Friends, please excuse my crude behavior during this post. Kestan has come to visit, and with her she has brought a friend. An obnoxious, sloppy friend, who also has obviously been uninvited but welcomed in the same instant. Unwelcomed because nobody likes her. In fact, in the days leading up to her arrival one can be downright hateful in expectation. Instead of a “lady in waiting”, I have been a “%(*&$ in waiting”. I am very disappointed in myself, but unfortunately this is one of those events that occurs and one is left wondering why everyone suddenly freaks out when you answer, or bursts out in tears at your reply, even though you are answering in quite a clear and calm tone. Or, perhaps this clear and calm tone is only how it seems to you. On the outside, it is like cat scratch fever. A force to be reckoned with. Didn’t have time to grab something for Mother’s Day because you were taking finals? PLEASE EXCUSE YOURSELF AND GO CUT YOUR OWN SWITCH. (On the inside, I was completely understanding and even shrugging it off, chalking it up to better planned years to come. He came through, no worries! Flowers, cards, chocolate, ceramic to go mug, and dinnerware set I’ve been eyeing. Turns out, I needed say nothing. Except thank you, of course.)
We will call this friend Gertrude, mostly because I think Gertrude is a hideous name and this suits me just fine to call her by it. The only upside to her unexpected (and expected) visit is that she has just come from the store, and has brought with her a figurative olive branch. Fatty, oil filled chips adoringly placed next to a tub of French onion dip. The larger French onion dip, because mind you, she is sucking up. I accept as graciously as a host should, in part because this will now be my lunch, and I will have no qualms or regrets about it. She assures me they will not add a pinch of fat to my body, and that they are in fact good for me because its like a serving of vegetables. She’s lying through her slightly protruding overbite, which for some reason makes it easier for me to hate her. I have spent most of the evening and morning with her, we make small talk and for some reason the children are quiet. This may or may not be the result of an earlier catastrophe involving one casualty. Friends, we have lost OverJoyed Mood. May she rest in peace, or pieces as I have accidently left her in. Gertrude allowed me to finish a very interesting Water For Elephants novel, which was an amazing change of scenery after the last Olive Kitteridge snag. I am sure Kestan had sent that one to me, knowing I would read it til the very end because I do NOT like to leave unended stories, and because I never want to kill a could be bright ending. This book was not appealing, and I would never suggest anyone to pick it up, let alone touch it. How it won a Pulitzer Prize, I do not know. I believe Gerty (because she is sure we are on a nickname basis, I have also given her the ugliest nickname I could shorten it to) even woke up Addie a couple of times last night for sure pleasure, knowing I was exhausted. Then Lillian, who for approximately half an hour made me believe there was a mass murderer pre-digging a grave for his soon to be victims outside of her window. At 2am. (this would turn out to be my little kangaroo kicking her jumpy legs about, effectively creating ‘things that go bump in the night’)
I am wearing my sunglasses inside. I am sure this is grieving over the loss of my usual self. The fact that this is slightly melodramatic also appeals to me, as melodramatic things do at this time. I cannot wait til these invalids have moved on. For now, I will shut my mouth up with chocolate (which Kestan has hidden on the top shelf away from the girls, even though it is the girls’ Easter candy. She believes Easter candy is overrated anyways, it has nothing to do with the celebration and resurrection of Christ.) and other fatty and artificially flavored cardboard carb loaders. Perhaps, if I close my eyes excruciatingly tight I can will them away. My first attempt, however, has been painfully unsuccessful. If I am still here, and not rotting in jail for two attempted murders, I will post again soon…
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Last week was a very social week. I learned to deal with 6.5 hours of sleep (vs my usual 8, which has no longer been taken for granted) and attempted to interact more socially rather than disconnect through my phone and the internet. Though, it is much easier keeping my boundaries up through distance. This is a tough lesson, as we have been exploring what “margin” means at church. And living life alive. That’s right, I just described living as a verb, noun, and adjective one right after another.
I had the most amazing time at a derby race, and dropping my dad and his wife off at the airport in assurance that my good daughter behavior will reap rewards from Germany when they return. I will politely refuse, but most definitely receive these gifts in a good measure of gratitude. Lunch at a new amazing Mexican Subway find, and ritas and tortillas for cinco de mayo. Every chance of grumpiness last week has been stockpiled and presented itself Monday style. Bare naked, appalling, and unapologetic Monday style.
I am now off to find blank cards, because they do not make “I’m extremely sorry I chewed your ass off, please accept my greatest apologies” cards. I am now pleased to know you will not be judging me for this, as I have been invaded mentally by Kestan and her tiring ability to break me. I will be lovable again next week, I am sure!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
All Things Beautiful
Since its been a couple (or more) weeks, this will mostly be a picture update of all things beautiful :)
We re-did the girls' bathroom. Its now no longer the "refried bean" color as in earlier post :D Pretty much everything I bought to re-model the bathroom came from TJ Maxx (loooove that store!) and mostly on clearance. The mirror was bought on craigslist, and I actually ended up meeting the director of Little Sprouts Preschool. She has a gorgeous house!
Here's a different view. I very much so want to make that stick and mirror hanging for the ceiling that was in the picture from previous post for an idea for Lillian's room. I need a craft night!
Close up of the shelf
We had a blast going overnight in Little Rock for Beth Moore's conference. She's an enthusiastic speaker, and I just ordered her devotional on Paul. I did the devotional on David with a friend, and really liked the lay out and way she explains things. I cried at the end, not like huge sobbing but one of those "moved to tears" experiences. I've been crying a lot lately, Doug thinks I've tapped into my feelings finally and am no longer a stone sculpture. So, crying is good? hahahah. Ok. I also cried last Sunday when I was thanking another member's son for his service, and while telling him how much it meant to me I started crying. I guess those are just the sort of things that make me cry! One thing is for sure, men do NOT know what to do when cornered by a crying girl. Ahahahah...
