These are getting harder and harder to write, as I get more and more tired.
We spent most of the day at Disneyland. We started off in Tomorrowland (my favorite!). Baby Boy went on his very first ride, Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Doug held him during the ride, and still managed to more than double my score!
Next, we spent a little bit of time in Toon Town. Always amusing. Onward to Frontierland (my favorite!) and Thunder Mountain. Twice. I'm very thankful for the rider switch pass.
Splash Mountain was a hoot and just might edge out Thunder Mountain for the top spot. The Haunted Mansion was all decked out for Halloween. Fabulous! Baby Boy rode that one, too. I should mention that he wore his Mickey outfit, complete with Mickey ears. He was the cutest little thing in all the park. I'll post a photo later for proof.
We took a couple hour lunch/nap break at the hotel. Mr. Hubby stayed put while the Kid and I went back. Adventureland (my favorite!) then Fantasyland and the parade. The perfect way to end the day. I think that was the boy's favorite part. He nearly shone with joy!
Tomorrow - California Adventure. My knee is killing me, the boy is still reeling from his cold and the baby is exhausted. It could be a very interesting day. Interesting at Disney is better than interesting at home, though. Bring it on!
21 September 2011
20 September 2011
Tripping Along
Overnight in St. George.
Late start. Driving, driving and more driving.
Vegas. Baby blowout. Steak 'n Shake awesomeness.
Driving and driving some more.
100 degrees in the desert.
Fussy baby. Uncomfortable, sick kid.
Still more driving.
Anaheim! Sigh of relief.
Big day tomorrow.
Big day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams tonight.
18 September 2011
Big Trip - Zion National Park
This will be short and sweet because I am drowsy from the Dramamine.
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
The Big Trip, Segment One
We are on our way to Disneyland with our very favorite friends! Hooray!
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
23 June 2011
Wonderful family
The woman featured in this article is the mother of one of my old youth group friends. Leh was just about my son's age when they made their escape from Laos. Enterprising Woman
06 May 2011
Sleep
I completely understand the whole "Back to Sleep" thing for babies, and am thankful that someone figured out the connection between sleep position and SIDS. That said, I love when tummy time on the floor turns into baby's morning nap! If only I could catch some of those zzz's.
18 November 2010
Has it come to this?
Has my blog become simply a place for me to post "Get to know me" questionnaires? For now. I don't care to write about my opinions on most things. Honestly, I think most people should appreciate that. Blogs that share how best to make things, clean this, do that, quite frankly, bug me. Not only that, but my way of doing most things is far from great. In most cases, I'm just barely getting by!
This space was intended mostly as a way to keep family and friends up to date on our little family's happenings. This past year has been full of so many wonderful things, but I have scarely had the chance to even think about writing about them. There is a lot I'd like to share, but right now, I'm busy enjoying time with my family, teaching my son at home, and getting ready for our new son's arrival in March. Well, all that, and a lot of sleeping.
So, for the moment, I'll share a few tidbits about me, and mine, in the form of a silly little survey.
How do you like your steak? I like it well done. I thank my microbiolgy class for that.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oh my, I think it was Shrek Happily Ever After.
What is your favorite TV show? I rarely watch television, but I do try to catch Castle whenever possible. Most everything else I watch is via Netflix.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'd live almost anywhere, except Las Vegas.
What is your favourite cuisine? Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian
What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms
Favorite place to eat? Other people's houses! Any restaurant I haven't tried yet. Nearly impossible in this town. Lately, I wish I could find anything that sounds appealing!
Favorite dressing? Balsamic vinegarette or bleu cheese.
Where would you visit if you if you had the chance? Anywhere, especially somewhere I've never been.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Alpine skiing
Pets? I've never not had a pet. Currently have a dog, Charlie. No more after she's gone. *Update. Adopted an 10 year old Persian shortly after posting this. Found a stray kitten just a couple weeks ago. So much for no more pets!
New and exciting news that you'd like to share? I've already shared the great baby news with just about everyone! My son just lost another tooth, in time to sing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!" He's so cute!
What is your best childhood memory? Time with family, and trips to my Grandma's.
Any pet peeves? It really irks me when people are too lazy to put their carts in the cart corral.
Favorite pizza topping? fresh mozzerella and fresh tomatoes
Favorite flower? lilac and gardenia
Favorite ice cream? coconut almond or coffee
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I'd never max out a credit card! I'd sure have fun with a large gift card at Ikea, though.
Do anything spontaneous lately? I spontaneously fall asleep on the couch almost every afternoon.
What was your favorite vacation? Always my Grandma's.
What are you listening to right now? Son and husband playing Command and Conquer. There is currently a lot of loud communicating going on between the main room downstairs, and the music room.
