Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Mollie

Here's Mollie! (OK...I really need to get a life!) They love laying in my bathroom window and one of them is usually there. We have our very own Halloween kitty!


And here's Sheila! She arrived in the nick of time...I had just finished watching both Mr and Mrs Smith and Under the Tuscan Sun, and what a better way to end a morning of sappy movies than to eat french fries! We ate, talked, walked, and stalked...ate Carl's Jr, talked about everything, walked to the grassy hill, and stalked our neighbor Alba. We were peering in her windows trying to get a look at her new kitchen, but the curtains were closed...oh well. I'm walking back tonight!


Lunch was perfect, Mary Poppins! Thank you!=0)Yesterday, I overdid it, but oh well. I had a great talk with my Aunt Paula in the afternoon...I sure do miss her! It's time for a visit! We are still on hold for Europe in May...it's already November (almost) and no word yet. I'm itching to go (heck, I am itching to leave my street right now!) and take the boys back one last time with Matthew in tow. He'll be gone again next summer, but will wind up in Indianapolis in August, so it would be fun to watch him perform and squeeze in Chicago as well.

Decisions, decisions!

And will my kitties be OK if we go away? =0)



Monday, October 29, 2007

Freedom!

After allowing me to wallow last night, my get out of jail free card arrived this morning.




My girlfriends showed up and took me to breakfast.




And basically told me to deal...to rest up for another few weeks and stop complaining.




=0)




They were right. Just to let you know, I am doing great. And I have really great friends.




So this morning, I had an hour out of jail, I mean the house. I had a lovely panini at Corner Bakery and a hot cup of tea...and really fun conversation, and a few too many laughs...if there is such a thing! And now? I'm beat! But so, so happy...


The rest of today is pretty simple. Sports were cancelled yet again, so everyone will be home after school. M has chorale tonight, but when he gets home it's Bachelor time. Poor guy. I am actually cooking tonight...just chicken, sausage, potatoes and peppers, all roasted in the oven with a little rosemary. I already threw together foccacia dough, so that'll be baked off later. Simple! It felt good to be back in my kitchen.

Off to the couch for a movie!


Sunday, October 28, 2007

Paninis and Pretzels

All the boys headed to church in Long Beach this morning, and I was left home. Alone. It's getting old. I am tired of being left behind. I am tired of forgetting that I am not 100% and having to stop. I am tired of being taken care of. So, I am trying not to be grumpy with my family who are trying to help me...they are all being so great. I have watched too many movies and have read one too many Danielle Steel books. M got down all my craft stuff from the attic, so tomorrow? Tomorrow I paint!

We have been having the great Halloween party debate and I am pretty sure the annual bash is off. How sad is that? I do know it is for the best, but it is so, so much fun. We'll make the big decision tomorrow night.

After church it was panini time! M hit the Italian deli and we are fully stocked with great stuff!

Matthew is out with his girlfriend. Alex and Brian both played outside for awhile, but then it became very evident that we needed something to do.


Something that involved chocolate.


=0)




Look at them now, because they'll be gone by bedtime!

Well, I think I'm going to go for a walk...I think fresh air is just what the DR ordered!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Simple Saturday

It's just a lazy Saturday around here. This morning was chilly and the air was so fresh...we opened up the whole house. Michael even made Eggs Benedict for breakfast...YUM!

The neighborhood seemed to come alive in the late morning. All the kids came out to play and Brian was sooo happy. That's the problem with a tiny house...you get housebound quickly. Fortunately, we have only a few weeks a year where we are stuck inside.

Michael and Matthew have been watching football...the BUFF's won! Always makes for a happy house. =0)

Alex and Brian are out playing with friends and unfortunately, we had to close everything up and turn on the air. Still smokey...sigh. Our backyard is disgusting...dead plants and ash everywhere, but it's just too big of a job for this weekend.

I took a walk today...all the way to my neighbors house. Slowly, but surely with a bunch of people who love to laugh. So fun...I just can't laugh and walk yet!!!! I kept thinking how far I've come in 1 week and that it's only going to get better.