We ended up having NO electricity at our hotel! There was a 10 mile radius of power knocked out because of storms the previous night. It was very interesting, half of us went to an aunt's in Conway and half of us stayed since it was already late. There were so many things going on that weekend in LR that other hotels were packed too! I think I got 3 hours of broken sleep? When I got home and finally layed down, I definitely PTFO'd (Passed The Frick Out) til the next morning and once again that afternoon just to be sure.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!?!?"
Such a momma's girl. I love it.
Easter Cake. Soooo simple, and all I did was type in 'Easter Dessert' into my phone for ideas. Its 3 layers (Thank YOU Duncan Hines!) sealed together with frosting, then frosted all over. The "sticks" are actually just a milk chocolate bar cut at a 45 degree angle, which curdled it enough to look stick like. Then, chocolate malt balls from easter candy section! BOOM!
Cupcakes. The coconut is dyed green with just regular green dye, and dried for a bit while I baked them. These pretty flower toothpicks are actually left over from Addie's birthday garden party!
Cupcakes #2. Same as before, except I bought granola cereal and created the "nest".
Making all of these pretty things has really challenged me, and though I knew it would happen, I don't want to stoooooppp...but I must, because these things are not cheap, you know.
I'm so sick of all of this rain, but even more so of hearing people gripe about it. The ditch that Bella Vista is supposed to have cleared out is clogged once again, and once again ALL of the water is flowing across the road onto our property. The sidewalk has constanly been flooded, and there is now a small stream line etched into our side yard. Sick. Doug has video'd it and sent it to the mayor to inform and ask for help. Someone drove by REALLY slowly as if investigating that morning it was received, but still no answer. I know there's a lot more going on with the golf courses being flooded, but this is our HOME.
Gross.
AND, to finish it out on a good note, this is my beautiful new butter dish. I cannot explain how happy this dish makes me. I've been forgetting to pick one up at the store and have been reduced to butter on a small plate with a plastic container over it. Is it too 50's? I don't know, and I don't know what it is, but I think this has an Anthroplogie feel. If I had gazillions of dollars and never needed to worry about the price, I would definitely do all of my house in an Anthropologie/Pottery Barn fashion. Duh!
:D
Keslyn
We re-did the girls' bathroom. Its now no longer the "refried bean" color as in earlier post :D Pretty much everything I bought to re-model the bathroom came from TJ Maxx (loooove that store!) and mostly on clearance. The mirror was bought on craigslist, and I actually ended up meeting the director of Little Sprouts Preschool. She has a gorgeous house!
Here's a different view. I very much so want to make that stick and mirror hanging for the ceiling that was in the picture from previous post for an idea for Lillian's room. I need a craft night!
Close up of the shelf
We had a blast going overnight in Little Rock for Beth Moore's conference. She's an enthusiastic speaker, and I just ordered her devotional on Paul. I did the devotional on David with a friend, and really liked the lay out and way she explains things. I cried at the end, not like huge sobbing but one of those "moved to tears" experiences. I've been crying a lot lately, Doug thinks I've tapped into my feelings finally and am no longer a stone sculpture. So, crying is good? hahahah. Ok. I also cried last Sunday when I was thanking another member's son for his service, and while telling him how much it meant to me I started crying. I guess those are just the sort of things that make me cry! One thing is for sure, men do NOT know what to do when cornered by a crying girl. Ahahahah...
We ended up having NO electricity at our hotel! There was a 10 mile radius of power knocked out because of storms the previous night. It was very interesting, half of us went to an aunt's in Conway and half of us stayed since it was already late. There were so many things going on that weekend in LR that other hotels were packed too! I think I got 3 hours of broken sleep? When I got home and finally layed down, I definitely PTFO'd (Passed The Frick Out) til the next morning and once again that afternoon just to be sure.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!?!?"
Such a momma's girl. I love it.
Easter Cake. Soooo simple, and all I did was type in 'Easter Dessert' into my phone for ideas. Its 3 layers (Thank YOU Duncan Hines!) sealed together with frosting, then frosted all over. The "sticks" are actually just a milk chocolate bar cut at a 45 degree angle, which curdled it enough to look stick like. Then, chocolate malt balls from easter candy section! BOOM!
Cupcakes. The coconut is dyed green with just regular green dye, and dried for a bit while I baked them. These pretty flower toothpicks are actually left over from Addie's birthday garden party!
Cupcakes #2. Same as before, except I bought granola cereal and created the "nest".
Making all of these pretty things has really challenged me, and though I knew it would happen, I don't want to stoooooppp...but I must, because these things are not cheap, you know.
I'm so sick of all of this rain, but even more so of hearing people gripe about it. The ditch that Bella Vista is supposed to have cleared out is clogged once again, and once again ALL of the water is flowing across the road onto our property. The sidewalk has constanly been flooded, and there is now a small stream line etched into our side yard. Sick. Doug has video'd it and sent it to the mayor to inform and ask for help. Someone drove by REALLY slowly as if investigating that morning it was received, but still no answer. I know there's a lot more going on with the golf courses being flooded, but this is our HOME.
Gross.
AND, to finish it out on a good note, this is my beautiful new butter dish. I cannot explain how happy this dish makes me. I've been forgetting to pick one up at the store and have been reduced to butter on a small plate with a plastic container over it. Is it too 50's? I don't know, and I don't know what it is, but I think this has an Anthroplogie feel. If I had gazillions of dollars and never needed to worry about the price, I would definitely do all of my house in an Anthropologie/Pottery Barn fashion. Duh!
:D
Keslyn
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I hate people today.
