New Years

I have never been one for New Years resolutions. They are usually quick to come by and just as quickly forgotten. I am, however, for goals. I like starting with goals at the start of the year because it makes for an easier to follow timeline. Get done in a month, 6 months, whatever, it's just easier for me to follow.

This year I only have 1 main goal, and then little goals to help me attain it. I am posting this here because I hope it will help me keep to it.

My goal this year is: To become a better wife and mother.

A simple goal, predictable even, but important none the less.

I've broken that goal down into 10 sub goals.

1. Lose 20lbs by July 1st
2. Lose 40lbs by 2013
3. Get house organized and maintained
4. Clear out toys
5. Clear out jewelry
6. Clear out clothes and shoes
7. Get Vinny ready for Kindergarten
8. Start education plan/program with William
9. Become more spiritual
10. Create a stronger family

I wont bore you with the step by step plan I have laid out for each, but I do have them.

So, this is my goal/s for 2012. Hopefully, in one year I can say I truly am a better wife, a better mother and overall a better person through hard work and effort.

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

It's Christmas time! Yippy! This weekend it's Santa and crafts with the family and then the parade! (So bummed when it was canceled last year)

I have a tree up and most presents taken care of. My house is all decorated inside and out. Even have my recipes planned out for treats for the rest of this month. I just LOVE this time of year!

Ack! I want to watch a million Christmas movies, I am listening to music all the time. Singing all the time. Vinny is having so much fun this year. He understands all about Santa now, so he is excited to see him.

The lights around town are just lovely. I got to go to the Star Trees lighting at Willamette and a wonderful music program after with a dear friend. It is just so much fun. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

But you really want to know some of what I am most excited about? Our food drive at the shop. I LOVE seeing that barrel fill more and more each check out. I love seeing the kindness of our customers represented as they bring in more that the 4 cans to get a discount, just so they can help others.

And Vinny is learning from it. We have had many conversations about those less fortunate than us. We just finished going through our coats and set aside a few to take to Helping Hands. And I talked to him about how excited I am to be a part of our Relief Society activity this next week, where we are putting together stockings for people in shelters.

I want Christmas to be as much (if not more) about giving to others when we have been blessed with so much. We may struggle and sometimes it's hard to see how we are going to make it another month, but we have a roof over our heads, warm beds, food to eat and family and friends. Some are not so lucky, and it is our job as brothers and sisters of all the children of God, to serve and bless when we can. No matter who they are.

And what better time to teach that than the season of holidays from all different beliefs. And for those of us who are Christian, if we reflect on the story of Christ's birth; Angels appeared to lowly shepherds, and Kings came to worship Him. Him who was King, but born in a stall. From the wealthiest to the poorest, all were given the glad news.

What better was to celebrate than to help those in need, however we each can?

Thanksgiving

Well, it's that time of year again. A time to think about and focus on what you are thankful for and help those who do not have as much as you.

Or at least that's how it was when I was a kid.

Maybe I just don't remember the Black Friday ads, maybe it's because my mom didn't get up at mid-night and stand in line for hours just to get 2 items at slightly better prices, but I remember the 4th Thursday in November being about thanks, not sales.

I mean, while BF is not my thing I understand that some people love it. That's fine, but I feel like 100 years from now BF will be the holiday and Thanksgiving will be forgotten all together. And that is not okay.

Vinny is so excited about today, not because of the parade or even the food, but because he gets to be with his cousins and family. He has been counting down the days all week, so excited to spend time with the people he loves.

And isn't that what today should be? I actually like Fred Meyer's ad for BF, they say to enjoy your Thanksgiving and "We'll be here bright and early for you on Friday." I know it's probably because they sell food too and they want to make money, but I still like it.

I don't want to be one of those whinny people who talk about how "commercialized" it's all become, but it has. And it's getting worse every year.