Katharine showed up with supper for our family...can you believe it? How blessed we are! Her mashed potatoes are legendary, and I have a HUGE bowl of them warming in the oven. Plus steaks and bread and chopped salad...is it dinnertime yet?

Isn't this a cute idea for a pumpkin? I love it!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Writing

Since I have a little bit of time on my hands this week, I am actually going to blog more than once today.



I have something important to talk about...and no, I am not going to tell any stories about my 'tad bit' wild side youth. (I appreciate all the calls and emails about my use of the words 'tad bit' and for the record, I am holding to that.)



Nope, I'm gonna talk about....


NANOWRIMO.



That's right, NaNoWriMo...or in plain English, National Novel Writing Month.



In 2004, my college English professor girlfriend and I were talking over coffee, and she brought up this silly idea she was toying with, and would I join with her? The whole concept is that from November 1 - 30th, you write a 50,000 word novel. 50,000 words! It's not about quality, but quantity, so basically you just write and write and write. And at the end of the month? You have the beginnings of a book.



So, I thought about it...for like 2 seconds. Of course I'll do it!



=0)



I used to want to be a writer, but then I grew up. And discovered I had other talents...like being a mom.



But, in 2004, my last baby was in 1st grade, and I was a stay-at-home mom. I could write during the daytime and that whole 50,000 word thing? No problem. I could do that in a day.



HA!



In 2004, I joined NaNoWriMo. And yes, I did write.



32 words.



Yep, 32 words.



They looked a bit like this: milk, bread, tp, apple juice, broccoli, blah, blah, blah.



OK, so it's not as easy as I thought.



2005 rolls around. There are now a few more of us signing up, again. Over coffee, it sounds great. Again. This year was a bit more successful...I wrote 135 words.



2006? The household is running pretty smooth and I really throw myself in with my whole being. I outlined a novel, and by the end of the month, I had written 38, 872 words. It sucked, but I wrote them. I actually changed story ideas part way through, and not wanting to start over, I just sort of blended it.
Badly.



In all those words, I had only one line of dialog. Too funny...but I couldn't figure out how to work it in. No one read it but me, which is a good thing. I knew what I had written and I could barely get through the thing.



Ah well.



So now it is 2007. There are 9 of us writing this year. I have an idea for a story, but we'll see if it blossoms into something. I love the whole idea of it, so we'll see. The 1st few days I will still be without driving privileges, so that's a plus.
Brian and I made sugar cookie dough and have played lots of games of Clue and Sorry. M just walked in the door and we're going to eat supper before he and Matthew head out to a concert. Alex is at practice and will stay for open gym afterwards. The air is clear and the kitchen slider is open...wide. Fresh air is a beautiful thing!

Snow Day!

OK, so it's not really a snow day, but all schools and activities in our town have been cancelled due to poor air quality.

It's a smoke day, which Alex thought was hilarious since it is also Red Ribbon Week. You know, the whole 'Say NO to Drugs' campaign. And it's a smoke day.
(I thought it was kinda funny, too. Doesn't take much.)

So, one mom, who cannot drive and 3 boys.

Allllldayyylongggg.

=0)

Michael couldn't get to the exit fast enough this morning. At least he's honest.

Matthew just got in his car and is off to his dad's school for a trumpet lesson and hopefully, if he times it right, lunch with dad in the caf.

Alex and his tribe are playing basketball outside in poor air quality. I caved. In my defense, have you ever been inside with Alex for more than an hour? All sports have been cancelled all week, and at school, they've been shut up inside.
So this morning, I let the bird out of the cage.
Fly, my son, fly.

Brian has the house to himself. And mom to himself. Life, in his eyes, at this moment, is perfect. Simple pleasures.

Last night was our last delivered meal. A neighbor brought over minestrone and bread and it was so great. I'm looking forward to lunch today!

I sent the boys to the store yesterday afternoon and they called me in hysterics. Alex said, "MOM! They sell green beans...in a can!"

