Holy cow. Almost February. We have several milestones here. The first semester of the 2010-11 school year is over, here in the frozen tundra where the legie says we can't start until after Labor Day. In that time we crammed in a long weekend in the Black Hills, a ski trip in Mankato for the teens while Mom and Dad went to meetings, and the normal Thanksmas and Christmas mayhem. That means my eldest is half done with her senior year. The first semester spreads over 5 moths with the various holidays and breaks, but the last is crammed into four, and will fly by. I have to plan a graduation party. Memorial Weekend, Saturday. Bring a salad and stop by :)
It's also time for our first half-year exchange student to return home, which no-one is happy about. We liked her so much we took on another half-year, a He-wi to replace our She-wi, currently staying with a welcome family until she departs. Silly state department, not letting us have more than two in the house (we have a full year German with us as well.) Shameless plug: we've been hosting for nearly 10 years, we love it. You should try it. Go to effoundation.org to check it out!
The first of the foot dragging daughters finally got her driver's license, and had her first accident (minor) within eight days. Nothing hurt but pride, and a dented door. And a side-effect of a mother wistful for the days of toddling and tricycles.
So, we gather up to launch into the new month, new semester, and new family dynamic. I'll send a postcard now and then.
Showing posts with label my own patented brand of crazy (tm). Show all posts
Showing posts with label my own patented brand of crazy (tm). Show all posts
18 September 2008
12 July 2008
MNDOT Wants to kill me slowly
Our normally 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive to the cities tonight took 4 hours. We alternated routes to avoid a detour and ran smack into more detours. iPastor is sure the fine folks at the DOT had a lovely laugh while effectively entangling every east/west route out of the metro this summer.
Thing 1's mission presentation in the morning at church. We're heading home via a southern route. Maybe we'll get there by Friday.
Thing 1's mission presentation in the morning at church. We're heading home via a southern route. Maybe we'll get there by Friday.
10 July 2008
Oh, this could get interesting...
Jesse Ventura is at it again. Makes for an entertaining show, anyway.
23 June 2008
Off and running...
...into a new week. Two jobs, then MIL duty.
A friend of mine wrote something interesting:
This works on both an emotional and grammatical level. Not only do people miss all those in-between feelings, we ignore the vocabulary for shades of grey, as it were. Indeed, something to ponder. How specifically can you name what you are feeling right now?
A friend of mine wrote something interesting:
...'stress' is an over-used word that we as a society have chunked up to escape feeling and being with our uncomfortable feelings.
Stress is a result of interacting with and experiencing life, a process. What we have done with it is make it a noun, a thing that can be acted upon. Can you put stress in a bucket and show me what it looks like? No, because the only way we know it is there is as a byproduct of what we experience.
Over the past two generations or so we seem to have lost the language for what we are feeling. We go to extremes, I'm angry or I'm happy, with no middle ground. In that either/or, we've managed to dissociate and not feel anything or label it as stress.
What happened to being miffed, pissed, annoyed, frustrated, spiteful, all the degrees of feeling unhappy before you hit anger and rage? What about being pleased, amused, joy-full, peace-full, happy before you hit bliss, passion, love, joy and peace?
This works on both an emotional and grammatical level. Not only do people miss all those in-between feelings, we ignore the vocabulary for shades of grey, as it were. Indeed, something to ponder. How specifically can you name what you are feeling right now?
19 June 2008
Happy Trails
We got Alex to the airport to find her flight had been cancelled, but they had already booked her through on a better flight that skipped a transfer in Chicago. So with a few tears and lots of hugs we sent her on her way.
Our family in the city is not unlike the Beverly Hillbillies. Any trip through the metro is punctuated with exclamations about the stores and restaurants we don't have at home. This leads to conversations like this one:
"Look, a Barnes and Noble."
"Even better, there's a Northwestern Books across the street."
What's the difference?"
"NW is like B&N with more Jesus."
Our family in the city is not unlike the Beverly Hillbillies. Any trip through the metro is punctuated with exclamations about the stores and restaurants we don't have at home. This leads to conversations like this one:
"Look, a Barnes and Noble."
