whippetgirl

tonight's prayer

2009-01-13T03:10:21Z

We always ask Lauren what she wants to thank God for at prayer time. Tonight it was noses. So as I was getting ready to begin a prayer for her to repeat, she starts on her own:

Dear God,
Thank you for a wonderful day. Thank you for footprints in the snow. Thank you for noses. Thank you for horsies. Thank you for Word World. Thank you for mommy, Eric, and daddy. Thank you for fishies in the sea. Please help Kunal feel better. Please help Kunal have a good day tomorrow. Amen.

(Kunal is a boy at daycare who got sick today.)

whippetgirl @ 2008-10-08T21:55:00

2008-10-09T02:55:30Z

I had to try it. Especially since I always tease my husband about what a common name I have now. So, without further delay...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
4,684
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

And if I kept my maiden name instead of changing it to a second middle name...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

I love you honey! :)

A Good Day

2008-09-26T02:14:50Z

September has been a busy month - at work and at home. Today had three positive things happen.

First, Lauren woke up and called to me from upstairs about thirty seconds before walking out the door this morning. She came downstairs, I got her milk, and we talked. It was mostly about missing people because she had a hard time letting daddy go when he dropped her off at daycare after preschool. I love talking to her. Knowing what is going through her mind and how she expresses it just precious to me.

Second, I played around with Excel a lot today to improve a summary schedule. I'm turning it into more of an automated, formula driven product from a manual, hard-coded one. It isn't done but I've made good progress.

Third, a miscommunication with our babysitter led to her not coming over tonight and brought unexpected quality time with the kids.

And, as soon as I'm done typing this, I'm going to watch the first episode of Survivor Gabon. :)

Blocked

2008-09-26T02:07:36Z

It wasn't a fluke. LJ is now a blocked website at work. Bah! So the few posts you saw here will get even further apart. I can only post now at home and, at home, I just don't sit down at the computer for fun. My hubby set me up on Google reader this weekend though so I can at least read what all my friends are writing while at work.

Oh, and get what other website they blocked. This really pisses me off. My radio station. I found out on a day when the reception wasn't working in the car. I wasn't too bothered by it because I knew I could listen on-line when I got to work. Wrong! I was livid. I checked another radio station I had bookmarked just to see. Same thing. When I told twench, he suggested I checked ESPN radio. Sure enough. They are blocking every single internet radio feed. I know why know but it just irks me, especially since I can't bring in a radio. There is no reception in the building unless by a window. Even then, it is faint. (I don't sit by a window.) The reason you ask. Our Code of Business Conduct states something to the effect of "proper use of the company's computer resources". Blah, blah, blah. Yes, yes, I know. I can bring in CD's. The trouble is remembering them. I think when I'm going to miss the radio most during the Christmas season. I loved listening to Christmas music during the season.

whippetgirl @ 2008-08-21T11:31:00

2008-08-21T16:31:13Z

I got back from vacation and tried to log into LJ at work but got a "Blocked Website" message. I was disappointed since the few times I actually do check it are in the early morning or my lunch hour.

Today, I tried it again and, to may happiness, here I am.

The only question is if this particular instance was a fluke or the try on Monday was.

The Past Several Days

2008-08-06T13:24:18Z

We leave for our annual ocean vacation in two days. Not only do I have lots to do at home because of it but lots to do at work in my two and a half days remaining at the office (month-end close). I'm lucky my work works with the scheduled vacation this year. Next year though, we have to shift back our rental a week again...

* Saturday was awesome. It was the first "me" day I've had in a long, long time. I went to lunch with some girlfriends and then went swimming afterward at one of their in-law's pool. Then we got a spontaneous invitation to another friend's house for a BBQ. It was wonderful. If I remember correctly, the last time this same group got together, it was spur of the moment thing too. Sometimes those are the best. Oh, and to top off my day, when I came home from my day out with the girls, an aroma is in the air. Cake. My husband baked a cake for my birthday. Lauren helped. How sweet is that?!

