| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
 Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism. You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic. Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy. Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise. |
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
How'd I miss this test before??
Well, the bra bandit has expanded his/her repertoire. In addition to three bras, there was also a pair of undies in the diaper pail this time around. I'm not even sure it is Lillian anymore...I mean, really, doesn't the whole thing just seem surreal?
Oh, and new layouts over at scrapbook.com for those interested...link on the left.
Oh, and new layouts over at scrapbook.com for those interested...link on the left.
| Your IQ Is 125 |
 Your Logical Intelligence is Below Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Average |
Woo hoo! Love these quizzes that make me feel good! (Well, except for the logic part, but that doesn't really come as a surprise to anyone who knows me.) ~grin~
Monday, Memorial Day, was miserably hot. It was a great day for our friends Doug and Trina to invite us over to swim in their pool and barbecue hot dogs! Turns out Lillian, who is no fan of the bathtub, did okay with the pool. Her favorite activity of the day, though, seemed to be eating ice. Poor Julia had to practice soccer in that miserable weather! Like I always tell her when she comes home covered in bruises and blisters...she must really love that game! She has moved up to the varsity team for "districts" and yesterday was the first game. The first half ended with no score. (Julia played for probably 15-20 minutes of the half and had contact with the ball several times!) Right at the half a huge thunder- and lightening-storm began. They wound up calling the game after about an hour and will play the second half today. It will be Arnel's turn to watch her play today.
For various reasons I wound up going alone to her game yesterday and had the weirdest experience. Not being distracted by watching any kids or anything, I couldn't help but notice all the teenagers around me in the bleachers. Now most of you probably already know that I spend a fair amount of time around teenagers...but these are all teenagers that I know. This was different. I actually felt uncomfortable, like it took me back to the days of being a teenager myself until I realized what was happening. Like I was being judged. I remembered that feeling that I couldn't identify at the time but it was like not being comfortable in my own skin. It made me wonder if all these teens that I know and love and spend time with regularly...if they are having that same experience on a daily basis. Or was that just me?
For various reasons I wound up going alone to her game yesterday and had the weirdest experience. Not being distracted by watching any kids or anything, I couldn't help but notice all the teenagers around me in the bleachers. Now most of you probably already know that I spend a fair amount of time around teenagers...but these are all teenagers that I know. This was different. I actually felt uncomfortable, like it took me back to the days of being a teenager myself until I realized what was happening. Like I was being judged. I remembered that feeling that I couldn't identify at the time but it was like not being comfortable in my own skin. It made me wonder if all these teens that I know and love and spend time with regularly...if they are having that same experience on a daily basis. Or was that just me?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Got this from a friend on email...
10 Words That Don't Exist, But Should
1. AQUADEXTROUS (ak wa deks'trus) adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub tap on and off with your toes.
2. CARPERPETUATION (kar'pur pet u a shun) n. The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.
3. DISCONFECT (dis kon fekt') v. To sterilize the piece of confection (lollipop) you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, assuming this will somehow 'remove' all the germs.
4. ELBONICS (el bon'iks) n. The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater.
5. FRUST (frust) n. The small line of debris that refuses to be swept onto the dust pan and keeps backing a person across the room until he finally decides to give up and sweep it under the rug.
6. LACTOMANGULATION (lak' to man gyu lay' shun) n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the 'illegal' side.
7. PEPPIER (peph ee ay') n. The waiter at a fancy restaurant whose sole purpose seems to be walking around asking diners if they want fresh ground pepper.
8.PHONESIA (fo nee' zhuh) n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer.
9. PUPKUS (pup'kus) n. The moist residue left on a window after a dog presses its nose to it.
10. TELECRASTINATION (tel e kras tin ay' shun) n. The act of always letting the phone ring at least twice before you pick it up, even when you're only six inches away.
10 Words That Don't Exist, But Should
1. AQUADEXTROUS (ak wa deks'trus) adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub tap on and off with your toes.
