3 a.m.
Leaving.
Husband breathing down neck. Can't believe I am taking time to post on blog.
Goodbye.
Wish us luck!
Will have tons of pictures.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Packing and Puking
We leave for Disneyland in 2 days. We have been planning/saving for this trip for almost a year. The kids are very excited. My parents are going with us.
My husband is puking. Jayce was puking on Sunday.
I predict that at least one person will be puking on the van ride to Disney, one will be puking while we're at Disney and yet another will be puking on the way home. That's the way things go for us.
I have been busy getting out flip flops and swim suits and shorts and sunscreen. I've been shopping for snacks and drinks. And I've been baking cookies and bread to take with us.
Here's a picture of my cake mix cookies. Ever made cake mix cookies? Terribly easy!
Take any cake mix. Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix. Put spoon fulls on cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 10-12 min. The kids love them. Especially just the plain white cake mix ones. I like to bake the chocolate ones and put marshmallow creme on 'em. Yum!
(Also, did you know that if you put a piece of white bread in your cookie jar, it keeps the cookies nice and soft?)
That's all for today.
Will post again before we leave.
If I am not puking.
My husband is puking. Jayce was puking on Sunday.
I predict that at least one person will be puking on the van ride to Disney, one will be puking while we're at Disney and yet another will be puking on the way home. That's the way things go for us.
I have been busy getting out flip flops and swim suits and shorts and sunscreen. I've been shopping for snacks and drinks. And I've been baking cookies and bread to take with us.
Here's a picture of my cake mix cookies. Ever made cake mix cookies? Terribly easy!
Take any cake mix. Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix. Put spoon fulls on cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 10-12 min. The kids love them. Especially just the plain white cake mix ones. I like to bake the chocolate ones and put marshmallow creme on 'em. Yum!
(Also, did you know that if you put a piece of white bread in your cookie jar, it keeps the cookies nice and soft?)
That's all for today.
Will post again before we leave.
If I am not puking.
Friday, April 17, 2009
DMV Horror
My driver's license expired on my birthday--over a month ago. I went to the DMV the day BEFORE my birthday with what I thought was all the correct paper work.
I didn't have my birth certificate. I KNOW! I always carry a 34yr. old piece of paper with my tiny footprints on it but I just forgot that day. Yeah, right.
So, thewitchy nice lady behind the counter fills out this bright yellow piece of paper with my name, license number and date of birth. I sign it. This is now my new driver's license until I can prove that I was born in this state. I guess my PREVIOUS driver's license doesn't prove that?
I phone my mother and ask if she has my birth certificate. She thinks it's in the safe deposit box. In another town. About 45 min. away.
I happened to have a play date scheduled in that town for the following week.
I go and find my birth certificate. (which by the way was at the bottom of the box while my brother's was on the very top. Go figure)
This was all about 3 weeks ago. I have been using my bright yellow, lovely "fake" license as ID ever since. I have never been asked to show my ID more in my life!! It seems every time I used my debit card, I was asked to show my ID. And of course, I'd have to explain the whole situation lest the cashier thinks I have my license suspended for drunk driving or something. And, after each explanation (that I didn't have my birth certificate so I couldn't get my license renewed) I would be regarded with much pity.
We are going out of state next week. So, I thought it might be wise to go back into the DMV and get my new license. I happened to be out of the house with no children yesterday morning so thought it would be a perfect time.
I get a number and sit and wait. And wait. And wait. Normal at the DMV right?
My number gets called. I hand over all the paper work. To be told that the birth certificate isn't the STATE ISSUED BIRTH CERTIFICATE. The one with the cute little feet? And hospital stamp? Not good enough to prove I'm a legal resident.
I thought I was lucky to get the birth certificate that I got. Who on earth has their state issued birth certificate?
And how does one get their state issued birth certificate? By ordering it from the state of course. For $20. And a 5 week wait.
So. I have to pay $20 to the STATE to get a copy of my birth certificate. So I can pay the STATE $39 to get a driver's license. This seems stupidly crazy to me!
I questioned the DMV cashier about proof of my name change from maiden name to married name. My maiden name is the one still on my SS card. Her response?
