Sam's special day

I took Sam and Matthew to the Adventure Aquarium for "our special day". He's been asking to go for a few months now. We had a wonderful time.

new

Zach and I bought our first mattress! I know its hard to believe that there are any firsts after being married 15 years. We always have slept on hand me downs. I never complained because I always slept just fine. After being pregnant with Matthew my body decided that it was not happy being pregnant for the 6th time! It threw some tantrums. One tantrum was on my hip. Every time I laid on my side for more than 10 minutes a sharp pain would develop in my hip area. Laying on my back or stomach was completely out of the question as it hurt also. Every night I would toss and turn from side to side. The only place that was comfortable to sleep was on the couch in our bedroom. It seriously is the most comfortable couch.

In a bribe sort of way Zach gave me money to buy a new mattress because he was truly concerned about my sleepless nights and mental health. Or not. He wanted my approval on a new car and so he was buying my approval. Which I fell for. So he got the car and I got what I thought was enough money to buy the best mattress EVER! That is until I walked around a mattress store and realized I needed to be at the Goodwill buying a used one. I had no idea some mattresses sell for $7,000! At that price the bed should make itself! 

Anyway, I did found a mattress that fit my budget and seemed to help with my problem areas, or at least what I could feel in the 5 minutes I laid on it. In my opinion, the mattress companies are scammers, they actually want more money for a 30 day guarantee in case you don't like it plus pick up fees. The mattress stores should open at night, around bed time, so I can really sleep on it. I didn't buy any guarantee. So I may be stuck with this thing for 15 years or until Zach wants to buy another new car.

2 days later the mattress was delivered and let me tell you, IT IS AMAZING! I haven't woken up from pain at all. Crying children, bathroom trips, and snotty noses are another story. I seriously feel like I am sinking into a cloud. Zach has been complaining his neck hurts now and blames the mattress. I tell him its his paper thin pillow and stomach sleeping. 

Excited to finish the master bedroom, which isn't done yet, I worked on a few bedroom projects. I have many projects to do in the bedroom still. I finally hung the chandelier. It was the ugly brass chandelier that was originally hanging in my foyer. I completely rewired it to a hanging swag then primed and painted it.   I recovered the headboard a couple of months ago with cheetah print fur. Yes, its fur. Grrr, baby, very Grrr.

I am a long ways from being done. I did hang an old mirror that I found at the Goodwill. I need something on the other side of the bed and I'm in the market for glass night stands. Its been fun putting this ecletic room together since its nothing like any other room in my house, its not my normal colors nor taste.

Here's the car that got me the mattress.

 Our new mattress and a glimpse of my cheetah headboard.

Not the best picture of the chandelier. I painted it the color "Hotel Vanilla".

keep me out of Vegas

I know it been a long time since I've updated but I have been very busy with life. No time to go into that because I need to devote this post about a hidden addiction I have. It just surfaced tonight.

The children's school had a family fun night with book fair, raffle and silent auction. The school does a fantastic job of putting these events together. The PTA gave (for free) hot dogs and chips, juice boxes, water bottles, freeze pops and cupcakes. There was a Moon Bounce and the new playground, which is totally awesome! I went to the event in hopes of winning one of the gift baskets. My budget was 100$ but that was for, what I hoped to be a couple of items. I knew going in I was bidding on the 1st grade game basket. I donated 1 of my 3 extra Bananagram games for this basket. Starting bid 10$. Ahh.. perfect. A few bids went down then I got anxious and worried I may lose so I bid $50. No one was going to over bid me. I knew it. I checked the bid a little bit later and realized it jumped to $70. Darn it! I gave in and bid $80. I was not losing this frigging basket! I needed to stand close by and give my evil eye to anyone who dare think of bidding. No you did not just put down $90! I bid $100. Someone bid $105. I couldn't take the chance so I bid $120. One hundred and twenty dollars!! I then told Sam it sit in front of the basket and grab the pen if anyone tried to over bid me. He is such a good boy because he listened and I WON!!!!

AND

here is what  was in side the basket...

