouth closed for longer periods. We worked on that at home by practicing making lipstick prints on paper. We have to work on eye contact and improved communication this week--a much more challenging task. We have to work on not "telling" Emm things and letting him fill in blanks more. We have some songs to sing and games to play to work on that. We have to teach him some new signs too. Lots of work to do.
I fell off the Weight Watcher's wagon pretty hard and landed at McDonald's this weekend. Not my finest moment. I am not looking forward to weigh-in tomorrow, but I will face the music and look that scale in the eye. I am trying to be more honest with my food journal as well--no creative accounting of points allowed! I just gave away a bunch of my bigger clothes--I need to shape up because I can't go up. I also need to figure out how to stop snacking while I am cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. Hubby won't buy my story that he needs to do the dishes to help my weight loss efforts. I posted a favourite low-point muffin recipe on my food blog so we can all eat better together.
I have started my first lace knitting project -- a leafy scarf. I have to do a lot of tinking (ripping back for you non-knitters) so by the time I have finished it I probably will have knit it a few times, but it is so pretty I must perservere. I am doing it in a lovely hand-dyed amethyst-coloured merino wool.
I fell off the Weight Watcher's wagon pretty hard and landed at McDonald's this weekend. Not my finest moment. I am not looking forward to weigh-in tomorrow, but I will face the music and look that scale in the eye. I am trying to be more honest with my food journal as well--no creative accounting of points allowed! I just gave away a bunch of my bigger clothes--I need to shape up because I can't go up. I also need to figure out how to stop snacking while I am cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. Hubby won't buy my story that he needs to do the dishes to help my weight loss efforts. I posted a favourite low-point muffin recipe on my food blog so we can all eat better together.
I have started my first lace knitting project -- a leafy scarf. I have to do a lot of tinking (ripping back for you non-knitters) so by the time I have finished it I probably will have knit it a few times, but it is so pretty I must perservere. I am doing it in a lovely hand-dyed amethyst-coloured merino wool.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Finis!
Here is a baby sweater I made for a friend--she picked the yarn and pattern.
Yarn: Bernat Baby Boucle 100% acrylic. The colour is mostly lavendar with bits of pale pink and blue mixed in.
Pattern: Baby Hooded Pullover from March 2006 Creative Knitting Magazine
Size: 9-12 months (Char is usually in 18-month size so these sweaters are generously proportioned)
Needles: 5.5 and 6 mm (I had to size up to get proper gauge)
Notes: This boucle was tricky to work with sometimes and it was pilling up as fast as I was knitting it. Good thing the sweater is already pretty fuzzy or it would be more obvious. The yarn fluffed up nicely with washing and blocking. I seamed it with matching, smooth yarn. I am not a dummy! I added the tassle because a pointy hood needs a tassle. The orginal sweater was knit with a smoother yarn and embroidered with flowers. I left the embroidery off of this one. I like the pattern--I think I will knit one for Char--in a smoother yarn and then I can practice my embroidery skills!
click on pictures to enlarge them
The Honeymoon is Over.
Well, 10 pounds down, another 12 to go. Weight Watchers is great, except when you are having a bad week and are eating chocolate chips by the handful to medicate. I have had such a hard time controlling my eating this week and am in a downward spiral. I have PMS, I am mad at my mother in law and my wrists hurt too much to knit since I have started cycling. Bring on the junkfood! My weight was up at my last meeting, I am sure it will be up at this one too. I just cannot keep away from the junk this week. The thought of counting points today is almost too much.
The wrists will be getting better--my new splints are on order and hopefully they will help. I am also going to buy some gloves for cycling. I started swatching a summery cotton-silk blend for a pretty sweater for me and it is killing me that I cannot work on it. (Blogger is not letting me use apostrophes today) Knitting also keeps me from snacking in the evening. Double whammy.
Why am I mad at my mother in law (this time)? Could it be that when she babysat she let my son play with a spray bottle of coloured liquid that she did not know the ingredients of? Thankfully I knew that the bottle contained food colouring and water because I gave it to Emm to spray paint the snow with over the winter. Why did she still have it? Who knows? He and his sister were dyed blue when I picked them up. I am not against kids getting dirty--dirt washes off. You do not let children play with unlabled bottles. It could have been fertilizer in there! MIL is also taking it upon herself to potty train my boy. Behind my back. Without my permission. I really need to call my church and get the names of some nice kids in the youth group who can baby sit. I am angry enough now that it is a good thing MIL is going away for a week so I can cool off. At this moment I am not sure I can allow unsupervised visits anymore.--Oh yeah, she knows I am on Weight Watchers, so to show her support she offered me the Big Mac coupons she got in the mail. Thanks a lot. You really know how to help a girl out.
Where are the chocolate chips?
The wrists will be getting better--my new splints are on order and hopefully they will help. I am also going to buy some gloves for cycling. I started swatching a summery cotton-silk blend for a pretty sweater for me and it is killing me that I cannot work on it. (Blogger is not letting me use apostrophes today) Knitting also keeps me from snacking in the evening. Double whammy.
Why am I mad at my mother in law (this time)? Could it be that when she babysat she let my son play with a spray bottle of coloured liquid that she did not know the ingredients of? Thankfully I knew that the bottle contained food colouring and water because I gave it to Emm to spray paint the snow with over the winter. Why did she still have it? Who knows? He and his sister were dyed blue when I picked them up. I am not against kids getting dirty--dirt washes off. You do not let children play with unlabled bottles. It could have been fertilizer in there! MIL is also taking it upon herself to potty train my boy. Behind my back. Without my permission. I really need to call my church and get the names of some nice kids in the youth group who can baby sit. I am angry enough now that it is a good thing MIL is going away for a week so I can cool off. At this moment I am not sure I can allow unsupervised visits anymore.--Oh yeah, she knows I am on Weight Watchers, so to show her support she offered me the Big Mac coupons she got in the mail. Thanks a lot. You really know how to help a girl out.
Where are the chocolate chips?
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Baby is always right.
In my never ending quest for a full night's sleep, I am trying to eliminate one of Char's two daily naps. Clearly Char thinks she needs more beauty sleep than I think she does. Here she is at the forbidden nap time of 5:30 PM. I hope hubby gets home soon, we could have a quiet dinner for two before we play rock, paper, scissors to see who wakes her up. (Emm is visiting Grandma right now)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Bridget Jones was here.
The nice mailman dropped a box on my doorstep this morning. What was in it? Why a special "slimming" slip to wear under a certain bridesmaid dress as well as a clingly floaty number I bought to wear to another wedding. It looks and feels like a sausage casing, but man, oh man, does it do the trick. I tried it on under the clingy dress and it looks like a whole new outfit. The dress just floats over the industrial-strenghth Spandex and my baby belly is perfectly smoothed out. My waist even nips in a little now. Hubby must never, ever see me in it. It is like the scene in Bridget Jone's Diary where she has to decide if she should look good in the dress by wearing the granny undies or if she should look good out of the dress with the pretty undies.
I am pretty sure I can still get lucky with my man either way. I think seeing me in a glorified girdle is less traumatizing than the time he saw me give birth and then was ordered into the bathroom by the midwife to make sure I didn't topple over in the shower. He had to help dry me off and wipe up the blood that was dripping down my legs and then put the giant pillow-sized pad in my undies and pull them up. Yep, I married a keeper.
Note to those readers who don't have children: sorry, that is the way it is after you give birth. It is not like they show on TV or the movies at all!! Oh, and hubby was not so helpful during the birth of our first--he had to leave during the whole pushing thing because he was going to hit the floor if he didn't. I still give him an "A" for effort--the poor guy is pretty squeamish on a good day.
Sorry for the rambling and tangents--this is what happens when you blog after having half a pot of coffee with breakfast.
I am pretty sure I can still get lucky with my man either way. I think seeing me in a glorified girdle is less traumatizing than the time he saw me give birth and then was ordered into the bathroom by the midwife to make sure I didn't topple over in the shower. He had to help dry me off and wipe up the blood that was dripping down my legs and then put the giant pillow-sized pad in my undies and pull them up. Yep, I married a keeper.
Note to those readers who don't have children: sorry, that is the way it is after you give birth. It is not like they show on TV or the movies at all!! Oh, and hubby was not so helpful during the birth of our first--he had to leave during the whole pushing thing because he was going to hit the floor if he didn't. I still give him an "A" for effort--the poor guy is pretty squeamish on a good day.