"Oh, we can just use the info off of your old license."
I just stared at her. I think the irony of her statement was lost on her.
I did question why my old license wasn't proof of my birth. In a polite, politically correct response she informed me that because there are so many illegal aliens getting license's without proof of citizenship, this is their new policy.
Well, I think this new policy sucks.
So for now, I have no identity.
But those little feet on that birth certificate? Very cute.
I didn't have my birth certificate. I KNOW! I always carry a 34yr. old piece of paper with my tiny footprints on it but I just forgot that day. Yeah, right.
So, the
I phone my mother and ask if she has my birth certificate. She thinks it's in the safe deposit box. In another town. About 45 min. away.
I happened to have a play date scheduled in that town for the following week.
I go and find my birth certificate. (which by the way was at the bottom of the box while my brother's was on the very top. Go figure)
This was all about 3 weeks ago. I have been using my bright yellow, lovely "fake" license as ID ever since. I have never been asked to show my ID more in my life!! It seems every time I used my debit card, I was asked to show my ID. And of course, I'd have to explain the whole situation lest the cashier thinks I have my license suspended for drunk driving or something. And, after each explanation (that I didn't have my birth certificate so I couldn't get my license renewed) I would be regarded with much pity.
We are going out of state next week. So, I thought it might be wise to go back into the DMV and get my new license. I happened to be out of the house with no children yesterday morning so thought it would be a perfect time.
I get a number and sit and wait. And wait. And wait. Normal at the DMV right?
My number gets called. I hand over all the paper work. To be told that the birth certificate isn't the STATE ISSUED BIRTH CERTIFICATE. The one with the cute little feet? And hospital stamp? Not good enough to prove I'm a legal resident.
I thought I was lucky to get the birth certificate that I got. Who on earth has their state issued birth certificate?
And how does one get their state issued birth certificate? By ordering it from the state of course. For $20. And a 5 week wait.
So. I have to pay $20 to the STATE to get a copy of my birth certificate. So I can pay the STATE $39 to get a driver's license. This seems stupidly crazy to me!
I questioned the DMV cashier about proof of my name change from maiden name to married name. My maiden name is the one still on my SS card. Her response?
"Oh, we can just use the info off of your old license."
I just stared at her. I think the irony of her statement was lost on her.
I did question why my old license wasn't proof of my birth. In a polite, politically correct response she informed me that because there are so many illegal aliens getting license's without proof of citizenship, this is their new policy.
Well, I think this new policy sucks.
So for now, I have no identity.
But those little feet on that birth certificate? Very cute.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Bad Eating Habits?
Or bad parenting style? You decide.
This would be Jeven eating oatmeal under the kitchen table.
Where do you eat your oatmeal?
Pizza and a movie.
This would be Jeven eating oatmeal under the kitchen table.
Where do you eat your oatmeal?
Pizza and a movie.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Alone Time
My husband was out of the house tonight and the kids went to bed early.
What did I do with my alone time?
Bubble bath?
Good book?
A grown-up girlie movie?
Not exactly.
I ended up watching the last 45 min. of "Homeward Bound" on the Disney Channel. It's a newer version of "Incredible Journey".
In case you haven't seen it, it's about 2 dogs and a cat that make their way through the wilderness back to their family. The movie uses real animals and is voiced by Michael J. Fox, Sally Field and some other guy I am not familiar with.
Totally cheesy and predictable. Unrealistic. Corny. Sappy.
I cried like a baby. Just like I did the first time I watched it, 15 years ago.
I set the DVR to record it next time it's on, hoping the kids will like it too.
What did I do with my alone time?
Bubble bath?
Good book?
A grown-up girlie movie?
Not exactly.
I ended up watching the last 45 min. of "Homeward Bound" on the Disney Channel. It's a newer version of "Incredible Journey".
In case you haven't seen it, it's about 2 dogs and a cat that make their way through the wilderness back to their family. The movie uses real animals and is voiced by Michael J. Fox, Sally Field and some other guy I am not familiar with.
Totally cheesy and predictable. Unrealistic. Corny. Sappy.
I cried like a baby. Just like I did the first time I watched it, 15 years ago.
