Who Knew!

So, we're sitting outside tonight after dinner, just hanging out. The girls are playing. Blair and I are talking. Then Rena says, "Can you take the training wheels off my bike. Daddy won't do it." "Why won't you do it?" I ask. "Because she's not ready. I'M not ready," is the answer. "I'll do it." I say.

Blair will have none of that. So he reluctantly takes the wheels off. I tell him I'll help her. Nope. He wants to do it. The look on his face says it all.

So, at 4 and a half, Rena decides she's ready to ride her bike without training wheels. The look on her face says it all.

And even though the pictures are blurry, you get the idea. Off she goes! Amazing!

ah, the irony

Back in September, when the girls first started school, I was so excited that I was going to have SOOOO much time to myself and I was going to be able to get SOOOO many things done, like clean the house, organized the closets, clean out the garage, get the twins baby books started (so what if they're 2 1/2!), paint, heck, I might even have time to crosstich again.

Reality. Pretty much nothing got done. If I had anything to do 'in town' it took up most, if not all, of my free time. Then I got addicted to tennis. I managed to work in a private lesson right after preschool drop off, which was perfect! I LOVED it. But, now the girls are out of school and even though my coach is a good sport, I think 3 toddlers interupting our lesson constantly might wear him a little thin. Sometimes, I would come home and just enjoy the quiet and still until it was time to pick them up again.

So, now here we are on summer break and, ironically, I'm excited about not having anywhere to go! No 40 minute round trips to town twice a day. Think of how much I'll be able to get done! And I'm excited about having the girls with me all day. I did manage to get part of the garage cleaned up....again. It's quite the catch-all. Some reorganization and I might just have the problem solved. The list of things to get done is overwhelming. I've planted my garden which requires daily maintanence, the garage isn't quite done, the toys that I confiscated weeks ago and sequestered in the dining room are still waiting for their final resting place, there's a yard sale in my future, I haven't finished planting all the flowers and seeds I've bought, the now mostly empty playroom/formal living room is still waiting for it's new assignment, there are 40 bags of mulch waiting to be distributed, the dogs need a bath, the girls need a bath....wow, I'm tired just thinking about all that. Aren't you?

The girls have been asking since January (not kidding) when the pool is going to open. Well, it's open. And I'm sure it's cold. But we are heading there today. We may come home blue. I'm not getting in unless they are drowning and I can't reach them with that net/pole thingy. I'll let you know how it goes.

first day/last day

bittersweet endings

This week has been full of endings. It was the last week for the girls' preschool and also the last ballet class which culminated in a recital.

Thursday was the last day of preschool. I got the teachers' end of year gifts while we were in Raleigh, thank goodness. One thing checked off the list! The twins didn't have an end of year party (that I know about) but Rena's class did. Since I'm the roommom, I was in charge of organizing it. Never, in a million years, did I think I'd be roommom. But I did and it was fun. I painted sandpails with each child's name and we used those for their lunch. Their end of the year party consisted of eating, blowing bubbles and playing on the 'big kids' playground. Rena had a great class and a wonderful first experience in the classroom. I couldn't have asked for more. So that made it hard to leave. We'll be back at that school in the fall, but it was sad that the year was over. I know it's hard to believe, but I'm a complete mushpot when it comes to endings like this. I cried for weeks every time I thought about the last day. I avoided both teacher the whole time I was at school Thursday, but when it came time to say goodbye, Ms. Beth lost it and so did I. She won't be back next year, and I know that feeling. It also is a milestone, however small, in my childrens' lives. I love them so much and love the age they are at RIGHT NOW, no matter when that right now might be. Change is hard.

Rena started ballet in the middle of the season. It runs it's course on the school schedule. So Rena was late to the party, but she fit right in. Once a week, we have been going. Rena attends class and I hang out in the lobby with the other mothers, Rachel and Riley. Riley wants very badly to do ballet. Next year! But I've gotten to know these other mothers and have really enjoyed their company. In fact, this week we are all getting together for a playdate. Yeah. Hopefully it will go better than the last time we attemped a playgroup.

Anyway, we had the dress rehearsal Friday. Rena stood on stage and looked like she was wondering when the party was going to start. I had already seen another rehearsal during parents day. On that day, Rena also seemed to just watch the activity and would occasionally spin or plie. So, I really wasn't holding out much hope for the actual recital itself. I was sure that with all the strange people in the audience, we'd get nothing from her. Wrong! She was right on cue. Danced the whole time. Never missed a beat. It was great! We got no pictures of the actual recital! So sad. But it will live on (and get better) in my memory.

So I went out with the girls from my tennis team last night and we ended up having a blast. I think that's the first time I have done anything like that since we moved here. We ended up going to the Melting Pot and I was excited because I had never been there before. Our group was early except for one person who we decided we wouldn't wait for. They ended up seating us in the bar. Not what I was expecting, but OK. We had been in the bar waiting for our table. Hmmm. Not only that, but the bartender had never gotten around to getting a drink for me and I was one of 4 people at the bar. OK. So they ended up seating us and then no one came to take our drink order. So one of us went and complained and finally the drinks were brought...except from the bar. Then we waited. Finally we flagged down the manager and complained. He took over the table for us. He did a pretty good job of waiting on us from that point on, although, when salads came, he didn't leave mine and actually took it back to the kitchen. I saw him walking away with it and once he came back I had to ask for it. So, the conversation was fun and it was nice to be out. The service sucked. I don't say that very often, especially since I worked in restaurants for so many years. But he comped our drinks which was very nice.

Next time we go out I think we'll choose something a little cheaper, but it was so much fun to be out with the girls.

Which leads me to the next part. Blair is out of town, so my babysitter was here with the girls. Rachel was still awake when I got home, but she actually fell asleep while the babysitter and I were talking. Babysitter leaves and I have to haul all three kids upstairs to their beds. I start with Rachel. Into her bed. Next is Riley. Into her bed. Last is Rena. Into her bed. This is a rarity that all three girls are in their respective beds and I get my bed to myself. It's late, I'm tired and I might have had just a little too much wine.