2. CARPERPETUATION (kar'pur pet u a shun) n. The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.
3. DISCONFECT (dis kon fekt') v. To sterilize the piece of confection (lollipop) you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, assuming this will somehow 'remove' all the germs.
4. ELBONICS (el bon'iks) n. The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater.
5. FRUST (frust) n. The small line of debris that refuses to be swept onto the dust pan and keeps backing a person across the room until he finally decides to give up and sweep it under the rug.
6. LACTOMANGULATION (lak' to man gyu lay' shun) n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the 'illegal' side.
7. PEPPIER (peph ee ay') n. The waiter at a fancy restaurant whose sole purpose seems to be walking around asking diners if they want fresh ground pepper.
8.PHONESIA (fo nee' zhuh) n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer.
9. PUPKUS (pup'kus) n. The moist residue left on a window after a dog presses its nose to it.
10. TELECRASTINATION (tel e kras tin ay' shun) n. The act of always letting the phone ring at least twice before you pick it up, even when you're only six inches away.
One more thing...I know I've been out of the scorching central valley of California and the high dry desert of Colorado for awhile when I look at the weather forecast and am dreading the predicted 85 degrees for tomorrow. To my CA family and friends, I know it is hard to imagine, but trust me...85 can be miserably hot in Michigan!
Well, yesterday we scouted for some more plants for the next phase of the landscaping but didn't find what we wanted and wound up more confused than when we started. Starting out again today with a fresh outlook we were much more successful and got enough plants for the whole side yard on the side that is visible from the street, plus the one large bush/small tree we needed for the corner. Thanks to a huge amount of help from our friend Marie who came over for a BBQ with her family (along with our friends Tricia and Pat and their family...look, Pat, you are in the blog TWO more times now!) they are all now in the ground! Just need to slowly but surely get the rock cover rinsed and down. Marie also rescued a whole bunch of tulip and hyacinth bulbs for me that will get in soon. We now move from the sun-loving area to the shady parts of the yard. These are not in such a showy area of the yard and will hopefully be much simpler.
After the BBQ today I don't think there are major plans for the rest of the long weekend. I need to run to Target tomorrow after church and then there is youth group tomorrow night. Arnel has to go to work for a bit on Monday and Julia has a soccer practice in the afternoon. I'm hoping to pick up a bit tomorrow and then spend the rest of the time reading and scrapping!
After the BBQ today I don't think there are major plans for the rest of the long weekend. I need to run to Target tomorrow after church and then there is youth group tomorrow night. Arnel has to go to work for a bit on Monday and Julia has a soccer practice in the afternoon. I'm hoping to pick up a bit tomorrow and then spend the rest of the time reading and scrapping!
| You Belong in 1968 |
If you scored... 1950 - 1959: You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in! 1960 - 1969: You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too. 1970 - 1979: Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all! 1980 - 1989: Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day. 1990 - 1999: With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good! |
What is up with THAT one??!?
| Your Personality Is Like Cocaine |
 You're dynamic, brilliant, and alluring to those who don't know you. Hyper and full of energy, you're usually the last one to leave a party. Sometimes your sharp mind gets the better of you... you're a bit paranoid! |
Hmm...odd test this one was. I must say that I agree with parts of the answer but I won't say which parts. ~grin~ I'll leave you each to your own opinion on that one.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Here is another shot of the house...as you can see there is still plenty of work to be done, but it is amazing what a difference some rocks and a few bushes make! A couple of the ones we put in aren't doing to well, but a few others are bouncing back nicely and even beginning to flower...yippee! Arnel is off work tomorrow so we will probably go get some more plants so he can continue working his way around the house before the weeds take over again. (Oddly enough, both Arnel and my public-schooled daughter are off tomorrow, but have to go in on Monday, the actual holiday. Arnel has to run some reports and Julia has soccer practice.)
