the jerk and mr. potter

excuse me

if this ends up sounding

a little incoherent

but i spent most of last night

in a movie theater

with fans way more dedicated

than myself

whose bright idea was it

to premiere a movie

at midnight

even with all the hoopla

i saw at least two people sleeping

that's an expensive nap

so what was i doing there?

baby girl and her step sister

really really wanted to go

and while i usually say no

to wild adventures in the night

i couldn't think of a good enough reason

to say no

so off we went

in the middle of the night

to see mr. potter

and his friends

on their latest adventure

i think they thanked me

a couple hundred times

they sure enjoyed themselves

even though the events of the movie

devastated one of them

luckily i ordered the tickets online

because when we got there

all 14 theaters showing mr. potter

were sold out

arriving a little over an hour early

and finding a seat was still difficult

the girls ended up sitting two rows back

together

and i took the single spot

next to a handicap slot

knowing i'd give it up should someone need it

you get to do a lot of people watching

when you have little else to do

for an hour

and there were interesting people galore

there was a man there with his two children

the kids were maybe 8 and 11

a boy and a girl

well this man confronted these two young guys

that were sitting in my handicap row

in two of the seats

he told them he thought they shouldn't be sitting there

the one young guy tried to explain

and was real respectful, calling the other guy sir

but the man got all up in the guy's face

and was yelling at him

mind you, his two children are watching all of this

the young guy wasn't able to tell his side of the story

although he sure tried

and the man finally backed down

and went back to his seat by his children

about this time

a young girl comes in with a couple friends and her mom

she's maybe a senior in high school

and she's trying to find a seat

the man bullies a few other young guys

about the empty seats next to them

and tells the girl she can sit there with her group

the girl gushes all over the place

and thanks him

i'm silently repulsed

the man proceeds to buy this girl a Coke

when he goes to buy $20 worth of candy for his kids

and won't take the money she tries to pay him back

i'm wondering why in the world

the girl's mom is allowing this to go on

again, this man's children are watching every move

and he was creepy

i caught him staring at the girl

at least a half dozen times

creepy, i tell you

but harmless with so many people around

thank goodness

i just silently observe

so the movie is getting ready to start

and the young guys in the handicap row with me

realize there is one empty seat

behind them

so the guy who was confronted

tells them to save the seat for him

and takes off out of the theater

after a little while

he returns

with two of his friends

one of them is in a wheelchair

and even as they roll over my toe

getting this guy to the spot two seats down from me

i was so excited

that this young guy got the last word

and he didn't have to say anything at all

jpg - friends

the good years

busy week
adjusting
to another little one
three months old

whew
i forgot
how much babies need
but oh, how cute

she'll be spending
the first three days
of the week with me
and half of thursday

so far so good
the boys are in love
and want her to play
unsure why she can't

she was cooing
(oh what a sound!)
and i said she was talking
monkey man wanted to know
why he couldn't understand her
if she was talking and all

very logical
these boys are
and trying to explain
well, it was beyond me

so that's what's going on
around here
little poochy cheeks to kiss
boys that are growing so fast
seventh grade missing assignments
soccer games and cross country practice

and one tired mommy

but these
yes
these are the good years

monkey preschool

for years now
i have waited
for those elusive minutes
to myself

today
dropping off one kid
and then another
the anticipation built up

the list of things
i could do
went on and on
but instead i went home

to an empty house

and almost lost it

how many times
in the past few years
have i looked around
and dreamed of this day?

ashamed to admit
that it was lots
and usually the requests
were more like begging prayers

so yes
i was able to breathe
a little easier today
in the silence of a few hours

but it sure was lonely

and all i really wanted to know
was when they could come out
and play again...

happy birthday to me!

Yup, it's my birthday...doesn't matter which one, I stopped counting a few years ago. :)

And for a birthday treat, just look at this sweetness:

This is the sweetie who was born the other day. Yummy newborn goodness!

