Friday, November 30, 2007

I did it!

I posted everyday in November for NaBloPoMo. (I was going to link to it, but it is offline right now)

And here is a picture I meant to post this summer.

Sage is in the Ergo, on my back in about 100 degree weather as we walked around Boston.

Gifts

I love to give gifts. I love finding or thinking of the perfect gift and watching that person open it and (hopefully) show genuine excitement. And at the same time, I love giving people things that they want, getting them the exact gift that they were hoping and hinting (obviously or not) for.

I have to put limits on myself. Or Drew puts limits on me, whatever. We decided that for me to not go overboard for Christmas gifts for the kids, we will limit the number. We chose three. For no reason except it was bigger than two which is what Drew wanted. A want, a need and something fun. The funny thing about those guidelines is that they are just guidelines and I can convince myself that most anything will fit those guidelines. This year, the boys are getting Smartwool socks and Sigg water bottles and something else. I have lots of ideas for the something else, like one of these planes, helicopters, or trucks.

But, I don't want to stop at just those things. There are so many toys that I think the boys would really enjoy. And sure, they are expensive, but they are wood and will last a long time and don't come with batteries! See how I can justify these things?

And then I remember that the gifts aren't what I want my kids to remember about Christmas. I want them to remember the Jesse Tree that we are starting this year. To know that the reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Christ. Because Jesus was born. That is the only reason that we celebrate, not the gifts that we give and receive, the cookies or the parties, but because of Jesus and suddenly, the last something that I want to get them doesn't seem as important.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

How Do You Sign An Email?

I was writing an email to someone that I don't know. I came to the end and didn't know how to end. I couldn't just write my name. Sincerely, seems so old fashioned and un-email, but I meant every word that I had typed, so sincerely fit, it made sense. I worried after I sent it that it made me appear older or more formal than I am.

But, how else to sign off? I thought of how my husband signs his. They have his name and title. So mine would say, First and Last Name and underneath Mommy. Hmm. Not really the impression I want to give either.

Or how about xxx or ooo or xoxo? No, those won't do either.

Any suggestions?

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Seesaw of Life

We are in a strange season of life. Drew will be graduating grad school in May, he had a great internship this summer and they offerred him a full time job. So many things about this job look perfect. The location is close to our families, we know there are churches we would want to attend, the hours would be good, travel would be minimal, but the location to our families is the one that pulls us the most. But with all those positives, I still haven't felt the peace that it is the job for us. The job for Drew. I wonder if it will get him where he wants to be in five years. I don't see it. But the positives, it would be easy and fun.

He is interviewing other places. Companies that could take us further from our families. It's exciting, scary and nerve-racking.

I like the idea of life being an adventure. I knew I didn't want to live in the city where I grew up. I wanted to experience something different. We have been experiencing something different for the past, almost three years now. Am I ready to go back to the familiar? Or am I ready for a new adventure?

Does it matter?

In either situation, familiar or not, it will be different, new. Not just because the city is new and different but because I am different. I have changed from who I was almost three years ago. I think I am figuring out who I am. Who I am in Christ. And that it doesn't really matter where we live, as long as I take Christ with me. And He is already there. He will be with me no matter where I move and I will learn more about Him and learn to depend on Him more.

I am growing up. I think. Somedays.

Not only am I different but we are different as a family. We have Kolby to take with us. We will have to find a doctor to continue monitoring his feet.

My prayer for this next chapter is that we continue to grow no matter where we are. We grow as a family, grow in our relationship to God, become more compassionate, more loving to others, and serve our Lord no matter where we are or if our family is close or not.

Life is a seesaw. Up and down. Up and down. Going through the same motions but never staying still.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Alarm Clocks

I don't use an alarm clock. I prefer my children to do that job. But, my husband uses one. So, I in a sense, do use one. This morning, it went off at 5:45 am. "Good Morning" from the Deliberate Kids album started playing. Which means, I basically laid there for the next 45 minutes while he walked "quietly" in and out of the room, turning on the closet light retrieving clothes.

