Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Thirteen

My LLB is 13 today.

I asked her what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday. She requested homemade chocolate cake with white frosting.

The cake is cooling on the counter. I'll frost it before I head out this afternoon. (Hopefully, I won't eat it before I head out this afternoon.)

LLB will be going to dinner at her favorite restaurant with a friend and our family sometime soon. We have to find a date when everyone can make it. She will have her party with her friends sometime in June. She wants another sleepover. (I need to psych myself up for that!)

So - if you see my LLB out and about today, please wish our very special girl a Happy Birthday.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Burps

Cars burp.
Did you know that?
I didn't think you did.

Now you do.

I took my sweet marshmallow back to the fix-it this morning. They looked at it and tried to fix it, but it needed to be hooked up to the dealer's machine thingy to figure out exactly what was going on. (Hey - I've got a master's degree but I never took Auto Shop so you'll have to bear with my non-technical mumbo jumbo.)

They told me that if the dealer found the problem was from the repair, the insurance company would pay.

I arrived at the dealership - my car burped twice on the way there -- only I thought it was a cough. (What do I know??) It was also overheating when it idled. Yes - every stop light caused me great angst.

I turned the car over to my trusty dealership and went for lunch across the street. I returned an hour later and my service representative had no news yet. I am a patient person - AND I want my wheels back intact and fully functioning. It takes time to figure these things out.

Eventually, the service rep came and sat with me.
"Your car needed to burp."
"Okaaay." (Snort!)
He started to laugh, too. "No. Really... when they put the radiator back on, it got a bubble of air in there and every time it hesitated it was burping. It also had a loose oil pump connection. We fixed that. It has been running out there and has no more problems."
"Wow. Really?? That's great!"
"What about the timing belt?"
"I have good news for you. You have a timing chain. You don't ever need to replace that."
"Wow! That's amazing. You've made my day!"
"You really don't need your 105k mile check until next time you get your oil changed. Do you want me to have them do the oil now? You are over for this one. I'll put a note to have them do the 105k next time."

So - they did the oil change, fixed my car, and saved me some cash.
I was thrilled!
Then, my service rep went above and beyond the call of duty and called the fix-it shop. He told Mr. Fix-it that the cause of the problem was the repair and that he should have the insurance company give me my $104 back. The fix-it guy wanted to make it less, and my service rep insisted on the $104.

On the way home, I heard from #1. He is done early tonight!!

It was a banner day.
After yesterday - I think I deserved it.

Venting 101

So - if you don't want to hear me whine or complain, here is your out. Move on and don't read. I know there is suffering and other huge nasty things going on in the world, but - It's my blog and I'll squawk if I want to.

It all started at 8:30 yesterday morning.
I got a call from the car rental place asking when I was going to return the rental car. I told her that as soon as I had my car back, I'd be happy to return it, but that I hadn't heard from the fix-it shop.
"Oh, your car was done late Wednesday. The insurance company stopped paying for your rental on Thursday."
"What?!?!"
The conversation continued.
I hung up and immediately called the fix-it.
They told me they would handle the car rental since I never got a call.
I left and picked up my sweet marshmallow.

I stopped to fill the rental with gas and my marshmallow needed gas as well. I charged the first tank. I handed the charge card to my dad to swipe to fill the CRV. It was denied. Excuse me? I have enough credit to purchase a car on that thing - full price. I pay my bill in full.

I called the card company. Oh... nope. We didn't deny you. You are all set - it must have been that the first charge wasn't completed before the second one started. Please continue on and go shopping. Grr....

Fast forward to 5:25pm.
I'm on my way to bell rehearsal. I have to pick up a member of the choir.
My "check engine" light goes on.
The engine coughs.
I pull over.
Mr. is on his way to swap cars.
The temperature gauge goes up and up and up.
I turn off the car.

Deliver me from this nightmare! I don't DO cars that don't work.

Fast forward to 7:30pm
Mr. gets a call from the doctor's office that says LLB has strep. Remember when we had that test done 2 WEEKS AGO?? OMG! I'm furious.
Mr. is upset because he can't answer the questions that the nurse asked him. He's thoroughly embarrassed. (Although, I don't know why because most fathers don't know those answers. My dad never did... still doesn't!!)
I get home and call the Doc's office emergency number and tell them what I know. That I'm frustrated and confused. I couldn't get an answer two weeks ago and I still really don't know what is going on.
The head Doc, who I trust and like, called me back - twice. He ordered her some augmentin and promised to get to the bottom of it. We'll see...