Food snobs.

My children have never had a canned veggie. Except for tomatoes and artichokes. So last night, as they were eating eggplant, zucchini, lentils, and spinach in their soup, Alex could not get over the fact that there is a WHOLE aisle at the store full of canned vegetables.

Before you think I'm saying how healthy we are, guess what they were eating last night before bed?

Cocoa Krispies!
Hey, it was with milk!

=0)

Back to today. Brian and I did some laundry and now he's playing video games. I think we'll make some cookies for Halloween...not the baking part, but the cookie cutter part. Other than that, it's another jammie day!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Inside, All Day

What to blog about today?


Day 4 of 12 of house arrest, though I did take one step into the backyard this morning. The air quality is terrible...it's more smoky today than it has been.


I am hoping to walk to a neighbors house this evening...Alba is redoing her whole kitchen, and that is my kind of excitement!


Last night's supper, ala Ann, was so amazingly perfect. Comfort food to the hilt. Chicken and veggies...sooo yummy. I cannot even begin to talk about how awesome it is to have food being brought in, and I am so not the type to accept help. While I am feeling better each day, there is just no way I would be able to fix a meal right now and Michael...well, let's just talk about my husband for a minute.


He was 19.
I was 17.


He was in college and had his own car. (picture me swooning.)
I was a high school senior.


We met and seriously disliked each other.
And then we met again.


He was confident, secure, intelligent, a little selfish, and knew where he was going in life.
He loved God. A lot.

I was young, giggly, not so mature, kinda flaky and a tad bit wild.
I was 'into' God, but only if the timing was right.


He took me to concerts and museums and for long walks on the beach.
I talked him into cutting school, into dancing on tables in bars (more than once) and into a midnight kiss smack dab in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

We just fit.

=0)

So Michael, who has been trying to run a department and run a house and care for a wife...he's been doing both his job and my job.
Without complaining, I might add. For him to be able to come home to food this week has removed such a burden from him...so thank you. It's just nice to be able to see him sit at the end of the day for a few minutes.

The boys have taken over KP duty and it's been hilarious. Matthew fixed the dishwasher problem. Apparently, if everything is completely clean when it goes in, it will come out completely clean. Aha! Alex continues to drop things and make jokes about it and Brian?...he is so in love with these big brothers of his. Last night they plopped him on the counter with a towel and he just laughed and laughed while he dried dishes. Priceless.

So, for today's excitement. I have already watched 2 episodes of Jon and Kate plus 8 and last weeks Bionic Woman. I've showered. I rearranged the candles on the mantle. My girlfriend, Kristin, is coming by with lunch at 1:30. Oh, I started reading a trashy Danielle Steel novel that my neighbor brought over. Anything else?

NOPE.

Nothing else. Just thankful all is going well. Very, very thankful.

=0)

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Kindness

Last night Maggie and Mollie's birth parents came and brought us dinner. I will forever love them for giving us these kitties, and while Michael may not have those same warm fuzzy feelings towards them, I do.

Especially since he had to chase cats off the top of the armour this morning.

Again.


No worries. He secretly loves the kitties, too.

Really, he does.

=0)

Anyway, last night our neighbors brought supper...the most amazing pasta, bread, salad and homemade ranch dressing ever, ever, ever. I think my boys are enjoying this 'mom's not cooking' thing. I know I am! Everything always tastes better when somebody else makes it, you know?

The pasta was so yummy that I just had a little bowl for breakfast...to go with the tea my girlfriend brought over. YUM.


Back to last night. As food was getting dropped off, one of M's students showed up with bags of groceries. Thanks, Brad...you are awesome!