I also have to make a brief Mommy brag again. Last night was the closing ceremony for the AWANA year. Both Laura and Isaac got the Clubber of the Year awards for their respective gender and division! (Gabe is in his first year of T&T, a tough transition, plus his good friend Josh has pretty much cornered the market on the award. ~grin~)All three kids also received special attendance awards for only missing one week out of the 35 weeks of AWANA. I'm so proud of them all!
| You Are Ernie |
 Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times. You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun. How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you! |
The past two mornings I have been up and around well before the kids...I am so not a morning person so this is big for me. Not by choice, but because these blasted allergies make it altogether too miserable to stay in bed. But anyway, it makes the day go so much more smoothly if I've already had some quiet time alone before the deluge begins and I'm not rushing around trying to make myself and the house somewhat presentable on an empty stomach and while trying to fend off four needy little ones. As much as I hate to admit it (and I really do,) this may be something I need to stick with.
I'm also reading a book called Managers of Their Homes which is about scheduling, which is something I'm not too keen on but I am seeing areas where it will really benefit me and by extension the family. So I will definitely be trying out some of their ideas (and ignoring the rest. ~grin~) The plan is that this will help me make time for more quality time with God, for exercising and for meal planning so there will be less last-miniute "What should we eat?" evenings. I know the time is there; I just have to figure out how to use it more wisely.
Oh, and caffeine is my new best friend. I've decided that if I can't get enough sleep I will just drug myself past that! ~grin again~
I'm also reading a book called Managers of Their Homes which is about scheduling, which is something I'm not too keen on but I am seeing areas where it will really benefit me and by extension the family. So I will definitely be trying out some of their ideas (and ignoring the rest. ~grin~) The plan is that this will help me make time for more quality time with God, for exercising and for meal planning so there will be less last-miniute "What should we eat?" evenings. I know the time is there; I just have to figure out how to use it more wisely.
Oh, and caffeine is my new best friend. I've decided that if I can't get enough sleep I will just drug myself past that! ~grin again~
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
I'm so excited...I now have LANDSCAPING!! Yes, that is right...at this very moment plants are being planted in my planters! (But they look so much smaller in the ground than they did in the buckets!) I'm pleased with the rock we got, too...it was so dirty it was hard to tell but after it is rinsed it is just what I was hoping for...lots of variety in shape, size and color. We will probably need more filler annuals at least for this year until the shrubs grow but the basics should be done today in the front and along the side that is exposed to the street. Tomorrow is busy but weather is supposed to be nice next week so hopefully Arnel can get the rest of the yard done bit by bit then. Pictures coming later!
Friday, May 19, 2006
So I finally measured the kids today (except Julia, who is at school and will have to be done later.)
Lillian is 28 1/8" and rougly 19 lbs (weighed with clothes and diaper she was just a hair over so is probably a but under in reality.)
Isaac is 43 1/4" and 41 lbs.
Gabe is 53 1/8" and 68 lbs.
Laura is 62 5/8" and about 120 lbs.
Just out of curiousity, I found a website that gave average heights and weights for children. Learned pretty much what I already knew:
Average for a girl between 12 and 18 months is 30 3/4" and 23 1/2 lbs. (Lil is actually a bit closer to average than I thought!)
Average for a six-year-old boy is 46 3/4" and 48 1/2 lbs. (He is just barely six; could still have a growth spurt this year!)
Gabe is right around average for a nine-year-old boy, which is 53 1/4" and 69 lbs.)
Laura is closer to twelve than eleven so I checked both. Average height would be between 58 1/2" and 60 1/2" and weight between 87 1/2 lbs and 94 lbs.) My girl is growing up too fast!!
Julia especially is going to be bummed about Laura's height because she is very, very close to getting passed up.
Lillian is 28 1/8" and rougly 19 lbs (weighed with clothes and diaper she was just a hair over so is probably a but under in reality.)
Isaac is 43 1/4" and 41 lbs.
Gabe is 53 1/8" and 68 lbs.
Laura is 62 5/8" and about 120 lbs.
