The Sun Will Come Out...

So yesterday? Not a very good day.

First, I got nothing I wanted to do accomplished. The kids were whiny and fought all day, which is actually a rare thing and irritates me to no end. No one wants to take the fish (and tank) and of all the things to stress about, this one has made the Top 5 faithfully.

Second, I do not like not being in charge. This is not a hidden fact in our house. I am uber-efficient and a detail freak, so as long as Joe and I agree on the outcome, he lets me run with it. He holds veto power though and makes the final decisions on big stuff. Like moving to another state, but I digress.

The Relocation company called Joe and he told our Agent that she would be needing to contact me because I handle all of that stuff. She wouldn't give me any information the first time she called, so I'm sure she's thrilled to have to deal with me. He had to sign some form to get the ball rolling and after I had a melt down on the phone with him, he spent an hour printing the agreement and faxing it back in. He had been in bed, but I was so upset he figured he better get going on it.

Third, of all things we won't need after the move is for me to go back to work, but there is a potential offer waiting for me. It would be the same position I had before Grace was born, which I loved. The hours are awesome (6 am - 2:30 pm) and the pay is good too. The kids are ready for some preschool, so we'll see what happens with that.

Today is looking better already. It's my last free day before Joe gets home and my parents arrive, so I have to get through my To-Do list by tonight. I'm fighting a migraine, but it seems to have stopped for now. Coffee, a hot shower and 1000 mg of acetaminophen must be a good combo. I found some sunglasses this morning at the grocery store and I'll be putting in my contacts so I can try them, if we go next door to play in the pool. The kids also seem to be back to normal today.

Of course, it's not lunchtime yet. *winks*

You will be reimbursed...

The Relocation Company called today to talk to Joe. I gave them the store number and they called him there. Then Joe called me to tell me that there would be more phone calls. It looks like we will be taking the kids on the Official House Hunting Trip. We will also need to borrow money from my parents because we have to pay for everything up front and then be reimbursed. I don't even want to think about how much it will cost.

As soon as we get a rental up there, then we can have a moving sale here and the movers can pack up what's left in the house. Then all of our worldly possessions (including our car) get put on a boat and spend the next week or so, floating happily up the coast. Meanwhile, we will have an empty apartment and an empty house. Nothing. Except for our suitcases and outrageous cell phone fees, eating out for every meal and staying in a hotel until our beds arrive. And we will be reimbursed later...

Ah yes, so very comforting.

Headlines

I'm tired tonight, so you just get the basics. :o)

~I got to sleep until 9 am!

~Breakfast was cake!

~The kids played in the pool...again.

~I cleaned a few more cabinets, cleaned out the fridge and pantry and took everything worth anything out to the garage and the rest to the garbage. That included the broken glider and the scanner I can't get to work.

~I vacuumed and steam cleaned the downstairs carpets.

~We went to play at Mindy's house and Jen (and family) were out front and actually talked to us! They didn't seem mad at all.

~I found out that there are actually people in the world that think my kids ask questions about things because they are taught to do that at church, mostly because their child doesn't ask questions like, "Where does the wind come from?" or "Why is it raining?" Sadly, they also don't take the time to explain why or how, even when there is an explanation.

~Heaven forbid my children actually learn something from the TV I let them watch. My children have yet to tell me to shut up or repeat a swear word they heard me say. (This is a rant for another time.)

~Made a quick trip to the library with Mindy (her DH watched all the kids) and I got 10 minutes with the latest Creating Keepsakes magazine. *Note to self - try the paint strip mini-book tomorrow!*

~The kids and I got home, talked to Joe, ate dinner and the kids were in bed only 45 minutes late. Maybe they'll sleep in again?

~There was a 6.7 (or 7.2) magnitude earthquake off the coast of Juneau last night. Never even made the news here today. It woke Joe up (very hard to do!) and as soon as he realized it was an earthquake - HE WENT BACK TO BED!!!

~I watered most of the lawn today, between the sprinkler for the kids and the front by hand just now. I have a better understanding for why my Dad loves to do that so much - it was a good end to the day!

I'm off to bed all! Have a good night. :o)

The Day of Rest...

it was not!!

We were up and running at 6:30 am! That's what I get for letting Tristan fall asleep on the couch early to play Hi Ho! Cherrio! with Grace, over a bowl of ice cream!

Church was good. I had them announce that next week will be the last week we are all there together and that we are indeed moving to Alaska. I'm sure next week will be torture and I will leave in tears. They had hot dogs, chips and pop after the service so I didn't have to cook lunch.

We stopped at Target on the way home to get milk and diapers. The diapers took forever. The wrong size was stocked on the shelf and there were no other size 6's in the smaller packages. They finally tracked the large package down in the back. I was down to a one day supply and was willing to wait for the stock boy.

The kids played in the pool and Joe called right after we got home.

The company wants to schedule the house hunting trip, but they need us to tell them the days we want to go, but I don't know what day yet because I need to know the days available so that I can figure out what to do with the kids. Headache yet? Yeah. Me too.

I would rather just have Joe look at any places while he is already there and have someone email pictures if I need more information. After a brief, intense discussion, *we* decided that I need to actually be in charge of calling for information and seeing the houses because it's just not working for Joe to take care of it.

Our options for the kids? My mom has offered to buy tickets for them to go with us, but I would like to get away for a few days, seeing as how I've never been away from them overnight. (Well, ok there was the one night I was away from Grace, but I was in the hospital after having Tristan and she was with Joe anyway.) We could try to bribe ask some of our good friends to watch them (and pay the daily childcare allowance covered by the company) or we could use some of the family guilt and leave them with an Auntie. More on that as it develops...

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening down at Mindy's house. She had invited us down for dinner a couple of days ago and living in the moment like I am, I decided any meal I didn't have to cook was a good one! We watched Bringin' Down The House and the kids played. We just got home a few minutes ago and the kids are already tucked in bed and fast asleep. I'm headed there in a few minutes myself!

This week looks to be pretty busy too. The weather is supposed to be nice all week and that means lots of sun and kiddie pool time while I try to enjoy the last 3 free days before all hell breaks loose. I need to go to the library, do something crafty (before I lose my mind) and company-clean for my parents. I've got a friend (and her 3 boys) coming on Thursday and Friday is booked solid, with my first visit to Ikea, which I'm sharing with Pez and crew and Joe coming home from Juneau that evening. Saturday will be yardwork and shopping and catchup. Sunday, the 4th, my parents arrive for a week and we're goin' and doin' everyday the following week.

