by teresa
Now either my fever broke and left me in a half sick/half well stupor, or I was transported back in time 30 years to my 8th birthday. When posters of Shaun Cassidy and Andy Gibb hung in my room and all I did was dance around to my scratchy lp of Shadow Dancing.
No, I just looked down my shirt and I am so not 8! It must have been the VH1 70's teen star fluff I had on during my day of sicky blah.
I think I'll go lie back down and try to wake up at 16. Before stretch marks and saggy (fill in the blank).
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Don't get too close, we might breathe on you
by teresa
Chris and I are sickies.
Thank goodness the kids are feeling ok. Although, if they were a little sick it would be easier to keep up with them.
Ben had two games today. The first of which had him at the field by 7:30am. Yeh, I know...that just ain't right. The team was half asleep, and it showed in their play. We tied 1 to 1 (with a team we should have trounced). It didn't help anyone that the field had 24 hours of rain the day before. Ben scored our only goal in the last minute of the game. Phew!
The second game was much more exciting. One of those where you score, then they score, then you score, then they score. Really tight, until the second half when we got on a roll. The final score was 6 to 3. Ben scored two great goals.
The rest of the day was spent running concession stand (Nick), attending baseball, tiny tot soccer and football games.
I carried my box of tissues with me wherever I went and I tried to only sneeze on the other teams parents. just kidding.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Clear Head
By Chris
Something had me all stopped up and coughing this morning. Allergies, I think. The kind that threaten to shut you down for the day. And I couldn't be shut down today. I found a combo. that is kickin' the symptoms' butt right now. I'll record it here because I know I won't remember:
- 2 doses of cheap sinus pills
- 2 cups of hot coffee and a frapuccino (because allergy pills can make you tired, and all that hot coffee makes you want something cool).
- A can of Diet Coke (because my receptionist has threatened to cut me off the coffee for the day)
- A dozen Halls cherry menthol cough drops.
All those things over the last 7 hours or so has me pluggin' along pretty good ;))
Something had me all stopped up and coughing this morning. Allergies, I think. The kind that threaten to shut you down for the day. And I couldn't be shut down today. I found a combo. that is kickin' the symptoms' butt right now. I'll record it here because I know I won't remember:
- 2 doses of cheap sinus pills
- 2 cups of hot coffee and a frapuccino (because allergy pills can make you tired, and all that hot coffee makes you want something cool).
- A can of Diet Coke (because my receptionist has threatened to cut me off the coffee for the day)
- A dozen Halls cherry menthol cough drops.
All those things over the last 7 hours or so has me pluggin' along pretty good ;))
100% humidity??? Are you kidding me???
by teresa
It feels like Louisiana swamp weather outside this morning.
We have been enjoying the low temps. and low humidity for a week now, but yesterdays storm turned it all around. I don't exactly know why (low pressure/high pressure/warm air from the ocean/winds coming from the east/the angels are taking a sauna/whatever) I just know it's hotty hot hot nosebleed warm outside right now and I don't like it one bit.
It has been fall for six days. I had my layering back. I wore socks people. I don't want to break out my feet ruining (dude, they were seriously tore up dry and cracked from a summer of no proper shoes) flip flops again.
It feels like Louisiana swamp weather outside this morning.
We have been enjoying the low temps. and low humidity for a week now, but yesterdays storm turned it all around. I don't exactly know why (low pressure/high pressure/warm air from the ocean/winds coming from the east/the angels are taking a sauna/whatever) I just know it's hotty hot hot nosebleed warm outside right now and I don't like it one bit.
It has been fall for six days. I had my layering back. I wore socks people. I don't want to break out my feet ruining (dude, they were seriously tore up dry and cracked from a summer of no proper shoes) flip flops again.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I can't stop myself. It's like the elf yourself all over again!
by teresa
I found this website. yearbookyourself.com
Go there and have some laughs.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
connect
by teresa
Today was See You At The Pole all across the country.
My kids have participated in it for years.
I dropped Nick off early to join in with his friends (and a few teachers) to pray around the flagpole.
Pray for their school, friends, teachers, government, and their nation.
I am very proud of Nicky for not being ashamed to show his fellow students (around 800 kids arriving by bus and parent drop off) that being a child God is cool.
SYATP connects believers together at the beginning of the school year, so you can stand strong together throughout the year. It's about you coming together and laying aside all the labels and groups for one day, to simply connect with God in prayer and connect with fellow Christians in unity around the flag pole—whether jocks, preps, geeks, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, sophomores, or seniors. 
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
It's not a good idea to try and read a mapquest printout while driving on the interstate at night
by teresa
Are you good at navigating around town?
What about outside your little bubble?
What is the furthest you can go from home before you start questioning turns and street signs?
My comfort zone ends about 30 minutes west of my driveway.
Now I can go to the Carolina's and back...no problem.
I guess I have driven there enough, it has become a little part of my bubble.
But, west (Suffolk area), is a road less traveled. A place I have been, yes. But it's different when somebody else drives. You don't pay attention to interstate merges and off ramps and such.
Next time, I'm paying attention.
Because guess what? Mapquest stinks!