Sorry for the rambling and tangents--this is what happens when you blog after having half a pot of coffee with breakfast.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The Politics of Pole Dancing.
As all of you in blogland know, I will be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding this summer. I recently got an email from the Maid of Honour telling us that the bride thinks it would be super-fun if we took a pole-dancing class to celebrate her dwindling days of singlehood. I was very surprised. Clearly, I don't know this woman as well as I thought I did. We've been friends since our first meeting in fifth grade, mumble, mumble, cough ,cough years ago and I never thought she would want to do this--and we have done some pretty crazy things in the years we've known each other.
My first reaction was: "Ew, gross, I would never do that!" After some time to think on it I have formed a much more coherent opinion. I also talked to several of my friends about this party and found them very clearly divided on the subject. It seems there is no middle ground when it comes to pole dancing. Some of my friends were really interested and said that it could be fun and asked me why I didn't want to be sexy for my husband. Others were in my camp and wondered what would be in it for them. They didn't see this as something that would make them feel sexy at all. One of my friends, a certified feminist (she has the woman's studies degree to back it up) was actually nauseous. I could hear her gagging over the phone. I noticed the people on the "con" side of the argument were a little older and married a little longer than the ones on the "pro" side. Have the older women had less exposure to the media influences that tell us how to be sexy and what is sexy now? I doubt it. We all watch TV and browse the magazines in the checkout line. Are we more self confidant and secure in our relationships and therefore more resistant to falling for these unrealistic expectations? Perhaps.
I still stand by the "Ew gross" and raise it to a "Why do I have to try so hard to be sexy for my partner?" I don't believe it when people say that wearing uncomfortable lingerie and spike heels and swinging around on a large phallic object bolted to the floor is empowering, sexy and "for me" in any way. We are not celebrating our womanhood and being powerful and independent by doing something that is so clearly for men. I don't want to be sexy for my partner. I want to be sexy with my partner. There is a big difference in my book. Quite frankly, if I ever did try to swing from a pole my dancing would look more like the Elaine Bennis version of pole dancing, not the Carmen Electra variety.
What about those that claim there are fitness benefits to be had? If I want to strengthen my core muscles I will take a pilates class, fully clothed, dignity intact. If I want to dance to celebrate my femininity and womanhood, I will do so by bellydancing--an artform that celebrates the female form in all of its curvy powerful glory with no stilettos and large phallic objects in sight. As for being sexy with my partner as opposed to being sexy for my partner? Well, that stuff is none of your business!
I will go to the party, because I love my friend and am so very happy for her and her upcoming marriage. I will not dance on the pole. I will probably knit licorice thongs for everyone. I don't want to be a total party pooper --and undies made from candy are fun for all consenting adults.
Are you wondering what hubby thought of all this? He just laughed. I didn't marry a man who needs me to subjugate and demean myself for his enjoyment. We don't believe in spectator sports behind closed doors--we are full contact participants.
My first reaction was: "Ew, gross, I would never do that!" After some time to think on it I have formed a much more coherent opinion. I also talked to several of my friends about this party and found them very clearly divided on the subject. It seems there is no middle ground when it comes to pole dancing. Some of my friends were really interested and said that it could be fun and asked me why I didn't want to be sexy for my husband. Others were in my camp and wondered what would be in it for them. They didn't see this as something that would make them feel sexy at all. One of my friends, a certified feminist (she has the woman's studies degree to back it up) was actually nauseous. I could hear her gagging over the phone. I noticed the people on the "con" side of the argument were a little older and married a little longer than the ones on the "pro" side. Have the older women had less exposure to the media influences that tell us how to be sexy and what is sexy now? I doubt it. We all watch TV and browse the magazines in the checkout line. Are we more self confidant and secure in our relationships and therefore more resistant to falling for these unrealistic expectations? Perhaps.
I still stand by the "Ew gross" and raise it to a "Why do I have to try so hard to be sexy for my partner?" I don't believe it when people say that wearing uncomfortable lingerie and spike heels and swinging around on a large phallic object bolted to the floor is empowering, sexy and "for me" in any way. We are not celebrating our womanhood and being powerful and independent by doing something that is so clearly for men. I don't want to be sexy for my partner. I want to be sexy with my partner. There is a big difference in my book. Quite frankly, if I ever did try to swing from a pole my dancing would look more like the Elaine Bennis version of pole dancing, not the Carmen Electra variety.
What about those that claim there are fitness benefits to be had? If I want to strengthen my core muscles I will take a pilates class, fully clothed, dignity intact. If I want to dance to celebrate my femininity and womanhood, I will do so by bellydancing--an artform that celebrates the female form in all of its curvy powerful glory with no stilettos and large phallic objects in sight. As for being sexy with my partner as opposed to being sexy for my partner? Well, that stuff is none of your business!
I will go to the party, because I love my friend and am so very happy for her and her upcoming marriage. I will not dance on the pole. I will probably knit licorice thongs for everyone. I don't want to be a total party pooper --and undies made from candy are fun for all consenting adults.
Are you wondering what hubby thought of all this? He just laughed. I didn't marry a man who needs me to subjugate and demean myself for his enjoyment. We don't believe in spectator sports behind closed doors--we are full contact participants.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Happy Mother's Day Part 2
I hope everyone in blogland had a happy Mother's Day. My Mother's Day spread out over two days, lucky me. On Saturday my friend Poppins was ordered out of her home for top-secret Mom's Day crafting so we went shopping (I am always ready to help a friend in need--especially if it is a shopping emergency). I bought some yummy scrummy hand dyed Nova Scotian yarn destined to be a lovely lace scarf as well as a new book-not knitting or mommy related (The Time Traveler's Wife). The next day hubby baked me lemon pie and let me knit for hours. My wrists gave me hell for that one, but I don't regret it.
I also got to surf the web and found a new blog that all mommas who love gossip should read (Rebecca, I am looking in your general direction.) Mamarazzi is the place to go for celebrity snark put together by several blogging mamas.
Oh, check out my food blog for Crock-Pot Sloppy Joes. They feed a crowd and freeze well--great for emergency rations!!
I also got to surf the web and found a new blog that all mommas who love gossip should read (Rebecca, I am looking in your general direction.) Mamarazzi is the place to go for celebrity snark put together by several blogging mamas.
Oh, check out my food blog for Crock-Pot Sloppy Joes. They feed a crowd and freeze well--great for emergency rations!!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
So Cute.
Here are the men of the house doing manly things.
Emmett followed step-by-step behind his dad and didn't miss a spot, even mowing under the shrubs and lifting his front wheels when he got to the sidewalk. When they were finished he carefully parked his lawnmower in the garage beside the big one. It was just too funny!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
My first meme
From Crowjoy, who got it from Pete:
If you comment i will:
1.say something random i like about you
2.tell what song/movie reminds me of you.
3.i'll name something we should do together
4.i'll say something that only makes sense 2 u & me(or just me)
5.i'll tell my first, clearest memory of u.
6.i'll ask u something i've always wondered about u.
7.if i do all these things, you must post this on yr journal so you can do unto others as i have done to u.
In "real" news I am doing a calorie-burning happy dance because at my last weigh-in I found out I have lost over 9 lbs since joining Weight Watchers. I can almost justify breaking my no clothes-buying rule. I bought a frilly little dress at Le Chateau to wear to a wedding next month. C'mon, you know if you find something in that store and it fits you must snap it up because sure as anything it won't be there when you come back.
Gotta run--kids are calling.
If you comment i will:
1.say something random i like about you
2.tell what song/movie reminds me of you.
3.i'll name something we should do together
4.i'll say something that only makes sense 2 u & me(or just me)
5.i'll tell my first, clearest memory of u.
6.i'll ask u something i've always wondered about u.
7.if i do all these things, you must post this on yr journal so you can do unto others as i have done to u.
In "real" news I am doing a calorie-burning happy dance because at my last weigh-in I found out I have lost over 9 lbs since joining Weight Watchers. I can almost justify breaking my no clothes-buying rule. I bought a frilly little dress at Le Chateau to wear to a wedding next month. C'mon, you know if you find something in that store and it fits you must snap it up because sure as anything it won't be there when you come back.