Trouble

Guess Who

Apples to Apples

Chess/Checkers

Uno Mod

Skip Bo

9 Card Games

A ball

7 boxes of candy

1 box of popcorn

30$ Target Gift Card

and of course my Banangrams 

I did bid on another item too. A bag full of women's shirts and hoodies worth $150. There was only 2 bids and I made the third for $35. I won again! So in the end Hanby school got a pretty little check from me. I think this takes care of all future school fundraisers.

an original email conversation

This is the conversation I had with Cara while Matthew was in the hospital.

Cara:

Why Why Why is Matthew in or was in the hospital? Could he die because that would be horrible. Since he kind of has a virus is it like a disease? I hope he sevives and tell him i love him so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much!!!! I just want him to be okay.

Your awesome and careing and cool and nice and funny and humerous and sweet and thoughtful and kind and smart and most of all LOVEING Cara!

P.s Right now i would not want to be Matthew :(

<3 cara

 

Me:

Hi Cara! Matthew is sick but he will get better. The doctors are taking good care of him. A virus is not a disease. Hes having trouble breathing.
I love you!

 

Cara:

Well thats a relief. When are you coming home? Do you know what the virus is called? And how did you respond? Do you have your kindle or does your phone have email? ILOVE YOU! DID YOU TELL MATTHEW I LOVE HIM? -Cara

 

Me:

My phone has email and I have my Kindle. Matthew has rsv. Its an infection in his lungs. I will be home ton ight and will take you to school in the morning. Dad will be spending the night with Matthew. Matthew hopefully will come home tomorrow but he may need to stay another n ight. I can't wait to hear about your shopping spree with Oma.

 

Cara:

I'll try not to cry about it but i want him so so bad! P.S whats doesr.s.v mean? Poor matthew I wonder how hes felling this is probably the most horrilbe thought in his life. Would of he does die or hes in th hospitl for weeks ormaybe mounths? WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME, I WANT YOU BEFORE I GO TO BED!

 

Me:

You should be in bed now. I'm coming home as soon as Matthew falls asleep. Good night. See you in the morning.

 

Cara:

Okay bye good night

 

THE NEXT DAY

Cara:

Hi mommy i guess your staying tonite since dad stayed last night. I'll miss you (tonite). How is Matthew doing? Is he breathing better? I need my little brother right now.

 

Me:

He is breathing just perfect! The doctors have done a lot of good work on him. He's coming home tomorrow! I may come home tonight. Dad said he'll stay here again. The doctors want to get him here one more night to make sure he's all well. I miss you and your brothers and Olivia. Be good. Help honey out.
Love you!
Mom

 

Cara:

That makes me fell much better. I bet he misses us and he'll forget who we are. JK <3 Cara

 

Me:

No Cara don't think he forgot who you are. He misses you all too. Do you need to get a shower? Or do anything for school tomorrow.

 

Cara:

I already got one @ 6:30 and Olivia. And i forgot my math homework (AGAIN).

 

Me:

Well Good night!

 

Cara:

Good Night mom see you when you get home maybe. Thanks for watching Matthew. Tell Dad i love him and good night. Love you both! Bye

 

Me:

Dad said he will sing you a song tomorrow. We love you too!

 

Cara:

Stop your making me cry.! Bye Hope dad has a good nite

 

Dad said he will sing you a song tomorrow. We love you too!

happy birthday to me

I celebrated my 34th birthday yesterday. I felt completely spoiled by my friends, Zach and the children! It was an awesome birthday! My festivities began with dessert with one of my bestest friends followed by the movie, Safe Haven. Total chick flick but that's why I go to the movies with friends.

 Called something like mile high mountain pie..

blowing out my 1 candle...

 

Zach really spoiled me! I woke up the morning of my birthday to the house being decorated and presents sitting on the table.

 

Each of the kids made individual cards. Cara's was so cute with little flip tabs and notes written on each. One tab said, " I wish people don't die. I don't want you to."