I'll catch you all in the morning with my coffee!

Lazy Summer Days

I'm enjoying them now before they are gone!

We have had a quiet morning at home. The kiddie pool was set up by 11 am. I've made a couple of phone calls, finalizing some plans for next week and our vacation. I cleaned the kitchen counters and did the dishes, went through 2 drawers and a cupboard in preparation of moving, did 3 loads of laundry - including fixing the wobbly leg on the washer that was throwing it off balance, cleaned the fish tank (and watered the garden with the icky water) and fed everyone breakfast and lunch.

I really should vacuum and steam clean the living room carpets this afternoon, since the weather is so nice and the kids are outside anyway. And before I am unmotivated again. :o)

This Bunny is all Hopped Out

What a great couple of days!

The Hop

We made it to 13 shops yesterday, 3 more this morning and not a single behavior issue! The total mileage was about 275 miles. We went North about 11 am yesterday and got home just before 7 pm. Today it only took 2 hours to get the last 3 shops, it really helps when you know where the shops are!

The kids are thrilled with their fabric and I've got some really neat blocks to work on this winter. I met some really great ladies, since you see the same ones at store after store.

I saw my From-The-Forums friend Sue at our last stop yesterday. I went on my first Hop with her in 2002. We were in the car together for 12 hours and had not met before that morning. She is going through chemo right now, so I was surprised to see her looking as well as she was.

I spent a Grand Total of $6.50 on block completer kits and $10 in fuel. The only thing I should have done differently was to bring the camera. I don't know that I could have kept track of one more thing, but I saw a few things that I would have liked a picture of.

News From Alaska

There is little news from Joe. He is busy working and surviving the record heat wave in Juneau. The temperature has been above 80* for the last 5-6 days and not even the hotel has A/C. He calls in the evening, talks to the kids mostly and tells me any updates of note. He is supposed to work a short day on Sunday and will check out a few houses I've found online.

Moving Updates

I need to work more on sorting and tossing this weekend. I want to have a pile ready for the dump when my parents get here. They are bringing their truck and it will be a huge help to get some of this stuff out of the way. I went through the boxes in the garage last month, so I feel pretty confident there are no surprises out there. I'm starting Goodwill and Garage Sale piles too. I think I might take some stuff down to the consignment shop too, like the 2 double strollers and the toddler bed frame. I've been giving away clothes all along, so I only have a paper bag full from each kid right now.

I'm doing OK with everything so far. I know I'm stressed, but I'm trying really hard not to look too far ahead. Today is about all I can handle. Grace is already sad about leaving her friends and this house, on top of missing Daddy and I don't have any easy answers for her. I haven't told anyone here yet because I can't deal with making all of them feel better too.

Quilt Shop Hop

Every year Western Washington has a Quilt Shop Hop. There are about 40 shops that participate and the goal is to visit at least 16, get a "passport" stamped and gather fabric for a special block, unique to that store. I did this in 2002 and had a blast! Someday (when I make the blocks) I will have a very nice quilt showing the shops I visited that year.

This year will be a bit different. Since the Hop runs for 4 days, I have to plan a route that the kids can survive and try to get to as many stores as I can, before they have a melt down...or I run out of gas money. Not only do I have to consider our requirements of potty stops and food, the traffic on Friday is horrible going North and the weather today seems more comfortable than the last week, so I think I can head North today and get 9 stores, 6 more tomorrow locally and the last one on Saturday or Sunday, for my total of 16. With 16, I can turn in the passport and be entered in a drawing. The prize is a new high-end sewing machine.

As if foreseeing my single-parent-ness dilemma of bringing the kids, the shops this year will be giving out a 4" piece charm of fabric and they will get their own passport. It might just be the ticket to get them in the car this morning.

Well, I will have to wait until Sleeping Beauty is over...

Wow! It's Wednesday Already...

And I feel like I've missed half of my week.

Today is the first day the weather is below 80* and the sun is not shining so brightly, as to give me instant headaches if I dare step outside.

In celebration of being able to wear a sweatshirt, (70* is chilly after the 8th Day of Hot!) the kids and I went on a two-lap walk around the block this morning. This is nothing short of a miracle. First, there were not bikes involved. There was great discussion on footwear and what exactly was too much to carry along, but that was settled without screaming and yelling, on either side. Second, they happily looked at flowers and rocks and never even threatened a screaming tantrum from the far side of the block. We waved at the big gravel trucks, most of whom were thrilled to wave back at the cute little kids. We smelled any and every flower within reach of the sidewalk. We said Hi to neighbors and to the Rooster that lives behind us.

Moving Related:

I have been busy going through the old files and tossing a bunch of paper we don't need to move. I'm hoping a little everyday will end up making a huge difference when it comes time to box everything up. Joe would even be able to help because anything that is still here will need to go with us.

I've also been starting to switch my email over from our DSL and Hotmail (into a Gmail account) and I'm making a list of places I need to change our mailing address with - before the move.

We are going to have to change banks, so I'm researching that now. We will set up the direct deposit into the new account before we leave, so that we have a working debit card and ATM access when we arrive in Juneau. The last two times we moved from state to state, our bank had branches in the new destination and we didn't have to change a thing.

I need to do something about this scrapbooking itch I have today, so I better declare it naptime and get myself off of here. :o)

We Are Moving!

The Letter was delivered today to Joe when he arrived in Juneau!

The salary is less than the Shoot For The Moon number he put on The Form last Saturday, but it is *that* number minus our current house payment, with a provision to repay 50% of the commission/costs to sell our house. Joe had put the huge number in case we had to pay for housing in two locations. The promotion is equal to a 50% increase in pay, along with the ability to bonus yearly. The start date is listed for July 22nd, which means I'm going to be very busy this next month!

I've got to go make some phone calls, but wanted you all to be the second people to know. My Dad was first. :o)

Just Gotta Play the Game

It's 6:15 am and I have driven 114 miles this morning already. Joe's flight is at 7 am and he needed to be there by 5 am. I commented how it was sad that we have a Kids Into The Car In The Middle Of The Night plan that works quite well.

