I know it's Thursday which doesn't seem to be a sensical day to post about awesome things that happened thus far this week (and yes I just made up the word "sensical"), but it's been a pretty good few days bunched together and I just wanted to write about it. You know, for those days that will come where it feels like good stuff hasn't happened in a while. So...here goes.
1.) I got a new job! I'm still working at the YMCA doing my toddler/youth programs, but I also was hired on to work at the front desk! It will be more hours (which is nice for the paycheck, but a tinge sad for the mommy-children time), but the kids are in SUPER good hands at the (included) daycare and it's only for 3 or 4 hours a day. And I join them for snack time so I feel pretty good about it.
1.) a.) Kaylee goes to the YMCA daycare now WITH A SMILE ON HER FACE! She HATED it for the longest time....even when I would go to work out for 45 minutes, she would scream the whole time. But something mysterious happened and now she just goes and is happy to be there. That's an awesome thing in my book.
1.) b.) I've only worked four shifts at the front desk now, but I feel like I am catching on to things pretty quickly. It's a little stressful having to know the answer to EVERYTHING (or at least knowing the extension of the correct person who would know an answer you don't...), but yesterday I felt like I answered 60% of the things asked of me without having to check with someone else. It was a good day.
1.) c.) I'm meeting new co-workers. One of whom is Asha. I have a feeling we will be good friends for quite some time. This girl is hilarious and possibly deserves her own post.
2.) I got new shoes! (This could probably be another sub-category of number 1 since they are work shoes, but, you know. NEW SHOES!) I ordered them on Amazon. They are Crocs, but thy are dressy Crocs. They are adorable and fit like a dream. And they even have bling. Don't have time to get a picture up, but they are "Olivia"s and I love them.
3.) We got our federal return!!! Awesome!!!
3.) a.) Zac and I think we may have enough of a return to spend frivolously on a vacation for the two of us!
4.) I'm planning Savannah's wedding and it's coming together SUPERBLY if I do say so myself. And by "planning," I'm serious. I'm pretty sure the only thing Savannah is going to have to do is show up. Oh, and she had to get her dress. Which is GORGEOUS!!! AWESOME!!!!
5.) You may recall my affinity for the Dark Divine series. The third and final book comes out next month. I was able to get ARCs of the first two books (before they were printed and released to the public) through contests and other such luck and figured I would just have to wait for The Savage Grace. FALSE. By some strange miracle, a package was delivered to my in-laws' house on Tuesday from Random House. Containing an ARC of The Savage Grace. I about DIED. Now if only I could find the time to read it....
6.) I lost 3 lbs. Super awesome.
7.) My kids are being used for a press release for the Rochester Ronald McDonald House on Friday. Not necessarily awesome for me, but they get a few seconds of fame. So I'm filing that one under "awesome."
I guess that's enough awesomeness for now. I don't want to make y'all jealous :-)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Excuse Me While I Go All Political...
I try to keep most of my politically-minded opinions out of my blog. I don't like starting fights that I can't debate face-to-face, so I usually go my merry way and post snide comments on Facebook. But I feel like I just need to give a shout-out to the GOP nominees for a second. First, some of Ron Paul's platforms aren't so bad. Like the one about wiping everyone's debt away. But, let's face it. In the long run, his policy ideas are going to keep him out of the White House. Santorum...well, honestly, I don't know a thing about him. I don't think many people did until the Iowa caucus. I've heard good things, but honestly haven't done any research on him. Gingrich? Kind of a scumbag. And then we have Mitt Romney. (Do you hear that heavenly choir of angels every time you say his name like I do?)
I'm voting Romney all the way. True story: I registered Democratic in high school, mostly because I enjoyed watching "The West Wing." I changed my party affiliation this past summer so I would be eligible to vote for Romney in the primary. And the general, God willing. Now I'm not going to get into every single reason why I am so pro-Romney (and no, it's not simply because we belong to the same church), but I wanted to share this post that I was about to compile and put on Facebook but didn't after I saw a friend of a friend had posted already, so I shared his. Enjoy:
"Regardless of who your current favorite candidate is, this is interesting.
"Sometimes, this facet of Romney’s personality isn’t so subtle. In July 1996, the 14-year-old daughter of Robert Gay, a partner at Bain Capital, had disappeared. She had attended a rave party in New York City and gotten high on ecstasy. Three days later, her distraught father had no idea where she was. Romney took immediate action. He closed down the entire firm and asked all 30 partners and employees to fly to New York to help find Gay’s daughter. Romney set up a command center at the LaGuardia Marriott and hired a private detective firm to assist with the search. He established a toll-free number for tips, coordinating the effort with the NYPD, and went through his Rolodex and called everyone Bain did business with in New York, and asked them to help find his friend’s missing daughter. Romney’s accountants at Price Waterhouse Cooper put up posters on street poles, while cashiers at a pharmacy owned by Bain put fliers in the bag of every shopper. Romney and the other Bain employees scoured every part of New York and talked with everyone they could – prostitutes, drug addicts – anyone.
"That day, their hunt made the evening news, which featured photos of the girl and the Bain employees searching for her. As a result, a teenage boy phoned in, asked if there was a reward, and then hung up abruptly. The NYPD traced the call to a home in New Jersey, where they found the girl in the basement, shivering and experiencing withdrawal symptoms from a massive ecstasy dose. Doctors later said the girl might not have survived another day. Romney’s former partner credits Mitt Romney with saving his daughter’s life, saying, 'It was the most amazing thing, and I’ll never forget this to the day I die.'
"So, here’s my epiphany: Mitt Romney simply can’t help himself. He sees a problem, and his mind immediately sets to work solving it, sometimes consciously, and sometimes not-so-consciously. He doesn’t do it for self-aggrandizement, or for personal gain. He does it because that’s just how he’s wired.
"Many people are unaware of the fact that when Romney was asked by his old employer, Bill Bain, to come back to Bain & Company as CEO to rescue the firm from bankruptcy, Romney left Bain Capital to work at Bain & Company for an annual salary of one dollar. When Romney went to the rescue of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, he accepted no salary for three years, and wouldn’t use an expense account. He also accepted no salary as Governor of Massachusetts.