And it got me thinking about my hatred for alarm clocks. I know that playing music is supposedly a better way to start my day than "BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP" but I don't really enjoy starting my day. So, either of those options are bad in my opinion.

Someone, somewhere needs to invent an alarm clock that can wake one sleeping person in a bed without waking the other. I think maybe something that attached to your arm or leg and vibrated or sent an electric shock. Or maybe it would vibrate to begin with and then if it didn't sense you getting out of bed, it shocks you. Not like a Tazer, just a little jolt to make you jump.

It might work better than coffee!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Hobbies

My husband always tells me to get some hobbies. Hobbies require time and money, well most of them. I have hobbies in mind that I would love to do. Photography, knitting, sewing.

I learned how to knit at one point. I took a class and started a dish cloth. I finished it one year later. Then, I tried to cast on a pink washcloth, I was so excited about the pink color!

And I couldn't remember how to cast on. I read the book, but I am a visual learner. I need to watch someone do it and then I can do it easily, but reading it and trying to do it, doesn't work for me.

I still haven't cast on that second dish cloth. And the first one? Well, it is a little crooked due to some stiches being dropped and added. I didn't catch on to the whole knitting evenly thing. But, it didn't deter me. I wanted to try again.

Photography.

I have a point and shoot Canon camera. I love it. I saved my babysitting money to get it. But I would really love a digital SLR. And I would love to take a class.

Sewing.

I have a sewing machine that used to be my moms. Last year, I was going to remake a skirt that I had sewn. And the sewing machine went crazy. I haven't taken it to get fixed. And in all honesty, I am not that good.

Blogging.

Hey! I do this one and it takes no money! This is a good hobby!

These hobbies get put on the back burner. Why? Because I put myself on the back burner. My family comes first. Drew's school and career come first.

I feel like I have many facets of me that are simmering away on the back burner but when are they going to get turned up to see if they can boil? If I keep letting them simmer, will they evaporate?

I keep telling myself that when Drew is out of school, life will change. We will be able to afford more. Like a babysitter and have a little extra money to explore those hobbies. The reality is, we have a lot of loans that need to be paid off. We will still be living frugally.

And probably, the hobbies will continue to simmer on the back burner.

Maybe when my kids are in college!

But, really, I don't think it is just the hobbies that are simmering on the back burner. It's me. Me as a person. Me who is a wife, mom, and Christ follower.

I feel like that is all I am. That is all there is to me. A wife and mom. A person who cooks meals, washes clothes, sweeps and mops floors, wipes bottoms, dresses the kids, teaches them verses, colors, letter, shapes, disciplines, the list goes on.

I love being that person. But sometimes, a different part of me wants to come out. Is it because I am not satisfied, not content with my life? I am living my ideal life. I always wanted to be a wife and mom. I wanted to bake cookies, bread, fix meals and wash dishes.

And I do all that and I do enjoy it, most days. Is it wrong to want more? Is it a disadvantage to my kids to want to explore other things? Will my attention be diverted from them, will I miss something?

I want others to see Christ in me. I want them to see my love for Him and for people. Sitting here at my computer, it is easy to say that I love others, but when I go out, I don't think my actions are showing it. I have a hard time loving the unlovable.

I think I need hobbies to be a better mom. To be a more rounded person. I don't want my kids going off to college and for me to look at myself like, hello there, who are you? I want to keep living life the way I was when my kids were around.

Some will say that it is the time of life, I have small children, they need a lot of physical care, it will get easier in some ways and harder in some. Yes, soon I won't be wiping bottoms and they will dress themselves but we will still be working on character issues.

My thoughts are jumbled. I want to be the best mom and wife that I can be. I need an outlet of other things to help me be better. I want others to see Christ. I need to be in fellowship with other believers to help me, in a Bible study, a small group, people who will hold me accountable and encourage me to be better.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Christmas Music is Playing

The decorations have been brought upstairs.

