I've been going a little nuts lately trying to get all of my stuff together for a craft fair this weekend. Time is slipping away from me and I haven't taken the time to do my blogging. I will be back (hopefully soon) but don't expect a post every day this week. I'm trying to get a "work" blog up and running as well. It's going to be a gallery for all of the things I make. I'm not allowed to sell my Stampin' Up copyrighted designs online, but I can show them to you (and if you want some you can buy them from me directly). It's also going to be where I post information about the craft fairs I'm going to and the stamp camps I'm going to hold.
Happy Halloween! Although, it could just be any other day around here since I've neglected to tell my kids about it. Mother of the year, I tell ya.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Carrot Top
Spiced tea, my butt. I should have known. Friday--things were looking up. The kids were being better. But, there were signs. I accidentally spilled lemonade on our pizza. I cut the yarn on a project prematurely. Did I heed the warnings? Nope. I went right ahead and fought karma and dyed my hair on Friday night. 
These pictures don't do it justice. It's much more orange in person. But, you know what? I don't care. It's growing on me. I'll just tell people it's for my Halloween costume. As Ronald McDonald. Annie, maybe?
Speaking of Halloween, I didn't finish the kids' costumes and I'm not going to. They won't notice. They would just run around the church parking lot and then demand "trick or treat" candy from me for weeks. Instead, I'm going to have them answer the door on Halloween night. It's one of their favorite things to do. They LOVE to answer the door. I did break out one of Caleb's old costumes. Eva loves it.
He was a Harlem Globetrotter when he was 1. They have both been wearing that headband around the house. Caleb wore it to school and Friday and wouldn't take it off the whole day. They could always be Teletubbies again. They still play with those hats.
Here is Caleb waving to the camera. He likes to have me turn around the display so he can see himself while I take his picture. He keeps bringing me the camera. Tonight I gave him a mirror instead. That kept him occupied for a while. He kept making faces and waving to himself. Good times.
These pictures don't do it justice. It's much more orange in person. But, you know what? I don't care. It's growing on me. I'll just tell people it's for my Halloween costume. As Ronald McDonald. Annie, maybe?
Speaking of Halloween, I didn't finish the kids' costumes and I'm not going to. They won't notice. They would just run around the church parking lot and then demand "trick or treat" candy from me for weeks. Instead, I'm going to have them answer the door on Halloween night. It's one of their favorite things to do. They LOVE to answer the door. I did break out one of Caleb's old costumes. Eva loves it.
He was a Harlem Globetrotter when he was 1. They have both been wearing that headband around the house. Caleb wore it to school and Friday and wouldn't take it off the whole day. They could always be Teletubbies again. They still play with those hats. 
Here is Caleb waving to the camera. He likes to have me turn around the display so he can see himself while I take his picture. He keeps bringing me the camera. Tonight I gave him a mirror instead. That kept him occupied for a while. He kept making faces and waving to himself. Good times.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Nothing to Blog About
I realized this morning that I have nothing to blog about today. Nada. Zip. So, I guess I have that to blog about.
Today has been one of those weird weeks where I get in a funk and can't get out. It started on Sunday. If you saw me sobbing at church it wasn't because I was feeling the Spirit...I was messed up. Monday. More of the same. Tuesday. Yep. Wednesday. A little better. Thursday. Could have been worse. Today? Well, the jury is still out.
I've spent most of the week with a hurt foot (treadmilling at the Y gone wrong) and a sore throat.
Last night I left the house and browsed our local CVS Pharmacy (previously Osco) that is just down the street. I was in search of a good cough drop and some more Claritin. I found all that and more.
I'm a little scared to do this today but I probably will. The way my week is going it could be disastrous. Or, it could be the turning point I need. What do you think? Discuss.
*While I hold all of your opinions in high regard, no matter what you say I'm going to do it anyway. I'm just like that. It will only last for 28 washes.*
Today has been one of those weird weeks where I get in a funk and can't get out. It started on Sunday. If you saw me sobbing at church it wasn't because I was feeling the Spirit...I was messed up. Monday. More of the same. Tuesday. Yep. Wednesday. A little better. Thursday. Could have been worse. Today? Well, the jury is still out.
I've spent most of the week with a hurt foot (treadmilling at the Y gone wrong) and a sore throat.