Then at about 5:30, Rena shows up and tells me she's had an accident (wet the bed). "Ok, go in the bathroom and take your clothes off and I'll get you new clothes." As I'm going to get clothes for her I check on the other 2. Riley is in my bed....of course. I peek in the girls bedroom. No Rachel. So I go into the room and look. No Rachel. Where is she? My heart picks up an extra few beats. So I think, maybe she came and got in my bed too and I just didn't hear her. It could happen. Back to my bed. No Rachel. Down to the playroom. No Rachel. Back to her room. Shake out all the covers. No Rachel. I'm actually starting to panic a little. Back to my room. Shake out the covers. All the lights are on at this point. Where could she be? Who do I call? I'm planning on checking downstairs since she was the first one I took up, she might have followed me back downstair and gotten in the bed down there with her sisters and in the dark I wouldn't have noticed. Then I'll check the window and the door. Parents who's children have dissappeared from their bedrooms at night flash through my mind. Poor Rena is standing in the bathroom, naked. I'm starting to breath a little rapid. Finally in my last moment of clarity, I decided to look one last place.

Busy, busy weekend

Friday we spent the day at the museum of Life and Science in Durham. This is a really cool place. Here we are on the train. I'm not sure why Rachel is looking so afraid. She loves strangers and is sure to introduce herself to them as she runs for Mayor of the Butterfly house.
RayRay and Riley check out the butterflies welcoming us.
This is a flower in the butterfly house. They hang straight down and I thought it was really beautiful, especially the way the light was hitting it. It's my favorite picture from my trip.

This past weekend we went to Raleigh for a big event at the school where I used to teach. We made the most of the weekend and visited lots of places. We spent Friday at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. We saw bear, lemurs, red wolves, farm animal and butterflies. Even though we didn't get to stay long, the butterfly house was the biggest hit. It's full of tropical butterflies, plants and birds.

After we left the museum, we met up with Grandmom and Grandpop who had made a special trip to Raleigh just to see us and watch the girls Saturday night. 2 of my Aunts met us at Kanki for dinner. The girls were surrounded by people who loved them and wanted just one big hug. They didn't dissappoint.

Saturday, we (accidentally) went to Pullen Park. I tried to send Blair to a little playground while his mother and I shopped at NOFO at the pig (nofo.com). He didn't quite understand what I was asking him to do (entertain the kiddies for 30 minutes) so he ended up at the biggest(?) park in Raleigh. The girls loved it. They got to do the regular playground things and then they rode the carousel and the little boats and the train. That night Blair and I got to go to a coat and tie affair put on by the school. It's really a fund raiser, but it was also a celebration for the schools 50th anniversary. I had a blast. I got to see old classmates, parents and teachers that I had worked with. I had so much fun and the night ended way too soon. There were 450 people there and I didn't get to talk to everyone!

Sunday, my brother and his wife were in town. We had a short visit and lunch. It was nice to see them. After lunch we went to the schools Open House and then we all headed out to our old neighborhood. We spend most of the evening with my backdoor neighbors whom I REALLY miss. I did get to go meet the people who are living in my house. They were super nice and invited us in. It was so nice to be 'home'. We stayed there for about 30 minutes and then I got to get a cutting from one of my bushes. Hopefully it will root. Back to Sharon and Bob's and we all went out to dinner. We got back to the hotel late, but it was worth it.

Monday, we headed back to GA. :( There's more to the trip and I'll try to post more pictures, but it's bath time and I think I hear them calling.....

Bumping in the Burbs

This is hysterical. Bumping in the Burbs with Notorious D A D. This is what my life has become!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxj5EEksI1I

Chaos in the playroom

Our formal living room was our play room. But it ALWAYS looked like this.

Not very inviting. And I really like this room and the light it gets. It's also on the front of the house. I like being able to see out front. Our family room is on the back of the house and we back up to woods, so it's very isolating. So, I've decided to do away with the chaos. How? Well, first I rounded up all the toys and their respective parts. This took 2 solid days. I put them all in ziploc bags and put the bags in plastic tubs. I've left the girls with about 3 toys...they still can't manage to clean them up. Now, I've got to decide what to do with my 'new' living room. I get to pick everything out. I'm so excited. But I have one, really big problem. No money. There is nothing in the budget for this room. So, it'll probably take awhile for me to actually furnish this room, but that's ok. I want all NEW stuff. Not the hand me down stuff that decorates the rest of my house. I know the feel I want in there, so, I'm looking forward to building this room. I'll keep you posted!

PS. That's a tantrum throwing Riley in the bottom corner. I don't remember what she was mad about!

Bedtime fun

I was getting the girls ready for bed the other night and our puppy got a case of the 'Go,Dog,Go', as we like to call it. Nixie Would run down the hall, spin around and race back. She'd jump on the bed and just lay there like she'd been there the whole time. Then, with the slightest provocation, she'd leap off the bed and race down the hall again. This went on for a few minute and had the girls squealing with delight. Even though Nixie has an evil look in the pictures, you can tell by the look on the girls faces that it was all in fun. Even I was laughing instead of trying to get everyone to settle down and go to sleep.

Haircuts all around

Rena's was from last summer. I took all the girls to get their haircut last week. It went really well and I love their new bobs. I got Rena's trimmed, so there wasn't a drastic difference in what she looked like. Plus, none of them were very cooperative in taking pictures of their new do's. So now everyone has had their first haircuts. Rachel in particular needed one. She had all this fine baby hair and her hair is really curly, so she always had bedhead. It does make them all look a little more grown up. :(

Shiner

Check out this shiner! It was an accident prone afternoon here. Rena was out in the garage and she climbed through the back of the double stroller. It fell backwards and she caught herself with her forehead. I don't know why you can't see it in this picture, but she had a hugh knot on her forehead. I didn't realize until hours later that she had a black eye. Poor thing. Later that afternoon she fell, in the garage again, and raked her side down the tray on the easle. Youch!

