These were taken at the cookout yesterday. Sadie and Julia had a good time in the sand box and I had fun snapping pictures!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Julia and Sadie!
These were taken at the cookout yesterday. Sadie and Julia had a good time in the sand box and I had fun snapping pictures!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Busy Weekend...
...tomorrow: pool with Jay, Deb and the girls.
...Sunday: cookout at Ryun's grandmother's house.
...Monday: pool party at Pete and Marie's to welcome Aunt Susan who is visiting from Cali.
...Sunday: cookout at Ryun's grandmother's house.
...Monday: pool party at Pete and Marie's to welcome Aunt Susan who is visiting from Cali.
So You Think You Can Dance?
Check this out.
Please note the foot tapping in the beginning. Yeah, I know, cute isn't she?
(Oh and yes, that is Toby Keith's Who's Your Daddy? that she's grooving to. I figure that since she can already sing Centerfold (at least the na na na na na na part) and recognizes many of the songs out of the 80's it was time to introduce her to a little country music. Who better than Toby to kick it off)?
Please note the foot tapping in the beginning. Yeah, I know, cute isn't she?
(Oh and yes, that is Toby Keith's Who's Your Daddy? that she's grooving to. I figure that since she can already sing Centerfold (at least the na na na na na na part) and recognizes many of the songs out of the 80's it was time to introduce her to a little country music. Who better than Toby to kick it off)?
West End Playground
Have you ever taken a set of pictures that well, really spoke to you?
I have...today as a matter of fact.
Julia and I deciede to head over to the famed "Sheehy's Tot Lot"(I say "famed" only because I have heard so much about it from so many people and have yet to visit until today), more commonly referred to as the "West End Playground."
The playground equipment is specifically designed for "tots" ages 2-5. Julia had a ball. Just outside the perimeter of the playground there's a grassy, wooded area with a stream that runs though. There's an old wooden bridge across the stream, and once across, you will find yourself in the middle of a large grassy area, perfect to set up a picnic in.
So the pictures...they just came out so great...really capturing the innocence of childhood and showcasing nicely I thought, the area surrounding. There are a lot of these kinds of places in Middleboro...from this little park to the Herring Run to my own backyard...Middleboro is a very pretty place to live.
And now I give you, the pictures.
I have...today as a matter of fact.
Julia and I deciede to head over to the famed "Sheehy's Tot Lot"(I say "famed" only because I have heard so much about it from so many people and have yet to visit until today), more commonly referred to as the "West End Playground."
The playground equipment is specifically designed for "tots" ages 2-5. Julia had a ball. Just outside the perimeter of the playground there's a grassy, wooded area with a stream that runs though. There's an old wooden bridge across the stream, and once across, you will find yourself in the middle of a large grassy area, perfect to set up a picnic in.
So the pictures...they just came out so great...really capturing the innocence of childhood and showcasing nicely I thought, the area surrounding. There are a lot of these kinds of places in Middleboro...from this little park to the Herring Run to my own backyard...Middleboro is a very pretty place to live.
And now I give you, the pictures.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Julia's 2 year check up...
...was today.
She weighed in at 24 lbs, 15 1/2 oz and was 34 inches long, putting her in the 22nd and 57th percentiles respectively. Dr. B said she was long and lean. Sounds good to me.
The doctor was very happy to hear about Julia's recent successes and was also pleased to hear that more than likely, by the end of August, we will be through will all therapies. She just isn't eligible anymore which is so good.
The only trauma for the day was when she had to have a finger prick. She cried as would be expected but then the nurse left and as I was gathering our things, she ripped the band aid of in a fit of rage and was throwing herself around the room in anger. She was bleeding like crazy from the finger and managed to get blood on her clothing, all over the paper that goes across the table she lays on, and me before I finally had a good enough grip to get a new band aid on. When we left the room, it looked like something out of a war scene!
She was fine by the time we checked out at the counter.
Anyway, barring any other reason to go, she will not need to be seen for 6 months!
She weighed in at 24 lbs, 15 1/2 oz and was 34 inches long, putting her in the 22nd and 57th percentiles respectively. Dr. B said she was long and lean. Sounds good to me.
The doctor was very happy to hear about Julia's recent successes and was also pleased to hear that more than likely, by the end of August, we will be through will all therapies. She just isn't eligible anymore which is so good.
The only trauma for the day was when she had to have a finger prick. She cried as would be expected but then the nurse left and as I was gathering our things, she ripped the band aid of in a fit of rage and was throwing herself around the room in anger. She was bleeding like crazy from the finger and managed to get blood on her clothing, all over the paper that goes across the table she lays on, and me before I finally had a good enough grip to get a new band aid on. When we left the room, it looked like something out of a war scene!
She was fine by the time we checked out at the counter.