So I would like to challenge anyone who reads this to please make sure you spend today thinking about family and friends. Write down what you are thankful for and help your kids do the same. Let today be about thanks, and tomorrow can be all the sales you want. :)

As for me, I am thankful for my home, my family, the gosple of Jesus Christ which blesses me and my family daily. I am thankful for the peace I can feel even when the world is dissolving into chaos. For my handsome, intellegent little boys and the wonderful relationship I have with them. For my dad who has had to be 2 grandpas for my kids and borne that well. For Gary (Dan's dad) who led a life worth telling my kids about, and was the sort of man my son what's to know and be like, even without ever having met the man in this life. I am thankful for my husband who works 12 hour days to keep us in our home and fed, but still makes the time to be with our boys, so they know and love him. And makes time for me, so we can work out our hiccups and continue forward stronger and better.

I am thankful for the rights and freedoms I have in this country. I am eternally grateful to those who risk their lives and stay far from their families for far too long, to protect those rights. And just as grateful to their loved ones at home who allow them to go.

I am thankful for my life and all that is in it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Movies

Well, we just signed up for a Netflix trial, possibly keep, and I had a thought. I really don't care about most of these new movies. I mean, more new movies out than ever in my life and most of them are just ... I can't think of the word. I know they may appeal to a certain audience, but so many movies are bombing and they keep making the same tired plot over and over again.

Occasionally they bust out something amazing, like Tangled. But overall, Hollywood is loosing it. I am enjoying re-watching old movies that I kinda liked, more than I am enjoying the new ones.

I just wish we could go back to films that meant something. And maybe they would if we only got 1-2 new movies a month instead of a week.

Christmas!

Hello all. It's confession time.

I....*deep breath* am addicted to Christmas! I am in love with Christmas, the atmosphere, the music, the stories, the good feelings all around. To be honest, December 25th is kinda a sad day for me, because it means Christmas is over. :(

I do try to wait until November 1st to start listening to music. I wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate and get out all my things. But the feeling of Christmas is intoxicating. I love going to craft bazaars (as early as this weekend) and browsing the decoration aisle at the store.

I do think stores should have decorations for sale in November, because I like to get set up early, so I have to have them before. but not in October, or August.

I just feel like there is a feeling of goodwill, love and happiness during the Holidays. The food is better, people tend to be nicer if you are not at a sale or the mall. Everything gets better at Christmas time!

So I wont play music in my shop when people are there, the stocking aren't hung until the tree is up AFTER Thanksgiving. The bed time stories will remain un-Christmas-i-fied until December1st. But I am Christmas-i-fied and proud of it!

Alone.

Okay, time to vent some feelings.

I have always struggled with self esteem issues. And while I never let it completely control my life, it has led to depression and poor decisions through out the last 10-15 years.

After marrying Dan, things started getting better. I took pride in my appearance, I worked to look and feel great and really started to be able to ignore those little negative things that would pop into my head.

But it's starting to slip. A huge factor is that my average week consists of housework, childcare, the shop and an hour or so of socializing with my sister-in-law. That hour has become my haven. Because of the shops hours, Dan's 12 hour days and the need to have someone watch my kids, I don't get so socialize much at all.

Dan tries to help, but for him gaming on-line is socialization enough. Not me. And even when I can make it out to things, I always feel left out. Not that I think people are TRYING to ignore me, but I always feel on the outside. All the parents with kids my kids' age seem to get together a lot, they bond and they always have something to talk about. And when they talk, I have no idea what they are referencing.

I know a lot is how I perceive things, but when I leave an activity, I usually walk out alone, without anyone to say good-bye to. And it feels like no one notices. I know, I know, I am probably being a tad dramatic, but still, it's how I feel.

And it used to be, before I got my license, my mom and I would do things together all the time, but now, I have so much to do and she has so much typing (she does medical transcription from home) that we rarely get together without the whole family there.

And being me only makes it harder. I am an obnoxious, dark and strange person in a Mormon world, and I know that alienates me to a point.

Maybe it's wrong, and maybe it's not what God would have me be, but I am just not the sort of person who likes to talk about my testimony and personal scripture study in a social setting. I don't make temple trip plans when I am out, I don't do that whole "Molly Mormon" thing, and to be honest, I don't think I ever will. I watch anime and crime shows and I read books about vampires, dragons, necromancers and wizards. I game on my computer, I like movies with a little horror. I enjoy watching TV and movies that aren't rated G.