There is still nothing decided and I ranted for a couple of hours last night, including the fact that Joe was getting on the plane this morning - despite his threat a few days ago. Actually, it's probably best that the negotiations move elsewhere, before I lose my temper again. We were asked yesterday to make a list of the questions we had that needed answers. Number one on that list was, "What is the salary?" - that will clear up a lot of other questions. Somehow the rumor started that we were ready to move to Alaska at any price, not that it would take the right price to move.

I will NOT sell my nice house (3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath and HUGE yard) to go live in a 2 bedroom trailer or apartment and have the same money issues we have now, only stuck on an island with no friends or family nearby. Joe's comment was that this needs to feel like a promotion and that they selected him for the position. So far, they are treating it like we are choosing to move and it's a major inconvenience to them to push the papers around. I'm refusing to prepare to move until they can come up with a plan *I* can live with.

So anyway, on to the good stuff. :o) Other than being tired, I am enjoying the morning. I got to see the sunrise - at 5:20 am and it was pink. The temperature is below 60* and I have all the windows open already. The kids did NOT cry and fuss when we dropped Joe off - they understand that he will call on the phone everynight and we will go pick him up in 11 days. So far they are behaving wonderfully! I'll take the little things. :o)

Breathe In, Breathe Out...

I will need Valium by the end of the day if there is not a decision made by tonight.

There is still nothing in writing and the panic has started in the paperwork chain. Joe had to fill out the form on Saturday, so he put down his high-end salary number and turned in the forms. No one saw it until this morning. He also put the starting date for tomorrow. hehe.

He told me this afternoon that they probably expected him to leave the salary and start dates blank, which would allow them to drag their feet some more, through the 11 days in Juneau and the 12 day vacation after that and THEN process the paperwork and start his new pay. He went in to drop off some stuff he finished here at home and might come home with more news.

Meanwhile, I'm going nuts. I've still got to pack for Joe to leave in the morning, but I need to finish all of the laundry in order to do that. The temperature is over 80* and I am dragging.

Yesterday was the 6th Day of Hot and the kids wanted to be outside all afternoon. I've got a headache and my eyes hurt because they got sunburned on Saturday afternoon at the softball game.

We had a quiet Father's Day. Church in the morning and the kids played in the pool and sandbox all afternoon. Joe mowed the lawn and played on the computer. He really wanted to go fishing, but didn't want to go without us. I tried to tell him that the custom this year was for him to spend all day with the kids (without me), the same as I did for Mother's Day when he was in Alaska. It didn't happen...

I'm going to try to put Tristan down for a nap and get some laundry done now. I'll be back later!

Living on Standby Status

The morning was off to a rough start at 4:30 am when Joe needed his softball gear out of the laundry for his game this afternoon. His jersey was still in the washer... My bad. He may or may not be back early this afternoon to get us and drive back to the game.

Grace got up about 7:40 am and got right to work cleaning her room. I let it slide last night because it was already late, but told her she needed to pick it up before she got breakfast. Motivation! Tristan slept until after 8 am!

I called my mom and talked to her for an hour and a half. We talk mainly through email - faster and more convenient sometimes, but sometime I just need to get more information across! I am really looking forward to their visit and Grace is beside herself in anticipation. We made tentative plans for just about everything. hehe.

I think today will be pretty laid back. I don't feel like doing much of anything because of the heat and the kids are whiny by mid-day. I have laundry to fold, but that only takes so much time. :o)

Joe filled out a form today for the Relocation Package, but nothing is approved or final yet. He doesn't know what the pay will be or any dates, but the company has already posted for his current position. He came home steamed about that Thursday night and told them yesterday that he wouldn't be getting on the plane on Tuesday without an agreement finalized.

Of course, that statement landed in the "it's 4 o'clock on Friday, it'll have to wait until Monday" category. Which means he's going to have to drive in on his day off, during the last 48 free hours home before leaving for 11 days, to deal with it in person. Once he signs though, the new pay will go into effect and his trip will be under the new salary.

We'll just have to wait another couple of days. Blech.

Pop-Up Thunderstorms

I heard this term for the first time yesterday. Thank you Katie. We had our own bit of action last night and I have this lovely picture I took from our back porch to share with you all!



I grew up in Southeast Wyoming, where you could set your watch by the summer thunderstorms and the lightning at night was spectacular. I haven't lived anywhere else that gets storms like I remember, but I do love the few that we get.

Here in the Pacific NW, the big scare is windstorms. I didn't understand why, until well into our first winter here. Combine 100 foot trees with 50 mph winds and you have a nifty recipe for smashed houses, cars and power lines. We were thankful for our fireplace that winter and I quickly learned to have canned food ready for snacking.

We moved last spring to our first house and lived through the record heat and drought last year. We were so busy unpacking and learning the new routine, that summer was almost over before we were ready to enjoy it. This summer is looking to be more fun!

We are in the foothills and are benefiting from the storms the big mountains generate when the temperature goes up. The jet stream has been kind this spring and we are getting some of the moisture we missed out on earlier this year. As an added bonus, we haven't had to water the lawn very much and the grass is still green.

Brain Quiz

The quiz bloglifted from here:

Heidi, your results indicate a strong left-hemisphere dominance with a mild preference for auditory processing. This blend would suggest that you are an extremely efficient person, logical perhaps to an extreme. You tend to structure your life and learning in very precise ways.

You benefit from experience, seek the rational in situations and feel most comfortable with routine.

You are a detail person. You see each piece of a puzzle or situation with equal clarity and value, and thrive on your ability to fit each piece into a unifying structure.

Your learning style tends toward the auditory, which suggests that you process inputs sequentially and classify each before moving on to the next. You do, however, possess sufficient visualization skills and interest to supplement the auditory tendency and render you more active than a person who is purely auditory.

In all likelihood you will be somewhat reserved in appreciating your own talents and understate your abilities even to yourself. You will organize your time and set schedules for yourself and, in that sense, lose sight of spontaneity and other needs - both of yourself and others. Your enviable organization, structure, and efficiency make you a valuable asset to a team effort.

It's Hot and Not Funny.

I would love to be funny and witty today, but it's just not going to happen. I'm restless, fidgety and using that energy to clean the house. Something good has to come from that right?

The weather is HOT - near 80* for the rest of the week and I'm busy trying to keep the kids in fresh sunscreen, drinking cold water and bees out of the house. I really need a pair of sunglasses too. :o)

My dad liked his gift! He got an assortment of things from friends and family, including Centrum Silver, Grecian hair color and Viagra. HAHAHA!