Anyway, barring any other reason to go, she will not need to be seen for 6 months!
Feeling Safe While Driving
Is this for real?
I can't imagine a blowup man making me feel safer when driving alone...not that I am all that nervous driving alone to begin with but still?
I can't imagine a blowup man making me feel safer when driving alone...not that I am all that nervous driving alone to begin with but still?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Dream
I looked up literally every thing I remember from the dream...Right down to the color of the truck and the scared feeling I experienced during and after.
Here's the rundown:
Cars: dreaming about driving a car indicates that your lifestyle, beliefs, and goals are in conflict with another's. Nearly escaping the impact of an accident means that you will successfully overcome any rivalry.
Violence: Having a violent dream indicates unexpressed anger or needing more discipline in your life.
Pens: Dreaming of a pen indicates your need for self expression and communication.
Trucks: Dreaming of a truck indicates that you are overworked and taking on too many tasks and responsibilities.
Convenience Store (which I could see in the dream): Dreaming of a convenience or grocery store indicates that you are emotionally or mentally strained.
Woman: Dreaming of a woman shows your own female aspects or those of your mother. It can also indicate feelings of temptation or guilt.
Dusk (which was what time of day the dream appeared to take place): This indicates defeated hopes or a dark, gloomy outlook on future endeavors.
Scared: Feeling scared in a dream expresses self-doubt and incompetence.
Silver (the color of the truck): Seeing silver in a dream indicates the feminine aspects of oneself and your intuition.
My interpretation in three words: I'm fucked up.
Here's the rundown:
Cars: dreaming about driving a car indicates that your lifestyle, beliefs, and goals are in conflict with another's. Nearly escaping the impact of an accident means that you will successfully overcome any rivalry.
Violence: Having a violent dream indicates unexpressed anger or needing more discipline in your life.
Pens: Dreaming of a pen indicates your need for self expression and communication.
Trucks: Dreaming of a truck indicates that you are overworked and taking on too many tasks and responsibilities.
Convenience Store (which I could see in the dream): Dreaming of a convenience or grocery store indicates that you are emotionally or mentally strained.
Woman: Dreaming of a woman shows your own female aspects or those of your mother. It can also indicate feelings of temptation or guilt.
Dusk (which was what time of day the dream appeared to take place): This indicates defeated hopes or a dark, gloomy outlook on future endeavors.
Scared: Feeling scared in a dream expresses self-doubt and incompetence.
Silver (the color of the truck): Seeing silver in a dream indicates the feminine aspects of oneself and your intuition.
My interpretation in three words: I'm fucked up.
I was thinking that I would send this out...
...when Julia is older and I decide to re-join the workforce.
Objective: obtain a position where I can utilize the diverse skills obtained in the fast-paced world of motherhood.
Experience (1997-present)
Waste Management Control: dispose of more remains than Tony Soprano, including one-legged action figures and those art projects that mysteriously disappear in the middle of the night.
Engineer: (Practically) earned and advanced degree in toy assembly. Successfully completed final project: assembling a ride-on pony at 2am on Christmas.
Detective: Solved hundreds of cases including, "The Mysterious Brown Stain On The Carpet" and "Who's Been Eating Mommy's favorite Cookies?" Hope to crack the case "The Midnight Appearance of the Toddler Dressed In Inside-Out and Upside-Down Pajamas."
Singer: Entertain small and large crowds with diverse repertoire, ranging from the Blue's Clues theme song to the Rolling Stones's "(Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Technician: Quickly, and with very little swearing, extract Lego's from DVD player and pick pennies from between computer keys.
Food Scientist: Create well-balanced meals in which no item touches another, instantaneously turn "peas" in to "magic green grow pellet's."
Actor: realistically convey enthusiasm for up to three consecutive games of Go fish. Emmy worthy performances include, "Good Job On The Potty" and "Mommy's Not Mad, She Just Needs a Time-Out."
Coach: Lead my team to many successes, including sharing for longer than seven seconds.
Skills: Handling demanding bosses, tracking down lost blankets, distracting hungry clients with only a set of keys and a travel pack of tissues.
Awards: The Butterfly Kiss Award, the "I Wuv u" Prize, and the coveted, "Mommy Your The Best" Honor.
References: Please contact three happy, healthy kids, and one (mostly) satisfied husband.
I'd like to take credit for this, but I can't. I stole it out of this months' issue of "Parenting" magazine.
Objective: obtain a position where I can utilize the diverse skills obtained in the fast-paced world of motherhood.
Experience (1997-present)
Waste Management Control: dispose of more remains than Tony Soprano, including one-legged action figures and those art projects that mysteriously disappear in the middle of the night.
Engineer: (Practically) earned and advanced degree in toy assembly. Successfully completed final project: assembling a ride-on pony at 2am on Christmas.