Just out of curiousity, I found a website that gave average heights and weights for children. Learned pretty much what I already knew:
Average for a girl between 12 and 18 months is 30 3/4" and 23 1/2 lbs. (Lil is actually a bit closer to average than I thought!)
Average for a six-year-old boy is 46 3/4" and 48 1/2 lbs. (He is just barely six; could still have a growth spurt this year!)
Gabe is right around average for a nine-year-old boy, which is 53 1/4" and 69 lbs.)
Laura is closer to twelve than eleven so I checked both. Average height would be between 58 1/2" and 60 1/2" and weight between 87 1/2 lbs and 94 lbs.) My girl is growing up too fast!!
Julia especially is going to be bummed about Laura's height because she is very, very close to getting passed up.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
What Color Sharpie Are You?
Pink Sharpie
Element: Air
Sense: Smell
Gemstone: Tourmaline
Some Qualities: Friendly, Compassionate, Faithful
Fact: The word "rainbow" is used figuratively to describe tourmaline.
Take this quiz!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Following are answers given by elementary school-age children to the given questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the Scotch Tape is.
2. Think about it. It was the best way to get more people.
3. Mostly to clean the house.
4. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic, plus super powers, and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We are related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string. I think.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
How did your mom meet your dad?
1. Mom was working in a store and dad was shoplifting.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
What makes a real woman?
1. It means you have to be really bossy without looking bossy.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because Dad is such a goofball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home, and dads just work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power because that's who you have to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't have spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What's the difference between moms and grandmas?
1. About 30 years.
2. You can always count on grandmothers for candy. Sometimes moms don't even have bread on them.
Describe the world's greatest mom?
1. She would be able to make broccoli taste like ice cream.
2. The greatest mom in the world wouldn't make me kiss my fat aunts.
3. She'd always be smiling and keep her opinions to herself.
Is anything about your mom perfect?
1. Her teeth are perfect, but she bought them from the dentist.
2. Her casserole recipes. But we hate them.
3. Just her children.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd dye it, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter -- then she would know my sister did it and not me.
The Cybersalt Digest is a ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt Communications
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the Scotch Tape is.
2. Think about it. It was the best way to get more people.
3. Mostly to clean the house.
4. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic, plus super powers, and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We are related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string. I think.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
How did your mom meet your dad?
1. Mom was working in a store and dad was shoplifting.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
What makes a real woman?
1. It means you have to be really bossy without looking bossy.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because Dad is such a goofball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home, and dads just work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power because that's who you have to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't have spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What's the difference between moms and grandmas?
1. About 30 years.
2. You can always count on grandmothers for candy. Sometimes moms don't even have bread on them.
Describe the world's greatest mom?
1. She would be able to make broccoli taste like ice cream.
2. The greatest mom in the world wouldn't make me kiss my fat aunts.
3. She'd always be smiling and keep her opinions to herself.
Is anything about your mom perfect?
1. Her teeth are perfect, but she bought them from the dentist.
2. Her casserole recipes. But we hate them.
3. Just her children.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd dye it, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter -- then she would know my sister did it and not me.
The Cybersalt Digest is a ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt Communications
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Well, we have made it through both boy's birthdays and their joint birthday party. Party was today and even though weather forced it to be an inside affair they still had a good time playing with friends, etc. Will work on getting pictures up on the family website in the next week or so.
Also, both of Lillian's top two teeth have popped through. Soon she will be able to genuinely chew!!
Also, both of Lillian's top two teeth have popped through. Soon she will be able to genuinely chew!!
Friday, May 12, 2006
From an email I received:
The Difference Between Rich/Poor People?
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! "Life is too short and friends are too few."
The Difference Between Rich/Poor People?
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! "Life is too short and friends are too few."
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Woo hoo! We're wireless!!
First of all, Mom...I know you are reading this...you never have to buy either of us another birthday or Christmas gift again! Or, we will pay you back. Or whatever you want! But...after you so generously sprung for our new computer, we learned that our friend Jeff likes to "tinker" and is actually quite a whiz with these things (honest, Mom, we had no idea before!) and it appears he has fixed the problem with our old computer with a spare part from his house.