Character counts!! (and yes...that's worth reading again!)"
Granted, this is ONE story that happened in the mid-90's. I'm not trying to win him votes based on a single act of heroism. I'm just trying to point out the type of man he is in general. I'm sure if I had the time and could ask every individual or organization he has helped over the years, there would be ENDLESS touching and powerful stories. I'm simply taking one instance to point out the type of man Mitt Romney is. He doesn't viciously slander his opponents. He is selfless. He is an honest, God-fearing man. And he is a man who loves his country and views every person in it as his brother or sister.
So say what you want about the obscene amount of money he makes. (And doesn't pay a majority of taxes on.) Think what you will about his religious affiliation. Whatever your opinion may be on his politics, you have to give the man credit for his outstanding and Christ-like character. That is the kind of man I want leading my country. He is a great man and can make us a great country again.
(Verified on Snoopes.com; . Here's the link: Romney Search
On Romney's character....
By: Kristi Smith Johnson)
Oh, and if you have ten minutes and want to see even more reasons why I am pro-Romney, check out this video. This was produced in 2007 when he made his first presidential bid. I think we need him even more now.
I'm voting Romney all the way. True story: I registered Democratic in high school, mostly because I enjoyed watching "The West Wing." I changed my party affiliation this past summer so I would be eligible to vote for Romney in the primary. And the general, God willing. Now I'm not going to get into every single reason why I am so pro-Romney (and no, it's not simply because we belong to the same church), but I wanted to share this post that I was about to compile and put on Facebook but didn't after I saw a friend of a friend had posted already, so I shared his. Enjoy:
"Regardless of who your current favorite candidate is, this is interesting.
"Sometimes, this facet of Romney’s personality isn’t so subtle. In July 1996, the 14-year-old daughter of Robert Gay, a partner at Bain Capital, had disappeared. She had attended a rave party in New York City and gotten high on ecstasy. Three days later, her distraught father had no idea where she was. Romney took immediate action. He closed down the entire firm and asked all 30 partners and employees to fly to New York to help find Gay’s daughter. Romney set up a command center at the LaGuardia Marriott and hired a private detective firm to assist with the search. He established a toll-free number for tips, coordinating the effort with the NYPD, and went through his Rolodex and called everyone Bain did business with in New York, and asked them to help find his friend’s missing daughter. Romney’s accountants at Price Waterhouse Cooper put up posters on street poles, while cashiers at a pharmacy owned by Bain put fliers in the bag of every shopper. Romney and the other Bain employees scoured every part of New York and talked with everyone they could – prostitutes, drug addicts – anyone.
"That day, their hunt made the evening news, which featured photos of the girl and the Bain employees searching for her. As a result, a teenage boy phoned in, asked if there was a reward, and then hung up abruptly. The NYPD traced the call to a home in New Jersey, where they found the girl in the basement, shivering and experiencing withdrawal symptoms from a massive ecstasy dose. Doctors later said the girl might not have survived another day. Romney’s former partner credits Mitt Romney with saving his daughter’s life, saying, 'It was the most amazing thing, and I’ll never forget this to the day I die.'
"So, here’s my epiphany: Mitt Romney simply can’t help himself. He sees a problem, and his mind immediately sets to work solving it, sometimes consciously, and sometimes not-so-consciously. He doesn’t do it for self-aggrandizement, or for personal gain. He does it because that’s just how he’s wired.
"Many people are unaware of the fact that when Romney was asked by his old employer, Bill Bain, to come back to Bain & Company as CEO to rescue the firm from bankruptcy, Romney left Bain Capital to work at Bain & Company for an annual salary of one dollar. When Romney went to the rescue of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, he accepted no salary for three years, and wouldn’t use an expense account. He also accepted no salary as Governor of Massachusetts.
Character counts!! (and yes...that's worth reading again!)"
Granted, this is ONE story that happened in the mid-90's. I'm not trying to win him votes based on a single act of heroism. I'm just trying to point out the type of man he is in general. I'm sure if I had the time and could ask every individual or organization he has helped over the years, there would be ENDLESS touching and powerful stories. I'm simply taking one instance to point out the type of man Mitt Romney is. He doesn't viciously slander his opponents. He is selfless. He is an honest, God-fearing man. And he is a man who loves his country and views every person in it as his brother or sister.
So say what you want about the obscene amount of money he makes. (And doesn't pay a majority of taxes on.) Think what you will about his religious affiliation. Whatever your opinion may be on his politics, you have to give the man credit for his outstanding and Christ-like character. That is the kind of man I want leading my country. He is a great man and can make us a great country again.
(Verified on Snoopes.com
On Romney's character....
By: Kristi Smith Johnson)
Oh, and if you have ten minutes and want to see even more reasons why I am pro-Romney, check out this video. This was produced in 2007 when he made his first presidential bid. I think we need him even more now.
Monday, January 23, 2012
I Don't Know About This, Guys...
I've had something on my mind for a while lately that I'm hesitant to post to Facebook, simply because of the misunderstandings that can occur and the gazillion unnecessary "OMG Congrats!" and "likes" it would receive. So I turn to the trusty (and sometimes neglected) blog for my insane ramblings. So here goes.
We have been talking about when it would be most convenient to have another baby. (Gasp! Shock! Awe! Wonder!) Turns out we have been blessed as a pretty fertile couple and the moment we even say the word "pregnant," we are. Which is super cool in my book.
So yeah. It has been coming up in recent conversation. About two months ago, I said we were THINKING about talking about having another baby. And I think we have stepped forward and are now TALKING about an addition. But no rush. A lot of things need to happen first. Like health insurance. And extending our lease vs buying vs finding another house come September (even though I may have to be dragged out of here kicking and screaming because I NEVER want to leave). And having a fully potty-trained Kaylee. So yeah. Things need to happen first before anything serious takes place. But that's not what has me all shaken up.
What has me all shaken up is one word: Multiples.
Could you even IMAGINE twins? I didn't really ever think about it much. That is until every other person I know is popping them out. Seriously. It's like an epidemic. A cute, sweet, wonderful epidemic. But still. And I'm not exaggerating. First names of everyone I know who has had or will be having twins recently: Jennie, Beth, Sarah, Robin, Beth, and Amber. And those are just the ones that I know of.