I finally took that stray cat into the animal shelter. He’s more than surpassed his welcome, scratching on the screen just because I opened the window to feel the cool breeze today. Every time we went outside, there he’d be. Like a predator, waiting to snatch up any spare leg available to rub on and any excuse to whine out. I let the girls love on him a little, partly because I felt bad, and partly because I knew if I touched him I wouldn’t stop slapping my hands around making sure the ‘imaginary’ hair has flown off by jostling my hands around. He found a way to get his dander up my nose anyways, rubbing on the girls and them bringing it to me. They’re sure he’ll find a good home. I’m glad to be rid of him.
I’ve had one of those days where I truly believe I hate people. These days come and go, and maybe every two weeks there’s that one awful, huffy day where everyone and everything makes me angry. I take offense to everyone, because only on this day does everyone ignore or just not answer in a positive way to which I expect. Maybe I just hold people up to a higher standard on that day than the standard they woke up on. Sometimes these days happen because I’m feeling blah about myself, my self esteem, or my appearance. Like, a bad hair day. A bad hair day goes a long way on a girl. In attempt to make myself feel better, I stop by a salon to have my hair trimmed real quick. I immediately regret my choice, because it’s the walmart smartstyle. Not that these people don’t know what they’re doing, or what styles are in, or even what I mean when I say what I want…but its not the relaxing atmosphere I imagine having spent money on for a service. And, most of the time, paying more in a pricier salon also somewhat ensures less drama and more etiquette. After having a blah day, I set down in the chair and feel like I’ve insulted her because I don’t want her to do much. Or shampoo my hair. Or even style it. Just spray it and trim it, quick…with my two kids in the cart next to me. WHYYYY did I decide to do this again? Oh, right. Because I never plan hair appointments, and when I decide I’m disgusted with my hair I want it fixed IMMEDIATELY. Good salons require appointments. And I am still hesitant afterwards, definitely not filling my ‘feel good’ meter.
“She’s(Addie) never seen me have my hair cut before, I think that’s why she keeps commenting on it, hahah. Did you hear a damn word I said that time?! I cannot believe you are treating your customer so rudely. I’m about to pay you way more for this stupid hair cut than I should, because you’re about to charge me full price for a half ass job. You didn’t even wash my hair, nor dry and style it and still going to charge me full service. Unbelievable!!”
Nothing. Possible smirk, but I am obviously not important to her.
I said the first sentence out loud. The rest I haven’t the galls to ever say, to ANYone. I hate confrontation. I just sit in my reclining loveseat later at night stewing over the things I should have said. The things I would have said. The things I didn’t think of quick enough. Then get mad for failing once again to say anything at all. Kicking myself, I’ll just swallow that and pretend I don’t care. This followed the ‘not-so-important’ feeling from the animal shelter, because they were sure I wasn’t going to adopt and didn’t want to waste their time. Just take the stupid cat, please. I hate people today.
Addie and her giant "pewer" she's using on the frog she found.
On a positive note, I finished The Help. Good book, definitely about segregation in Mississippi and ‘the help’ is actually referring to the black maids. Not slaves, but maids in the 60’s. First time I’ve read anything about the point of view of the maids during the transition into integration. Before and during. The other two books are staring a hole in my head, waiting for me to get started. I feel so guilty, because I know these books are now overdue, and I hated the feeling of waiting while others were so stupidly ignorant of others and never returned theirs on time so I could read them. At the same time, I am DRUNK with power. I am keeping these books on my own terms, and nobody’s come to sass me yet!
I hung a bird feeder up in my front yard. For two days I am sad the birds are not eating from it. The third day I see the hard plastic side has been punched out and placed neatly on my porch. There’s birdseed all around the tree. I am sure this is a message to me personally. Between the raccoon that ramsacks my garbage when I fail to close the garage door, and the squirrels who tease us constantly through the window to the back deck, I know its one of them. Doug took to his bb gun to “thin out” the ever growing population of squirrels overwhelming our woods. One ate it in the face, and now has a scar. I think he’s gone all mafia like on me, Grandfather Squirrel is sending me a warning. Little Bastard. Eight dollars for three days worth of waste.
The girls have taken to singing every day. It goes something like this:
Lillian: “Oh, na na.”
Addie: “(big giggle) Oh, na na!”
Lillian: “(bigger giggle) OH, NA NA!!”
Addie: “What’s my name, what’s my name, what’s my name…”
(REPEAT, til mom says knock it off)
This is funny to me, it’s a Rihanna song. I’m not really sure what the song is about, and maybe I don’t want to know if she’s singing it. We heard it one day flipping through the stations and they sing it all the time now. SO sweet that they’re doing it together, not arguing, for the moment…
I’ve had a lot of people in my life lately in need of prayer, for something different, each one of them. I’m out for an afternoon by myself, the girls at home napping and Doug doing homework keeping an ear out. I look forward to this day every week, and just the fact that its starting to feel like an every week thing elates me. I need this moment of sanity and QUIET. Or even just to listen to whatever I feel like, since most of the time its narrowed to kids music, KLRC, or country. Which is all that is mostly acceptable when the kids are in the car.
“God, please watch over my cousins, You know why they need You and I’ve prayed several times this week for them because I’ve thought of them so much. Just keep…may break my bones//but chains and whi…dangit Rihanna!! (punch radio button OFF) Stop interrupting me while I’m praying!!! So. Rude.” (I realize this sounds totally inappropriate, but it definitely happened. Funny, but I’m not sure God is laughing.)
OH she's coming in fast!!
I have some amazing things to look forward to this week. Heading to a Beth Moore conference, and my car will be full of awesome young ladies down to Little Rock this weekend…overnight! Doug and his mom will be working something out for the girls, and we’re sort of considering this a weekend for girl time and a chance to grow in God. There’s something else I might be working on that could potentially be fun! It has to do with Charlotte Russe? I’ll explain more later once I know more.