Sage has put shoes on his wish list.

Christmas is near!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

We're Home

We left at 5:45 am.

We walked in the door at 7:45 pm with a pizza.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Whirlwind Week

We have had a busy week. Today is our last day visiting my brother and his family.

I have about 5 minutes of peace while the boys are napping and the bigger boys are off playing frisbee golf.

And, I have nothing to say.

Dang, this posting everyday stuff is hard!

I did go to Target this morning because I was completely out of diaper wipes and found some pajamas on sale for the boys and some cheap DVD's. Anybody have any Black Friday shopping stories?

Tomorrow we are leaving bright and early to get a start on our 11 hour drive home. If I actually post tomorrow, it will be amazing. I think I have used all my words between blogging and talking to other adults!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

My list of Thanks:

Health
Family
Jesus

Those are the obvious.

The little things:

Coffee
Chocolate
Chocolate and Coffee mixed together
Whipped Creme
Ice Cream
Books

Too many to think of, stuffed full of butter with some turkey on the side!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

DC

Our day in DC was cold. Very cold. We walked around for about 2 hours and then we decided to go to the museum to warm up and eat lunch. It wasn't our best day ever. But we all smiled for the pictures!

Washington Memorial

My boys.

Freedom is Not Free.

This was Kolby's first nap, before lunch.

We went to Space Station 3D Imax at the National Air and Space Museum.


Sage got scared when the shuttle blasted off in the first five minutes of the movie. This is what he did while I sat on the floor waiting for Drew and Kolby, who loved the movie.

National Air and Space Museum. Sage is flying a paper airplane. It was supposed to go through the hoop.

Carosoul at the Smithsonian. Kolby started crying before it started.

Just to prove that we were both there.

Washington Memorial. Kolby is out. Again.

The White House. We kept telling Sage that we were going to the President's House. And he would say "Oh! Let's go in!"



Even though it wasn't our best day, now we have the pictures to prove that we took the kids to Washington DC! We do hope to come back. Someday. When it is warm.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Princeton in the Rain




It was cold.

It was pretty.

Sage prefers Yale over Princeton.

Monday, November 19, 2007

All About Kolby

Kolby falls asleep about once or twice a month while eating lunch. I had to document the day he fell asleep with a bite of peanut butter and jelly in his mouth. It is not the cutest picture of him nor his finest moment. And yes, I did make sure to get it out before laying him down. And yes, he stays asleep while I wipe his face and hands and change his diaper.


Kolby wears his Denis Brown bar or Foot Abduction Bar at night only (he was born with bilateral club foot). He crawls with it on, pulls himself to standing and tries to walk around the furniture. It is pretty funny to watch and neat to see that it doesn't hold him back. He used to unscrew the bolt from the bottom of the shoe in the morning, but he hasn't done that in awhile. We expect Kolby to wear it until he is four years old. So far, it doesn't bother him at all, I pray it never does. It would be too easy to take it off and then he could relapse and we would be back to square one.

My favorite thing, rocking Kolby. He doesn't often let me anymore, so I take advantage of it when I can.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Yale Harvard Game


The family with Handsome Dan.

Enjoying the game.

It was an awful game. Yale lost. We left when the score was 27 - 0.

But looking back at the last game we went to is a lot of fun. (Scroll down, it is titled Everything is Free- how do I link to just that post? anyone, anyone?)

Kolby was in my belly. We knew it was another boy. And good news! He wore the sweatshirt that Sage is wearing in the old picture. But, no one saw it under his jacket (also the same one that Sage wore).

Food was still free. Parking was still free. Admission was still free. We didn't buy any clothes for it this year.

But, we lost.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

What's A Girl To Do?

I have been to Target three days it a row.

I am not proud of that fact.

Thursday we had to go because we had no food.

Friday we had to go because I forgot we are leaving for a trip on Sunday and I didn't buy snacks.

