We Say We Buy the Toys for the Kids . . .

. . . Then I walk in the bathroom after Justin, and find this getup.  Hmm.

I also bake the cookies for the kids . . .

I Got a Bomb in Me Pants

Sorry, we’re watching Wallace and Gromit . . . A Matter of Loaf and Death.  Gromit says that about the bomb in his pants bit.

Um, now that I over-explained that.

Summer is almost over!!  What happened?? I was driving the other day, cuz I do that once in awhile, and noticed some of the loverly green trees turning colors . . . colors such as blood red, gross orange and death yellow.  Ok, very pretty to look at but its also the official announcement of summer’s end . . . death to sun and only cool, rainy and more cold in the near future.

I just thought I’d share some of my summertime photos.  The boys and I had such a great summer!  We made new friends and spent tons of time out of doors . . . even got to visit the zoo and the coast.  But mostly just a lot of time, locally, at the parks playing in the water.

Samuel at the downtown, Waterfront Park, playing in the water.  One of  three water-feature parks that we frequented this summer. Kept the hot hot days from being too hot.

Minto-Brown is another favorite . . . no water features . . . but a huge dog park, walking trails galore, and the coveted black berry bushes.  The boys, dog and mom and dad, all get worn out with this outing.

Riverfront Park.  Tobias tumbling.  If you look close enough at the dude sitting on the ground beyond Sam, you’ll see the python (or Boa, whichever) hanging out on his neck.  Uh, ok.

Picnicking at Riverfront . . . same day, same snake guy sitting behind us.

Waiting for the movie in the park to begin; Samuel.

Tob and Dad . . . watching the movie in the park.  

One of our squashes with the bloom still on.  The garden has been one of the highlights of this summer, for me!

Tobias starts preschool tomorrow and I’m a bit nervous about this new venture  . . . kind of another milestone and I feel like those milestones are whipping by at lightning speed.  Hey . . . at least I didn’t refer to the time flying bit.  Give me some credit.

Anyhoo . . . I’ll have new photos tomorrow evening of that event.

God bless your week!!

Tuesday Morning

I was suppose to be up at 4:45am to be at my spin class at 5am.   

The thing about watching CSI show dvd’s . . . ok, we don’t have tv so we purchase the show’s seasons that we liked in the past, or rent, whatever . . . until midnight, really doesn’t produce inspiration to respond to the alarm going off at that horrid hour of the morn.

So, I did not roll happily out of my nice warm bed at 4:45am.  

More like 8:30am.  

There is nothing pressing on the docket today . . . just some good ol’house cleaning and, hopefully I’ll get to the later spin class at 5:30 this evening.  

Yeah, we’ll see about that.

But the sun is out . . . so I’m sure we’ll head outdoors a  bit later . . . when the icy condensation melts from the cars and its bearably above 40 degrees. 

I have not had my coffee yet . . . boys are so very hyper, despite an obvious head cold that is making its way through our family unit.  My coffee pot is slow . . . very very slow  . . . it also doesn’t turn off sometimes, when you flip the switch down it appears to be off but the burner, etc, stays on.  Yeah, thats not good, so I’ve had to remember to unplug it as well when I’m done with it . . . you know, at like 4pm.  :)  I did not remember the other night and went to make coffee the next morning, eeks!  I didn’t tell Justin, I would have gotten a lecture on house fires.  So it goes with 10$ coffee pots.  I think its time for a new one . . . maybe with auto-shut off.  ooo . . . and one of those timer thingies that lets you set the machine to brew coffee at a certain time each morning . . . oh heaven!  One that grinds the coffee just prior to brewing it for you at a certain time each morning . . . oh ecstasy!   I bet those cost more than 10$.

Alright, I’m done.  

I am not a boy.  Just in case you were wondering.  So I don’t get the fanaticism surrounding remote control cars (I know some girls like them too, thats fine, just not me so much).  

Oh, yep, there it goes . . . it looks like a miniature truck with a remote to make it go . . . ho hum . . . wow, where did I set my cup of joe? 

But, the good thing is, is the boys have a dad . . . that is also a boy, man, whatever . . . and he also gets the greatness of the remote controlled automobile.  Fascinated, I tell you. 

So the joys of watching this event do not come from the truck itself, but from the expressions of pure joy and elation that immolate from the boys’ very selves . . . including Justin. That was my evening, night before last.  

Tobias turns 4 April 11th . . . wowza . . . should I say it?  

Wow, how time flies!