I set the DVR to record it next time it's on, hoping the kids will like it too.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thing Found Under the Covers
I was trying to make the bed last night when I got pulled away. This is what I found when I returned.
The funny thing is, he knew when I grabbed the camera and was saying "cheeesssee" even though he was still under the sheet.
This morning, as I got out of the shower there was a knock on the bathroom door.
Jeven: Mom? Are you in there?
Me: No.
Silence.
More silence.
Jeven: Yes you are!!
What a spaz. .
The funny thing is, he knew when I grabbed the camera and was saying "cheeesssee" even though he was still under the sheet.
This morning, as I got out of the shower there was a knock on the bathroom door.
Jeven: Mom? Are you in there?
Me: No.
Silence.
More silence.
Jeven: Yes you are!!
What a spaz. .
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ding Dong
My husband's work schedule varies month to month. One month he'll start work at 7:30, another month it will be 8:00 and another 9:00. Those early morning months are hard because our house is so small, he always manages to wake up the kids getting ready.
I think he does it on purpose. Or at least subconsciously. Stomps his feet. Slams cupboard doors. Yells out "where's my boots?". At least it seems like he's stomping, slamming and yelling. Because I desperately want the kids to stay asleep past sunrise. I am just not ready for them that early. And I think my husband, subconsciously, is jealous that I get to have a half hour or so of quiet while he has to go to work.
This morning, Saturday, I managed to help my husband get out of the house and all 4 children were still asleep. Oh, I was SO excited. I could go back to bed, or read, or anything at all without my "helpers".
As we kiss goodbye at the door, Ozzie and Harriet style, the dog decides she needs to go out. As I step back to let her out I lose my balance. How do I regain my balance?
By reaching out my hand to brace myself against the house. But not only do I put my hand on the house but more specifically, the door bell.
"Ding Dong".
Oh crap.
I look at my husband who has this silly little smile and twinkle in his eyes.
I KNEW IT!!
Subconscious or not, he was just a little thrilled that I was the one to wake the kids. And, I was the one that would have to go back inside and explain that no one was here, it was just mom being a ding dong.
I think he does it on purpose. Or at least subconsciously. Stomps his feet. Slams cupboard doors. Yells out "where's my boots?". At least it seems like he's stomping, slamming and yelling. Because I desperately want the kids to stay asleep past sunrise. I am just not ready for them that early. And I think my husband, subconsciously, is jealous that I get to have a half hour or so of quiet while he has to go to work.
This morning, Saturday, I managed to help my husband get out of the house and all 4 children were still asleep. Oh, I was SO excited. I could go back to bed, or read, or anything at all without my "helpers".
As we kiss goodbye at the door, Ozzie and Harriet style, the dog decides she needs to go out. As I step back to let her out I lose my balance. How do I regain my balance?
By reaching out my hand to brace myself against the house. But not only do I put my hand on the house but more specifically, the door bell.
"Ding Dong".
Oh crap.
I look at my husband who has this silly little smile and twinkle in his eyes.
I KNEW IT!!
Subconscious or not, he was just a little thrilled that I was the one to wake the kids. And, I was the one that would have to go back inside and explain that no one was here, it was just mom being a ding dong.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Old Friends
I am having dinner tonight with a girlfriend. Not just any girlfriend but a friend from school. And I don't just mean high school. We became best friends in 2nd grade. Best friends throughout high school and beyond. She was my maid of honour at my wedding.
We are very different, this Dear Friend and I.
She is on her second marriage with a step-child.
I have been married for almost 12 years and have 4 children.
She has a degree. From a college.
I have a Safeway Club card.
She has a career.
I have a minivan.
Both of us are extremely happy with our own lives.
I can remember when my own mother was in her 30's. She had a group of friends and their kids and my brother and I would play while they visited. Over the years, we saw less and less of them.
I always told myself, I would never let that happen to me and my friend.
We'd be BFF.
Of course, things haven't always gone the way I planned. It is months between emails. Even longer between actual visits. Sometimes, it's hard to look at Dear Friend and not see the girl she was. I am sure it's the same for her.
But, I am having dinner with her tonight. And, I just saw her less than a week ago. And currently my inbox is full of emails from her.