Last night I left the house and browsed our local CVS Pharmacy (previously Osco) that is just down the street. I was in search of a good cough drop and some more Claritin. I found all that and more.
IMAGINE A PICTURE OF A CLAIROL NATURAL INSTINCTS BOX HERE.
COLOR: SPICED TEA
COLOR: SPICED TEA
I'm a little scared to do this today but I probably will. The way my week is going it could be disastrous. Or, it could be the turning point I need. What do you think? Discuss.
*While I hold all of your opinions in high regard, no matter what you say I'm going to do it anyway. I'm just like that. It will only last for 28 washes.*
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Adventures in Babysitting
Last week I did something that I should probably never do again (but I will, because I would want someone to do it for me). What is it, you ask? Babysit.
One of the coaches for the Nebraska volleyball team (they are number one and volleyball is *almost* as big as football around here) goes to our church. She has three kids. One is older--in my 12-13 yr. old Sunday School class. The other two are 4 and 2. Last Tuesday and Thursday morning I watched the younger girls. Granted, Caleb was at school for half of the time they were here. But, I had 4 kids under 4 running amok in my house.
Here are some of my observations.
Some kids can talk. Most of you know that Caleb isn't the best communicator in the world. If you'd like to hear any movie or commercial he's ever heard, that's great. Otherwise, nothing. Eva is getting a little more communicative. I can understand her grunts 80% of the time. 'More' and 'no' are her favorite words. And 'bye'. The two girls I watched can talk. Talk, talk, talk. "Why are you doing that?" "What's going on?" "Can I moosh up all this play doh in a big blob?" "Where's MiCaleb?"--they usually go to Kori's house on these days and she's got a little girl named Michaela.
I'm not very good at keeping track of 4 kids at a time. I was up fixing lunch and keeping the kids downstairs listening to music. The 4 yr. old came up and announced, "They're drawing on the wall!". Hmmm. Is it a coincidence that the day my kids decided to start drawing on the walls was a day that well-known wall artists were here? I don't know. But, I had blue marker on my yellow wall. I was too stressed to find a camera for blog purposes. I did think about it, though.
Later that day I found blue marker on my WHITE chair. Lovely. No amount off cleaners will make it back to normal. It was a hand me down, anyway. Luckily, I don't have nice things yet to really worry about.
Kids love to dance. Once I got them dancing, they stayed out of trouble. We had an excellent dance party and I was able to find the camera.
I'm not getting any more kids. I suppose nobody should really hold me to this because I may eat my words someday but I don't think I'm cut out to be a mother of more than two. Unless I have a live in nanny. Then, I would totally consider it. Or, I get pregnant. I would have to assume that is an act of God to make me temporarily fertile and who am I to deny this child that clearly needed to be born into my family.
Little girls are fun. These girls loved to play with dolls and pretend to be cheerleaders. That's right up my alley! The youngest kept going around saying "Go Huskers!". It was so cute.
I really did have a good time with these kids, all complaining aside. Caleb keeps asking if they're here as soon as he gets off the bus. Okay, they can come back anytime. I'm just hiding the markers.
One of the coaches for the Nebraska volleyball team (they are number one and volleyball is *almost* as big as football around here) goes to our church. She has three kids. One is older--in my 12-13 yr. old Sunday School class. The other two are 4 and 2. Last Tuesday and Thursday morning I watched the younger girls. Granted, Caleb was at school for half of the time they were here. But, I had 4 kids under 4 running amok in my house.
Here are some of my observations.
Some kids can talk. Most of you know that Caleb isn't the best communicator in the world. If you'd like to hear any movie or commercial he's ever heard, that's great. Otherwise, nothing. Eva is getting a little more communicative. I can understand her grunts 80% of the time. 'More' and 'no' are her favorite words. And 'bye'. The two girls I watched can talk. Talk, talk, talk. "Why are you doing that?" "What's going on?" "Can I moosh up all this play doh in a big blob?" "Where's MiCaleb?"--they usually go to Kori's house on these days and she's got a little girl named Michaela.
I'm not very good at keeping track of 4 kids at a time. I was up fixing lunch and keeping the kids downstairs listening to music. The 4 yr. old came up and announced, "They're drawing on the wall!". Hmmm. Is it a coincidence that the day my kids decided to start drawing on the walls was a day that well-known wall artists were here? I don't know. But, I had blue marker on my yellow wall. I was too stressed to find a camera for blog purposes. I did think about it, though.