That's twelve babies. Between 6 girls. That's a soccer team and mascot birthed by a basketball team and mascot. And that's just BONKERS.
Now to all of those new and to-be moms of twinners, you are AMAZING women! But quite frankly, you scare me! And so do your babies!
So to summarize: I've had babies on the brain lately. Or, I guess in the back of my mind. And when every third person I know Is having twins, it scares me a bit. And I hope that if I put this fear out into the universe, I will be pleasantly surprised to find out I will be having only one baby in the next one to two years.
Thanks for reading the rantings of a crazy person. Please enjoy these complimentary and totally random pictures from my iPhone.
We have been talking about when it would be most convenient to have another baby. (Gasp! Shock! Awe! Wonder!) Turns out we have been blessed as a pretty fertile couple and the moment we even say the word "pregnant," we are. Which is super cool in my book.
So yeah. It has been coming up in recent conversation. About two months ago, I said we were THINKING about talking about having another baby. And I think we have stepped forward and are now TALKING about an addition. But no rush. A lot of things need to happen first. Like health insurance. And extending our lease vs buying vs finding another house come September (even though I may have to be dragged out of here kicking and screaming because I NEVER want to leave). And having a fully potty-trained Kaylee. So yeah. Things need to happen first before anything serious takes place. But that's not what has me all shaken up.
What has me all shaken up is one word: Multiples.
Could you even IMAGINE twins? I didn't really ever think about it much. That is until every other person I know is popping them out. Seriously. It's like an epidemic. A cute, sweet, wonderful epidemic. But still. And I'm not exaggerating. First names of everyone I know who has had or will be having twins recently: Jennie, Beth, Sarah, Robin, Beth, and Amber. And those are just the ones that I know of.
That's twelve babies. Between 6 girls. That's a soccer team and mascot birthed by a basketball team and mascot. And that's just BONKERS.
Now to all of those new and to-be moms of twinners, you are AMAZING women! But quite frankly, you scare me! And so do your babies!
So to summarize: I've had babies on the brain lately. Or, I guess in the back of my mind. And when every third person I know Is having twins, it scares me a bit. And I hope that if I put this fear out into the universe, I will be pleasantly surprised to find out I will be having only one baby in the next one to two years.
Thanks for reading the rantings of a crazy person. Please enjoy these complimentary and totally random pictures from my iPhone.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Snow!!!
Winter finally decided to join us here in Upstate New York. Sad for me, but all sorts of exciting for the little'uns.
I have a video, but I don't think I can upload it from my phone. So you get pictures instead. The kids wanted to go outside, so once they suited up, they ran right out. Well, the waddled best they could in their new snow suits they got for Christmas.
So Logan almost immediately plopped down and started making a snow angel and Kaylee just laughed and squealed. Then "snow ball" making ensued, followed by a good ten minutes of exploring.
The whole trek outside probably took 18 minutes (about the time it took to get them bundled up in the first place) which is about what I expected. By the time they came in, their hot coco was the perfect temperature and they got to tell me all about playing in the snow.
And I had to pretend I wasn't watching them from the back door the entire time, grinning from ear to ear :)
I have a video, but I don't think I can upload it from my phone. So you get pictures instead. The kids wanted to go outside, so once they suited up, they ran right out. Well, the waddled best they could in their new snow suits they got for Christmas.
So Logan almost immediately plopped down and started making a snow angel and Kaylee just laughed and squealed. Then "snow ball" making ensued, followed by a good ten minutes of exploring.
The whole trek outside probably took 18 minutes (about the time it took to get them bundled up in the first place) which is about what I expected. By the time they came in, their hot coco was the perfect temperature and they got to tell me all about playing in the snow.
And I had to pretend I wasn't watching them from the back door the entire time, grinning from ear to ear :)
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas...
If you've been a faithful reader of this blog for a while now, you've probably picked up on the fact that I really don't like Christmas. And by "don't like," I mean "despise." Having small children who get excited about it is making my disdain for this stupid holiday not quite so vicious, but I'd still rather the holiday progression go from Thanksgiving to my birthday and not deal with this whole Christmas business at all.
But that being said, I'm never one to turn down a holiday get-together with good friends, food, and a craft. So tonight the kids and I headed to Sonya and Craig's for pizza and gingerbread house/cookie making. Logan and Kaylee had a great time with their buddy Onora...when they weren't falling off of chairs or being attacked by Sonya's new kitten :)
Nikki and Todd were there with some of their brood, too, so the older kids spent about two hours on their gingerbread houses. They looked great and gave me some inspiration for the construction that will be taking place next Friday when Savannah is home :D
The highlight of the night was probably when the kids all started opening their gingerbread kits. I was in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner and Craig came in with the bags of frosting mix. He got out the mixer and started making the frosting and said, "what do you want to bet that Sonya will walk in here in about a minute saying, 'I didn't know we had to MAKE the frosting!'" Sure enough, about ten seconds after he said that, the girl comes in the kitchen and says, "Craig, the kids are saying we are supposed to make the frosting! I thought it was just in there all made!" Craig and I just looked at each other and cracked up. Those two are so good for each other.
Thanks for forcing me into the holiday spirit friends.
And here are some pictures...
But that being said, I'm never one to turn down a holiday get-together with good friends, food, and a craft. So tonight the kids and I headed to Sonya and Craig's for pizza and gingerbread house/cookie making. Logan and Kaylee had a great time with their buddy Onora...when they weren't falling off of chairs or being attacked by Sonya's new kitten :)
Nikki and Todd were there with some of their brood, too, so the older kids spent about two hours on their gingerbread houses. They looked great and gave me some inspiration for the construction that will be taking place next Friday when Savannah is home :D
The highlight of the night was probably when the kids all started opening their gingerbread kits. I was in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner and Craig came in with the bags of frosting mix. He got out the mixer and started making the frosting and said, "what do you want to bet that Sonya will walk in here in about a minute saying, 'I didn't know we had to MAKE the frosting!'" Sure enough, about ten seconds after he said that, the girl comes in the kitchen and says, "Craig, the kids are saying we are supposed to make the frosting! I thought it was just in there all made!" Craig and I just looked at each other and cracked up. Those two are so good for each other.