#1 is playing in the pit orchestra for the high school musical. He asked me to get there at 9 so he could go home early. He was released at 10:10. I still had to stop and get LLB's medication. Yes... it was a late night.

Now this morning...
I have to take my marshmallow to the dealer to figure out what is going on. I have a 1:30 appointment. I think I'll leave at noon just to make sure I have time to break down and still get there.

So... if I'm testy or cranky today - now you know why.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Williamsburg - Here we come!

The car is packed.
The DS is charged.
The iPod is synced.
The umbrella and raincoats are ready to go - just in case.
The trumpet is oiled.
We're off in an hour!

Friday, April 25, 2008

The light...

At the end of the week -- I can almost see it!

Tomorrow we are off to Busch Gardens! I'm so excited I almost can't stand myself - yes, I'm worse than the kids.

But, before I get too hot and bothered, I need to get through today:

6:30am - Bring #1 to bus stop.
8am - Middle School - Picture day volunteering
12pm - home for lunch, laundry, dishes, and picking up unless I'm too tired in which case, I'll have lunch, clean the kitchen, and watch a little TV. (I love TV!!)
2:30pm - Middle School for Talent Show set up
3:45 - Neighboring High School to get #1 and 2 friends to get them back to our High School for play rehearsal - they are all at Jazz Fest, but play in the pit.
5 pm - Middle School - pick up LLB
5:30pm - Burger Joint for dinner with friends - Note: Gram and Grandpa we'll meet you there
8pm - High School to pick up #1 and bring him home for the night.

I think I'll be watching my TV after lunch -- if I don't watch then I won't get to watch any (which could be a good thing for addicts like me). We have to be at the Middle School at 6:45 tomorrow morning to load the snacks and goodies on the buses.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. LLB, the Grandbugs and I are going to Busch Gardens on Saturday. LLB has a band competition.

2. R and I went to our favorite warehouse store to get snacks and goodies for the kids' bus ride to Williamsburg.

3. The band director forgot to thank R for helping with the snacks in the letter he sent home.

4. Don't worry. I told him that he needed to thank R. She gave up her whole day to go with me and then stay and help us put 118 goody bags together.

5. LLB got second chair for this event - she tied with the 8th grader. He gets to be first because he is older. That makes sense, but LLB is NOT happy.

6. They had an after school rehearsal yesterday.

7. LLB was not happy with Turtle Boy (the current first chair). He did not play softly when Mr. H told him to. He did not do anything Mr. H asked him to do.

8. She went up to Mr. H at the end of class and told him that Turtle Boy was not following directions.

9. Wow! Was she mad!!

10. Mr. H told her he would take care of it.

11. I had all I could do to get her out of there before she said something else!!! That child sure says what she thinks. It's good that she is comfortable with her band director, but... really...

12. #1 has Jazz Fest this weekend. It's a two day thing - Friday and Saturday. He gets to miss school on Friday. (Yup.. that makes it all worth while). #1 and Mr. are going to do that together on Saturday.

13. It won't be the same at Busch Gardens without the boys, but... we'll manage.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

LLB took this for part of her "Spring" photography Science/English project. I just love it and she told me I could share it with all of you.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Ding Dong Drama

I have this new church job - a dream bell choir - a bell choir to end all bell choirs. OMG! They are terrific and I simply adore each and every member. They work hard, they are hysterically funny, and they are really nice people.

When I first took the job, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, so I told them that I'd feel it out to see if it was something I wanted to do long term. I told them weeks ago that I was staying forever and ever. The members of the choir wanted me to stay and when I told them that I would, they were all very happy. (They even asked me to take them to the 2 festivals next spring.)

I proceeded to submit my resume - per the church's request - to make sure I could keep this gig. My resume is a good one. (I won't ring my own bell, but you can just know that their $30 per rehearsal and $15 for Sunday services is far less of a salary than I should be getting.)

Last week I got 2 emails. One had a link to the pastor's personal blog where he gave the bell choir kudos. This has never ever happened before. The choir was thrilled and so was I! The other was from the Associate Pastor who was raving about the choir's performance on Sunday as well as my choice of music and my work with the choir. Basically, everyone is talking about how good the choir is and how happy they are with me.