Later that day I found blue marker on my WHITE chair. Lovely. No amount off cleaners will make it back to normal. It was a hand me down, anyway. Luckily, I don't have nice things yet to really worry about.
Kids love to dance. Once I got them dancing, they stayed out of trouble. We had an excellent dance party and I was able to find the camera.
I'm not getting any more kids. I suppose nobody should really hold me to this because I may eat my words someday but I don't think I'm cut out to be a mother of more than two. Unless I have a live in nanny. Then, I would totally consider it. Or, I get pregnant. I would have to assume that is an act of God to make me temporarily fertile and who am I to deny this child that clearly needed to be born into my family.
Little girls are fun. These girls loved to play with dolls and pretend to be cheerleaders. That's right up my alley! The youngest kept going around saying "Go Huskers!". It was so cute.
I really did have a good time with these kids, all complaining aside. Caleb keeps asking if they're here as soon as he gets off the bus. Okay, they can come back anytime. I'm just hiding the markers.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Caleb playing piano
Here's our first attempt to upload video of Caleb playing the piano. He's still working out the right notes for "If You're Happy and You Know It". You'll hear him play that and then he plays the famous VeggieTales Silly Song, "Oh Where is My Hairbrush?".
He concludes his first blog concert by playing "Chopsticks".
He taught himself all of these songs. I did play chopsticks for him a couple of times and then he picked out the right notes on his own.
Here's our first attempt to upload video of Caleb playing the piano. He's still working out the right notes for "If You're Happy and You Know It". You'll hear him play that and then he plays the famous VeggieTales Silly Song, "Oh Where is My Hairbrush?".
He concludes his first blog concert by playing "Chopsticks".
He taught himself all of these songs. I did play chopsticks for him a couple of times and then he picked out the right notes on his own.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Pumpkin Patch
Caleb's preschool had a family outing to a pumpkin patch last week. It was a little family operation out in Ceresco. They had a great time. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves today.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
International Scarf Exchange
These past couple of months I've been part of a scarf exchange. A lot of you have seen me working on a pretty cute purple scarf. Alas, it is not to be mine. I'm shipping it off today to a worthy recipient somewhere in this world. I do this in the hopes that I, too, will be the recipient of a package including a scarf that someone made for me. My friends, the scarf arrived. It is beautiful. And, it came from Oklahoma! What are the odds?
I've already blogged about it and posted pictures on the ISE3 site. Here is the link to my post.
scarfy goodness
I've already blogged about it and posted pictures on the ISE3 site. Here is the link to my post.
scarfy goodness
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Shuffle Meme
This is one of the funnest memes I've seen in a while. It's amazing how some of these work out so well!
Try it for yourself!
1-Put your music player on shuffle.
2-Press forward for each question.
3-Use the song title as the answer to the question.
How am I feeling today?
Alright, Janet Jackson---okay, this is pretty freaky.Will I get far in life?
Shut Up, Black Eyed Peas--really, don't ask!
How do my friends see me?
Queen of the South, (chapter 2 audio book)--How sweet, y'all.
When will I get Married?
Bye Bye Bye, NSync---huh?
What is my best friend's theme song?
Spiderwebs, No Doubt--okay, this isn't working out so well.
What is the story of my life?
Lucky Star, Madonna --true that...at least the lucky part. I have yet to become a STAR!
What was highschool like?
Separate Ways, Journey--hmmm.
How am I going to get ahead in life?
Billie Jean, Michael Jackson--Well, Billie Jean is not my lover. She's just a girl.
What is the best thing about me?
Honestly Sincere, Bye Bye Birdie Soundtrack--this is hilarious.
How is today going to be?
Miss You Much, Janet Jackson--I do miss all of you much!
What is in store for this weekend?
Walk Away, Kelly Clarkson--Okay, but I'll be back!
What song describes my parents?
One Last Kiss, Bye Bye Birdie soundtrack --whatever.
What song describes your grandparents?
Boys, Britney Spears--this isn't working anymore.
How is my life going?
Ever the Same, Rob Thomas --BINGO!
What song will they play at my funeral?