Have a great day everyone - and can someone find the sun for me? It's been missing for three days! Thanks.

she's here!

I'm plain exhausted but I wanted to write a quick post to tell you that SHE'S HERE!! My friend, well actually my roommate from college, delivered a healthy 7 pound baby girl at 5:47 PM. They've named her Natalie Elizabeth and she is so precious!! I don't have my camera cord thingy with me or I'd post a picture. I will when I get home. Mom and baby are doing really well - just exhausted, like the rest of us. It took way longer than they thought it would (doesn't it always?) and so we (Grandma, Grandpa, her friend and I) had to keep up with and entertain her other two kids. They are 7 and 2.

Whew.

On that note, I'm off to bed! Good night!

friday's feast #183 (#26)

Please forgive me for not having my handy dandy picture today. I am not posting from home. I am helping out at my roomate from college's house. She is being induced tomorrow with her second child! I posted about questionable test results earlier in her pregnancy. All turned out okay. Now, we just pray for a healthy delivery. I can't wait to meet her new baby girl!!!

Now, where were we? Oh, yeah, here goes a try at this week's questions...

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how much do you like your own handwriting?

If I take my time, it's a 9 or 10. Usually I'm in a hurry though so it falls more like a 2 or 3. Speaking of handwriting, Baby Girl is in 6th grade this year and it was amazing to see the dynamic change in her handwriting. It went from "who cares?" to "girly, girly". Do you remember playing around with your handwriting as a kid? Was I the only one who did that?

Soup
Do you prefer baths or showers?

Showers. Again, I'm usually in a hurry so showers make more sense. Really though, I never did care for baths. The water gets too cold, there are so many other things I could or should be doing, I can't read because the pages get wet, when's the last time I cleaned the tub?...Not exactly the most relaxing thing I can think of.

Salad
What was the last bad movie you watched?

It's been fairly recent that I've begun watching movies again. Somehow, having little ones prevents movie watching in my corner of the world. And the movies we do watch these days are usually animated and aimed at the under 10 set. I guess I would have to say the Ricky Bobby movie was pretty bad in my book. I love Will Ferrell and think he's a crazy guy - and the movie did have some funny parts in it, but it wasn't my kind of movie.

Main Course
Name something you are addicted to and describe how it affects your life.

It's a tie between reading and the computer. Both suck me in and prevent me from doing things I should be. I would probably engage my kids in more conversation or spend more time with my husband if I took control of these two areas. I've been working on it. But then again, I'd probably just watch more TV. Because I'm not saying my husband is addicted to it...I'm just merely suggesting he is. :)

Dessert
Which instrument is your favorite to listen to?

Wow, this is a hard one for me. I love music. I sincerely wish I was able to play a couple of instruments. I am really moved by listening to music. I guess I will name a few since it's late and my decision-making skills are impaired by fatigue. :) I love to listen to the sax (Kenny G, anyone?), the bag pipes, the piano, and the acoustic guitar. All good, good stuff.

Okay. I'm posted this and gettng some sleep. I get to hold a newborn tomorrow - YEAH me!! :) Have a great weekend!!!!!

newborn

i don't know if i've mentioned this before (i probably have but my memory is SHOT right now), but i'm watching a 2 month old little girl on fridays. today was day #2. here are a few totally random recollections...

input for baby - finishing the bottle to go straight to...
output struggle for 3 yr old. - i'm going to lose my mind if he doesn't poop soon!

at one time today, i had 2 out of 3 crying at same time - not bad - maybe a mom of the year award?

i did not like to change poopy diapers, did it anyway = you do not like to nap, do it anyway. five minutes later, out cold. after two.hours.of.trying, reasoning works! can you believe it?

new baby's mom sends breast milk in little baggies that say "my mommy's milk". they are frozen. i defrost and warm it, put it in a bottle and feed her. i don't know what it is about it but if it spills a little and touches my hand, i gag. every.time. i feel so bad about that! what's the big deal? i have no idea.