Today, I had to go because I forgot to buy Kolby diapers for the trip. I used to go to Target with diapers at the top of my list, but since I so rarely use disposables, they totally slipped my mind and I am pretty sure the 4 that we had wouldn't last us a week!

I went by myself today and tried on this dress. It didn't fit in my chest.

I am in between sizes in almost everything. Size 8 jeans, a tad too big, size 6, too small. Size L top, too big, but fits in the shoulders, size M top, fits fairly well except usually a little tight in the shoulders. Even with the length of jeans, a long in jeans, tad too long, regular, tad too short.

This leaves me very frustrated with shopping. A tailor would be ideal. I could go to him/her pick out the style and fabric and get it made to fit ME, not most of America.

But, I settle for a tad big and frumpy or sometimes a tad small.

It is really all about what your face says about what is on the inside of you.

Smiling = Confident

Frowning = Ugly

I try to go with a smile and not compare myself to every other girl in the room and it ends up being a great time!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Haircut and Highlight

Drew doesn't have class on Fridays. Normally, he still goes somewhere and does something. He calls it studying.

I got the brilliant idea that he could come home on Friday afternoon while the boys napped and study at home so I could go get a haircut and a highlight.

His professors schedule changed and they did end up meeting today, so Drew told me he wouldn't be able to come home. I cancelled my haircut and highlight.

Did I mention that I haven't gotten my haircut or highlighted since June?

He called me today. I asked what he was up to. He said, going to get money so I can go get my haircut.

How easy it is for him to go get a haircut.

I am not even going to point out how unfair this is or rant about it. I am just going to leave it at that.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

It is raining here.

Not cold, just raining.

One of those days.

Sage isn't a big fan of napping.

Mommy is.

A nap for him.

A nap for me.

A bowl of soup.

All should be right with the world.

But there are still cobwebs in my head.

I can't shake them out.

Maybe a Wild Cherry Pepsi will help.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

5 Questions

5 questions from Stephanie at Adventures In Babywearing:


1. I LOVE the name of your blog- where did you come up with the name?

Seagulls in the Parking Lot was inspired by just that, seagulls in the parking lot. We moved from the Midwest to the East coast, two and a half years ago, and I still smile when I see seagulls in the parking lot!

2. Were you ever a cheerleader? If not, did you want to be?

How embarrassing, making me admit that yes, I was a cheerleader. BUT, I also played basketball. How, you ask. I went to a small, private, Christian school and they made it possible to do both! I would play in the girls game, hurry my coach’s post game talk along, and change into my cheerleading uniform!

3. If you're going bringing a dish to a potluck, what do you usually take?

Dessert! Usually something chocolate.

4. You have $500 to spend on yourself at one store. What would you buy and where?

J. Crew for sure. Here is what I would choose:


Cardigan in black or snow $78


Boatneck Sweater in Heather Graphite $78


Solid Silk Taffeta Phoebe Blouse in Black $110


Favorite-fit Super 120s Ludlow Wide-leg Trouser in black $130


Trouser Jean in Antique Blue Denim $130

So, if you added that up, I'm over $500! And I haven't gotten to the headbands, shirts, jackets, handbags or shoes! The list could go on and on. I just want a classic, versatile wardrobe.


5. You're a babywearer, too...What is your favorite way to wear your little ones?

My favorite way so far, is on my back. Then, I sweep, vacuum, wash dishes, make supper, go on a walk, buy groceries and everyone is happy!


Now it's your turn. If you want to be interviewed, leave me a comment including the words "Interview me." I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don't have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

My Job


I am a stay at home mom. That is what I do. When people ask me what I do, I say, I just stay at home with the boys. Did you catch that? I say "just". Like my job is not that important. I want to drop that word. It is like a nasty four letter word in that sentence. Just.