Thanks for forcing me into the holiday spirit friends.
And here are some pictures...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
First Haircut...
The other day, I realized Logan's hair was getting SUPER shaggy and that it was time for a cut. Now, occasionally I will take him somewhere and have it done, but most of the time, I just bust out the clippers and give him a 3 on the sides and a 4 on top. So that's what I did. However, every time I end up doing Logan's hair at home, Kaylee starts digging around for scissors and says, "cut my hair, too!"
Of course I'm usually all, "but you're my baby and I don't want to cut your long, beautiful hair!" but this time I said fine.
It was just a trim...maybe like 2 inches by the time I was done. But it turned out nice and even (trust me it is. She kept cocking her head when she smiled so it looks longer on one side in the picture.) and Miss K was so thrilled that when Daddy came home, she ran up to him and said, "look a my hair! I so boofal!"
Of course I'm usually all, "but you're my baby and I don't want to cut your long, beautiful hair!" but this time I said fine.
It was just a trim...maybe like 2 inches by the time I was done. But it turned out nice and even (trust me it is. She kept cocking her head when she smiled so it looks longer on one side in the picture.) and Miss K was so thrilled that when Daddy came home, she ran up to him and said, "look a my hair! I so boofal!"
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Finally An iPhone Blogger App!!!
My prayers have been answered. Back when I got the ole' trusty iPhone, I was bothered that there wasn't an official app for blogger. My SiL figured out a way to do it via mobil blogging, but you couldn't do it with multiple pictures or even a title. But now...look at me go!!! (However, I can't turn my phone sideways for the extended keyboard which is a bit annoying.)
So anyways, we got out tree up. Our REAL tree! The first time in our marriage that we have had a real tree. It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas in here, that's for sure.
So the night we got the tree was also Bloomfield's annual tree lighting ceremony. It's a big thing with hay rides and hot chocolate and Santa. Let's see how the picture uploading goes...
Recognize Santa? Yeah, Logan did too. So when we had him standing in line, we were encouraging him to tell "Santa" all the things he wanted. Then Logan looks up and exclaimed, "that's not Santa, that's my Grandpa!"
All in all, it was a fun night. Assuming Logan didn't mess up too many kids and their belief in Santa. Oh and if you ignore the fight we had about where to park for the tree lighting. Or if you overlook the incident with the tree flying off the roof of the van.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."
So anyways, we got out tree up. Our REAL tree! The first time in our marriage that we have had a real tree. It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas in here, that's for sure.
So the night we got the tree was also Bloomfield's annual tree lighting ceremony. It's a big thing with hay rides and hot chocolate and Santa. Let's see how the picture uploading goes...
Recognize Santa? Yeah, Logan did too. So when we had him standing in line, we were encouraging him to tell "Santa" all the things he wanted. Then Logan looks up and exclaimed, "that's not Santa, that's my Grandpa!"
All in all, it was a fun night. Assuming Logan didn't mess up too many kids and their belief in Santa. Oh and if you ignore the fight we had about where to park for the tree lighting. Or if you overlook the incident with the tree flying off the roof of the van.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christine Makes Some Valid Points...
I sent out round one of Christmas cards yesterday and on the back, there is a link to this blog. And my good buddy Christine made a nice little jab when I said that...something along the lines of "You never update it, so why would you include a link to it?" Touche, Udders. Touche. So...random, unrelated happenings...
We've been in the new house for almost three months AND LOVE IT!!!! I even hosted Thanksgiving here for 15 members of the Thomas family. And the dinner was SUPERB if I do say so myself. My timing was flawless, the gravy was 100% lump-free, the turkey was nice and moist (I guess it could have been a bit browner, but whatever...), and there were plenty of left-overs for everyone. Oh, and I tried a new stuffing recipe and it was pretty freaking yummy.
***
I've been working at the Canandaigua YMCA for almost 3 months now, too. And that is GREAT. I get a free membership for me and a steeply discounted family membership for Zac and the kids. I'm only scheduled to work like 2 hours a day, 3 days a week, but there are always people in the daycare looking for time off. I can usually triple my hours each week if I just go in and grab "time off requests." My specific job requires me to teach a "First Time Fun" class for 18 month to 3-year-olds and their parents. It's fun, but sometimes it's challenging. I need to come up with a craft each week and it's difficult to find something that 18 month old's AND 3-year-old's can do. I usually pull it off a the last second, but I have been known to just put out play-dough and cookie cutters once or twice. It's also really great that I get to take my kids with me. Kay is in the class I teach, but I send Logan to the daycare...which he actually looks forward to because Grandma Jaylene works down there while I am up teaching my class. It works out perfectly!
***
Speaking of Christine, we got to hang out for her birthday. There was some scheduling involved, and some babysitting concerns, but she ended up driving out here from Buffalo. We started the day with a trip to The Sandbox with the kids over in Fairport (which was pretty fun!), came back to the house (did I mention that I LOVE this house?!?!?!) for a bit, then left L and K with Zac and took Christine's daughter, Grace, to her mom's so we could enjoy a big ole' fatty steak dinner by ourselves. Then we topped the evening off with a Wegman's Pizza Cookie and devoured it back at Christine's mom's. It was a great day. And I can't wait to do it again next month for my birthday ;-)
***
What else? Oh. My Christmas shopping is pretty much done. I got probably 60% of it Black Friday shopping, 35% on Amazon (with Amazon Prime's free shipping, mind you), and the other 5% I'm in the middle of making. I guess I can spill the beans on at least one present...I got my parents a laptop. Their computer bit the dust about a month ago. Their ancient computer. That was running Windows ME or something...
Anyways, I was trying to figure out how we could help them pay for a new desktop. But even refurbished ones were a little out of our current price range, as we have rent to pay (on the house that I LOVE). And then I saw it. A Compaq Presario Laptop at Walmart for $198. I asked my dad what he thought of a laptop and he said he could learn how to use it, so I put it at the top of my list. (Well, second on my list. First and foremost I wanted a Shark Steamer that was on sale for $39.)
