Stella might inspire a small tweak to that song...
When Stella got out of bed yesterday morning, the first thing she noticed was a microscopic ladybug in her carpet near her toys. "Mama! Ladybug!" I bent down to look and it was a DEAD ladybug...but I didn't say anything.
I went into the kitchen to fix her breakfast and here she comes with her ladybug. "Look Mama! My new friend!" and she took him into Dada who promptly said "It's dead!" and tried to take it away but she pitched a fit so he gave it back to her.
She ate breakfast and the ladybug had to sit on the end table and watch her eat. And then they played in her room for a bit.
Later, I was facebooking (yes, it's a verb) and she came running in...
"Mama! I ate my new friend!"
Huh? What did you say?
"Stella, where is your new friend?"
And she opened her mouth and pointed inside.
Nice!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry X-"mas"
I think Toby is sick, so that would totally keep up the tradition of sickness at holiday time!
He has been in bed all day in hopes that by 5pm, he would be ok to go to his Mom's house for our "Christmas" over there. We have a full day tomorrow, of course, but not nearly as full as years previous. My Dad's Mom (Nanny) has decided to move her Christmas Night tradition to the Sunday after Christmas and PRAISE THE LORD I am so happy about that!! I love that celebration and now I won't feel rushed or utterly exhausted for it.
Stella and I went to the MALL today!! Yes, I am a crazy nut. Actually, it was not crowded at all. I wanted to get us out of the house so Toby could rest and we wouldn't have to tip toe around all day. I thought it would be fun to bundle up and stroll Short Pump Mall with a Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider. It was actually very nice!
And on the way home, I saw a sign outside of a gas station at the corner of Broad and Parham that said:
Merry X-"mas"
Could someone enlighten me to placement of those quotes? lol
Yesterday was my last day of work until next Friday. I think next week will become Potty Training Bootcamp. I'm not going to force anything on her, but I think we'll do the "let her run around with nothing on all day" thing and see what happens. I'm really not looking forward to this milestone. For some reason, I feel like this one is going to be difficult. But that's how I felt about switching from formula to milk...and that was a breeze. Dear LORD let this one be too.
In other news!! Toby was officially laid off last week. He has been doing some side work to fill in some of the gap. When I have more time, I will write about the specific events of the past few weeks... It's alot - but it's also inspiring in an odd way. I guess in times of stress and struggle, you sometimes find peace. My job is also still hellacious but will end soon. I just don't know WHEN. Sooner than later, I hope. I have so many things I want to start doing...and I feel like I can't start them until I close THAT chapter in my book of life. Simple things like purge and clean the office and shed, organize all paperwork in the house, rearrange all shelving and cabinets to utilitize the storage options better, and even start taking better care of myself - physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have been so bogged down with this all-encompassing work thing that I have been unable to really focus on anything else - and my eating and activity is at the BOTTOM of the list. Actually, it's on like page 657.
I also have an AMAZING reason to get started on the weight loss again!! No, it does not directly involve me....but it's some wonderful news I got the other night. And I'll update you on that next time. I want to make sure I don't spill any beans before their time. :)
Merry Christmas, Everyone! Enjoy your family and friends. And the cookies.
Can't forget the cookies.
He has been in bed all day in hopes that by 5pm, he would be ok to go to his Mom's house for our "Christmas" over there. We have a full day tomorrow, of course, but not nearly as full as years previous. My Dad's Mom (Nanny) has decided to move her Christmas Night tradition to the Sunday after Christmas and PRAISE THE LORD I am so happy about that!! I love that celebration and now I won't feel rushed or utterly exhausted for it.
Stella and I went to the MALL today!! Yes, I am a crazy nut. Actually, it was not crowded at all. I wanted to get us out of the house so Toby could rest and we wouldn't have to tip toe around all day. I thought it would be fun to bundle up and stroll Short Pump Mall with a Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider. It was actually very nice!
And on the way home, I saw a sign outside of a gas station at the corner of Broad and Parham that said:
Merry X-"mas"
Could someone enlighten me to placement of those quotes? lol
Yesterday was my last day of work until next Friday. I think next week will become Potty Training Bootcamp. I'm not going to force anything on her, but I think we'll do the "let her run around with nothing on all day" thing and see what happens. I'm really not looking forward to this milestone. For some reason, I feel like this one is going to be difficult. But that's how I felt about switching from formula to milk...and that was a breeze. Dear LORD let this one be too.