I take my job seriously. I do a lot of work around our house. I plan meals, grocery shop, cook meals, clean up meals, bake things, laundry, clean the house, play with the kids, bathe the kids, the list goes on. It isn't a "just" type of job. Is there any job that is a "just"? I just design buildings. I just flip burgers. I just defend the law. I just take care of other peoples kids. Every job is important in our society. If no one flipped burgers, some people wouldn't have anything to eat, if no one designed buildings, people wouldn't have a place to go to work. It goes on and on.

But here's the thing. I enable Drew to do his job. I do a lot for him, so he is able to do a good job at his job, school and looking for a job.

Sometimes, I get bent out of shape that Drew doesn't do more around the house to help out. But, it isn't his job. It's mine. He doesn't get bent out of shape with me because I can't draw a building for him or fill in an excel spreadsheet.

But, I help him, so he should help me. And he does. He helps bathe the kids when he is home. he reads them a story, prays with them, sings with them and tucks them in, he changes Kolby's diaper, and once in a great while, he will wash the dishes, if I ask.

Sometimes, the people at my job drive me crazy!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Holiday Shopping Carnival

I love shopping. I love picking out gifts for people. But there are those people who are so hard to buy for. They buy everything for themselves, what is left? Here are a few of my ideas. Melanie is hosting a Holiday Shopping Carnival, where I hope to get ideas for those hard to buy for people. To play along, you make a list of 5 things that you are going to be giving this year along with a link as to where to buy them. Enjoy!

1. Pop Up Books by Robert Sabuda These are so fun to look at for everyone. You can also find them at Amazon.

2. Smartwool Socks I know Melanie said no socks, but these shouldn't even be called socks, they should have a much more delicious name. I love these, my husband loves these, my 3 year old son loves these. I will definitely be handing these out come Christmas time.

3. I am in love with Etsy. I have written about it before, but check out these hats for babies or kids I love the cupcake hat. There are so many great things on Etsy, it is hard to pick one!

4. I love headbands. This year, I am really wanting a headband from J. Crew, but it is hard to spend that much money on a headband for myself, so I think it would make a great gift! I can see it with hair swept up or all down, curly, straight, just an easy accessory for that holiday outfit or with jeans and a t-shirt. Here it is.

5. Music is always a great gift. I love getting new cd's because I rarely buy them for myself. Deliberate Kids is by Phil Joel, it is a Christian kids cd. Phil Joel used to be in the band, Newsboys. And oh so fun! We listen to it nearly everyday.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

What is it about breakfast?

Sage told me "Mommy, I have Holby's little sister in my belly!"

And then he told me "I am going to name my baby brother Bulldog!"

And no, I am not pregnant.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Saturday

It's off to a good start.

Drew is staying home.

I slept in, until 8:30!

I'm enjoying my coffee and muffin while the boys ask endless questions to Drew. I love it when Sage has someone else to talk too.

Sage woke up at 4:30 with a bad dream. He came running, screaming and crying into our room. He said "Someone shoot a bad guy in my room, or not." It must have been disturbing because he wanted to sleep with us and he keeps talking about his bad dream this morning. He also said "Mommy, I am happy because I poop in potty but I am sad because I have a bad dream."

I remember having bad dreams and being so scared that I couldn't run to my parents room. It was so real. I dreamed that their were snake like animals with gerbil heads all over my floor that could eat me. I think I even woke up and could "see" them and couldn't run to my parents room because I was so afraid.

I am off to pack up Sage's 3T clothes and help Drew put plastic up on our windows. Our goal is to not turn on the heat until after Thanksgiving. It is 65 degrees in our house. We double jammied the boys last night. Only a week and a half to go!

Friday, November 09, 2007

An Early Morning Conversation

Sage: "What are you making?"

Me: "Coffee."

Sage: "Mmm, I yove coffee!"

Me: "You don't know, you've never tasted coffee. You have to be in college at least to drink coffee."

Sage: "No, when I am a mommy I will drink coffee."

Me: "One problem, you won't ever be a mommy, but you will be a daddy."

Sage: "Oh, and daddies drink coffee?"

