I think there is a name for the phenomenon that occurs when you misinterpret the lyrics of a song and substitute your own. My favorite example of this is very famous- a Jimmy Hendrix song that goes like this: "Excuse me, while I kiss the sky." (I think.) It can very easily be heard as "Excuse, while I kiss this guy." Say what? There are so many I've done personally I can't even begin to remember. Ed has one- we listen to a song called "What I Like About You" by Lillix. Well, it's covered by Lillix, the original band is The Romantics. Part of it says, "Keep on whispering in my ear. Tell me all the things that I wanna hear. 'Cause it's true, that what I like about you!" Ed sings, "Keep on whispering in my ear, Thomas and James is what I wanna hear!"
(Thomas and James from "Thomas the Tank Engine")
I took us to the doctor yesterday, and here is the outcome:
Jessie- ear infection.
Karrie- ear infection, bronchitis
Kacy-ear infection, tonsil something, and lung something that isn't yet pneumonia, but was heading that way.
We are all on antibiotics. I got another inhaler, and I think I'm extra sensitive to albuterol. A couple of memories come to mind when I take it, and I start to twitch a bit. As a teen I had a breathing treatment once at the doctor, and the room started to sound hollow and my head felt all floaty. My mom unzipped her purse and it scared me to death and I started crying. My heart was all fast... it was horrible. With my little inhaler (I try to deny the fact that I have asthma...) I felt a little twitchy, and then last night while trying to fall asleep, I was going crazy because I could feel every one of my leg hairs touching my pajamas. I probably just should have shaved... It wore off after about an hour. I will go and look this up on the Internet and see if it's a real problem or if it's in my head. We all feel better. Kacy should be able to go to school tomorrow. I'm at about 60% of my normal, and anticipate being at 100% by Sunday. That whole breathing thing... more important than I remembered.
Welcome!
Welcome to my little ol' blog. I'll be upfront about it: I don't blog very often any more. If you found your way here because you read my book "Trailer Life," have a gander! But it's easier to keep up with me on Instagram or on my Facebook page. I have this long, drawn out theory on why I'm a terrible blogger, but that is a story for another day. Enjoy the ramblings of my life from the last 8 years or so.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Lulu publishing
It that time of year for me to publish my blog into a hardbound book. I'm actually a little late doing it, but with being a little house bound and lethargic, I finally got bored enough to do it. I enjoy it, don't get me wrong. It's just that there always seemed to be something else that could have been done. Today there were no more excuses. I've been copying/pasting for an hour, and I'm half-way through last year. I posted a lot last year! Here are some of my thoughts about the blog:
*I have determined that as an organized mother, I fail. I read LAST year's Easter post, and it said something like "Next year maybe we will have coordinating clothes..." That's what I said THIS year!
*I have a hard time with the whole "blog" thing. I love to read blogs, but I'm not a blogger. I just need to stick with what my ultimate goal is: a journal of our life events and a way for friends/family to stay informed of our happenings.
*Sometimes I blog so much that I have nothing to talk about at social gatherings. Everyone already know the interesting stories or funny events.
*I have a love/hate relationship with comments. I hate how there is a part of me who wants to be all popular and wonders why no one leaves comments. I hate that I even think that- but yet, sometimes I wonder. And then I tell myself (because I talk to myself A LOT-I'm my own best friend-and worst enemy...) "Who cares? I'm not writing for anyone but my little family." Publishing this last year has reminded me of my purpose. Whew! No more stress trying to be clever!
*I should edit. Really, I am a good writer and know most of the grammar rules and how to spell. I just get in a hurry. (I am editing for mistakes before publishing!)
*My favorite posts are of things my kids said or did. I know these will be family favorites when they have kids and I pull out the book and say, "Here, come see what your dad did!" (To Ed's kids.)