I found this quote this morning and it fits my life philosophy so well, at least what I strive for everyday.

"Enjoy your life without comparing it with that of others." Marquis de Condorcet

The Waiting Game

I'm a patient person. I'd go so far as to say very patient. However, it is now 4:15 pm and my dear husband hasn't called yet today.

*Oops - my phone is ringing...

No official news yet. The Relocation Letter has not been written yet. Someone was talking out of turn yesterday and the rumors were just that. The only thing that is for sure right now is that he is going back to Alaska next Tuesday and coming back the following Friday, for a total of 11 days.

Maybe tomorrow...

Anti-Procrastination Day

Or at least it's supposed to be.

It's also my Dad's 50th Birthday! His gift arrived on Monday and I should hear today how he liked it.

Anyway, on with the everyday stuff...

Yesterday was basically a waste for me. I made a quick trip to the store for Joe's deodorant and some Kleenex, since I didn't feel like heading into town for two things. I tried to visit Jen (the used to be nice neighbor), but she didn't answer her door.

Mindy invited the kids down to play in Logan's new pool at 1 pm, so I knew the afternoon was shot. It was too windy to play in the pool and they ended up just playing on the swingset instead, while I helped Mindy fling in her kitchen. Once Mindy's friend (and 3 kids) came over, all hell broke loose and it ended with Tristan whacking Grace in the head and Logan on the back with a toy. Part of me can't blame him for finally fighting back, Logan hoards the toys and Grace ignores him when the 3 of them are together. We left and came home soon after that.

Joe indulged in a few cold drinks while he finished sanding the garage door - in the peace and quiet of our yard. We got it primed and re-hung before dinner last night. I hate oil based paint! Tristan also lost one of the hinge pins.

The kids fell asleep on the couches before 7 pm, completely wiped out from the day, so I went and rented ROTK and we didn't get to bed until 12:45 am.

Joe has meetings today and we should get all of the move information in writing too. His regional manager called yesterday to make arrangements for a flight back to Alaska. It will be for 10 days (I think) starting next Tuesday and going until the 1st or 2nd of July. My parents come out on the 4th and Joe will be back in time for our vacation.

Hopefully, this will be the first trip up there under the title and new pay. The rumor yesterday was that he got "what he asked for". If that's the case, we will be keeping the house and possibly renting it for a while. We would be able to afford to pay for two houses and still have the equivalent to one current month's net pay leftover, even if we didn't rent this one.

We've been talking a lot about "what-if's" and one of them is my little fantasy shopping trip with Joe's (super materialistic) sisters. I would love to move, wait about 6 months and fly back down here to "stock up". I can just imagine pulling up in a (rented) Jaguar and spending $5000 (in cash) in front of them. It would take that blatant of a statement to get to them. Truth is I would have a hard time spending that much money in front of anyone.

I'm just tired of their comments about why I don't work, why don't we have satellite TV, why don't we *just* buy a new car, why do I shop at Wal-Mart and Target for regular clothes, why didn't I get a new maternity wardrobe - for both pregnancies...

I guess I would rather have genuinely happy, healthy kids and a good, solid marriage, than all of the *other* fluff that just makes it seem better.

*Catchy Tuesday Title Here*

It is looking like a good day!

First of all, it is actually sunny today! The forecast has been wrong for the last week, making it almost impossible to get the yardwork done. Joe got the front mowed last night and all of the edges and behind the back fence trimmed with the weedeater, before it started raining again.

Today is the unofficial Mow The Lawn Day because they pick up the yard waste bins tomorrow. I love driving through town and seeing all of the folks out mowing. hehe.

I need to go to the Post Office and Lowe's today. Maybe I can slip out without the family? We all went out yesterday and I really don't want to do it again today. The kids were great, well behaved and quiet. Joe was the one who was losing it by the end. Apparently 5 hours driving from store to store is excessive, even though I usually go for about 8 hours.

We had to drop off the photo CD's I made of all the Juneau pictures at 3 different Fred Meyer's, as well as a stop for lunch and at the pet store (for a potty stop and new filters for the fish tank). We bought Tristan a Leap Pad too, technically for his birthday, but we gave it to him early. I'm going to need them to entertain themselves this summer in the car and if/when we move.

I want to get a Dremel for Joe for Father's Day. Lowe's has them on sale, or at least in the ad, this week and it showed the accessory kit too. If I buy it early, he can detail the garage door and get it painted today. I need to get an outdoor outlet cover too. The one on the back porch broke last night.

I've got to get the kid's breakfast going and get them dressed for the day.

Just the Facts...

It's looking more and more like we are going to be moving. Oh, the list of things to do...

Today was supposed to be sunny, but it is currently raining. So much for the yardwork, at least for this morning.

I still need to clean the fish tank. Ewwww...

I will most likely only get the fish tank cleaned today before we go run errands in town.

Making Adjustments

I found myself being quiet and not going upstairs much during the day because I'm used to Joe sleeping up there while he's on nights. It always takes me a few days to get back to my routine, but this week has really messed me up. I found myself sitting downstairs this morning, wishing I could go take a shower without disturbing anyone and then realized that I could! I even stripped the sheets off the bed to wash.

Yesterday was productive! I got the quilt done that had a semi-deadline and it's ready to mail out tomorrow. I quilted the small doll quilt that fell apart in the wash a couple of weeks ago. I need to do the binding on it today.

Logan came down to play for a couple of hours in the afternoon. The kids got along pretty well. I got a chuckle when Logan came over to the sewing machine and demanded some of the "wrapping paper" I had. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that he meant a quilt. I told him he was free to choose a quilt from the corner to use while they watched a movie, but that I didn't have a quilt just for him. He wanted to know why they didn't have quilts at his house...Ummm, because your mom doesn't make quilts? :o)

Grace also got me when she told Logan, when I was getting the kid stamps out, that they were in the "Creative Closet". All of the craft stuff is in there, along with all the kid's puzzles. I forget that Logan doesn't have constant access to his crayons, paper and such.

Joe had his big softball game at 4 pm. He got home about 6:30 pm feeling a bit dejected because they lost 13-4. I'm sorta glad I wasn't there. I made dinner, he played on the computer and as soon as we ate, the kids went right to bed. I stayed up to watch A Man Apart and Joe fell asleep early.