Me: "Yes."

Sage: "When I am a daddy, I will ask you, please will you make me coffee?"

Me: "When you are a daddy, you will have a wife and I bet she will make you coffee."

Sage: "Oh."

Why didn't I tell him he could make his own coffee?

Thursday, November 08, 2007

My Life as a Celebrity




I was thinking after I wrote On Running what would happen if I could switch lives with a celebrity for a day, week or month?

Well, it wouldn't be so much a switch since a celebrity wouldn't really be able to live my life of grocery shopping and going to Target with a stop in at Starbucks, inside Target.

More, what would happen if I lived the life of a celebrity for a little bit. I mean the whole thing, kind of. What if I had a nanny, cook, house cleaner, whatever celebrities have for themselves? But, also the paparazzi, the bodyguard, the wearing disguises etc.

What would life be like? Would I be able to handle it?

My first thought, is of course! Who couldn't handle it?

And then, I think of the scrutiny. I can hardly handle my self imposed guilt let alone someone mentioning out loud to my face (on a tabloid) that I gained weight, went outside without make-up or whatever. I would probably melt down at the first criticism.

Would it be fun for a day, week or month? Or would it be awful?

Would it be worth it to be able to afford those clothes and have someone do your hair? It would be fun. Maybe. For a little bit.

But it wouldn't bring my life more joy or more meaning. I would still struggle with being content. I still wouldn't have all the answers to life's big questions. Basically, it boils down to this, money won't bring me happiness, contentment, self-worth, just things. And reallly, life is not about things.

What is life about? That is a post for a different day.

Don't forget, you read it here first when you see this as a reality series!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Facing My Fear

Fear of failure, of not measuring up, of not getting it right, of disappointing.

My life could be summed up by fear.

In college, I couldn’t decide on a major. More like I couldn’t find something that I wasn’t afraid of failing at. I wasn’t the best student and there was always one class that kept me from staying in a major. Fear of failing. I could write a list of what the major was and what the class was that kept me from pursuing it.

The one that I regret the most is journalism. I took Journalism 101, twice. I had to improve my grade and it kept me from pursing it as a major. Also, I was afraid to take the English proficiency test. You had to take the test and pass to get into the journalism school.

Now, I realize that is what I wish I could do when I grow up.

My blog is my writing outlet. I read blogs and read that they make money and I want to do that too. But, I don’t really know how to do it, to get it started. Fear. Excuses. Those two go hand in hand.

I am taking the plunge. I am applying for BlogHer ads. Maybe they won’t accept me, maybe they will. I won’t know unless I try.

I'm also going to start writing more. For me. Maybe you will get to read it, maybe you won't! Time will tell.

My new life verse needs to be Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

But I also have to look to the source of that strength, ask for it and believe it.

As Sage was laying in bed with us, he told me he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. I said “Oh, what kind of doctor?” He said, “Dr. Seuss!” And then he asked what kind of doctor he is. Maybe we’ll have more than one writer in the family or maybe not.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Deceptively Delicious




I bought it. I own it. I read about it on the internet and thought, hey! I know how to puree food. I can hide vegetables in my dinners without my kids figuring it out!

I pureed my heart out yesterday, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatos.

I made Spagheti Pie, page 116. I even used ground turkey instead of beef.

I set it on the table, everyone oohed and aahed. Or maybe that was in my head.

I dished up a plate for Sage, Drew and Kolby. I cut Kolby's into bites. Drew did the same for Sage.

Sage said "Hey! Mine has broccoli in it!"

And he was right. Broccoli puree was in the meatballs. Apparantly not pureed enough for his eyes!

Monday, November 05, 2007

On Running

Remember when I wrote about running a 10K? And then sometimes, I would mention every once in a while that I ran this morning or that it helps to keep me sane?

I have gone running once in the last three weeks. It did not go well. I knew it would be hard, I was dreading it and I didn't feel good starting out. I didn't run my usual route, I went for a shorter one and still didn't run the whole thing. I estimate I ran a mile and a half.