Detective: Solved hundreds of cases including, "The Mysterious Brown Stain On The Carpet" and "Who's Been Eating Mommy's favorite Cookies?" Hope to crack the case "The Midnight Appearance of the Toddler Dressed In Inside-Out and Upside-Down Pajamas."
Singer: Entertain small and large crowds with diverse repertoire, ranging from the Blue's Clues theme song to the Rolling Stones's "(Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Technician: Quickly, and with very little swearing, extract Lego's from DVD player and pick pennies from between computer keys.
Food Scientist: Create well-balanced meals in which no item touches another, instantaneously turn "peas" in to "magic green grow pellet's."
Actor: realistically convey enthusiasm for up to three consecutive games of Go fish. Emmy worthy performances include, "Good Job On The Potty" and "Mommy's Not Mad, She Just Needs a Time-Out."
Coach: Lead my team to many successes, including sharing for longer than seven seconds.
Skills: Handling demanding bosses, tracking down lost blankets, distracting hungry clients with only a set of keys and a travel pack of tissues.
Awards: The Butterfly Kiss Award, the "I Wuv u" Prize, and the coveted, "Mommy Your The Best" Honor.
References: Please contact three happy, healthy kids, and one (mostly) satisfied husband.
I'd like to take credit for this, but I can't. I stole it out of this months' issue of "Parenting" magazine.
Political Bullshit, Religious Freedom and All That Crap
You know, I am sick to frickin' death of feeling obligated to make accomodations for everyone.
It's getting out of hand.
There is just no fucking way to make everyone, everywhere happy.
If you don't freakin' like it that you can't have a day off for your religious holiday, then leave.
That's all there is to it.
For those who are wondering how I feel about having Christmas and Easter off, both "religious" holidays, let's be realistic...especially about Christmas...the religious part of it, in most cases takes a back seat to Santa, presents, family and friends. Keeping it in perspective though, the numbers say it all. Christianity is still, depsite the growing diversity of religions present here in this fine country, the most popular. Majority rules and all that.
Contrary to how it may sound, I do support the right to practice your religion here. You came here though, so adjust. We shouldn't have to adjust for you. Like I said, if you don't like it here, leave.
While I am on my soapbox, I may as well point out that I think that taking out the phrase "Truth Justice and the American Way" from the most recent Superman movie because it may offend some people is absolute BULLSHIT. You came here in search of the "American Way" and now we can't bleepin' say it in a movie? That's just wrong.
You know, and not that there is anything wrong with this, but I think I may be becoming more conservative in my old age.
Who'd have thunk?
It's getting out of hand.
There is just no fucking way to make everyone, everywhere happy.
If you don't freakin' like it that you can't have a day off for your religious holiday, then leave.
That's all there is to it.
For those who are wondering how I feel about having Christmas and Easter off, both "religious" holidays, let's be realistic...especially about Christmas...the religious part of it, in most cases takes a back seat to Santa, presents, family and friends. Keeping it in perspective though, the numbers say it all. Christianity is still, depsite the growing diversity of religions present here in this fine country, the most popular. Majority rules and all that.
Contrary to how it may sound, I do support the right to practice your religion here. You came here though, so adjust. We shouldn't have to adjust for you. Like I said, if you don't like it here, leave.
While I am on my soapbox, I may as well point out that I think that taking out the phrase "Truth Justice and the American Way" from the most recent Superman movie because it may offend some people is absolute BULLSHIT. You came here in search of the "American Way" and now we can't bleepin' say it in a movie? That's just wrong.
You know, and not that there is anything wrong with this, but I think I may be becoming more conservative in my old age.
Who'd have thunk?
Summer Recipe: Homemade Chicken Salad
This of course can be made for any season, not just summer. I just love chicken salad in the summer for some reason!
Ingredients:
2-4 chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 -2 c mayonnaise
1 small onion chopped
1/2 c ranch dressing
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp parsley
Directions:
Boil chicken over stove until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
Let cool.
Chop or shred chicken in to small bite size pieces.
Combine chicken, onion, ranch dressing and mayonnaise.
Top with parsley and paprika.
Serve.
Ingredients:
2-4 chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 -2 c mayonnaise
1 small onion chopped
1/2 c ranch dressing
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp parsley
Directions:
Boil chicken over stove until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
Let cool.
Chop or shred chicken in to small bite size pieces.
Combine chicken, onion, ranch dressing and mayonnaise.
Top with parsley and paprika.
Serve.
Carnival of Education
The 77th Carnival of Education is up over at Text Savvy.
The Carnival of the Vanities is up over at Siempre Cait.
Last, but certainly not least, Grand Rounds is up over at Medical Humanites.
The Carnival of the Vanities is up over at Siempre Cait.
Last, but certainly not least, Grand Rounds is up over at Medical Humanites.