I am sure there are more out there like me, and maybe it's the whole group setting thing that makes people like me think they need to be something else, but it is hard. I have one LDS friend who I really get along with on the forms of entertainment level, but given she has no kids and is in school, it can make it hard to get together outside of VT visits.

And with non-LDS people it can be even harder, I don't watch rated R movies, I don't drink and I don't go to bars for live music. I do have kids at 26 (most of my non-member friends do not) so I can't be out until 2 in the morning. I'm not in school, I run a business and I have a 3 bedroom house with a yard I need to try and maintain, not an apartment.


Okay, pity party is done. I just had to get it out there.

Recipe share time

Tonight I am sharing my AWARD WINNING (thank you 4th ward!) Hidden Veggie Chili. Simple, yummy and packed with healthy foods while not having any chunks for picky eaters to complain about. Enjoy!

Hidden Veggie Chili

* WARNING *

Measurements are not perfect, I am a by sight cook and am guessing. Go with your preferences.

2lbs Lean ground beef

2 cans chili beans

1 large can tomato paste

1 large bag of spinach

3 cups chopped sweet peppers

1 medium-large onion, chopped

1-2 cups carrot juice

2 cloves garlic

½ tablespoon Cayenne pepper

¼ tablespoon curry powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook ground beef on medium until well cooked, drain thoroughly

Mix spinach, peppers, onion, garlic and about 1 cup carrot juice in a blender until smooth (add more juice if necessary)

Mix blender mixture, meat, tomato paste and chili beans in a pot on medium-low heat (or a crock pot)

Let chili cook for 3-4 hours.

During the last 15-20 minutes do a taste test and see if more spice is needed, I like to see if it needs a little more sweetness and use carrot juice for that.

Serve in a bowl or over a backed potato and enjoy!

Racism

Websters Dictionary defines racism as:

1.

: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

2

: racial prejudice or discrimination

So, Can anyone tell me where it says "Anyone who dislikes something that might affect people of another race? Because I'm not seeing it.

I am so sick of being called a racist because I am for welfare reform, or because I don't agree with President Obama, or simply because I am a registered republican. It is so dang irritating!

The worst part is how, no matter what I truly think or feel, I am racist, and no matter what "they' do, they aren't. Like how the Congressional Black Caucus and tell someone that if they are white they are never getting in, but if I headed up some White Caucus and said no blacks the ACLU would be coming after me with eyes blazing!

How on earth is that fair or right? And how on earth are we supposed to get beyond racism with bull hockey like that going on? Specialist groups for one race or against a race. How about instead of working on dividing us into groups based on our differences we work on represent everyone.

I keep hearing people talk about how we need to help minorities do better in schools and college. The current method is to single them out and throw money at them, but that hasn't been working very well. How about we get the balls to look at them and say "This is why you/your child is failing." Quit throwing money at it.

Why can't we get the parents to take responsibility for their kids, "Hey, you don't get involved with your kids education, they wont do as well and it is on your head, not the teachers, not the district, not the state."

And as a society let's donate to and start programs that give kids a place to go and study after school, programs that give them something more, dance, music and art, to drive their lives. But keep them responsible for themselves.

I cannot stand the idea of a kid getting into a college because of their race, because the college has some "racial quota" to meet. It should be based on grades and effort. Race should have nothing to do with college acceptance!

Sorry, I know it was a little scattered, but I had to get it off my chest. ACK!

Toddlers, tiaras and total digust!

Sometimes I am so glad I don't have a daughter. I was reading Good Housekeeping this morning and they had a very long piece on young girls and beauty pageants, alla Toddlers and Tiaras. And may I just say, I am now ill.

$3,000 for a custom dress? Hours in hair and make up and hair extensions? Thousands spent to win a stupid tiara and a few hundred bucks? What is wrong with these mothers?

And I am talking about the little girls, like 10 and under, as young as a few months old! These girls are winking and blowing kisses at the judges. Like the article says, while these little cuties have no idea what their really doing, it is teaching them that flirty behavior gets them what they want. Another point they made that I had never thought of was that it is teaching them a sexual action without any emotional connection. Causing a disconnect between flirting and any real feelings. It's just a tool.