In other news!! Toby was officially laid off last week. He has been doing some side work to fill in some of the gap. When I have more time, I will write about the specific events of the past few weeks... It's alot - but it's also inspiring in an odd way. I guess in times of stress and struggle, you sometimes find peace. My job is also still hellacious but will end soon. I just don't know WHEN. Sooner than later, I hope. I have so many things I want to start doing...and I feel like I can't start them until I close THAT chapter in my book of life. Simple things like purge and clean the office and shed, organize all paperwork in the house, rearrange all shelving and cabinets to utilitize the storage options better, and even start taking better care of myself - physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have been so bogged down with this all-encompassing work thing that I have been unable to really focus on anything else - and my eating and activity is at the BOTTOM of the list. Actually, it's on like page 657.
I also have an AMAZING reason to get started on the weight loss again!! No, it does not directly involve me....but it's some wonderful news I got the other night. And I'll update you on that next time. I want to make sure I don't spill any beans before their time. :)
Merry Christmas, Everyone! Enjoy your family and friends. And the cookies.
Can't forget the cookies.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas 2008 from Uncle Donnie
Another amazing gift from my friend, Donnie.
My Dearest Stella - Enclosed, a little holiday gift to let you know that I am thinking of you!! One of my favorite books to add to your library and to inspire your travels, and a second, very grown-up present, to help keep track of your library -
Happy holidays to you are your dear parents.
All my love,
Uncle Donnie
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Enclosed was a book called "Pamela's First Musical" and a set of personalized bookplates. Donnie is so damn fancy! Always has been. :)
And of course, Stella's favorite part was the ribbon that she made into a necklace and bracelet.
Thank you, Uncle Donnie. We love you very much and hope to see you soon!!!
My Dearest Stella - Enclosed, a little holiday gift to let you know that I am thinking of you!! One of my favorite books to add to your library and to inspire your travels, and a second, very grown-up present, to help keep track of your library -
Happy holidays to you are your dear parents.
All my love,
Uncle Donnie
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Enclosed was a book called "Pamela's First Musical" and a set of personalized bookplates. Donnie is so damn fancy! Always has been. :)
And of course, Stella's favorite part was the ribbon that she made into a necklace and bracelet.
Thank you, Uncle Donnie. We love you very much and hope to see you soon!!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Ya'll.
I don't even know where to start.
In the immortal words of Motion City Soundtrack:
"This shit storm's never ending and the atmospheric pressure's calling for rain..."
Let's do a numerical list, shall we?
1. Stella and I are watching Lazy Town which is the creepiest kids show ever, but she all of a sudden is obsessed with it. And the sunlight is coming into the front window DIRECTLY into my right eyeball. Of course.
2. I think I am almost done Christmas Shopping as I have just been buying things for a few months and throwing them into a big pile. Maybe it's time I take inventory?
3. I am just not in the holiday mood.
4. I really really really want to go into detail about my work life because I really have no hesitation at hurting someone's feelings as he has hurt mine about a gazillion times (a day!)...but I won't disclose any info to the internet world and I will be the bigger person. But it's hard.
5. The GOOD news about my work life is that I will not have to endure it for much longer. As with every other company on the planet, mine is experiencing downsizing. Before the involuntary cuts, they offered an "opt out" program for those who just wanted to just go. And I took it! It's a nice severance package that will cover me for quite a few months and I'll have time to find a new job that doesn't make me cry every.single.day.
6. Toby's job is non-existent. Almost. He worked one day this week so that's going to be a really nice paycheck next friday. That might pay his nextel bill. His company called him yesterday and said "You can be laid off if you want." He decided NOT to take them up on that offer. So he is still employed and we applied for partial unemployment benefits...and he is filling in the holes with side-work. If the work picks up, he'll be the first one that his company calls, and he'll get his 2 weeks vacation that he deserves next year. He has been hitting the pavement looking for a new full-time job and NO ONE is hiring. I bet he went to 30 electrical companies last week when he was off. Most were closing their doors and going bankrupt.
7. This economy is scaring the hell out of me.
8. But I have never been so sure of something in my life that we are going to be ok. I KNOW it. It's almost scary how CALM I am with all of this. If we have to declare bankruptcy, then we do. We aren't alone. It's through no fault of our own that we can 't pay bills. It's not like we ran around buying cars and jewelry and went into huge debt. We are in huge debt...but it's certainly not because we went on shopping sprees. That would have been a hell of a lot more fun.