Gotta run--kids are calling.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
New Questions
We had our first session with the Speech Pathologist today. As of this moment we now have many, many questions and no answers. Why are Emmett's orofacial muscles weak? How do we strengthen them? Why can he sit with a pen and fill a sheet of paper with tiny squiggles but cannot undress for a bath without a lot of help? Why does he focus intently on a toy, but won't make eye contact with his playmate? The speech pathologist seems to think his reactions to certain stressful situations are inappropriately intense. She also doesn't think he interacts with people in an age-appropriate way. This means more referrals and more waiting. One referral is with the occupational therapist in her department, and one is with a pediatrician who specializes in child development. We are in for a loooooong wait for the doc appointment. The OT will probably be in a week or two.
I am so happy we are starting to get the wheels in motion to get Emmett better, but I am so scared of these newly uncovered issues. I didn't realize how complex his situation was. I always saw the other problems but I was very quick to dismiss them--Moms are so good at looking at their children with rose-tinted glasses, we don't like having them removed.
I am so happy we are starting to get the wheels in motion to get Emmett better, but I am so scared of these newly uncovered issues. I didn't realize how complex his situation was. I always saw the other problems but I was very quick to dismiss them--Moms are so good at looking at their children with rose-tinted glasses, we don't like having them removed.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
What Kind of Knitter are You?
What Kind of Knitter Are You?
You appear to be a Knitting Goddess. You are constantly giving and are unconcerned with reward, you simply want others to love knitting as much as you do. If someone wants to knit miles of novelty yarns, you are there for them. If someone wants to learn short row shaping, you can help. There are no taboos in knitting, only opportunities to grow. Everyone should have friend like you around if they want to learn to knit, and there's a good chance that your passion has rubbed off on a few others.http://marniemaclean.com
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Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Happy Birthday, Charlotte
On the day you were born you looked so worried and wise, like you had lived this life before and weren't sure you were happy you had to do it again. I also think that is why you gave me four hours of labour every night for a week before you finally decided it was ok to come out and join us.
Your brother tried to help as best he could, in his two-year old way.
You and your brother have taught each other a lot this past year. He taught you to crawl so you could keep up to him, you taught him how to make new sounds so you could talk to each other.
It doesn't seem like that long ago that you were a tiny, helpless newborn, only wanting to be held and cuddled.
Monday, May 1, 2006
Decontamination time.
Well, we haven't gone 24 hours without something exploding out of Emmett, but he definitely seems better today, so it is decon time. I bleached the bathroom last night, and now it is time to gather up the toys and put them in the sunroom with the windows open and blast them with Lysol. I also have to mop every floor and shampoo the diningroom rug. I wish I could put bleach in the mop water, but I like my hardwood the colour that it is, so a good hot scrub will have to do. Will Lysol damage my leather furniture?
Yuck!!!!
I actually took Emm to the walk-in this weekend and the doc said as long as he is hydrated we must wait. (Saturday his pants exploded in my hair salon, and then when we got home he threw up in the garage, the back yard and our pack porch just like a college kid on Spring Break. He would have thrown up in the van but I grabbed him and got him out just in time.) The nurse at the clinic said that everyone else that has gone through this bug takes five days to get better. Today is day five. Think happy thoughts for us. Even though Charlotte didn't get the bug as bad as Emmett, I am still canceling her appointment for vaccinations this week--lets not pile too much on her plate, right?
I started to feel sick on the weekend too, but it passed quickly, thank goodness.
Yes, I am blogging to put off cleaning--whatch'a going to do about it???
Yuck!!!!
I actually took Emm to the walk-in this weekend and the doc said as long as he is hydrated we must wait. (Saturday his pants exploded in my hair salon, and then when we got home he threw up in the garage, the back yard and our pack porch just like a college kid on Spring Break. He would have thrown up in the van but I grabbed him and got him out just in time.) The nurse at the clinic said that everyone else that has gone through this bug takes five days to get better. Today is day five. Think happy thoughts for us. Even though Charlotte didn't get the bug as bad as Emmett, I am still canceling her appointment for vaccinations this week--lets not pile too much on her plate, right?
I started to feel sick on the weekend too, but it passed quickly, thank goodness.
Yes, I am blogging to put off cleaning--whatch'a going to do about it???
Friday, April 28, 2006
Back to normal.
No puking for over 24 hours. (Touch wood.) Emmett stopped throwing up yesterday but had no appetite--he lived on crackers and electrolyte juice until evening when hubby took him for a Slurpee, his favourite treat. Mercifully, it stayed down. He also spiked a temp yesterday afternoon, but today he is back to his old self. I even went out for coffee and knitting last night with my coffee and knitting buddy guilt-free (but with my cell phone turned on).
I have been having MAJOR chocolate cravings these past few days--I even put cocoa powder in my cream of wheat this morning. (delicious, by the way ) I had a chocolaty, creamy coffee drink last night, but had enough restraint to only drink half of it. I am down an inch on my waist--I want to keep it that way and lose a few more.
Hey! I haven't talked about knitting in a while. I will be heading out to an agricultural fair this afternoon to fondle some alpaca fibre. I should probably leave the credit card at home. I have been known to have accidents where I trip and fall with it in my hand and somehow it gets swiped by a cash register. Purely accidental. I still don't have my wrist splints so I have been careful about knitting too much. My knitting buddy lent me her brand-new copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting and now I am all inspired to make dishcloths and log-cabin afghans. Dishcloths are fun knitting for me. They work up fast, you can try out new patterns and then use them and enjoy them instead of tucking them away at the bottom of a box of yarn, where good swatches go to die.
My rule about no clothes shopping until 10 lbs are gone is getting harder and harder to follow. My clothes are all loose and there are so many cute things in stores. We just got an invitation to a wedding in June and I keep going past a dress shop that has the most adorable 50's inspired party dress in the window--A-line flared skirt, runching in the bodice to tuck me all in and spaghetti straps that I would probably remove. All it needs is a lacey wrap, the new bronze dress sandals I have coming in the mail and a great pedicure. Must. Be. Strong. If I buy it now, it may not fit in a month, right??
I have been having MAJOR chocolate cravings these past few days--I even put cocoa powder in my cream of wheat this morning. (delicious, by the way ) I had a chocolaty, creamy coffee drink last night, but had enough restraint to only drink half of it. I am down an inch on my waist--I want to keep it that way and lose a few more.
Hey! I haven't talked about knitting in a while. I will be heading out to an agricultural fair this afternoon to fondle some alpaca fibre. I should probably leave the credit card at home. I have been known to have accidents where I trip and fall with it in my hand and somehow it gets swiped by a cash register. Purely accidental. I still don't have my wrist splints so I have been careful about knitting too much. My knitting buddy lent me her brand-new copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting and now I am all inspired to make dishcloths and log-cabin afghans. Dishcloths are fun knitting for me. They work up fast, you can try out new patterns and then use them and enjoy them instead of tucking them away at the bottom of a box of yarn, where good swatches go to die.
My rule about no clothes shopping until 10 lbs are gone is getting harder and harder to follow. My clothes are all loose and there are so many cute things in stores. We just got an invitation to a wedding in June and I keep going past a dress shop that has the most adorable 50's inspired party dress in the window--A-line flared skirt, runching in the bodice to tuck me all in and spaghetti straps that I would probably remove. All it needs is a lacey wrap, the new bronze dress sandals I have coming in the mail and a great pedicure. Must. Be. Strong. If I buy it now, it may not fit in a month, right??
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Home made pediatric electrolyte replacement.
Here is what I have in a big jug on my counter right now:
2 quarts water (2 litres)
1-teaspoon baking soda
1-teaspoon salt
7 Tablespoons sugar
1 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid
1/2-teaspoon salt substitute
The salt substitute and Kool-Aid are optional. Store in the refrigerator. Be creative; use your special Kool-Aid to make ice cubes so it will stay cool in their bottle or sippy-cup. Or, insert toothpicks into your ice cubes before freezing and make homemade popsicles.
I used Crystal Light because that is what I have in my pantry and the ingredient list is virtually identical to the Sugar-Free Kool-Aid package.
This is a good recipe to have--real Pedialyte is $10 a litre and you have to go out to get it--very inconvienient when all of your clothing is in the washing machine from being puked on.
I wish Emmett would throw up in a basin--I have now had to wash his bedroom floor and halfway down the hallway. Don't get me started on the laundry.
Char was feeling left out so she had to throw up too. All over me. When is hubby getting home???