I'm running away. Don't call the press.

I'm running away. I'll be at the Holiday Inn if you need me. Now the only reason I tell you that, is because I don't want the Georgia police coming after me like they did that poor Runaway Bride (didja know they've made a musical out of her story!) Me being all bug eyed and somebody throwing a towel over my head. Throw a pillow my way if you want to, but that's it. Don't send out a search party looking for my ass either. All I need is somebody pounding on the door, waking my happy ass up! I'll be back home when I've had a good nights sleep.

Here's the problem. Rena, Rachel, Riley, Max and Nixie. 3 of them can open doors and I'm pretty sure one of them know how to unlock them. Rena is giving up naps. Yeah. Can you imagine how excited I am about loosing the only potential break I get alllllllll day? There are lots of problems with this. Aside from me not getting a break from all the kiddies at one time, it seems that Rena has some sort of , well, I'm not really sure what to call it. But this is what she does. About an hour after she falls asleep, and usually about 3 minute after I've finally called it a day, she wakes up kicking and crying in that plaintiff wail only a 4 year old has mastered. The last 2 times, she's complained of an earache. I don't know if this is true or not, but tylenol solves the problem....within seconds...which makes me think it might all be in her head. So, last night, everyone fell asleep at about 10:00 and I decided I was too worn out to drag all those tiny bodies to their respective beds, so I let them stay with me. Sure enough, about 11:00-11:30 Rena wakes up flailing about like a fish out of water, making enough racked to wake up the dead...or at least the sleeping toddlers...which she finally accomplishes. After some rather tense moments, I give her a shot of tylenol and send them all back to bed. Rena promptly goes back to sleep while the other 2 jockey for the best position in bed. And of course, Rachel falls off the bed. While they are figuring all of that out, I decided to take the dogs out to pee, so I don't have yet another interuption in my night. Down the stairs and out we go. Business accomplished. Back to bed. Now Riley's on Rachel's hair, boo, hoo, hoo. That problem solved and back to sleep we go. (A simple solution to the whole sister-on- your -hair dilema would be to sleep in your OWN bed!)

So off I drift, back to sleep, with the sound of Home Improvement playing softly in the background. Can I get a 'hell yeah' for the people at Nick at Night. I think I'm good 'til morning. Ha!

Next problem. The geriatric dog. He may be loosing his hearing and his eyesight, but the boy's still got a great nose on him. I know he can smell the stray black cat that I feed in the garage every night, within seconds of him coming in. Evidently, there are other little creatures he can smell also. I have the window open, so Max wakes me up about 4:20. There's something out there, he just knows it. I limp down stairs again and let the dogs out again. The search is on for the creature that has dared tresspass. I just hope he makes a clean getaway. Back upstair both Max and I hobble. Nixie trots on past us in search of something to destroy. I close the window and settle back into bed. Relax. And then the water drinking begins. Nixie chooses the toilet water, yum yum, while I can hear Max checking the doggie water dish. No water. but he checks back a few times before he comes to tell me. What the... I just filled it up yesterday. Back out of bed. Fill the water bowl. Back to bed. Relax. Now Nixie is tearing something up. Out of bed to find out what that is. Back to bed. Composing this post in my head. Now I can't sleep! It's 5:30 and now everyone is peacefully sleeping. I wish I had a picture, but Im not getting out of bed to go get the camera. Rena is sleeping in the middle of the bed, but slightly to my side. Riley is sleeping above her, head to head. Riley's feet are hanging off the head of the bed. Rachel is sleeping perpendicular to Rena with her feet pointing to Rena. Her head is hanging off the bed, so it's only a matter of time before she falls off the bed again. Geesh! Max is at Rena's feet and Nixie is breathing heavily beside me on the floor. I can't tell you how great the urge is to wake them ALL up!

So now you all know why I tend to get crabby. Especially around midafternoon. But like I said, I'm headed to the Holiday Inn. Don't come looking for me...and turn the lights off.

My take on the HOA

When searching for a new house, I was impressed when entering some neighborhoods. The entrances were beautiful and announced the name of the subdivision. The flowers were blooming and freshly mulched. You usually pass the pool, tennis courts and neighborhood playground at the entrance. All beautifully maintained. And usually empty.

Trash cans aren’t visible. There are no lawn chairs out front. No toys. No cars. The yards look perfectly manicured. Not a ‘hair’ out of place. In fact, often it doesn’t look like anyone lives there. It allows you to imagine YOUR life there. Beautiful houses. Beautiful yards. Beautiful children (if you happen to catch a glimpse of one)

So you find the ‘for sale’ sign at the house of your dreams. You check it out and think “Yes, I could live here!” Where do I sign. 1500 pages later, signatures, initials and $ all in the right place, you move in.

Then the letters start. “Per covenant regulation 6B 1.42 ‘all trash cans will be place out of view, possibly within the confines of the interior of your house, lest passersby and nosey neighbors think you actually produce trash in your abode. Failure to store trash in your house will result in a fine of not less that $25.00 a day that will accumulate until we are able to take full possession of your house.”

“per covenant regulation 7A 2.45 ‘all children’s toys shall be put away immediately after use so that it appears that no children live in said neighborhood. Preferable, no toys of any kind will be used outside, so as not to offend your neighbors with the raising of your children.’