"Even better, there's a Northwestern Books across the street."
What's the difference?"
"NW is like B&N with more Jesus."
16 June 2008
I love a parade?
Yesterday was the "grand finale" of the local celebration, Fiesta Days. As we were returning from the next town south, where the wedding reception was held at the local casino, there were people everywhere. In recent years there has been a move to bring more of the celebration back downtown. The park has undergone renovation and the local railroad history club has revitalized the depot, turntable and yards. All of those were in full swing with music, activities and people as we made our way back home. I settled in with MIL, completely content with the prospect of an afternoon spent snugly in a recliner, or perhaps on the deck in the sun. In the background, I could hear occasional sirens, horns and bass drums reminding me of the festivities a few blocks away. I was surprised to find myself wishing I was there. Usually about halfway through viewing a parade I find myself reflecting on the inanity of watching a procession of cars and people go by. It is a bit odd, when you stop to think about it too much. Despite that, parades draw people together. No matter how big a homebody one might be, I believe there is a certain aspect of human nature that is drawn to a crowd. Whether it is simple curiosity, a deeply embedded seed of desire to be part of a larger whole, or a fear of missing out, something makes a person want to join a group of others. As I sat comfortably settled in a sunbeam, the occasional rumble from downtown tugged quietly at the back of my mind. It was a curious sensation, but the comfy chair prevailed.
29 May 2008
All the cool kids are doing it...
Curse you Groovy Mom and FlipFlopBossyBritchesRockerMom. Peer pressure is awful.
Anyway, this is the result of my first outing at Singsnap. I had to do some futzing with my technical settings, which in my case means putting the speaker closer to the mic and standing in different places to not overblow the mic. I think at one point you can hear our cat, Fuzznut, on background vocals. I guess I need to add to my timewaster list.
(plus the transvestite picture for Jeff's amusement)
Anyway, this is the result of my first outing at Singsnap. I had to do some futzing with my technical settings, which in my case means putting the speaker closer to the mic and standing in different places to not overblow the mic. I think at one point you can hear our cat, Fuzznut, on background vocals. I guess I need to add to my timewaster list.
(plus the transvestite picture for Jeff's amusement)
21 May 2008
This is weird...
So I've mentioned before that we have a MAME. It looks something like this:
Imagine cords and a keyboard coming out of the coin slots on the front of the machine (Thing #4 refers to this as the "Big Bachine") Imagine typing on this keyboard while manipulating the various trackballs, fire buttons and joysticks to navigate the internet. This is what happens when my kids hog my computer... I suppose it IS their turn, after all, but still...
***
I hd a lovely little allegory last week when I was too frenzied to type about it. iPastor and I were bringing dogs in out of the rain. He brought in Tiger, and unleashed him and his furry, mud-encrusted paws while he went back for another dog. Needless to say, I had big, muddy pawprints all over my floor. He wandered all through the downstairs before heading to the mudroom for food and his bed. Had iPastor left the leash on, he would have guided Tiger right to the same spot, much quicker and with less collateral damage. How much like that are we? Humans have a guide, or "leash" if you will, in the Bible and it's commandments. When we stick to them, things go much better for us. When we "free" ourselves from that yoke, we make a big mess of things lalong the way home. Often, we wind up back at a save haven, but not before we've muddied our path quite a bit. Just a little something for y'all to chew on. (Don't worry, I'm not after JD's pulpit...)
***
Decided exactly what I wanted to wear for the interview tomorrow, then tried t on (Thankfully!) to discover it looked like crap because it doesn't fit right. So off to the Evil*Empire I went, where nothing they had fit, either. Did find something I liked in the wrong size. So it goes... Managed to scrape together an outfit; got it in the wash ready to press and go first thing in the morning. This interview is 37 miles away, which is relatively close when talking rural school districts. Better get my loose ends tied up before morning. Nite!
Imagine cords and a keyboard coming out of the coin slots on the front of the machine (Thing #4 refers to this as the "Big Bachine") Imagine typing on this keyboard while manipulating the various trackballs, fire buttons and joysticks to navigate the internet. This is what happens when my kids hog my computer... I suppose it IS their turn, after all, but still...