Then I got a third email that said the church was going to be interviewing a new DOM (Director of Music). The kicker was that they wanted to see what she would do with the bell choir. Hmmm.... I wasn't too happy about that because I really like this gig. I don't want to give it up. But, after I told them that I'd only need about 10 years in therapy to get over the rejection, I gave them some suggestions about how they might have her audition.

I was told that chances are, I'd be working for this woman.
Sorry - I have trust issues and I tend to be a little pessimistic. I don't believe that for one second.

Last night at the end of the practice, the woman who is helping to coordinate this interview/audition asked if any of the members could be there early next week to play during the half hour before bells as her bell audition. There was a LOT of grumbling. Some said absolutely not. But I will be there. (I'm NOT missing that!) Then the person asked if we could stay until 9 so that the congregation could see her audition with the bell choir as well as the vocal choir. They all said no. (Secretly, that made me very happy.) I told the woman (and the members who had gathered around me) that I had a hard time staying late and keeping LLB out so I could help this woman take my spot. The choir members agreed with me. One of them even asked if they could play really badly so that she would look terrible. (See, I told you they were sweet.)

I got the bell choir back up and running and now I'm supposed to hand it over to someone who does not currently have a bell choir or a vocal choir for that matter? Someone who may or may not take them to festivals and workshops? If they were an average choir - maybe...

BUT, this choir - this choir is special... I'm not giving this one up - Not without a fight.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Weekend Recap

LLB and HP went to the Cotillion Ball on Friday. They had a wonderful time and the pictures - the ones with heads - are just great! I really wish I could show you, but you'll just have to trust me on that. (Some of you may have received access in your email over the weekend. If you didn't - let me know and I'll see that you get them.)

When I asked LLB if she had a good time at this ball, she said, "Mom... It was really fun! HP and I danced every dance except for 2, and the kids at this ball were all very sweet." (This tidbit of information did not surprise me as some of the kids at the first ball were "city" kids and the kids at the second ball were "country" kids.)

While the children were at the ball, the adults enjoyed a terrific "grown-up" dinner. We had to do something to occupy our time, right? The place that HP's parents took us to was simply phenomenal - it's their favorite place and we feel very special that they shared that with us.

On Saturday we did yard work. We cleared about 10 tons of leaves from our culvert in our stream. We cleaned out our shed. We moved some rocks. We raked the the lawn under the trees to get the sticks out of there so we can mow and not worry about damaging the tractor or a bystander. Mr. killed a few bees and weeded some of the garden. Yup - we were pooped at the end of the day!

Sunday was a rainy day. (Thank heavens! That meant no yard work!) LLB and I had to head down to our church job to put the bell tables back up - there was a wedding over the weekend and it seems that our bell tables don't make for very nice wedding pictures. While we were in town, we stopped by Wally World to get some summer things for LLB. Did you know that boys shorts are much nicer than the girls shorts? They are... they even have pockets and they cost half as much.

I don't have to teach today - it's Discovery Day or something so the kids don't have class. This means I have all day to clean my house and get my laundry done -- unless one of you gives me a call and gets me out of here to do something fun.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Breaking News!!

Attention!!
Gram and Grandpa have an intruder! - An unwelcome slovenly interloper!
They have... a mouse.
According to the reports, the suspect is big fat and gray. He was seen trying to steal an eaten popcicle stick from the family room trash bucket. When he was spotted, he dropped it and made a run for it.
Needless to say, the cats have been welcome visitors next door.
According to Gram, "It's me or the mouse. One of us has to go!"
We are hoping the cats can rid the Grandbugs of this nasty intruder before Gram has her bags packed.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Catchin' up on Tuesday

Here is all the catchin' up from the weekend.

LLB and #1 both received I (Superior) on their performances on Saturday. This means that they scored the highest score that they could possibly get. HP also got I (Superior) on all the pieces he played. It was a banner day!!

Mr.'s tooth ache is better. It seems he had "pulpitis". Whatever... he is better. He doesn't need a root canal. Life is good.

Yesterday's post got a lot of questions about our vacation this summer. LOL! We don't usually do much because the kids go to camps and we are trying to save our pennies for our CO trip this winter - Oh, and those 22 new windows we desperately need. But, we are going to head for the Great White North again this year. We have some Canadian uncles and aunties that need visiting... I don't know when we are going, but we'll get there eventually. We have been invited to stop in Boston on the way up - by two sweet families. I'm not sure what we are doing, but if we go that way - I'll ring your doorbells!