Coffee drinker? Only if it is iced and sweetened.
This space was intended mostly as a way to keep family and friends up to date on our little family's happenings. This past year has been full of so many wonderful things, but I have scarely had the chance to even think about writing about them. There is a lot I'd like to share, but right now, I'm busy enjoying time with my family, teaching my son at home, and getting ready for our new son's arrival in March. Well, all that, and a lot of sleeping.
So, for the moment, I'll share a few tidbits about me, and mine, in the form of a silly little survey.
How do you like your steak? I like it well done. I thank my microbiolgy class for that.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oh my, I think it was Shrek Happily Ever After.
What is your favorite TV show? I rarely watch television, but I do try to catch Castle whenever possible. Most everything else I watch is via Netflix.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'd live almost anywhere, except Las Vegas.
What is your favourite cuisine? Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian
What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms
Favorite place to eat? Other people's houses! Any restaurant I haven't tried yet. Nearly impossible in this town. Lately, I wish I could find anything that sounds appealing!
Favorite dressing? Balsamic vinegarette or bleu cheese.
Where would you visit if you if you had the chance? Anywhere, especially somewhere I've never been.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Alpine skiing
Pets? I've never not had a pet. Currently have a dog, Charlie. No more after she's gone. *Update. Adopted an 10 year old Persian shortly after posting this. Found a stray kitten just a couple weeks ago. So much for no more pets!
New and exciting news that you'd like to share? I've already shared the great baby news with just about everyone! My son just lost another tooth, in time to sing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!" He's so cute!
What is your best childhood memory? Time with family, and trips to my Grandma's.
Any pet peeves? It really irks me when people are too lazy to put their carts in the cart corral.
Favorite pizza topping? fresh mozzerella and fresh tomatoes
Favorite flower? lilac and gardenia
Favorite ice cream? coconut almond or coffee
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I'd never max out a credit card! I'd sure have fun with a large gift card at Ikea, though.
Do anything spontaneous lately? I spontaneously fall asleep on the couch almost every afternoon.
What was your favorite vacation? Always my Grandma's.
What are you listening to right now? Son and husband playing Command and Conquer. There is currently a lot of loud communicating going on between the main room downstairs, and the music room.
Coffee drinker? Only if it is iced and sweetened.
12 June 2010
Ice Cream in a Baggie!
This sounds fun, and yummy too! I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to soon. If anyone else tries it, I'd love to know what you think.
Ice Cream In a Baggie
Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag! This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that--a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy.
Ice Cream In a Baggie
Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag! This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that--a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy.
26 April 2010
New and better
If you've read my previous post, you know that last year was, well, something I do not care to revisit again...ever. While I truly wish I hadn't gone through what I did, some positive has come from it. That is what I am choosing to focus on now, not the negative. I did that for far too long.
I would not be where I am now without some very special people.
Meat Muffin and Mr. Fluffernutter (a.k.a. Jo Cool, and Jo Cool, Jr.) - I must have been hell to live with, and I am so sorry I put you through that. You two were my sanity, and the best medicine I could ever have.
Mom - You know me better than I know myself. I'm not sure how you do it from hundreds of miles away! I'm glad you never gave up. It was you who gave the push that got the ball rolling. I love you.
Dad - You always know how to make me laugh, and I need that. Thank you. Thank you for sharing, too. I should have listened sooner. I love you.
Sven, Retch, and Sweet One - Thank you for letting me come "help" you, and for appreciating (or is it putting up with?) my goofiness. The family time dunn me good! Big Bro, thanks for letting me vent, and for the wise words. The Troll loves you, oh so much!
Snodgrass - My sister and best friend! I don't even know where to start! Thanks for the sharing, understanding, encouragement, humor, magenta, the date, and much, much more! One week with your amazing family wasn't enough. I'll see you in three weeks!!! "Olive juice!"
Kate - You stuck with me, even though I did not deserve it. I am extremely blessed to be able to call you friend.
Catherine - Words cannot express what your invitation meant to me. It was a Godsend. I look forward to more great conversation with you.
Emay - Not only an aunt, but a kindred spirit! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, and long distance hugs. (How do you get your arms to stretch 2000 miles?) Love you more!
Sharalee - Another kindred spirit! I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you for adopting us. Let's do lunch! ☺
The Edwards' - Interesting conversation, great laughs, and sweat pants. The greatest friends. Period.
"I thank my God every time I remember you."
Fin
I would not be where I am now without some very special people.
Meat Muffin and Mr. Fluffernutter (a.k.a. Jo Cool, and Jo Cool, Jr.) - I must have been hell to live with, and I am so sorry I put you through that. You two were my sanity, and the best medicine I could ever have.