We had success with the pooping in the toilet! That is, like, the biggest news in this house right now!! Oh yeah!  We’ve been at it a year folks . . . granted I’m not very aggressive with the training bit. He’s been great except for the pooping.  So, forward we go.  I’m contemplating the hurdle of starting the same with Samuel in the next few weeks.  Uh, it will be odd not having diapers to deal with constantly. But GREAT,  I tell you . . . the thought of not having to spend one more penny on those expensive pieces of absorbent cloth is pure joy. 

Not to mention a few less poops to clean up.  I feel like I’m always wiping up poop . . . from two cute boys and a sweet natured dog . . . poop.

Well . . . I better go get dressed for the day . . . its after 9am now and I have yet to move from the breakfast table.  :)

Have a great Tuesday!!

God Bless!

Potato Salad

Sometimes the fire house is just busy . . . like tonight when we showed up, invited, for dinner.  I had made my mom’s potato salad, which is always a favorite of Justin’s and he had asked me to make it numerous times . . . its just time consuming, so I haven’t. I did today.  Its just the process of making the potatoes that takes so long.  The tradition was passed down from my paternal grandmother to my mom.

Most potato salads, if I’m not mistaken . . . I really don’t make potato salad, not a fav of my in particular . . . the potatoes are boiled already diced and sliced and when they are the desired firmness (or tenderness) you remove them from the boiling water.

No, that is too easy, I tell you.

I’m going to call it my potato saladI, which appropriate since it was passed on to me by my mother, right? I don’t know . . . but its mine, I claim it.

Anyhoo, with my potato salad, you boil the potatoes with their clothes on . . . or with the skin on and whole.  They are then drained of the boiling water, after barely getting them soft enough to eat.  You rinse them in cool water and then let them hang out on their beach towel to dry off from their little dip.

Alright, that sounds all well and good; but do you know how long it takes for a potato, not to mention there’s a dozen potatoes of varying red potato sizes, to cool at room temp from a boiling hot temp?

Too long . . . thats why they ended up in the freezer, still resting on their beach towel.  Yeah, that was after I waited over an hour for them to “cool completely,” as my mother says.

Then . . . and only when they’re “cooled completely,” do you skin them and dice them.  Um, the skinning process takes awhile too . . . unbeknownst to potato salad chef of the day . . . me.

Ok, so I use a knife this skinning thing and I use a knife to cut the first bunch of green onions (then realize I don’t have enough), I use a knife to cut the pickles . . . several of them, I even use a paring knife to cut up the boiled egg into it.  I used a knife all afternoon . . . so I should have seen it coming. I should have, but didn’t.

I went to the store on the way to the fire house and picked up dessert and more green onions . . . oh and some snacks for the kids, since they were snacky. We get to the station and I make myself at home, with the lieutant’s help.

You have probably guessed it by now but I’ll tell ya anyway.

I started hacking away on those green onions . . . with a knife not my own. And decided the tip of my finger needed to be in the potato salad as well.  I didn’t quite get half way through the tip before I stopped due to a shock of pain and bright red blood. Good thing Rob had a bandaid in his wallet . . . I don’t think I’ve ever carried a bandaid in my purse/wallet before. Maybe I’m the weird one.

Anyhoo . . . got the bleeding to stop . . . which was horrifyingly a lot of blood . . . I don’t know if you have a main artery in your thumb but I found one.  And I got it all bandaid-ed up.

I always enjoy visiting the fire house and it tends to be more frequent when school is out . . . they run the first year students in drills and things so they stay busier with the first year students in session (first years are off until the end of September).

We didn’t hang out long tonight though . . . they were hoppin’.  Justin was on a call when we got there . . . he didn’t get back from that call until half an hour after we showed up and then they had time to make their dinner, take a few bites and they were called out again.

Sam and the big yellow fire engine (the older fire engine).

Sappy

I don’t watch sappy movies . . . for that very reason . . . they’re sappy.

Not being much of a movie buff . . . at all, for that matter, I don’t really have a preference.  I watch what Justin rents, buys or borrows.  He is the movie connoisseur of this here relationship.

And, as you could well imagine, “PS, I Love You” is not on the to view list anytime soon.  But our neighbor loaned it to me today . . . along with 2 other “girlie” movies and therefor I watched it.

Justin is on shift, so I watched it alone . . . which is nearly unheard of for the likes of me.  But, with no cable to zone into on nights I just wanna chill, movies are the next best thing.