Yesterday afternoon as I was getting ready to head off to my bell class, I got a call from the middle school to go get LLB because she didn't feel well. I picked her up and took her to the doc's office. They wanted to do a blood test to find out what is going on with her strep. So, she had her blood taken - 2 tiny vials - and on the way out the door she almost passed out. Her lips turned the color of her hand... that would be white - pukey white. They took her blood pressure and found that it was very low. They waited until she stabilized and let us go, as this is a common thing with blood draws. (It's not something I have ever seen, but...)

On the way home, LLB mentioned that she felt funny like that every morning when she gets out of bed. WHAT?!?! I had no idea and she thought it was perfectly normal. (We won't even get into "mommy guilt" here.)

So we went back to the doc's today and discovered that she has orthostatic hypotension just like her grandpa. The doc told her that she has to drink - a lot - and not just water.
He asked her if she liked to eat.
Her response: Eating is my favorite activity.
That got a grin from the doc...
He ordered a set of blood tests that need to be done when she has been fasting. So tomorrow morning, if you need me, I'll be at the lab. I'm the mother who is trying to keep the child from chewing her arm off...

Monday, April 14, 2008

Winding Down...

The school year has started to wind down.
How do I know this?
Simple...

The children are getting their ducks in a row for awards and such.

#1 had to get his "band tally sheet" done so he can turn it in this morning. I had never heard of such a thing, but the more seasoned band moms gave me a head's up early in the year. They told me how to get the form to keep track of each and every band activity. You know... I really didn't need one more piece of paper on my desk - that I couldn't lose...

So, being the good mom that I am... I've been keeping track of the band activities (and that stupid piece of paper) - one tick mark at a time. It is finally time to turn the sheet in, and it is an honest tally of what he has done during the year.

Needless to say, he's 630 points short of a band letter - you need 2500 points for a letter. He will get it next year. Could he have done more things? Sure. Did he want to do more? Nah. So, this is fine.

BUT -- I have taken well over 1000 pictures for this group and will do the slide show for the band banquet. Personally, I think that effort should be worthy of a band letter of my very own. :-)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Another Week Begins

Today is Sunday.
LLB and I went to town and did our handbell thing with my church group. It was GREAT!! They are such a wonderful bunch...
They want to play in June. That works for me.
We just need to find a date. We'll do that at rehearsal tomorrow.

Mr. got some nifty pain killers to get him through the weekend, but they made him sick to his stomach. He will be taking tylenol to get him through from now on. Fortunately, his appointment is first thing on tomorrow morning.

LLB went to a bon-fire birthday party last night. She said it was fun, but that most of the kids who were there are athletic - and there were a ton of kids there. My LLB does not do volleyball - her glasses get broken when she gets hit in the face with the ball. My LLB does not do football - too dangerous. My LLB does not do soccer - she likes her shins intact. So, she hung out by the fire and skipped the sports. She did not complain that I got there early to pick her up. She did tell me that she'd rather have a small party with only a few of her very best friends.

#1 went to a Swing Dance fund raiser last night and came in second in the dance competition. Cotillion pays off. There is nothing more to say.

Tomorrow it's back to the grind.
I have class in the afternoon, bells in the evening and a vestry meeting at night. I'm going to be late for the vestry meeting. Darn...
Maybe they will fire me...
Nah.. I know... I can't get that lucky.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Email Issues, etc.

Those of you who know me in real life, know that I have a hughes email account. It has stopped receiving messages. Why? I dunno. I pay my humungo bill every month, you'd think it would do what it is supposed to do.

I can send email - so you may still receive email from me from that account.

So - if you want to get in touch with me, please try ladybugxing at gmail dot com. That one seems to work very well.

Okay - so back to our regularly scheduled posting...

I am still waiting on news about the car. I've sent all kinds of photos and information to our insurance company (Liberty Mutual). They are being terrific and have been more than helpful. All that being said - I'm over the trauma and mad of it all. Whatever happens, happens... As long as I get my wheels back, life is good.