So, we now have the two computers hooked up on a wireless network. That means we have one here in the schoolroom/computer room/library/office, and the other in the dining room, and both can be on the internet at the same time, and we can print from either computer onto the single printer. I am not positive but I think maybe we can even play games against one another? I'm sure there will still be "issues" with who gets to be on the computer, but this is going to help a LOT. Thanks Jeff and Mom for making this possible!!
Okay, on an entirely different and very strange note...Lillian has developed the very, very, very odd habit of throwing bras into her diaper pail. When I do laundry I have it all spread out on our bedroom floor. We use cloth diapers, and her diaper pail is also in our bedroom. Apparently not everyone ~ahem~ that watches her in there keeps quite as close an eye on her as some other people. I thought it was a fluke last time I washed diapers but there has been a definite pattern established. Just bras, nothing else.
First of all, Mom...I know you are reading this...you never have to buy either of us another birthday or Christmas gift again! Or, we will pay you back. Or whatever you want! But...after you so generously sprung for our new computer, we learned that our friend Jeff likes to "tinker" and is actually quite a whiz with these things (honest, Mom, we had no idea before!) and it appears he has fixed the problem with our old computer with a spare part from his house.
So, we now have the two computers hooked up on a wireless network. That means we have one here in the schoolroom/computer room/library/office, and the other in the dining room, and both can be on the internet at the same time, and we can print from either computer onto the single printer. I am not positive but I think maybe we can even play games against one another? I'm sure there will still be "issues" with who gets to be on the computer, but this is going to help a LOT. Thanks Jeff and Mom for making this possible!!
Okay, on an entirely different and very strange note...Lillian has developed the very, very, very odd habit of throwing bras into her diaper pail. When I do laundry I have it all spread out on our bedroom floor. We use cloth diapers, and her diaper pail is also in our bedroom. Apparently not everyone ~ahem~ that watches her in there keeps quite as close an eye on her as some other people. I thought it was a fluke last time I washed diapers but there has been a definite pattern established. Just bras, nothing else.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
You may have seen this before, but it is worth sharing none-the-less.
Happy Mothers day to all my Mommy friends & to those of you who aren' t a Mommy yet!
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here"
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us.
Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.
Happy Mothers day to all my Mommy friends & to those of you who aren' t a Mommy yet!
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here"
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us.
Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.
Friday, May 05, 2006
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
I just discovered the coolest site for avid readers! It is paperbackswap.com (there is a link-button on the left!) This is how it works...you register and list your first 9 books. These are books you are willing to give away. This earns you 3 free credit. For every book that you mail to someone else on the site (at your expense,) you earn another credit. Each credit is good for "purchasing" a book from someone else, which they mail you at their expense! It is so easy to use...you just enter the ISBN number of the book and they know what it it. When someone wants it, you just hit the "print" button and it prints out a mailing label and tells you how much postage will be needed. If the book is under a pound (which most paperbacks are,) no trip to the post office is even necessary, isn't that the coolest thing? Last night I registered and entered my first 9 books. Two have already been requested and are in the mailbox as I write, and one I wanted will soon be on it's way to me!
Some brief Lillian updates: she is starting to say an occasional word, though the litte stinker won't repeat any of them again just so that we can be sure. But we are pretty certain we've heard her say "bood" (bird,) and "cruck" (truck) in the past week. She is really good at mama, na (which means nursing,) and hi. She is fascinated with watching the birds fly around when we let them out of the cage, the garbage trucks and tractors going by the house, and the bunnies around the yard. If you say "I don't know" she shrugs her shoulders. Gets hysterical if she sees me taking a shower without her but is terrified to be in the shower if I'm not holding her and likes the bathtub even less. Doesn't have a fit or anything but is clearly bothered by things that don't look "right" to her, like a bandaid on my knee, or a fuzz on her clothes. Is starting to get the idea of pretend play just a little bit.