***
I hd a lovely little allegory last week when I was too frenzied to type about it. iPastor and I were bringing dogs in out of the rain. He brought in Tiger, and unleashed him and his furry, mud-encrusted paws while he went back for another dog. Needless to say, I had big, muddy pawprints all over my floor. He wandered all through the downstairs before heading to the mudroom for food and his bed. Had iPastor left the leash on, he would have guided Tiger right to the same spot, much quicker and with less collateral damage. How much like that are we? Humans have a guide, or "leash" if you will, in the Bible and it's commandments. When we stick to them, things go much better for us. When we "free" ourselves from that yoke, we make a big mess of things lalong the way home. Often, we wind up back at a save haven, but not before we've muddied our path quite a bit. Just a little something for y'all to chew on. (Don't worry, I'm not after JD's pulpit...)
***
Decided exactly what I wanted to wear for the interview tomorrow, then tried t on (Thankfully!) to discover it looked like crap because it doesn't fit right. So off to the Evil*Empire I went, where nothing they had fit, either. Did find something I liked in the wrong size. So it goes... Managed to scrape together an outfit; got it in the wash ready to press and go first thing in the morning. This interview is 37 miles away, which is relatively close when talking rural school districts. Better get my loose ends tied up before morning. Nite!
09 May 2008
Craziness comes in assorted flavors
So, the classroom work is done. Now time for the paperwork. Also, while I was out turning in finals, I got a call for an interview. Cool.
iPastor has been holding down the homefront. We survived prom. We've done several with exchange students. Hopefully a couple years until my own need to go, unless they start dating upperclassmen. Thing 1 already has her prom dress picked out. She needs to save her pennies, though, because it's this:
The kid has taste, now she needs a date who'll wear a kilt well.
Off to catch up on the neglected stuff around here.
iPastor has been holding down the homefront. We survived prom. We've done several with exchange students. Hopefully a couple years until my own need to go, unless they start dating upperclassmen. Thing 1 already has her prom dress picked out. She needs to save her pennies, though, because it's this:
The kid has taste, now she needs a date who'll wear a kilt well.
Off to catch up on the neglected stuff around here.
28 April 2008
Hell week
It's finals time. AAAAUUUUUUUGHHH!
One week of class left. Four classes to wrap. One assignment, one quiz, three small papers, one medium paper, various deadlines, eight shifts at various jobs, a couple shifts with MIL and peripherally monitoring the household (iPastor is taking the bulk of that for now, Thank God!) until Tuesday, May 6 at 8pm when the last two papers are due. Yikes. I hardly have time to be doing this, but sanity must also be prioritized! ;) Off to crank out the paper and project due tomorrow.
One week of class left. Four classes to wrap. One assignment, one quiz, three small papers, one medium paper, various deadlines, eight shifts at various jobs, a couple shifts with MIL and peripherally monitoring the household (iPastor is taking the bulk of that for now, Thank God!) until Tuesday, May 6 at 8pm when the last two papers are due. Yikes. I hardly have time to be doing this, but sanity must also be prioritized! ;) Off to crank out the paper and project due tomorrow.
27 March 2008
The narcissistic post
So, Groovy Mom and the Flip Flop Queen have been posting swell karaoke video. I posted some crappy video last year. I dig the app Groovy Mom uses, but my poor ol' Mac just isn't up to it. So, I poked around until I found something I thought would support the files I have. These are from a demo I did for a contest that required a demo (go figure...) Somewhere around here I have a live song from a Christmas concert I did, that I really like, but I need to go digging to find it. Argh. Anyway, let's see if this has been worth the time I wasted invested in it...
26 March 2008
Hey, Mr. Peabody...
Guess the reference and win...I dunno, something I dig out of the basement storeroom.
