This morning's routine was like every Tuesday morning routine: Scott gets up with Lanie, pops on the news, they eat breakfast, I join in later, Scott heads up to the office, Lanie follows so she can get dressed for school. All the while, the Today show plays in the back ground.
After going up stairs to get Paxton ready to leave, so he could join us on our school drop-off trip, Delanie and I had the following conversation:
Delanie: Mom, do you know that the Atlanta Aquarium has Blue Sharks?
me: Really?
Delanie: Ya, they are the largest fish in the whole world.
me: Wow! That's pretty big.
Delanie: Ya, although 2 of them died last year, 4 of them are still living.
me: (starting to wonder where she is hearing this)Hmmmm...that's interesting?
Delanie: Maybe we should go and see them! There are still 4 of them alive, and they are doing quite well!
me: ummmm....maybe. They live by our Auntie LoLo.
Delanie: REALLY! WOW! I would love to see them. They have thousands of teeth, and can eat millions of phytoplankton every day. Phytoplankton are about the size of your fingernail, you know.
me: Did they talk about this on the news?
Delanie: Ya, Mom, did you see it?
Apparently, not with the same accuracy as my daughter. This would be why she could sell you a Rotisserie Chicken Cooker. It's like owning a walking tape recorder! I should've brought her along to my class this past weekend...I wouldn't have spent so much energy trying to remember every last detail...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Would You Like a Straw to Drink From That Fire Hydrant?
This weekend, I was so fortunate to be able to ship the kids off to grandmas' house (yes, both grandmas took turn watching the kids), so that I could take a photography class that my wonderful husband got for me for Christmas. Since we are so well planned and organized, we had to send the kids to the grandparents because it was also the same weekend that Scott had a gas and oil show.
We are so thankful to have grandparents for our children that not only live close, but also have a VERY active role in our children's lives...THANK YOU!
Ok, so instead of boring you all to tears with all the new info I learned at my Studio Lighting for Portraiture workshop, I will just say that the amount of information combined with the hands-on application of said info was AWESOME! I seriously soaked it up like a sponge, and am still thirsty for more. I cannot wait to get my hands on some lighting equipment and start down this studio pathway.
Let me tell you, Scott is just as thrilled.
If you couldn't hear the sarcasm in that comment, then maybe you aren't familiar with how expensive lighting equipment is.
I digress.
I had such a cool time, and am on cloud nine.
Day one of the workshop consisted of so much info, that I didn't even try to take notes. I just opened my brain as wide as it would go, and hoped it all would fit. Day two was application day. They had 2 models who came in and we got to practice for 6 SOLID HOURS! Like I said, I won't bore you with the info, because frankly, if you aren't a photo nerd like myself, you could go into a coma. I will, however, share some fun photos!
First up, a lovely model who we got to practice soft light on. She really could do no wrong, and made most of us look like photo geniuses, regardless of any talent on our parts...
Lastly, we have Bob. He was AWESOME. I don't photograph men much, so I was intimidated. He had so much character and was so fun, I just kind of forgot about all that. He kind of reminds me of an older Kramer....
What a great time.
We are so thankful to have grandparents for our children that not only live close, but also have a VERY active role in our children's lives...THANK YOU!
Ok, so instead of boring you all to tears with all the new info I learned at my Studio Lighting for Portraiture workshop, I will just say that the amount of information combined with the hands-on application of said info was AWESOME! I seriously soaked it up like a sponge, and am still thirsty for more. I cannot wait to get my hands on some lighting equipment and start down this studio pathway.
Let me tell you, Scott is just as thrilled.
If you couldn't hear the sarcasm in that comment, then maybe you aren't familiar with how expensive lighting equipment is.
I digress.
I had such a cool time, and am on cloud nine.
Day one of the workshop consisted of so much info, that I didn't even try to take notes. I just opened my brain as wide as it would go, and hoped it all would fit. Day two was application day. They had 2 models who came in and we got to practice for 6 SOLID HOURS! Like I said, I won't bore you with the info, because frankly, if you aren't a photo nerd like myself, you could go into a coma. I will, however, share some fun photos!
First up, a lovely model who we got to practice soft light on. She really could do no wrong, and made most of us look like photo geniuses, regardless of any talent on our parts...
Lastly, we have Bob. He was AWESOME. I don't photograph men much, so I was intimidated. He had so much character and was so fun, I just kind of forgot about all that. He kind of reminds me of an older Kramer....
What a great time.
Friday, February 8, 2008
It's Not Always a Thankless Job
My kids have been taught manners. They know how and when to use please, thank you, you're welcome, bless you, and excuse me. They don't always have the "when" part down, and do need reminders here and there, but for the most part they are pretty good about being polite. I don't think that I have done anything special here, just what most mothers do for their children so when they are out and about with others (and with us), they don't seem like they were raised by wolves. I do have to crack up though when my kids gush with thanks over, what I think, is silly stuff.