I ve been wanting a kettle bell to workout with. I guess when in doubt with which weight to get, just buy them all. I also received from Zach ear muffs for the shooting range. I feel much better now knowing someones smelly, sweaty ears weren't inside the muffs I just stuck on my head. I can't wait to wear them at the range...maybe next birthday I'll get my own piece of artillery. Pink of course. Not because I love pink, but a pink gun would Be AWESOME! and it would match my muffs.

 

 

For my cake, Zach brought home a layered chocolate cake. It had cheesecake layers and mouse with white and dark chocolate. VERY delicious!

and of course a variety of ice cream. I prefer fruity ice creams with orange creamsicle being #1.

It was a wonderful day! 

Happy Valentines Day!

It is truly the Day Of Love around here. This year I was super excited for Valentines Day! I planned a lovely breakfast for the family complete with pink pancakes, strawberries, strawberry milk, donuts, and heart shaped bacon. I had it waiting for them when they got up in the morning. I purchased a small gift and left a valentine card for each of them.

Zach is so good at getting each of us a special lil' something on the holidays. He likes to give each of the kids something from him only. I think this is adorable. Here he is assembling his boxes of candy for everyone.

Cara wasn't having an official Valentines party at school but she wanted to make her class cupcakes. She baked red velvet with cream cheese icing, sprinkles, and chocolate hearts. They came out amazing. She is so talented.

I wanted to pack the kids a lunch that reminded them of Valentines today and how much I love them!I stuck with my pink/red theme. In their lunch box they will find: strawberries, pepperoni, Uncrustables (strawberry of course),  strawberry applesauce, pink wafer cookies and yogurt covered pretzels, Valentine fruit snacks and a love letter. I was so happy putting them together that I am sure I had a big silly smile on my face.

Since I have slaved over the stove already I decided to just order pizza for dinner. I have a few Valentine games planned but I didn't mention it to anyone in case I am too tired and forgo game night...maybe a corny (haven't used that word in 20 years) love movie...maybe just bed time...ANYWAY, I wanted to show my family how much I do LOVE them so I hope I accomplished that.

I also need to say (because obviously showing would be inappropriate) how much of an AMAZING husband I have. He is really the best! He is so supportive and encouraging and thoughtful. I am grateful for him!

 My Kitchen Helpers

 

This is what we had for dinner. Costco sells their pizzas for 6$ which is basically the best deal in the store. The pepperonis are huge so I took them all off and used my heart cookie cutter to cut the shapes.

 

Happy Valentines Day.

 

don't mess with me

Zach and I had a date night. He first swooned me over Chinese Food at PF Changs. Then took me shooting at TargetMaster, an indoor shooting range. I was really terrified. I was so terrified the bullet would backfire and kill me OR what if  someone in an adjoining lane decided to go crazy and shoot everyone in there! There isn't any protection from those people. Zach loaded a gun for me, showed me a few tricks of the trade, and I was standing there with a gun in my hand, shaking a little. It wasn't that difficult and after a few rounds I got the hang of it. Zach forgot to show me how to hold the gun and it cut my thumb. I was fine. That is what I told the lady, but she said I wasn't, guns are full of lead and I used my smarts to figure out I could get lead poisoning. I panicked...a little.

So would I go again? Yes. Was it fun? No. I want to "not miss". Aim. Shoot. Hit. Can't be hitting an ear when I aimed for the eye, can I? It's more of a challenge now.

I do enjoy dating my husband so anything we do ends up fun.

10 ways to be happier

I love this list! Don't get me wrong I am happy but sometimes I need some motivation to stay that way. This list isn't religious related at all but I agree with everything on it.

1. Make your bed

2. Bring every room back to "ready" - I can't agree with this more! I am someone who doesn't do well in messy areas. I get stressed and overwhelmed. I started doing 15 minute clean ups in the morning awhile back. Makes me so much more...well...happier.

3. Display sentimental items around your house

4. Start a one-line gratitude journal.

5. Set an intent for the day. -not another item on the to do list but rather something like "be productive" "smile at everyone you meet" "say I love you to loved ones"

6. Do small favors for others expecting nothing in return.

7. Call at least one family member/ friend. - not a text or email. a REAL phone call. Apparently socializing with loved ones makes us feel better.