We watched Tangled this week for Family Pizza Night, sooooooo cute!!! Doug also made me watch MacGruber with him. #stupidestmovieeverrr…
P.S. I really took the time to listen to Britney’s Circus song, and have diagnosed the reason her voice is so unique: She sounds like a baby prostitute. The. End.
P.P.S. Please LIKE this if you are reading. I think about quitting often, it's nice to know people are reading!
I’ve had one of those days where I truly believe I hate people. These days come and go, and maybe every two weeks there’s that one awful, huffy day where everyone and everything makes me angry. I take offense to everyone, because only on this day does everyone ignore or just not answer in a positive way to which I expect. Maybe I just hold people up to a higher standard on that day than the standard they woke up on. Sometimes these days happen because I’m feeling blah about myself, my self esteem, or my appearance. Like, a bad hair day. A bad hair day goes a long way on a girl. In attempt to make myself feel better, I stop by a salon to have my hair trimmed real quick. I immediately regret my choice, because it’s the walmart smartstyle. Not that these people don’t know what they’re doing, or what styles are in, or even what I mean when I say what I want…but its not the relaxing atmosphere I imagine having spent money on for a service. And, most of the time, paying more in a pricier salon also somewhat ensures less drama and more etiquette. After having a blah day, I set down in the chair and feel like I’ve insulted her because I don’t want her to do much. Or shampoo my hair. Or even style it. Just spray it and trim it, quick…with my two kids in the cart next to me. WHYYYY did I decide to do this again? Oh, right. Because I never plan hair appointments, and when I decide I’m disgusted with my hair I want it fixed IMMEDIATELY. Good salons require appointments. And I am still hesitant afterwards, definitely not filling my ‘feel good’ meter.
“She’s(Addie) never seen me have my hair cut before, I think that’s why she keeps commenting on it, hahah. Did you hear a damn word I said that time?! I cannot believe you are treating your customer so rudely. I’m about to pay you way more for this stupid hair cut than I should, because you’re about to charge me full price for a half ass job. You didn’t even wash my hair, nor dry and style it and still going to charge me full service. Unbelievable!!”
Nothing. Possible smirk, but I am obviously not important to her.
I said the first sentence out loud. The rest I haven’t the galls to ever say, to ANYone. I hate confrontation. I just sit in my reclining loveseat later at night stewing over the things I should have said. The things I would have said. The things I didn’t think of quick enough. Then get mad for failing once again to say anything at all. Kicking myself, I’ll just swallow that and pretend I don’t care. This followed the ‘not-so-important’ feeling from the animal shelter, because they were sure I wasn’t going to adopt and didn’t want to waste their time. Just take the stupid cat, please. I hate people today.
Addie and her giant "pewer" she's using on the frog she found.
On a positive note, I finished The Help. Good book, definitely about segregation in Mississippi and ‘the help’ is actually referring to the black maids. Not slaves, but maids in the 60’s. First time I’ve read anything about the point of view of the maids during the transition into integration. Before and during. The other two books are staring a hole in my head, waiting for me to get started. I feel so guilty, because I know these books are now overdue, and I hated the feeling of waiting while others were so stupidly ignorant of others and never returned theirs on time so I could read them. At the same time, I am DRUNK with power. I am keeping these books on my own terms, and nobody’s come to sass me yet!
I hung a bird feeder up in my front yard. For two days I am sad the birds are not eating from it. The third day I see the hard plastic side has been punched out and placed neatly on my porch. There’s birdseed all around the tree. I am sure this is a message to me personally. Between the raccoon that ramsacks my garbage when I fail to close the garage door, and the squirrels who tease us constantly through the window to the back deck, I know its one of them. Doug took to his bb gun to “thin out” the ever growing population of squirrels overwhelming our woods. One ate it in the face, and now has a scar. I think he’s gone all mafia like on me, Grandfather Squirrel is sending me a warning. Little Bastard. Eight dollars for three days worth of waste.
The girls have taken to singing every day. It goes something like this:
Lillian: “Oh, na na.”
Addie: “(big giggle) Oh, na na!”
Lillian: “(bigger giggle) OH, NA NA!!”
Addie: “What’s my name, what’s my name, what’s my name…”
(REPEAT, til mom says knock it off)
This is funny to me, it’s a Rihanna song. I’m not really sure what the song is about, and maybe I don’t want to know if she’s singing it. We heard it one day flipping through the stations and they sing it all the time now. SO sweet that they’re doing it together, not arguing, for the moment…
I’ve had a lot of people in my life lately in need of prayer, for something different, each one of them. I’m out for an afternoon by myself, the girls at home napping and Doug doing homework keeping an ear out. I look forward to this day every week, and just the fact that its starting to feel like an every week thing elates me. I need this moment of sanity and QUIET. Or even just to listen to whatever I feel like, since most of the time its narrowed to kids music, KLRC, or country. Which is all that is mostly acceptable when the kids are in the car.
“God, please watch over my cousins, You know why they need You and I’ve prayed several times this week for them because I’ve thought of them so much. Just keep…may break my bones//but chains and whi…dangit Rihanna!! (punch radio button OFF) Stop interrupting me while I’m praying!!! So. Rude.” (I realize this sounds totally inappropriate, but it definitely happened. Funny, but I’m not sure God is laughing.)
OH she's coming in fast!!
I have some amazing things to look forward to this week. Heading to a Beth Moore conference, and my car will be full of awesome young ladies down to Little Rock this weekend…overnight! Doug and his mom will be working something out for the girls, and we’re sort of considering this a weekend for girl time and a chance to grow in God. There’s something else I might be working on that could potentially be fun! It has to do with Charlotte Russe? I’ll explain more later once I know more.