* Kids mirroring you couldn't be more accurate. As we're getting ready to go to church on Sunday, Lauren asked to put on one of those. She's pointing to my bra. I hand her one. Then she asks if she can take of her top. I say yes. She puts it on and walks around showing her daddy and I. Too funny!

* My actual b-day on Monday started off on a sour note. I got one of those piercing headaches in the back of my head again. After work, a co-worker and I went to an outlet mall. She got a notice of a sale at a store I've been wanting to try so since twench was home working (waiting for the dishwasher repairman), I could go since he could pick up the kids. When I get home, Lauren greets me with "We got you flowers." After dinner, I opened all my cards and her present. All in all, a pretty good day.

* Lauren graduated into the next swim course. My pike becomes an eel in September.

* We weren't planning on going to our neighborhood block party last night until the firetruck and ambulance arrived. Lauren and Eric got to see a firetruck, an ambulance, a police car, a police motorcycle, a 911 mobile command center, and a decked out 911 car. Lauren sat in the firetruck, ambulance, and 911 car. She liked the ambulance the best because she liked the stuff inside.

* Lauren's preschool teacher comes for a home visit tonight. (She starts preschool in three weeks.) I'm looking forward to this. She's already met my in-laws because they asked for a tour of the school when they were here in July. When we made the home-visit appointment, she remembered them and said they were a lot of fun and they talked about everything. My in-laws liked her too. I'm debating on where to sit once she gets there - living room or family room. There is more space in the living room but more character in the family room with pictures and such. Your thoughts, dear reader?

Two Visits In One

2008-08-01T13:11:56Z

I took the kids to the doctors yesterday - Eric's 15 month check-up and Lauren's pre-school physical.

In short, all is good. The current stats are as follows:

Eric
32 1/2" (87%)
24 lbs 3 oz (45%)

Lauren
40 1/4" (80%)
32 lbs (30%)

The Morning Off

2008-07-14T17:23:10Z

I took Eric in for another ultrasound for his kidneys and bladder this morning. It almost didn't happen because my referral review wasn't as complete as I thought it was a month ago so, when I got the paperwork out last night, I had quite a shock. The "referred to" facility wasn't the hospital his appointment was at. Oh crap! Thankfully the phone hours of our pediatrician began at 8:30 this morning and the appointment wasn't until 9. I explained my error this morning to our pediatrician's office and asked if a new referral could be created yet this morning. It was. We were able to avoid reshuffling our schedules around to make another appointment later this week.

Six months makes a difference. Eric wasn't a happy, go-with-the-flow boy this time around. He didn't like the goop they need for the equipment to work. And, I suppose, being restrained when wanting to and being able to move is never fun. He got lots of mommy cuddles after it was all done.

We had time to spare before leaving so I decided to enjoy the lake and fountain on the hospital grounds. We found a picnic bench and shared some Cheerios.

Realization

2008-07-10T13:08:32Z

I need to watch my weight again. I am not pleased with myself.

I liked my weight before I had Eric. I had further improvements to go but it was getting on track to where I wanted to be. Even last summer was good because I lost most of the "baby weight" right away.

I heard nursing really burned up the calories. It must. When I think back, it was probably in the December - January time frame when it began. That's when I gradually began weening Eric to one feeding just before bed. And I'm sure the holidays didn't help any there either. However, I've really noticed it since Eric decided to stop nursing about a month ago. Or, should I say, that's when I was brave enough to step on that scale.

It boils down to watching what and how much I eat and adding some type of exercise back into my routine.

Change of Plans

2008-07-08T13:48:19Z

twench just called. Faith asked if Lauren can go downtown with them. Oh dear. I'm not ready for this. We're going to let her go. She is in good hands and they said she behaved really well yesterday. I know she is going to have a blast. I just hope they make the 9:00 train now. Lauren was still sleeping when twench called at 8:30...

I think I'll be nervous all day today. I wasn't yesterday when they were trotting around our area. But this is downtown.