We are missing church again this week, partly because Joe has to work and partly because both kids have colds now. We are going to need the next 3 weeks to get healthy and ready for my parent's visit, as well as the possible move.

Joe has the next two days off, so the yard will be whipped back into shape and we might get some painting done. I want to go to the beach, if the weather is nice and somehow I will get a trip to Michael's worked in. I've begun stocking up on scrapbook and quilting supplies, just in case we move and I won't have the access to stores that I do now.

I need to make Father's Day cards today - for Joe, his Dad and my Dad. My Dad's gift is set to arrive on Tuesday via UPS and I'll have to scramble to get the card out in time. His 50th birthday is Wednesday and I want to do a cool card for him. I might just call my neighbor across the street that does Stampin' Up and see if she has anything I can use.

Testing 1, 2, 3...

I've been hunting searching scouring all the blogs for a how-to on strike-throughs. All I needed to do was Google. :o)

Quiz Time...

Global Personality Test Results

Sensate (80%) high which suggests you are very empathetic, sensitive, and considerate of others. Intellectual (56%) moderately high which suggests you tend to be internally motivated, self seeking, and independent. Assertive (60%) moderately high which suggests you are proactive, direct, competitive, and intense.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Another Quiz...

Heart of Gold


What is Your Heart REALLY Made of?
brought to you by Quizilla

Loose Ends

I've got way too many balls in the air right now and I'm starting to drop them. My focus has been off and my memory is crap lately. I'm changing that today because I hate waking up in the middle of the night remembering that there was a bill due and I spaced it.

Of course, I also have a strong dislike for the cat that was crying outside at 3 am that woke me up in the first place. I had cougar dreams after that. HAHAHAHA!

I got a few things done yesterday, despite my imploding head - which is much better today! We went out to dinner last night at the local pizza/Italian place and picked up a couple of movies on the way home. Mulan for the kids and A Man Apart for us. I folded a basket of whites while I watched Mulan with the kids. Joe was in bed early, the kids went to bed on time and I was able to go get groceries in peace at 9 pm. Other than the middle of the night Find That Cat quest, I got a great night's sleep.

This morning we tackled Grace's room first thing and I've got the laundry back under control. I need to vacuum, clean the fish tank and gather the trash before I can relax. I've got a quilt the needs to be done and then I'll be quilting and scrapbooking for fun all weekend!

Public vs. Private

Your blog, I mean.

I worry that someone in my family (or Joe's) will Google me someday and not be pleased with what I've written, so I've stayed private.

I wonder too, if you have to be public for the number of posts to show up?

Class of 2004

I lived. It was better than I thought in some ways and worse in others. The highlights were Tristan pooping in the tub before we left - I have bleached my brain - and we found out that we are going to be Auntie and Uncle again. Racheal is due Christmas Day with their second.

Anyway, the big story. We left the house at 4:10 pm and didn't get out of Granite until 4:30 pm. We stopped and got gas (always wise when facing traffic and a 2 hour drive) and snacks (also wise when traveling with small kids and hungry husbands) for the trip. The line at the gas station was crazy and it took me 15 minutes to get out of there. We were behind schedule before we ever left town.

Traffic wasn't too bad, normal for rush hour on Thursday and the kids slept most of the way. We got to the fairgrounds about 6:30 pm, got a decent parking spot and managed to see Emily (Auntie MiMi to the kids) before all the graduates went to get lined up. We found seats and watched for the rest of the family to show up.

They actually sat up with us - they did scope for better seats first, but nothing was open to hold all 9 of us adults and 5 kids. I'll save you all the confusing relations that have taken me 8 1/2 years to figure out. The ceremony was outside, Joe left Grace's coat in the car thinking the ceremony was going to be inside and that led to an interesting game of Magic Scarf with Auntie Racheal. I finally had to go to the car and get the camera (bad me forgot it in the one bag I didn't bring in) and I brought back raisins for all the kids to eat for a snack, as well as Grace's coat.

We could not believe how long it lasted - two freakin' hours! We finally got to go down and see Emily, take pictures and we gave her our gift since we aren't going to the party on Sunday afternoon. Then we went to eat...

I really feel for the waitress that we got. We were on five different tickets and the kids were sitting across the aisle from our booth. Regardless, it took about an hour to get our food. Joe didn't get to eat because right before they served us, the waitress came out to tell us that they were out of pork. Lovely. Now he was tired AND grumpy AND hungry. The kids had pancakes, I had Eggs Benedict and a milk shake. I went up to pay and mentioned to the hostess that I was not pleased. She offered to do something, I started to refuse when my BIL came up, put his arm on my shoulder and said,"She'll take a pie." LOL!! So, we came home with a free Strawberry Pie and some damage mended between me and the BIL.

You see, the whole reason we aren't very close with Joe's family anymore is due to a *thing* between Joe and this BIL. We used to get together at least every other weekend. We have seen them 3 or 4 times in the last 3 1/2 years. They've missed everything with Tristan so far and it breaks my heart when I hear them gushing over how cute he is when they do see him. They didn't quit talking about how smart Grace is, how advanced she is for her age and how articulate she is.

I also realized that my nephew is much more special needs than anyone has let on. He's almost 6 and isn't walking and I can't understand him when he talks. He is one of the twins born at 24 weeks. There will be more about him (and his twin) at a later date.

After all the meal drama, we didn't drop the Alaska Bomb. It wouldn't have been very nice. Everyone was already emotional about the graduation and Racheal was trying not to puke, due to her morning sickness. We will go with the BBQ plan - on July 11th. We should know FOR SURE what's going on by then.

Anyway, we left Shari's at 10:45 pm and got home about midnight. I was sound asleep by 12:30 pm. Joe had to get up for work at 3:30 am. I haven't talked to him yet this morning, but I'm sure he's hurting today.

My migraine is worse today. Driving home in the dark last night, with all of the freeway lights and the headlights was torture. I did a little reading this morning and I am officially diagnosing myself with Cycle-Induced Migraines. Imagine my surprise when I read that lack of sleep and stress will make them worse and will add neck pain. Check. To all of the above.

Graduation Preparation

I need to give Tristan a haircut and both kids need a bath. I need to find something nice for them to wear tonight too.

Instead, I'm here...

I've printed out the directions to the Expo Hall, as well as a map of the Fairgrounds. I put all of the digital pics on the proper CD's and deleted them off the camera's media card. I need to transfer the film I've taken from the camcorder and get that ready for tonight as well.

