Irregardless of the fact I’m boring to the point even the skeletons in my closet are yawning, Michelle has tagged me to reveal five things most people don’t know about me. Just for fun I’m listing six: Five are true and one’s a lie. Cast your votes for the falsehood, after which I’ll reveal all—including Michelle’s secret top three. Just kidding on the latter (breathe Michelle) . . . I’m not actually privy to such.
1. I graduated from David Letterman’s alma mater. Since you cannot have a gradepoint average greater than a C, I didn’t qualify for a David Letterman scholarship. And because I have always been kind of your basic B student, I didn’t qualify for too many academic scholarships either. I paid for my education the old fashioned way—work study program and student loans. Go Cardinals!
2. But I did once win a scholarship to sing and dance at a show choir camp. The choreographer was the genius behind the really cool Dr. Pepper commercials way back in the day. Since I’m pretty sure the camps were really fronts for finding new commercial talent, and since they FAILED to cast me doing backflips and singing I’m a pepper—I guess I lacked that certain pizzazz . . . not to mention the fact I’ve never been able to actually do a backflip. I’m over it. I don’t even LIKE Dr. Pepper!
3. I married up. David is way smarter than me. Though I occasionally beat him at a game of scrabble, it is only because I RELIGIOUSLY study the scrabble dictionary.
4. Once in a cold, stark gray cement room with a lone florescent, buzzing overhead light, I was interrogated by the KGB and actually spent three hours in a Russian jail.
5. Including random and complete strangers in second and third-world countries, I’ve been proposed to a total of seven times.
6. I was once invited to dine (black-tie) at the White House . . . which later turned out to be only hors d’oeuvres . . . which even later turned out to be only a tour of the White House Christmas decorations. Even though I paid dearly for the dress our beloved First Family never got to see, it was one of the best weekends of my life.
I tag Ginger, Karen, Molly and Shanygne.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The Budding Photographer
Cole: (age 3) Mom, quick, I need your camera!
Me: Why is that Cole?
Cole: I want to take a picture of Max and Ruby!
Me: Why is that Cole?
Cole: I want to take a picture of Max and Ruby!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Dinnertime Details
Over the weekend we purchased a really great highchair. By the time you get to child number four, you kind of figure out what’s great and what’s not so great in baby paraphernalia. I won’t bore you with my lists of what works and what doesn’t, but suffice it to say—I LOVE this highchair.
Even though Nicholas is only three months old, he can sit in it safely and even join us at the dinner table . . . which he did last night for the very first time. While David was saying grace, Cole interrupted quite loudly with, “Hey Guys!!”
Me: “Cole, what is it? We’re praying.”
Cole: “Nicholas didn’t close his eyes!”
Even though Nicholas is only three months old, he can sit in it safely and even join us at the dinner table . . . which he did last night for the very first time. While David was saying grace, Cole interrupted quite loudly with, “Hey Guys!!”
Me: “Cole, what is it? We’re praying.”
Cole: “Nicholas didn’t close his eyes!”
Monday, November 27, 2006
Everybody Needs A Favorite
Ice cream isn’t one of my more favorite foods, which is probably why you seldom see it in our freezer. The other day Cole was watching one of his beloved shows on television. When Zee asked, “What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?” the following interaction ensued.
Cole: “Mom, what is my favorite flavor of ice cream?”
Me: “I don’t know Cole. Do you like chocolate ice cream?”
Cole: “I don’t know. I’ve never tried it.”
This of course made me realize I’m a really bad mom . . . and it also resulted in my first purchase of chocolate ice cream—Cole’s new favorite!
Cole: “Mom, what is my favorite flavor of ice cream?”
Me: “I don’t know Cole. Do you like chocolate ice cream?”
Cole: “I don’t know. I’ve never tried it.”
This of course made me realize I’m a really bad mom . . . and it also resulted in my first purchase of chocolate ice cream—Cole’s new favorite!
Friday, November 24, 2006
So Happy Together
Jonathan got to spend the night with his cousins the night before Thanksgiving. Cole had a very hard time with him being gone.
Last night Jonathan was back in his own bed . . . we found Cole there as well.
Last night Jonathan was back in his own bed . . . we found Cole there as well.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Thanksgiving. It was the night before Thanksgiving fourteen years ago when David and I had our first date. Funny how one little decision affects so many others. We are so thankful for the many ways God has blessed us.
We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with good food, lots of fun and thankful hearts.
We hope your Thanksgiving is filled with good food, lots of fun and thankful hearts.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Calling All Geeks!
Tis almost the season to be decking the halls. Instead I’m stuck in a computer induced pity party whining woe is me. Google HATES me! Every time I click in to Goggle-owned sites, my computer freeeeeezes up! And now many of my daily reads are switching to Blogger in Beta—owned by Google!!