Mom - You know me better than I know myself. I'm not sure how you do it from hundreds of miles away! I'm glad you never gave up. It was you who gave the push that got the ball rolling. I love you.
Dad - You always know how to make me laugh, and I need that. Thank you. Thank you for sharing, too. I should have listened sooner. I love you.
Sven, Retch, and Sweet One - Thank you for letting me come "help" you, and for appreciating (or is it putting up with?) my goofiness. The family time dunn me good! Big Bro, thanks for letting me vent, and for the wise words. The Troll loves you, oh so much!
Snodgrass - My sister and best friend! I don't even know where to start! Thanks for the sharing, understanding, encouragement, humor, magenta, the date, and much, much more! One week with your amazing family wasn't enough. I'll see you in three weeks!!! "Olive juice!"
Kate - You stuck with me, even though I did not deserve it. I am extremely blessed to be able to call you friend.
Catherine - Words cannot express what your invitation meant to me. It was a Godsend. I look forward to more great conversation with you.
Emay - Not only an aunt, but a kindred spirit! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, and long distance hugs. (How do you get your arms to stretch 2000 miles?) Love you more!
Sharalee - Another kindred spirit! I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you for adopting us. Let's do lunch! ☺
The Edwards' - Interesting conversation, great laughs, and sweat pants. The greatest friends. Period.
"I thank my God every time I remember you."
Fin
18 February 2010
To post, or not to post?
That has been the question for the last couple of weeks.
This was hard to write, for it meant putting into words the thoughts and feelings that have been tormenting me for over a year. I'd like to say that my wounds have started healing. In truth, they are nearly as raw as they were a year ago. Because of that, I still don't know if I should be posting this. I've been afraid that I will come across as angry and bitter. In all honesty, though, sometimes I am. There are times I seethe. Mostly, I just hurt.
In the end, knowing that only a handful of people will read this, most of whom are family, I have decided to post it. So here, in much condensed form (i.e. minus the emotional ramblings), are the things I learned in 2009.
1. Out of sight, out of mind. You need to be physically in front of someone for them to remember that you exist.
2. You don't have to take action. Merely having good intentions is good enough. (The phrase "we should..." needs to be banned.)
3. If you want to see the people you consider friends, you must take the initiative. When you stop doing so...see item #1.
4. Taking the initiative does not guarantee success.
5. Busyness has become an accepted excuse for nearly everything.
6. "Mommy, why don't any of my friends invite me over to their house to play?" is not a question a mom ever wants to answer.
7. Not only is it bad manners, it also stinks to do all the inviting, and never get an invitation in return, no matter what age you are.
8. Most people who grew up here, stay here. When you live in one place your whole life, you have family and a lifetime of friends already. There is little need to expand that circle.
9. When you move to such a place, you will always be on the outside looking in.
10. When the hurt is almost more than you can bear, you often receive exactly the lift you need, usually in the most unexpected packages.
11. I can type amazingly well through tears.
12. I have the most wonderful, patient, and understanding husband. I love and appreciate him more than I could possibly ever express.
This was hard to write, for it meant putting into words the thoughts and feelings that have been tormenting me for over a year. I'd like to say that my wounds have started healing. In truth, they are nearly as raw as they were a year ago. Because of that, I still don't know if I should be posting this. I've been afraid that I will come across as angry and bitter. In all honesty, though, sometimes I am. There are times I seethe. Mostly, I just hurt.
In the end, knowing that only a handful of people will read this, most of whom are family, I have decided to post it. So here, in much condensed form (i.e. minus the emotional ramblings), are the things I learned in 2009.
1. Out of sight, out of mind. You need to be physically in front of someone for them to remember that you exist.
2. You don't have to take action. Merely having good intentions is good enough. (The phrase "we should..." needs to be banned.)
3. If you want to see the people you consider friends, you must take the initiative. When you stop doing so...see item #1.
4. Taking the initiative does not guarantee success.
5. Busyness has become an accepted excuse for nearly everything.
6. "Mommy, why don't any of my friends invite me over to their house to play?" is not a question a mom ever wants to answer.
7. Not only is it bad manners, it also stinks to do all the inviting, and never get an invitation in return, no matter what age you are.
8. Most people who grew up here, stay here. When you live in one place your whole life, you have family and a lifetime of friends already. There is little need to expand that circle.
9. When you move to such a place, you will always be on the outside looking in.
10. When the hurt is almost more than you can bear, you often receive exactly the lift you need, usually in the most unexpected packages.
11. I can type amazingly well through tears.
12. I have the most wonderful, patient, and understanding husband. I love and appreciate him more than I could possibly ever express.
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