Scary
Early this morning, while I was trying to go back to sleep after waking up with Julia, I had the strangest/scariest thing happen.
I closed my eyes, and was drifting off in to that weird place when you are sort of awake but sort of asleep and I had this flash of a dream, that literally caused me to be paralyzed with fear.
I was driving down a familiar road (for those who know the area, it was right on Forest Street in Carver, just before it meets up with Rte 58). I was just about to round the corner, heading toward the convenience store, when a huge truck (sort of looked like a cargo type of thing) cut me off coming from the other side of the road, across in front of my car. "What the hell", I said. Then, a woman who looked eerily familiar to me, jumped out of the cab, opened the door of my car, pulled my head back by my hair, and shoved what looked like a black pen down my throat.
So I woke with a start, and realized that I couldn't move, literally. I thought, "Oh my God, I can't move." As soon as the thought was complete sensation returned and I was fine.
But dude, scary shit huh?
You can rest assured that I will be looking the meaning of this up just as soon as I gather the courage.
Oh, and I will not be driving down that stretch of road any time soon.
I closed my eyes, and was drifting off in to that weird place when you are sort of awake but sort of asleep and I had this flash of a dream, that literally caused me to be paralyzed with fear.
I was driving down a familiar road (for those who know the area, it was right on Forest Street in Carver, just before it meets up with Rte 58). I was just about to round the corner, heading toward the convenience store, when a huge truck (sort of looked like a cargo type of thing) cut me off coming from the other side of the road, across in front of my car. "What the hell", I said. Then, a woman who looked eerily familiar to me, jumped out of the cab, opened the door of my car, pulled my head back by my hair, and shoved what looked like a black pen down my throat.
So I woke with a start, and realized that I couldn't move, literally. I thought, "Oh my God, I can't move." As soon as the thought was complete sensation returned and I was fine.
But dude, scary shit huh?
You can rest assured that I will be looking the meaning of this up just as soon as I gather the courage.
Oh, and I will not be driving down that stretch of road any time soon.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
I feel older...
| You Are 31 Years Old |
 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
That's good, since, well, I am 31 years old! YAY for acting my age!
*Ok technically, I won't be 31 for a couple of months but still...*
Entertaining The Kids: Ideas For Outdoor Fun!
Making it's appearance a day late, here is this weeks' installment of Entertaining The Kids.
I thought it would be fun to include some outdoor activities, great for those times when the kids, despite having a yard full of toys to play with , bikes to ride, sandboxes to play in etc. still complain that they are bored!!
SINK OR FLOAT?
This guessing game for little kids can be played at a nearby pond or in a wading pool. Players collect different objects—leaves, shells, paper, pennies—from around the area or from the house. Then, they drop them one by one into the water, predicting before each object is dropped whether it will sink or float. Players get a point for each correct guess. First person to 5 wins a prize.
SPONGE TAG
In this game, the player who is "it" throws a wet sponge, rather than a ball, to tag other players.
WATER FILLED OBSTACLE COURSE:
Jump rope in the sprinkler spray, drop kick a water balloon, squirt a target with the water gun etc. Keep track of the time with a stop watch. Winner gets a prize!
I thought it would be fun to include some outdoor activities, great for those times when the kids, despite having a yard full of toys to play with , bikes to ride, sandboxes to play in etc. still complain that they are bored!!
SINK OR FLOAT?
This guessing game for little kids can be played at a nearby pond or in a wading pool. Players collect different objects—leaves, shells, paper, pennies—from around the area or from the house. Then, they drop them one by one into the water, predicting before each object is dropped whether it will sink or float. Players get a point for each correct guess. First person to 5 wins a prize.
SPONGE TAG
In this game, the player who is "it" throws a wet sponge, rather than a ball, to tag other players.
WATER FILLED OBSTACLE COURSE:
Jump rope in the sprinkler spray, drop kick a water balloon, squirt a target with the water gun etc. Keep track of the time with a stop watch. Winner gets a prize!
Fun At The Cape Cod Canal
Early this afternoon, I decided to take Julia down for a walk along the canal.
For the first time ever, I saw the train bridge lower for the train to cross. It was kind of cool, and, well, I filmed it!
Here you go...
Here is the bridge as it is lowering.
Here it is, almost level with the road on either side of the bridge.
Finally, here is the train crossing the bridge.
As you can tell by the sound in the video's it was really windy today. It was a warm wind though, so it was actually kind of nice.
Below are some still shots of the bridge, at it's highest, and then about 2/3 of the way down.
I took a few other pictures that I will share as well.
The Coast Guard patrolling the waters.
Some kind of bird swooping down just above the water.
The Marion Canal Patrol boat cruises by.
And of course, Miss. Julia May.
Here she is showing me where her teeth are.
She was quite amused by the gulls that were flying around. Here is a shot of her looking up at one as it circled overhead.