Hold Me Now, Thompson Twins--Don't hold me at my funeral, please. But, love this song! I had the old 45 record of this and Doctor, Doctor. Good times.
How does the world see me?
Rag Doll, Aerosmith--really?
Will I have a happy life?
Every Little Thing She Does, Police--If every little thing I do is magic, I bet I will!
What do my friends really think of me?
Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar--what?
Do people secretly lust after me?
Come What May, Moulin Rouge soundtrack--yep.
How can I make myself happy?
Miss You (Dr. Dre remix), Rolling Stones--?
What should I do with my life?
Thank the Lord for the Nighttime, Neil Diamond--I should be thanking the Lord for more than the nighttime. I'll include Mr. Neil Diamond in that. He's the BOMB! ;)
Will I ever have children?
Wild Boys, Duran Duran--Maybe this is what my children are like?
What is some good advice for me?
Stacy's Mom, Fountains of Wayne--like, don't fall in love with a 13 yr. old's mom?
What is my signature dancing song?
Hey Ya!, Outkast--shake it like a polaroid picture, baby!
What do I think my current theme song is?
Put on a Happy Face, Bye Bye Birdie soundtrack--this was a good one.
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Black or White, Michael Jackson--It's true--black or white, they can be my baby!
What type of men/women do you like?
Escape, Enrique Iglesias--I do fancy myself a little Enrique.
What kind of kisser are you?
Sometimes, Britney Spears--ha ha ha
What's your style?
We Belong, Pat Benatar--I'm so inclusive.
What kind of lover are you?
Streetcorner Symphony, Rob Thomas--I was really hoping Satisfied by Richard Marx would come up. Oh well.
What would be playing on a first date?
Can't Get You Outta My Head, Kylie Minogue--whatever.
Like a Prayer, Madonna--at least it wasn't Fallin' to Pieces by Rob Thomas.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Put Your Headphones On
I had a good 15 minutes of "peace" on Saturday when the kids decided to share the headphones on my shuffle. Of the songs that played during that time, "Separate Ways" by Journey elicited the most dancing.
Caleb really loves listening to the music with the headphones. The other morning the bus never showed up (a bad, bad thing--they didn't come until 9:20 and his school gets out at 10:50--Carl dropped him off at normal time, though) and we had a good hour to kill. He was all ready to go--he even had his backpack still on! I took off his backpack and gave him my shuffle. He laid on the floor with that thing and was still. STILL! I think I know what I'm getting him for Christmas! They have those kid friendly mp3 players that I'm sure he'll just love.
Eva liked the headphones but lately her entertainment of choice is "MO". Elmo? Nope. NEMO! She can't get enough of that movie. Anytime we're by the tv she'll point to the DVD player and say "MO MO MO?". She's starting to sound like seagulls from that movie. It's really cute. Needless to say, I'm quickly becoming an expert on on all things Nemo. Something I hadn't noticed before---the skull in the fish tank has a sign that says "Didn't Brush". Cute. Dentist office.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Koigu Kersti Killer
My socks of doom have arrived. Alas, I'm a dead sock warrior and I couldn't be happier! These socks are so nice. My assassin spared no expense and used Koigu Kersti in a beautiful colorway (browns and blues). They arrived yesterday. My competitive spirit gave way to a reality check when I realized I just don't have time to work on Sock Wars anymore anyway. So, I'm glad I'm dead. Yep...now on to other things.
Friday, October 13, 2006
You're the Bomb
I was in Mexico for the better part of 1996 and 1997. I was a missionary and pretty much sheltered from the world. I fraternized with 21-23 year old women (all from Mexico) and 19-21 year old men (most from Mexico and some from the states). Getting letters from home was terribly important to us. We loved the mail and frequently shared our letters with others. Just the other day I found a paper stuffed in a book. It was a note I had written to another missionary explaining a program we were doing. Most of it was in Spanish, however, this particular missionary was from the states so I ended the note in English. It said,
"You're the bomb. I don't really know what this means but some high schooler wrote this in a letter to E. Idiart. What happened to 'rad' anyway?"
Here, I have written proof of the first time I ever used the phrase, "You're the bomb."
"You're the bomb. I don't really know what this means but some high schooler wrote this in a letter to E. Idiart. What happened to 'rad' anyway?"