If the place you are going to is a new development, Mapquest may not recognize it and will make up a random place for you to go instead.
I was so lost. So very, very lost.
And my wrong turns ended me up in some very not so nicey places.
You know the ones.
A rent-a-center, check cashing store and dollar general on every corner. Old 7-11 stores, that still look like the 7-11 you know and love, but have been changed to Joe's Foodmart or Cal'z cheap cigs.
Once my drive was in it's 70th minute (Mapquest had told me to expect 30) I called Lauren. I told her to go to the computer and pull up Mapquest. I then told her my where abouts (a radio shack parking lot) and she reworked my route to get me to my PTA training meeting. I would be late, but I was determined to find this place. Plus, the only way I knew to get home, was directions from the school. I was driving and she was barking orders "left mom", "now two lights up take a right". She informed me that she was reading the map this time and not the directions.
"Okay baby", whatever it takes.
At least that's what I was saying until she had me continuing down a looooong, narrow country road for 15 minutes (assuring me the whole time it was the right way). No houses, no street signs, no sign of life besides the cows and cotton fields. Then I hear her say,"uh oh". "Turn around mom, turn around now". You need to go the other way. Well duh. Once I saw the cows I figured something was up.
I was now over 90 minutes into my trip. 90 minutes of being about 2 miles from my destination most of the time. Once I turned around and backtracked I was right there. A beautiful new school, in a beautiful new neighborhood. A parking lot full of cars. People who were on time and either live in that bubble or own a gps.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Robert Frost
“Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason”
Jerry Seinfeld
Are you good at navigating around town?
What about outside your little bubble?
What is the furthest you can go from home before you start questioning turns and street signs?
My comfort zone ends about 30 minutes west of my driveway.
Now I can go to the Carolina's and back...no problem.
I guess I have driven there enough, it has become a little part of my bubble.
But, west (Suffolk area), is a road less traveled. A place I have been, yes. But it's different when somebody else drives. You don't pay attention to interstate merges and off ramps and such.
Next time, I'm paying attention.
Because guess what? Mapquest stinks!
If the place you are going to is a new development, Mapquest may not recognize it and will make up a random place for you to go instead.
I was so lost. So very, very lost.
And my wrong turns ended me up in some very not so nicey places.
You know the ones.
A rent-a-center, check cashing store and dollar general on every corner. Old 7-11 stores, that still look like the 7-11 you know and love, but have been changed to Joe's Foodmart or Cal'z cheap cigs.
Once my drive was in it's 70th minute (Mapquest had told me to expect 30) I called Lauren. I told her to go to the computer and pull up Mapquest. I then told her my where abouts (a radio shack parking lot) and she reworked my route to get me to my PTA training meeting. I would be late, but I was determined to find this place. Plus, the only way I knew to get home, was directions from the school. I was driving and she was barking orders "left mom", "now two lights up take a right". She informed me that she was reading the map this time and not the directions.
"Okay baby", whatever it takes.
At least that's what I was saying until she had me continuing down a looooong, narrow country road for 15 minutes (assuring me the whole time it was the right way). No houses, no street signs, no sign of life besides the cows and cotton fields. Then I hear her say,"uh oh". "Turn around mom, turn around now". You need to go the other way. Well duh. Once I saw the cows I figured something was up.
I was now over 90 minutes into my trip. 90 minutes of being about 2 miles from my destination most of the time. Once I turned around and backtracked I was right there. A beautiful new school, in a beautiful new neighborhood. A parking lot full of cars. People who were on time and either live in that bubble or own a gps.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Robert Frost
“Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason”
Jerry Seinfeld
Monday, September 22, 2008
I need a gps for my car like I need Jesus, air, water and krispy kreme
by teresa
I got lost tonight. Waaaaaaay lost.
I am too exhausted to give details.
Full story coming in the morning after a good 8hrs of sleep and a grande caramel frap!
I got lost tonight. Waaaaaaay lost.
I am too exhausted to give details.
Full story coming in the morning after a good 8hrs of sleep and a grande caramel frap!
Questions and comments heard in the Green house this week
by teresa
If you ever leave the bathroom like that again, you are going to have to start going outside.
If you threw away that piece of paper I really am going to kill you this time.
Was Jesus a brat?
Prackers are my favorite snack!
OWWwwwww! Sob...gasp....arrrgGGG! I THINK I BROKE MY HEAD!!!!
You're fine...just walk it off.
praise, don't pout.
This time it was about spiders. Big ones, and we couldn't get away from them.
He barks in his sleep.
These pillows smell like fart.
Who told you you were naked?
If you ever leave the bathroom like that again, you are going to have to start going outside.
If you threw away that piece of paper I really am going to kill you this time.
Was Jesus a brat?
Prackers are my favorite snack!
OWWwwwww! Sob...gasp....arrrgGGG! I THINK I BROKE MY HEAD!!!!
You're fine...just walk it off.
praise, don't pout.
This time it was about spiders. Big ones, and we couldn't get away from them.
He barks in his sleep.
These pillows smell like fart.