And it's not just pageants. Have you seen the clothes marketed to kids? Push up padded bikini tops for 8 year olds? "Teacher's Pet" on KIDS UNDERWEAR? Seriously? And that video awhile back with the 4 or so year olds doing a Coyote Ugly-Esque dance routine at a mall? Everyone thought it was "So cute" and harmless, but what do you tell those kids when they dance like that at 14 at a dance with boys drooling after them? Used to fine, why not now?

And while I am glad I don't have a daughter with friends going through all this, I am worried because I have 2 boys who are going to be exposed to this stuff at a younger age as well. And if this is how the kids Vin's age are acting now, how bad will it be in 10 years?

Been awhile

Well, I've been out for awhile, had a lot going on, But now I have a little time and thought I would update you all (aka one of you) of what's going on with the Rodgers clan.

William is almost walking, cruising around like a nut. But he just wont take that step by himself. We were worried that his legs might not be strong enough to walk, but he is proving that theory wrong. I think my mom is right, he's just lazy.

Vinny is doing really well with his "homeschooling". We are doing spelling words every week and math and reading. He really is an amazing little learning machine. He asks me for "school time" and is sad when we're done. It's so nice because he seems to have inherited Dan's love of learning and not my love of goofing off.

Actually, we just finished having him read 5 short/simple stories and do 4 little assignments. He absolutely loved it. He only stopped when I changed to math, which he sometimes loves but not today.

The rest of things are going well, busy at the shop, working on the house. Oh! I am working out on the Wii. Less than 1 week and I have lost 3.3lbs doing 30 minutes of cardio a each night, normally before dinner to help with digestion. Perhaps a little TMI but I am proud of it. Dan has lost 5-6lbs this past week as well.

We haven't being do much outside our daily schedule, which has really been getting to me. I am minorly depressed and I am usually able to get out of my funks without meds or anything. But this time I am struggling. I think I need to mix it up a little. Luckily tonight is a fun activity with the RS sisters, tomorrow is a "book unveiling" for a friend and next month there are activities and such going on that should help break up the monotony and help me out a bit.

And I think that's about it. At least for now.

Is it over yet?

I am so ready for summer to be over. I know that sounds awful, because I was excited to get some nice dry weather, but all I am getting is heat. Muggy nasty heat.

I have no pool, nor the money to buy one or go to one regularly. Neither of my boys will play in the sprinkler with me (and I look stupid doing it alone) With the shop and the boys I can't go to the coast on a whim.

I don't have time to go to the parks with water features when it's warm enough, it's always early morning or late night.

So pretty much all I get to experience is a un-air conditioned shop, a 70 degree house. Oh, and a poor little boy whose eczema flair in the humidity.

So I am ready for the fall to kick in.

Well.....

Well, I feel like I should be writing something here.

I guess I will ramble on about Vinny and his homework. This kid is amazing, it just stinks that he is no 5 until December, he can't start Kindergarten until next year. But this kid is on fire! He is flying through home-school Kindergarten level assignments, he is doing reading, writing, math (basic addition and subtraction IN HIS HEAD!) Yesterday we spent an hour on a work book about his name, address, family, etc.

He is just doing so well, and that hour? I had to stop him, he wanted to keep going but needed to take nap. It's just crazy. I am starting to do a lesson a day, quiz him randomly, and he seems to be loving it.

He read the first few pages of a simple book at the library yesterday. He is sounding out words with minimal help. I just don't want this love of learning to stagnate, which I am very sure will happen if I wait until next year. Most certainly will happen if he goes into the public school system as it stands now.

It's hard, as my mom points out, I am no teacher. I have no formal training, but it seems like those with the training are being hog tied by government and union garbage. It seems like Oregon at least, is more worried about numbers moving forward than they are about what those kids know or how they will be in the world when they leave.

So if anyone has advice or tools they are willing to share, please let me know!

Motherhood

Motherhood is a trial and a blessing all in one. Since Vinny was born 4 1/2 years ago I have been through more drama and more stressed that the previous 21 years. But I have also found greater joy, greater happiness, the best laughs and the best memories.

I just found my pregnancy journal from Vinny the other day and I have been having so much fun going on long lost memories. Vinny is enjoying it to. We also started the Salem Library reading program so I am spending a minimum 30 minutes daily reading with them. I try to do it together as much as I can because Will enjoys it more with Vinny. I also have to do it on my bed so Will can't get away! Crazy little bugger.