How many women can say they are spending time with their BFF they've known for 26 years?
We are very different, this Dear Friend and I.
She is on her second marriage with a step-child.
I have been married for almost 12 years and have 4 children.
She has a degree. From a college.
I have a Safeway Club card.
She has a career.
I have a minivan.
Both of us are extremely happy with our own lives.
I can remember when my own mother was in her 30's. She had a group of friends and their kids and my brother and I would play while they visited. Over the years, we saw less and less of them.
I always told myself, I would never let that happen to me and my friend.
We'd be BFF.
Of course, things haven't always gone the way I planned. It is months between emails. Even longer between actual visits. Sometimes, it's hard to look at Dear Friend and not see the girl she was. I am sure it's the same for her.
But, I am having dinner with her tonight. And, I just saw her less than a week ago. And currently my inbox is full of emails from her.
How many women can say they are spending time with their BFF they've known for 26 years?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Addiction
I don't have many vices. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I don't have many things that give me a "rush".
But, I have discovered online shopping.
Actually, I've been selling things on craigslist/ebay for some time so "discovered" isn't the right word.
I guess I've just realized how addicting online shopping can be.
I recently had a birthday and received some money and gift cards. Since several sites were advertising free shipping and great sales, I decided to spend my loot online.
We also ordered Judd a cell phone on our providers website.
And, the camera I have been saving for was only available online.
In the last week, we've received 3 packages in the mail. Or as an even bigger rush, had them delivered through a delivery man/woman!
Then we both fight over who gets to open the package. Which, seriously? My husband wanting to open a package that has my new capri pants? He was really jonesing.
Now, we're just awaiting the delivery of his phone and my camera.
The good news? He's at work the rest of the week.
The packages are mine! All mine.
The bad news? I am not too ashamed to let my children see me open my packages. They are being exposed to my addiction.
Do they have online shopaholics anonymous?
But, I have discovered online shopping.
Actually, I've been selling things on craigslist/ebay for some time so "discovered" isn't the right word.
I guess I've just realized how addicting online shopping can be.
I recently had a birthday and received some money and gift cards. Since several sites were advertising free shipping and great sales, I decided to spend my loot online.
We also ordered Judd a cell phone on our providers website.
And, the camera I have been saving for was only available online.
In the last week, we've received 3 packages in the mail. Or as an even bigger rush, had them delivered through a delivery man/woman!
Then we both fight over who gets to open the package. Which, seriously? My husband wanting to open a package that has my new capri pants? He was really jonesing.
Now, we're just awaiting the delivery of his phone and my camera.
The good news? He's at work the rest of the week.
The packages are mine! All mine.
The bad news? I am not too ashamed to let my children see me open my packages. They are being exposed to my addiction.
Do they have online shopaholics anonymous?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fools
Being the mentally sick mother that I am, I decided to play a little April Fool's prank on Jayce and Josie this morning.
Me: Ok. When you guys get home from school today, you have doctor appointments to get your booster shots.
Jayce: What's that?
Me: You know when you get your vaccinations? Your shots? Well, you have to go back in every so often and get them "redone". Boosters. You're scheduled for 4 boosters and Josie, you're getting 3.
Silence.
Josie starts to cry. Jayce looks like he's trying not to cry.
Me(whispering in Josie's ear): April Fool's.
Josie(still crying): DON'T DO THAT!!!
Jayce: Yeah. Not funny mom.
Ok. Gosh. Sorrreeee!!
Just one more topic to discuss in therapy.
Me: Ok. When you guys get home from school today, you have doctor appointments to get your booster shots.
Jayce: What's that?
Me: You know when you get your vaccinations? Your shots? Well, you have to go back in every so often and get them "redone". Boosters. You're scheduled for 4 boosters and Josie, you're getting 3.
Silence.
Josie starts to cry. Jayce looks like he's trying not to cry.
Me(whispering in Josie's ear): April Fool's.
Josie(still crying): DON'T DO THAT!!!
Jayce: Yeah. Not funny mom.
Ok. Gosh. Sorrreeee!!
Just one more topic to discuss in therapy.
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