Who told you you were naked?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
"My kids always perceived the bathroom as a place where you wait it out until all the groceries are unloaded from the car."
by teresa
Lots of smiles and laughter around here lately.
The kids have had...
no attitudes.
no fighting.
no tantrums.
Weird.
Maybe the time away from each other in school is causing them to strengthen their brotherly bonds.
Nah.
They are probably plotting something against Chris and I.
Lots of smiles and laughter around here lately.
The kids have had...
no attitudes.
no fighting.
no tantrums.
Weird.
Maybe the time away from each other in school is causing them to strengthen their brotherly bonds.
Nah.
They are probably plotting something against Chris and I.
Friday, September 19, 2008
No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.
by teresa
I have a very busy day today.
From one school to another, the library, dry cleaners and post office.
A couple of calls and copies for soccer and I am taking our huge comforter set to the washland down the street for a quick cleaning (they have 6 tub washers...joy).
Trying to clean house a little too, in between errands.
Then I have to pick the boys from school for their dentist appointments.
We will rush home to cook, eat and head out to Ben's soccer practice.
Hopefully at practice I can get a little reading done (I am reading The Shack).
I can't wait to curl up on the couch with my hubby tonight after the kids go to bed. We will chat and watch tv for about five minutes, at which time we both fall out from the after effects of our hurried days.
I have a very busy day today.
From one school to another, the library, dry cleaners and post office.
A couple of calls and copies for soccer and I am taking our huge comforter set to the washland down the street for a quick cleaning (they have 6 tub washers...joy).
Trying to clean house a little too, in between errands.
Then I have to pick the boys from school for their dentist appointments.
We will rush home to cook, eat and head out to Ben's soccer practice.
Hopefully at practice I can get a little reading done (I am reading The Shack).
I can't wait to curl up on the couch with my hubby tonight after the kids go to bed. We will chat and watch tv for about five minutes, at which time we both fall out from the after effects of our hurried days.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Servant's Heart
By Chris
Nick has this regular gig where he watches children at church while their mommy's participate in a group called "MOPS" Mothers of pre-schoolers, I think it stands for. Anyway, I picked him up last night and got to see him in action. He had a nursery full of kids, and he was gladly chasing after them, entertaining them, etc. In this case he got paid, but you can really tell he enjoys serving . . . and in not-so-glamorous ways. After his babysitting duties were complete, I found him in our family life center putting away tables with a pastor from another church, who had used the facility that night for an event. I was ready to bolt, but he was interested in seeing what else he could help with before bolting. "I was sure glad he came in," the pastor, who was cleaning up by himself, told me. Then, he took out the trash from the MOPS meeting. And, it all made him very happy!
Nick has this regular gig where he watches children at church while their mommy's participate in a group called "MOPS" Mothers of pre-schoolers, I think it stands for. Anyway, I picked him up last night and got to see him in action. He had a nursery full of kids, and he was gladly chasing after them, entertaining them, etc. In this case he got paid, but you can really tell he enjoys serving . . . and in not-so-glamorous ways. After his babysitting duties were complete, I found him in our family life center putting away tables with a pastor from another church, who had used the facility that night for an event. I was ready to bolt, but he was interested in seeing what else he could help with before bolting. "I was sure glad he came in," the pastor, who was cleaning up by himself, told me. Then, he took out the trash from the MOPS meeting. And, it all made him very happy!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Game Time
by chris
Some more details from the weekend kids games...
Ben finally played his first game for his new "select" soccer team. They have been practicing and going to camps etc. for a long time and had their first game cancelled for weather, so they were VERY anxious to play. And play they did, beating a team from a club in Norfolk 8-2. Ben had 2 goals, including the first of the game.
It was a first for niece Kristian too, as she cheered at her first football game. They don't keep score in cheering, but she knew all the moves and looked very cheery. It was the first season in 5 years that Kristian and Ben were not playing soccer together. They grow up and pursue their own things quick.
Nephew Kai started his second baseball season, and I believe he's his team's best player. Really... Bias aside ;)). He's hitting the ball every time ... and well too!
Some more details from the weekend kids games...
Ben finally played his first game for his new "select" soccer team. They have been practicing and going to camps etc. for a long time and had their first game cancelled for weather, so they were VERY anxious to play. And play they did, beating a team from a club in Norfolk 8-2. Ben had 2 goals, including the first of the game.
It was a first for niece Kristian too, as she cheered at her first football game. They don't keep score in cheering, but she knew all the moves and looked very cheery. It was the first season in 5 years that Kristian and Ben were not playing soccer together. They grow up and pursue their own things quick.
Nephew Kai started his second baseball season, and I believe he's his team's best player. Really... Bias aside ;)). He's hitting the ball every time ... and well too!
Questions and comments heard in the Green house this week
by teresa
If you use the Saran wrap for microwaves you can get a disease.
My farts aren't usually hot, but that one was.
If a dragon popped out right now you'd be happy.
Please do not talk about sex when you are not around me.
If we go out, I will get close to the entire basketball team.
That's a statement every father wants to hear.
I should have put Ben in the sewer.
The phone I'm using now, I found in the boys toy box.