For example, there are a few things Paxton will continue to thank me for well after the fact, like his Elmo toothbrush. I bought him a new toothbrush in November this year. It was an Elmo toothbrush. It’s nothing fabulous, just a toothbrush with Elmo on it. I brought it home from Target and opened it. That's it. I have been receiving praise since.
Every night when we brush our teeth it is the same conversation:
"Mommy, you buyed this Elmo brush for me?" Pax asks very excitedly.
"Yes, Son, this is your toothbrush," I reply.
"You opened it for me?" Pax asks even more excitedly.
"Yes, Pax, I opened it for you."
"Oh, Mommy, THANK YOU! Thank you, Thank you. I LOVE my Elmo brush. Oh, thank you, Mommy!" Pax gushes.
What can I do? I say "You're welcome, Son" as sincerely as possible, and happily accept all thanks.
Every night.
For example, there are a few things Paxton will continue to thank me for well after the fact, like his Elmo toothbrush. I bought him a new toothbrush in November this year. It was an Elmo toothbrush. It’s nothing fabulous, just a toothbrush with Elmo on it. I brought it home from Target and opened it. That's it. I have been receiving praise since.
Every night when we brush our teeth it is the same conversation:
"Mommy, you buyed this Elmo brush for me?" Pax asks very excitedly.
"Yes, Son, this is your toothbrush," I reply.
"You opened it for me?" Pax asks even more excitedly.
"Yes, Pax, I opened it for you."
"Oh, Mommy, THANK YOU! Thank you, Thank you. I LOVE my Elmo brush. Oh, thank you, Mommy!" Pax gushes.
What can I do? I say "You're welcome, Son" as sincerely as possible, and happily accept all thanks.
Every night.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
There is a Happy Ending to This Story
Today after I picked Delanie up from school we had this completely unrelated discussion.
Delanie: MOM! Guess what?
me: What?
Delanie: Guess what I decided today?
me: What?
Delanie: I decided today that I am not going to eat my boogers anymore.
me:......uhhhh....OK. What made you decide that?
Delanie: They are disgusting, and they have lots of germs
I am sure she's NEVER been taught that before until sometime today.
It was a momentous occassion none-the-less. One that will be remembered as a milestone. We celebrated with extra dessert.
Delanie: MOM! Guess what?
me: What?
Delanie: Guess what I decided today?
me: What?
Delanie: I decided today that I am not going to eat my boogers anymore.
me:......uhhhh....OK. What made you decide that?
Delanie: They are disgusting, and they have lots of germs
I am sure she's NEVER been taught that before until sometime today.
It was a momentous occassion none-the-less. One that will be remembered as a milestone. We celebrated with extra dessert.
Monday, February 4, 2008
For The Sake of the Beauty of our Home
We are in the tight grips of home improvements as we speak. My blogs could be sparse in the next few weeks as our kitchen (which includes my “office” area) receives a face lift and joins a more current time.
This led me to think back through our almost 8 year marriage and think of all the home improvement projects we have done together. Since Scott is a WONDERFUL handy-man and can do just about any kind of improvement to the home himself, there has been MANY a home improvements. In fact, the home we currently reside in was a fixer-upper from day one. However, the first home we owned is where it all began.
The home was brand-spanking new and had no yard. We spent the first spring and summer living in that home building fences, shoveling rock, installing sprinkler systems, building retaining walls, and planting so many shrubs, trees, and flowers it felt like the back breaking labor would never end, and our yard was not that big.
Later that year, we decided to finish our 1600 square foot basement in anticipation of the arrival of our daughter. Since I was pregnant, I admit, my help was sparse. Scott rocked it though, and completed it just in time. However, because I was unable to help him out, a new trend in home improvement began in our family, Home Improvement Injuries. During the basement finishing project, Scott managed to give himself a black eye, and a new tooth due to shattering the one God gave him.
Then there was the garage door incident of ’05. This is when, in attempts to fix a garage that had a broken spring, Scott almost broke his back. Oddly enough, I was again pregnant during this time and was of no help to him, thus he was trying to accomplish the task on his own. This landed him in bed for an entire week, and enough prescription pain pills to dope up the entire block for a solid week with him.
Last year, when we remodeled our master bathroom, (which, on a side-note, you should NEVER talk to Scott about) Scott grew increasingly frustrated at how long the project was taking. In hast, he decided against wearing rubber gloves during the grouting process. Again, he was out of work for a few days. The tips of his fingers needed to re-grow the skin that used to cover the tips of his fingers.
Ahhhh, the memories.