Here you go...
Here is the bridge as it is lowering.
Here it is, almost level with the road on either side of the bridge.
Finally, here is the train crossing the bridge.
As you can tell by the sound in the video's it was really windy today. It was a warm wind though, so it was actually kind of nice.
Below are some still shots of the bridge, at it's highest, and then about 2/3 of the way down.
I took a few other pictures that I will share as well.
The Coast Guard patrolling the waters.
Some kind of bird swooping down just above the water.
The Marion Canal Patrol boat cruises by.
And of course, Miss. Julia May.
Here she is showing me where her teeth are.
She was quite amused by the gulls that were flying around. Here is a shot of her looking up at one as it circled overhead.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Julia...
......has made so much progress lately, that I can't keep up. Virtually everything is falling in to place with her...and all at once.
Last night, I got her to eat ribs! I said to my mother (we were there for dinner), "Aside from hotdogs (which was another recent addition to the menu of foods she eats), I think this is the first piece of meat she has eaten in over a year."
At OT today, she ate a cereal bar and a piece of bread. These were both new things for her (although she does eat bread toasted). Amy (the OT) thinks that by the end of August, Julia will be ready for "dishcharge." Her PT at Health South is thinking the same thing...they are both insanely impresssed with Julia's progress.
It really is amazing to see how far she has come. It's like she is a completely different person from a year ago...almost as if she just all of a sudden, "understood" what she was supposed to be doing all along.
Speaking of, a year ago when all of this started I joined a group called the "Massachusetts Families Organizing For Change." Well, I just got invited to apply to attend The Family Leadership Series, which is a series that focuses on supporting individuals and families with disabilities. The series is organized in to four two day wprkshops, each one with a different theme. The first session is in October, then another in January, March and April.
The theme for the first series is initiative and leadership. The theme for series 2 is focused on Goals and Objectives. Series 3 will focus on creating a vision for the future of our children and family members. Finally the fourth series will focus on policymaking at the local, state and federal level.
There is of course a more detailed description within the paperwork I received. All in all, it certainly sounds like it would be interseting.
It's being held at a hotel in Mansfield, the stay and food of which is paid for by sponsoring agencies, organizations and businesses is Southeastern MA.
I think I am going to apply and see if I get accepted to go.
The more I get involved with all of these things, the more I think this "psychology/special education teacher/advocate" thing is what I want to be when I "grow up." It all just sounds so interesting to me...and I actually have a desrie to learn more about it.
Last night, I got her to eat ribs! I said to my mother (we were there for dinner), "Aside from hotdogs (which was another recent addition to the menu of foods she eats), I think this is the first piece of meat she has eaten in over a year."
At OT today, she ate a cereal bar and a piece of bread. These were both new things for her (although she does eat bread toasted). Amy (the OT) thinks that by the end of August, Julia will be ready for "dishcharge." Her PT at Health South is thinking the same thing...they are both insanely impresssed with Julia's progress.
It really is amazing to see how far she has come. It's like she is a completely different person from a year ago...almost as if she just all of a sudden, "understood" what she was supposed to be doing all along.
Speaking of, a year ago when all of this started I joined a group called the "Massachusetts Families Organizing For Change." Well, I just got invited to apply to attend The Family Leadership Series, which is a series that focuses on supporting individuals and families with disabilities. The series is organized in to four two day wprkshops, each one with a different theme. The first session is in October, then another in January, March and April.
The theme for the first series is initiative and leadership. The theme for series 2 is focused on Goals and Objectives. Series 3 will focus on creating a vision for the future of our children and family members. Finally the fourth series will focus on policymaking at the local, state and federal level.
There is of course a more detailed description within the paperwork I received. All in all, it certainly sounds like it would be interseting.
It's being held at a hotel in Mansfield, the stay and food of which is paid for by sponsoring agencies, organizations and businesses is Southeastern MA.
I think I am going to apply and see if I get accepted to go.
The more I get involved with all of these things, the more I think this "psychology/special education teacher/advocate" thing is what I want to be when I "grow up." It all just sounds so interesting to me...and I actually have a desrie to learn more about it.
Wind In The Pines
Emily and Katherine really enjoyed their first day at Camp Wind In The Pines, and I am having flashbacks to my many times their as a kid.
I am pretty sure it wasd just yesterday that I was there swimming in the pond, making arts and crafts at the lodge, going on nature walks and paddling the canoe.
I could be wrong about that but I don't think so.
Seriously though, Girl Scout camp is the best thing ever, and I am glad that Emily and Katherine appear to be enjoying it as much as I did as a kid.
And, for the record, I have already taught them ALL of the Girl Scout/Camp songs that I learned as a kid...long before I ever even signed them up for camp...quite possibly when they learned to talk! Yes, of course I remember them!