And a little while later? Alison and her gf showed up with a home cooked meal for us. Home cooked, with the help of her mom. Unbelievable. And I am dying to eat it...Waikiki Chicken and Rice...I snuck a bite and it is sooo good!
I am so touched. You have to understand...these are students. College students. At a very expensive private college. Who have NO MONEY. And out of the kindness of their hearts, brought us food. We were able to talk Brad into staying for supper and it was fun to have a full table...of people and food. Last night I kept thinking what an amazing place God has brought us to and how blessed we are. I am so thankful....
M has to work all day today, so I am on my own. He called as he was driving away and told me to glance out at the red sun...so I snuck out and took a few pictures. It is cold outside today, almost eerily so, still 'ashy', but no wind to speak of. The house'll have to stay closed up again. I did venture into the backyard and it is a mess. Broken pots (my beautiful little pots from Italy...sniff) and glass everywhere, plus it is all covered in ash. All the potted plants are dead...they look burnt to a crisp. It's all easily fixed...I am so sad for all those that have lost their homes.Ash on the punkins on the front porch, and below...trouble. A big 'ole wasps nests on the window box. So today, I am staying put. Brian is going to a friends house again after school, Matthew is home tonight, and Alex is out at noon today. He's going to come home and have lunch with me and then is itching to play some basketball. There have been no sports all week, and today they have been cancelled again, but I think I'll give him a short time outside. I overdid yesterday and am feeling it today, so I am vegging. On my counter is a HUGE crock pot full of chicken and veggies that my neighbor brought over this morning and plugged in. My neighbor with 3 kids, a full time job AND a new puppy made us dinner.

Have I talked about my neighborhood lately?

=0)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Pants and Presents

Another day inside the 4 walls of my home. I would love to walk around outside, but the air quality is so poor that I am not. Between the wrath of Michael and my neighbors, I am staying put.

For now.

Speaking of neighbors, you should've seen last nights dinner. OH MY. I am pretty sure that my boys are now happy I had surgery and may just hope it happens again. I cannot believe that the 'queen of camera' didn't take a picture, but just imagine a huge platter with tri-tip, potatoes, carrots and green beans on it...ala Sheila. Then picture 4 males, all with forks in hand.

The picture of it will never leave my mind, that's for sure.
=0)

Brian came out from his shower and said, "I shrunk!"
Today I am wearing those. =0)
Last night, as I was watching either Dirty Dancing, The Wedding Planner, and/or Because I said So, Alex came and laid down next to me in bed. He is my one who worries, and aside from the tough outside, he is by far my most sensitive son. He brought me some Fresca and as we were laying there he started to talk about how scared he was that I was going to die.

Oh my.

My Alex.

So we talked about how life IS terminal. That each day we walk and talk and breathe on this earth is a gift, and that we need to treat each day like it is a present...so excited to open it and see what it is all about and what is going to happen. Sometimes, it turns out to be funny sweater someone knit us and it's not that thrilling, but hey!..it's still a present, right? And some days it is an x-box 360 and it's the best day ever. Not only that, but the very last day on this earth we get to open the very, very best gift yet...can you even imagine?