watching this child rooting for more milk when i take the bottle to burp her makes me laugh. there ain't nothing there for you, sweetie. and watching her root for my 10 yr old daughter was just awkward!

stinky, hungry mess - that's me. i can't decide whether to shower or eat. if you know me at all, you realize how messed up i am by that statement. eat. always eat. so if i want a shower, something must be desperately wrong. i actually thought about what i could eat on my way to the shower. like the shower is more than a handful of steps away. like i'd have time to eat anything on the way. why am i going on and on about this? oh, what a day i've had...it's such a sad state of affairs that it all comes down to this.

***update***shower first. belly now full. and praise the good Lord, the boy finally pooped! thank you very much for asking.

deal!

Merry Christmas to me! The lease is signed and they are moving in today! I am so thankful for this break in paying two mortgage payments, even if it is only temporary. I pray that this family will enjoy our house. I am so glad they have somewhere to go, especially for the holidays. Pray that their move goes smoothly today. For that matter, pray that this whole situation goes well. No surprises...

The little man caught my cold. So now that I'm feeling better, I get to doctor him. Isn't motherhood divine? I sure hope he feels better soon. He looks so pitiful with snot running down his face. And grumpy isn't my favorite dwarf.

Well, speaking of grumpy, someone wants me to "hold you". Gotta run! Just wanted you to know the good news about the house.

(Oh, and pray for my friend who is having the toddler blues...isn't it great when they figure out they have the choice to be ticked off about something? Hang in there! It will get better. I won't tell you that they move on to other "fun" things that drive you nuts. But I will tell you to start potty training RIGHT NOW before he realizes he has a choice in that too. I waited too long and now it's a big deal. I think he'll be potty trained by the time he graduates from high school...maybe.)

first day of school...last day with the tiger

she made it through
the first day of 5th grade
surprisingly quiet about it
strange for her
is this the beginning
of not wanting to talk to mom?
i hope not
(i can't believe i want her
to talk...how many years have
i endured the ceaseless chatter?)

last day with the tiger
his mom picked him up
at the soccer field
he seemed largely unaffected
and although i promised a dance
i actually felt a little sad
for a moment
that little boys grow up
but a shout from my son
pulled my attention to the field
"pway baseball wif me, mommy?"
and the moment faded away

working tomorrow
on my lunch i will visit
my friend ms. a
please pray for me
i am struggling with her suffering
and i want to convey my concern
but more than that
i want to be a reflection of Jesus
she has been that for me
so many times
and i feel that her only comfort
can come from feeling
the love and peace of Jesus
i don't want to get in the way of that

i've been tagged to do a meme
and if you don't understand
what that means
stay tuned
i'll explain tomorrow night
when i post again...

until then,
take care

health & school

today
i had a dr's appointment
to check to see if i was healthy

that's weird

actually it was a "pre-op" appt
to prepare for a little "procedure"
that's being done in mid-sept
no big deal really
(at least, that's what i keep telling myself)

my daughter also had a check-up
to see if she was healthy
which she is
praise the Lord

a few recommendations
sent my head
reeling
but through prayer and discussion
we will make it through

last night
went to see my friend's dad
the one that had the stroke
and he was doing really well
by the look on my friend's face
i knew that he said a few things
that were out of place
but if i didn't know her eyes so well
i would never have known
what a mystery
the brain is

today
i talked to my friend from church
ms. a
hurts my heart to say
things are not so good
short of breath but wanting to talk
a nightmare to me
still such a gentle spirit
with a positive outlook
an inspiration to me
please if you don't mind
keep praying for her
she needs to feel Jesus close
and feel the peace that comes
with that

last day
with the tiger tomorrow
if you see a woman
with bed head and pj's
at 6 in the evening
doing a funny dance
in her front yard
just wave and keep driving
it's my own private celebration

it's not that i don't want him here
please don't get me wrong
it's just a release of commitment
and a relief that
the behavior from another house
that's so different from mine
will not be modeled by my son
anymore

the tiger is moving on
because he starts school
on monday
i can't believe he's old enough
already

speaking of which
the 10 year old talker
starts school
tomorrow
fifth grade
sixth year of "big girl" school
she's been counting the days
is she ready for this?