Here, I have written proof of the first time I ever used the phrase, "You're the bomb."
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Sweater No More
Sweetness. 
This was a sweater I made a year ago using Jo Sharp Silkroad yarn. I bought the yarn on clearance from my LYS. The yarn just wasn't the right fit for this kind of sweater. Plus, I knit it a little too big for my taste. So, I rarely wore it. I love looking at it, though. The colors are really great. It needs to become something else soon but it won't unless I take some drastic measures.
Today, I started to rip it out.
This is how far I got before I was going to have to do some fanagaling of the arms. I don't know what I'm going to do with all of the yarn but some of it is going into a scarf for my ISE3 pal.
This was a sweater I made a year ago using Jo Sharp Silkroad yarn. I bought the yarn on clearance from my LYS. The yarn just wasn't the right fit for this kind of sweater. Plus, I knit it a little too big for my taste. So, I rarely wore it. I love looking at it, though. The colors are really great. It needs to become something else soon but it won't unless I take some drastic measures.Today, I started to rip it out.
This is how far I got before I was going to have to do some fanagaling of the arms. I don't know what I'm going to do with all of the yarn but some of it is going into a scarf for my ISE3 pal.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Stockings
I've finished stocking number 2. This is going to count as my "pair" for my Sock a Month knit along. They are really turning out great and I have a good handle on the pattern (from my head) now. As I do the next stocking I'll write it out. Then, I'll try and follow it for the next ones. That should be pretty fool-proof (famous last words?) for anyone that wants to try making their own. 
We've got the computer desk assembled.
I LOVE IT! See that circle on the right? It's a USB hub. It's built in to the desk and I can just put my camera and ipod right there! Love it. Love it. I still need to put everything away on it. I'll save that for another day. For now, I'm going to cast on for another stocking!
We've got the computer desk assembled.
I LOVE IT! See that circle on the right? It's a USB hub. It's built in to the desk and I can just put my camera and ipod right there! Love it. Love it. I still need to put everything away on it. I'll save that for another day. For now, I'm going to cast on for another stocking!
Well Conditioned
Have you ever had one of those mornings? The kind when you don't remember if you used conditioner so you do it again? And again? At least my hair is nice and soft today.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Fashion Sense
I have no fashion sense at all. It's okay. My sister got that gene. I don't mind looking plain jane all of the time. A headline today caught my eye. Fertile women dress to impress. Maybe since I don't ovulate like a normal person, I'm exempt from dressing like one.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Rallying the Troops
We have a lot of people helping us with Caleb. Here's the list.
1. Preschool Teacher-Teresa. She is the most fantastic teacher on the face of the earth. She does so much for the kids and the parents. Bless her.
2. Preschool Para-Linda. Linda tries everyday to make Caleb not afraid of the automatic flusher at school. He still won't go when he's there. He comes home off the bus and runs straight for the toilet. Poor kid.
3. Preschool Para-Mary. Mary taught Caleb how to say "I'm fine." when people ask "How are you?" He sometimes says it if you ask him other questions, but that's okay. He's learning.
4. Speech pathologist-Carol. Carol comes to my house every other week and listens to me. She encourages me to keep up the good work. She gives me hope things will get better. Next week she's even bringing in a behavioral specialist (Deb--haven't met her yet or I'd give her her own number) to help me with him here at home.
5. Occupational therapist-Jodi. Jodi just started working with Caleb. He's learning how to use scissors, do zippers and buttons, and draw pictures.
6. Behavioral Psychologist-Kiki. Yep, that's her name. Kiki has been working with Caleb for about three weeks. In a few weeks we'll have an actual diagnosis for Caleb thanks to her office. That's the one thing the school distric kind of hemmed and hawed about. They kept him labeled as developmentally delayed instead of doing more testing to figure out he is most likely somewhere within the autism spectrum disorder.
7. Friends here in town (and out)-All of them! There are so many people here that are supportive of me. They listen to me complain (when they all have problems of their own, too) and offer to help. Sometimes I take people up on these offers and I realize that I can make it.
8. Family. I didn't mean to put family last but they all live far away and the support they give is all emotional. Not less important, mind you. Just less tangible.
1. Preschool Teacher-Teresa. She is the most fantastic teacher on the face of the earth. She does so much for the kids and the parents. Bless her.