I am excited for summer because it means more time outdoors with the bug-a-boos and less time in on the computer. I have actual found myself escaping our stuffy office as much as possible. Even if it is just into our room with the windows open to let in the breeze while I'm folding laundry.

Okay, this was a bit rambly, but I just wanted to get those thoughts out there.

Life

In the last year 4 people I have know and loved have passed on. None were young, which is part of what scares me. These were people who were always there, and now they are gone.

First it was my Great Aunt Cloda, the next week it was her sister Virginia. The week after that my Dad's mom, Grandma Waring passed away. We had a long rest until this week when my Mom's dad, Grandpa Lynn passed away.

I think the biggest worry for me is that my Grandma Joy lost 2 sisters and now her husband, and considering that last time death came in three... Well, I will be very glad when the next 2 weeks are over. And few months.

I know it's a really negative view, but I can't help but be anxious about it.

And so it begins.

The shoving, pushing, lying, back stabbing and all things headache inducing has begun. Elections. Ugh.

I keep hearing about this guy or that guy who is running. I think it is safe to assume Dems wont be jumping the OB ship in 2012, so anyone the GOP presents is going to be facing off with the master of "You're racist" himself.

I am not looking forward to another year and more being told how evil I am because I am a Conservative. Or how I am a racist because I don't like Obama (which is funny, because the possible candidate I like best so far is Herman Cain, who is black).

I am not looking forward to watching viable Tea Party candidates getting the shaft from the GOP because they are more worried about getting someone they can control than they are about the people of this nation.

I am fearful of the candidates who have officially thrown their hats in the ring, if we don't get something better, we might as well not have an election next year, it will be a waste of our time.

I mean, I like Romney and all, but I have accepted that he wont ever get anywhere close to me voting for him because people across the nation get to vote him out before I even get my ballot in the mail. Messed up system, letting states decide before us and leaving Oregon with a vote that rarely counts in the primaries.

I wish I could just shut it all out and not think about it until October 2012, but that is not my personality. I feel I should be better informed. I should look into the people and what they stand for before the lying ads come out.

We learn so much about the candidates, from their own lips, in the beginning stages because they are still testing the waters, seeing what people like and hate, and planning every speech to make every promise and some how, no promises at all.

We are facing something huge here people, whatever your political stance, you can't deny that politicians lie, they cheat, they bribe and take bribes, they ignore the people who got them in power and they think they are above the laws they force upon us. We have a chance to change that. Every election we have that chance, and most years we fail to do anything, re-electing the same liars and cheaters, stating the attitude "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't".

Well, I am calling America out. Screw the devil you know! If he/she is a devil, then why keep them in power? America, let's show Washington DC and each and every state that we are NOT sheep. We are not mindless, stupid followers. We are THE PEOPLE of the United States of American, and we are cleaning house!

Harry Potter

So I started reading the Harry Potter books again (I only got through book 1 and half of book 2 when they came out) and I am hooked! Just started reading book 4 this morning. They are WAY better than I remember. I mean, they aren't as good as some of the classics and some of my favorites, but they aren't targeted at 25 years old mothers, they are fantastic for kids. I haven't read this much in awhile, I have been missing it. It gets the creative juices flowing, and I have picked up on writing some of my stories that have being neglected. It feels good to get back into the swing of things like this!

CHERRIES!

I wish Torrid were cheaper, because their clothes are to die for! Latest collection? http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Collections/LookBook/KitschyKeen.jsp?sortType=1&prodType=4

SOOOO much cute stuff. Why is it that most stores think all plus sized woman want to dress like mothers of the bride? Or think wearing bags are sexy? Why can't JMS at Wal Mart make more than 3 cute things per collection? Honestly, I am loosing weight, but I will be plus sized for awhile, why can't I dress cute?

By the sweat of my brow....

I have been feeling extremely house-wifey as of late. I am trying to sew more, both with my machine and by hand (which, while hard is actually quite fun on small projects!). I am also making things more and more by scratch. Like butter, a little cream, a lot of shaking and wah-la! I have homemade, yummy, custom butter! I also baked some bread, from scratch! And I am trying to bake a fresh loaf semi-regularly, even if it's just a loaf of Rhodes whole wheat from the freezer, it's still tastier and fresher than regular white bread.