And then he was off to devour more meat and potatoes, and I just laid there and thought, WOW. Because of that moment, this was such an xbox 360 day.
=0)
~~~~~~~

Today a girlfriend came by and while she was here, I had a package delivered. Thanks Mom and Dad! MMmmmm...gonna have to hide this one! I have a date with that peanut brittle tonight, sometime between Sabrina and 13 Going on 30. Poor Michael...maybe I will share since he is watching every sappy movie we own!

As for the fires...while you keep hearing Irvine on the news, they are now close to 15 miles away in the canyons. M said he could see it from the University, but they were far away. The sky near here continues to have a yellowish hue to it and it is still smoky, hot (96 today!) and dry. Better than yesterday for us, but worse for everywhere else. It is so overwhelming...


I am thankful our old, tired AC is continuing to work...we've really needed her! We cannot open any windows yet, but maybe tomorrow.

Well, I am off to walk the halls. I am so afraid of upsetting my surgeon that I am, for the very 1st time in my life, listening. So, I will walk, then sit, then walk, then nap. All is well. =0)

Monday, October 22, 2007

On Fire

Southern California is burning up.
The air quality is so horrible...it is quite literally raining 'ash'. This is the color of the sky this afternoon:

The Irvine fire is south of us about 5 miles and is burning through the canyons. It is so dry here...we have had barely any rain this last year. It's hard to tell sometimes because our trees and our lawns are green (thanks, Dad in Northern CA for sending us all your water...your grandchildren appreciate it! =0) ) but it is bone dry here.

Scary.

We came home last night and shortly after, a most amazing amount of GREAT food arrived at the door. It was so perfect! This morning M needed to run into work for a few hours, so Mary Poppins came and brought me tea. Sheila, do you do anything wrong? =0) Oh wait...she then brought me lunch, too. And dinner tonight? Taken care of.

Have I mentioned my neighborhood lately and how great it is?

Since I am on house arrest, my sister-in-law trekked over (and it was a trek...there was a major fire in between our houses!) with baby Logan, who looks so much like Brian when he was a baby that I am thinking Brian was cloned. Kath came by with tea, and once M got home, I napped a most glorious nap.

Life is so good. Dry and dusty and hot and windy, but life truly is good.

Back to the couch for me! =0)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Friday, October 19, 2007

Ready, Set...


Go?

The house is cleaned. Sports bags are packed. Lists are made. The pantry is full. Laundry is done.

My bag is packed,
I'm ready to go.

I wish I were leaving on a jet plane, but the hospital will have to do.
=0)

So, I'll be taking a bit of a bloggy break for the next few days or so, but just think - when I come back, I will not be able to drive for 2 whole weeks. For 2 whole weeks, I will be housebound. Just think of all the blogging I can do!


Until then, I'm a little scared, but I do know I am in good hands...I'm in God's hands.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28


Thursday, October 18, 2007

Silly Song

Tonight was Open Mic Night at the high school, which is a fundraiser for Entertainers. Matthew choreographed a number, which they called 'Men of the Round Table.' Priceless!


Once a ham, always a ham! =0)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Family Dinner

While picking some thyme this morning, I almost stuck my hand into this. Ewww...I've been feeling him crawling on me all day long. Another blessing of a mostly male house is that there is usually someone around to help in these situations!
And tonight?

Sophie and Alex

Sophia Michele with her grown-up haircut. Aunt Joanna and Brian

Maddie
Happy birthday, Uncle Greg!
Playing games

As for Logan? While everyone was playing wii...he was playing in the wee-wee.
(ok...that joke came from Greg, but it's true!)
Today was packed full. I met up with a girlfriend and had a pedicure, so at least my toes are ready! Grocery shopped, laundry, cleaned, drove kids, and threw together supper and a birthday cake before G & J got here. It's been awhile...the kids are getting so big! It was nice to sit back and just catch up, and the kids had a fun time together. I've missed them!

It's late and I am off to bed...it's another busy day tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

100th Post...a bit late!

Traditionally (if there really is "tradition" in blogging) bloggers create a list of 100 things for their one hundredth post. I wasn't going to do it, but I am feeling a bit 'conformist' today.
So here is my list of things I am thankful for:
  1. God.
  2. My husband, whom I don't deserve.