I am having a prayer meeting in ten minutes...so get out!
Is it wrong to rip library books on cd to my computer library?
I like the dummy class.
They do nothing in 7th bell but sharpen the teachers pencils and make origami.
Being a good (involved) mom is a full time job, I have no time for anything else.
Pocahontas!
It's not Pocahontas, it's Sacajawea.
You think you're so smart, but you didn't know Emily Dickinson.
I always get the answers on teen week jeopardy.
If you use the Saran wrap for microwaves you can get a disease.
My farts aren't usually hot, but that one was.
If a dragon popped out right now you'd be happy.
Please do not talk about sex when you are not around me.
If we go out, I will get close to the entire basketball team.
That's a statement every father wants to hear.
I should have put Ben in the sewer.
The phone I'm using now, I found in the boys toy box.
I am having a prayer meeting in ten minutes...so get out!
Is it wrong to rip library books on cd to my computer library?
I like the dummy class.
They do nothing in 7th bell but sharpen the teachers pencils and make origami.
Being a good (involved) mom is a full time job, I have no time for anything else.
Pocahontas!
It's not Pocahontas, it's Sacajawea.
You think you're so smart, but you didn't know Emily Dickinson.
I always get the answers on teen week jeopardy.
I kept pushing in the lighter to turn on the radio.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tuck in your shirt and comb your hair
by teresa
What a jam packed weekend.
Our kids active lives had us out in the 100 plus degree (heat index) weather both days.
Saturday we had a 9:00am football game (Kristian cheered), noon was Kai's baseball game and 3:00pm was Ben's first soccer game. I have a sunburn on my face. A sunburn in the middle of September? Crazy Virginia weather. Saturday night was my monthly book club. The discussion was riveting and the fellowship was just what I needed to recharge my "mom wife woman batteries. I love love love the book club! Sunday, after church, Ben's soccer team was invited to be ball boys for the ODU soccer tournament finals. It was just as hot, but all us parents sat in the blazing stands melting and bursting seeing our babies out on the field with the big boys. It was too cool!
Last night was so relaxing. Chris, Lauren, Nick and I (Ben went to bed early after swimming tuckered him out) vegged on the couch watching football, noshing and laughing at pretty much everything. Do you ever have those times where everything seems funny to you? We were in a giggly mood I guess.
I will post pictures of the weekend later after I go do my duty at Ben's school as "the comb lady".
Today is school picture day.
What a jam packed weekend.
Our kids active lives had us out in the 100 plus degree (heat index) weather both days.
Saturday we had a 9:00am football game (Kristian cheered), noon was Kai's baseball game and 3:00pm was Ben's first soccer game. I have a sunburn on my face. A sunburn in the middle of September? Crazy Virginia weather. Saturday night was my monthly book club. The discussion was riveting and the fellowship was just what I needed to recharge my "mom wife woman batteries. I love love love the book club! Sunday, after church, Ben's soccer team was invited to be ball boys for the ODU soccer tournament finals. It was just as hot, but all us parents sat in the blazing stands melting and bursting seeing our babies out on the field with the big boys. It was too cool!
Last night was so relaxing. Chris, Lauren, Nick and I (Ben went to bed early after swimming tuckered him out) vegged on the couch watching football, noshing and laughing at pretty much everything. Do you ever have those times where everything seems funny to you? We were in a giggly mood I guess.
I will post pictures of the weekend later after I go do my duty at Ben's school as "the comb lady".
Today is school picture day.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
The one up side is now I have a new pooper scooper.
by teresa
Some of you have been wondering about my cellphone mishap.
Were we able to retrieve it?
Uhhh...nope.
But we sure gave it a heck of a try.
Nick, Ben and I set off for "the chick" with a crow bar and a pickax.
I didn't want to bring the pickax(I was afraid people would think we were insane), but Nick insisted it was a much needed tool.
We parked near the sewer opening and staked it out for awhile.
Most people I know shop and dine in that area of town, and I did NOT want to be spotted doing what we were planning to do.
Once the coast was clear (or as clear as a chick-fil-a gets around dinner time) we hopped out of the car with a plan.
Nick was going to use the crow bar to lift the grate, and I was going to look for my phone. Once spotted I was going to (hopefully) be able to reach it. There was a ledge, so I was holding out hope it was resting on it.
Chris had already told me, when I called him from home with our plans, that I was NOT allowed to put Ben down there to get it.
Dang!
Alas, the crowbar would not lift the grate.
We tried and tried, and it was not lifting, budging and it wouldn't fit the little hole in the top.
But guess what did work?
Yep, the pickax.
Of course we looked like psycho pickax swinging serial killers, but who cares when your talking about 2oo saved contacts on your cellphone?
Nick lifted the grate, and there was my baby.
About 3feet past my reach.
Darnit!
We hopped back in the car to regroup (and to get dry because it had started drizzling 10 minutes earlier).
I sent Nick inside to see if the cleaning crew had one of those reachy picker up things they use for litter in the parking lot.
They said,"um...no."
As we were sitting in the car (telling Ben to shut up about having to go to the bathroom) a commercial came on for duct tape.