We watched Tangled this week for Family Pizza Night, sooooooo cute!!! Doug also made me watch MacGruber with him. #stupidestmovieeverrr…
P.S. I really took the time to listen to Britney’s Circus song, and have diagnosed the reason her voice is so unique: She sounds like a baby prostitute. The. End.
P.P.S. Please LIKE this if you are reading. I think about quitting often, it's nice to know people are reading!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I preceded to ram my left front side into the MAILBOX.
I know this is an extremely insignificant thing to include on my post, but this is the only thing I have ever had and kept alive and actually EATEN. I love parsley, there are just a few spices I think I always end up using throughout the week that I would consider staples. Parsley, Paprika, S/P of course, seasoning salt, onion powder, etc…
I was ridiculously happy to have a real and fresh herb at my disposal!!
The girls have been arguing like crazy lately.
Lillian: “No.”
Addie: “Yes.”
Lillian: “No.”
Addie: “Wiwian, stop saying no to me!!!”
Lillian: “…….No.”
Yes, it’s the dreaded point where “no” STOPS being cute. I don’t remember Addie going through such a long phase of NO. Maybe because I never argued with her or gave her flame any fanning by answering. She knows it’s a joke if Addie thinks she’s in charge and bosses her, but still, what else is a baby to say in her defense? I’m trying to be patient, but today was ludicrous. She’s figured out the exact way and attitude and “death ray stare” to say it so that it makes Addie infuriated. AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHHYYYYY?!?!?!
Doug: “I don’t want to go to work.”
Me: “I’ll trade you places today!! Take me with you!!”
Doug: “Take them to work with YOU!”
Spring Planting from front...
Sidewalk view. Marigolds/fern/giant pots/bird bath/red potted flowers. I have some pink ones in by the mailbox, but that's not really worth sharing.
At a family birthday get together (of which I completely dominated kickball and would have earned MVP at, at least defensively, if they issued awards) my niece randomly told me something to get it off her chest. She’s 13. Apparently her and her friend played catch (in close range, I’m sure) with her friend’s pet hamster. I laughed, completely honored to have her guilted honesty unleashed on me. It made me wonder if there was anything I should confess…and, there is. Sometimes, I use the kitten self-addressed labels sent to us by Petco to mail Doug’s bills off. I laugh haughtily all the way to the mailbox. I’m so sneaky. The kittens, I assume, are somewhat emasculating, and that makes me smile evilly because I’ve pulled one over on him. It’s the little things.
Last week I was in the car with Addie, and left Lillian at home with Doug so that we could grab pizza for family pizza/movie night. We were just backing out of the driveway, and being the multi-tasking queen I am, I brought letters to mail out and bills to be paid in our mailbox as well as (finally) finished library books.
I was pulling up to the mailbox when Addie so cleverly decides to ambush me with:
“Mom, Daddy says your GPS is a piece of…(slight hesitation in which I look up see her next word, obviously horrified of what it may be if daddy said it)…JUNK.”
At this point, I preceded to ram my left front side into the MAILBOX. Awesome. She tells me these things often, a lot because she thinks I am also in charge of Daddy and that he will get in trouble if she tells me what he’s done. Also, she is my minion and takes offense when someone makes fun of me or my property in any way. A loyal, faithful, argumentative, clone minion. It’s the real deal, try it and see how quickly you’re put on Addie’s hit list. She’s a mean little person. It shook me up a little bit, and of course made me super nervous overanalyzing how I drive. Turns out, when I’m actually fully paying attention, I know how much of a horrible drive I actually am. If you were in Pakistan on a good faith helping hands mission, you would never know the difference between the way they drive and the way I drive. Minus the days of grime and dust smell. Or, if you’ve never known (or read) how freaking scary the drivers are there, like a typical New York foreign driver…beaded seats, horrible music, pictures of religious leaders hanging in the window and possibly flying out wavering wildly while taking curves. I am an imitation of a too fast, too jerky Pakistani driver. Can I write that off as just efficient?! Point A to point B?
The mailbox…the mailbox…seems to be popping up a LOT in this post. The mail lady!! Its her!! That wild haired banshee has surely put a curse on us via mailbox touch!! We will have words. There will be many. I will probably cry and slink back into the house, but OH there WILL be WORDS!!!
I finished Three Cups of Tea. It was like pulling teeth til halfway. SOOOO. MANYYY. FAAACTS. I know this is good for me to read something that really did happen, and especially of all the great adventures abroad and of all philanthropy…but, damn. Pulling teeth. Once I finally got into the lingo and language and understood it better, the story got so much better. It’s a good book to read, and I actually learned its required for all higher government employees and all special ops working in the Pakistan/Iraq/Afghanistan area to read. They wanted their men to understand the idea of helping the people and how the Muslim culture is not in unison in working against our country, as learned by an American wanting to build schools for their severely uneducated children. Just like Eat.Pray.Love., I feel like I learned something worldly. Now, back to meaninglessly entertaining fiction! Haha…
Mother nature is screwy lately. I’ve read updates about people thinking Mother Nature is in transition to menopause, that its “her time of year”, or that she’s bi-polar. Get that girl a drink and send her out on break for the night, that cures just about anything!! I’m saying!!
Kesolyn
I was ridiculously happy to have a real and fresh herb at my disposal!!
The girls have been arguing like crazy lately.
Lillian: “No.”
Addie: “Yes.”
Lillian: “No.”
Addie: “Wiwian, stop saying no to me!!!”
Lillian: “…….No.”
Yes, it’s the dreaded point where “no” STOPS being cute. I don’t remember Addie going through such a long phase of NO. Maybe because I never argued with her or gave her flame any fanning by answering. She knows it’s a joke if Addie thinks she’s in charge and bosses her, but still, what else is a baby to say in her defense? I’m trying to be patient, but today was ludicrous. She’s figured out the exact way and attitude and “death ray stare” to say it so that it makes Addie infuriated. AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHHYYYYY?!?!?!