Add to that all the hand washing I was doing when the weather was clear, and line drying..... I just feel good being all house-wifey!

6 years!

Ladies and gentlemen: This Thursday, May 5th, is more than just another excuse for people to drink themselves into a stupor or gorge themselves on Mexican food. You see, this Thursday will mark year 6 (yes, SIX!) that Dan and I have been married.

And what an eventful 6 years. On this day in 2005 I was just engaged, living at home with a basic job and few responsibilities. Only 2 years later, I was a mom. Working for T-mobile and trying my hardest to not go insane. Now, 4 years after that I am the mother of 2, small business owner and home owner. I am even a partial computer tech! I can do things I never thought I would be capable of, and do them well! Things are so different from just a few years ago.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world. Some times I wish I had had a little more time before I was married, to get to know me better, would have saved Dan and I some grief, but hey, I may have missed him and I wouldn't want that at all.

Osama Bin DEAD

Well, what an eventful evening yesterday! Osama Bin Laden is dead and gone, two to the head. Everyone is celebrating and exciting. But while I am happy to know he is no longer in charge, am I the only one thinking the party is a little premature?

I mean unlike, say Hitler, Osama was not the head of the whole thing, he was not their main leader, they think Allah is heading their operation. And Allah is a god, he cannot die or be caught. So is the war on terror any closer to being done? Really?

New layout!

Hi ya'll.

Now that I'm back to posting more regularly, I decided I needed to up the pretty factor. I don't know how many of you have tried to find a decent free template, but it can be hard! So I made my own. Took over an hour this morning to get what I wanted, but I did it! I couldn't be happier!

I was hoping to give it some flair and femininity while being true to me, which is always nice!

Anyways, I have been having a blast with a new little super food called Quinoa. Now I don't know how many of you have tried it, but I am in love. If you don't know what it is, it's a grain that cooks up a lot like rice. With the texture of tiny frogs eye pasta. It is yummy hot or cold, with fruits and veggies. It can be a side, or main dish. I'm in love.

Here are my 2 favorite recipes so far:

Side dish/Salad

1 Cup Quinoa (Prepared as directed on packaging) Let cool

1 small tomato, finely chopped

Half a cucumber, finely chopped

Garlic (I like to use garlic paste, it's finer than I can chop)

Salt and pepper to taste

Toss it all together and serve cold, I like it for lunch


Breakfast

1 cup quinoa( Properly prepared) Keep hot

1 cup milk (I like to do 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream. It's richer)

A sprinkle of cinnamon and ground cloves

Honey or Agave to sweeten to taste

Fresh berries/peaches/apples or any other fruit

Toasted nuts if you like

Heat milk with Quinoa in a pan until warmed through, add spice and sweetener, ad fruit last, let cook for 2-3 minutes for softer fruit, remove from heat for fresher.

Any other recipes would be welcome, share 'em in the comments!

My kid is weird

Vinny is an odd duck. While at times he is a normal 4 year old boy, playing Star Wars and trains, other times he is just plain strange.

Example: Last night he was watching The Simpsons when a commercial came on. I'm in the other room and hear "Up next on the 10 o'clock news" and I hear him say "YEA!" and from that moment on he kept talking about the 10 o'clock news.

Often times the nut will ask me to turn off PBS Kids and turn on "The 8 o'clock News" because he loves watching what's going on. And sometimes, when he wakes up early enough, he'll watch BBC News on OPB with me. And he LOVES it!

The other day he played tsunami in the front yard, which meant he explained how Japan was flooded and people lost their homes.

I just find it so strange that he likes this so much.

So my boy's a nut.

50 Parks by October

One of my big goals is to spend more time outdoors with my family. My way to make sure that happens? I have made a list of 50 parks in the Salem Keizer area and I am going to make sure Vinny makes it to ever last one by the time October rains roll around. That averages 2 per week, or with Oregon whether in mind, 3 parks a week.