Last night we had our first bon-fire of the year. It was a gorgeous night. The Grandbugs joined us and we had a wonderful time chatting and laughing!! Our new camp stools - made out of huge sections of tree trunks were very effective and pretty comfy. We had to keep moving our seats because the wind was constantly changing. We could be professional musical chairs players at this point. (The smoke usually blows in one direction around here and we just park ourselves so we don't get it.) We made smores, and sat around until 9pm when the rain drops, thunder, and lightning came and sent us inside.

Mr. had dental pain yesterday and ended up with 2 temporary crowns and a bridge. He is in some pain this morning which makes me a bit nervous. He shouldn't have any pain. He is calling the dentist's emergency number. I sure hope they can fix it today.

Today the children have their Solo and Ensemble Festival. LLB has 3 pieces that she is playing and #1 has 1. This involves a morning of sitting around in a school gym while kids warm up on their respective instruments. It's a good thing that none of this bothers me and that I have my N*ntend* DS to keep me busy. (My games of choice at the moment are M*rio K*rt and Sudoku.) Hopefully, I will get to stand outside their performance rooms and hear them play. If they do well, they get a blue ribbon.

Tonight is the swing dance for the swim team. I'm not sure we are going to go. It depends on how Mr. is feeling. LLB has a birthday party this evening (provided any rain holds off), so I'll have to go out and get her later tonight, but in between... I'd like to be home.

Oh - hey - maybe you all can help me figure something out...
Yesterday, the rental car was sitting in the driveway. A squirrel kept standing up on his hind legs underneath it. It looked like Mr. Squirrel was eating something. What is under the rear passenger door along the edge of the car?? Is there anything important under there he can chew through? (I'm not garaging the rental because I don't want any accidental door dings.) Does he work for Nationwide?? Is he trying to sabotage my car???

Friday, April 11, 2008

Friday Fun...

So today the children have a half day. Fortunately, for me, #1 gets picked up at 5 because he has a pit rehearsal for the school play. LLB gets out at 12:30. I think I'm supposed to be somewhere this morning, but I can't remember where.

I have laundry to do, cleaning to get done, and bills to pay.
I'd rather read blogs and watch TV...
But... this is my only time to get those chores done, so I'll be good and do them.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. I'm an honest person and I expect the people I deal with to be honest as well.

2. The little old lady who pulled out in front of me lied to her insurance company and is trying to pin the fault on me.

3. The neighbors in my development told me she's a piece of work.

4. I believe in the science - it will set me free.

5. I got my rental car yesterday.

6. It is a brand spanking new Chevy Malibu.

7. It is fun to drive, but I wouldn't buy one.

8. It has automatic lights - you don't have to turn them on or off!!

9. It even came with a radio - not a very good one, but that's okay.

10. The repair shop called and told me it was $4,200 to fix my ride.

11. They are going to start it this week and told me it would take 3 weeks to fix.

12. Whatever... I just want my wheels back.

13. The sooner, the better...

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Boom Crash

Beware of little old ladies behind the wheel!

One of them pulled out of her driveway into the path of my sweet little CRV yesterday. She did not see me - nor do I think she looked. She is a danger and I know this because I have missed her time and time again. Her driveway is circular but she insists on pulling out where it is hard to see. If she went out the other way, or even put up a mirror, her view would be so much better...

The insurance company has been terrific. They had my car in the shop by 3pm yesterday afternoon. I am hoping I can have it back soon! The airbag did not deploy, so repairs are a little easier. She smooshed driver's side headlight and pushed the front quarter panel back just enough so I can't drive it. My sweet wheels... Oh how I love my little car. It looked so sad and hurt sitting there crumpled up in the front.

Grandpa came and pulled the quarter panel out enough so I could get it home. I was only a mile and a half from my house. Then my dear friend R came and rescued me so we could do the school errand that we had to do. That is a story for another time! LOL!

They were coming to get the car to take it to the shop, so poor Grandpa had to empty my car. He had no idea how much stuff was in that car. He is still shaking his head. It's a good thing that #1's empty track bag was in there because he filled it to the brim! I think Grandpa might never get over how much stuff was in there!

Hopefully, I'll have my sweet ride back soon... I know it is kinda old and it has a lot of miles on it, but it's mine and I want it back. I have to get the rental this morning, so at least I will have wheels. 4 wheels and a motor - that's what I told the lady I needed.

I think I should have mentioned a radio...

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Time Flies

I had no time to blog yesterday and I had so many stupidly funny things I was going to tell you. Alas, I have forgotten each and every anecdote.