So I set off to Walmart at 9:25 Thursday night. The steamer was going on sale at 10 and the laptops were to be released at 12:01. I mapped out the store online and noticed that the steamers were on the way to the laptops so that's where I headed. And luck was on my side because I got a steamer AND got the 6th to last ticket for a laptop. Of course, I had to wait around for just over 2 hours to get it, but I was inside, warm, sitting down, and watching Netflix on my iPhone. I've had worse Black Friday experiences.
After the laptops were handed out, I made my way through the rest of the relatively quiet store. It was BONKERS at 10 when I first got there, but at midnight, it wasn't much different than any other midnight Walmart shopping trip. I still managed to get most everything else I intended to (with the exception of socks and undies for the kids) and kept it under $200. Well, excluding the laptop.
***
Kaylee has decided to try using the potty with or without my blessing. I've fought it for the last 3 weeks or so because I'M not ready to go through that hell again. But today she insisted. She has been in her Dora underwear for 9 hours and not had a single accident. She pees probably every half hour and pooed twice. I'm not going to lie...I'm impressed. But I'm not holding my breath that this is the end of my diaper-buying days.
***
Now that the Christmas cards are on their way, I guess I can post these:
As always, my beautiful and talented sister-in-law, Liz, took them. In our back yard. Of the house that I LOVE.
***
And from now on, I will make shorter, more frequent blog posts. Like in the olden days.
We've been in the new house for almost three months AND LOVE IT!!!! I even hosted Thanksgiving here for 15 members of the Thomas family. And the dinner was SUPERB if I do say so myself. My timing was flawless, the gravy was 100% lump-free, the turkey was nice and moist (I guess it could have been a bit browner, but whatever...), and there were plenty of left-overs for everyone. Oh, and I tried a new stuffing recipe and it was pretty freaking yummy.
***
I've been working at the Canandaigua YMCA for almost 3 months now, too. And that is GREAT. I get a free membership for me and a steeply discounted family membership for Zac and the kids. I'm only scheduled to work like 2 hours a day, 3 days a week, but there are always people in the daycare looking for time off. I can usually triple my hours each week if I just go in and grab "time off requests." My specific job requires me to teach a "First Time Fun" class for 18 month to 3-year-olds and their parents. It's fun, but sometimes it's challenging. I need to come up with a craft each week and it's difficult to find something that 18 month old's AND 3-year-old's can do. I usually pull it off a the last second, but I have been known to just put out play-dough and cookie cutters once or twice. It's also really great that I get to take my kids with me. Kay is in the class I teach, but I send Logan to the daycare...which he actually looks forward to because Grandma Jaylene works down there while I am up teaching my class. It works out perfectly!
***
Speaking of Christine, we got to hang out for her birthday. There was some scheduling involved, and some babysitting concerns, but she ended up driving out here from Buffalo. We started the day with a trip to The Sandbox with the kids over in Fairport (which was pretty fun!), came back to the house (did I mention that I LOVE this house?!?!?!) for a bit, then left L and K with Zac and took Christine's daughter, Grace, to her mom's so we could enjoy a big ole' fatty steak dinner by ourselves. Then we topped the evening off with a Wegman's Pizza Cookie and devoured it back at Christine's mom's. It was a great day. And I can't wait to do it again next month for my birthday ;-)
***
What else? Oh. My Christmas shopping is pretty much done. I got probably 60% of it Black Friday shopping, 35% on Amazon (with Amazon Prime's free shipping, mind you), and the other 5% I'm in the middle of making. I guess I can spill the beans on at least one present...I got my parents a laptop. Their computer bit the dust about a month ago. Their ancient computer. That was running Windows ME or something...
Anyways, I was trying to figure out how we could help them pay for a new desktop. But even refurbished ones were a little out of our current price range, as we have rent to pay (on the house that I LOVE). And then I saw it. A Compaq Presario Laptop at Walmart for $198. I asked my dad what he thought of a laptop and he said he could learn how to use it, so I put it at the top of my list. (Well, second on my list. First and foremost I wanted a Shark Steamer that was on sale for $39.)
So I set off to Walmart at 9:25 Thursday night. The steamer was going on sale at 10 and the laptops were to be released at 12:01. I mapped out the store online and noticed that the steamers were on the way to the laptops so that's where I headed. And luck was on my side because I got a steamer AND got the 6th to last ticket for a laptop. Of course, I had to wait around for just over 2 hours to get it, but I was inside, warm, sitting down, and watching Netflix on my iPhone. I've had worse Black Friday experiences.
After the laptops were handed out, I made my way through the rest of the relatively quiet store. It was BONKERS at 10 when I first got there, but at midnight, it wasn't much different than any other midnight Walmart shopping trip. I still managed to get most everything else I intended to (with the exception of socks and undies for the kids) and kept it under $200. Well, excluding the laptop.
***
Kaylee has decided to try using the potty with or without my blessing. I've fought it for the last 3 weeks or so because I'M not ready to go through that hell again. But today she insisted. She has been in her Dora underwear for 9 hours and not had a single accident. She pees probably every half hour and pooed twice. I'm not going to lie...I'm impressed. But I'm not holding my breath that this is the end of my diaper-buying days.
***
Now that the Christmas cards are on their way, I guess I can post these:
As always, my beautiful and talented sister-in-law, Liz, took them. In our back yard. Of the house that I LOVE.
***
And from now on, I will make shorter, more frequent blog posts. Like in the olden days.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday Musings (New House Edition)....
You know that super-annoying Jordin Sparks song, "One Step at a Time"? I've changed the lyrics. It is now known as "One Box at a Time." Because it's all I can do to keep my sanity. But the good news is, WE ARE IN OUR OWN HOUSE!!!! It's wonderful. Beautiful. Marvelous. But covered in boxes.
***
The kids, though they have the option to have separate rooms right across the hall from each other, have chosen to remain roomies. So I've decided to make one room the sleeping room and the other the all-out playroom. Now I just need to get some huge toys to fill it with.
***
I have my own writing nook with a built-in desk in our bedroom. I can't wait to finish my current draft of the WIP. But wait...where is my laptop? One box at a time...
***
I have yet to make it to the grocery store so we have been living off of pancakes, ramen, and bananas for the last two days. With the exception of dinner that my wonderful sister-in-law and brother-in-law made for us last night. I should really be at the store instead of blogging right now.