2 quarts water (2 litres)
1-teaspoon baking soda
1-teaspoon salt
7 Tablespoons sugar
1 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid
1/2-teaspoon salt substitute
The salt substitute and Kool-Aid are optional. Store in the refrigerator. Be creative; use your special Kool-Aid to make ice cubes so it will stay cool in their bottle or sippy-cup. Or, insert toothpicks into your ice cubes before freezing and make homemade popsicles.
I used Crystal Light because that is what I have in my pantry and the ingredient list is virtually identical to the Sugar-Free Kool-Aid package.
This is a good recipe to have--real Pedialyte is $10 a litre and you have to go out to get it--very inconvienient when all of your clothing is in the washing machine from being puked on.
I wish Emmett would throw up in a basin--I have now had to wash his bedroom floor and halfway down the hallway. Don't get me started on the laundry.
Char was feeling left out so she had to throw up too. All over me. When is hubby getting home???
I need help, Part II (don't read if you have a weak stomach)
One child has diarrhea, one child is throwing up. Get me out of here!!! They are not acting sick, they just run around and play and make disgusting messes at random intervals. Poor Emmett does not remember ever throwing up so he runs away from it as it is happening. I have washed half the kitchen floor, the livingroom floor, the loveseat and part of the diningroom rug so far. I have also done a couple of loads of pukey laundry. I am watching the clock for hubby to get home and help me.
I also had to put a headless chocolate Easter bunny out of his misery...I think I earned it today.
I also had to put a headless chocolate Easter bunny out of his misery...I think I earned it today.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I need help!!!
Why can I not stay on top of housework? Fellow bloggers, I need your tips, tricks and techniques to help me stay ahead of the avalanche.
Here is what I already do:
I keep a bottle of cleaner and rags in my bathroom so I can do a spot-clean as I get ready in the morning. I generally use my damp towel to wipe the floor and then drop it in the laundry chute.
I do laundry Every. Frickin'. Day. I fold the clothes right out of the dryer and each family member has a basket everything gets sorted into so I can carry one basket into one room and put everything away. In a perfect world everything gets put away everyday, but my world is far from perfect and it is a major thing that the laundry even gets folded regularly now.
I vacuum twice a week. I have a shedding dog so I should vacuum daily, but I don't.
The kitchen gets cleaned daily after dinner while hubby is bathing the kids. I try to unload the dishwasher as I am making breakfast so I can load it during the day, but if there are rugrats tugging at my coattails, it sometimes doesn't get done until I am doing the big evening clean. I like seeing clean counters first thing in the morning. I need to wash out my fridge more regularly--leftovers and spoiled condiments get thrown out once a week, I just don't wash the shelves often enough.
I plan our dinners a week in advance so I can do one big shopping trip and I never have to wonder what is for dinner. (This helps with my weight loss--I never have an excuse to eat junk because the ingredients for a healthy meal are always in the kitchen)
Generally my house is clean, it is just never, ever tidy and hardly ever dusted. I try to purge our belongings regularly, but as soon as I turn around, any given surface in my house is covered in junk. If you speak the language of Flylady you would say I have multiple hot spots in my house. How do I keep on top of them??? How do I deal with a husband who leaves piles of stuff everywhere and denies that he is messy? (Hey, I am messy too--At least I admit it!). What can I do? Leave me a comment! Maybe we can help each other.
In other news--my favourite belt is on the last hole and is getting too loose to do its job!!!
Check out my food blog for a couple of new recipes.
Here is what I already do:
I keep a bottle of cleaner and rags in my bathroom so I can do a spot-clean as I get ready in the morning. I generally use my damp towel to wipe the floor and then drop it in the laundry chute.
I do laundry Every. Frickin'. Day. I fold the clothes right out of the dryer and each family member has a basket everything gets sorted into so I can carry one basket into one room and put everything away. In a perfect world everything gets put away everyday, but my world is far from perfect and it is a major thing that the laundry even gets folded regularly now.
I vacuum twice a week. I have a shedding dog so I should vacuum daily, but I don't.
The kitchen gets cleaned daily after dinner while hubby is bathing the kids. I try to unload the dishwasher as I am making breakfast so I can load it during the day, but if there are rugrats tugging at my coattails, it sometimes doesn't get done until I am doing the big evening clean. I like seeing clean counters first thing in the morning. I need to wash out my fridge more regularly--leftovers and spoiled condiments get thrown out once a week, I just don't wash the shelves often enough.
I plan our dinners a week in advance so I can do one big shopping trip and I never have to wonder what is for dinner. (This helps with my weight loss--I never have an excuse to eat junk because the ingredients for a healthy meal are always in the kitchen)
Generally my house is clean, it is just never, ever tidy and hardly ever dusted. I try to purge our belongings regularly, but as soon as I turn around, any given surface in my house is covered in junk. If you speak the language of Flylady you would say I have multiple hot spots in my house. How do I keep on top of them??? How do I deal with a husband who leaves piles of stuff everywhere and denies that he is messy? (Hey, I am messy too--At least I admit it!). What can I do? Leave me a comment! Maybe we can help each other.
In other news--my favourite belt is on the last hole and is getting too loose to do its job!!!
Check out my food blog for a couple of new recipes.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Some good news.
I got a call from the Speech Therapy department at the hospital. After 18 months of waiting, Emmett now has a regular weekly slot with a therapist. I am happy and relieved all at the same time. I know this means we have gotten to the top of a hill and have found a mountain, but now I have the lovely and perky Linda, Speech Language Pathologist, to guide us up. Charlotte is helping Emmett with his speech. She can say "Mum" now, so Emmett is working on the "mmmm" sound. Nothing like a little sibling rivalry to get some wheels turning!!
I also found out yesterday I have the beginnings of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happening. I saw a neurologist who taped electrodes to my hands and fingers and then shocked me in various places up and down my arms and wrists with a Taser-like thingy and then measured how fast the electrical current travels down the nerves. It sounds like much more fun than it really is. So far I test normal, but since I have numbness and tingling in my hands and wrists almost every day, I need to start treatment. It is really no big deal. I will be fitted for wrist splints to be worn at night. That is it. How sexy will I look??? I just feel old.
I have started a new blog:
Prairie Knitwit cooks so I have a place to put the recipes I post from time to time. (Thanks for the good idea, Sarah!)
I also found out yesterday I have the beginnings of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happening. I saw a neurologist who taped electrodes to my hands and fingers and then shocked me in various places up and down my arms and wrists with a Taser-like thingy and then measured how fast the electrical current travels down the nerves. It sounds like much more fun than it really is. So far I test normal, but since I have numbness and tingling in my hands and wrists almost every day, I need to start treatment. It is really no big deal. I will be fitted for wrist splints to be worn at night. That is it. How sexy will I look??? I just feel old.
I have started a new blog:
Prairie Knitwit cooks so I have a place to put the recipes I post from time to time. (Thanks for the good idea, Sarah!)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
For Tisha.
This recipe was at my last Weight Watcher's meeting. They are very tasty and keep well in the fridge or freezer.
Super-Easy Chocolate Bran Muffins
Mix together:
3 cups All-Bran Cereal with 2-1/2 cups water and let stand 5 minutes.
Add in:
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and one package of low-fat brownie mix.
Add in some mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, nuts, if desired.
Blend well and pour into greased muffin tins (or line with paper...you know the drill.)
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
If you are counting points: 2 points each if you make 18 muffins, 1.5 points if you make 24 (these will be pretty small)
Super-Easy Chocolate Bran Muffins
Mix together:
3 cups All-Bran Cereal with 2-1/2 cups water and let stand 5 minutes.
Add in:
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and one package of low-fat brownie mix.
Add in some mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, nuts, if desired.
Blend well and pour into greased muffin tins (or line with paper...you know the drill.)
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
If you are counting points: 2 points each if you make 18 muffins, 1.5 points if you make 24 (these will be pretty small)
I have a boy who dresses himself.
Last seen at the mall:
A cute almost 3-year old who probably needs a haircut, but has such awesome highlights and little curls showing up that momma isn't ready to part with them just yet.
He was wearing:
A Bob the Builder sweatshirt
Lime green swim trunks
Muddy Dora the Explorer boots on the wrong feet
Accessorized with a Baby Einstein videocassette pilfered from a friend's house on their last playdate (I'll get it back to you, Cheryl!!)
Blue windbreaker added at mom's insistance.
A cute almost 3-year old who probably needs a haircut, but has such awesome highlights and little curls showing up that momma isn't ready to part with them just yet.