For those who can pin down the reference, you will have prior knowledge of a device called the wayback machine. On the internet, the Wayback Machine does indeed exist to archive web content. I have bemoaned the lost website here on occasion, from the stupid domain host that dropped us like a hot potato out of the blue one day for "too much traffic." I think that may still be lost to the ether, but iPastor was playing around the other day and remembered the wayback machine, and pulled up some archived versions of the Firestorm site. Back then, the ol' bloggaroo was tagged on the back of that site. Here are some treats for your viewing pleasure. Count the Things for an idea of how old these tidbits are. Some of the pictures load, some do not, I don't know why, because they would have all been hosted the same. Oh well.
This was a fun little trip.
So was this.
And finally, some ranting, complete with potty mouth.
Go visit and dig around archive.org a bit. Almost as much fun as googling yourself, and doesn't sound as dirty...
For those who can pin down the reference, you will have prior knowledge of a device called the wayback machine. On the internet, the Wayback Machine does indeed exist to archive web content. I have bemoaned the lost website here on occasion, from the stupid domain host that dropped us like a hot potato out of the blue one day for "too much traffic." I think that may still be lost to the ether, but iPastor was playing around the other day and remembered the wayback machine, and pulled up some archived versions of the Firestorm site. Back then, the ol' bloggaroo was tagged on the back of that site. Here are some treats for your viewing pleasure. Count the Things for an idea of how old these tidbits are. Some of the pictures load, some do not, I don't know why, because they would have all been hosted the same. Oh well.
This was a fun little trip.
So was this.
And finally, some ranting, complete with potty mouth.
Go visit and dig around archive.org a bit. Almost as much fun as googling yourself, and doesn't sound as dirty...
28 February 2008
It's snowing!
I like snow when it's like this. As far as I know there are no weather advisories. A quiet, steady white fluffy accumulation has fallen so far. I just heard the first plow of the day go out and it's been coming down all morning, so it can't be piling up too fast. It cleans things up and lessens the gloom. It's definitely a white day, not a gray one. We haven't had a lot of snow in our neighborhood this year, so if we don't get more soon it will be an awfully dry spring. I just hope it keeps coming like this.
***
I have a confession to make. I like school. I am awfully tired of the commute, and the drain on the pocketbook, however, I like to be at school. I like to read books, find the merit or fault in them, pick them apart and read between the lines. I like to find hidden meanings as well as to conclude that the cigar is just a cigar. I like to examine ideas and talk or write about them. I like hanging around other people doing the same thing. iPastor and I can do this, but it out here in the real world there isn't enough time. We get too busy paying bills and trying to schedule the lives of 7 individuals. If this material wasn't required to complete the requirements of a teaching degree, I wouldn't have made the time for it either. I'd be using that time making money somewhere instead. Somewhere where people blink if I use a word like "conspiratorial." Sad. It's also one reason I get so frustrated with this blog. I think I have something to say. I think I can be witty and entertaining, and sometimes insightful. But after grinding out four pages of feminist theory found in Pride and Prejudice, then waiting tables for six hours, the well is dry when it comes time to haul the bucket up for you, dear interweb. Sorry you come out on the short end of the stick.
With that, dear friends, I am off to do some housework and make like a good mommy. Ta.
***
I have a confession to make. I like school. I am awfully tired of the commute, and the drain on the pocketbook, however, I like to be at school. I like to read books, find the merit or fault in them, pick them apart and read between the lines. I like to find hidden meanings as well as to conclude that the cigar is just a cigar. I like to examine ideas and talk or write about them. I like hanging around other people doing the same thing. iPastor and I can do this, but it out here in the real world there isn't enough time. We get too busy paying bills and trying to schedule the lives of 7 individuals. If this material wasn't required to complete the requirements of a teaching degree, I wouldn't have made the time for it either. I'd be using that time making money somewhere instead. Somewhere where people blink if I use a word like "conspiratorial." Sad. It's also one reason I get so frustrated with this blog. I think I have something to say. I think I can be witty and entertaining, and sometimes insightful. But after grinding out four pages of feminist theory found in Pride and Prejudice, then waiting tables for six hours, the well is dry when it comes time to haul the bucket up for you, dear interweb. Sorry you come out on the short end of the stick.
With that, dear friends, I am off to do some housework and make like a good mommy. Ta.