“per covenant regulation 4C 5.23 You shall keep your lawn emerald green only during the times the HOA has agreed upon. Your lawn should be green without consideration to the weather. Don’t think you can enjoy the yard work on your own, at your leisure. You will be expected to hire a ‘lawn maintenance company’ to ensure your yard looks like everyone elses. They will be responsible for seeding, fertilizing, mowing, mulching and planting HOA approved flowers in acceptable colors. Any flowers not meeting the required coloration will be yanked out under cover of darkness by the closest HOA board member. Please be sure to coordinate your landscaper days with the days your maid come as 2 ‘work’ vehicles are not allowed in your driveway at the same time.

Now when I drive into a neighborhood and I see the tale-tell signs of an HOA, I run the other way. In the meantime, I’m stuck with the one I’ve got. I didn’t have a choice as to whether I wanted to participate or not. If I wanted a neighborhood, I had to have an HOA. I have small children and I wanted them to grow up in a neighborhood.

What amazes me is that the same people who don’t trust their neighbors to take down their Christmas lights before the 4th of July and don’t trust their neighbors to not paint their house some atrocious color and don’t trust their neighbors to not pile up trash on their property until it’s condemned, give these SAME neighbors the power to make decisions for everyone in the neighborhood. Why? How did these horrible HOA’s come into existence. More importantly, How do we get rid of them?

serial numbers

My husband just came and asked me where the twins serial numbers are. Do you think he's a little too focused on work?

So, it's 4:40am. Blair is in the shower and I'm drifting in and out of sleep. It's not unusual for him to be up so early getting ready for work. Rena has come to join Riley and me in bed. She's cold and she wants to sleep beside me, so she wedges in between Riley and me. I drift back to sleep and then awaken again. Blair is still in the shower. Now it's just irritating me. "Turn the water off" I want to yell. "I can't sleep!" Finally, the water is turned off and the strange, familiar sounds of drawers opening and closing comes from the bathroom. Riley stirs in her sleep, realizes she has come out of physical contact with me, and leapfrogs her sister to be beside me once again. I consider leapfrogging both of them to Blair's side of the bed, that is invitingly empty. Instead, I push Rena into that spot and then push Riley up against her. Ah, I stretch out and then curl back up against the cold. Blair has gone downstairs with his suitcase and computer case in tow. However, he's left the dogs. Nixie is stirring. She wants to go. It doesn't matter where. I hear the garage door open and Blair's truck roars to life. Crap. Now I'm going to have to get up and let the dogs out. But no, Blair returns, and 'quietly' calls Nixie, who willingly thumps down the stairs to the freedom of the backyard. Within minutes, she's back, as is Blair. He gathers up the rest of his stuff and stealthily kisses his girls goodbye.

The house is quiet once again. The girls breath in deep regular breaths beside me. Rachel has made no sound from her room. Sleep is good. It's 5:00ish. Am I really going back to sleep? Probably not. Oh well. At least I'll get a few moment to myself. I go in search of my computer. The girls were using it last night. It should be right beside them. It's not. Where is it! What would Blair have done with it. I'm trying desperately to search quietly for my computer, while the dogs lazily circle my legs wondering where I'll go ,and not wanting to be left behind. I finally turn on a light briefly and discover it on my dresser. Not where I would have expected it. Ok, I've got the computer. The girls are still asleep. The dogs are all moving in the same direction. The coffee pot is clean and waiting in the dishwasher for me. It's getting better. I go downstairs, make coffee and plug in the computer. Before coffee is even finished brewing I heard Rachel "Mommy, where are you?" Now, don't get me wrong. I love this child with all my heart. But are you FREAKING KIDDING ME! It's 5:40. Once she discovers my location, she slides backwards down the stairs to join me. And she's chatty. Luckily, she's also a TV head, so after a few minutes I send her off to watch Clifford with a sippy cup of milk. Peace at last. I start this post, to get my frustrations out about never getting a minute to myself, when all of a sudden, my computer screen goes black. What the f%$@! It takes me a minute to discover that our loverly Nixie has chewed throught the power cord...again. Damn dog! So, off to Dell.com I go. I order 2 power cords. They should be here by Friday. Back to the post. Rachel comes to me. She's wet the bed. Hmmm? How could that happen. She has on a diaper. Her pajamas aren't wet. Maybe she just means she's wet. I change her. Off to Grandma's room (grandmom doesn't actually live here, she just has a room named in her honor) and, yes the bed is a little wet! Still not sure how that happened, and really, I don't want to know. I strip the bed. Back to my, huh, hum, peaceful few minutes at the computer. I'm exhausted already! And it's not even 7:00 yet. I'm wondering if the marines REALLY do more than me by this time!

So, how do you start YOUR day?

Busted

Pretty much everyday, I have to go into the bathroom and order someone out. It's amazing how much focus there is on this little room. I swear we have drained half of Lake Lanier right out of this tiny bathroom.

Well, they're busted. It's not the first time. They are repeat offenders.

Notice Riley in the reflection....in 'the' dress.

I give my children lots of creative freedom. I used to teach elementary school and I believed in giving them creative freedom too. I though I would share what happens when creative freedom goes awry. Let me give you the rundown, since the picture may not tell the whole story.

Daughter #1 is sporting a winter snowflake shirt with ruffled hem paired with hand-me-down fruit skort. Rounding out the ensemble are the hello kitty sandles from last summer that are 1 size too small and fully coated in Georgia red clay. This outfit is finished off with a lovely pink knit cap(matching sweater not shown).

Daughter #2 is STILL in the princess dress that was daughter #1's Halloween costume 2 1/2 years ago. No matter. It looks fetching on her and has for the last 14 days. Daughter #2 chose to accessorize her look with the ladybug rainboots and Little Me rain jacket fitting for the occasion. Missing from the 'accessory queen' are the sunglass, necklaces and overdone 'lip stuff' she normally wears.

Daughter #3 self dressed in pink striped pants that, until this morning's closet clean out, also belonged to sister #1. This lovely outfit is rounded out with a fleece jacket and mismatched ladybug slippers from Target. This is quite the step up since she is usually only fetching a diaper.
Even though they look like the might be trying to replicate the well known "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" they are really just trying to protect themselves from the tornado bearing wind.
Hope you enjoyed the Saturday night fashion show. Drive safe out there!