I spent yesterday morning helping the middle school band kids with Smartmusic. They were testing using the computers. It went okay for a first time thing, but... Some kids had to use Mr.H's machine to test - LLB was one of them. She went in to test and there was no sound coming out of the machine. The teacher told me that she had to wear the headphones. Wait a sec! They have to wear headphones to test? Whatever... Oh.. yes, and the soundboard is incompatible, so whatever they play sounds really crappy. Hmmm... all that practice was for what??!! At least all the trumpets sound equally crappy. And that goes for the french horns too. Lovely. LLB was not impressed, but thinks she did fine - fine enough to keep her first chair? I dunno.

Mr. H. wanted me back this morning to load up a newer version of Smartmusic on the other machines, because it seems that some of the kids had to play at triple speed due to another incompatibility. We'll get it worked out, but in the mean time... they are having trouble adjusting - as am I. I'm not going for a little while. I need some time at home - you know.. to blog and pick up my kitchen.

Yesterday afternoon I had to teach my middle school handbell class. My talker was back. Oh how I did not miss her while she was gone. She is so disruptive it's amazing. I even threatened demerits and you know what she said, "I have so many demerits that it really doesn't even matter anymore." Mmmkay... well... I guess I can't threaten with those, can I?

My church handbell rehearsal was last night and OMG! They are wonderful!!! I just love them! They are playing on Sunday and they are going to kick some serious butt. We are playing for two services. Fortunately, we play very very early in the second service, because I want to get my rear end back to our church on Sunday. HP's grandma is guest preaching and I really want to hear her. She's a terrific lady.

Today I have to pick up the middle school band's new TV and have lunch with a friend because you can't just do one errand with a friend and not eat. It's all about lunch. And it makes the chore seem so much more fun. I wonder if he'll pay for our lunch since he's not having to pay shipping... Eh.. I thought not.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

The Ball...

Well, they went.

As they were getting ready, I was fixing something on LLB's dress and #1 needed help with his sleeve buttons. I couldn't do sleeve buttons until I finished what I was doing, but LLB offered to help him. It was sooo cute! She buttoned the first button. When she was finished, he held up his second wrist. She immediately told him that she could do that one, too... OMG! I saw my future flash before my eyes... I saw them getting ready for prom and weddings and... good gracious... where does the time go?

On the way there, #1 said:
"Mom, you know what the best part of Cotillion is?"
"Umm... tell me."
"All the pretty girls!"
He's got his priorities straight!

#1 had a marvelous time.
LLB - not so much. The boys were toads and HP wasn't there.
But, here is her dress:

To those of you who have been checking your email boxes for pix of my children with heads... give me a little more time. Yesterday, instead of uploading the pictures I spent the day organizing 4 closets. I should post after pictures, but I was to embarrassed to take before pictures.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Eau de toilette

Zeb is a little nuts.
He has to be to live here - that's a given.
Most dogs who have a comfy bed or a soft and snuggly couch would hang there.
Not my dog.

Lately his new thing is to hang out in the downstairs bathroom - curled up next to the toilet.

At first I thought he was too hot, but the fire is off and he's still hanging out in there... Then I thought it was the hum of the washer and dryer, but that hasn't been going for a couple of days (yes, I know... I'm behind with the laundry again). Then I thought it was because there is too much activity around here, but with only me home, that certainly isn't the case.

So - basically, the dog is anal. Either that or the little rug by the "john" is soft and comfy.

Some members of my family find it difficult to do their business with the dog curled up around the commode. Personally, I'm used to "having company" (as any mom can attest). It really doesn't phase me and LLB doesn't particularly care either.

The boys in my house... now that's another story. They care. They care A LOT! I think it might be because they are looking down upon our sweet canine and are afraid they will bump, drip on, or ruin his olfactory system for life. The comments coming from the from the WC are pretty hysterical:
"Zeb, can you move?"
"Oh, Zebbie.. I'm sorry... I didn't mean to bump you in the snout with my foot."
"Hey... what are you looking at?!"
"Zeb, oh... is it too stinky in here for you... Oh geez... you just pushed the door closed. Now you're stuck. Oh... don't look at me like that... okay, give me a second and I'll let you out."

So... does your dog hang out in the WC when he doesn't have to?

Friday, April 04, 2008

Friday? Already?