There’s another reason I don’t do sappy.  I get into movies, especially well done and emotionally charged ones.  I get into well developed characters and plots and tend to cry like a lost child in the woods.  I don’t rightly care for the way I feel after these cry sessions, considering nothing in my life warranted such sadness, and all the other emotions dolled into 2 hours of film viewing.

Action . . . suspense . . . even downright violent films . . . bring’em on!

But keep the frickin’ “PS I Love You” carp away from me.

It was good, too good.  And it played into a relatively big fear of mine and thats losing Justin prematurely . . . so I bawled like a newborn calf and got sucked in majorly.  Which is probably 99.99% of happily married couple’s fears . . . or even mediocre-ly married couple’s fears . . . and death, in general, plays into 100% of people’s fears all over the world.

So, no, I don’t recommend it . . . if you’re asking.  You’ll cry a lot!  And your mind will wonder over all the scenarios encompassed in losing the true love of your life and how it will impact you and the sadness it will bring and the hopelessness that must just want to take over and everything else that the old soul can conger up.

I’m kidding, of course, about the recommendation bit.  The movie was good. I just feel quite drained and I’m ready for bed.

Oh wait . . . its 1am . . . that might be why I’m ready for bed.

I miss Justin.

God Bless!

And this is the look he’d give me if he read this post . . . which he won’t cuz he doesn’t read my goofy, rambling blog . . . But I get this look a lot. I say lots of stuff . . . as you could well imagine . . . if writing here has anything to do with how much I talk, I never shut up. I love that face.  And yes, I’m feeling rather sentimentally mushy right now . . . no worries, it’ll pass.

Calling

I grew up being a pastor’s kid in a non-denominational church. That was 15 years of my life (age 10 on). So I was fully aware of “callings” and the like . . . all the religious jargen associated. I truly feel like my day in and day out, comings and goings, are what God has called me to. My eyes being focused on the one we were created to worship (Jesus) and letting the overflow of that . . . the fruits of being in HIS Spirit . . . effect my daily contacts and life. How I choose to treat my upstairs apartment neighbor is just as important as how I portray Jesus and HIS teachings in a message to thousands (I haven’t had the opportunity to do that, by the way). So I don’t have a clue what my “future” calling is . . . but I know what God has laid in my life and path to do today . . . raise my boys to truly know HIM, treat all humanity with the love and grace of our Saviour, and be the best wife possible.

As for dreaming, I dream about going back to Africa as a missionary . . . to somehow be involved in placing orphans and bringing a solid and truthful knowledge of Jesus where hope seems depleted. If thats in the cards God has for me, so be it.

I’m learning daily that I’m loved by an amazing and gracious God. I yearn for truth and wisdom . . . as much I do for grace and mercy . . . having more grace than truth is spiritually off balance . . . I’ve always leaned more on the side of grace and God is really convicting me to balance it out a bit with more truth.

6 years, 1 day

So, as most of you are fully aware, our anniversary was yesterday.  A great friend of mine had offered to come watch my boys while we went out . . . mind you, for the first time in almost  a year without chitlins . . .

We didn’t have any money.  Hiking Silver Falls was elected for several reasons . . . it was close, its one of my favorite spots, its gorgeous, its free (minus gas moola) and, mostly, because it was one of our beginner dates, back in the day.

We were geared up for that, mentally, not literally . . . not that extensive of a hike. But I was fine with it . . .

Hubby wanders out to check the mail about 1pm, opens the door and I’m immediately aware of the giddiness radiating from his being.  We had received a check in the mail, thanks to our lovely and proficient state tax system.   OH YEAH, BABY . . . we’re goin’ out!

Jake’s Crawfish is where we ended up, in downtown Portlando. It was some of THE best seafood I have ever had . . . and the service (which is the selling point for me) was tremendous! We made online reservations and they had special menus printed with ‘happy anniversary’ printed on the top . . . we got a free chocolate decadent desert after our meal . . . scrumptious dining!! So, after just hanging out, eating and talking, we headed back.

Ok, and Woodburn Outlet mall . . . that place needs to keep its doors open til 9pm . . . we showed up at 7:55pm and were disappointed they were already shutting the place down. Oh well.

So, a movie was rented . . . Hubby got his pint of icecream and we headed home. We were home by 9:30.