Big Mommy

The girls have started talking about themselves being big. "I not little Rachel, I BIG Rachel" You get the point. Rachel in particular is obsessed with this. So she puts BIG in front of everyone's name. I'm BIG Mommy.....in more ways than one.

Roasted Potato Bites from Pampered Chef

12 B size red potatoes (about 2 " in diameter), unpeeled
1 Tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black petter
4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese spread
3 tablespoons sour cream
Optional toppings such as grated cheddar cheese, bacon bits and snipped fresh chives

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut potatoes in half crosswise. Cut a thin slice off bottom of each potato half. Carefully scoop out a small amount of pulp from each potato half. In medium bowl, combine oil, garlic salt and pepper. Add potato halves; toss to coat.

2. Place potato halves, hollowed side down, on bar pan. Bake 30-32 minutes or until deep golden brown and tender. Remove from oven; cool slightly

3. In small bowl, combine cream cheese spread and sour cream; whisk until smooth using whisk. Pipe evenly into hollowed potato halves. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.

yield: 24 appetizers

I am Cow

I can't help it. This made me laugh and I just had to share. If you don't have a sense of humor, don't go there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WFp4kozlOU

The Dress

This dress was Rena's 2 year old Halloween costume. Riley has discovered in and I think we are on about day 10 of her wearing it every day. If she's not wearing it, she's sleeping with it. I'm not kidding. Her fascination shows no signs of stopping and she's been searching for it all morning. I really don't know where it is. It NEEDS to be in the laundry.

Shucking Apples

A Day in the Life

Yesterday our Preschool had Donuts for dad. All the Dads were invited and so Blair went to eat doughnuts with his girls. He also took them to school, too, which was a boon for me! No, I didn't get to lounge around in bed. I got moving and tried to tackle this very messy house. He left at 8:30 and I had until 11:30 to get stuff done. Now, my usual MO is to start cleaning in one area...well, it goes something like this. I collect the sippy cups and head to the kitchen to put them in the dishwasher. When I get to the kitchen, I notice a pair of dressup shoes that belong in the playroom, so I take them to the playroom. On the way back, I pick up the socks laying in the middle of the floor and a handful of trash. I toss the socks in the clothes basket and throw the trash away. The trash is full so I take it out. While I'm outside, I realize that the sandbox is a mess, so I straighten that up. I head back inside. Oh the sippy cups! I empty them and put them in the dishwasher. I collect the trash from the counter, but realize I haven't replaced the trashbag. I put the trash down, collect the food (ie cereal boxes, peanut butter, etc.)that's still out on the counter and take it to the pantry to get a garbage bag. Rena is calling me from the bathroom, so I go help her out. On the way back, I pick up more trash off the floor and head to the trashcan. Oops, no trashbag. Back to the pantry.

Well, you get the idea. Nothing gets 'done'. So yesterday, with no distractions and plenty of coffee in my system, I used the 3 hours I had effectively. This is what I got done: all the laundry was gathered up, sorted and the washing machine was going. All clean clothes were folded and put away. I collected all of the girls shoes, matched them to their respective partner and put them in the shoe organizers in the closets. I gathered up all the trash and took it out. That's it! It took me 3 hours to accomplish that!

I did feel better about things, but my house is still far from clean. Now, if I can just maintain those things, even if it's for 24 hours.

At 11:30 I took one of my neighbors to lunch to thank her for watching the girls for me. (She came to my house at 5:00am. What a trooper!) We had a really nice time and then we picked the girls up from school. Back home by 1:30, but now my motivation had wained. The girls were asleep, so they didn't create more mess, but I had lost my drive.

The girls didn't get up until after 5:00. Unbelievable. So snack and dinner weren't that far apart. I wasn't really motivated to cook either, so the girls had a simple dinner. I had made muffins for their snack and then they all wanted an apple. Riley wanted me to do something with hers that I couldn't understand. Cut it? No. Peel it? No. SHUCK it? Yes. She wanted me to shuck her apple. Too funny.

I'll miss you all now that I'm rich!

Not only have I won the UK lottery (numerous times) but I received this letter via email today that is just too good to pass up.

Dear Friend Greetings to you and your family.I hope you are having a blissful week.I am Mr.Joseph Chau of Investment Banking,Union Bank Of China.On July 6, 2004,our client Mr. Irvin poot,a businessman,made a numbered fixed deposit for 6 (six)calendar months,with a value of Twenty million,Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars only in my branch. Upon maturity several notice was sent to him and no response came from him. Another notification was sent early February and still no response came from him. The Bank officially sent a two-man delegate to his residence in Malaysia were he resides only to find out that the businessmogul and his family perished in the Tsunami disaster.After further investigations,it was also discovered that Mr.Irvin Poot did not declare any next of kin in his official papers,including the paper work of his bank deposit.So, Twenty million,Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars is still lying in my bank and no one will ever come forward to claim it.According to the laws of my country, at the expiration of one year (1 year) the funds will revert to the ownership of Hong Kong Government if nobody applies to claim the funds. MY PROPOSITION:I will like you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin to Mr.Irvin Poot to enable you receive the funds.Lets put headstogether to claim and transfer these funds out of Hong Kong and use it judiciously.I have contacted an Attorney that will prepare the necessary document that will back you up as the next of kin to Mr.Irvin Poot,all that is required from you at this stage is for you to provide me with your full names and Address including your direct phone and fax numbers for my Attorney to commence his job.My Attorney will also file in for claims on your behalf and secure the necessary approval and letter of probate in your favor for the funds to be moved to an account that will be provided by you. Regards,Joseph Chau.