2. Preschool Para-Linda. Linda tries everyday to make Caleb not afraid of the automatic flusher at school. He still won't go when he's there. He comes home off the bus and runs straight for the toilet. Poor kid.
3. Preschool Para-Mary. Mary taught Caleb how to say "I'm fine." when people ask "How are you?" He sometimes says it if you ask him other questions, but that's okay. He's learning.
4. Speech pathologist-Carol. Carol comes to my house every other week and listens to me. She encourages me to keep up the good work. She gives me hope things will get better. Next week she's even bringing in a behavioral specialist (Deb--haven't met her yet or I'd give her her own number) to help me with him here at home.
5. Occupational therapist-Jodi. Jodi just started working with Caleb. He's learning how to use scissors, do zippers and buttons, and draw pictures.
6. Behavioral Psychologist-Kiki. Yep, that's her name. Kiki has been working with Caleb for about three weeks. In a few weeks we'll have an actual diagnosis for Caleb thanks to her office. That's the one thing the school distric kind of hemmed and hawed about. They kept him labeled as developmentally delayed instead of doing more testing to figure out he is most likely somewhere within the autism spectrum disorder.
7. Friends here in town (and out)-All of them! There are so many people here that are supportive of me. They listen to me complain (when they all have problems of their own, too) and offer to help. Sometimes I take people up on these offers and I realize that I can make it.
8. Family. I didn't mean to put family last but they all live far away and the support they give is all emotional. Not less important, mind you. Just less tangible.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
OU/TX
It's OU/TX weekend and we're pretty excited for the game. It's the best game of the year because even if we don't win, you're pretty much guaranteed an amazing game. We prefer to win, of course.
Boomer Sooner!
Boomer Sooner!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Crack Part II
These are little 3X3 cards I made this morning while Caleb was at school. I got the mail when I went to meet him at the bus and the rest of the stocking yarn arrived. So, it's time to put away the cards and get knitting!
The New Crack
For the past few days I've had a new obsession (other than knitting and thinking about how much I've "grown" as a person). Technically, it's not new. I've been doing this longer than I've been knitting. It's just starting to take over what little knitting time I have.
My name is Christy. I'm a stamper. I've been wanting to make little notecards and tags to go with the knitting projects I make. I also wanted to be able to send some card packs as gifts in the swaps I'm doing. In addition to that, I think that once I get a good design (for my knitting tags--not SU) I'll be able to sell these at my so far non-existent etsy shop. For the supplies and my time, I'd be able to sell my handmade cards for as much as you would spend for one in a store (about $2.00-3.00 including shipping). I'm going to have to break my way into some craft fairs.
I'm also a new Stampin' Up demonstrator. I have no plans to do any workshops or demonstrations at this time. I think I'll be able to support my habit through friends and family that want to order products and/or my handmade creations on etsy.
Market research: If you didn't make cards yourself, what kinds of cards would you buy? Birthday? Thank you? Blank? Holiday?
Would you want a set?
I better stop blogging and get creating.
My name is Christy. I'm a stamper. I've been wanting to make little notecards and tags to go with the knitting projects I make. I also wanted to be able to send some card packs as gifts in the swaps I'm doing. In addition to that, I think that once I get a good design (for my knitting tags--not SU) I'll be able to sell these at my so far non-existent etsy shop. For the supplies and my time, I'd be able to sell my handmade cards for as much as you would spend for one in a store (about $2.00-3.00 including shipping). I'm going to have to break my way into some craft fairs.
I'm also a new Stampin' Up demonstrator. I have no plans to do any workshops or demonstrations at this time. I think I'll be able to support my habit through friends and family that want to order products and/or my handmade creations on etsy.
Market research: If you didn't make cards yourself, what kinds of cards would you buy? Birthday? Thank you? Blank? Holiday?
Would you want a set?
I better stop blogging and get creating.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Perception
Six years ago we lived in Indiana. We had been married for two years and didn't have children (although we had been trying the whole length of our marriage). A year later I started fertility treatments. This involved me taking pills that made me have bigger mood swings than normal and cry all the time. After a few months of that, I had a surgery. Then, I had two cycles worth of shots that made my ovaries so sore and full I thought I was carrying around bowling balls. I went through all of this so I could have a baby.