This does not make my world merry. Can anyone help? Why is my computer allergic to Google? I’m getting weary of doing the force-quit thing.
Since Google is buying up everything related to revenue in the blogasphere (oh to own their stock), I really need to figure this out. According to the sidebar site meter there are over a hundred of you clicking in each day. Are any of you geek-enough to solve mylittle, frustrating, I want to throw my computer off the roof, issue?
My computer is a Mac OS X version 10.4 with a Safari browser and I’m using AOL dial-up. Though I’m guessing dial-up is the most likely culprit, I’m really hoping it’s not. Since we live in themiddle of freaking nowhere, beautiful, quaint countryside, the only way we can get high-speed internet is to mortgage the farm . . . and we don’t actually own a farm.
So come on Geeks. Pleeeaaase click the comment button bringing glad tidings my way. Educate me in the finer details of blogging bliss and save my computer from demise!
This does not make my world merry. Can anyone help? Why is my computer allergic to Google? I’m getting weary of doing the force-quit thing.
Since Google is buying up everything related to revenue in the blogasphere (oh to own their stock), I really need to figure this out. According to the sidebar site meter there are over a hundred of you clicking in each day. Are any of you geek-enough to solve my
My computer is a Mac OS X version 10.4 with a Safari browser and I’m using AOL dial-up. Though I’m guessing dial-up is the most likely culprit, I’m really hoping it’s not. Since we live in the
So come on Geeks. Pleeeaaase click the comment button bringing glad tidings my way. Educate me in the finer details of blogging bliss and save my computer from demise!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sometimes You’ve Got To Settle
Usually the sun is barely up by the time Cole wants to be out the door driving one of his many vehicles. The other day, before he was even dressed, I found him in the garage musing over his myriad of choices.
“Which one do you want to start with?” I asked.
Cole: I want to drive your van, Mom.
Me: Cole, you know you’re too little to drive Mommy’s van!
Cole: Okay, I’ll drive Daddy’s car.
Me: Cole, you know you’re too little to drive Daddy’s car!
Cole: Okay (with resignation) . . . I’ll drive my Corvette.
“Which one do you want to start with?” I asked.
Cole: I want to drive your van, Mom.
Me: Cole, you know you’re too little to drive Mommy’s van!
Cole: Okay, I’ll drive Daddy’s car.
Me: Cole, you know you’re too little to drive Daddy’s car!
Cole: Okay (with resignation) . . . I’ll drive my Corvette.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Salt And Pepper
These dogs have been at our house for about a week. They came hungry, dirty and collarless. I’m thinking someone dropped them off.
Our kids have become quite attached and already have them named. Why do things like this always seem to happen to us!!?
One could not accurately place David or I in the category of “dog lovers.” We have actually paid large amounts of money for dogs and then later given them to, uh um better dog homes? We’re not so good with pets, but of course, these dogs have already wormed their way into Ashley, Jonathan and Cole’s hearts.
They bark at night, they desperately need a bath, but all in all they are rather sweet.
So pleeeaaase, if they are yours—or if you simply want them—rescue us from becoming dog owners again!
Our kids have become quite attached and already have them named. Why do things like this always seem to happen to us!!?
One could not accurately place David or I in the category of “dog lovers.” We have actually paid large amounts of money for dogs and then later given them to, uh um better dog homes? We’re not so good with pets, but of course, these dogs have already wormed their way into Ashley, Jonathan and Cole’s hearts.
They bark at night, they desperately need a bath, but all in all they are rather sweet.
So pleeeaaase, if they are yours—or if you simply want them—rescue us from becoming dog owners again!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Reason Number 457
. . . of why I love my husband!
Last night we were on our way to a birthday party for one of Jonathan’s friends when we passed two young girls on the side of the road with a flat tire. Even though we were running late, David turned around to see if they needed help.
We knew they were probably among the 700 or so teenagers David feels very fatherly toward. But even when they’re not, David always stops when someone needs help. I can’t even tell you how many times he has pushed a stalled car out of the middle of four lanes of traffic, provided a jump or use of his cell phone.
As it turned out, they didn’t have a jack—and they were interns. David changed the tire very quickly, and we made it to the party in just enough time to be fashionably late.
I love it that David always has time to lend a hand.
Last night we were on our way to a birthday party for one of Jonathan’s friends when we passed two young girls on the side of the road with a flat tire. Even though we were running late, David turned around to see if they needed help.
We knew they were probably among the 700 or so teenagers David feels very fatherly toward. But even when they’re not, David always stops when someone needs help. I can’t even tell you how many times he has pushed a stalled car out of the middle of four lanes of traffic, provided a jump or use of his cell phone.
As it turned out, they didn’t have a jack—and they were interns. David changed the tire very quickly, and we made it to the party in just enough time to be fashionably late.