Now, I must say, I don't know Mr. Poot (doncha just love the name) personally, but I have no hesitation in claiming to be one of his relatives. I'm sure that the government will waive the one year expiration date, since this all took place in 2004 and it's now 2008. Maybe I'll even change my last name to Poot. That way none of MY relatives will be able to find me and I'll be able to spend all of the Twenty million, Five hundred thousand United States Dollar on myself. See you on the beach!!!

Big Apple Circus

Last Thursday, we went to the Big Apple Circus. A family event. Actually, a pretty rare occurance for us. It was GREAT! If they ever come near you, you should go. It's a one ring circus and no one sits more that 50 feet, that's right, feet, from the ring. It's small, but the performance was great. They had clowns, animal acts and acrobats. My girls were entralled. Rena laughed through the whole thing, Riley was fascinated with the acrobats and Rachel loved the music. All three of them were focused on the show most of the 2 hours. Blair and I were too. While I thought the whole thing was great, my favorite part had to be the end of the show when the acrobats stole the show. They did all the flipping, jumping death-defying acts you could want. Their skill was incredible and breath-taking. Most of what the did involved stilts. Now, if you popped me up in the air like they did to these guys, I would probably do all the flips and turns too. Probably not as gracefully. And I can pretty much guarentee that I wouldn't be able to 'stick the landing' on 2 sticks, muchless one. That's right. One guy did it on one stilt. Now that's impressive. If you get a chance, google them and see if they are coming your way soon. I think it was $29.00 apiece and the twins got in free. Worth every penny. And we got to spend time together as a family. Priceless.

shhhhh!

I am surprised my ears aren't bleeding! I have 3 girls, so there is alot of talking in my house. Alot. Rachel wakes up (early) talking. It's amazing. The house can be still, dark and quiet and when she wakes up it starts. "Mommy, where are you?" The answer is almost always "Right here". "Oh, Good morning Mommy!" "Good morning sweety." "I hungry. Let's go down-tairs." "Let's go Mommy." "I want milk." and off we go.

Riley, her twin, goes to sleep talking. I am not kidding. Once she gets settled in, she talks herself to sleep. I'm not even sure what she's saying most of the time. She talks to herself, she sings songs, she complains about her sisters, she tells me she loves me she talks to the dogs, to any babydoll or stuffed animal she has brought to bed with her. It keeps going until she's asleep. Sometimes, that's the only way I know she has gone to sleep.

Rena is a normal talker. She wakes up quiet and she goes to sleep quietly. Durnig the day, she does her share of talking though. Mostly bossing her sisters around...in a nice way. After all, she is a big girl and the big sister, which she reminds me of daily.
They are all in preschool today and the silence is almost deafening!

bored

I am soooo freaking bored and lonely, I can't even stand it. I've checked my email a million times today, and as usual, nothing. My Dad is the only person who's called all day, besides Blair. The girls are here, of course, but Blair's at work, of course. So it just me and the daily grind. I don't know if it's the remains of the anesthesia from friday, or if I'm just depressed, but this day has sucked. It's been overcast and now it's raining. I tried to take a nap so I could at least sleep part of this boring day away, but Rena interupted that with her request for a PB&J. Seriously, she must be growing. As soon as Rena fell asleep, Rachel woke up, so no break for me. I have nothing to look forward to and no one to do it with. I'm tired of doing laundry and dishes and picking up the same freaking toys over and over again. I have no time for myself, and when I do, I don't have anything to do with it anymore. I need a break. A long, serious break. I'm tired of carrying the load on the homefront. More power to those single mothers out there. I feel your pain. I'll probably feel better tomorrow. I'll at least have somewhere to go and be able to talk to another adult for a few minutes. The other adults in my life probably think I'm depraved. I get so excited when there is an actually adult conversation in which I can participate. Well enough bitching. I've gotta go make dinner. Ye-ha.

Our family decided we were ready to adopt a dog. We wanted another lab since our dog Trouble had been so wonderful. We decided we would do the responsible thing and go through a lab rescue group. Here's how the process went. We communicated only through email.

Thank you for your interest in adopting a lab from Labrador Friends xx xxx xxxxx, Inc. We have received your application.

In order to process your application, can you please send us contact information for your veterinarian so we can conduct a vet check on your animals? I tried looking up the vet's phone number based on the information provided, but when I called them, they did not have record of you, so I think I called the wrong one.

We will continue processing your application once we have heard back from you.-- Sincerely,KristineAdoption Coordinator

__________________________________________________________________
Our Vet is xxxxxxxxx xxxxx Animal Hospital, Brandon xxxxx, DVM,, xxxx Hwy xx E., xxxxxxville, xxx-xxx-8381. I hope that helps. We are new to that vet clinic, but I have taken my dog Max in for a check and our cat Mark/Boomer had his first vet visit there and was fixed. So, if there are anymore problems, please let me know. If you have any other questions, please let me know thanks,Leigh xxxxxxxxx

_________________________________________________________________ What name are the animals under? That is the one I called, and when I said the name Mxxxxxxxx, they did not have a record for you...

________________________________________________________________
Ok, I just talked to them and they do have my records. They thought you said "Lxxxxxxxx not Mxxxxxxxx. They should be expecting your call again. Sorry for the confusion! Leigh MMMMMMxxxxxxxxx


Thank you for the information.

On your app it states you had a dog that had an accident in the backyard. Can you please explain what happened?

We apologize for the internal nature of our questions. We just want to gather as much information as possible about our potential adopters to ensure our Labs are going to great forever homes.

Thank you in advance to your response. We will continue processing your application once we have heard back from you.