8. Spend $ on things that cultivate experiences and memories. Then hang those pictures.

9. The dishes are not going to clean themselves, so you will do it, and you will like it! If you can't get out of it, get into it! (When can I hire a maid?)

10. Spend a few minutes each day connecting with spiritual beliefs.

So there you have it. I'm sure the Prophet will not tell us to make our beds to be happier or to hang family pictures but it makes me feel better...Now off I go to make the beds,

I don't do Sundays

This year we have switched our church times back to mornings so we attend from 9-12pm. Let it be known that I DO NOT like Sundays anymore! I do not like getting up at 7 (ok, well today it was 7:45) rushing around to get ready while yelling the get ready list questions.."Did you eat? Did you brush your teeth? Where are your socks? Why aren't they ON your feet?!?!? " You know, the same questions repeated to every child five times because obviously they didn't remember it do it the first four times I asked. The whole morning makes me frustrated and angry. I usually sit in silence on the way to church. Matthew naps these hours also, the last hour he's le mis' baby.

Today I told Zach was going inactive. So if someone doesn't see me there after 2 Sundays in a row you will know why. I don't like so much time in the afternoon to fill with activities and entertainment. I liked going to church from 1-4pm. That was the BEST time ever! Also, I could get so much done on my secretarial callings in the morning, now I can't procrastinate.

I know it will get better as the weather gets warmer. We will be able to go to parks and Music in the Park in the evening. The earlier church time gives us enough time to have company for dinner, which is something I did miss. Family Home Morning went back to Family Home Evening.

If it wasn't for this adorable boy and his sister I may walk out the door one of these Sunday mornings and not return.

a spare time project

My most recent and exciting (at least to me) house project is my master bedroom. I have been waiting to conquer this room for awhile. I usually put off doing anything to the master "suite" because it's not a public room that anyone sees. I figured it was time, 15 years later, that Zach and I had a place that was worthy of baby making procedures.

I have a small obsession with Pinterest, I mean really, who doesn't? I have been saving bedroom ideas and it wasn't until I found this one that I knew what I wanted my room to look like.

To me this says classy and comfortable and relaxing and clean with just a hint of feminine romance. I can't forget a man sleeps here, too. I have a lot of DIY projects in this room including recovering my headboard, painting a chandelier and mirror, making a Pottery Barn inspired wall shelf, finding and painting a desk, making throw pillow, and making 2 large standing mirrors. I think enough to keep me busy for the year. I must go paint now.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

hidden talent

I bet no one knows that I can fold paper. Not just any folding, I can make animals and objects out of paper. Origami actually. Growing up in Arizona my parents had a friend from Japan and I was friends with his daughter. He taught me how to be an Origami-ist (? totally made that word up! but it sounds so good!). I haven't made anything with paper for years, besides long grocery lists and wrapping gifts. As I was Christmas shopping this week I picked up a pack of Origami paper. I planned on having an Origami party with my children to teach them this ancient art and how their Mother knows how to do it!
 

Tonight, I sat down with Isaac and Cara and we made boxes, hats, and tables and chairs, cranes and angel fish. I had fun and I hope they did too! *These aren't my exact folding, I was too lazy to get the camera out. My crane is lime green and looks exactly like this though*

While on the subject of fish...did you know I am a great fish killer, too?

 R.I.P. Goldfish. I should not of changed their water.

And Matthew being so cute has nothing to do with my talents. He was just too funny tonight playing with Zach and this hat so I thought I would add it.

on the 7th day of Christmas

In 5 days the famous, jolly happy soul will come down our chimney to leave presents for all the nice and naughty children in our home. Did I mention I love Christmas? No? Never? Hmm...

I didn't have any presents for Zach until 9:00 pm last night. I ordered him a pair of slippers. Woo-hoo! I was under a lot of pressure since the time he told me "you are going to have the BEST Christmas EVER!" I've even suggested he take back everything because he will have nothing. Last night I ask this simple needs man (as that is what he described himself as) what he wanted. He told me a pair of house slippers. Well, its your lucky day because that's the one thing I bought. Great. No use in keeping it a secret. Two presents under the tree would be nice, though.