Doug: “I don’t want to go to work.”
Me: “I’ll trade you places today!! Take me with you!!”
Doug: “Take them to work with YOU!”
Spring Planting from front...
Sidewalk view. Marigolds/fern/giant pots/bird bath/red potted flowers. I have some pink ones in by the mailbox, but that's not really worth sharing.
At a family birthday get together (of which I completely dominated kickball and would have earned MVP at, at least defensively, if they issued awards) my niece randomly told me something to get it off her chest. She’s 13. Apparently her and her friend played catch (in close range, I’m sure) with her friend’s pet hamster. I laughed, completely honored to have her guilted honesty unleashed on me. It made me wonder if there was anything I should confess…and, there is. Sometimes, I use the kitten self-addressed labels sent to us by Petco to mail Doug’s bills off. I laugh haughtily all the way to the mailbox. I’m so sneaky. The kittens, I assume, are somewhat emasculating, and that makes me smile evilly because I’ve pulled one over on him. It’s the little things.
Last week I was in the car with Addie, and left Lillian at home with Doug so that we could grab pizza for family pizza/movie night. We were just backing out of the driveway, and being the multi-tasking queen I am, I brought letters to mail out and bills to be paid in our mailbox as well as (finally) finished library books.
I was pulling up to the mailbox when Addie so cleverly decides to ambush me with:
“Mom, Daddy says your GPS is a piece of…(slight hesitation in which I look up see her next word, obviously horrified of what it may be if daddy said it)…JUNK.”
At this point, I preceded to ram my left front side into the MAILBOX. Awesome. She tells me these things often, a lot because she thinks I am also in charge of Daddy and that he will get in trouble if she tells me what he’s done. Also, she is my minion and takes offense when someone makes fun of me or my property in any way. A loyal, faithful, argumentative, clone minion. It’s the real deal, try it and see how quickly you’re put on Addie’s hit list. She’s a mean little person. It shook me up a little bit, and of course made me super nervous overanalyzing how I drive. Turns out, when I’m actually fully paying attention, I know how much of a horrible drive I actually am. If you were in Pakistan on a good faith helping hands mission, you would never know the difference between the way they drive and the way I drive. Minus the days of grime and dust smell. Or, if you’ve never known (or read) how freaking scary the drivers are there, like a typical New York foreign driver…beaded seats, horrible music, pictures of religious leaders hanging in the window and possibly flying out wavering wildly while taking curves. I am an imitation of a too fast, too jerky Pakistani driver. Can I write that off as just efficient?! Point A to point B?
The mailbox…the mailbox…seems to be popping up a LOT in this post. The mail lady!! Its her!! That wild haired banshee has surely put a curse on us via mailbox touch!! We will have words. There will be many. I will probably cry and slink back into the house, but OH there WILL be WORDS!!!
I finished Three Cups of Tea. It was like pulling teeth til halfway. SOOOO. MANYYY. FAAACTS. I know this is good for me to read something that really did happen, and especially of all the great adventures abroad and of all philanthropy…but, damn. Pulling teeth. Once I finally got into the lingo and language and understood it better, the story got so much better. It’s a good book to read, and I actually learned its required for all higher government employees and all special ops working in the Pakistan/Iraq/Afghanistan area to read. They wanted their men to understand the idea of helping the people and how the Muslim culture is not in unison in working against our country, as learned by an American wanting to build schools for their severely uneducated children. Just like Eat.Pray.Love., I feel like I learned something worldly. Now, back to meaninglessly entertaining fiction! Haha…
Mother nature is screwy lately. I’ve read updates about people thinking Mother Nature is in transition to menopause, that its “her time of year”, or that she’s bi-polar. Get that girl a drink and send her out on break for the night, that cures just about anything!! I’m saying!!
Kesolyn
Saturday, March 26, 2011
For the first time in my life I will publicly admit...
I've been considering re-doing the girls' bathroom, and Lillian's room! I know, I know...I JUST did Lillian's room a while back, but that was a BABY room. I was thinking about doing something awesome. Something artistic. Here's some examples of the ones I like:
This is the fun version.
And the possibly too old room, but I can add cutesy girly stuff to make it pop like a little girl's room. And I don't necessarily have to find a comforter like THAT.
The girls' bathroom is a weird "refried bean" color (according to Doug) and not suitable for a bathroom (?). Anyways, these are fun:
I like this color. Maybe a fancier mirror. The bathroom is NOT this big, however!
And this shower curtain...
And some of these vases up on shelves. Maybe a fun design on the wall, over the purple? Too much?
I'm afraid if I start, I won't want to stop...and anyone knows how expensive fun things like these are :) Oye!
Things Addie said/did:
"Mommy, who is coming over?"
"Nobody. Why?"
"Because. Why are we cleaning?"
"WE DON'T JUST CLEAN WHEN SOMEBODY'S COMING, WE'RE NOT SLOBS!! GO CLEAN YOUR ROOM!!!"
Apparently she thinks the only reason I clean is for other people. I hate feeling slobby, that definitely hit my boiling point real quick, hahaha...
I went into Addie's room to pick out some clothes for her, and noticed her bed had little toys on it. So, like usual, I started picking them up and putting them in the little toys basket, which is just out of reach of Lil up on her side table. Right that second, a hand reaches out from under the bed and grabs my foot.
"*&DA^*$SdRIGH$#$FUIF%^^$#%&*&^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" More jumping around, flailing, freaking out. Elevated heart rate, giant purple vein popping out of head. Ready to fight, clawing my way to freedom if necessary. At least, in my head this was happening, everything I'd have imagined I would do if I was attacked...or attacked by the giant, ugly, slithering typical monster under the bed. In reality, on the outside, I froze. My heart literally dropped into my stomach and started pounding there, as if that was its new residence in my body. Of course, my eyes were big, and I didn't feel like I could move at all. It was Addie, I hadn't noticed how quiet the house was and that she was hiding in a new favorite spot. She's laughing, big toothed grin.