9. And because we are so rich at the moment, the freezer decided to stop working and all of my frozen foods are mush. I quickly cooked all of the 1/2 frozen chicken and the steam and mash potatoes (for dinner tonight) the rest went into the garbage because they were really mushy.
10. Don't EVER buy a frigidaire appliance. EVER. Our last fridge at the old house was that brand as well and it did the same thing several times. We had to keep getting it fixed. The first time it did this was on our wedding day when Toby got up and walked into the kitchen and splashed into 2 inches of water.
**** The time between #10 and #11 has been about 6 hours. The reason for the lapse is that my Dad came over to look at the freezer and realized the WHOLE fridge is dead so we had to bring the dorm fridge in from the garage and fill it with what could fit (which is basically a hot dog) and then take the rest of the stuff next door to Mom and Dad's fridge in the apartment.... and then I just left the house and went to BJ's with Mom to get out of here. Hey, I THINK I finished my christmas shopping.
11. Toby and I are going to Home Depot in a minute to get a new.... go ahead! Guess!
12. The Jerk is on TV right now and is at my favorite part where Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters sing that duet (complete with harmony) at the campfire and she breaks out the trumpet...
13. It was a good thing (?) that Toby did not have to work this week because Mom had the stomach flu until Thursday! I worked from home on Monday (making my boss really really happy - NOT) and then Toby had her until Friday when he started a side job.
14. This side job is for my Mom's friend's son who flips houses... And just in the past 2 days, Toby has gotten several more jobs from him AND met and befriended his General Contractor who has another LOAD of jobs for Toby...and they both told him they he needs to go get his contractor's license and a business license and they would employ him only on their jobs.... lots more to this but I won't bore you...BUT, isn't it AMAZING how everything happens for a reason? I just KNOW this is all going to work out for the best. (See #8.)
15. I figured out a way to make my own Chai Tea Apple Cider so I don't have to spend $10 for a grande at Starbucks. Now I just need the caramel syrup and sauce.
16. Stella got her hair cut today at a really cute place called Pigtails and Crew Cuts and she sat in a police car while they cut her hair. Hope that's the ONLY time she sits in a police car.
17. "I'm picking out a thermos for you!" (The Jerk is still on....)
18. Tomorrow is a FULL day with the Santa Tea at noon. This Santa Tea is a replica of the old "Miller and Rhodes Christmas." M&R was a huge department store in downtown Richmond that has long since closed it's doors. This is where my parents used to take me and Matt to see the REAL Santa when we were little. A small boutique shop around the corner from our house, called Feathernesters, has revived the old M&R Christmas with this Santa Tea and the REAL Santa is there. He is about 165 years old now...but he's the same one that I used to see. And the original Snow Queen...and they have Rudolph Cake...and Santa does the same speech and drinks his milk the same... It's one of those "Richmond" things..... Anyway, we're looking very forward to this. (Oh, click the link to Feathernester's and tell me if you think my family deserves royalities? LOL We (mostly Stella) are on the opening page and the scrapbook page!)
19. Tomorrow night we are having dinner with Toby's mom, her boyfriend, Toby's sister Kim, her daughter Kendall. After dinner we are going to the Lewis Ginter Festival of Lights. I think Stella and Toby (the electrician) will get a kick out of all the lights.
20. I think 20 is a good number to stop on although I could bend you ear about all kinds of stuff for 20 more... I'll update again soon. Sooner than I did last time.
In the immortal words of Motion City Soundtrack:
"This shit storm's never ending and the atmospheric pressure's calling for rain..."
Let's do a numerical list, shall we?
1. Stella and I are watching Lazy Town which is the creepiest kids show ever, but she all of a sudden is obsessed with it. And the sunlight is coming into the front window DIRECTLY into my right eyeball. Of course.
2. I think I am almost done Christmas Shopping as I have just been buying things for a few months and throwing them into a big pile. Maybe it's time I take inventory?
3. I am just not in the holiday mood.
4. I really really really want to go into detail about my work life because I really have no hesitation at hurting someone's feelings as he has hurt mine about a gazillion times (a day!)...but I won't disclose any info to the internet world and I will be the bigger person. But it's hard.