I am pretty sure it wasd just yesterday that I was there swimming in the pond, making arts and crafts at the lodge, going on nature walks and paddling the canoe.
I could be wrong about that but I don't think so.
Seriously though, Girl Scout camp is the best thing ever, and I am glad that Emily and Katherine appear to be enjoying it as much as I did as a kid.
And, for the record, I have already taught them ALL of the Girl Scout/Camp songs that I learned as a kid...long before I ever even signed them up for camp...quite possibly when they learned to talk! Yes, of course I remember them!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Busy
Wow, I am a slacker, huh? Busy weekend=no blogging!
Julia's party went well. The weather wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be...a few random showers here and there but nothing too bad. Julia LOVED the car we got her. We brought it over to my parents this afternoon for her to ride around the grass in the pool area.
I am too tired to post a "real" entry, so I will post some pictures instead!
Here she is, checkin' out her new wheels!
Mmm...cake! This was the cake we had at my parents earlier this evening.
This is the cake that my sister Suzanne bought for Julia's party yesterday.
Aunty Heather helped Julia blow out the candles.
Finally, just to show you how cute her hair looks up. Don't you just LOVE those curls?
Friday, July 21, 2006
Julia...
...will be two tomorrow!
I was being all nostalgic and looking back through old birthday entries for Emily and Katherine and just...oh my God. Time goes by too fast.
We are having a small family party (I say small but really, we have 21 confirmed people coming, including us). I guess it's small in the sense that it's just family but that's about it.
We are having a cookout, which looks like, if the weather is actually correct will be a cookout and eat in type of thing. Eh, whatever, I've got a big kitchen.
Julia of course, has no idea what all the excitement is about. I did get her to say "Happy Day Jula" though so that was good.
I was saying to Ryun the other day that I knew after Katherine I still wanted another baby. I don't feel that anymore...the urge to have another after Julia I mean. It's like...she completed our family in every way possible.
It's hard to put in to words really.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to my daughter, Julia May!
I was being all nostalgic and looking back through old birthday entries for Emily and Katherine and just...oh my God. Time goes by too fast.
We are having a small family party (I say small but really, we have 21 confirmed people coming, including us). I guess it's small in the sense that it's just family but that's about it.
We are having a cookout, which looks like, if the weather is actually correct will be a cookout and eat in type of thing. Eh, whatever, I've got a big kitchen.
Julia of course, has no idea what all the excitement is about. I did get her to say "Happy Day Jula" though so that was good.
I was saying to Ryun the other day that I knew after Katherine I still wanted another baby. I don't feel that anymore...the urge to have another after Julia I mean. It's like...she completed our family in every way possible.
It's hard to put in to words really.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to my daughter, Julia May!
Stop Now and Silliness!
Click here to see Julia being silly!
Click here to see her tell me to stop now!
The video quality isn't that great because I had it on the wrong setting but you can hear her so that's fine.
Click here to see her tell me to stop now!
The video quality isn't that great because I had it on the wrong setting but you can hear her so that's fine.
SHARP And Historic Events!
Today was the last day of SHARP. Katherine and Emily both got a chance to perform (Katherine, for her African Safari class counted to 10 in swahili and Emily for her Music and Movement class sang and danced to the songs they have been practicing). They both did well. After the performances were over, we went to the various classrooms to pick up their crafts (Katherine's Creative Kids things and Emily Fun With Scrapbooking scrapbook).
Here is a shot of Emily and Katherine, on their final day of SHARP. Emily is wearing the flower lei in order to keep with the Hawaiin/Beach theme of the songs they sang and Katherine has her animal stamp t shirt that she made in her African Safari class.
On the way home, my mother called and asked if we wanted to meet her at the jewelers so that Emily could (finally) get her ears pierced (this was my parents present to her for her birthday back in June but we had to wait for her MRI to be done).
So, we went...and of course, I took pictures!
She looks like she is in mid ouch! That's Katherine's hand there you see holding Emily's. Just before the jeweler did it, Emily said, "I need a hand to squeeze!" Katherine stepped up to the plate.
She was so excited!
Here is a shot of Emily and Katherine, on their final day of SHARP. Emily is wearing the flower lei in order to keep with the Hawaiin/Beach theme of the songs they sang and Katherine has her animal stamp t shirt that she made in her African Safari class.
On the way home, my mother called and asked if we wanted to meet her at the jewelers so that Emily could (finally) get her ears pierced (this was my parents present to her for her birthday back in June but we had to wait for her MRI to be done).
So, we went...and of course, I took pictures!
She looks like she is in mid ouch! That's Katherine's hand there you see holding Emily's. Just before the jeweler did it, Emily said, "I need a hand to squeeze!" Katherine stepped up to the plate.