Our fantastic and deeply appreciated toddler-watcher had already put my tots to bed . . . my house was spotless . . . all was peaceful as we walked in the door!! I could not thank K enough for her time, expertise, thoughtfulness, kindness, graciousness . . . I know I’m forgetting some.  I’m just overwhelmed by her friendship sometimes!  Thank you, K!!  I owe ya one (or 20, whatever)!

So, we watched Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell and it was cute . . . I like Steve Carell due to The Office sitcom I catch periodically and he was good in the above.

Ooh, and I shall mention I acquired two . . . TWO new workout dvd’s . . . thanks to my undeserved (as in, I don’t deserve her) friend, K . . . so I shall Taebo and run my fat arse into shape!! I shall!!

I also know God is the one who ultimately blessed yesterday’s outing . . . providing, keeping us safe, etc etc etc . . . all is in HIS hands!

God Bless and have a great March 26th!

4

#4

You’re in the next room with a wet dog running all over my bedroom from bath time. My favorite . . . not really.

Anyhoo, #4 . . . wow, getting close to the super date!!

I have to say for number 4 is one that I had the hardest time appreciating . . . and at times, still do.  But its when you are taking your lead as the head of this house that peace reigns.  You are highly sensitive to me and my needs but its the final say that, if I allow, brings rest to my very soul.  I know this is a sticky subject with pretty much any woman on the planet but between you and I  and in this relationship, I appreciate and admire you being the lead of this house . . . the head of the household.

I love you and the God-strength inside of you!

Ok, this has little or nothing to do with the above anniversary countdown message . . . but I ran across this newby pic of Samuel and I just had to share!! 

life

Anybody keeping track of me and mine . . . we’re doing good . . . relatively speaking. It’ll be nice, when J finishes school, to have a regular income once again.  I need a outlet pretty bad, since my church is so far away and I don’t get down there much anymore . . . actually not at all.  But I come secondary, right now, to my boys and J . . . won’t always be that way, but for now it is.  So when we have 5$ for gas and he needs to get to school for the next week . . . guess what comes in second . . . my wanting to drive an hour, one way, to church . . . or even across town.  Same goes for keeping the electric on and phone/internet on.  And, no, I’m not the sole reason we have internet . . . J needs to have access when he’s home from school to be online.

Most days are great . . . flow easily within our schedule . . . and there are some days that are so long I want to poke my eyes out with a sharp stick . . .  gotta rely pretty heavily on the grace of God right now . . . as always.  I’m kidding about the poking my eyes out bit . . . thats gross.

So, today is a great day . . . I actually got in my running . . . which I mentioned earlier last week . . . “I’m going to run everyday, blah blah blah”. Very next day, it poured down rain, and continued to pour down rain for several days. The first clear day, I was out with my dog . . . felt great . . . got in over a mile.  Don’t laugh, its the first time I’ve jogged for reals in several years . . .  Today was my second run of the week and went about 3/4 of a mile . . . but I was pushing upwards of 70 lbs in a jogging stroller and had the crazy Jack on a leash. So I get bonus points for that, right? hee hee.  Total with walking the other day was about 3 1/2 miles . . . today was 2 miles total.  I still walk a lot. But I was reminded why I enjoyed the running bit so much . . .  it feels awesome; empowering in a way. I’ll keep with it . . . I think I’m falling in love with running once again.  And its challenging . . . gotta mention that.

Alright, I’m taking my dorky, tired self to bed now.  I’ve spent the last 3 hours . . . 3 HOURS . . . unthreading and literally picking these stinking letters off J’s practice turnout coat . . . my fingernails hurt. ugh. Now my legs, butt, sides, stomach muscles, toes, shoulders and fingernails hurt . . . all from jogging, except the fingernails.

God Bless and have a great rest of the week!!

ps, we get to go out for our anniversary!! A good friend offered to take our boys for us and I’m mighty mighty excited!! You know who you are  . . . THANK YOU, from the bottom of our pea pickin’ hearts!!

8

#8

This ties in with superb work ethic,etc . . . but the fact you can remain awake for well over 24 hours at a time . . . sometimes 2 days in a row . . . has managed to astound me . . . annoy me and now completely makes sense with the career path you’ve decided on.  I’ve watched as personality traits I sometimes balked at, are coming into play in what God had for you (us) as a lifestyle and career.  Being a firefighter/EMT will definitely require the crazy “I can stay up all night, function without fault and sleep it off in one night” genes you inherited from your mother.

So, #8 . . . kind of boring but important in my little list of things I love about you . . . stay up all night and all day . . . crazy and endearing!

On Shift.  October 2007