***
Ok, this story isn't new-house related, but HILARIOUS none the less. I teach a class of 5-year-olds at church and yesterday, we were talking about eternal families. I had set up a bunch of temple pictures around the room and I was naming all of the temples. One was the Idaho Falls temple and a little girl in my class exclaims, "I was born in Idaho!" So another girl goes, "I was born in Virginia!" And this went around the room, everyone telling where they were born, until this raspy little voice (Taryn Bjorling, for those of you that know her) says, in the most depressed, Eeyore-like tone, "I was born in a parking lot."
Ohmygoodness I could NOT stop laughing. I almost peed my pants. Er, skirt. Because she actually WAS born in the parking lot of the hospital. That's funny in itself (in retrospect), but just the way she said it, it was the funniest thing I had heard all year, I swear.
Alright. I need to go grocery shopping for actual food now. I'll post pictures of the house at some point.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
OMGoodness...
Guys. I CAN NOT believe this.
I was in a weight loss competition with my husband's family a few months back. And I lost 15.3 lbs over the course of 3 months. Not bad, eh?
Well guess what.
Not only have I gained all 15.3 lbs of that weight back,
but,
I have put on an additional 12.
TWELVE!!!!
I am disgusted with myself. What is my problem????
Yes I have been super stressed. And I eat when I'm upset. And my life hasn't been all Sunshine and roses lately, but COME ON.
Work-out regimen, here I come. Ugh.
I was in a weight loss competition with my husband's family a few months back. And I lost 15.3 lbs over the course of 3 months. Not bad, eh?
Well guess what.
Not only have I gained all 15.3 lbs of that weight back,
but,
I have put on an additional 12.
TWELVE!!!!
I am disgusted with myself. What is my problem????
Yes I have been super stressed. And I eat when I'm upset. And my life hasn't been all Sunshine and roses lately, but COME ON.
Work-out regimen, here I come. Ugh.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August, eh?
So it turns out it's August and I haven't blogged in quite some time. In fact, August is nearly over. It's the 25th! So, like I did that one time, here are 25 things that have happened since I last blogged. (In no particular order.)
Twinners do Prom. And the kids are thrown in for good measure.
Typical morning...Kaylee has stripped down out of her jammies and has a pre-breakfast sucker thanks to Grandpa Joel, and Logan has already finished his while remaining clothed.
1. We moved back to NY.
2. Zac has been working for Steele's Deals Auto Sales. And making decent money. Yay!
3. We are living with my in-laws, but we are house-hunting.
4. Logan turned 4.
5. Kaylee turned 2.
6. Zac turned 26.
7. Logan was wait-listed for Pre-K at Bloomfield and is 4th on the list. So he may or may not get in.
8. Logan played summer soccer on a team.
9. I planned (and brilliantly executed) a two-day birthday extravaganza for my mother-in-law's 50th birthday.
10. I was called as a Primary teacher in my church. I teach the 5-year-olds.
11. Aunt Savannah came to visit from Utah for almost 2 weeks and she went through the temple for the first time while she was home. I was SO happy I got to be here for that!!!!
12. We almost bought a new van, but decided we would rather use the money for our own living space.
13. We went camping with Liz and Jesse.
14. My cousin Melanie came to visit from South Carolina with her baby.
15. My other cousin, Cathy, had a baby shower where I dominated most of the games (as usual).
16. My friend Nikki's baby Sebastian was baptized so Zac and I got to check out a Catholic baptism.
17. Project Runway started another season. I'm so glad we have cable again.
18. The twins moved out of the house and went to BYU, so now my kids have their own room next to mine and Zac's room.
19. Liz and I went all HGTV Design Star on said bedroom. I promise to upload before and after pics.
20. I started going to Zumba with one of my nearest and dearest friends, Sonya. And by started I mean I went with her once. And we may or may not have picked up Wegman's Chinese take-out on our way back to her house after Zumba.
21. I set a firm goal to finish my complete draft of my WIP (which means I'm not allowed to revise till the draft is complete. Which also means I've really only sat down once to work on it.).
22. Zac and I are trying to plan a night or two in Skaneateles sans kids.
23. We've attended more family dinners and get-togethers than I can count. On both sides of the family.
24. I've read nearly every book in the YA section of the Bloomfield Public Library. Now I have to start anticipating when I will finish books so I can order new ones from inter-library loan. Boo.
25. Last Tuesday I hosted a Twilight Party, in anticipation of Breaking Dawn part I coming out in November. I'm doing a monthly party leading up to the release so my friends and I can re-watch all of the other movies and get psyched for the first part of the last one. With all of the food and decorating, it was probably one of the best parties I've hosted in a while...and when people didn't leave until 2 a.m., it really made me feel like I can throw a party :)
So there you have it. I may or may not elaborate on some of those topics mentioned later, but we shall see. And because you guys always want pictures, here are some random ones that happen to be on the computer (because any that are on my iPhone are also on Facebook and you should have seen them already).
Twinners do Prom. And the kids are thrown in for good measure.
Typical morning...Kaylee has stripped down out of her jammies and has a pre-breakfast sucker thanks to Grandpa Joel, and Logan has already finished his while remaining clothed.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Kaylee Faye...
I don't blog anymore. I know. I'm lame.
I'll come up with a nice, lengthy post at some point. But in the meantime, do me a favor and go vote for Kaylee. It's a cover contest for Parents magazine. Here's the link.
Kaylee Faye
I think you can vote daily. And it's easy...you don't need to put in an email or anything. Just hit the "Vote For Me" button and you're set. Voting ends the 3rd.
Thanks :-)
I'll come up with a nice, lengthy post at some point. But in the meantime, do me a favor and go vote for Kaylee. It's a cover contest for Parents magazine. Here's the link.
Kaylee Faye
I think you can vote daily. And it's easy...you don't need to put in an email or anything. Just hit the "Vote For Me" button and you're set. Voting ends the 3rd.
Thanks :-)
Friday, May 6, 2011
I Don't Want To Talk About It...
The last few weeks, whenever moving or traveling came up between myself and another person, that was my response. "I don't want to talk about it."