I never know what I want when a family member asks what I want. I never really feel I want anything nor need anything. Well, not this year, baby! My list to Santa was long and detailed. I knew exactly what I wanted!  Starting with these:

   

These dishes belong to Pottery Barns 12 Days of Christmas Serve ware Collection. Each piece represents the 12 days of Christmas. I have 6 so far. By far the cutest and most sought after piece is the Partridge in a Pear Tree Salt and Pepper Shakers. They are so adorable! Anyway, I fell in LOVE! I requested a piece from each and all. I had my name is 2 different stores on a waiting list for those darn salt and peppers shakers. Heard they were selling on EBay for over $200. HA! They are only 35$. I just received mine YESTERDAY! And only paid 35$ by the way.

Zach's sister, Biz sent me 3! I knew she bought one, I had no idea she bought 3!! When I saw the PB box out front I got so excited, I tell ya! It was like Christmas morning. No, I could not wait until the 25th...too much excitement running through me. (Sorry, Biz, I opened the presents WAY early).

Biz always sends her presents gift wrapped by the store. The boxes were wrapped so beautifully! I carefully opened each present so I could save the paper and reuse it. Thanks Biz!

OK, so Christmas makes my eye twitch (happens every time I get stressed) BUT I enjoy wrapping the gifts. I would like to a gift wrapper when I grow up. At the Pottery Barn. I enjoy wrapping so much that I wrapped all my friends gifts for her family and even personally addressed all the presents to her husband. Oh, I wish I could of written the funny things that were going through my head. I restrained myself though. Don't want anyone getting the wrong idea here.

So besides my total mental break down a couple of days ago and obsession with matching wrapping paper and perfect corners, I would say I am excited for Christmas.

diary of a middle schooler mom

I'm not sure if I am cut out for this teenage stuff. Someone said to me one time that the teenage years were the years they enjoyed the most. I highly doubt it. I haven't even got into the thick of them yet and I am already worn out. Isaac has been pushing his limits. Believe me when I say he definitely is at maximum speed and not slowing down. I'm a bit scared. I hope and pray everyday that he will get through these years safe.

I think back to when I was in 7th grade. I remember it being a tough time. I was usually made fun of because I never really fit in with the "cool" kids. I was the new kid almost every two years so I never went to school with kids I grew up with. I had to make new friends at each school. My mom was a great support and tried her best to make the "bullies" stop. I ended up hanging with friends that may have not been the best influence but they weren't making fun of me. I realize that these middle school years are horrible. Isaac enjoys school and he usually does well with his grades. A few times I had to crack down and threaten to pull him out of school if he EVER gets another D. He's brilliant but lazy. So what side of the line is worse? Maybe for him he's better where he is...just don't let me hear of him making fun of other kids.

I feel like Isaac has found himself in a comfortable spot at school, he has friends, he plays sports, his teachers adore him. I also know that he tries to fit in. Maybe the cool kids all sneak out and have girlfriends. Zach drops Isaac off for school every morning. He said all the kids wear shorts and basketball socks with basket ball shoes. Yes, Isaac is still wearing shorts to school. I tried to fight it for months but then finally gave up. I guess I don't care if he's cold. The cool kids hang out front of the school holding their cups of Starbucks (coffee or not, I don't know).  Isaac would get there an hour early just out hang out with his friends.

Is this normal? I didn't expect these behaviors until 15 or 16 at the earliest. Not 12.

I can't dwell on the negative things only, I try to remind myself he has a lot of great qualities. I am thankful for Isaac and really could not imagine life with out him, good or bad. I hope to look back at this one day and laugh. Or cry. I'm not sure which yet.

Diary of a middle schooler

When I began this blog my intentions was to use it more like journal for the daily trials of motherhood and all the funny stuff that happens. I look back to pictures of the children when they were much younger and enjoy recalling the memory that surrounds the picture. I want to put stories with pictures. I thought this was the best way to do it. I look back at previous blog posts and read posts that I have completely forgot about. Its fun to read about all the little things I have passed over in the memory side of my brain.