Today, I read that Katie Holmes ran the NYC Marathon and I was jealous. I should have ran that. Nevermind the fact that I haven't run more than 6 miles since my 10K in April. It just made me think, if she can do it, so can I!

I don't doubt that I could do it. If I had someone to watch my kids while I go running, clean my house, do the laundry, fix dinner, wash dishes etc. Am I making excuses? Kind of. But at the same time, I haven't been able to get out of the house to go for a 3 or 4 mile run let alone train for a marathon!

It's hard being so dependant on Drew's schedule for me to be able to exercise.

I just have to get my lazy butt out of bed at like 6 to be able to run and get back for Drew to get to school. It shouldn't be that hard, right?

But it is. It is that hard. It is hard to get out of a nice toasty bed and go outside in the wind and cold.

I need to do it. I want to do it. Do I want to do it badly enough?

Sunday, November 04, 2007

300th Post

In honor of my 300th post today, I am going to give you a list of 300 things about me. Just kidding. Only 100 things. Most people do this for their 100th post because it seems to make more sense that way, but hey, my way is fun too.

1. I am a natural blonde.
2. I always will be.
3. I get highlights (figure that out!)
4. I kind of want to go less light blonde, more natural.
5. I don’t make sense.
6. I graduated high school in a class of seven.
7. I am the youngest of four kids.
8. Mom says I am the “frosting on the cake.”
9. She was enjoying the cake, God decided it needed frosting.
10. She will deny that, kind of.
11. I have the best mom ever.
12. She loves Christ with her whole heart.
13. Don’t tell her, but I wouldn’t mind if I turned out like her.
14. I am a Midwesterner living on the East coast.
15. I want to move.
16. I have two boys.
17. I want more kids.
18. Sometimes, I want to be pregnant now.
19. But, more, I want everything in God’s timing.
20. I kind of want to adopt.
21. That kind of scares me.
22. I want to live in a city.
23. I don’t want to live in a suburb.
24. I live in a city and I like it.
25. I do wish we had a backyard.
26. But we have parks!
27. I still carry my almost 20 month old, 30 pound baby in a sling and the Ergo.
28. I am excited to use a sling more for my next baby.
29. I use Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers.
30. I love them.
31. I am excited to buy smalls for my next baby.
32. I nursed both my boys, Sage for nine months, Kolby almost 14 months.
33. I think next time it might be longer.
34. I kind of want twins.
35. I would want them to be identical but would take fraternal.
36. I don’t care if they are girls or boys.
37. I daydream.
38. Good and bad things.
39. I have to turn the bad things over to God.
40. My thoughts can really run away from me.
41. I am a consumer.
42. I don’t like it.
43. I struggle with being content.
44. With everything- what I look like, what I drive, what I wear, what my boys wear.
45. I have a great husband.
46. He is younger than me.
47. I wish he was home right now.
48. My favorite colors are pink, green, blue, black, and grey.
49. I wear mostly black and grey.
50. I tell myself that patterns and colors will go out of style.
51. I wear mostly plain colored shirts.
52. I branched out and bought two button down striped shirts.
53. If I could dress from only one catalog, it would be J.Crew.
54. Most of you thought I would say the Gap.
55. I can afford the Gap, when it is on sale.
56. I don’t like extreme weather.
57. And I like October to be about 50 – 60 degrees.
58. Actually, I think it should be 50 – 60 degrees everyday all year long.
59. I should live in the Northwest United States.
60. I probably never will.
61. This is hard.
62. And boring.
63. Do you really want to know this stuff?
64. I read “Confessions of a Jane Austin Addict” and it made me want to read all the Jane Austin books.
65. I have read “Pride and Prejudice”.
66. I have read half of “Sense and Sensibility”
67. I am going to re-read it and finish it.
68. I like to read.
69. I don’t watch tv, that much.
70. I used to be addicted to tv.
71. I watched Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, America’s Next Top Model, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, The Bachelor and that probably isn’t the end of the list.
72. That was last year.
73. My husband is in grad school.
74. He isn’t home a lot of nights,
75. Hence the ridiculous amounts of tv.
76. Now, I read.
77. I tried to learn to knit.
78. I knitted one wash-cloth.
79. It’s yellow, and my favorite one.
80. It’s not very good.
81. I can’t remember how to cast on.
82. “Knitting For Dummies” doesn’t help me.
83. Does that mean I am more than a dummy?
84. In my mind, I am crafty.
85. In my mind, I can sew and knit.
86. In my mind, when I sing, it is pretty.
87. It isn’t.
88. I was in choir in high school.
89. They let anyone who signed up.
90. I argue with Drew that shopping is a hobby.
91. It probably is, but just not a good hobby.
92. I want to love Jesus more than anything.
93. Why is it so hard?
94. Living 1200 miles from family has made me grow (up).
95. It has been good.
96. Sometimes, I don’t want to move back.
97. Only sometimes.
98. I wash dishes 3 or 4 times a day.
99. Our dishwasher leaves sand and grime stuck to our dishes.
100.My best friend, Loopty, remembers details better than anyone I know. Like who my first kiss was.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