During this time, I was super sensitive to other people and how they were with their kids. I was judgmental and sometimes rude. One family in particular had kids that were out of control. They would run away and get lost in the church building. Oh no! I thought, "What's wrong with these parents? Don't they care where their children are?". I saw moms that didn't hold or console their babies when they cried. How could a mother do that? Don't they realize how lucky they are to have those kids? They should take better care of them.
Well, I've learned a thing or two. I'm now the lucky parent. I have two precious children. I have no doubt they were meant to be in our family (I especially believe this about Caleb). I've also learned a thing or two about what it means to take care of kids.
Let me backtrack. The whole reason for this post is that on another blog I saw some comments about how appalled one of them was that there was a mother in Hallmark with a screaming newborn and she wasn't doing anything about it. She was just shopping for cards while the baby was crying. Five years ago, I would have totally agreed with this commenter. Not now. Some babies don't stop crying no matter what you do. This lady probably endures this kind of judgment each time she leaves her home. Should she never leave her house? I'm learning not to assume. I'm so mature. ;)
You know the family with the kids that would run away? We have become that family.
Caleb has started to see a behavioral psychologist once a week. He's getting diagnosed this month so we'll know where he falls in the spectrum. I've had to fill out loads of paperwork and surveys about his behavior, communication and social skills. I really hope this lady can help us. Caleb is getting so big that it's hard to restrain him when he lashes out. We need to find something that works with him...and fast.
In the waiting room at the psychologist's office, a lady came in and I overheard her conversation. She needed to sign a release so the LPD could get information about her child. A person had called DHS on her because they saw her doing a full body restraint on her daughter when she was flailing around avoiding getting into the carseat. Five years ago...that could have been me on the phone. Today? I turned to Carl and told him I'm glad that we haven't been reported yet. Carl told me that people that don't have kids with "issues" don't understand.
I don't want this to sound like we shouldn't step in when we know that there is real abuse happening. But, can we avoid the comments? "Oh, Timmy...look at that mommy! She's too busy to pick up her baby and that's why he's crying." "That kid is too tired to be shopping."
"Looks like he could use a whippin'."
I don't wish that people have to go through having a difficult child to understand what it is like. Just know that you don't always know what's going on.
During this time, I was super sensitive to other people and how they were with their kids. I was judgmental and sometimes rude. One family in particular had kids that were out of control. They would run away and get lost in the church building. Oh no! I thought, "What's wrong with these parents? Don't they care where their children are?". I saw moms that didn't hold or console their babies when they cried. How could a mother do that? Don't they realize how lucky they are to have those kids? They should take better care of them.
Well, I've learned a thing or two. I'm now the lucky parent. I have two precious children. I have no doubt they were meant to be in our family (I especially believe this about Caleb). I've also learned a thing or two about what it means to take care of kids.
Let me backtrack. The whole reason for this post is that on another blog I saw some comments about how appalled one of them was that there was a mother in Hallmark with a screaming newborn and she wasn't doing anything about it. She was just shopping for cards while the baby was crying. Five years ago, I would have totally agreed with this commenter. Not now. Some babies don't stop crying no matter what you do. This lady probably endures this kind of judgment each time she leaves her home. Should she never leave her house? I'm learning not to assume. I'm so mature. ;)
You know the family with the kids that would run away? We have become that family.
Caleb has started to see a behavioral psychologist once a week. He's getting diagnosed this month so we'll know where he falls in the spectrum. I've had to fill out loads of paperwork and surveys about his behavior, communication and social skills. I really hope this lady can help us. Caleb is getting so big that it's hard to restrain him when he lashes out. We need to find something that works with him...and fast.
In the waiting room at the psychologist's office, a lady came in and I overheard her conversation. She needed to sign a release so the LPD could get information about her child. A person had called DHS on her because they saw her doing a full body restraint on her daughter when she was flailing around avoiding getting into the carseat. Five years ago...that could have been me on the phone. Today? I turned to Carl and told him I'm glad that we haven't been reported yet. Carl told me that people that don't have kids with "issues" don't understand.
I don't want this to sound like we shouldn't step in when we know that there is real abuse happening. But, can we avoid the comments? "Oh, Timmy...look at that mommy! She's too busy to pick up her baby and that's why he's crying." "That kid is too tired to be shopping."
"Looks like he could use a whippin'."