He was wearing:
A Bob the Builder sweatshirt
Lime green swim trunks
Muddy Dora the Explorer boots on the wrong feet
Accessorized with a Baby Einstein videocassette pilfered from a friend's house on their last playdate (I'll get it back to you, Cheryl!!)
Blue windbreaker added at mom's insistance.
Monday, April 17, 2006
I'm back!
Well, it has been a while. What have I been up to? Quite a bit. Last week I went Up North to take care of my mother, who is very sick right now and no one knows what is wrong. She is waiting for tests and is slowly getting her strength back now. While I was there Emm and Char visited my Aunt, Uncle and cousins Down South. Emm ran outside on their acreage for two days and had a blast. Char was spoiled rotten--she got to snuggle between my aunt and uncle in their bed when she woke up at night. My aunt did the impossible and weaned Emmett off his bedtime water bottles. I really must send her flowers for that. My van took some damage when a tree jumped out into my mom's driveway--the driver-side window exploded all over me. Amazingly, I only ended up with a very tiny scratch. I got the pleasure of a 4-hour drive home with a sheet of plastic flapping in my ear since it was a long weekend and Richard wanted to replace the window himself when I got home to save some cash. The autobody shop guys Up North were super and vacuumed out my van and taped up the window and didn't charge me a thing.
I got home just in time to throw my bags in a corner and get ready for two Easter celebrations. Here are some pics from the Easter-egg hunt at Grandma Lynn's:
It was the first sunny, hot day of spring .
Char hates wearing a sun hat, but you can still see scalp through her hair, so she will just have to get used to it! Emm wouldn't look up at the camera until he had eaten all of his Easter eggs.
How nice that Grandma has a sandbox in her back yard!! (Emmett is still chewing.)
We all came home a little sunburned. (Where did I put the sunscreen???)
Sunday was spent with Grandpa W, Grandma Holly, Uncle Devon, Auntie Steph, Auntie Rachel, Nanny Mabel and Uncle Bill. (whew!) We had brunch, played in the park and ate pizza and birthday cake (it is Richard's birthday) Grandpa W and Uncle Bill put together Richard's birthday gift: a spanky bike trailer/jogger Emmett sat in it to eat his dinner last night. We couldn't get him out of it. We took it for a test drive today and the kids love it. I do to--you can pack a lot of groceries in the back and around the kidlets!!
We are not going to talk about what these past two days are doing to my Weight watchers journaling. I lost 4 pounds last week so if I don't lose any this week it won't be too bad. I am just hoping that I didn't gain. I am working very hard at getting right back on track.
In bridesmaid dress news, I sent my measurements in so that the dresses can be ordered. I got a call from a salesperson at the bridal shop. They wanted to ask me if, based on my measurements, I was PREGNANT and that they couldn't figure out what size to order me. What the F@#& is wrong with these people???? It is their job to know what dress to order. I cannot be the first woman in the history of bridesmaids to not have model-perfect measurements. I had to assure the twit at the bridal shop that I was losing weight and would be able to fit into what ever dress they ordered. Between having samples with ripped zippers and clueless salespeople it is going against everything I believe in to give my money to this store.
Note to those readers who have not met me in real life: I am not morbidly obese. I carry my excess weight around my waist. My arms and legs are relatively slender and since I have upped my exercise and dropped a few pounds I actually have muscle definition in my legs. My belly is just quite poochy. I had two babies 23 months apart--what do you expect??
Since coming home from my Mom's house I have been keeping myself busy re-organizing and purging my house of excess junk. I have quite a sizeable pile of stuff in my basement to give away. I am trying to decide if I should just donate my junk or if it is worth the trouble to have a yard sale myself. How much cute new clothing (in a smaller size) can I get for my old stuff?
I got home just in time to throw my bags in a corner and get ready for two Easter celebrations. Here are some pics from the Easter-egg hunt at Grandma Lynn's:
It was the first sunny, hot day of spring .
Char hates wearing a sun hat, but you can still see scalp through her hair, so she will just have to get used to it! Emm wouldn't look up at the camera until he had eaten all of his Easter eggs.
How nice that Grandma has a sandbox in her back yard!! (Emmett is still chewing.)We all came home a little sunburned. (Where did I put the sunscreen???)
Sunday was spent with Grandpa W, Grandma Holly, Uncle Devon, Auntie Steph, Auntie Rachel, Nanny Mabel and Uncle Bill. (whew!) We had brunch, played in the park and ate pizza and birthday cake (it is Richard's birthday) Grandpa W and Uncle Bill put together Richard's birthday gift: a spanky bike trailer/jogger Emmett sat in it to eat his dinner last night. We couldn't get him out of it. We took it for a test drive today and the kids love it. I do to--you can pack a lot of groceries in the back and around the kidlets!!
We are not going to talk about what these past two days are doing to my Weight watchers journaling. I lost 4 pounds last week so if I don't lose any this week it won't be too bad. I am just hoping that I didn't gain. I am working very hard at getting right back on track.
In bridesmaid dress news, I sent my measurements in so that the dresses can be ordered. I got a call from a salesperson at the bridal shop. They wanted to ask me if, based on my measurements, I was PREGNANT and that they couldn't figure out what size to order me. What the F@#& is wrong with these people???? It is their job to know what dress to order. I cannot be the first woman in the history of bridesmaids to not have model-perfect measurements. I had to assure the twit at the bridal shop that I was losing weight and would be able to fit into what ever dress they ordered. Between having samples with ripped zippers and clueless salespeople it is going against everything I believe in to give my money to this store.
Note to those readers who have not met me in real life: I am not morbidly obese. I carry my excess weight around my waist. My arms and legs are relatively slender and since I have upped my exercise and dropped a few pounds I actually have muscle definition in my legs. My belly is just quite poochy. I had two babies 23 months apart--what do you expect??
Since coming home from my Mom's house I have been keeping myself busy re-organizing and purging my house of excess junk. I have quite a sizeable pile of stuff in my basement to give away. I am trying to decide if I should just donate my junk or if it is worth the trouble to have a yard sale myself. How much cute new clothing (in a smaller size) can I get for my old stuff?
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
It's been a while.
Yes, I have not blogged in a while. What can I say? Since Charlotte is getting more and more mobile, my time at the computer has been getting shorter and shorter.
I have to go on a little road trip to check on a couple of very important people in my life. I'll be back soon.
I have to go on a little road trip to check on a couple of very important people in my life. I'll be back soon.
Monday, April 3, 2006
Spring Forward.
To some of you, Spring Forward just means you have to remember to turn your clock one hour ahead or you will be the laughingstock at work on Monday morning. I have decided to take this term literally. It is time for a transformation. I want my outside to match my inside. I want to look at an outfit in a shop and think "Wow. That will look so good on me!" Instead of scrutinizing it for tummy-hiding abilities and reaching to the back of the rack to see if they carry it in a not-quite-plus-size-but-give-me-time size. I will be in someone's wedding pictures this summer--I do not want to be self-conscious in front of all of the cameras. I want to hold my head high and be proud of how I look.
I have joined Weight Watchers and now write down every morsel I put in my mouth and do math to see what I can have for a snack every day. How humbling to know , in black and white, how much one really eats. I have done this before, so I have vague knowledge about how to maximize my points, but I still have a lot to learn. I always feel a little hungry at this point, but I am waiting for my stomach to shrink and am guzzling down on lots of water (Crystal Light or lemon wedge optional) and filling my plate with lots and lots of steamed veggies at dinner every night. I have always liked vinegar on my veggies instead of butter, so I have a bit of a head start already. Why Weight Watchers when I know South Beach or Atkins gives almost instant results? One: My name is Not Jenny and I am a carb addict. I do not have time to chase small kiddies while detoxing from carbs. Two: I refuse to cook two dinners every night and hubby would shrivel up and disappear if I took away the carbs. Three: I don't need instant results I need lasting results. Weight Watchers is something I can follow for life without dieting myself into a kidney transplant later on.
My big challenge is making time and motivating myself to exercise. Thankfully the sidewalks are getting clearer and clearer and the sun is shining more and more, so the stroller will be racking up the miles once again. I have workout tapes gathering dust on the back of the shelf that I will be brushing off and using on not-nice days. I just have to make myself. I am a lazy person and I have exercise-induced asthma. I really have to kick myself in the butt to get off the couch and turn off the computer. The asthma is an easy excuse to stay put, but if I pace myself correctly and watch the weather I hardly have to use my inhaler at all. We even have recordings of a kid's exercise program by the BBC for Emmett--we could dance together. We will dance together.