Some brief Lillian updates: she is starting to say an occasional word, though the litte stinker won't repeat any of them again just so that we can be sure. But we are pretty certain we've heard her say "bood" (bird,) and "cruck" (truck) in the past week. She is really good at mama, na (which means nursing,) and hi. She is fascinated with watching the birds fly around when we let them out of the cage, the garbage trucks and tractors going by the house, and the bunnies around the yard. If you say "I don't know" she shrugs her shoulders. Gets hysterical if she sees me taking a shower without her but is terrified to be in the shower if I'm not holding her and likes the bathtub even less. Doesn't have a fit or anything but is clearly bothered by things that don't look "right" to her, like a bandaid on my knee, or a fuzz on her clothes. Is starting to get the idea of pretend play just a little bit.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
I so totally did not see this one coming!!
| You Should Be an Actor |
 You have a flair for the dramatic, and you probably already do a lot of acting in your day to day life, just to entertain yourself. No need to steal the spotlight from your friends... You'll get plenty of attention once you start acting professionally! |
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Not sure exactly why but things have seemed pretty hectic here lately. I want to say things will start settling down now but I know better...two birthdays plus another joint birthday party coming up in the next week-and-a-half, plus soccer and baseball. But that is okay, it is part of spring around here!
Today is a beautiful day, I'd say the nicest we've had yet. So, we are making up some egg salad sandwiches and planning to take a picnic dinner to Julia's soccer game. We will go straight from there to take the kids to Awana. Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day and I am inviting people over, but I haven't heard yet if anyone is going to be able to make it or not.
Next week Arnel is taking off so that we can try to get some serious yard work done. We are really hoping to get the weeds out of our planters, get the dirt prepped and all the plants purchased, prepped and in. We haven't done this before so I don't know how realistic that will be...the kids of course being the "x-factor." Will they be a help or will they be a hindrance? Time will tell.
Next Sunday is Isaac's birthday, so that will be his day to decide what we do for the most part. Monday through Wednesday is the yard. Thursday we have set aside to go geocaching again, this time taking along some friends of ours who also homeschool. (It is great to have the flexibility to do things like this during the week!) Friday is Gabe's birthday, so that is his day. Saturday will be their birthday party and I need to get started planning that! We will do what we always do...barbecue outside and invite family friends, but I need to get the invitations out. Then, Sunday is Mother's Day.
If you haven't already done so, please send me your email address and if you have a blog or website send that as well...still trying to rebuild all my data on the new computer!
Oh, and Julia was one of the student's honored at a school assembly today, for her GPA. Last marking period she had 3.716...4 As, 1 B and 1 B+.
Today is a beautiful day, I'd say the nicest we've had yet. So, we are making up some egg salad sandwiches and planning to take a picnic dinner to Julia's soccer game. We will go straight from there to take the kids to Awana. Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day and I am inviting people over, but I haven't heard yet if anyone is going to be able to make it or not.
Next week Arnel is taking off so that we can try to get some serious yard work done. We are really hoping to get the weeds out of our planters, get the dirt prepped and all the plants purchased, prepped and in. We haven't done this before so I don't know how realistic that will be...the kids of course being the "x-factor." Will they be a help or will they be a hindrance? Time will tell.
Next Sunday is Isaac's birthday, so that will be his day to decide what we do for the most part. Monday through Wednesday is the yard. Thursday we have set aside to go geocaching again, this time taking along some friends of ours who also homeschool. (It is great to have the flexibility to do things like this during the week!) Friday is Gabe's birthday, so that is his day. Saturday will be their birthday party and I need to get started planning that! We will do what we always do...barbecue outside and invite family friends, but I need to get the invitations out. Then, Sunday is Mother's Day.
If you haven't already done so, please send me your email address and if you have a blog or website send that as well...still trying to rebuild all my data on the new computer!
Oh, and Julia was one of the student's honored at a school assembly today, for her GPA. Last marking period she had 3.716...4 As, 1 B and 1 B+.
Monday, May 01, 2006
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