Guys, for the first time in my life I will publicly admit that I am afraid of being grabbed by something under the bed. Especially at night, by myself. I am also (wait for it), afraid of the dark. I am a 25 year old woman who hops into bed at night, because "they would never expect me to hop, I could totally use that surprising second to make my get away..."
Why these things are in my head, I have no idea. I also imagine car crashes, people doing dumb things and I'm in anticipation for whatever may come. I think this is a result of being made to watch too many MAN movies. That my friends, is why my DVR box is also considered a PMS box. Because, my imagination runs away full speed!! Ridiculous. I'm hoping to conquer this before my ten year reunion, where everyone judges if you've grown up and how much since they last saw you.
Speaking of being a man, I have been infiltrated. On our night without the babies, we ended up coming home, drinking a beer, fixing the door with MAN stuff, and playing Halo. I was totally okay with this, even though I was dressed to go out in heels and my sexy "lingerie shirt" (or so my SIL deemed my lacy shirt). Meh. So hard to make that transition to full blown adult.
Spring is here, bringing the freaking crazy weather with it!!
Kesolyn
This is the fun version.
And the possibly too old room, but I can add cutesy girly stuff to make it pop like a little girl's room. And I don't necessarily have to find a comforter like THAT.
The girls' bathroom is a weird "refried bean" color (according to Doug) and not suitable for a bathroom (?). Anyways, these are fun:
I like this color. Maybe a fancier mirror. The bathroom is NOT this big, however!
And this shower curtain...
And some of these vases up on shelves. Maybe a fun design on the wall, over the purple? Too much?
I'm afraid if I start, I won't want to stop...and anyone knows how expensive fun things like these are :) Oye!
Things Addie said/did:
"Mommy, who is coming over?"
"Nobody. Why?"
"Because. Why are we cleaning?"
"WE DON'T JUST CLEAN WHEN SOMEBODY'S COMING, WE'RE NOT SLOBS!! GO CLEAN YOUR ROOM!!!"
Apparently she thinks the only reason I clean is for other people. I hate feeling slobby, that definitely hit my boiling point real quick, hahaha...
I went into Addie's room to pick out some clothes for her, and noticed her bed had little toys on it. So, like usual, I started picking them up and putting them in the little toys basket, which is just out of reach of Lil up on her side table. Right that second, a hand reaches out from under the bed and grabs my foot.
"*&DA^*$SdRIGH$#$FUIF%^^$#%&*&^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" More jumping around, flailing, freaking out. Elevated heart rate, giant purple vein popping out of head. Ready to fight, clawing my way to freedom if necessary. At least, in my head this was happening, everything I'd have imagined I would do if I was attacked...or attacked by the giant, ugly, slithering typical monster under the bed. In reality, on the outside, I froze. My heart literally dropped into my stomach and started pounding there, as if that was its new residence in my body. Of course, my eyes were big, and I didn't feel like I could move at all. It was Addie, I hadn't noticed how quiet the house was and that she was hiding in a new favorite spot. She's laughing, big toothed grin.
Guys, for the first time in my life I will publicly admit that I am afraid of being grabbed by something under the bed. Especially at night, by myself. I am also (wait for it), afraid of the dark. I am a 25 year old woman who hops into bed at night, because "they would never expect me to hop, I could totally use that surprising second to make my get away..."
Why these things are in my head, I have no idea. I also imagine car crashes, people doing dumb things and I'm in anticipation for whatever may come. I think this is a result of being made to watch too many MAN movies. That my friends, is why my DVR box is also considered a PMS box. Because, my imagination runs away full speed!! Ridiculous. I'm hoping to conquer this before my ten year reunion, where everyone judges if you've grown up and how much since they last saw you.
Speaking of being a man, I have been infiltrated. On our night without the babies, we ended up coming home, drinking a beer, fixing the door with MAN stuff, and playing Halo. I was totally okay with this, even though I was dressed to go out in heels and my sexy "lingerie shirt" (or so my SIL deemed my lacy shirt). Meh. So hard to make that transition to full blown adult.
Spring is here, bringing the freaking crazy weather with it!!
Kesolyn
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Uhh, WINNING!!
Pretty good, right? I'm thinking of throwing all child labor law caution to the wind and starting "Photography by Addie". Uhh, WINNING!!
Last week was one of the most amazing weeks so far this year!! SO so many good things happened, its almost unfair to the rest of the 51 weeks. Like, really. Seriously.
Doug had an appointment in Missouri Tuesday for an epidural, which may be an alternative to the pain treatment he’s already receiving. It was at 10am, but when you have kids, sometimes its easier to leave them at grandma’s for the night instead of rushing around in the morning ;) Thanks Grandma!! The doctor was Japanese, and had the classic R instead of L syndrome in his speech. I definitely recorded a small bit on my phone, sooooo hard to tell what he’s saying. This actually made it more nerve racking, when you can’t understand everything, and this man is about to put a giant needle in your spine. Ya know?!?
Long story short: it worked, he’s well, lunch in Joplin, faked interest at Ashley furniture, back home by 5!
Turns out, when they use epidural for more long term use (momma’s, instead of just for that one incredible time where you’re glad God made man smart enough to invent medicine!) they do it 2-3 times within 2-3 weeks each time, then possibly once every 1-3 months. The difference is incredible, we just want to see how this works with his body.