My Cousin, The Hero

My cousin made news back home.

That's just how good folk are in Iowa.

Garage Band





And he pooped in the potty happily ever after.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Drumroll Please

And the winner is: # 98! Tyna!

Thanks for playing everyone, it has been fun to get so much email!

Maybe some day, Rocks in my Dryer will host another giveaway and I can again reach 428 comments. That is probably more comments than on the whole life of my blog!

Meet Gregory

Gregory is what we named our GPS system. We chose the British man to give us our directions. He sounds less irritated than the American woman when he says "Recalculating", which he says when we miss a turn he told us to take. (Disclaimer: My in-laws gave us this for an early Christmas present.)

Today, Sage was asking me what we are going to do today. I told him that we are going to a park this morning, have lunch at home, play, take naps, play, eat dinner, play and then it will be time for bed.

He told me that I could stay home and he will take Kolby to the park.

Me: "How are you going to get to the park?" Thinking about transportation.

Sage: "Gregory will tell me where to go!"

Me, laughing: "Your hilarious, Sage."

Sage, laughing: "Yes, I'm hilarious."

It makes me giggle just thinking about it!

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Grocery Shopping Day

I'm participating in NaBloPoMo. I will be posting everyday in the month of November. Every. Day. Saturday and Sunday included. And Thanksgiving. Hold on to your chairs, I know you are excited.

Thursday is my grocery shopping day, the Thursday closest to the first and fifteenth are my BIG grocery shopping days because that is when we withdraw money for our budget. That would be today.

I say BIG because I plan meals for 2 weeks and get everything that I need for those meals and hopefully I just have to do fill in ingredients that I missed, milk, bread and fruit runs.

Today, our stops were:
Babies R Us – not groceries but it is on the same road as all my other stops
Trader Joes
Sam’s Club
Stop and Shop
Target

And yes, I do buy groceries at Target, have you seen how cheap their shredded and string cheese is? And yes, I pick up other Target necessities, like shirts, I mean shampoo.

Grocery shopping is not my favorite thing. It might be one of my least favorite things. I mean, to take the boys with me, it is my least favorite thing. I don’t mind it on my own; I enjoy it!

Today, Sage was in rare form. Not so rare, just naughty. Touching everything, picking everything up, climbing on the displays, stepping on things. He is so curious and just like his father, he wants to figure out how it works. So he pushes it, pulls it, fiddles with it and drives me crazy!

But, we made it through all those stops. I caved and we ate pizza at Sam’s Club for lunch. And it made Sam’s and Target much more enjoyable for all! (I say caved because I was completely planning on coming home for lunch, it was just taking too long and I knew it would be easier to eat out to be able to get home and take naps.)