I haven't picked a goal weight yet--do I pick what I really want to be, or what I think I can attain? (that is a three pound difference in my mind--those last three pounds can be a kicker) I have two more days to think about it--that is when I weigh in again.
Until then my first goal is 10 pounds--there will be no shopping for clothes until I lose 10 pounds. This is proving to be hard since all of the spring/summer clothing is coming out in stores, but what better incentive to count my points than being able to buy what I really want instead of what makes me look the least pregnant???
I have joined Weight Watchers and now write down every morsel I put in my mouth and do math to see what I can have for a snack every day. How humbling to know , in black and white, how much one really eats. I have done this before, so I have vague knowledge about how to maximize my points, but I still have a lot to learn. I always feel a little hungry at this point, but I am waiting for my stomach to shrink and am guzzling down on lots of water (Crystal Light or lemon wedge optional) and filling my plate with lots and lots of steamed veggies at dinner every night. I have always liked vinegar on my veggies instead of butter, so I have a bit of a head start already. Why Weight Watchers when I know South Beach or Atkins gives almost instant results? One: My name is Not Jenny and I am a carb addict. I do not have time to chase small kiddies while detoxing from carbs. Two: I refuse to cook two dinners every night and hubby would shrivel up and disappear if I took away the carbs. Three: I don't need instant results I need lasting results. Weight Watchers is something I can follow for life without dieting myself into a kidney transplant later on.
My big challenge is making time and motivating myself to exercise. Thankfully the sidewalks are getting clearer and clearer and the sun is shining more and more, so the stroller will be racking up the miles once again. I have workout tapes gathering dust on the back of the shelf that I will be brushing off and using on not-nice days. I just have to make myself. I am a lazy person and I have exercise-induced asthma. I really have to kick myself in the butt to get off the couch and turn off the computer. The asthma is an easy excuse to stay put, but if I pace myself correctly and watch the weather I hardly have to use my inhaler at all. We even have recordings of a kid's exercise program by the BBC for Emmett--we could dance together. We will dance together.
I haven't picked a goal weight yet--do I pick what I really want to be, or what I think I can attain? (that is a three pound difference in my mind--those last three pounds can be a kicker) I have two more days to think about it--that is when I weigh in again.
Until then my first goal is 10 pounds--there will be no shopping for clothes until I lose 10 pounds. This is proving to be hard since all of the spring/summer clothing is coming out in stores, but what better incentive to count my points than being able to buy what I really want instead of what makes me look the least pregnant???
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Flashin' my stash.
Hey! It's Flash Your Stash Weekend! I didn't have time to pose my stuff, so you see it in its natural state. My stash has several layers--just like an archealogical dig, the deeper you go, the older it is.
This is the newest yarn, aquired on our last trip to the Big City. It is still sitting in the van organizer in my front entranceway. You see some cotton/viscose/silk for a summery sweater, a bunch of chunky acrylic blend for some kids sweaters and some Patons Kroy socks for well, socks. There are a couple of balls of bamboo in there too--to add to its friends in another layer.
The second layer of stash lives beside the couch in a basket. It contains all WIPs. You see a bamboo Clapotis, a sweater in Paton's Shetland Chunky I have been picking(throwing) at for at least a year, a purple boucle baby sweater for a friend and a cotton dishcloth thisclose to being finished. In the tall box is some wool hubby bought me that doesn't know what it wants to be yet, but it is happy hanging there with a loooooong swatch. Anybody know what to do with thick/thin yarn??? Really. I need some ideas here.
This stash lives in the top drawer of the entertainment unit. What did you think I would put there? DVDs? There is more bamboo, some Knitpicks Wool of the Andes for a dog sweater and more yarn for The Sweater That Will Never Be Finished (see WIP basket) The back of said sweater lives here too.
The final layer of stash lives in the basement. Hence, the bad picture--the lighting is terrible and the flash didn't know what to do. The drawers contain, from bottom to top: An acrylic monstrosoty that needs to be frogged and turned into an afgan, some green wool harvested from a sweater that my MIL gave me because it was wayyyy too big on her, leftover Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake from a baby ponch and assorted eyelash crap, cotton for dishcloths and on top in the bag is inherited stash from my late Grandma--a Mary Maxim Christmas stocking kit and some cool sock yarn. The blue box has randon bits of this and that, mostly from Grandma. There is a bag of rough brown handspun wool that doesn't know what it wants to be, a bunch of baby weight acrylic, and leftovers from projects.
This picture is for the Mommy bloggers who read me--Emmett got some new kitchen toys this weekend.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
For the love of all that is good and holy...
... DO NOT ask a woman if she is pregnant!!!! I mean it! There is no good reason to. (Has anyone seen the shattered remains of my self-esteem anywhere?)
Monday, March 27, 2006
I am a glutton for punishment.
Well, we had an almost perfectly enjoyable weekend. Richard and I didn't manage to sneak away for the night, but we were given tickets to a jazz concert and a brave 15 - year - old came by to babysit. As a belated birthday gift Richard's stepmom took me shopping to not one, but two yarn stores!!! At one, which was going out of business, I stocked up on chunky yarn to make the kids new sweaters for fall. At the other one, I picked up some luscious Cezanne to make a lacey sweater in lime. I felt like a kid in a candystore. I wandered the aisles, touching everything!! I am being very careful with my wrists so I haven't been knitting as much as I would like, but I am too stubborn to give it up. Who could say no to the cotton/silk blend I picked up? I just like looking at it and petting it!!
On Sunday I went into a bridal shop to try on a bridesmaid's dress for a friend's wedding. Oh the horror! I looked like a big brown triangle. I was quite disappointed with the shop in general. I started trying on other dresses to see if something else would be more suitable to my frame and most of the sample dresses had broken zippers. Is that any way to sell clothing? Two (of six) bridesmaid's are coming to visit me to see if we can find something that won't make us cry. I officially hit rock bottom with my weight that day. I am going to be starting Weight Watchers as soon as I can. I need some structure and rules to get myself back on track and drop about 25 pounds of baby weight. Unfortunately, only a tummy tuck will really get rid of my belly--I will get stick arms and a flat chest and still have a pooch, but at least it will be smaller. (I have lost these 25 lbs before--I know the road)
I picked up another shift for tomorrow--wish me luck!! I have learned from my previous mistake, so I will have to find a new one to make.
On Sunday I went into a bridal shop to try on a bridesmaid's dress for a friend's wedding. Oh the horror! I looked like a big brown triangle. I was quite disappointed with the shop in general. I started trying on other dresses to see if something else would be more suitable to my frame and most of the sample dresses had broken zippers. Is that any way to sell clothing? Two (of six) bridesmaid's are coming to visit me to see if we can find something that won't make us cry. I officially hit rock bottom with my weight that day. I am going to be starting Weight Watchers as soon as I can. I need some structure and rules to get myself back on track and drop about 25 pounds of baby weight. Unfortunately, only a tummy tuck will really get rid of my belly--I will get stick arms and a flat chest and still have a pooch, but at least it will be smaller. (I have lost these 25 lbs before--I know the road)
I picked up another shift for tomorrow--wish me luck!! I have learned from my previous mistake, so I will have to find a new one to make.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Have you ever had one of those days...
...Where you just feel like you are pretending to be whomever you are? That was me on Wednesday. I put on my little nurse outfit, threw my hospital ID and stethoscope around my neck, and I was playing dress-up at the hospital. I forgot how many kinds of tired there are and how many you can have at the same time until yesterday. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard, don't' get me wrong, but I never feel the crushing sense of defeat and failure at the end of the day that I do when I work at the hospital. Kids are pretty straightforward: first and foremost you just love them. Next comes food and warmth, then you can stimulate their little brains by playing with them or putting on a Dora video while you throw a load of laundry in the washing machine. Yep, I am bone tired by the end of a day with my kids, but I answer to no one. If I want to load up the v-v-v-van and go on little day trip, I can. If I want to sit in my PJs and serve ice cream for lunch, I can do that too. I forgot what a bureaucratic hell the hospital is (my Sunday shift was just a warm-up--there were no bosses or even doctors around on Sunday) Yesterday I was responsible for five patients and two student nurses while answering to my floor supervisor, charge nurse, the student's instructor and a bunch of doctors and surgeons (one or two for each patient). Truly dizzying after a year off and one shift to learn where things are. I don't wanna go back.