5. The GOOD news about my work life is that I will not have to endure it for much longer. As with every other company on the planet, mine is experiencing downsizing. Before the involuntary cuts, they offered an "opt out" program for those who just wanted to just go. And I took it! It's a nice severance package that will cover me for quite a few months and I'll have time to find a new job that doesn't make me cry every.single.day.
6. Toby's job is non-existent. Almost. He worked one day this week so that's going to be a really nice paycheck next friday. That might pay his nextel bill. His company called him yesterday and said "You can be laid off if you want." He decided NOT to take them up on that offer. So he is still employed and we applied for partial unemployment benefits...and he is filling in the holes with side-work. If the work picks up, he'll be the first one that his company calls, and he'll get his 2 weeks vacation that he deserves next year. He has been hitting the pavement looking for a new full-time job and NO ONE is hiring. I bet he went to 30 electrical companies last week when he was off. Most were closing their doors and going bankrupt.
7. This economy is scaring the hell out of me.
8. But I have never been so sure of something in my life that we are going to be ok. I KNOW it. It's almost scary how CALM I am with all of this. If we have to declare bankruptcy, then we do. We aren't alone. It's through no fault of our own that we can 't pay bills. It's not like we ran around buying cars and jewelry and went into huge debt. We are in huge debt...but it's certainly not because we went on shopping sprees. That would have been a hell of a lot more fun.
9. And because we are so rich at the moment, the freezer decided to stop working and all of my frozen foods are mush. I quickly cooked all of the 1/2 frozen chicken and the steam and mash potatoes (for dinner tonight) the rest went into the garbage because they were really mushy.
10. Don't EVER buy a frigidaire appliance. EVER. Our last fridge at the old house was that brand as well and it did the same thing several times. We had to keep getting it fixed. The first time it did this was on our wedding day when Toby got up and walked into the kitchen and splashed into 2 inches of water.
**** The time between #10 and #11 has been about 6 hours. The reason for the lapse is that my Dad came over to look at the freezer and realized the WHOLE fridge is dead so we had to bring the dorm fridge in from the garage and fill it with what could fit (which is basically a hot dog) and then take the rest of the stuff next door to Mom and Dad's fridge in the apartment.... and then I just left the house and went to BJ's with Mom to get out of here. Hey, I THINK I finished my christmas shopping.
11. Toby and I are going to Home Depot in a minute to get a new.... go ahead! Guess!
12. The Jerk is on TV right now and is at my favorite part where Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters sing that duet (complete with harmony) at the campfire and she breaks out the trumpet...
13. It was a good thing (?) that Toby did not have to work this week because Mom had the stomach flu until Thursday! I worked from home on Monday (making my boss really really happy - NOT) and then Toby had her until Friday when he started a side job.
14. This side job is for my Mom's friend's son who flips houses... And just in the past 2 days, Toby has gotten several more jobs from him AND met and befriended his General Contractor who has another LOAD of jobs for Toby...and they both told him they he needs to go get his contractor's license and a business license and they would employ him only on their jobs.... lots more to this but I won't bore you...BUT, isn't it AMAZING how everything happens for a reason? I just KNOW this is all going to work out for the best. (See #8.)
15. I figured out a way to make my own Chai Tea Apple Cider so I don't have to spend $10 for a grande at Starbucks. Now I just need the caramel syrup and sauce.
16. Stella got her hair cut today at a really cute place called Pigtails and Crew Cuts and she sat in a police car while they cut her hair. Hope that's the ONLY time she sits in a police car.
17. "I'm picking out a thermos for you!" (The Jerk is still on....)
18. Tomorrow is a FULL day with the Santa Tea at noon. This Santa Tea is a replica of the old "Miller and Rhodes Christmas." M&R was a huge department store in downtown Richmond that has long since closed it's doors. This is where my parents used to take me and Matt to see the REAL Santa when we were little. A small boutique shop around the corner from our house, called Feathernesters, has revived the old M&R Christmas with this Santa Tea and the REAL Santa is there. He is about 165 years old now...but he's the same one that I used to see. And the original Snow Queen...and they have Rudolph Cake...and Santa does the same speech and drinks his milk the same... It's one of those "Richmond" things..... Anyway, we're looking very forward to this. (Oh, click the link to Feathernester's and tell me if you think my family deserves royalities? LOL We (mostly Stella) are on the opening page and the scrapbook page!)