AHA! DUCT TAPE!
Nick and I had the revelation and screamed it out at the same time.
So we cut on the car and drove across the parking lot to Walmart.
We bought a roll of duct tape, a paint roller extender pole and some shampoo.
The shampoo is because we were running low in the upstairs bathroom.
We headed back to our parking space and set about creating a cellphone picker upper.
I wrapped the tape this way and that way on the end of the stick, until I had about half the roll zigzagged with the appropriate amount of stickiness exposed to pick up a small car.
We then exited the vehicle, lifted the grate, at which point Ben whined about not having a part in our mission. So I agreed to let him use the stick to get the phone, at which time he reached the stick down ever so carfully....and crammed it into the pile of leaves beside the phone.
NOOOO!
We laughed so hard, I'm pretty sure two of us peed our pants.
All my sticky was gone.
So I climbed back in the car and wound my adhesive magic one more time.
We climbed out, lifted the grate and I stuck that engineering marvel right on the phone. It was a hard reach, but it held firm.
We cheered....we screamed....people stared (but who cares that they think, I got my nokia back baby). Then half way up....it fell off and landed further down the hole.
Holy moly folks!
We tried it a few more times to no avail. The phone was just to heavy for the tape.
So we got back in the car and thought awhile.
Then it came to me....pooper scooper!
I didn't feel like going back to Walmart to but one, so I made one from a box in my car and the stick. The boys just sat there staring at me like I was crazy.
"What are you making mom?"
"Don't talk to me...I'm creating!"
I was sure it was going to work.
We gave it one more try.
Nick lifted the grate and I stretched down as far as I could with my scooper. It lifted it up, but the space it was in was too narrow. It pushed out of the trap and fell deep into the water.
It was over.
Even if I could get to it now it wouldn't work anymore.
Don't cry for me...I'm due for a new phone on our plan next month. I just hate having to find all those contacts again. I also HATE to lose. And that's what we did.
I picked today's song (At Last by Etta James) in memory of my lost phone. It was my ringtone.
Some of you have been wondering about my cellphone mishap.
Were we able to retrieve it?
Uhhh...nope.
But we sure gave it a heck of a try.
Nick, Ben and I set off for "the chick" with a crow bar and a pickax.
I didn't want to bring the pickax(I was afraid people would think we were insane), but Nick insisted it was a much needed tool.
We parked near the sewer opening and staked it out for awhile.
Most people I know shop and dine in that area of town, and I did NOT want to be spotted doing what we were planning to do.
Once the coast was clear (or as clear as a chick-fil-a gets around dinner time) we hopped out of the car with a plan.
Nick was going to use the crow bar to lift the grate, and I was going to look for my phone. Once spotted I was going to (hopefully) be able to reach it. There was a ledge, so I was holding out hope it was resting on it.
Chris had already told me, when I called him from home with our plans, that I was NOT allowed to put Ben down there to get it.
Dang!
Alas, the crowbar would not lift the grate.
We tried and tried, and it was not lifting, budging and it wouldn't fit the little hole in the top.
But guess what did work?
Yep, the pickax.
Of course we looked like psycho pickax swinging serial killers, but who cares when your talking about 2oo saved contacts on your cellphone?
Nick lifted the grate, and there was my baby.
About 3feet past my reach.
Darnit!
We hopped back in the car to regroup (and to get dry because it had started drizzling 10 minutes earlier).
I sent Nick inside to see if the cleaning crew had one of those reachy picker up things they use for litter in the parking lot.
They said,"um...no."
As we were sitting in the car (telling Ben to shut up about having to go to the bathroom) a commercial came on for duct tape.
AHA! DUCT TAPE!
Nick and I had the revelation and screamed it out at the same time.
So we cut on the car and drove across the parking lot to Walmart.
We bought a roll of duct tape, a paint roller extender pole and some shampoo.
The shampoo is because we were running low in the upstairs bathroom.
We headed back to our parking space and set about creating a cellphone picker upper.
I wrapped the tape this way and that way on the end of the stick, until I had about half the roll zigzagged with the appropriate amount of stickiness exposed to pick up a small car.
We then exited the vehicle, lifted the grate, at which point Ben whined about not having a part in our mission. So I agreed to let him use the stick to get the phone, at which time he reached the stick down ever so carfully....and crammed it into the pile of leaves beside the phone.
NOOOO!
We laughed so hard, I'm pretty sure two of us peed our pants.
All my sticky was gone.
So I climbed back in the car and wound my adhesive magic one more time.
We climbed out, lifted the grate and I stuck that engineering marvel right on the phone. It was a hard reach, but it held firm.
We cheered....we screamed....people stared (but who cares that they think, I got my nokia back baby). Then half way up....it fell off and landed further down the hole.
Holy moly folks!
We tried it a few more times to no avail. The phone was just to heavy for the tape.
So we got back in the car and thought awhile.
Then it came to me....pooper scooper!
I didn't feel like going back to Walmart to but one, so I made one from a box in my car and the stick. The boys just sat there staring at me like I was crazy.
"What are you making mom?"
"Don't talk to me...I'm creating!"