am i?

either way
here we go...

title? what title?

so all signs are pointing
to no with "mildly interested"

but it's been nice
having a few nibbles
reminds me that this
can't go on forever

worked at the bank
again yesterday
and boy, was i tired
at the end of the day

and today i have
all the animals
from the circus
in my care

so far, so good
but the noise
is about to drive me bonkers
i think it's called
only child syndrome
i can't stand all that banter
back and forth
back and forth
it sounds like arguing
but i've been assured
that it isn't
what do i know?

also wanted to let ya know
that i've been a pampered chef consultant
for awhile now
and i've got a website
if you want to check it out
email me and i'll send you the link
i'd list it here but
it's too much info for
"the ring of thieves" :)

okay
well
hope everyone is having a good day

talk at ya soon

shmily

today
the circus is back
in full swing
only one more day
with the tiger
is it wrong of me
to be happy about that?

so i'm hanging out
with four kids today
how did this happen?

but it's all good
they love playing together
and i love watching them
interact

my anniversary
is coming up
i just can't believe
that it's been five years
already

i think the coolest thing
about marriage
is the evolution of your love
for each other
when i married my husband
i thought i couldn't feel
any closer to him than
i did that day
in front of all our friends and family
but through the valleys
i've learned so much more
that deepens my love for him
as each day passes by

no, the valleys aren't much fun
and there are plenty of times
when the kids get my attention first
and it's hard to reconnect when
i've got hundreds of things to do
and i'm exhausted

but if there is one thing i've learned
there is an ebb and flow
to relationships
and rarely do you have all highs
it takes the lows to get to the highs

that was hard to learn

so, here on the brink
of the start of our fifth year
i say to my husband
(who asks every day if i've blogged
so i know he's reading this)
thank you for loving me
and thank you for being
a good husband and daddy
SHMILY

take care everybody!

bugs

yesterday
i had the whole zoo again
and i realized
that it only becomes a zoo
when the third one
enters the picture

that's the loud one too

by the end of the day
i had a headache
and felt like i'd run
a marathon
well, i think
i've never run a marathon

so today's slow start
has been much, much better

lots of decisions
to be made
in the next couple of days
been praying
but still confused
watched bug's life yesterday
and those bugs with the cones
on their butts that create the spotlight
make me laugh
i wish God would
light up the answers
like one of those bugs
lit up the sky

i'm so strange to connect
those bugs and answers to prayers
oh, well
i never claimed to be normal :)

looking passed today

sick monkey
sick lion

wash my hands
wash my hands

monkey has a cold
lion has strep throat

lion not sleeping at night
so neither am i
he seems better today
i'd feel better too
if i slept until noon
but the day calls for me
way before then

my chick a dee comes back
tomorrow night
summer blast festival
in the neighborhood
just her type of event
hope it isn't overcrowded

parade on saturday
and a family trip to the zoo
to celebrate a 10th birthday
with a small herd of girls

swimming at the y
for free
and fireworks

my idea of a perfect summer day
(minus the herd, maybe)
i'll let you know

prayers still for old house
sell, baby, sell
lord, please replace my anxiety
with your everlasting peace
boost my faith and
take control

kids

a long week at work
and it was only
two and a half days

it was great to be
somewhere else for
awhile
but it is great to be
back where i belong

too many loud voices for me
funny
i don't think she said
one thing that didn't offend me
great lesson in patience

two day trip again
via airplane
getting to be an old pro
at this
i think the novelty
is wearing off

lunch with my little girl
the other day
not so little anymore
already bored of summer
and looking for
mischief

and complaining

she wasn't happy that
i had to go
but mostly because
her step-sister had
something to do
and she didn't

the monkey was back today
talking up a storm
hello, uh-oh, and one other
sound that is the same
every time but i can't figure
it out yet

and he keeps tapping his
shoe or his arm with his
index finger
as if he is testing me to see
if i know what it is called

those eyebrows raise like
an old school marm
as if to say
i know you aren't dumb,
are you?