It seems like I just got both children back to school and they are going to be home again tomorrow. Not that I mind, but I was just getting my house back.

Tonight is the Cotillion Ball!
#1 has his tux - it only took three tries to hopefully get it right.

The first pair of shoes were too big and his pants were so tight around the legs that he looked like a Beatle - it doesn't matter which one - you pick... He looked pretty funny!

The second pair of shoes had 2 different sizes - an 11 and a 12. One fit... one didn't. The second pair of pants fit great. So they sent him home with the suit and no shoes.

Today I get to go back to get the 3rd pair of shoes. Yes - as in the day of the ball. If they aren't right, I'm getting my $ back for the shoes and he can just wear his black band shoes. They are comfortable, stylish, and they fit. Or, he can just wear his socks and tell the Cotillion Lady that they never got the shoes right.

You all remember that HP isn't going tonight. (He and LLB are going to a different ball in couple of weeks.) Dancing with those other boys with sweaty palms isn't LLB's favorite thing, but hanging with her girl friends makes up for it. A friend let me borrow a really pretty pinky/peachy ball gown, but LLB is set on the teal. (I will put the pinky one on her and take a picture for the lady who loaned it.) I'll show you all some pictures as soon as I get them uploaded. Those of you who know me in real life will receive access to see pix of the children with heads like I have done in the past - so check your email boxes early and often. I know you LIVE for pix of my sweet kids!

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. LLB is a little bit better today.

2. She's not talking around her tonsils as much.

3. I still might call the doctor to see what she thinks we should do.

4. Last night the rising 6th graders came to the middle school for their first peek at our school.

5. The principal made the PTO moms get up and say a few words.

6. I basically said that we cannot do all of the things we do without their help.

7. I told them that what we do we do for the kids.

8. We got a bunch of people sign up to help.

9. One lady offered to be treasurer.

10. Nobody offered to be chairperson.

11. #1 had his first track meet yesterday. He had a great time, but it got COLD out there once the sun went down.

12. He didn't come in last, so that was good. He did fall on the 400 hurdles. His knees look like a garden gnome had a fight with them, but other than that, he's fine. I think he'll jump a little higher next time...

13. It was a long day, but a fun day.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, April 02, 2008

A Strawberry?


Those of you who know me in real life will know how funny this really is...


You Are a Strawberry



You are friendly, outgoing, and well liked by many people.

You are popular, but there's nothing you ordinary or average about you.



You a very interesting person, and you have many facets to your personality.

Sometimes you feel very conflicted. Your different sides of your personality pull at you.



You are a very sensual and passionate person. You are fiery... you can't help it.

In general, you keep your passionate side under wraps. You are only wild in private.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Change...

#1 does not do change -- at all. When he was little, if I changed my mind about anything - even as mundane as which store I was going to or where we were going to have lunch - he went crazy. I had to make a plan and stick with it. I learned very quickly to give him a vague plan such as "Mall, lunch, home."

To this day, he will ask about our plan for the day. Lately, it's been a bit boring: "Go to school. Someone will pick you up from track." Notice I don't tell him who will pick him up? That's because at the end of a long day, that little item could change. He would get upset if I told him I was going to pick him up and Mr. went instead. Actually upset isn't quite the right word -- disappointed is more like it. It's almost as if he has his heart set on one person, and when another shows up he's kinda hurt. This way, it doesn't matter who gets him. He just knows someone will be there.

I always wondered where he got this little quirk.

This morning I figured out where he gets it.

Mr. was supposed to go to work later this morning. It seems his minions have not been getting their work done. Anyway this meant that we would all sleep in until 6. Mr. would take #1 to the bus stop, come back home and work for a while, and head out at 9 after the traffic had subsided.

This plan changed at 4:50 this morning when Mr. got up to use the bathroom and decided he wasn't sleepy any more. He decided to go in earlier rather than later. Technically, this plan is completely logical - there is less traffic, he can get some serious work done before his troublesome minions show up, and his breakfast burrito is calling.

But, after he kissed me goodbye and headed down the dark and rainy driveway, I got to thinkin'...
I didn't like the change in plan.
My feelings were a little hurt.
(It was 5am and I was awake - I don't think I liked that part very much, either.)
I was looking forward to breakfast and a morning with my Mr.
And now...

POOF!!
I had a serious light bulb moment!

#1 gets it from me.