I was sure it was going to work.
We gave it one more try.
Nick lifted the grate and I stretched down as far as I could with my scooper. It lifted it up, but the space it was in was too narrow. It pushed out of the trap and fell deep into the water.
It was over.
Even if I could get to it now it wouldn't work anymore.
Don't cry for me...I'm due for a new phone on our plan next month. I just hate having to find all those contacts again. I also HATE to lose. And that's what we did.
I picked today's song (At Last by Etta James) in memory of my lost phone. It was my ringtone.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
365 days later
by teresa
September 11th.
I posted this comment a year ago today.
"I can't believe six years has passed. Can you?You never know when your time here on Earth is going to be over. Make God first in your life. Talk with him each morning. Be kind to all people (even your kids...when they are being brats). Forgive. Be a light to all(this little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine). Remember praise...don't pout. Give more than you get. Be thankful. Make a difference. This is the day that the Lord has made....let us REJOICE and be glad in it!"
Two hours later....my father passed away at work.
*sigh*
I can NOT believe it has been a year. 365 days.
365 days of crying, coping, praying, longing, remembering.
The first months it was hard to take a breath without thinking of him.
The last few months I went a day or so without it passing through my mind.
Too busy with my life as a sahm with three kids and a husband.
I guess that's called healing or healthy or moving on.
I think it's more of being numb.
The kids have been the same way.
Life is good, they are happy and "normal" and then the memory traipses across there mind.
Bursting into tears, "I miss grandaddy!"
It comes out of nowhere.
I am reading a book called One Tuesday Morning. It's a novel about Sept. 11th 2001. The tragic morning and after effects on many different people.
It's a great read, but I will never focus on that date as being anything more than the day my daddy, who had put aside his hard living life just a few years ago and given his heart fully to the Lord, was taken home to be with his savior so suddenly.
A heartbreak for us.
A glorious embrace for him.
I miss you dad.
Until we meet again....
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Crud!
by teresa
I dropped my cellphone into the sewer in the parking lot at chik-fil-a.
Darngit.
I am taking Nick up there after homework to see if we can use a crowbar to pry open the grate on top and fish it out with the kids toy reacher grabber thingy.
Hopefully nobody calls the cops on us.
I'll make sure to take my camera to document our mission.
I dropped my cellphone into the sewer in the parking lot at chik-fil-a.
Darngit.
I am taking Nick up there after homework to see if we can use a crowbar to pry open the grate on top and fish it out with the kids toy reacher grabber thingy.
Hopefully nobody calls the cops on us.
I'll make sure to take my camera to document our mission.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
“I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.” Yogi Berra
by teresa
Nephew Kai had his first baseball game of the season. It was hot and muggy, but well worth the bug bites to see Kai do his thing. He was up to bat three times and hit doubles each at bat. Good job Kai! If only the rest of the team did that well. The score was a bazillion to 5. But we'll get 'em next time.
The highlight of the night was not on the field, but behind the dugout. When niece Kaden rolled up in her "look at me....I'm a psycho barmaid" outfit. That crazy kid is the only one that could pull that lo
ok off.
ok off. Monday, September 08, 2008
Questions and comments heard in the Green house this week
by teresa
All that shopping and the only thing you come home with is a tshirt for the dog?
I can feel the vibrations in my butt.
You need to block Cartoon Network from his tv cause all they keep talking about is boobies.
What happened to the days of Tom & Jerry?
Swiss cake roll pie? Do you know how happy that makes me?
I have a ham, spinach, meatball quiver going on right now.
We both have wieners, so it's ok.
I was a vessel of God.
That boy sure knows how to praise the Lord!
Did anybody eat my pie? yep, I did. And it made me have to throw up.
I can't stop watching The Color Purple. I have had it saved on the dvr for weeks. Every time I watch it I go around shakin' my shimmy for days.
You need to get up. I am up. I'm stretching. You aren't even moving! I am stretching my mind first, before I stretch my body. Boy...get up now or you're going to be late for school.
Mom, what's for dinner?
It's 7:30am...why do you need to know what I'm making for dinner?
Another PTA mom (of five) emailed me and said she found notes written around her house saying...I love Ben, I love Ben! The funny thing is she doesn't know which daughter wrote it.
All that shopping and the only thing you come home with is a tshirt for the dog?
I can feel the vibrations in my butt.
You need to block Cartoon Network from his tv cause all they keep talking about is boobies.
What happened to the days of Tom & Jerry?
Swiss cake roll pie? Do you know how happy that makes me?
I have a ham, spinach, meatball quiver going on right now.
We both have wieners, so it's ok.
I was a vessel of God.
That boy sure knows how to praise the Lord!
Did anybody eat my pie? yep, I did. And it made me have to throw up.
I can't stop watching The Color Purple. I have had it saved on the dvr for weeks. Every time I watch it I go around shakin' my shimmy for days.
You need to get up. I am up. I'm stretching. You aren't even moving! I am stretching my mind first, before I stretch my body. Boy...get up now or you're going to be late for school.
Mom, what's for dinner?
It's 7:30am...why do you need to know what I'm making for dinner?