I love it that David always has time to lend a hand.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Negotiator
Chuck E. Cheese’s is overpriced and the food is less than mediocre . . . but my kid’s love it.
So a few days ago when the kids were out of school for fall break and since David had the day off, we decided to take them to Chuck E. Cheese’s for lunch. My sister and her daughter met us there.
After buying a boatload of pizza and tokens, my sister and I noticed we could have used a coupon and DOUBLED the amount of tokens being devoured by all the games and rides our kids were drawn to.
Knowing if anyone could make it happen—David could. Would he be able to turn that coupon into coveted tokens?
After a little arm twisting, David approached the manager with, “I have been nominated to humiliate myself. Can we cash in this coupon we forgot to use earlier?”
The manager agreed it was worth the humiliation and doubled our kids’ fun. Gotta love a dad who is willing to negotiate!
So a few days ago when the kids were out of school for fall break and since David had the day off, we decided to take them to Chuck E. Cheese’s for lunch. My sister and her daughter met us there.
After buying a boatload of pizza and tokens, my sister and I noticed we could have used a coupon and DOUBLED the amount of tokens being devoured by all the games and rides our kids were drawn to.
Knowing if anyone could make it happen—David could. Would he be able to turn that coupon into coveted tokens?
After a little arm twisting, David approached the manager with, “I have been nominated to humiliate myself. Can we cash in this coupon we forgot to use earlier?”
The manager agreed it was worth the humiliation and doubled our kids’ fun. Gotta love a dad who is willing to negotiate!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Politics Smolitics
Sheeeish . . . back to Mommy blogging for me. Didn’t mean to cause such a stir.
I had my days of controversy in college and before I was married. Between being a card carrying member of Green Peace, Amnesty International and the Democratic Party (and born-again), well I’ve had more than enough of my fair share of debates and being called names unmentionable here. I hung that hat up long ago.
I feel no need to convince others of my personal opinions—if you’re uninformed, let me direct you to the Fox News Channel, The Drudge Report
and Michelle Malkin. And if you really want to have a good time, tune into three hours of Rush each day. (If you download him onto your ipod, you can listen commercial free!)
For the record, there are several Democrats (okay maybe only a few) I greatly admire and would get my vote in a heartbeat were they in my district. But I also am so saddened by the way the Democratic Party has seemingly lost it’s way. Most people don’t even realize how many Democrats in office have switched over the years from being pro-life to pro-choice . . . following the party instead of their convictions.
I am saddened about the election results because I love President Bush—personally I feel deeply indebted to this man of morals, principles and courage. My children and their children are indebted too. I greatly admire him for the tenacious way he is holding the line in the war on terror. I think he could be far more effective in the next two years if he had the House and Senate voting with him.
I am so deeply thankful for our men and women in uniform and am saddened to see Rummy go. He is a hero to me as well.
So let the comments roll. This is your last chance as this is my LAST post dealing with anything remotely resembling politics . . . and you don’t even want to get me started on the media! That would be ugly.
I had my days of controversy in college and before I was married. Between being a card carrying member of Green Peace, Amnesty International and the Democratic Party (and born-again), well I’ve had more than enough of my fair share of debates and being called names unmentionable here. I hung that hat up long ago.
I feel no need to convince others of my personal opinions—if you’re uninformed, let me direct you to the Fox News Channel, The Drudge Report
and Michelle Malkin. And if you really want to have a good time, tune into three hours of Rush each day. (If you download him onto your ipod, you can listen commercial free!)
For the record, there are several Democrats (okay maybe only a few) I greatly admire and would get my vote in a heartbeat were they in my district. But I also am so saddened by the way the Democratic Party has seemingly lost it’s way. Most people don’t even realize how many Democrats in office have switched over the years from being pro-life to pro-choice . . . following the party instead of their convictions.
I am saddened about the election results because I love President Bush—personally I feel deeply indebted to this man of morals, principles and courage. My children and their children are indebted too. I greatly admire him for the tenacious way he is holding the line in the war on terror. I think he could be far more effective in the next two years if he had the House and Senate voting with him.
I am so deeply thankful for our men and women in uniform and am saddened to see Rummy go. He is a hero to me as well.
So let the comments roll. This is your last chance as this is my LAST post dealing with anything remotely resembling politics . . . and you don’t even want to get me started on the media! That would be ugly.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
The Inevitable
Some things in life cannot be helped.
Like when Jonathan was in kindergarten. He wore his brand new winter coat to school and spilled orange juice on it. Someone tried to be helpful by putting it in a sealed plastic bag for the journey home. Unfortunately, Jonathan accidentally left it in the class coat closet over the weekend. By the time I even learned of the mishap, the coat was covered in mildew. If you’re a mom, you know—the once cute coat was ruined forever. Sigh.