Gosh. I always thought we would be the ones to take her to Chicago for the first time. Be the ones to share her first train ride...

I keep telling myself this is fine. We'll have other train rides and other trips downtown. I know. I'm just adjusting my expectations.

Visit Update

2008-07-08T13:26:02Z

We are busy, busy, busy...

The house is far from quiet and I like it. I'm in the kitchen a lot preparing food but get help cleaning up and putting things away. Probably half the time in the kitchen though is for the extra things that I just don't do frequently for just the four of us... dips, cookies, other desserts.

Sunday was a zoo day. We had a picnic lunch and saw many of the animals. By the end of the day, Lauren and Faith were walking around holding hands. :) Oh, and Eric waved and said "Hi" to the kangaroos.

Bun treated us to Cold Stone last night. Yum! When she got home from picking it up, I find that wasn't all she went out for. She and Steph ran to the grocery store again for some things they needed and also picked up roses for me as a thank you. How nice!

Lauren stayed home from daycare yesterday and had a blast. They spent most of the day at the mall. One of the items she and Faith got were matching nightgowns. I've never seen Lauren take a bath so quickly so she could get some extra play time in with Faith last night. She went down in her new duds and Faith got hers on too. Way too cute!! I have a feeling Lauren is going to be a little depressed when Faith goes home tomorrow.

Oh, and I received the most comical line yet from my dear daughter after I got home from work yesterday... "Why are you here?" I expected a hi mommy, a smile, a hug, something other than that. I could only laugh. After all, it was proof of what a wonderful day she had.

They Have Arrived

2008-07-04T19:31:34Z

The crew pulled in just before 1 this afternoon.

I'm now sitting her by myself while some banana bread is baking, the dishwasher is going, and Eric is napping. Everyone else is at the movies... mom, dad, Bun, Steph, Joe, Faith, twench, and Lauren. It's nice to just sit. I haven't for over a week. It's been worth it though. The house looks good and we're ready to have lots of fun.

Getting There

2008-06-30T13:03:17Z

Four evenings and a partial day to go...

twench's family arrives on July 4. It had been a couple years since his mom and step-dad had brought some cousins with them. This year Steph, 13, and Joe, 9 are coming. In addition, Bun and Faith are coming about July 5 (plans not finalized) and Maria and Phil come either the 8 or 9. There may be a day overlap where we have eight guests in the house as Bun and Faith are planning on leaving mid-week.

Yes, this is crazy but very good. I know I love that my children get to spend good chunks of time with the people we love.

The basement is getting there. We're starting to see space for air matresses. :) I think it is possible to get the house in a presentable fashion for everyone with the time we have left.

Finally...

2008-06-30T12:48:41Z

After thinking one of Eric's teeth was about to pop any day now for a couple months, it finally did. This tooth was the last one of the front eight. The gums had been white for such a long time and the bump kept getting bigger and bigger. The boy must have strong gums.

Simple Joys of Motherhood

2008-06-18T12:57:54Z

Just a few over the last couple days...

* A snuggle with Lauren after an early wake-up on the couch in the living room

* Observing Lauren's absolute joy about going to swim lessons

* Eric's smile

* Watching Lauren and Eric play together - literally and side-by-side play

Picture Saga

2008-06-16T13:14:04Z

I want to send some pictures we took while on vacation in Pennsylvania in the thank you card we're sending. Since it has been two weeks since the trip, I was happy we were able to go through them this weekend and pick the best ones. I planned to drop them off for developing yesterday when I went grocery shopping but forgot them. "No problem," I thought, "I'll just go to the same store in the morning since I have to stop nearby to get gas anyway." They were out of 4x6 glossy prints this morning. "Okay. What next? There's a Walgreen's by work. If I drop them before getting to the office, I can pick them up on my way home." Nope. Store doesn't open until 8....

Engagement Ring

2008-06-13T03:10:34Z

Odd.

My engagement ring band just broke.

It is soldered to my wedding band so it is still wearable and not noticeable. Great. This is just one more thing to add to my ever growing to-do list.