I really so enjoy reading all those fun, informative, entertaining blogs. But I think my favorites are just the everyday happenings of people I know.
Now, back to work! We are without a remote control. Ryan accidently sent ours to Bakersfield and went to get it back today. We've been stuck on a Disney channel, and I'm am about sick of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." Cute show, but only for one episode at a time.
Marcie- open up a new Word document, format your pages to 8.25X10.75 with .5" margins top and bottom, and .6 for the sides. Start copying/pasting. Check in with ya later on this one- I know we said we'd do this in April. April is almost over!
*I have determined that as an organized mother, I fail. I read LAST year's Easter post, and it said something like "Next year maybe we will have coordinating clothes..." That's what I said THIS year!
*I have a hard time with the whole "blog" thing. I love to read blogs, but I'm not a blogger. I just need to stick with what my ultimate goal is: a journal of our life events and a way for friends/family to stay informed of our happenings.
*Sometimes I blog so much that I have nothing to talk about at social gatherings. Everyone already know the interesting stories or funny events.
*I have a love/hate relationship with comments. I hate how there is a part of me who wants to be all popular and wonders why no one leaves comments. I hate that I even think that- but yet, sometimes I wonder. And then I tell myself (because I talk to myself A LOT-I'm my own best friend-and worst enemy...) "Who cares? I'm not writing for anyone but my little family." Publishing this last year has reminded me of my purpose. Whew! No more stress trying to be clever!
*I should edit. Really, I am a good writer and know most of the grammar rules and how to spell. I just get in a hurry. (I am editing for mistakes before publishing!)
*My favorite posts are of things my kids said or did. I know these will be family favorites when they have kids and I pull out the book and say, "Here, come see what your dad did!" (To Ed's kids.)
I really so enjoy reading all those fun, informative, entertaining blogs. But I think my favorites are just the everyday happenings of people I know.
Now, back to work! We are without a remote control. Ryan accidently sent ours to Bakersfield and went to get it back today. We've been stuck on a Disney channel, and I'm am about sick of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." Cute show, but only for one episode at a time.
Marcie- open up a new Word document, format your pages to 8.25X10.75 with .5" margins top and bottom, and .6 for the sides. Start copying/pasting. Check in with ya later on this one- I know we said we'd do this in April. April is almost over!
Today is a sick day
Kacy has a fever and is home. She seems fine, except for the fever. Jessie has a low grade fever and wants to be held, or wants to be eating... either one. I'm... okay. Ed is is FINE form, healthy as can be, and full of energy. Ryan and Will are in Bakersfield getting supplies for the tree cuttings we ordered.
Here are a few sites I've been enjoying lately. I have a narrow mind...
Logic problems
Sudoku
Storynory (stories for kids, for free, mp3)
Lit2Go (mp3 stories-all kinds)
Downloadable yoga classes (some are free, they ask for name and billing address, but no payment info- come in two formats, mp4 (for apple quicktime) or mp3 with a printable pose chart)
The yoga is fun to do and doesn't require a TV (i.e. your kids can watch cartoons while you workout/relax). We spend a lot of time in the car, and audio stories are great for vocabulary development and comprehension. The puzzles are just what I like to do to keep my brain active.
Here are a few sites I've been enjoying lately. I have a narrow mind...
Logic problems
Sudoku
Storynory (stories for kids, for free, mp3)
Lit2Go (mp3 stories-all kinds)
Downloadable yoga classes (some are free, they ask for name and billing address, but no payment info- come in two formats, mp4 (for apple quicktime) or mp3 with a printable pose chart)
The yoga is fun to do and doesn't require a TV (i.e. your kids can watch cartoons while you workout/relax). We spend a lot of time in the car, and audio stories are great for vocabulary development and comprehension. The puzzles are just what I like to do to keep my brain active.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Flowers for Mom
A picture of myself.