Joe tried to call down to his sister's and find out how to meet up with them tonight, but when he got the machine, he hung up without leaving a message. Men. I asked him last week to call down there and find out what their plan was, he didn't and now we look dumb because everything is all last minute. Can you tell his family functions get me all worked up? I hate competing with his sisters and feeling like I have to put on a good show. 2 1/2 hours and counting, until we leave the house, 5 1/2 hours until the ceremony...

Joe is sanding the garage door with Tristan right now. I'm darn near frozen in my chair because they left the back door open. Thankfully, there are no flies today, due to the drizzle and chill.

OK - Tristan came inside, I'm off to cut his hair...

It's raining. It's pouring. The Old Man is snoring. Oops, make that was snoring. He's now awake and grumpy.

All of the projects he had planned for today needed sun and in the wise words of Grace this morning...It's soggy out. Lovely, now I have a caged lion to deal with, on top of the two monkeys.

Yesterday was fun, until Grace had a complete tantrum at the neighbor's house. Mindy and I took all the kids swimming at one of the local high schools - I got in the kiddie pool with them and pulled them around on a big floating hippo. I even have pictures of myself in a swimsuit now - YIKES! Then I treated everyone to lunch at McD's. We all went back to Mindy's house to eat and the kids played with all of Logan's new birthday toys. About 2:30 pm, Grace and Tristan started fighting over a bubble gun.

I went out on the deck (to gather Grace for a time out) when she freaked out on me. She hit me, kicked me, screamed at me that she wasn't going anywhere and that she was going to do what she wanted. She sat down on the deck so I couldn't pick her up and when I picked her up, she went stiff and I had to struggle to hold her so she wouldn't fall. I finally scooped her up and carried her home, with her screaming and kicking all the way. When I got her home and told her she was going to her room for punishment (and a brief interlude for two swats on the behind for yelling "No!" at me), she hit me again and screamed some more. I carried her upstairs and put her in her room - where she proceeded to scream "I HATE YOU!!" through the door. She got another spanking for that.

I called Joe to find out when he would be coming home - not for another 2 hours - and called Mindy back to have her bring Tristan down, along with all my stuff. I had left her house without even putting my shoes on.

I went back up to talk to Grace and all I can figure is that she thought I was leaving her there. She's been crazy when I leave lately, full blown sobbing and screaming after me. That's just when I leave for the store. I know she was tired, she hasn't been feeling good and thinking I was leaving probably put her over the top. I'm not justifying how she acted, I just want to avoid the triggers in the future.

By the time Mindy brought Tristan down, Grace was calm enough to apologize to both Mindy and Logan for acting like that at their house. Then she went back to her room to wait for Daddy to come home.

Within an hour, Tristan was asleep on the two-couch, Grace let me take her sliver out and she was asleep on her bed, sucking her thumb. Joe got home to find the house quiet and me scrapbooking.

I got a quiet evening, Tristan woke up to eat dinner and Grace woke up shortly after that. Joe was in bed by 7 pm, Tristan was out at 8 pm and Grace hung on until 9:30 pm, even though she was in her bed at her normal bedtime. I lasted until 10 pm and crashed.

I was up by 8 am this morning and we'll have to leave early for the graduation this evening. 9 hours and counting...

Good Wednesday All!

I forgot that it is Trash Day today, until late last night. After it was too late to get a full night's sleep before the trucks wake us all up at 6:12 am.

So, now it's 8 am, the kids (and myself) are fed, the dishwasher has been run and I've almost completed a scrapbook page.

The best news of the morning is that Grace is feeling like herself again and is in a much better mood (so far). It's raining/overcast, so I'm not fielding questions about playing outside either.

Tomorrow is Joe's day off work and we have his sister's graduation at 7 pm. I have to prepare myself to deal with his sister's and their fake selves. I have to wrap her gift today too. The graduation is about a three hour round trip, which means we won't be getting home tomorrow until late.

We were going to go down to see Baby Graham, he's almost two months old and we haven't made it down there yet, but Grace's cold will keep us away this week.

Anyway, tomorrow Joe will want to do all of the little yard projects, some scraping and painting (people door into the garage and the house trim), as well as all of the rest of the stuff I have to get done on a normal day.

I'm off to scrapbook and do puzzles with the kids!

Just a quick update:

Blogger was down earlier so I got to scrapbook. I got 3 months of the calendar pages done, sorted all the odd photos I found last week in The Big Closet Clean Out and added the important ones to the scrapbook I did last month.

It was warm and sunny today - adds up to great thunderstorms tonight! I've been hanging out on the loveseat under the window, watching the lightning and clouds roll in. I better set the battery alarm for Joe. :o)

Grace has a cold. She's still not sucking her thumb. I about lost my mind today with all the whining and fussing. She had a hard time sleeping last night and I was up several times while she called out, squirmed and cried - until I gave her some Children's Motrin and she was out for the rest of the night. We *started* with the Motrin tonight. We watched Finding Nemo and Monster's Inc. today. The first time for both. Monster's Inc. will probably cause nightmares. We won't be watching it again soon. I will be limiting it to Shrek tomorrow.

Hopefully, I'll have time to play on the computer tomorrow, but if I don't get on here first thing...

Have a Great Wednesday!

Bloglifted from The Mommy Blog, yet another quiz...


The Count's Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder


It started with a simple affection for counting and
the terror it induced in others, didn't it?
But now it's turned into a full-blown
life-consuming chaotic nightmare of order,
repetition, zealousness, and perfectionism.
You used to be so grand, but now you find
yourself obsessively worrying over the littlest
things--like, maybe if you don't check the
light switch at least once every two minutes,
the electricity will go out (and damnit, you're
a vampire--that shouldn't be a problem!), or
maybe if you don't wash your hands until your
seams are coming out, you'll get some fatal
disease. Get yourself some treatment.


Which Sesame Street Muppet's Dark Secret Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

My dear husband did not get out of bed until after 1 pm this afternoon. He then needed clean pants and lunch, which he found and I made. He then mowed the yard and sat on the couch and started to tell me how tired he was...

He is now gone to work for the night, left 6 hours early or 17 hours late, depending how you want to look at it. I was going to order pizza, but Tristan is asleep on the couch, Grace has declared that I *must* make something that she likes and I think, in the best interests of all concerned, scrambled eggs will just be faster and less painful.