_______________________________________________________________

Hey Kristine, Well, it's kind of a long story, so I'll see if I can do it in an email. We had been living in our new house in Ga. for about 7 months. Most weekends, we went out as a family exploring the area and trying to get acclimated. Whenever we would leave, we would leave the dogs in the fenced in backyard. We also did this in our last home that also had a fenced in yard. Well, we got home from one of these excursions and only Max (our current dog) met us at the gate. I knew immediately that something was wrong and I got out of the vehicle to find out where Trouble was. I found him with is head stuck in our gate on the other side of the house. We're not exactly sure what happened, but we think a neighbor was shooting off fireworks and it scared him and he tried to push through the gate. Once his head was through, he couldn't break the fence and he couldn't pull back in because the gate opens in. It took both Blair and me to get him unstuck, but he was already dead. It was a devastating loss, as he was born on our property in NC and was 7 years old when this happened. If this is a concern, we'd be happy to show you where it occured. Hope this helps. Leigh


We are so sorry about the accident that occurred in your backyard and for your loss.

In light of this information, we do have some concerns. We adopt our dogs as inside dogs only, and since you leave your dogs outside while you are gone, we have decided to deny you for adoption.

Please read the following articles to see why we feel so strongly about this subject.
Outside Dogs
Many potential adopters ask "Is this an 'Outside' dog?" Our answer is, "Not anymore." We attempt to place dogs with people who understand the need of a dog to be a part of the family. Even thousands of years ago when man and all animals lived "outside", there was a cave or den for shelter, and man and dogs lived in small groups or "packs". The truth is, times have changed but we and the dogs haven't. Both humans and dogs are "pack" animals, we do not tend to be solitary. Domesticated, companion dogs no longer have packs of other dogs to live with, so dogs now need to be members of human families or packs. Furthermore, both people and dogs are "den" animals. This is the reason that dogs can be housebroken. Dogs want shelter in a safe, secure den - your home - and they want their den to be clean.
Obviously dogs can be forced to live outside, alone and away from their families. But to force this kind of life on a dog is one of the worst things you can do to him. Such a life goes against a dog's two most basic instincts: the pack and the den. If you have any doubts about these ideas, think of all the whining, barking, clawing dogs you have seen tied up alone outside. Dogs trying desperately to get their human families' attention, and then just giving up to become hyperactive, listless, fearful, or vicious when the stress of enforced solitude becomes too much to cope with.
The rationale given by people who permanently keep their dogs outside is that they will spend time with the pet outside. Even the most well-meaning pet owner does not spend significant time outside, particularly when it is raining or cold. Consequently, under the best of circumstances for the outside dog, a bowl of food and water hastily shoved before him, a quick pat given, and his owner, his WORLD is gone, leaving the animal to spend another 22 or 23 hours alone.
A dog brings you the gifts of steadfast devotion, abiding love, and joyful companionship. Unless you can responsibly accept a dog's offer of these great gifts, please do not get a dog. If you already have a dog, perhaps this article will help you to see things from his point of view, and possibly motivate you to change your relationship with him. A sad, lonely, bewildered dog, kept outside, wondering why he cannot be with his family, brings only sadness and unhappiness to the world.
- Michigan Humane Society
Outside Dogs
I'm familiar with hundreds of dog breeds, but what's an outside dog? Unless you're medically intolerant of the dog (and therefore can't take care of him in a medical emergency, so you shouldn't have the dog anyway), making a dog stay outside is a costly waste. If he's for protection, what do you think I want to steal - your lawn? When you leave, do you put your valuables and your kids out in your yard? Just what is the dog protecting out there? Most dogs kept outside cause far more nuisance complaints from barking and escaping than any deterrent to intrusion. Such complaints cause teasing, antagonism, release and poisoning. With your dog a helpless victim, it's no laughing matter.
If I'm a crook and your dog is out, your fence protects ME, not your possessions or your dog. If I just open the gate, 9 out of 10 dogs will run off! I can safely shoot, stab, spear, poison, snare, strangle them, or dart through the fence and you just lost your dog AND everything I steal!
If he's tied up and I keep out of reach, he's useless. He'll bark, but outside dogs bark so much, they're usually ignored. But let a dog hit the other side of a door or window I'm breaking into, and I'm GONE! I can't hurt the dog until he can hurt me, and nothing you own is worth my arm. Deterrence is effective protection.
Protection and aggression are not the same. Protection is defensive, reactive, often passive, and threatens or injures no one. Aggression is active, harmful and offensive, threatens all and benefits none. Yard dogs often develop far more aggression than protectively because everyone who passes by or enters has already violated the territory that dog has marked dozens of times a day for years. That's not protection, it's not desirable and it overlooks two facts of life today:
First, property owners have implied social contracts with others in the community. Letter carriers, paper boys, delivery people, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, meter readers and others are allowed near and at times on your property without your specific permission. And sure that ten-year-old was not supposed to jump your fence after his Frisbee; but neither you nor your dog are allowed to cause him injury if he does. Imagine this: A neighbor looks into your yard or window and sees you, your wife or child laying on the floor in a pool of blood. They call 9-1-1 and your dog prevents paramedics from assisting! Should they shoot your dog or just let you die?
Great choice.
Second, even if the intruder is a criminal, few places allow you or your dog to cause physical injury to prevent property loss. Convicted felons have sued the dog's owner from jail and won more in the suit than they ever could have stolen!
Appalling? True.
And don't be foolish enough to believe your homeowner's insurance will cover the loss. Now you see why many feel that an outside dog is a no-brainer.
The more a dog is outdoors, the less behavioral control you have. It's easier to solve four or five indoor problems than one outdoor problem. The reason is valid and simple: The more you control the stimuli that reaches your dog, the more you control the responses. You've got a lot more control over your living room than you do over your entire county! When your dog is bored, but teased by every dog, cat, bird, squirrel, motorcycle, paperboy, airplane, firecracker and backfiring truck in the county, OF COURSE he'll dig, chew, and bark.
Would you sit still all day everyday? Do you want unnecessary medical and parasite fees, especially as the dog ages?
When a dog is alone indoors, you are still 30% there because your scent and things he associates with you, constantly remind the dog of you and your training. When he's out, your dog is alone whether you're home or not. Do you really expect him to keep YOU in mind while the entire world teases, distracts and stimulates him?
The media is full of stories about the family dog saving everyone's life during a fire. How many people, including children, would be dead today if those dogs were kept outside? SURE - you ALWAYS get up to investigate every time your yard dog barks. And I've got this bridge.
An outdoor dog has an address, not a home. Dogs offer real value as companion animals. Stop behavior problems and start enjoying real protection and companionship. Bring your dogs inside.
By Dennis Fetko, Ph.D. Reprinted from August 1995 issue of Whiskers & Wags, Halifax Humane Society Newsletter
Thank you for your interest. We hope you understand our position.
--