And then we have sad days like today. I guess it was inevitable. Between the war in Iraq, countless scandal, fiscal irresponsibility and the fact we still don’t have tight reins on the border . . . we lost the House. And who knows, the Senate might go as well.
A sad day. A day deserved. We reap what we sow. Sigh.
Maybe two years of disaster will help us get a little smarter in 2008!
Like when Jonathan was in kindergarten. He wore his brand new winter coat to school and spilled orange juice on it. Someone tried to be helpful by putting it in a sealed plastic bag for the journey home. Unfortunately, Jonathan accidentally left it in the class coat closet over the weekend. By the time I even learned of the mishap, the coat was covered in mildew. If you’re a mom, you know—the once cute coat was ruined forever. Sigh.
And then we have sad days like today. I guess it was inevitable. Between the war in Iraq, countless scandal, fiscal irresponsibility and the fact we still don’t have tight reins on the border . . . we lost the House. And who knows, the Senate might go as well.
A sad day. A day deserved. We reap what we sow. Sigh.
Maybe two years of disaster will help us get a little smarter in 2008!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Let The Games Begin
Last night was Ashley’s first basketball game—the first of the season; the first of her life.
By no small stretch she was the smallest one on the court. Though the contenders outsized the Warriors by about a foot per player, our girls brought down the house 42 to 2.
While David refereed the game, Cole cheered from the sidelines—pom poms and all. Ashley played her heart out proving she belongs among the small but mighty. And Cole . . .
Well lets just say he is presidential!
By no small stretch she was the smallest one on the court. Though the contenders outsized the Warriors by about a foot per player, our girls brought down the house 42 to 2.
While David refereed the game, Cole cheered from the sidelines—pom poms and all. Ashley played her heart out proving she belongs among the small but mighty. And Cole . . .
Well lets just say he is presidential!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Call Me . . .
Lately I’ve been thinking about Sarah. She had a son late in life.
Though I’m not yet 91, I have noticed many young friends of ours are pregnant . . . and I’m old enough to be their mother. I don’t dwell on this, but sometimes it smacks me in the face.
When the woman behind the pharmacy counter asked if Nicholas was my grandson, I was able to laugh it off. She was older—maybe her eyesight was failing . . . just a mistake.
But then, not 20 minutes later at the new Chinese restaurant, when our young waitress asked the same thing—well frankly it had all been building up and we had Niagara Falls.
So that brings me back to Sarah. Was it ever rough going? Did stupid questions ever reduce her to tears? My suspicion is no. Baby Isaac was such a joy and gift from God, everything else around her paled. She called herself richly blessed and said the Lord had given her laughter.
Such truth. Nicholas is a precious and unexpected gift. I am so overwhemingly thankful to have him. So call me grandma; call me old . . . and call me Michelle if anyone invites you to a botox party!
But most of all, call me overflowing, richly blessed and full of laughter—for that is what I am.
Though I’m not yet 91, I have noticed many young friends of ours are pregnant . . . and I’m old enough to be their mother. I don’t dwell on this, but sometimes it smacks me in the face.
When the woman behind the pharmacy counter asked if Nicholas was my grandson, I was able to laugh it off. She was older—maybe her eyesight was failing . . . just a mistake.
But then, not 20 minutes later at the new Chinese restaurant, when our young waitress asked the same thing—well frankly it had all been building up and we had Niagara Falls.
So that brings me back to Sarah. Was it ever rough going? Did stupid questions ever reduce her to tears? My suspicion is no. Baby Isaac was such a joy and gift from God, everything else around her paled. She called herself richly blessed and said the Lord had given her laughter.
Such truth. Nicholas is a precious and unexpected gift. I am so overwhemingly thankful to have him. So call me grandma; call me old . . . and call me Michelle if anyone invites you to a botox party!
But most of all, call me overflowing, richly blessed and full of laughter—for that is what I am.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Sleep Deprivation
This sweet little guy is the reason I’m feeling rather melancholy—I’m exhausted!
For diversion (and because it fits my mood) I’ve been listening to Paul McCartney’s new classical CD Behold My Heart.
Though Nicholas has been sleeping pretty well (seven hour stretches), I have become far too acquainted with 3:00am. I think if I could sleep for 12 hours, uninterrupted for about 3 weeks straight . . . maybe I would start feeling like my normal self again.
But until then let’s hear it for great music . . . and caffeine!
For diversion (and because it fits my mood) I’ve been listening to Paul McCartney’s new classical CD Behold My Heart.
Though Nicholas has been sleeping pretty well (seven hour stretches), I have become far too acquainted with 3:00am. I think if I could sleep for 12 hours, uninterrupted for about 3 weeks straight . . . maybe I would start feeling like my normal self again.
But until then let’s hear it for great music . . . and caffeine!
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