The Beginning of The End?

2008-06-13T02:45:44Z

I discovered last night that Eric got his seventh tooth - the left upper first molar. From the looks of it, it probably popped over a week ago. Today, I see his eighth tooth just starting to peek through the gum line - the bottom right second front tooth. Unfortunately, on top of the mouth pain, he's got a sore bum. Very, very pink. Having looser stools can be a side effect of teething. Poor guy. My usual happy guy has not been his happiest the last couple days. Because of how much he hurt today, he decided he just wanted a cuddle tonight. No nursing. It was really strange.

Two Surprises

2008-06-11T15:06:15Z

The fabric on our patio chairs gave way last summer. We knew this would happen when we bought them in '99. I was bummed though because we had a certificate for free replacement slings. We goofed or so I thought until Saturday. Before we went to order new slings, I looked up the detail on our chairs so we would order the correct ones. Score!! The certificate didn't expire. Turns out it wasn't valid until four years after purchase and needed to be used by 2010. We are still in the window. Yes! Money saved. :)

------

I washed rugs last night and forgot the basic rule of separating colors. Maybe it was because the rugs are old and/or that I was tired. When I opened the washing machine, my surprise awaited me - blue rugs that used to be beige. Oops! Oh well. At least it was a load of stuff I really didn't care too much about.

"I Love That"

2008-06-06T12:40:52Z

We got notification yesterday that Lauren was able to get into the swim class we registered her for so we decided to tell her last night. Her reaction was priceless. She gets this huge smile on her face and runs to each of us to give us a great big hug and says, "I love that." Needless to say, we are now counting the days until the pool. :)

Back in Town

2008-06-03T13:00:20Z

Our ten day excursion with about a 40 hour pit-stop at home to re-pack and go to work one day came to an end around 9:30 Sunday night.

We had two great trips. The kids did absolutely wonderful. It feels good to be back home though.

Picture This

2008-05-20T14:30:27Z

Our 65 pound dog sitting in our toddler's high-back booster seat....

I have to remember the camera next time.

Smart Bee

2008-05-06T12:36:35Z

With the car windows down yesterday, a bee got inside my car. It was trying to climb back up the window to get out so I decided to roll it all the way down. Major wind. The bee hung onto the door (a good minute at least) until I stopped at a traffic light. It let go and flew away.

9 Weeks

2008-05-02T17:53:41Z

With the turn of the calendar and talking to our babysitter last night, it really hit me how close some events are to happening and how quickly the summer is going to fly by - as usual.

The one that hits me the hardest is when my in-laws are due to arrive. Not only are twench's parents (mom & step-dad) coming but they are also bringing two cousins (age 9 & 14/15). A few days after their arrival, another cousin is arriving with her daughter (18?) and step-son (14/15?). That is an additional five people to find sleeping areas for. The obvious choice is the basement but there is one problem with that right now. It is a huge disaster area filled mostly with baby/toddler clothes and baby toys. I have nine weeks to straighten it up and clean it. I've wanted to do it for a long time but it has always fallen to the bottom of my list. Not the case any more though. Aside from keeping up with laundry, this is my top priority. Once it is done, it will feel so good, but until then, I have nine weeks. Nine weeks! And of those weeks, we are out of town for three weekends. Yikes!

By the way, does anyone have a futon or a like object we can borrow to help get people off the basement floor? We have one twin bed and one queen air-mattress. Granted, four of the five additional people are kids but their stay is longer than an extended weekend.

Headache Concern from a 3 1/2 year old

2008-04-28T12:40:19Z

I told Lauren I had a headache after we got home from having dinner. (It wasn't bad yet but annoying enough where it could turn into something if I didn't take anything soon.)

Lauren says, "Ahhh. Don't worry mommy. We'll take care of you. Then she turns to twench and says, "Daddy, don't put any sauce on mommy's pasta. She has a headache."

So precious! The concern was genuine. We're just trying to figure out what sauce has to do with headaches.