Here we are now, remodeling the kitchen. We are only a mere 24 hours into this 2 week project. Scott has decided to get things started off on the right foot this time…or I should say the wrong foot. As we were just barely getting started, Scott broke his big toe. He’s a trooper though. I didn’t even know he had hurt himself, until he stepped down wrong, and grimaced. That’s when he revealed that as the cabinets were arriving he slipped down the stairs and broke his big toe. At least he got the injury done with early. There’s no sitting around wondering what it will be.
Scott’s poor toes, they are such abused appendages. That’s a whole other post though.
Keep Scott’s safety in your prayers these next few weeks, he’s going to need it. Thankfully, I am not pregnant this time around, so we should keep the injuries to a minimum.
This led me to think back through our almost 8 year marriage and think of all the home improvement projects we have done together. Since Scott is a WONDERFUL handy-man and can do just about any kind of improvement to the home himself, there has been MANY a home improvements. In fact, the home we currently reside in was a fixer-upper from day one. However, the first home we owned is where it all began.
The home was brand-spanking new and had no yard. We spent the first spring and summer living in that home building fences, shoveling rock, installing sprinkler systems, building retaining walls, and planting so many shrubs, trees, and flowers it felt like the back breaking labor would never end, and our yard was not that big.
Later that year, we decided to finish our 1600 square foot basement in anticipation of the arrival of our daughter. Since I was pregnant, I admit, my help was sparse. Scott rocked it though, and completed it just in time. However, because I was unable to help him out, a new trend in home improvement began in our family, Home Improvement Injuries. During the basement finishing project, Scott managed to give himself a black eye, and a new tooth due to shattering the one God gave him.
Then there was the garage door incident of ’05. This is when, in attempts to fix a garage that had a broken spring, Scott almost broke his back. Oddly enough, I was again pregnant during this time and was of no help to him, thus he was trying to accomplish the task on his own. This landed him in bed for an entire week, and enough prescription pain pills to dope up the entire block for a solid week with him.
Last year, when we remodeled our master bathroom, (which, on a side-note, you should NEVER talk to Scott about) Scott grew increasingly frustrated at how long the project was taking. In hast, he decided against wearing rubber gloves during the grouting process. Again, he was out of work for a few days. The tips of his fingers needed to re-grow the skin that used to cover the tips of his fingers.
Ahhhh, the memories.
Here we are now, remodeling the kitchen. We are only a mere 24 hours into this 2 week project. Scott has decided to get things started off on the right foot this time…or I should say the wrong foot. As we were just barely getting started, Scott broke his big toe. He’s a trooper though. I didn’t even know he had hurt himself, until he stepped down wrong, and grimaced. That’s when he revealed that as the cabinets were arriving he slipped down the stairs and broke his big toe. At least he got the injury done with early. There’s no sitting around wondering what it will be.
Scott’s poor toes, they are such abused appendages. That’s a whole other post though.
Keep Scott’s safety in your prayers these next few weeks, he’s going to need it. Thankfully, I am not pregnant this time around, so we should keep the injuries to a minimum.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Proud Moments
This week has been chalk full of proud moments. Thankfully, I've had my trusty camera nearby for most of them. You just never know when one of the kids is going to surprise you with something wonderful, so I think it's a good thing to have a camera on hand to capture it. That way when you look back on the day/week/month/whatever, it isn't as easy to remember all the other stuff you put up with.
So far it's working...
First up, my growing boy! He's so mature that he is now shaving! OK, not really, but this was the first time that he agreed to let Daddy pretend shave him when we asked if he wanted to shave too. Since as far back as Pax noticing that Daddy shaves, he will sit and stare with awe when Scott shaves. We always ask him if he wants to shave too. He always replies "NO!" And that's that! This weekend he said, "Maybe, I try to shave Daddy?" So Scott lathered him up and found a cheapo razor in his travel bag that still had the lid on it and away they went!
All lathered up:
Working on that pesky stubble:
Nice and clean!
Next up: My little man again. This time we are having fun with our Aunty and Uncle. This particular Aunty and Uncle (who don't have children yet) think it's fun to get the niece and nephew all crazy and teach them wild stuff...We let them...because sometimes it is fun.
This week they thought it would be funny to play gang members with the kids...Yup...that's right. Here's my boy dressed up with no idea why Aunty and Uncle are laughing at him, but since he's getting a laugh, he's having fun.
Do-rag:
Throwing out some signs (an extremely proud moment for me):
Here's my little cowgirl. We had Western day at school this week. We borrowed Pax's do-rag to complete the ensemble:
Pretty cute! She was thrilled to have her picture taken.
Here are my two little sweeties playing my favorite game of all time "Sleep" I know I have talked about it before, but seriously, I couldn't think of a better game in all of history. It is so wonderful, that I took a picture of it.
So quiet and peaceful...
If we could only play "Sleep" when it's actually time to "Sleep" it would be that much more beautiful.