And I still have the blasted headache. I've noticed that they are PMS related. Fun, fun times ahead.

Another day...

Yesterday was insane. I was finishing up my blog entry for yesterday when Joe headed to bed. I got the presents wrapped and I got showered and dressed. Mindy called down to put pasta salad in our fridge and to find out if we had room for the cake. It was 11 am and she was still in her PJ's and the cake wasn't even decorated yet.

We headed down there at 12:30 pm to help out. I brought the dogs down to our house and put them out back. I ended up going back to get my Kitchen Aid for the frosting. They were going to try to whip it into medium peaks by hand. I also decorated the cake, after I prepared the two kinds of icing. The cake was finally done about 1:45 pm and we took it down to our fridge to set up. I managed to grab a plate of pasta salad and a hamburger before I had to go check if Joe was still planning on playing softball. He was.

I talked Mindy into opening presents next and then doing the pinata, before we had to go at 3 pm. I took a plate of food for Joe and headed home. We were re-dressed and loaded into the car by 3:30 pm. We were late to the first game, but since it was a double-header, Joe got to play a fair bit. He hit a homerun and had a few RBI's. We won both games by more than 15 points. Next week is the big game against the other undefeated team.

The weather wasn't too bad. There were a few gusty moments and a pretty big rain shower. We headed home about 7 pm and it was almost 8 pm by the time we pulled up at the house. Joe headed back to bed and I got all the gear out of the car (and the trash) and got the kids fed. We played one game of Hi-Ho! Cherry-O before bed - Tristan won.

Joe got up for work at 10 pm, decided that it was not enough sleep, called in late to work and headed back to bed for a few hours. He's still sleeping. *shaking my head* He never got back up and his boss called at 5 am - left a message - and he still didn't get up.

I had to lay with Grace last night so she could go to bed. She has a sliver in her thumb, that she won't let me take out and has ended up with a bandaid on her sucking thumb. She fell asleep about 10:30 pm and I woke up (still on her bed with her) at 12:30 am, with a huge neck ache and stumbled into bed. She slept all night without sucking her thumb - first time since she was about 4 months old. She might just have to have a bandaid on there for a couple more days to break her sucking habit.

Today we should be going to church, but that is all dependent on if Joe has to go into work as soon as he gets up. My class was canceled this morning because our facilitator has viral meningitis. She was in the hospital all week and is trying to recover at home now. I found that out on Friday night, since Adam is her son.

The house is trashed (by my standards), I have 5-6 loads of laundry to fold and put away and I still have my headache. I've got paper all over the computer desk and more stuff all over my sewing table. I want to just have a quiet day at home to catch up.

Aiyiyi! I have contracted the blog headache. I woke up with it this morning (don't you hate that?) and I am trying to beat it into submission with Mt. Dew and 1000 mg of Acetaminophen. I know it's because I got terribly dehydrated yesterday on our big Outing To Town.

We (yes, the kids came with me) left the house about 12:45 pm and didn't get home until about 9:15 pm.

First stop was Target, $236.00 later... I got all the gifts I needed to shop for, scrapbooking stuff, some camping water bottles and a cooler, a pair of shoes for myself and super cute sandals for Grace and the household stuff I needed. I didn't get the scanner/copier because the price advertised was the actual price and I can pick it up anytime.

The Dollar Store was next. Actually, I should say, the $36 Dollar Store. My only item was supposed to be some markers for the kids ($4) and I ended up with wrapping paper, scrapbooking stickers, a treat for each of the kids, etc.

The next stop was Jack In the Box for lunch. And bribery for Michael's. I got 3 stacks of eyelets and snaps, a box of shapes by Colorbok with my 40% coupon, a pack of petting zoo stickers and some clearance ribbon.

I stopped at the beauty supply shop and got some clips to use for binding my quilts. I found two books at Half-Price books that I've needed/wanted for a couple of months. The kids played in the play houses in front of ToysRUs and they never knew that we were in front of a toy store!

I got the oil changed in the car and was completely surprised when there was a carnation and three mints on the dash when they pulled the car out. Doesn't take much to make my day!

I stopped and got gas and then we headed over to Adam and Candy's house to drop off the disc of Dayne's birthday photos. We ended up hanging out there for a couple of hours. The kids played and us adults got caught up on the happenings of the last couple of weeks.

Joe called at 8 pm, freaked out because we weren't home yet. He couldn't find his pants, there was no dinner made for him and he was sure we were all in mortal danger, since I wouldn't make him fend for himself on purpose. Yet again, the cell phones have proven their worth because he got ahold of me right away. We got home, I put Tristan straight into bed and I unloaded all my treasures from the day, before Joe took the car and headed to work - still mighty grumpy.

I finally got to bed about midnight, after a mess with Joe's debit card not working at Fred's and I had to call the bank since there was plenty of money in the account. Then, I called him back and told him to try a different ATM. He finally got money out and ran to Jack In the Box. I also had to play with my new scrapbooking stuff and got my swap squares folded, packaged and ready to mail out today.

I was up again this morning at 6 am - with this pounding headache...

We've got a full schedule today too. The town picture was this morning, but I just realized I missed it. We've got The Party to go to at 1 pm and I need to wrap the gifts I got. Joe has a softball double-header this afternoon, starting at 4 pm and going until 7 pm, which means we have a very good excuse to leave The Party at 3 pm to drive down to the field. Then Joe has to take a nap and go back to work by 11 pm.

I need to go shower, fold laundry and pick up the living room before I lose any more of my sparse motivation.

Oh, I almost forgot, Joe was selected for the Home Manager position in Juneau! Now comes all of the negotiations over money and moving schedules. If they can agree on something soon, we'll be moving late this summer. It's not 100% yet, but the first step has been made. We're not telling any family or friends until we know more definite details, but I'm sure I will be painting the house white in a few weeks. It also looks like my major flinging won't be in vain. After all of that turmoil a couple of weeks ago, I'm starting to get excited. :o)

TGIF!!

I got some good sleep last night, the kids didn't get up until 7 am this morning, it's payday and it is sunny today. All is good!

It will be getting hot today. The house is almost at my threshold of 75*. Anything over that is just plain HOT!

I plan to spend the day out and about in air conditioned stores. I need to go to Target and buy my printer/scanner/copier (and a few other odds and ends) and get a birthday gift for tomorrow. I'll be stopping at JoAnn's and Michael's to at least browse and I might venture over to the Ben Franklin and hit the sale if I have time.