Yesterday I spoke in church for my allotted 15 minutes. The bishop asked me if I was nervous about it. I replied, "Naw, I've humiliated myself in front of all of these people when I did the play. I'm good, actually." It's the truth. Nothing like performing in a play to wipe out any remaining pride after having numerous gynecological procedures/examinations. (Sorry, guys. But you honestly have the doctor visit thing EASY-PEASY.)
I am also planning our summer. Right now it's including trips to the library (I think is maturing a little every day and this may work out), writing journals (on a kindergarten and first grade level) and other various field trips. A low-key, low stress thing, but I've kind of decided to go ahead and finish teaching Kacy how to read this summer, and Will needs some fine motor skill practice with a pencil. We are also going to do swim lessons (I'm teaching them myself at my parents' pool. It'll involve tears, I know!) and maybe some trips to the lake. I have a crazy friend who wants to run in the lake for physical training, and it sounds kind of fun. The lake up here is really shallow and more of a puddle because of the unstable dam situation. We will see. We may just sit around in our swim suits and eat Otter-pops all summer.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Run For a Reason 5K

Thursday, April 23, 2009
Apopolyctic Thumb of Black Death

A Sad Case for Pants

Ryan- needs a higher-rise-than-is-trendy right now, with a wider leg bottom. No distressing or whiskering or any of that stuff.
Me- I'm good for now. I could use one cute capri/nice shirt/cute shoe combo for summer baby showers. Otherwise, I'm super happy with my sloppy/athletic look.
Kacy- Right now wears a 7 regular. Owns no shorts. Pants getting too small. Shopping on the horizon. Ugh.
Will- Except for the fact that he is a SLIM, he is doing okay is pants. He wears 6 slims, and they HAVE to slim, or else they fall off. Even the pants with the adjustable waists do no good.
Ed- No slim here! Which isn't nice that he can't wear Will's pants as hand-me-downs. He is a 4 regular right now.
Jessie- She received some very cute outfits for her birthday, none of which I am going to let her wear unless we are going out. She needs some plain jeans so when she crawls in the dirt (because she does) her pants will come clean in the wash.
I'm going to have to go buy some summer clothes pretty soon. Making this list has helped me to see what I need and what sizes. I hate shopping. Why? I don't like spending money on clothes. I don't like driving to the store in traffic. I don't like rummaging through the racks only to finally find something that looks appropriate, and then find that the size I need is not there. I DO, however, like going to Tractor Supply, where Ryan last bought our kids some pants. That, I think I can handle. (Not very many people there, and they have other cool stuff to look at.)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Will Is Getting Ready for Kindergarten
I took Will to school today to have his assessment for Kindergarten. Last year, Kacy scored a 96.5%. Will scored a 96.8%. Very cool- I was worried he wouldn't even talk to the teacher at all. She was really good with him. I think it'll be a good match for him, as he needs some encouragement to do well. She wouldn't let him give up when he tried to answer "I don't know." The test was really easy- Ed would've passed most of it, with the exception of the physical development stuff (hop on one foot, stand on one foot for five seconds). Now, I have to make the dreaded Kindergarten physical doctor's appointment. That's gonna be FUN!!!!!!!!! It's going to have to involve a bribe. A big one.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cake Pops, take two!


Randomness, part 543
I have lots of randomness. For the record, I have never used the phrase "That's so random!" I don't like how it trivializes the idea of being "random." Here is my randomness, in no particular order:
- Saturday after the airshow was a fun party at the Bunting's. LOTS of people there. I had a good visit. The highlight was seeing cousin David v. the hundred kids in a tug-o-war. David won. It was actually like 15 kids, but it seemed like 100. None of my pictures were any good. :(
- Kacy saw her first half-dressed-women-filled add on Friday when I took the kids to McDonald's for ice-cream sundaes. How to explain how sex sells beer to a six year old? She observed that the lady looked liked she was exercising, but her clothes started falling off. I just said "Oh, ya- she better go get a new shirt! Let's go." Because in my head I was all feminist crazy lady, thinking "Well, honey, get used to the idea that men are attracted to naked women, and that sex sells EVERYTHING, and it's not fair, and blah, blah, blah stupid Barbie and diets and being a girl... how am I suppose to effectively tell my daughter that personality matters more than looks when she is so dang observant and body conscience already?" (insight into my twisted train of thought...) this from the girl who asked me a week ago how to get a flat stomach. Yikes.
- I like to watch "Wizards of Waverly Place."
- I have been told a few times by different people (guys, actually) that I should "monetize" my blog. Making money from something I do anyway sounds great, but then it seems like I'd be an actual blogger, and I'm not one. And, if I thought I was a blogger, it would be instant pressure to be witty or funny or to take better pictures or have opinions. But, a little fun money might be nice. I'm torn. Maybe I'll go watch Wizards and make hot dog octopi for dinner.
Air Show, I Think

I Can Hear the Hallelujah Chorus!

Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Easter 2009




After the Bunting's for an egg hunt, we went to my grandma's house to eat dinner and visit. I wish I could relax when I'm supposed to be visiting; it is nearly impossible to be at ease with my kids running around other peoples' houses. I'm constantly worried about them breaking something, dialing the phone to China, leaving the yard, or getting something stuck up their nose. Take the above worries, put them after a three hour stint in church, and throw in lots of chocolate (and a soon-to-be puked up cupcake or two), and we have a spastic momma who has trouble carrying on a decent conversation without extreme sassiness coming through.
At least it was better than the day before. If the days keep getting better in these small increments, I should be great again by Thursday.
*Note to self: please remember to get cute matching outfits for the girls, and coordinating shirts for the boys next year. It's just too, too cute- you slacker. And, please think about this in January, not the Friday before. Thank-you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
One of those days...
I'm glad today is almost over. It's not been a great day. I think a combination of things is contributing to my foul mood:
*I stayed up LATE last night reading. *I didn't sleep well while I was asleep. *I woke up to Ed who peed through his pull-up last night, soaking the sheet and mattress pad (and the mattress). *Jessie's diaper exploded up her back requiring a bath for her and a good long hand wash for me. *Ryan had a church activity (paintball, anyone?) at our house with 50 other guys, so I didn't see him for the second straight day. *Will has been throwing a very demanding attitude around. "I need this." "I need that." "Right now, Mom." *Ed pooped in his pants again today. *I did two loads of laundry. *I made two loaves of bread. *I made two 8x8 cakes and am in the process of trying to make cake balls again. *Trying to cook in my trailer is a joke right now. Who am I kidding? *The kids have been going non-stop- fighting, yelling, arguing, or playing together nicely while making huge messes. *Will woke up from his nap soaking wet. Oh yes, the other sheet hasn't even been washed yet, and the new one gets wet. Nice. *Dinner was a cacophony of voices whining "I want bread!" "I haven't had dessert yet!" "I need a drink!" "Ed stole my olives!"
But you know what? I'm so HAPPY! In less than 10 minutes they will be laying on their beds, trying to fall asleep. And it'll be over. At least for today. And I'll get to go to sleep and maybe get some sleep I need, because when I don't get it, I'm a grouch. A pessimist. I hate my trailer. I barely tolerate my kids. I eat too much. I get a headache. I don't even want to be around myself! Good thing there is a fresh start tomorrow. May tomorrow be... more calming, and a little less centered around the bodily functions of those around me.
*I stayed up LATE last night reading. *I didn't sleep well while I was asleep. *I woke up to Ed who peed through his pull-up last night, soaking the sheet and mattress pad (and the mattress). *Jessie's diaper exploded up her back requiring a bath for her and a good long hand wash for me. *Ryan had a church activity (paintball, anyone?) at our house with 50 other guys, so I didn't see him for the second straight day. *Will has been throwing a very demanding attitude around. "I need this." "I need that." "Right now, Mom." *Ed pooped in his pants again today. *I did two loads of laundry. *I made two loaves of bread. *I made two 8x8 cakes and am in the process of trying to make cake balls again. *Trying to cook in my trailer is a joke right now. Who am I kidding? *The kids have been going non-stop- fighting, yelling, arguing, or playing together nicely while making huge messes. *Will woke up from his nap soaking wet. Oh yes, the other sheet hasn't even been washed yet, and the new one gets wet. Nice. *Dinner was a cacophony of voices whining "I want bread!" "I haven't had dessert yet!" "I need a drink!" "Ed stole my olives!"
But you know what? I'm so HAPPY! In less than 10 minutes they will be laying on their beds, trying to fall asleep. And it'll be over. At least for today. And I'll get to go to sleep and maybe get some sleep I need, because when I don't get it, I'm a grouch. A pessimist. I hate my trailer. I barely tolerate my kids. I eat too much. I get a headache. I don't even want to be around myself! Good thing there is a fresh start tomorrow. May tomorrow be... more calming, and a little less centered around the bodily functions of those around me.
Happy Anniversary!