14 February 2008
The Valentine Post
For those who missed the comments on my Caucus post, let me clarify that iPastor did, in fact, squeal like a schoolgirl, but he did it for effect. I wish everyone would take such an active interest in the political process, instead of just complaining about it.
***
So it's Valentines Day. I got a Valentine from iPastor earlier in the week. He and Thing 1 were reporting back on their excursion to the Evil*Empire Stupid Center. "I got a Valentine for you!" he said as he scurried off to get it. He returned with both hands behind his back and presented with flourish, a large jug of Heinz 57 steak sauce. I fear he read my expression of bewilderment as disappointment, but I must give him all credit where it is due. On an earlier excursion to the store, we had done some comparison shopping and though we did not bring home said jug of steak sauce, I mentioned that it was a really good buy. He bought it, thinking I wanted it (Thing 1 testified to his enthusiasm in the store: "Mom is gonna love this!"), because (listen up here, guys, and rejoice women everywhere) he paid attention to something I said! That I really wasn't all that interested in steak sauce pales in comparison to the fact that he tuned into something in which I showed an interest. I don't mean to make it sound as if it is such a rare occurrence around here, but little things like this help buoy a gal up when the world weighs her down.
Here's the valentine I sent him. I likes it.
moar humorous pics
Off tonite to wait on Valentines diners. Better to make money than spend it!
Happy hearts to all of you.
***
So it's Valentines Day. I got a Valentine from iPastor earlier in the week. He and Thing 1 were reporting back on their excursion to the Evil*Empire Stupid Center. "I got a Valentine for you!" he said as he scurried off to get it. He returned with both hands behind his back and presented with flourish, a large jug of Heinz 57 steak sauce. I fear he read my expression of bewilderment as disappointment, but I must give him all credit where it is due. On an earlier excursion to the store, we had done some comparison shopping and though we did not bring home said jug of steak sauce, I mentioned that it was a really good buy. He bought it, thinking I wanted it (Thing 1 testified to his enthusiasm in the store: "Mom is gonna love this!"), because (listen up here, guys, and rejoice women everywhere) he paid attention to something I said! That I really wasn't all that interested in steak sauce pales in comparison to the fact that he tuned into something in which I showed an interest. I don't mean to make it sound as if it is such a rare occurrence around here, but little things like this help buoy a gal up when the world weighs her down.
Here's the valentine I sent him. I likes it.
moar humorous pics
Off tonite to wait on Valentines diners. Better to make money than spend it!
Happy hearts to all of you.
23 January 2008
Where's my worm?
Methinks my body may be reverting to the early bird schedule. Not such a bad thing, once I get used to popping awake at 4:30 am. The butt crack of dawn, indeed.
Yesterday I rolled out about 5:45, all prepared to hit the road by 6:15. Strategic before-bed planning is imperative, as I can stumble into my clothes and have coffee before my body even realizes it is upright. The effort was well-rewarded yesterday, though, as I drove out into a crystal clear pre-dawn, with a startlingly blue full moon reflecting on new snowfall. We didn't get much here, just enough to dust everything and clean it up. My fellow commuters from the south fared less well; I heard tales of commutes the same distance as mine that took two hours. The Metro news reported lots of accidents as well. Come spring we'll miss the moisture, but I haven't missed the ditch (or rather, I have consistently missed the ditch. You decide.)
I hadn't planned on waking so early this morning, but my brain dictated otherwise, and the beagle reinforced it with an early morning visit for some long-overdue attention. I was up and had the dishes done (that I wasn't here to use, how does that work?) and the laundry running before I roused the kids from their beds a few minutes early out of sheer spite. No-one missed the bus today, and the mood was definitely improved. May have to try that again tomorrow. I've even kept the laundry going while I did my online homework and checked the mail. Now I am having a little goof-off time before I get ready for work. The kids have an early out today, and no-one has work or practice. I foresee a pleasant evening at home. I'll let you know when the other boot drops.