We already have Riverfront, Royal Oaks, Unnamed park in South Salem, Weather Street Park and Hillview City Park under our belts! I am so excited!

Vinny is loving it too, because playgrounds rock!

If anyone has any ideas for the area, let me know, because I still need to weed out the no playground parks, so I will probably need a few more. Especially in West Salem.

Also, if anyone wants to join me and the boys, let me know. Vinny likes finding friends to play with, even if he's never met them!

Beautiful Day.

Today probably the best day of the year so far! Busy, tiring and all manner of crazy, but such a great day! Started out with getting to sleep in, which was great, and then dishes. Then I got on to the laundry.

I am so far behind on laundry, it's not even funny, but I made a HUGE dent in today. I started a load in the washer and then decided to hand wash a load in the tub. When the tub load was done I guess I was just so into the whole homemaker thing I decided to hang it up on a line in the back yard.

By 1:30pm I had 3 loads washed and hanging out to dry (and my hands were KILLING me from wringing out all those clothes) and another soaking in the tub. Add to that 2 loads folded and put away from the washer and dryer and one load in each waiting to go.

When it started to rain I got out and took it all inside, but most of it was just barely damp at all! So while the last dryer load was running, I mowed the front lawn and took down the Christmas lights. When that was done I loaded the line clothes into the dryer and finished them up and got them put away.

With all that done I got out and cleaned the grill (My fabulous husband went and got the propane tank filled after his doctors appointment today) and made burgers! The first of the year! And some grilled bell peppers and zucchini for me!

Finally settled down to eat, folded some more laundry, put Vinny to bed with a story, got Will fed, got the LAST load of laundry in the dryer and started on my first attempt at homemade, soft-baked, sugar cookies! Woot! They turned out great, better than I had expected!

So now I am enjoying some cookies, relaxing on the computer and waiting for the very last load to be done so I can fold, put it away and go to bed.

What a day!

2 weeks later

Well, it's been two weeks and William is doing great! You would never know he even had surgery. He looks good and it progressing just fine. And one Friday he can start playing on straddle toys again!

Things have been crazy lately, with helping Will recoup, business pouring in, Dan still working full time for the state and Vinny becoming too smart for all our good we hardly have time for anything else.

Speaking of Vinny, he's started going to my sister-in-laws daycare, which is really more preschool than daycare, once a week. And he is loving it! He has such a blast playing with them all day, and it is giving him more socializing opportunities, which is wonderful for everyone.

Also, the 4 year old pain in the rear is almost potty trained. I know, I know, 4 and not potty trained! What the heck? This kid would not for the life of me use the dang toilet until recently. He is prefect with going potty, but #2 is still an issue. We are working on it and hoping the kid will get it together sooner than later.

Back on the blog

Hi to anyone who views this anymore. So... No one! :) I am trying to get this started back because there has been a lot going on in my family, my state and my country.

Family first. As anyone who knows me knows by now, my 10 month old son had surgery last week. Doernbecher's was amazing, the staff were absolutely fantastic. In particular there was Twila and Emma. Twila was "the numbers lady" who took his stats and all that prep. She could have just come in and taken the numbers. Instead she showed William everything that she was going to use and explained to HIM how they worked. Will was just mesmerized. She showed him the sounds the machine made, let him place with the toe sensor before putting it on him. She cooed and played him, he brightened up whenever she came in.

Emma was our other main nurse. She explained everything to us and even got Will his last drink before the deadline. She made us feel comfortable and at easy. Everything was just fantastic.

The wait was long, of course, but the waiting room was comfortable, the view was amazing. They had free wifi (Dan and I both had our laptops) so we got to check out e-mail and play some on-line games.

The whole time I felt calm and assured. Our Doctor, Aaron Bayne was simply wonderful from day one! I KNEW he would do everything he could for our little guy. And he did. After hours of waiting he came out and told us that it was 100% success. He said everything was now in the right place and that our little trooper was doing fantastic.

An hour later we got to go into the recovery room. Once he was waking up I got to hold him. Once he started he was wide awake and we got to leave the recovery room and move into our own little corner of the hospital. Within an hour we were able to take him home.

I have to say, while having a baby go under the knife is never ideal, things went swimmingly. I could not be more pleased with all involved.