  3. Tea. Hot and strong.
  4. Bath bombs...can't take a bath without them.
  5. Vanilla. Anything vanilla.
  6. Matthew, for making me a mom.
  7. A hot, sudsy sink full of dishes. Yes, I actually like to wash dishes.
  8. TiVo. Was there life before it?
  9. The Fish. 95.9 FM
  10. Alex, for making me laugh.
  11. Mail on Fridays. People magazine is delivered on Fridays.
  12. Sunflowers.
  13. Lucca, Italy. Especially Piazza Napoleon.
  14. Automatic transmission. I never had one until a few years ago, and it makes driving, talking on the phone and drinking a Diet Coke at the same time so much easier.
  15. Brian, for reminding me to listen.
  16. Yellow walls. And the courage to paint them.
  17. Flip-flops. Girlie flip flops. 365 days a year, if possible.
  18. Dental floss. I'm a bit anal.
  19. Linguini Amatriciana.
  20. Animal Crossing on GameCube.
  21. Old friends who listen to you wallow and then tell you to shut up and move on with it.
  22. The beach, especially during the winter when it is chilly and overcast.
  23. Rain on a day when I can stay home.
  24. M's Christmas concerts.
  25. Candles, lots and lots of candles.
  26. Lotion. Pretty smelling lotion.
  27. Wood floors. And a good broom.
  28. Fresca.
  29. Mollie and Maggie, my kitties.
  30. Disneyland.
  31. While You were Sleeping, my favorite movie.
  32. Pumpkin muffins. Warm.
  33. My garden.
  34. Watching Alex play basketball.
  35. Memories of reading 'Ollie Forgot' and 'Zin, Zin Zin, A Violin!' over and over and over.
  36. Marc Cohn
  37. Boulder, Colorado.
  38. Champagne. The good stuff.
  39. A night in SF many, many years ago that I never wanted to end. And it hasn't...I married him.
  40. Morning coffee with friends.
  41. TP'ing. As in toilet papering houses. I never outgrew it.
  42. Text Messaging. Don't call me...just text. I always answer texts, but never answer the phone. Yes, I know it is annoying.
  43. Moving a lot. I wasn't thankful when I was younger, but it made me extremely adaptable.
  44. Staying put now.
  45. Listening to Matthew sing. He's a trumpet player, but has an incredible voice.
  46. Worshipping with all of us in a pew.
  47. Maui Jim sunglasses. A splurge.
  48. Girlfriends. You know who you are.
  49. Crisp Fall days.
  50. Family.
  51. Apple picking.
  52. Cooking. One of my only talents.
  53. Tablecloths bought at a flea market in France.
  54. Movie theatre popcorn, with butter please.
  55. Brian's nose. So, so kissable.
  56. Piano Man sung by Billy Joel. Sigh.
  57. Painted toe nails. I was going to put pedicures, but the only part I really like is the pretty polish at the end.
  58. Quiet, after chaos.
  59. Chaos, after quiet.
  60. Bonfires
  61. Sunset.
  62. Christmas morning breakfast, after the presents have been opened.
  63. The fact that M still holds my hand...all the time.
  64. Candy corn and peanuts. Together.
  65. Uncontrollable laughter. Unfortunately, it happens a bit too often with me. And not always at the right time.
  66. Costco.
  67. Lights with dimmers.
  68. Lemon curd.
  69. Harry Potter books.
  70. Swing dancing.
  71. The lake by my house.
  72. On-line bill paying.
  73. Late night, long dinners. With wine.
  74. Playing pool in a bar.
  75. The hand wash cycle on the washing machine.
  76. Ponytails.
  77. Chocolate chip cookie dough, without the chocolate chips.
  78. Wearing black. My staple.
  79. Nutella. And a spoon.
  80. My chiropractor.
  81. Gift cards. To give and to receive.
  82. Daisies.
  83. Throwing parties.
  84. NaNoWriMo. It's almost time.
  85. House projects.
  86. The smell of gasoline.
  87. Freshly washed sheets.
  88. My passport, which I carry in my purse with me at all times.
  89. The ability to function on very little sleep. It comes in handy as a mom.
  90. A carload full of boys. It's a good time to get the 4-1-1, the information.
  91. Being happy. I am blessed.
  92. A really super clean house. Someday, maybe.
  93. High tea at the Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach.
  94. My sisters-in-law.
  95. Playing Bocci.
  96. Summertime, when we are all home.
  97. White bistro dishes
  98. Snow. Not the shoveling part, just the looking at part.
  99. My boys, laughing and talking around the dinner table.
  100. My life.

=0)

Monday, October 15, 2007

Pie Night

Sunday night at Marie Callendar's was Pie Night...a tradition started by my crazy fun neighbor Alba. We do two different versions...one is the large group with the whole neighborhood, and then there is the small group. Last night was just the five of us 'originals', which meant we didn't have to be on our best behavior.


=0)

Sheila, Dana, Ann, and Alba


We've done some fun stuff together over the years...marching in the parade comes to mind, as does karaoke.