She was so excited!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Backyard Finds
When we first moved here in October, it was apparent that the previous occupant had not taken care of the back yard. The overgrowth was horrendous and it was probably about chest high on me. We decided to wait for spring to come before we did anything about it, thinking that the "harsh winter weather" would kill some of it off, making it easier to clean up come spring.
We had a fairly mild winter here though, so we ended up hiring someone to come and clear it out for us back around the end of April.
When he was done, we went back there and found quite a few things...tiles, sink fixtures, random trash, cans etc. It was almost as if at some point, someone had used the back yard as their personal trash disposal. We cleaned it all up, took care of a few large rocks that were in the way, and after the grass grew back in, mowed it.
There was this one little spot, along the side of the yard bordering the woods, that the bulldozer didn't clear. It wasn't a big deal though so we just decided we would do it ourselves. It was one of those things though (which I am sure everyone can relate to) that was forever on the "to do" list. Well, today, we finally decided to do it. Ryun was out there with the mower and I was out there with him, going through the brush, picking up any large sticks, rocks, and whatever else might have been hazardous to the mower.
So, I picked up a few rocks, chucked a few sticks out in to the woods and then reached down and came up with this:
Yes folks, that is the skull of what Ryun and I, based on our "scientific observations" believe was a small dog. Nice huh?
Ryun is so totally in to all those forensic specials, autopsies etc. I asked him how old he thought it was. His best guess was a couple of years. Based on the structure of the skull (long bridge of the nose type look) we decided that we think it was a small dog. It sort of looked reptilian to me (aligator-like) but let's be realistic: there aren't any alligators in Middleboro.
Here's another shot of the skull tipped upside down:
What do you think?
Small dog or something else?
Oh and incidently, the yard...
Looking down at the yard from the garage.
I love this tree. Don't ask me why, I just do.
Looking out at the woods beyond the border of the back yard.
Looking from the furthest point in the back yard, all the way up to the garage, which is actually behind, rather than next to our house.
We had a fairly mild winter here though, so we ended up hiring someone to come and clear it out for us back around the end of April.
When he was done, we went back there and found quite a few things...tiles, sink fixtures, random trash, cans etc. It was almost as if at some point, someone had used the back yard as their personal trash disposal. We cleaned it all up, took care of a few large rocks that were in the way, and after the grass grew back in, mowed it.
There was this one little spot, along the side of the yard bordering the woods, that the bulldozer didn't clear. It wasn't a big deal though so we just decided we would do it ourselves. It was one of those things though (which I am sure everyone can relate to) that was forever on the "to do" list. Well, today, we finally decided to do it. Ryun was out there with the mower and I was out there with him, going through the brush, picking up any large sticks, rocks, and whatever else might have been hazardous to the mower.
So, I picked up a few rocks, chucked a few sticks out in to the woods and then reached down and came up with this:
Yes folks, that is the skull of what Ryun and I, based on our "scientific observations" believe was a small dog. Nice huh?
Ryun is so totally in to all those forensic specials, autopsies etc. I asked him how old he thought it was. His best guess was a couple of years. Based on the structure of the skull (long bridge of the nose type look) we decided that we think it was a small dog. It sort of looked reptilian to me (aligator-like) but let's be realistic: there aren't any alligators in Middleboro.
Here's another shot of the skull tipped upside down:
What do you think?
Small dog or something else?
Oh and incidently, the yard...
Looking down at the yard from the garage.
I love this tree. Don't ask me why, I just do.
Looking out at the woods beyond the border of the back yard.
Looking from the furthest point in the back yard, all the way up to the garage, which is actually behind, rather than next to our house.
For Those Who Don't Think a Stay At Home Works
I give you the lyrics to the Lonestar song, "Mr. Mom."
Lost my job, came home mad
Got a hug and kiss and that's too bad
She said I can go to work until you find another job
I thought I like the sound of that
Watch TV and take long naps
Go from a hand working dad to being Mr. Mom
Well
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the fifteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr. Mom
Football, soccer and ballet
Squeeze in Scouts and PTA
And there's that shopping list she left
That's seven pages long
How much smoke can one stove make
The kids won't eat my charcoal cake
It's more than any maid can take
Being Mr. Mom
Well
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the sixteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr.Mom
Before I fall in bed tonight
If the dog didn't eat the classifieds
I'm gonna look just one more time
'Cause
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the eighteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long
Oh been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr.Mom
Balancin' checkbooks, juggling bills
Thought there was nothing to it
Baby, now I know how you feel
What I don't know is how you do it
Wanna hear it?
Click here.