Why wouldn't I want to talk about it? Moving is fun and full of new experiences! I get to move closer to family! We get to be New Yorkers again! Cradle of the Restoration! White Hots! Garbage Plates! WWWWEEEEGGGGMMMAAANNNSSSSSS!!!!!
Whatever. I don't want to talk about it.
But I guess I'll blog about it. You see, the last year and a half has been somewhat of a Suckfest. And I had this insane little notion that moving to Seattle and finally starting our post-grad lives would be refreshing. When Zac first brought it up as a possibility, I couldn't wait to bust out of Provo and give it a go in Seattle. It was exciting and new and Twilight and trendy and Grey's Anatomy and just plain beautiful. And the job market for Zac's field? Firgettabaddit!
So we get these wonderful people to help us out with a place to live while we look for jobs as apartment managers and freelance stuff for Zac. And then nothing.
And more nothing.
And then a possible temp job with Google! Which turns out to be nothing.
Then FINALLY a contract job for Zac with Adventure Works Studios! But it's a start-up company and until they make money, they can only afford to pay Zac, you guessed it, nothing.
So while I don't want to talk about it, we decided perhaps the best course for us would be to move our little family back to New York. Back to family. Affordable housing. And definite jobs.
It makes sense. And our families couldn't be happier, apparently.
So why do I feel so miserable? Like we failed at grasping our Seattle dream and making it happen? Like we wasted six months and a few thousand dollars? With nothing to show other than our apparent failure and our retreat back home? Because that's exactly what it feels like. Life keeps beating the hell out of us, so we're frantically waving our little white "Surrender" flag as we run away and retreat homeward.
Yes, it could be worse. "Every time you're hurt, there's one who has it worse around." I know that all too well. I have several people in the back of my mind that I don't know if I would, or if I could, trade places with. People that have experienced unimaginable things over the last year. Which is another reason that I don't want to talk about it.
So, there it is. We're moving back to New York. Like next week. I'm trying to make the best out of it...Logan is enrolled in summer soccer and wait-listed for Pre-K at my old elementary school. I applied for a job as a director of a non-profit organization. My sister-in-law offered to let me clean the office once a week for a little extra money (Erin, we need to chat!). Zac is working employment out with his dad. Oh, and there are like a bazillion people back there that can't get enough of my kids.
But I don't want to talk about it.
Not just yet, anyways.
Why wouldn't I want to talk about it? Moving is fun and full of new experiences! I get to move closer to family! We get to be New Yorkers again! Cradle of the Restoration! White Hots! Garbage Plates! WWWWEEEEGGGGMMMAAANNNSSSSSS!!!!!
Whatever. I don't want to talk about it.
But I guess I'll blog about it. You see, the last year and a half has been somewhat of a Suckfest. And I had this insane little notion that moving to Seattle and finally starting our post-grad lives would be refreshing. When Zac first brought it up as a possibility, I couldn't wait to bust out of Provo and give it a go in Seattle. It was exciting and new and Twilight and trendy and Grey's Anatomy and just plain beautiful. And the job market for Zac's field? Firgettabaddit!
So we get these wonderful people to help us out with a place to live while we look for jobs as apartment managers and freelance stuff for Zac. And then nothing.
And more nothing.
And then a possible temp job with Google! Which turns out to be nothing.
Then FINALLY a contract job for Zac with Adventure Works Studios! But it's a start-up company and until they make money, they can only afford to pay Zac, you guessed it, nothing.
So while I don't want to talk about it, we decided perhaps the best course for us would be to move our little family back to New York. Back to family. Affordable housing. And definite jobs.
It makes sense. And our families couldn't be happier, apparently.
So why do I feel so miserable? Like we failed at grasping our Seattle dream and making it happen? Like we wasted six months and a few thousand dollars? With nothing to show other than our apparent failure and our retreat back home? Because that's exactly what it feels like. Life keeps beating the hell out of us, so we're frantically waving our little white "Surrender" flag as we run away and retreat homeward.
Yes, it could be worse. "Every time you're hurt, there's one who has it worse around." I know that all too well. I have several people in the back of my mind that I don't know if I would, or if I could, trade places with. People that have experienced unimaginable things over the last year. Which is another reason that I don't want to talk about it.
So, there it is. We're moving back to New York. Like next week. I'm trying to make the best out of it...Logan is enrolled in summer soccer and wait-listed for Pre-K at my old elementary school. I applied for a job as a director of a non-profit organization. My sister-in-law offered to let me clean the office once a week for a little extra money (Erin, we need to chat!). Zac is working employment out with his dad. Oh, and there are like a bazillion people back there that can't get enough of my kids.
But I don't want to talk about it.
Not just yet, anyways.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Eeshk...
Where did the month go? I thought I was doing so well with all of those posts back in March. Oops.
Well...I guess Savannah is right and I need to learn how to blog from my iPhone. Maybe I should have had her teach me while she was here visiting. Nah. We were having too much fun playing and reading books and staying up late and road tripping to Oregon to do something like that.
Speaking of road tripping, Zac and I are thinking it's time to throw in the towel on our Seattle endeavor. Which will mean the road trip from hades. Two toddlers. 11 states. 46 hours of drive time. Sigh.
Well...I guess Savannah is right and I need to learn how to blog from my iPhone. Maybe I should have had her teach me while she was here visiting. Nah. We were having too much fun playing and reading books and staying up late and road tripping to Oregon to do something like that.
Speaking of road tripping, Zac and I are thinking it's time to throw in the towel on our Seattle endeavor. Which will mean the road trip from hades. Two toddlers. 11 states. 46 hours of drive time. Sigh.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Housekeeping...
No, not that kind. Though I did vacuum, dust, wash windows, and cleaned the tub (including the shower drain) the last few days. Instead, I have a bunch of random updates about the kids and life in general that I thought I'd throw out there for anyone who is interested in our lives.
I guess it's time to change the blog decor again since St. Patty's day is all over. Maybe I will do that after I post. We shall see how well the kids are behaving.
Speaking of the children's behavior, Logan has officially crossed a few serious lines the last two days. First, he shot Kaylee in the face with a Nerf Dart yesterday. Then he lied about it. Ugh. Isn't it too soon to have to deal with LYING??? And then, to top it all off, he shot her in the face again today. After the first incident, the gun was put away for the rest of the night. After this second incident, all of the Nerf guns in the house have been rounded up and will be stored away for an undetermined amount of time.