Another PTA mom (of five) emailed me and said she found notes written around her house saying...I love Ben, I love Ben! The funny thing is she doesn't know which daughter wrote it.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Oh my goodness!
by teresa
In a hurried Sunday morning around here you will have lots of stuff going on.
With five people trying to get ready for church at the same time you have to search for an unoccupied place to do your morning business. Wanna iron? Take a number. Wanna put on your makeup? Your best bet is to creep to the car for some alone mirror time. Wanna get dressed without the eyes of the world on you? Find an empty corner and get yer dress on. I did this very thing today. I grabbed my clothes from upstairs and headed downstairs to finish my hair and put on my clothes. I almost went into the bathroom (just to make sure the neighbors didn't get a show) but I decided to strip quickly in the den to have more room.
Holy mother of full body nakedness!
That's when my nine year old son (who is quiet like a dang ninja) came around the corner. I had NO idea he was even on the 1st floor.
Poor fella.
I screamed.
He screamed.
He slapped his hands to his eyes so quick and hard, (as if a laser was burning them out) I will be
surprised if he doesn't have permanent hand prints on his face.
Note to self: make Ben an appointment with child physiologist to get a head start dealing with the inevitable trauma caused by this mornings happenings.
In a hurried Sunday morning around here you will have lots of stuff going on.
With five people trying to get ready for church at the same time you have to search for an unoccupied place to do your morning business. Wanna iron? Take a number. Wanna put on your makeup? Your best bet is to creep to the car for some alone mirror time. Wanna get dressed without the eyes of the world on you? Find an empty corner and get yer dress on. I did this very thing today. I grabbed my clothes from upstairs and headed downstairs to finish my hair and put on my clothes. I almost went into the bathroom (just to make sure the neighbors didn't get a show) but I decided to strip quickly in the den to have more room.
Holy mother of full body nakedness!
That's when my nine year old son (who is quiet like a dang ninja) came around the corner. I had NO idea he was even on the 1st floor.
Poor fella.
I screamed.
He screamed.
He slapped his hands to his eyes so quick and hard, (as if a laser was burning them out) I will be
surprised if he doesn't have permanent hand prints on his face.
Note to self: make Ben an appointment with child physiologist to get a head start dealing with the inevitable trauma caused by this mornings happenings.
nothing kills the mood more like stepping in something wet
by teresa
I woke up rested and feeling groovy.
Then I walked into the boys room and stepped into something wet.
I immediately chastised the dog. He sullenly hopped out of Ben's bed (tail between legs) and slithered underneath it (out of the reach of my swatting slipper). Which is when I noticed the tipped over water bottle one of the kids must have brought upstairs yesterday.
Sorry Shorty.
You will get lots of extra love and treats today.
I woke up rested and feeling groovy.
Then I walked into the boys room and stepped into something wet.
I immediately chastised the dog. He sullenly hopped out of Ben's bed (tail between legs) and slithered underneath it (out of the reach of my swatting slipper). Which is when I noticed the tipped over water bottle one of the kids must have brought upstairs yesterday.
Sorry Shorty.
You will get lots of extra love and treats today.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
You should never mess with Mother Nature
by teresa
Wow.
It seems Hanna didn't like me mocking her weakness.
She kicked it up a notch and brought on some big winds and lots more rain.
Practice was cancelled and we have been cooped up inside watching college football (on six different channels) and keeping an eye on the 100 year old swaying trees that flank our house.
In an hour we are all heading to moms to have dinner (her ham and spinach rolls) and stay out of the blustery weather.
Wow.
It seems Hanna didn't like me mocking her weakness.
She kicked it up a notch and brought on some big winds and lots more rain.
Practice was cancelled and we have been cooped up inside watching college football (on six different channels) and keeping an eye on the 100 year old swaying trees that flank our house.
In an hour we are all heading to moms to have dinner (her ham and spinach rolls) and stay out of the blustery weather.
blowing in the wind
by teresa
Hanna went easy on our area.
All that hurricane prep for nothing.
I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
We did get a little rain and some wind gusts blew a few dead twigs from our front yeard tree.
Ben's first game of the season was cancelled, but he will still have practice later this afternoon.
We were soooo bummed at the cancellation.
This new select team has been practicing since May and we (the parents) were ready to see some action.
Hanna went easy on our area.
All that hurricane prep for nothing.
I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
We did get a little rain and some wind gusts blew a few dead twigs from our front yeard tree.
Ben's first game of the season was cancelled, but he will still have practice later this afternoon.
We were soooo bummed at the cancellation.
This new select team has been practicing since May and we (the parents) were ready to see some action.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Go plant a tree!
by teresa
I found this picture I took on the last day of school. Ben's class had collaborated on a poster with the theme of "Celebrate Earth". Each student had a square to decorate with a way to better our planet. It seems most children drew about not littering or the benefits of recycling. Ben and a few others created a "plant a tree" picture. Very nice idea right? But after zooming in I realized there was a little more to his message (a hidden psa if you will). He not only has someone planting a tree, but it is one of his recurring penis people doing the planting. I feel like he is making a bold statement of abstinence before marriage. You notice his p.p. has no wedding ring, so he is far and free of any v.p.(you can figure out what that means). Until he makes that sacred commitment with a v.p., he is happy (look at that smile) just planting trees alone all day, everyday.