We are still waiting for two checks and as soon as they arrive I'll be getting bikes for Joe and myself, Target has great sale right now, and a new Triple Burner Gas Grill at Lowe's.

There is also a window mount A/C unit in the Lowe's ad for less that $100, but we have side-to-side sliding windows and I don't want to block the top portion with plywood. Like the folks I could see installing their unit from the kitchen window yesterday.

The neighbor just called and needs to borrow the mower. I'll clean a bit in the garage while I'm out there - it's still cool :o)

The house temperature is up to 80*.

My solution?

Watch hockey and wish I was laying on the ice.

hehe

This morning was lost to the sun!

Joe parked himself out on the patio, with a couple of Mike's and a camp chair, after he got home from work and watched the kids play in the kiddie pool. I went out for a little bit, but I am a huge sun hermit.

Instead of frying myself to a crisp, I got the reservations for our camping trip made and sent an email itenerary to my parents. We are going to Kalaloch, on the Pacific coast, for 2 nights while they are here. This will be all new for me and the kids (and my parents too, I think) and Joe will be our guide, since it was his backyard growing up.

The weather is super nice today. Definately a June day. Thankfully, this year the grass is still green because of the rain we've been having. Last summer was so dry, the grass was brown and dead by the end of June. We watered with the hose on the 4th so that nothing would catch fire.

I have to go shopping tomorrow. I can't put it off anymore. I need to find a birthday gift for Logan. The invitation said the party was from 1-5 pm, I didn't think much of it, since they were going to rent one of those blow-up bouncy things and I figured they needed the time for play. Well, real life finally caught up with them and they realized it was just too much money to rent the bouncy thing. Now Mindy is scrambling for activities/crafts for the 16+ (!!!) kids she invited to this mess. She was telling me on our walk the other day, that her intention was for it to be more like an open house, people just coming and going during that time. I tried to tell her that people are going to expect The Party to last the entire time. Good thing I can escape easily from this mess - I don't need her for a ride home this time and Tristan will need a nap about 3 pm (or earlier). On top of all of that, her parents cancelled their weekend plans and will be coming to The Party. I wouldn't be going at all, except the kids already know about it - she sent Logan down with the invite in person.

No definate news on the Alaska front, but there is chatter behind the scenes. I'm preparing for either outcome, but will feel much better once there is a decision made.

I need a nap. I was up until 11-ish last night and up at 6 am this morning.

I went and walked with Mindy last night. I got to walk Cody, the 100 pound rottweiler they are dog-sitting and Mindy walked their dog. I had forgotten how nice it is to have the companionship of a dog on a walk. I used to wait all summer to visit my aunt, part of the intrigue was her dogs and the long walks. (I should also say that the only pet with fur I'd ever had was a guinea pig. Since I've been on my own, I've only ever had cats.)

It was also comforting to know that if The Cougar showed up while we were walking, I would have a little more time to run, while the dog barked and growled at it. Oh, The Cougar you ask? Yes, the one that left prints in the development a block away from us.

I wouldn't know anything about it, except that the schools sent a note home about it and Mindy filled me in. That was also the way I found out that there was an attempted child luring at the school, also a block away. The little girl lives two houses down from us and is Grace's age. Good to know They went out of the way to alert families.

Anyway, it was nice to get out for a walk and fun to have a furry friend to go along.

Joe was supposed to have his interview this morning...except that he read the email wrong and was ready a few days early. So, the wait continues. There might be an opening, within the week, for an Anchorage store and I told Joe that I would move there for less money and no hesitations. Notsomuch for Juneau.

I got the downstairs vacuumed and the kitchen clean before he got home this morning. I've also gone through my clothes, one bag to donate and one to toss. The laundry is mostly done, half a load of whites in the dirty basket and a load in each the washer and dryer to deal with.

Joe went fishing today for the first time this season. The rivers opened yesterday and he's had his license and the parking permit for months now. The kids and I went for a bike ride/walk around the block when he left, that took an HOUR and Joe pulled up before we made it back to the house. Criminy. At least it was a nice day.

I ordered my Dad's birthday/Father's Day gift today. I got him this, which I thought would come in handy for their trip out here the first week of July. They are driving all the way from Wyoming. I have to double check with my mom, but I think he will be turning 50 this year.

We normally do gift of liquid Geritol for decade birthdays, but since I don't really want to get nailed next year, I wanted to be extra nice! I'll make him a nice card for the kids to sign too.

Tristan is down for his nap and I think try to grab a power nap on the couch and then scrapbook for a while. Toodles :o)

Thanks Katie for another quiz I could have done without :o) 65% BTW.

I'm an irredeemably eejitous, liberal, tight as f**k, pathetically simple-minded, dribbling child!
See how compatible you are with me!
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey

I am going to go cry in the corner now...

*edited to add the definition of eejitous

One entry found for eejitous.
Main Entry: eejitous
Pronunciation: 'e-jE-tOs
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): -er; -est
Date: 2003
1 : easily distracted by pointless Internet quizzes or tests
2 a : in the process of taking an Internet quiz or test:

It's June. JUNE!! Already!?! Where does the time go?

Today was supposed to be errand day. I filled up the gas can for the mower, while Joe started on the back yard and got a few groceries for the week. Now, I just want to sit and be still.

I ordered some new services for the phone this morning. We will now have voice mail (I'm chucking the answering machine that I've had since I went to college) and Call Waiting ID. It seems that everyone else on the block has it and therefore, I need it too. :o)

*2:40 pm*

I don't know what Blogger does with the posting times, but I'm just now getting back here. The phone rang and that pulled me from the computer's gravity. :o)

The lawn is now mowed, front and back, along with the neighbor's front yard. All is weedeater-ed. The trash, recycling and yard waste is already on the curb for pick up in the morning. We all had lunch and ice cream cups for dessert. I was able to get to the Post Office, sans kids and mailed out a quilt and bought stamps. One very nice thing I like about living here in Podunkville - a long line at the P.O. is 3 people!

I need to do a little browsing/searching/shopping for gifts this afternoon. We've got a birthday party this weekend, for the neighbor boy and a graduation party the next weekend, for Joe's youngest sister. I am really at a loss for ideas and might just end up ordering something crafty for myself.