Yesterday I rolled out about 5:45, all prepared to hit the road by 6:15. Strategic before-bed planning is imperative, as I can stumble into my clothes and have coffee before my body even realizes it is upright. The effort was well-rewarded yesterday, though, as I drove out into a crystal clear pre-dawn, with a startlingly blue full moon reflecting on new snowfall. We didn't get much here, just enough to dust everything and clean it up. My fellow commuters from the south fared less well; I heard tales of commutes the same distance as mine that took two hours. The Metro news reported lots of accidents as well. Come spring we'll miss the moisture, but I haven't missed the ditch (or rather, I have consistently missed the ditch. You decide.)
I hadn't planned on waking so early this morning, but my brain dictated otherwise, and the beagle reinforced it with an early morning visit for some long-overdue attention. I was up and had the dishes done (that I wasn't here to use, how does that work?) and the laundry running before I roused the kids from their beds a few minutes early out of sheer spite. No-one missed the bus today, and the mood was definitely improved. May have to try that again tomorrow. I've even kept the laundry going while I did my online homework and checked the mail. Now I am having a little goof-off time before I get ready for work. The kids have an early out today, and no-one has work or practice. I foresee a pleasant evening at home. I'll let you know when the other boot drops.
18 August 2007
Our new little bundle of joy...
I love exchange students. They come already potty trained and with their own spending money. We fetched Alex from the airport Wednesday nite, and headed for a day at Maul of America and the Park formerly known as Camp Snoopy. For your info, the past couple times we have laid down hard-earned money to go to the park, we have done a birthday package. The price is better, and the 5 hour time limit on the wristband is plenty if you plan for a good day. Middle of the week meant short lines. You also get some free game tokens and a cupcake. They were pronounced good, although apparently loaded with food coloring.
Hey! Scroll Wayyyyyy down and sign my guestbook. I saw that widget at Holtieshouse and had to go get my own!
Hey! Scroll Wayyyyyy down and sign my guestbook. I saw that widget at Holtieshouse and had to go get my own!
18 April 2007
Chirp Chirp
The snow melted, and the temps have been decidedly more spring-like, so I've been spending a fair amount of time outside and not at the computer. Today is a pretty day, but the breeze makes it a bit too cool for a weenie like me to want to spend any real time out there, so I'm back to grace you all with my presence.
Yesterday was Thing 3's spring concert for school. They gave a little program about a bullfrog who bullied all the animals in the swamp. When they needed someone to sing for the swamp concert, they asked the bully-frog because they heard him sing in the shower, then he was friendly. Moral: if you want the lead in the show, bully everyone until you get it. Seems to work in real life...
I have been working since Easter with no full days off. I will work until April 27, when I go to women's retreat. I'll need it. Dang those bills, anyway.
I should now go feed the Things. You all have a delightful day!
Yesterday was Thing 3's spring concert for school. They gave a little program about a bullfrog who bullied all the animals in the swamp. When they needed someone to sing for the swamp concert, they asked the bully-frog because they heard him sing in the shower, then he was friendly. Moral: if you want the lead in the show, bully everyone until you get it. Seems to work in real life...
I have been working since Easter with no full days off. I will work until April 27, when I go to women's retreat. I'll need it. Dang those bills, anyway.
I should now go feed the Things. You all have a delightful day!
01 April 2007
Whirlwind
iPastor and I both worked 'til the wee hours Friday nite/Saturday morning, then hauled our collective butts out of bed and into the vangina (it is pear-shaped and carries my kids, non?) and headed off to the big Cities. We took the south route in, opened the door and dumped our kids off on the flyby with friends in Savage; then we hustled up to the Capitol for Tartan Day ceremonies. Any excuse to hang out in a room full of kilted men is OK by me.
Yummy.
I was about to riff on how its hard for any guy to make a kilt look bad. Then I found this site. Sorry. I still assert that when they're worn CORRECTLY, a kilt can look good on a man of any size, shape or age.