At the same time writing about personal things is very difficult as I know others read this. I sometimes begin writing a post then it sits in drafts as I ponder how I can reword it to make it seem less...well, embarrassing to read. The posts still are sitting in drafts. My life is NOT perfect. I am not winning any Mother of the Year award nor do I think my children are with out flaw.

I don't want to forget the experiences I have. Its difficult to know what I should remember and what I actually may not want to remember. It has been hard to keep a handwritten journal and scrapbooks are a thing of the past so I feel like this is all I have.

I wanted to write a bit about Isaac. He obviously is my biggest struggle right now. I don't want to make him seem like a bad kid or a bad example, though we have told his brothers and sisters to "not act like your brother, he's not a good example."

Last week, Zach called me down stairs while he was ironing his shirt in the morning. Hesitantly, I walked down afraid of what he was going to "show" me. I was picturing a dead animal. Ha!  I peered around the corner and ask "what?". Zach must of heard the anxiety in my tone because he said "don't worry, theres no dead animal." How did he know?!?! Anyway, I followed him into the office/game room where he showed me muddy foot prints on the filing cabinet and the window unlocked. Isaac has been sleeping on the futon in that room for several months, for no real reason. At that moment we both knew Isaac had used the window as a form of exit/entrance. When was the real question.

Of course we bring him right down and question him. He's not a good liar. Supposedly, he climbs in the window when he gets home from school and I'm not home and the door it locked. Let's begin here: I am not NOT home when he gets home AND he has a key...to the door. So we knew that a lie. Then he proceeds to tell us that he came in through the window when I kicked him out of the house the day before to sit on the front step (another story all together). EXCEPT he wasn't wearing shoes! He stuck by his story all day. Zach and I knew otherwise. I mean really, we weren't born parents. He's dealing with pros here.

During the day I thought about him and how I was going to approach this situation. I didn't need a confession, I knew the truth already. I wanted him to tell me the details. I took down the futon that day and put all his bedding back on the bunk bed, in the room he shares with the Sam and Michael. Later, I said to him "I know you snuck out. I want to know with who and when." Surprisingly, he answered me immediately. We then had a conversation, ok well a one sided conversation, about making good choices and blah blah blah ( at least that's what I think he got out of it). That evening Zach had a long 1 1/2 hour talk with him. Some threats. Some crying. Lots of disappointment. Loss of privileges.  He has to totally redeem himself to gain any privileges back.

Then a few days later I receive this text message from an unknown number:

Isaac: "can you pick me up before the concert starts so I can get out of school and watch Olivia"
me: "why?"

Isaac: (from another unknown number) "I just got sent to timeout...for pulling my pants down. I had shorts under. I want to come to the concert"
me: "sorry, I cant get you before I go."
Isaac: "I don't want to stay in school. Can you pick me up while your out or right now?"
me: "can you call me?"
Isaac: "No, I'm in band. Just pick me up!"

Wow! a bit demanding he got.

me: "I cant. Matthew is sleeping and I have an appt at 1. Please call me."
Isaac: "What do you mean? Just pick me up before 12:45"
me: "I'll try."
Isaac: "I get my detention during lunch. If I'm not here I cant get it."

What?!!? Is he serious? He wanted me to get him so he didn't go to detention.

me: " I'm not picking you up so you don't have to go to detention. You made a choice."

Isaac: (from yet another unknown number) "Just get me out of school please!"

I never replied.

Did I mention that he would have his own phone at school except he got that taken away after he snuck out and had 7,300 text message last month. Thank goodness for unlimited text. When could someone who is in school all day and then stays for after school sports text that much during one month? When? Oh I see, he did all these texts when we thought he was in bed, between 9:30 and 1 o'clock in the morning, Yep, go ahead laugh... feel sorry for me...empathsize...gasp...sigh..whatever...

The first month he had over 10,000 text messages. That was about a year ago.

part 2 coming soon....

what goes around comes around

some ridiculous saying that is....