But when he isn't lying and shooting his sister in the face, Logan is still my sweet boy. He always wants to help me in the kitchen when I'm cooking, so I always try to have something for him to do. He is also getting pretty good at writing his name. He knows how to spell it, but it still asks for help with the G and the N. He has also started to get more creative when it comes to drawing...most recently he loves to draw spaceships, trains, and rail road tracks. Oh, and he is becoming a fast pro at quite a few xBox games. Mostly Sonic the Hedgehog and Castle Crashers, but it's pretty impressive. It's his quiet time activity while Kaylee naps and Mommy reads.
Kaylee has expanded her vocabulary quite a bit. She will pretty much repeat any word you ask her to. Just last night, she and Logan were in the tub and he said, "Kaylee, say 'I' (I) 'love' (lah) 'Mommy!' (Mommy!)" And then he had her say she loved Daddy and Logan (Schweebee), candy (Nandy), Baby Einstein (Bay Ein), and everything else he could think of. She also LOVES to draw. Whenever she sees a relatively blank sheet of paper or a crayon, she brings them to me and says "Draw Mom!" and after she draws something, she exclaims "I did it!" Actually, she will shriek "I did it!" after everything she considers an accomplishment. It's very sweet. Not so sweet, though, is the fact that she has been waking up at like 6:20 every morning. I don't know how to fix that and I'm not really tolerating it well. Sigh.
Zac got a job! ...sort of. Well, it is a job. And it is EXACTLY what he wants to be doing (character and environment design for a video game). However, it is a game being created and produced by two guys pretty much out of their garage. Both of the guys have a ton of experience and know what they're doing, right down to the marketing. However, they and Zac will get paid using a profit sharing model, which means they won't make money until the game makes money. Which is projected to be a little less than a year from now. So yeah...Zac is excited for this project, but also still looking for paying work :-)
I'm still here. Still writing. Still enjoying the spring in Seattle. Still longing for home just the tiniest bit. One of the girls in my critique group (the one that started it, actually) moved to Seattle from Virginia last September and she and her husband just decided to call it quits and move back to Virginia. Looks like we aren't the only ones toying with the idea! Also in writing news, my Freshman roommate from BYU, Jess, has a writing blog (like mine...remember? This one.) and she does a fun segment once a week called "Before they were Published" and asked to interview me for next week. It was fun. So on Monday, you can read all about me and my writing here. She also mentioned putting up a hilarious-black mail type picture from Freshman year, so I'd go check it out just to see what picture she comes up with!
Well, I guess that's all for now. And as a reward for reading that lengthy post, here is a picture. We went to this park/farm on Wednesday and this was right before Logan was scared to death by a giant turkey that was just wandering around. It's from my cell phone, as I still haven't tracked down my camera charger. Where IS that?
I guess it's time to change the blog decor again since St. Patty's day is all over. Maybe I will do that after I post. We shall see how well the kids are behaving.
Speaking of the children's behavior, Logan has officially crossed a few serious lines the last two days. First, he shot Kaylee in the face with a Nerf Dart yesterday. Then he lied about it. Ugh. Isn't it too soon to have to deal with LYING??? And then, to top it all off, he shot her in the face again today. After the first incident, the gun was put away for the rest of the night. After this second incident, all of the Nerf guns in the house have been rounded up and will be stored away for an undetermined amount of time.
But when he isn't lying and shooting his sister in the face, Logan is still my sweet boy. He always wants to help me in the kitchen when I'm cooking, so I always try to have something for him to do. He is also getting pretty good at writing his name. He knows how to spell it, but it still asks for help with the G and the N. He has also started to get more creative when it comes to drawing...most recently he loves to draw spaceships, trains, and rail road tracks. Oh, and he is becoming a fast pro at quite a few xBox games. Mostly Sonic the Hedgehog and Castle Crashers, but it's pretty impressive. It's his quiet time activity while Kaylee naps and Mommy reads.
Kaylee has expanded her vocabulary quite a bit. She will pretty much repeat any word you ask her to. Just last night, she and Logan were in the tub and he said, "Kaylee, say 'I' (I) 'love' (lah) 'Mommy!' (Mommy!)" And then he had her say she loved Daddy and Logan (Schweebee), candy (Nandy), Baby Einstein (Bay Ein), and everything else he could think of. She also LOVES to draw. Whenever she sees a relatively blank sheet of paper or a crayon, she brings them to me and says "Draw Mom!" and after she draws something, she exclaims "I did it!" Actually, she will shriek "I did it!" after everything she considers an accomplishment. It's very sweet. Not so sweet, though, is the fact that she has been waking up at like 6:20 every morning. I don't know how to fix that and I'm not really tolerating it well. Sigh.
Zac got a job! ...sort of. Well, it is a job. And it is EXACTLY what he wants to be doing (character and environment design for a video game). However, it is a game being created and produced by two guys pretty much out of their garage. Both of the guys have a ton of experience and know what they're doing, right down to the marketing. However, they and Zac will get paid using a profit sharing model, which means they won't make money until the game makes money. Which is projected to be a little less than a year from now. So yeah...Zac is excited for this project, but also still looking for paying work :-)
I'm still here. Still writing. Still enjoying the spring in Seattle. Still longing for home just the tiniest bit. One of the girls in my critique group (the one that started it, actually) moved to Seattle from Virginia last September and she and her husband just decided to call it quits and move back to Virginia. Looks like we aren't the only ones toying with the idea! Also in writing news, my Freshman roommate from BYU, Jess, has a writing blog (like mine...remember? This one.) and she does a fun segment once a week called "Before they were Published" and asked to interview me for next week. It was fun. So on Monday, you can read all about me and my writing here. She also mentioned putting up a hilarious-black mail type picture from Freshman year, so I'd go check it out just to see what picture she comes up with!
Well, I guess that's all for now. And as a reward for reading that lengthy post, here is a picture. We went to this park/farm on Wednesday and this was right before Logan was scared to death by a giant turkey that was just wandering around. It's from my cell phone, as I still haven't tracked down my camera charger. Where IS that?
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