Due to moving inside the rotunda, the ceremony was shortened by at least half, so we were back on the road to Savage within the hour. We somehow managed to find gridlock on a Saturday, and made a twenty minute (on a normal Saturday) trip in 45. We fed the kids and let them loose upon each other. Our hosts had been invited to the Buffalo Tap to celebrate a friend's new job, so we headed out for really good food (try it if you get near the south 'burbs--ask for JoAnn) and shenanigans. Karaoke was sung (on a bit of a rinkydink system, and the KJ needs a few lessons in running a pro show) cards were played, and the proverbial good time was had by all. We loaded up the kids and headed home, arriving at 4am to discover the dog-walker had fed the dogs about three times what they normally get in a day and their room looked and smelled like a cattle yard. Gonna have to come up with a plan "c" for dog maintenance when we're away.
Rolled back out of bed in time for church, Palm Sunday brunch and Easter egg hunting in the snow. Yes folks, it is Minnesota and if you don't like the weather it will change in five minutes.
Now that the festivities are over, I think will grab a Sunday nap, then go buy groceries for the week.
Yummy. I was about to riff on how its hard for any guy to make a kilt look bad. Then I found this site. Sorry. I still assert that when they're worn CORRECTLY, a kilt can look good on a man of any size, shape or age.
Due to moving inside the rotunda, the ceremony was shortened by at least half, so we were back on the road to Savage within the hour. We somehow managed to find gridlock on a Saturday, and made a twenty minute (on a normal Saturday) trip in 45. We fed the kids and let them loose upon each other. Our hosts had been invited to the Buffalo Tap to celebrate a friend's new job, so we headed out for really good food (try it if you get near the south 'burbs--ask for JoAnn) and shenanigans. Karaoke was sung (on a bit of a rinkydink system, and the KJ needs a few lessons in running a pro show) cards were played, and the proverbial good time was had by all. We loaded up the kids and headed home, arriving at 4am to discover the dog-walker had fed the dogs about three times what they normally get in a day and their room looked and smelled like a cattle yard. Gonna have to come up with a plan "c" for dog maintenance when we're away.
Rolled back out of bed in time for church, Palm Sunday brunch and Easter egg hunting in the snow. Yes folks, it is Minnesota and if you don't like the weather it will change in five minutes.
Now that the festivities are over, I think will grab a Sunday nap, then go buy groceries for the week.
20 January 2007
Certifiable
Proving once and for all that I should be institutionalized, I checked my family and a few extras into the local Country Inn and Suites for Thing 3's requested ninth birthday party. The calling card there was the pool, and it really didn't cost me much more than when I pack a herd of kids off to the bowling alley or skating rink for birthday mayhem. By and large, all kids were well-behaved, they just outnumbered me. They did run the complimentary hotel cookie jar completely dry in a matter of minutes, and I found out by the multitude of extra pillows that they had been sneaking off to the front desk one by one to get them. I think we had nine pillows in the room when we were done.
Now that we are safely home, I have been cleaning out the mud room/dog kennel, and biding my time until a quick trip to Granite Falls to meet my Ma and pick up some meat she and dad have been getting way cheap. It's always a hit to the grocery bill at once, but 40 pounds of pork loin goes a long way, even for a family of 6. And it's yummy! After I get back, I'll fetch Thing 4 and friends from the church program (got well-rounded kids, they attend several local church kid's programs. This one an all-day, once a month, one every Wednesay evening, and our Sunday program) they went to, and come home to fix dinner and maybe catch a quick nap before work. Gotta cram a Sunday School lesson in there, too. Dang. Better get at it. I'll chitter away at you folks some other time.
Now that we are safely home, I have been cleaning out the mud room/dog kennel, and biding my time until a quick trip to Granite Falls to meet my Ma and pick up some meat she and dad have been getting way cheap. It's always a hit to the grocery bill at once, but 40 pounds of pork loin goes a long way, even for a family of 6. And it's yummy! After I get back, I'll fetch Thing 4 and friends from the church program (got well-rounded kids, they attend several local church kid's programs. This one an all-day, once a month, one every Wednesay evening, and our Sunday program) they went to, and come home to fix dinner and maybe catch a quick nap before work. Gotta cram a Sunday School lesson in there, too. Dang. Better get at it. I'll chitter away at you folks some other time.
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