I don't wish that people have to go through having a difficult child to understand what it is like. Just know that you don't always know what's going on.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Trailers and Tents
First off, I was wondering...can my family be considered "white trash"?
Caleb and Carl slept in the tent in the backyard the other night. It was to make up for the night they actually went camping but had to come home because of a tornado. Caleb came in the next morning and said, "Did you have fun sleeping in the tent?" (this is how he communicates with us---telling us what we should be saying to him and then never answering the questions). He kept saying the word "tent" over and over. Later in the afternoon I heard him counting.
"Eight. Ninet. Tent. Elevent..." Makes total sense.
We bought a trailer for my bike. We also bought a new bike. I don't know which one is going to be mine yet. I'm going to take them both on test runs and see which one is the best for my behind. Carl's going to use the other one for research. Yes, folks. Carl is working with bikes and getting paid. That PhD is good for something. Apparently, making the biking world a better place.
I'm excited to have the trailer. I've been going to the Y in the mornings when I just have Eva and I'd like to switch that up a little bit by going on bike rides in the morning when Caleb is at school and heading to the Y in the late afternoon. Or, skipping the Y and just using my bike ride as my daily workout. Either way, it'll be fun. I've got classes lined up at the Y for most of this week so I probably won't ride my bike until Friday or sometime next week. I'll be sure and get some pictures.
Caleb and Carl slept in the tent in the backyard the other night. It was to make up for the night they actually went camping but had to come home because of a tornado. Caleb came in the next morning and said, "Did you have fun sleeping in the tent?" (this is how he communicates with us---telling us what we should be saying to him and then never answering the questions). He kept saying the word "tent" over and over. Later in the afternoon I heard him counting.
"Eight. Ninet. Tent. Elevent..." Makes total sense.
We bought a trailer for my bike. We also bought a new bike. I don't know which one is going to be mine yet. I'm going to take them both on test runs and see which one is the best for my behind. Carl's going to use the other one for research. Yes, folks. Carl is working with bikes and getting paid. That PhD is good for something. Apparently, making the biking world a better place.
I'm excited to have the trailer. I've been going to the Y in the mornings when I just have Eva and I'd like to switch that up a little bit by going on bike rides in the morning when Caleb is at school and heading to the Y in the late afternoon. Or, skipping the Y and just using my bike ride as my daily workout. Either way, it'll be fun. I've got classes lined up at the Y for most of this week so I probably won't ride my bike until Friday or sometime next week. I'll be sure and get some pictures.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Taking Stock
We bought a computer desk. It's not the one that I had posted that I wanted a month ago. Carl didn't approve. So, we bought a different one last night. Our bedroom is a "construction zone" but I should have it ready to go tonight or tomorrow. We're moving our old desk down into Caleb's room.
In other news, I've been commissioned by a friend from our old ward in Indiana to make some Christmas stockings. She didn't have a pattern but had an inspiration picture. These stockings are made out of wood.
Here's my version.
This one is wheat and forest green heather Lion Brand Wool-ease. I made them on size 8 dpns. I'm making a total of 5 for her family and I'm going to write out the pattern as well. That way, if more kids come along I'll remember what the heck I did (or someone else can make them from my pattern). They are all going to be different color combinations (cranberry, grey, and navy are the other colors I'm working with).
I've also decided to make the kids' Halloween costumes again this year. Last year I knit Teletubbies hats (which STILL get worn quite regularly). I'm going with hats again this year. I'm not quite ready to divulge what yet. We'll see how they come along. But, I better get designing!
In other news, I've been commissioned by a friend from our old ward in Indiana to make some Christmas stockings. She didn't have a pattern but had an inspiration picture. These stockings are made out of wood.
Here's my version.
This one is wheat and forest green heather Lion Brand Wool-ease. I made them on size 8 dpns. I'm making a total of 5 for her family and I'm going to write out the pattern as well. That way, if more kids come along I'll remember what the heck I did (or someone else can make them from my pattern). They are all going to be different color combinations (cranberry, grey, and navy are the other colors I'm working with). I've also decided to make the kids' Halloween costumes again this year. Last year I knit Teletubbies hats (which STILL get worn quite regularly). I'm going with hats again this year. I'm not quite ready to divulge what yet. We'll see how they come along. But, I better get designing!
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