Lillian is walking! Walking!! I thought this day would NEVER arrive!! In fact, I had called and made a physical therapy appointment just to see if her legs (calves specifically) were underdeveloped in any way because she uses her thighs so much. They’re freakishly strong. It was like she heard me, rolled her eyes, huffed and said “Well if you’re going to freak out (hands waving vigorously in the air, obviously emphasizing criticism on FREAK OUT) on me, I’ll just get up and do it already. You are so not as fun as they say.” (she’s lying, I’m so much more fun than they say)
I loooove seeing her little body walking around like a little person!! It only took 18 and ½ months of waiting, patiently…And she’s so much more confident about it now, 4 days later showing off and acting like its every day normal. A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
Can I just say, or WARN, perhaps that’s a better description, that I am EVERY bit as fun and crazy as you see in pictures when I don’t have the girls to worry about. I am a small person, but there’s a big presence that takes over when my freedom takes hold!! So, there ya go. Its online, living virtual proof that you’ve had the opportunity to be warned. I am not some poised little mommy Barbie, at least, I’m sure I used to be somebody else before this mommy persona took control. I say this, because I have a few outings planned, and ya’ll need to be able to handle this jelly. Hahahah. Yeah…
((and now that I am aware of how my strange face contorts on film, I will try very hard to control it))
My previous hint in my last post can now be revealed! Doug got a raise, YEAH!! So proud, he does so well at whatever he goes for. Just even that he does well at his stressful job WHILE going to school and doing well there is amazing. Shout out. Shout out!!
I am definitely in need of a beautiful vacation. With lots of boozy fruity umbrella drinks. And sand. That is all.
-Kesolyn
Sunday, March 13, 2011
At 70% off, you didn't just pick Coach. Coach picked YOU.
Its been a whirlwind of a month for the Erbs! I can most definitely say that I've helped that along, by finding how easy it is to make/freeze meals and pre-organize easy and healthy foods (insert pat on back). Aside from my normal mommy freezer meal swap, I went on a kick one morning and just didn't stop! While looking for a great new recipe for my mommy meal plan, I came across a site that had an ingenious idea: beef base. Beef base consists of ground beef, onion, and garlic. Simple, but very smart. From this, you can make: Tacos, just add taco seasoning. Beef Stroganoff. Sloppy Joes. Or, throw some spaghetti sauce on it. Sooo simple, my "DUH" light came on and I went with it. So making/freezing that aside, I also pre-made roast beef/colby jack/spinach leaves on ciabatta in saran wrap (just like they do in the store), Canadian Bacon/egg/cheese biscuits, shaved/pre-cut carrots in small baggies, boiled eggs, and made two batches of a delicious french onion soup (soooo delicious, found HERE).
Insanity? Lots of red bull? No. ingenious and rewarding. I can't explain how much pressure that takes off my day. I realize these are not the most amazingly elaborate meals, but who as a mom to four (I count Doug and Meelo in that, don't judge) really has the energy or time to make such with young kiddos? Nobody. If they say otherwise, they're lying. This is not underachievement, overachievement, this is survival.
Okay, semi-dramatic.
I had the most awesome time on Girl's Night Out, best friend assembling a team of her besties to take the hill on. Shoguns, high heels, wine, and Dickson. (I'm pretty sure I will need to undergo a complete makeover before ever showing my face at Shoguns again. GNO always has a mischievous flair in the air...) Said bestie's friend and co-worker totally popped a heel off her shoe, laughing hysterically said best friend conjured up medical tape from her miniature Coach wristlet (obviously prepared for whatever the night brings) and failed to find a way to tape the white tape on black heel properly. Laughing more. Man coming out of building from play stumbled upon six fierce vixens, and under our hypnosis gladly gave up his shoes for the hobbly one. Hahah, not really, but he had a whole slew of extra prop shoes for the play and helped a sista out! So funny, just a typical Saturday night. I'm pretty sure we were boo'd for singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" too.
I am no longer under the previous assumption that my mail lady is a cackling, wild haired tease. Funny how that comes and goes with the weather. I still can't believe she made me shovel 4 feet of snow from the delivery site before delivering my mail...I mean, I made her a special bag of cookies for Christmas and tucked them the box for her. Special. Cookies...
Doug has been soooo busy lately, and we're about to travel to Missouri to try a new way of dealing with his back pain. If you'd say a quick prayer for him that his epidural procedure goes smoothly, that'd be awesome. Tuesday morning this will take place. There may also be some exciting news, but I will have to wait to be sure I can report.
Speaking of Doug, I have to share a funny moment. We often watch movies together, and at least once a week we do a family pizza/movie night. There was NOTHING amazing at red box one night, and we resorted to tv and recordings.
"Is there anything good recorded?" he asks.
"Yeah, there's some good ones saved, I think." I answer.
He's quietly flipping through taking in all the amazing movies I have deemed A-list worthy for my quiet time...
"Keslyn, its like a BOX OF PMS!! Look, "Time Traveler's Wife", "The Last Song", "The Runaways", "The Nanny Diaries", "Valentine's Day". The only good thing you have is Anchor Man!!" Hahahahah. Thanks, dear. He's now decided he must take over again.
I had decided that setting aside a small portion of tax refund money for a "grown-up" purse was more than appropriate. I went one day to find a present for my brother-in-law and happened upon an amazing deal. Dillard's had a select variety of Coach purses on sale, 30% off. That week, there was an additional 40% off items already on clearance. So, guess who scored 70% off a gorgeous Coach purse? This happy girl right here! At 70% off, you didn't just pick Coach. Coach picked YOU.
And because I can't sign off sounding like a complete snot talking about a silly overpriced piece of pride, I'll share my reads! The books suggested to me by my librarian (who also suggested Racing In The Rain, she's pretty good at picking good ones) were: Three Cups of Tea (Project in Pakistan to build schools for children), The Help (1960's setting about a small town and the women in it), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Olive Kitteridge (about an old fictional lady reviewing her life after retirement). I'm so busy, I'm not sure I'll get through them all but I'll keep them as long as the library will let me :)
-Kesolyn
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