**********************************************************
*funny side note*
A year or so back Chris had to run some colleagues to the airport after all day meetings. He said they sat in the backseat during the ride and he could hear them giggling and whispering the whole time. He ignored the bursts of laughter and just figured it was "a woman thing". After dropping them off and driving home, he reached into the backseat to grab his briefcase. On top sat a drawing Ben had placed in there for him. I can't remember what the theme of the picture was, but there were two perfectly drawn penis people front and center. He was so embarrassed. hee hee
We need to put Ben in art lessons, so he can learn to draw people that aren't so controversial.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
I found this video when going through some old photos today. It was nice to hear dad's voice again. On the 11th it will be one year since his passing. It has been creeping back in my thoughts the past week or so. It's still rough. Ok...enough of that for today. Back to the video.
A neighbor had called us over to see a bird's nest on his front porch. Do I always sound that Darth Vader-ish?
Should I be concerned?
by teresa
This morning while making Nick's bed (yes, I make his bed...shut up!) I noticed some things piled under it. My kitchen scissors (which I have been looking all over for), about 20 rubber bands, a hat and thumb tacks.
What in the world? Clue me in people.
Should I be concerned?
Are these the makings of some new gizmo "the kids" have created for parental brain control manipulation? I knew he didn't like to take showers....but who knew he would go so far?
This morning while making Nick's bed (yes, I make his bed...shut up!) I noticed some things piled under it. My kitchen scissors (which I have been looking all over for), about 20 rubber bands, a hat and thumb tacks.
What in the world? Clue me in people.
Should I be concerned?
Are these the makings of some new gizmo "the kids" have created for parental brain control manipulation? I knew he didn't like to take showers....but who knew he would go so far?
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Actual questions and comments heard in the Green house this week
by teresa
If you don't use speaker phone, the cellphone will give your head too much manippleation.
Oh no mom...I forgot to put on my armor!
If you don't use speaker phone, the cellphone will give your head too much manippleation.
My teacher asked,"who in this class is crazy?" and I raised my hand.
The girl in front of me in the lunch line passed out, maybe she was trying to get out of eating that nasty pizza?
They put me in merp for an hour. What the heck is merp?
If it rains on Saturday, I am getting me a poncho and sitting my butt out there anyway.
She put the outfit I forbid her to wear on UNDER the outfit I had picked out. She came out all lumpy and smiling a little too big. I knew something was up right away.
I knew I had to do something, when getting undressed I noticed a big stain on my shirt that I hadn't seen all day because my roll was blocking my view.
Who hid the lunch bags on top of the hutch where I couldn't find them?
My head hurts where you hit me with your shoe.
I have old lady feet.
Your momma was crazy for a whole year, and I still loved her.
I repeat...do NOT touch the school supplies! If I even see one eraser missing, I'm cracking skulls. And not just a pink rectangle eraser....even the unauthorized removal of a tiny pencil top eraser will cause you to have to watch your back.
Oh no mom...I forgot to put on my armor!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Finding a way to become visible is the first step toward building relationships with your children's teachers.
by teresa
If you have a few minutes I have linked to a great article. It's about staying connected with your child's teacher and the benefits from doing this.
Click here for link to article.
If you have a few minutes I have linked to a great article. It's about staying connected with your child's teacher and the benefits from doing this.
Click here for link to article.
keep your eyes on your own paper!
by teresa
The kids are gone.
Beds are made, clothes are washed, dishwasher is empty, floor is vacuumed, bathrooms are wiped down and guess what?
They will stay that way for the next seven hours!
The kids are gone.
Beds are made, clothes are washed, dishwasher is empty, floor is vacuumed, bathrooms are wiped down and guess what?
They will stay that way for the next seven hours!
Hip hip hooray!
I am off to do some PTA biz-nass and then run to khols to find some workout pants.
Cause tomorrow morning after I drop off Nick I am starting back at the Y.
Go me.
Monday, September 01, 2008
I feel like I am almost at the finish line of a triathlon....or finally at the front of the mile long line ordering at Starbucks
by teresa
I don't think I can express how excited I am that school begins tomorrow. The boys have seriously reached their limits with each other. Separation is desperately needed. Eight hours apart, a day, is what they need to get back to brotherly love. Or at least get back to not wanting to kill each other everytime the other breaths too loudly.
I also get my house back. My place of peace. My sanctuary. But not till Wednesday for me. Chris decided to take off Tuesday also, so I have to put off my happy dance of solitude joy till then.
I don't think I can express how excited I am that school begins tomorrow. The boys have seriously reached their limits with each other. Separation is desperately needed. Eight hours apart, a day, is what they need to get back to brotherly love. Or at least get back to not wanting to kill each other everytime the other breaths too loudly.
I also get my house back. My place of peace. My sanctuary. But not till Wednesday for me. Chris decided to take off Tuesday also, so I have to put off my happy dance of solitude joy till then.
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