the lion is obsessed
with cars from the movie
well, "cars"
race car go fast, mommy

at a store today
and out the window
you can see an apartment complex
they have two sets of flags
to draw attention to the property

i am perusing the selections
and he says
in that loud,
listen-to-me-now voice
wook, mommy, fags!
(why is it they always choose
that voice when they say
something embarrassing?)
what? i mean, oh yeah!
(please don't say that again!)
a few minutes pass and
he again says in that loud voice
wook, mommy, more fags!
time to go...
we really need to work on that "l" sound!

of course, my other favorite
is when he wants to sing
and we "crap"...
you know, put two hands together
to cheer him on...

man, does it get better than this?

butterfly show

lion, monkey and talker
accompany me and grandma
to the butterfly show

large room
lots of plants
and a few trees
with sweet fruit
and tons of butterflies
blue, orange, brown
and a huge one
that looks like the eye of an owl

grandma and the talker
loved it
and a few "landed" on them
monkey and lion
and me
watched all the people
going crazy over
bugs

it's all in the perspective

airplane landed safely
espn and jeopardy
back on tv

some things are so predictable...

reasons to celebrate

so much time goes by
the same old stuff
yet all new somehow
but these are events
i cannot let pass by
without comment

the lion is three
and the tiger five
both birthdays
one day apart

it's as if the birthday
suddenly allowed
fully understandable
sentences to flow out
one after another
coherently
now if only the birthday
could bring about
big boy underwear
that aren't wet or worse
my next step is
diapers on strike!

And then my big little bro
surprised us all
but mostly her
with the big question
by the way
squeaks and giggles
mean yes...
the ring is so pretty
but her glow is even prettier : )

and i guess i'll admit
as a people fan
that i was happy to hear
rosie is coming back
to daytime television
on the view
her thoughts and lifestyle
may be controversial but
they inspire me to contemplate
and i love the insight
she gives to the "rich and famous"

so this week i prepare
for a cooking show
lots of people coming
funny that i am cooking for them
who would have guessed?

still no nibbles on the other house
once the police pulled us over
and the lion being young
was intrigued by the car
"po-wece mommy"
yes, police
after a minute or two
"we wait?"
yes, we wait
so, no sold sign yet
still, we wait

spring break

i always dread
spring break
i mean i like spring
and i really like
the break part
but the idea of more kids
bouncing around in the house
makes me wonder
if it really is a break

but it hasn't been so bad
i think the monkey
swinging in another
tree for a while
although unintentional
was a good idea

yesterday
with the sun shining
we rented a row boat
and took off across the lake

we had a small dead fish
along for the ride
that totally grossed out
the talker
finally she released it
with a ride on a stick
to its final resting place
in the water

and the talker actually
did okay
rowing our little boat

the lion thought it was fun
and looked cute in his litte
life jacket
"case i fall in de water"
"dis is fun, mommy"

three blisters
and a sunburned face later
we made it back to shore
what a good workout
the wind and the water
ahh...spring break

where art thou, o blanket?

paint on my hands
finally
from the basement
hope it makes it better
hope it sells soon
way too long already

tuned out the circus
today
or maybe the tiger
wasn't in the mood
to stir up all the other
animals today

got to my car
after a walmart run
to realize that the
monkey's blanket was missing
"the" blanket
the one that must be had
for a nap
or a fussy day

retraced our steps
all of them
and no luck
found the blanket
at the customer service desk
sitting on the corner of the
counter
looking lost

and dirty

but we found it

it's the little adventures
that make life interesting

i'm just thankful we found it
and there was nap time today