It was a very, very fun night, but now we are back to real life.


Sigh.


Today is the 15th, which means today we are rich. For real. M is paid only once a month on the 15th. It looks like so much money in the account, especially if I catch the balance early in the day on the 15th.


Then the mortgage gets paid. And the property taxes. And the cable and electric and gas and oh, my favorite! The association dues. (not! thought I do love the gardeners...) And water. And my Target credit card bill. =0(


By noon on the 15th we aren't rich anymore and the reality that what is left has to last for 30 more days hits. But hey, it all works out in the end...if we are lucky. (just kidding!)


God always provides.


He's a really good boss, as Michael likes to say, and the retirement benefits are perfect.


The life of a church worker. =0)


So, on this cloudy, kind of sprinkle-y Monday, I have a lot to do. The boys are all home from school today and I am sure a few will sleep away the morning. Brian is already awake and eating a bagel with his daddy. My plan for today is to reacquaint myself with the washing machine. I've neglected her lately.


We never did make it back to Costco, so that may well happen today, too. The house needs a good scrubbing and the backyard? Well, it needs to be winterized..there are still pool toys shoved back there.

But for the next few minutes I will finish my tea while I sit here in the dark. I'm dreaming of Italy and pumpkin muffins and my garden. And trying to not think about the week that this is and praying for calm inside.

I do believe.

~Psalm 121~



Sunday, October 14, 2007

In n Out

Gotta love sunflowers! Katharine stopped by today with a bunch of them in her arms..aren't they gorgeous?

This morning we went to church and on the way home stopped at one of the only fast food places that we can all agree on...In n Out.

No more pictures!Working radio? Check. Working AC/heat? Nope.

I quit.

The very happy girls at the drive-thru.
YUM!
Last night Michael and Matthew went to see Manhattan Transfer perform. It's the original group from way back when and M said they were fabulous, maybe even better than before. Is that even possible?

I've been on the computer making lists. Lots and lots of lists. A mom out of commission is never a good thing and I am preparing myself for the way my house will look after this week. It's not going to be pretty.

=0)

But for now, I'm taking a break. It's Pie Night!


Saturday, October 13, 2007

Parties Galore

Last night was a very short night...for sleeping anyway.

Matthew had a dozen or so friends over for a Godfather party. They started out at the lagoon for a bonfire and made their way down the street about 7pm. Matthew requested spaghetti and meatballs, so that's what was on the menu. And salad and bread and cookies. They had fun eating and watching the movie and I was too busy to take a picture, but I am going to miss these guys next year.

His party ended a little before midnight, but the middle school girls sleep over was in full force next door. We even got ding dong ditched (actually it was knock, knock ditch since we have no doorbell) at 12:30am.

I think for the first time ever, we were out-partied. Unbelievable.

I then awoke to the glorious sound of rain last night. Rain on a Friday night/Saturday morning during the fall means there is a major possibly of no soccer on Saturday morn.

=0)

Of course, every other field in town was closed except ours, so at 9:15 am, there we were, freezing our butts off.


It was cold!

And the field was full of muddy pits. The boys were in heaven!

Gloomy skies, but no rain.

On the way home...wow! Isn't it beautiful?

M and I dropped Brian off at home, redirected Alex on some homework, said goodbye to Matthew, who is off to a rehearsal, and we then skipped town.


Not really.


But we did go grab lunch to go and went to see an Indie film that's been on our list. The movie is called 'Once' and once was plenty. It was actually pretty good, though we were able to recite the whole dialog back and forth on the way home.


The boys are now watching football and I am going to finish cleaning out my closet...it's time to find some long sleeves! Michael and Matthew have tickets for Manhattan Transfer, Brian has a birthday party from 3:30-9pm, so it is just me and Alex home tonight. He has lots of homework, but we'll catch up on Survivor and I'll let him talk me into making cookies.


=0)

Friday, October 12, 2007

The Storm

They say when it rains, it pours.

One crisis after another, so tonight I am looking forward to a strong cup of tea, my new People magazine and a steaming hot bath.

I'll be hiding, because Matthew is having a bunch of friends over. They are going to have a bon-fire down the street at the lagoon, and will end up here after.

At least I had warning. =0)