On a happier note, Emm and Char had a blast at the babysitter. The next morning Emmett grabbed my backpack and got ready to follow Richard out the door, just like the day before. He was really mad when he found out he had to stay home with me. I am glad things will work out with her.
We are going into the Big City to visit the Father-in-law and his family tomorrow. How bad would we look if we just dropped the kids off and checked into a hotel? Richard and I are wayyyy overdue for some alone time. Between the kids and our various other responsibilities, there has not been enough time to be a couple. I am tired of being too tired for him. I am tired of being in a rush and always keeping one ear open for a cry or the pitter patter of little feet that should be in bed. I want to run around naked and not care about how much noise we make. I have a two-hour drive to convince Richard we should do it. I don't think it will be too difficult. I know he feels the same way I do.
On a happier note, Emm and Char had a blast at the babysitter. The next morning Emmett grabbed my backpack and got ready to follow Richard out the door, just like the day before. He was really mad when he found out he had to stay home with me. I am glad things will work out with her.
We are going into the Big City to visit the Father-in-law and his family tomorrow. How bad would we look if we just dropped the kids off and checked into a hotel? Richard and I are wayyyy overdue for some alone time. Between the kids and our various other responsibilities, there has not been enough time to be a couple. I am tired of being too tired for him. I am tired of being in a rush and always keeping one ear open for a cry or the pitter patter of little feet that should be in bed. I want to run around naked and not care about how much noise we make. I have a two-hour drive to convince Richard we should do it. I don't think it will be too difficult. I know he feels the same way I do.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Going back to work.
Well, I survived my first shift back at work. It turns out I chose a good day to get back into the swing of things. There were no ortho surgeons on call the Sunday I went back, so the ward was pretty quiet. The charge nurse had me float the ward, helping out, so I had the whole shift to get to know where things are and not worry about patients as much. Thankfully the medication machine remembered my ID. I forgot my computer password and there is no IT support on Sundays, but it was really no big deal. I had such a great time that I agreed to work a shift tomorrow. The ortho surgeons were back on call yesterday so tomorrow I will be running my little legs off. When I got home from work on Sunday, Richard was exhausted from chasing the kids all day but he didn't complain a bit. He just passed out on the couch as soon as my scrubs hit the laundry chute. Speaking of scrubs...someone please tell me I do not need to go shopping for new uniforms for one shift a week. Do I? I do, don't I? Just one new set in a bright Springy colour. To cheer up the patients. That's it, right?
Emm and Char will be going to a babysitter for the first time tomorrow. Anyone going to place bets on how many calls I will make home? I am not too worried. The kids know this person and she knows Emmett and understands his method of communication, which is the biggest thing to me. I just have no idea what I should be sending to her house. I will either pack far too much or not enough. I am a little worried about her cat. We have never had Emmett formally tested for allergies, but his asthma symptoms magically disappeared when we sent my cat away do to my allergy. I will be sending his inhaler just in case.
I went into the doctor today since I can no longer ignore the persistent pain and pins and needles feelings I get in my wrists and hands almost daily. I now get to look forward to a trip to the neurologist for nerve conduction studies and other scary tests for things like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervains, repetitive Strain Injury or just plain old Tendonitis. The tests scare the heck out of me. They involve things like needles and electrodes and whether or not I feel pain when current is turned on. It sounds like a form of medieval torture. I like being at the giving end of the needles--not the receiving. That is why I am a nurse!!
My doc was also nice enough to write another letter to the speech pathologist for Emmett. He is the father of young children so I find him very understanding when I ask him about mine. It is really hard to find a good doctor in my city. It took me several years to wiggle my way into his practice. (I know a few tricks.)
Emm and Char will be going to a babysitter for the first time tomorrow. Anyone going to place bets on how many calls I will make home? I am not too worried. The kids know this person and she knows Emmett and understands his method of communication, which is the biggest thing to me. I just have no idea what I should be sending to her house. I will either pack far too much or not enough. I am a little worried about her cat. We have never had Emmett formally tested for allergies, but his asthma symptoms magically disappeared when we sent my cat away do to my allergy. I will be sending his inhaler just in case.
I went into the doctor today since I can no longer ignore the persistent pain and pins and needles feelings I get in my wrists and hands almost daily. I now get to look forward to a trip to the neurologist for nerve conduction studies and other scary tests for things like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervains, repetitive Strain Injury or just plain old Tendonitis. The tests scare the heck out of me. They involve things like needles and electrodes and whether or not I feel pain when current is turned on. It sounds like a form of medieval torture. I like being at the giving end of the needles--not the receiving. That is why I am a nurse!!
My doc was also nice enough to write another letter to the speech pathologist for Emmett. He is the father of young children so I find him very understanding when I ask him about mine. It is really hard to find a good doctor in my city. It took me several years to wiggle my way into his practice. (I know a few tricks.)
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Are you a dork?
| Dork Spectrum: Where Do You Fall Inconspicuous Dork- (Moderate Abnormality)- This rank of Dorkiness is a combination of a playful spirit with an ignorant social perspective. The Inconspicuous Dork is awkward in all or some of the following; posture, physical movement, gestures, facial expression. They also may display some deficit in the area of appropriate humor and social communication interactions. Their humor is seldom appropriate or understandable to anyone other than themselves. The main distinction between an Inconspicuous Dork and a Full-on Dork lies primarily in the awareness and effort of the alleged Dork. If awareness and effort are low but result in the same awkward actions and comments this is endearing and often considered “Quirky”. On the other hand, if there is a considerable amount of effort put forth to formulate related humor or obviously rehearsed actions that are not well received, this increased effort and somewhat evident awareness of awkward actions can be classified as “Annoying”. Anyone who is annoying has reached the gateway to Full-o |
| Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
Hmmm, Richard is not at all surprised by my test results.
Wish me luck at work tomorrow.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
A few random thoughts.
I picked up a shift this weekend. I have not been to work in a year. In that year, my ward changed floors, underwent a major change in staff and restructured in layout and routine. I may as well be starting a new job. I am as nervous as I was on the first day of school. I don't even know where the supplies are (or the break room--the most important thing!) Thanks to this, my sleep has been crappy this week--I even had two kids who slept 12 hours (12 hours!) straight last night and I was up at 4:30, eyes wide open, listening to everyone sleeping but me.
We are saying goodbye to my beloved Cadillac. She passed her safety inspection today, so there will be a For Sale sign in the window soon. I am now driving this:
We call it The Dustbuster. Once I forget how luxurious and fun the Caddy was to drive, I am sure it will be great. I already like the fact that twenty bucks bought me half a tank of fuel (that would barely cover the bottom of the Caddy's tank). Surprisingly, it is shorter and narrower than the Caddy so it is a dream to park and fits well in our tiny garage. I have learn to be neater since there is not as much room in the back for cargo, so there is no throwing stuff back there to forget about. For the record, that is not my house and there is certainly no green grass outside my window right now--that pic is from the classified ad to sell it.
I feel a shift in my brain happening. I used to be so very insecure and worried about saying things to make waves. I never wanted anyone mad at me, so I was not good at speaking my mind and standing up for myself. Since the big 3-oh happened I have started to feel more confidant and sure of myself. I am caring less and less what people think and am much more concerned with cultivating quality, meaningful relationships than just making sure everyone likes me. I guess getting older isn't so bad after all.
We are saying goodbye to my beloved Cadillac. She passed her safety inspection today, so there will be a For Sale sign in the window soon. I am now driving this:
We call it The Dustbuster. Once I forget how luxurious and fun the Caddy was to drive, I am sure it will be great. I already like the fact that twenty bucks bought me half a tank of fuel (that would barely cover the bottom of the Caddy's tank). Surprisingly, it is shorter and narrower than the Caddy so it is a dream to park and fits well in our tiny garage. I have learn to be neater since there is not as much room in the back for cargo, so there is no throwing stuff back there to forget about. For the record, that is not my house and there is certainly no green grass outside my window right now--that pic is from the classified ad to sell it.I feel a shift in my brain happening. I used to be so very insecure and worried about saying things to make waves. I never wanted anyone mad at me, so I was not good at speaking my mind and standing up for myself. Since the big 3-oh happened I have started to feel more confidant and sure of myself. I am caring less and less what people think and am much more concerned with cultivating quality, meaningful relationships than just making sure everyone likes me. I guess getting older isn't so bad after all.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
I thought I was too young for this.