Lost my job, came home mad
Got a hug and kiss and that's too bad
She said I can go to work until you find another job
I thought I like the sound of that
Watch TV and take long naps
Go from a hand working dad to being Mr. Mom
Well
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the fifteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr. Mom
Football, soccer and ballet
Squeeze in Scouts and PTA
And there's that shopping list she left
That's seven pages long
How much smoke can one stove make
The kids won't eat my charcoal cake
It's more than any maid can take
Being Mr. Mom
Well
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the sixteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr.Mom
Before I fall in bed tonight
If the dog didn't eat the classifieds
I'm gonna look just one more time
'Cause
Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer
Crayons go up one drawer higher
Rewind Barney for the eighteenth time
Breakfast, six naps at nine
There's bubble gum in the baby's hair
Sweet potatoes in my lazy chair
Been crazy all day long
Oh been crazy all day long and it's only Monday
Mr.Mom
Balancin' checkbooks, juggling bills
Thought there was nothing to it
Baby, now I know how you feel
What I don't know is how you do it
Wanna hear it?
Click here.
Sounds Good To Me
GOOD MORNING, WELCOME TO THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Press "1" for English.
Press "2" to disconnect until you
have learned to speak English.
Stolen from Denny.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Press "1" for English.
Press "2" to disconnect until you
have learned to speak English.
Stolen from Denny.
Summer Recipe: Fruit Salad
This is my favorite fruit salad. I love having the coconut and walnuts in it. It gives the whole thing just the right amount of sweetness and crunch! You could probably use other fruits as well (watermelon, banana etc...this list is just what I use).
Ingredients:
Sliced strawberries
blueberries
sliced canteloupe
red grapes
green grapes
chopped walnuts
coconut
*amount of each ingredient determined by how much you want to make...want it for lunch for the week....use a lot...just want a quick snakc for today...use a little!*
Directions:
Mix all together. Chill in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
Sliced strawberries
blueberries
sliced canteloupe
red grapes
green grapes
chopped walnuts
coconut
*amount of each ingredient determined by how much you want to make...want it for lunch for the week....use a lot...just want a quick snakc for today...use a little!*
Directions:
Mix all together. Chill in the refrigerator.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Good News
Emily's MRI on Sunday came back unchanged...meaning that it looks exactly the same as it did last time which was abnormal. This is good though because, it means nothing has gotten any worse!
What did it look like last time?
Before a person is born, usually during the second trimester of pregnancy, the neurons begin their migration from the water filled cavities where the origniate, to their final spot somewhere in the cortex of the brain. The cortex is the part of the brain that processes...everything. Learning, memory, perception etc. A normal MRI shows that these neurons have migrated completely. An abnormal one, such is the case with Emily's shows that some of the neurons did not make the journey and are just floating around in limbo.
In most cases this causes severe impairments, such as mental retardation, severe behavioral concerns, poor muscle tone, and failure to thrive and grow.
In Emily's case, the only apparent results are the seizures and behavioral concerns.
For a more "official description" click here.
As you can see by these descriptions and as I have said before, the fact that Emily is only affected by seizures (which who knows about those seeing as she had a completely normal EEG)and behavioral concerns is nothing short of a miracle.
Anyway, YAY for good news!
What did it look like last time?
Before a person is born, usually during the second trimester of pregnancy, the neurons begin their migration from the water filled cavities where the origniate, to their final spot somewhere in the cortex of the brain. The cortex is the part of the brain that processes...everything. Learning, memory, perception etc. A normal MRI shows that these neurons have migrated completely. An abnormal one, such is the case with Emily's shows that some of the neurons did not make the journey and are just floating around in limbo.
In most cases this causes severe impairments, such as mental retardation, severe behavioral concerns, poor muscle tone, and failure to thrive and grow.
In Emily's case, the only apparent results are the seizures and behavioral concerns.
For a more "official description" click here.
As you can see by these descriptions and as I have said before, the fact that Emily is only affected by seizures (which who knows about those seeing as she had a completely normal EEG)and behavioral concerns is nothing short of a miracle.
Anyway, YAY for good news!
Since I have nothing else even remotely exciting to post...
...I'll post pictures of last nights dinner! Fun!
Ribs marinated in Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce! Yummy!
Ribs marinated in Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce! Yummy!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Sisterly Love
You know those moments when they are ready to kill each other? They are really off-centered by moments like these:
Incidently, the picture of Katherine hugging Emily from behind? She did that at first after I said something like, "Thank you girls, for not fighting over the roller (they were using the playdough)." Katherine went over to Emily, hugged her and said, "That's because I love my sister." She walked away, went back and said, "Wait, Mom, that would be a good picture" and made me whip the camera out and take it.
She is so my daughter.
LOL.
Incidently, the picture of Katherine hugging Emily from behind? She did that at first after I said something like, "Thank you girls, for not fighting over the roller (they were using the playdough)." Katherine went over to Emily, hugged her and said, "That's because I love my sister." She walked away, went back and said, "Wait, Mom, that would be a good picture" and made me whip the camera out and take it.
She is so my daughter.
LOL.
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