This morning we spent most of the morning in conferences at one of the schools. We kept hearing 'great kid' and 'you are great parents'.

Yeah...we should write a book.

I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the calm before the storm. The storm itself was not much fun, but we did survive. And now? We are in clean-up mode.

All is well once again, though one child is very, very grumpy.

I can deal.

Sometimes I forget how blessed my children are to attend the schools they do. We are a minority family at the college in the fact that we chose public school over private, Christian school. In all honesty, 12 years ago it wasn't an option financially, and then once it was, there was no way we were going to make the change.

God is in public school, too.

=0)

I spent this morning sitting alongside Michael, surrounded by people who truly care about and believe in my child. I cannot even put into words right now how much these people mean to me and to our family.

Our crisis was not a true crisis, per say...more like a speed bump. And I am afraid to admit this, but there will probably be more. It's just who he is. He will, someday, be an amazing man and we will laugh about all of his antics.

Right?

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fall Break


Michael has today and tomorrow off, known at the college as St. Michael's weekend. When he was a new Prof, he couldn't believe that there was no break between August and November, so he fought for a 4 day weekend in October.

And won.

Faculty and students thank him, as does his wife.


So, the boys are in school and after my pre-op appointment, we did Meals on Wheels together. Came home to switch cars and TrixieLyn, our neighbors cat, had made herself comfy!

When Michael kindly asked her to move, she meowed and obliged.

We then headed to Nick's for lunch. Hector is back from Mexico and while his land is not purchased yet, he has it picked out. So, we helped contribute to his fund just a bit more. M had linguine with fresh clams, something not on the lunch menu, but Hector had them make it up special. I had my usual...tapenade. Tapenade, artichokes, fresh mozzarella and grilled bread...should've taken a picture! It is my staple and one I would sell my children for.

We then ordered a large pizza to go...for dinner.

After lunch, we stopped into Pier 1, my favorite "after Nick's" activity. The visit was cut short by a school phone call, and off to one of our 3 kids schools for a conference. An unscheduled, but "you need to come now" conference.

Apparently, we have a comedian in the family.

The day he goes to college, I will weep tears of joy. Not that he is gone from our home, but that WE made it through. Alive and in one piece. He is going to be the most amazing adult, and someday will give me beautiful grandchildren who will run him ragged. I will sit back and simply smile a knowing smile. Until then, I will continue to pray for him.


Constantly.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Great Book

Matthew had to read The Kite Runner for school and he kept telling me how great it was.

WOW.

Very powerful and intense...I loved it, though I am paying the price today from staying up half the night reading it.

There was a PTA board meeting this morning and while I love the people who are on the board with me, I really went for the muffins. The pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. From Costco. The ones I cannot buy because between Alex and I, we will eat every single one, and neither of us handles sugar very well. I've been trying to get everything in order around here since I'll be off my feet for awhile, so I've been ditching out on some things. Like PTA stuff. But this morning they bribed me with muffins, and I'm glad I went. For the people AND the muffins.

I have spent the last few hours (days, actually) preparing for my tax meeting tomorrow. With M being a full time church worker, we get lots of tax benefits, that if you ask me about right now, I will tell you aren't worth it...so ask me after the meeting. We need to save EVERY receipt for EVERY household item we buy, from toilet paper on up. EVERY receipt. For the WHOLE year. I am actually very organized and have been doing it long enough that I have a pretty good system, but it is a pain to do...though stuck in the receipts was a gift card to Trader Joe's. Jackpot!

Tonight we have a meeting at Brian's school...he's been selected to participate in a new program, so we get to go and hear what it is about before we make our decision. I was going to make pork chops (Italian style) for supper, but Matthew is gone and our meeting is at 6pm. I may have to rethink what I am cooking...then again, maybe not. Choices, choices!
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