Decorating Eggs

Will came up to me with part of the top missing from his cupcake. "Look what I accidentally did, Mom."
"Oh, what happened?"
"I don't know?" (Smiling HUGELY)
My cousin April pointed to the cake crumb on his lip, and said, "Um, Will, are you sure it was an accident?" while laughing at him, and then we were all laughing at him. He was trying SO HARD to look innocent, but that huge smile just gave him away. Well, the crumb didn't help either.
CaLM

Windows!

Monday, April 6, 2009
Ed, again. And my weekend.

I made it to the temple on Friday night. Will managed to throw up the two bowls of macaroni and cheese on Kacy on the way down. I had Jocelyn go with me, and it was fun. It was nice to be able to talk without kids interrupting. Good thing she has four boys- she was a good sport about the puke smell in the car. We got back to Bako around 12:30, where I stayed at Ryan's parents' house. (And off topic- I apologize for the possessive apostrophe misuse. I'm pretty sure it's wrong. And my use of parenthesis... atrocious, I know.) I was kind of dreading staying the night because I just do not sleep well in other places. I tossed. I turned. I sighed. I kept reminding myself that I didn't sleep much the night prior because of the wind, and I should be asleep! Asleep I say! But I had a problem. Her name is Kacy, and I will never sleep in the same bed as her again. She poked. She kicked. She kept touching me- and then she peed on me. I'm pretty sure I was asleep when she did it, because it took me a full five minutes to figure out why my shirt was wet. I felt my own pajama pants (you never know...), thought I might have been sweating profusely (it could happen), and then I felt the sheets. That girl has not wet the bed since I don't know when- maybe never. Seriously. I got a towel and laid it down on the bed and slept on it until 7am, when everyone was up and making pancakes. The breakfast was great.
We came home ASAP, where Jessie ran a really high fever and slept most of the day, I was as grumpy as I could be, half our window order came in (pictures soon), and Ryan just left me alone because he knew. I took a two hour nap, and amazingly enough, the kids took a three hour nap. the three hours isn't amazing, but the fact that they fell asleep so fast was.
Today we went to Ridgecrest to turn in a materials list for a lumber bid. I let the kids play at McDonald's for about an hour- they loved it, and they were all really good! Jessie was really happy to just sit on my lap and watch and point. It was- dare I say- a happy, enjoyable, RELAXING experience! No one got stuck up in the tallest tower like last year, where a very claustrophobic mommy had to do lots of deep breathing/visualization to get her third born out of the play place. Augh, makes me uncomfortable even thinking about it.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wind Blown

Happenings: The wind blew ALL night long, with gusts up to 70 mph. I was guessing around 60 mph last night at 2am, but only because I was wide awake and feeling the effects of motion sickness. Luckily, out trailer is narrow side to the wind, but it was still (IS STILL) shaking like we are going down the freeway at high speeds. We can't work outside, and we'll have some cleaning up to do tomorrow when it's suppose to be calmer. If we had hatches, they'd be batten down.
Also: Will is puking. He threw-up in the car without warning yesterday. We made it to Target to do a little shopping without incident. Unless you count the check out lady saying "They are such cute kids. They are all SO calm, except for that one. He's the one you have to chase?" She was pointing to Ed. We drop Kacy off at Art Lessons, and head on over to Winco, my favorite cheap place for food. We start off with a potty break, and while I was changing Jessie's diaper, Will lets loose with a bucket full of vomit all over the floor. Ed was enthralled with the whole process- "Hey! Where's that water coming from?" and "That's so cool! Can I step in it?" (Edspeak: Dat's so tool! Tan I step in it?" We didn't get any shopping done. He has puked again twice this morning, and I am SO HAPPY he is old enough to make it to the trash can. Jessie has diaper problems- all intestinal and stinky. Yuck. I was suppose to go to the temple tonight, but it's looking like I'm not. We'll see.
Our windows are arriving tomorrow, and a sea container today. The container will hold the windows, the doors we bought back in January in LA, and any random house things we find on sale.
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