I apologized to my Mother the other day for all the hard times I gave her and my father while growing up. She sort of ignored my remark and started talking about Christmas presents for Cara. So officially I am apologizing for every dumb, stupid, rude, or totally obnoxious thing I ever did before today. Yes. Today.

Oh man, I was a rebellious and ignorant young kid, tween, teenager,adult.  Seriously. I can't even write the events of my life.

Why did I feel the need to apologize? It's my first born.

He is all the things I remember being. The not-so-good things and good. He's smart. Like book smart. I was always book smart. I didn't have to try very hard to get good grades. He doesn't either. He gets good grades. Won the 4th grade spelling bee then lost at state level. BUT won none the less. Teachers LOVE him. He waits until the hour before bed to complete a project he has known about for weeks and still scores an A.

I was caught at EVERYTHING I did. Ha! and he actually thinks he gets away with everything. I keep telling him I know everybody and everything.

But this is what I actually wanted to write about, Isaac has his own cell phone. (on the record, Zach completely opposed it). He's had it taken away several times. First month he had over 10,000 text messages. I am laughing while writing that. WHO can text that many times in 1 month!?!? Phone gone. So over the past year or so its been the "home" phone. Occasionally, I have to remind Isaac to take the phone out of his book bag-it's not yours. Tonight I went to upgrade my phone and to my little wondering eyes I see he has 7,500 text messages. Knowing he is in school ALL DAY I wondered when he is actually making these messages. I only looked at 2 days, yesterday and today. For 4 hours last night, between 9:30 (when he is suppose to be in bed) and 1:00 am there were over 400 messages...to the same number. His "I don't have a girlfriend" friend. I don't know her name. I don't know what she looks like. She obviously is nocturnal. Maybe a vampire.

I remember when my parents got me my own phone line. I was so excited. It was the cool thing. All my friends had their own phone number. I even got a phone that lit up when it rang. Very cool! So late at night I turned the ringer off and waited for the phone to light up. I would talk for hours every night. Probably to my "he's not my boyfriend" friend. I was so sneaky.


So the new age of communication is not different from when I was young(er). Here is my dilemma..do I let him "talk" to his friends and "pretend" I don't know, because my parents had to hear my yapping away all night, or let him know I know? Do I take the phone away or let him be dumb and stupid for many years?

I turned out just fine, right?

I'm not ready for those years. I remember what I was like. I had no choice but to apologize to my Mom.

Another joy of parenting.

Curse you Sandy! Curse you!!

Well, Hurricane Sandy came by and left without incident. No fallen trees. No power outages. No in-house water. My corn stalks are still hanging and the bushes are still intact.

I get a phone call today from Brandywine School District saying all schools will resume tomorrow EXCEPT for Hanby. Are you kidding me! Seriously, out of ALL the schools the one 4 children go to is closed again because of no power.

CURSE YOU!! (fist shaking towards the sky) CURSE YOU!!

wish I could sleep

here it is-1:30 am

I am scared. Like crazy. My heart is pounding. I think I may throw up. Picture something between My Weird Obsession and the movie Signs.
I check the windows. Locked.
Is the sump pump working. Yes.
Water? Anywhere? Then count how many towels I have, just in case because I know I have no sand bags. I make a mental note to buy some from Lowes.

The hurricane is here. I thought it may be over but its not. I want to hide in my closet. Or in the downstairs bathtub.

Who's room will I make it to first in case of an emergency? I need to bring all the kids in the closet with me.

I hate trees! We still have power but I keep looking out the window wondering when we will lose it so the annoying neighbor behind us porch's lights will go off. I make a mental note to buy a BB gun.

I stand at the window...watching the trees sway. I have my favorite sweater on and wrapped myself in a heavy blankie but I am freezing. My teeth are chattering.

I sit on the couch. Lay in the bed. Stand by the window. Pee break. All I can do is watch and listen. I hate trees!

I prepared a room downstairs for the kids to sleep during the final hours of this storm but they argued, giggled, and were still awake an hour after being put down. So they were sent to their beds. Upstairs. I've considered waking them up and taking them back down. No bed for Matthew though. How fast can I get his crib apart?