Thanks,
LFS

Now, I realize that there was miscommunication on their part. Our dogs are far from outside dogs. But I was so mad by the time this was all said and done, I just burned this bridge and moved on. I did respond to them. These groups make it sound like they have the best interest of the dogs at heart, but I'm convinced it's really a power trip for those involved. We ended up getting our dog from a breeder...supposedly part of the problem. And I feel bad for all those dogs that are looking for good homes. They seriously missed out by passing us by.

Hello, Hey!

For awhile there, whenever Riley answered the phone before I could get to it, she would say, very enthusiastically, "Hello, hey!" It cracked us up. Then I started thinking about what part of the conversation she heard that went something like this: Me, "hello". Other end, "blah, blah, blah." Me again,"hey". And then on to the rest of the conversation. Smarty girl.

The girls have a play kitchen that has a "cordless" phone. I think this is THE only toy ever to get put back where it belongs. Quite often I am forced to carry on imaginary conversations on this little wooden phone. Today, I got to talk to Cinderella. Riley's favorite. I'm glad I finally got to talk to her. I've been watching her life for months now. Really, I think she should have put the mouse under the teacup on purpose. Those step sisters are a nasty bunch. I'm sure, if she put her mind to it, she could think up all kinds of evil things to get back at the whole lot. Well, being Princess of the Kingdom should be punishment enough. I'd have them be scullery maids for the rest of their lives. Of course, that's just me.

Riley enjoyed talking to Cinderella too.r

Nixie

Here Nixie 'not' chewing on something she's not supposed to.

Rena and Nixie napping.

Who's walking who?

Well, here's the new dog. Despite the fact I didn't really want a puppy. She is a doll though. She's really good and I think she's pretty smart. She's 4 months old and the girls love her. She's also made Max perk up a little. She has been an active new member in our house.

ABC's

Rena is 4 1/2. She knows these letters:
A S F H J L Q W E R Y U I O P X C B N
Not bad considering we don't really work on this at home.


Riley is almost 2 1/2. She knows these:
O R A
The other 23 were also A, so she really only gets credit for 2.

These are the letters that Rachel knows. She's not quite 2 1/2!
A S D F G H J K L Z X N M W E R T Y I O P

I am amazed!

Laundry Hell

How did they do it? How did our Grandparent, great-Grandparent, etc. do it. I have a XL capacity washing machine and I NEVER get all the laundry done. Never. If it appears that I might actually be close to having ALL of the laundry done, someone will pee in a bed, or throw up, thus creating at least 2 more loads. Maybe the secret is to not have as many clothes. 2 outfits for everyone. One to wear and one to clean. That would sure cut down on the laundry situation, wouldn't it? We could also practice wearing the outfit we are in for more than 2 hours at a time. That would help.



But seriously, can you imagine having to do laundry the 'old-fashioned' way? No way. I do love hanging clothes on a clothesline. I can't have one here, in HOA hell, but in my old house, I loved the clothes line. The great thing was I didn't have to use it. But I love being outside and I hate doing laundry, so it made it a little easier. Plus, seriously, they dried faster.



In raising my girls, I've thought about my Granny alot. She had 7 children. No indoor plumbing. No Pampers. No Gerbers. No Babies-R-Us. No formula. What a woman!

The Whirlwind Trip

If I get to leave this lovely state of Georgia, there are always a million other places I'd like to be and people I'd like to see. We need to go to Maryland to a friend's baby's Christening. Of course we drove...separately. Blair had to work and it didn't work out that we could meet anywhere and leave a car. So, I packed up all three girls (of course. What, was I only going to take 2...or 1) and the dog and headed north.

First stop, Raleigh. I love being home. I know where I am. I know where things are. Even though it's changed alot in the last 2 years, I still recognize (most of) it. I went by the school where I used to teach. God, I miss being there. I got to hang out with the kindergarten teachers and it was like old times. The girls loved playing on the playground with the other children and I enjoyed the brief time that I got to spend with my friends. I got to see one of my Aunts and got my hair cut by my favorite hairdresser of all times. My time was way too short with everyone.



My Aunt holding Riley while she sleeps.


Raleigh Nana with Riley at school.

Rachel, Daddy and Riley.





Next stop, Grandma and Grandpops. This was the longest I stayed anywhere. We got to be here 2 nights and Blair met us the second night. Rena loves her Grandmom! Everyone had a great time and once again, we just didn't have enough time.





On to Maryland. Our friends have a new house and I hadn't gotten to see their new baby. What a cutie this little girl is! They also have a son that is a doll too. They had gotten us a puppy for Christmas, so we 'took possesion' of her while we were there. Ironically, we missed the actual Christening that we had driven all the way from Georgia for. No, I don't know how we missed it. I wasn't in charge. (If I had been, we would have just been late, not absent.)





Back in the car. Next stop: Raleigh, again. It's a good stopping point. I got to meet another friend and her daughter for lunch. After lunch, Blair took the girls and headed south and I got to do a little shopping, all by myself! Then I headed south too.





It was almost good to be home. It was nice that we didn't have to work out of a bag and the girls had their toys to play with. Back to the daily grind.





We'll probably make this trip again this summer. It will be longer. In the mean time, we'll hang out here.