I didn't have my camera with me tonight as we headed out for dinner. If I did though, you would have seen a picture of a clean plate. Pretty interesting, huh? This plate would've belonged to my daughter who ordered (from the kid's menu and Mimi's Cafe) a Soup and Salad combo! WHAT?! I was shocked. She ate almost all of the salad, and half of the (adult sized) soup. Which was corn chowder. Apparently, she likes chowder. She's never eaten either before...salad or corn chowder. It was amazing.
Even if I had the camera with me though, I don't know what I would've taken a picture of...the clean plate, my daughter eating said food, or my face of shock and awe. Really, all three would've made terrible photography, so thankfully, I didn't have my camera.
I'll show you what doesn't make horrible photography though...My son again. This time there is no sarcasm when I say, I was so happy to see this I couldn't even help it. I ran right for the camera and started snapping away.
That's my boy. Cleaning himself up, all by himself. I can't say the floor is that clean, but hey, we've got to start somewhere.
Way to go buddy!
Next week we'll work on putting the pants back on...that won't make for as cute of a picture though, would it?
That's what I tell myself anyways.
So far it's working...
First up, my growing boy! He's so mature that he is now shaving! OK, not really, but this was the first time that he agreed to let Daddy pretend shave him when we asked if he wanted to shave too. Since as far back as Pax noticing that Daddy shaves, he will sit and stare with awe when Scott shaves. We always ask him if he wants to shave too. He always replies "NO!" And that's that! This weekend he said, "Maybe, I try to shave Daddy?" So Scott lathered him up and found a cheapo razor in his travel bag that still had the lid on it and away they went!
All lathered up:
Working on that pesky stubble:
Nice and clean!
Next up: My little man again. This time we are having fun with our Aunty and Uncle. This particular Aunty and Uncle (who don't have children yet) think it's fun to get the niece and nephew all crazy and teach them wild stuff...We let them...because sometimes it is fun.
This week they thought it would be funny to play gang members with the kids...Yup...that's right. Here's my boy dressed up with no idea why Aunty and Uncle are laughing at him, but since he's getting a laugh, he's having fun.
Do-rag:
Throwing out some signs (an extremely proud moment for me):
Here's my little cowgirl. We had Western day at school this week. We borrowed Pax's do-rag to complete the ensemble:
Pretty cute! She was thrilled to have her picture taken.
Here are my two little sweeties playing my favorite game of all time "Sleep" I know I have talked about it before, but seriously, I couldn't think of a better game in all of history. It is so wonderful, that I took a picture of it.
So quiet and peaceful...
If we could only play "Sleep" when it's actually time to "Sleep" it would be that much more beautiful.
I didn't have my camera with me tonight as we headed out for dinner. If I did though, you would have seen a picture of a clean plate. Pretty interesting, huh? This plate would've belonged to my daughter who ordered (from the kid's menu and Mimi's Cafe) a Soup and Salad combo! WHAT?! I was shocked. She ate almost all of the salad, and half of the (adult sized) soup. Which was corn chowder. Apparently, she likes chowder. She's never eaten either before...salad or corn chowder. It was amazing.
Even if I had the camera with me though, I don't know what I would've taken a picture of...the clean plate, my daughter eating said food, or my face of shock and awe. Really, all three would've made terrible photography, so thankfully, I didn't have my camera.
I'll show you what doesn't make horrible photography though...My son again. This time there is no sarcasm when I say, I was so happy to see this I couldn't even help it. I ran right for the camera and started snapping away.
That's my boy. Cleaning himself up, all by himself. I can't say the floor is that clean, but hey, we've got to start somewhere.
Way to go buddy!
Next week we'll work on putting the pants back on...that won't make for as cute of a picture though, would it?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
LOST
This may be one of my shortest posts ever...I know you all are thanking me. I am not one of few words, but tonight LOST is on. It is the series premiere tonight. Usually, I am not this excited for a show to come on (I think since Friends was canceled, it's been a bit rough in TV land), but since TV has really been HORRIBLE this year because of the writter's strike, it is all I have to look forward to.
I LOVE the tube. I miss it terribly. I long for the days when we can sit and watch shows that are fresh and new. I can't wait for Wheel of Fortune NOT to be the highlight of our TV night.
So tonight, I get to watch a NEW episode of a show that is NOT a reality show. It has a plot, characters, and drama... lots of drama.
If you already didn't know, I am a fan of drama...
I LOVE the tube. I miss it terribly. I long for the days when we can sit and watch shows that are fresh and new. I can't wait for Wheel of Fortune NOT to be the highlight of our TV night.
So tonight, I get to watch a NEW episode of a show that is NOT a reality show. It has a plot, characters, and drama... lots of drama.
If you already didn't know, I am a fan of drama...
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