What is worse...waking them up or taking a chance that no trees fall? I'm taking my chances with lots of prayer. Do you think Heavenly Father changes his mind after the same prayer 200 times? At what prayer # does my fate change?

Husband just asked if I was emailing. Yep, I am. Heavenly Father. 201. 202. 203...

I'm getting all the trees cut down before the next hurricane.

How much damage does a roof need for the insurance to replace it? I would like a new roof. Maybe in gray.

Tired.

back to blogging

My friend called me the other day and says to me something like .." I bet your busy because you haven't blogged for awhile." It was true. Updating my blog seemed like the last thing I thought about. I would start a post then get distracted and hit the Save button. I had 5 drafts.  I didn't want to forget memories so I would jot down a few ideas about what I wanted to write about. That piece of paper had 4 ideas.

I broke my camera 10 minutes before Matthew's first birthday party. I dropped it (again-actually I or a child have dropped 3 cameras and broke them all) this is why I have few pictures of his birthday party. Zach was trying to help me with my camera dropping dilemmas so when he bought the last camera for my birthday he added the warranty protection. We took the camera back to Best Buy thinking we would exchange it and move on. Well, it wasn't that easy. Best Buy wanted to send it off to their technically advanced troubleshooting department though I already told them what was wrong. It would be 2 weeks until we received it back. Now that's just ludicrous, don't you think? We buy an extended warranty for a reason and it wasn't to be without a camera. I told the geek squad I didn't want to be without a camera for 2 weeks. I don't know why I said that, it wasn't like I could use the camera out of continuous shooting mode or that I EVEN take pictures. I was standing my ground and it was just my point I was trying to make. Anyway, my wonderful husband bought me another camera instead except without the extended warranty because now we know it doesn't really help. Its a nicer camera. We got it for a great price and it takes nice pictures. There was one problem...I couldn't figure out how to transfer the images to the computer permanently. I could only hook up the camera and through a 1000 steps eventually transfer my pictures to the blog but that sometimes didn't work either.

So here I was with 9 potential posts and no photos to go with them. That was until yesterday when I realized I can hit "import photos" and they actually transfer. Woohoo!! I obviously am not technologically advanced and would never qualify as a geek or nerd or whatever I have to be to know these things. I'm back to posting again. But to answer my friends question I AM busy. I can't wait to post all the things I have been doing. I still need to get the pictures off the camera.

I bought a hutch.

I know it will be quite difficult to understand or relate my excitement in that statement. Yeah, so what? Well, not to me. To me this IS exciting. Because I'm a crafter and a painter and a project-er. I always need something to keep me busy. Not that the kids don't keep me busy, I need to be busy in a different way. When I'm designing something, anything, I feel accomplished. I need recognition and immediate satisfaction. I proudly display whatever it is I made in hopes that SOMEone says, "Hey, that's pretty cool." or "Did you make this?" Then I can answer "Why, yes I did." Proudly. Usually its only Cara who compliments my work. That's because she cares and she loves the things I make her. Zach has made a few passive attempts to compliment my painting work while I was painting his office/waiting area/bathroom. I'll take it as a complete whole hearted compliment though. Yes, I am good at painting, thank you.

Anyway, back to the hutch....

I found this beauty at the Goodwill a few days ago for $25

Zach thought it was a BAD idea. I even warned him before he saw it that it needed paint. When he took one look at my fabulous find he said how he wished I consulted him first and called it Balsa wood. Just to get my point on record, I no longer consult him in my thrifty finds. I told him to just let me work on it. I knew all along what I wanted. I had a vision.

After a few minutes (hours) searching my favorite inspirational website, which I am not mentioning the name of, I knew what  I was going to do.

Here it is again with doors off and the drawers out. I laid down the first coat of primer. I'll be sanding it again and then spraying on color. I am going for a distressed look with glazing. I've not done glazing before so I'm excited to try something different.

 Zach mentioned he needed a dresser at the shop for a change of clothes and shoes. I bought this with his need in mind (that's why he thought he needed to be consulted). I plan on keeping the glass doors off and attaching the shelves back in.








Here are a few pictures I found..I hope mine turns out like I plan.