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. by Mark Twain.
The most shocking thing greeted me in the mirror yesterday morning. It was my mother's face with my glasses and my (latest) hair colour staring back at me. Where did she come from? Why did she leave a smile line on my face?? Is this Mother Nature's belated birthday gift to me? Where can I return it?
I have very dry skin. It is prone to ashyness and dullness in the winter. This means I had a blessedly acne-free adolescence. I guess this also means my skin is more prone to premature wrinkling.
My mind raced as I contemplated this new development. What do I do?? I mositurize. I use proper facial cleanser in the shower. (The best way to strike fear and terror in a cosmetic salesperson's heart is to say you use body wash or "shudder" plain soap on your face) Is it time to see the doc at my clinic who has the nice syringes of Restylane and Botox in her office? Ok, so the last one was panic mode setting in. I did the next best thing. I went to the drugstore and bugged the lady at the cosmetic counter. Do I drink enough water? Not usually. Do I exfoliate? Not enough. Ok, so I have some work to do. I was impressed that the salesperson asked some fairly reasonable questions before trying to sell me stuff. Don't get me wrong, I did walk away with some new foundation with "anti-aging" ingredients and some concealer that I needed anyway. I needed both of those things, really I did! I also picked up an exfoliating cleanser so I can rub that wrinkle right off. At the counter was a bottle of anti-aging serum. The price tag said $200. That is my grocery budget for two weeks. What is in the bottle? Do people actually buy this stuff? Do you get your money back if it doesn't work? I think I will just drink more water.
Richard didn't notice the new addition to my face. When I pointed it out to him he squinted to see it. Hey, he knows which side his bread is buttered on, and the best way to continue having your bread buttered is to not point out that your wife's appearance is changing. I know it is more obvious than that because the friend I went shopping with said "Hey where did THAT [the wrinkle] come from??" Girlfriends can say that. Husbands can't. It's the law.
I think I like Mark Twain's words the best. I'm just going to keep smiling. (and drink water and exfoliate--I do have some vanity)
The most shocking thing greeted me in the mirror yesterday morning. It was my mother's face with my glasses and my (latest) hair colour staring back at me. Where did she come from? Why did she leave a smile line on my face?? Is this Mother Nature's belated birthday gift to me? Where can I return it?
I have very dry skin. It is prone to ashyness and dullness in the winter. This means I had a blessedly acne-free adolescence. I guess this also means my skin is more prone to premature wrinkling.
My mind raced as I contemplated this new development. What do I do?? I mositurize. I use proper facial cleanser in the shower. (The best way to strike fear and terror in a cosmetic salesperson's heart is to say you use body wash or "shudder" plain soap on your face) Is it time to see the doc at my clinic who has the nice syringes of Restylane and Botox in her office? Ok, so the last one was panic mode setting in. I did the next best thing. I went to the drugstore and bugged the lady at the cosmetic counter. Do I drink enough water? Not usually. Do I exfoliate? Not enough. Ok, so I have some work to do. I was impressed that the salesperson asked some fairly reasonable questions before trying to sell me stuff. Don't get me wrong, I did walk away with some new foundation with "anti-aging" ingredients and some concealer that I needed anyway. I needed both of those things, really I did! I also picked up an exfoliating cleanser so I can rub that wrinkle right off. At the counter was a bottle of anti-aging serum. The price tag said $200. That is my grocery budget for two weeks. What is in the bottle? Do people actually buy this stuff? Do you get your money back if it doesn't work? I think I will just drink more water.
Richard didn't notice the new addition to my face. When I pointed it out to him he squinted to see it. Hey, he knows which side his bread is buttered on, and the best way to continue having your bread buttered is to not point out that your wife's appearance is changing. I know it is more obvious than that because the friend I went shopping with said "Hey where did THAT [the wrinkle] come from??" Girlfriends can say that. Husbands can't. It's the law.
I think I like Mark Twain's words the best. I'm just going to keep smiling. (and drink water and exfoliate--I do have some vanity)
Friday, March 10, 2006
Please don't call the fashion police.
My Grandma made these pajamas for a cousin who is now in grade nine. They have worked their way through three other cousins and ended up at our house in a box of hand-me-downs. As soon as Emmett saw them he decided they were the Best Thing Ever. As soon as they show up in his drawer they are what he wants to wear.
Yesterday I picked out a perfectly nice outfit for him to wear, but he had these in his hand. We went out for lunch and then to the mall and this is what he wore. His snowboots were the perfect accessory.
The splotches by the buttons are some address labels we got in the mail. They have flowers on them. They were lovingly applied by the model.
Charlotte has taken to giving me migraines by screaming at the top of her lungs in a high-pitched horror-movie way. At first I thought it was teething, but her new teeth have erupted. Now I know it is just to get attention. I have no idea how I can discourage her from doing this, but I am open to ideas. I am fried by the end of most days. I can't even cook dinner anymore.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
A baby step.
Emmett wanted to watch a TV show. How do I know? He stood beside the tv and pointed, then pointed at the computer (the place the shows come from). A little while ago I could put on any show I wanted and he would be happy. Not lately. If I put the wrong one on he screams. I think I found a solution, if only for today. I took two balls and held them out in front of him and named each one for a show. He pointed to the ball he wanted and now he is sitting happily on the couch, no screaming this time. I need to run and vaccuum now--after I do a little happy dance.
Monday, March 6, 2006
Oh the pain!
I knit one of my armwarmers last week. The pattern was not working out for me. I frogged the dang thing at least 4-5 times before doing a little research and finding out the chart had errors. Even with the corrected chart I was not happy with my work, but I perservered because I was tired of frogging. Flash forward to this weekend. I get to go on a trip to the mall BY MYSELF!! I head to the bookstore with my mom's birthday gift burning a hole in my wallet. I pick up a copy of Knitting for Dummies (along with Yarn Harlot: the Secret Life of a Knitter). I leaf through my new book and skim the chapter on reading charts. I was reading the gol-durn chart backwards!!!! No wonder my work looked wonky. Do I frog again??? Do I try to block the cables into something more recognizable??? I don't know. I am feeling a lot of rage toward this little armwarmer. So much in fact, that I had to console myself by casting on a Clapotis in some slinky, silky bamboo fiber. Despite the slickness and tendency for the bamboo to split, I am in love. This fabric is so soft and drapey, I just love feeling it run through my fingers.
Emmett finally got the hang of the Big M play structure. We went there for lunch with friends and he spent two hours scampering up and down the towers. A couple of times we had to send kids in for rescue missions, and the last lap before we went home I went in to rescue him from a perch near the ceiling. This did not traumatize him in the least. As soon as we got back on terra firma he ran back in. I had to reach in and pull his screaming little body out and he did not stop crying until his carseat was buckled. He is getting more frustrated with his inability to tell me things. His vocalizations are more insistent, he points harder and glares at me now. His tantrums are more like nuclear meltdowns. I wish I knew what to do to help him. We are still waiting for therapy, after over a year on the waiting list. It is breaking my heart. The way Charlotte is going, she will be teaching him how to speak. This girl is in such a hurry to grow up. She looks deeply into my eyes and babbles at me with a seriousness and intensity that is comical. She is getting so good at crawling on her elbows and can balance for longer periods on all fours. She is trying so hard to keep up with her big brother.
Emmett finally got the hang of the Big M play structure. We went there for lunch with friends and he spent two hours scampering up and down the towers. A couple of times we had to send kids in for rescue missions, and the last lap before we went home I went in to rescue him from a perch near the ceiling. This did not traumatize him in the least. As soon as we got back on terra firma he ran back in. I had to reach in and pull his screaming little body out and he did not stop crying until his carseat was buckled. He is getting more frustrated with his inability to tell me things. His vocalizations are more insistent, he points harder and glares at me now. His tantrums are more like nuclear meltdowns. I wish I knew what to do to help him. We are still waiting for therapy, after over a year on the waiting list. It is breaking my heart. The way Charlotte is going, she will be teaching him how to speak. This girl is in such a hurry to grow up. She looks deeply into my eyes and babbles at me with a seriousness and intensity that is comical. She is getting so good at crawling on her elbows and can balance for longer periods on all fours. She is trying so hard to keep up with her big brother.
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