19. Tomorrow night we are having dinner with Toby's mom, her boyfriend, Toby's sister Kim, her daughter Kendall. After dinner we are going to the Lewis Ginter Festival of Lights. I think Stella and Toby (the electrician) will get a kick out of all the lights.
20. I think 20 is a good number to stop on although I could bend you ear about all kinds of stuff for 20 more... I'll update again soon. Sooner than I did last time.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Tagged
Melanie tagged me.
I have been tagged to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder in My Pictures...
I haven't even looked at it yet.... let's see...
HOW APPROPRIATE! It's the "Welcome to Banner Elk" sign from my Buzzfest 2008 file.
I am (not so) fondly remembering the smell in my car as I snapped this shot. It was about 15 minutes after Stella spewed all over herself and in each and every crevice of her car seat.
What an awesome weekend. :)
P.S. I tag LESLIE!!
I have been tagged to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder in My Pictures...
I haven't even looked at it yet.... let's see...
HOW APPROPRIATE! It's the "Welcome to Banner Elk" sign from my Buzzfest 2008 file.
I am (not so) fondly remembering the smell in my car as I snapped this shot. It was about 15 minutes after Stella spewed all over herself and in each and every crevice of her car seat.
What an awesome weekend. :)
P.S. I tag LESLIE!!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Practice Makes Perfect
My parents have me reciting "The Night Before Christmas" on cassette tape when I was around Stella's age. My mom has been working with the grandchild, to carry on the tradition. She obviously wasn't into this practice session...but we tried!
Oh, excuse Toby's stocking cap. She would not take it off. The girl loves her head gear.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Oh, excuse Toby's stocking cap. She would not take it off. The girl loves her head gear.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Stella and her Toothbrush
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
P.S. She insisted upon wearing her ear protections headphones.
I did let her know I was the parent here and did not let her wear them to bed. Gotta put your foot down somewhere.
Ok. You got me.
So she wore them to bed. But I snuck in and took them off when she was asleep.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
2 Real Conversations
Conversation 1
Toby: Who do you love?
Stella: Mama
Toby: (acts sad) Do you love me?
Stella: Now! (when she's being cute, her "no" sounds a lot like a drawn-out "nooooww!")
Toby (trying again): Who do you love?
Stella: Mama (short pause to think).... and the Simpsons.
Conversation 2
Toby calls me at work around 4:30 yesterday.
Toby: Hey! I'm just leaving the shop now. I hit a deer on the way back to the shop today!
Me: What? Are you ok?
Toby: Oh yeah, I'm fine. The deer is dead.
Me: Awww
Toby: Yeah, one swift blow to the head with a sledge hammer.
Me: WHAT?!?!?!
Toby: Well Stephanie, it would have been cruel to leave it on the side of the road with 2 back legs broken!
Me: Ugh. (Putting right hand over face and lowering head down to desk.)
Toby: Yeah. So we took it back to the shop and gutted and cleaned it......
Me interrupting: OH MY GOD. What?!?!
Toby: That's some good meat! I wasn't just going to leave it there! Dusty took the ribs and Drew took the hind-quarter and I got 2 tenderloins and the left shoulder...the right shoulder was where I hit it with the sledge hammer, that meat was too bruised to take.
Me: Ummm. GROSS.
Toby: You don't know what you're missing.
Phone conversation ends and I hang up. I yell to my cube mate "KRISTIE!!!!"
She comes running "What?!?"
Me: I married a redneck.
Toby: Who do you love?
Stella: Mama
Toby: (acts sad) Do you love me?
Stella: Now! (when she's being cute, her "no" sounds a lot like a drawn-out "nooooww!")
Toby (trying again): Who do you love?
Stella: Mama (short pause to think).... and the Simpsons.
Conversation 2
Toby calls me at work around 4:30 yesterday.
Toby: Hey! I'm just leaving the shop now. I hit a deer on the way back to the shop today!
Me: What? Are you ok?
Toby: Oh yeah, I'm fine. The deer is dead.
Me: Awww
Toby: Yeah, one swift blow to the head with a sledge hammer.
Me: WHAT?!?!?!
Toby: Well Stephanie, it would have been cruel to leave it on the side of the road with 2 back legs broken!
Me: Ugh. (Putting right hand over face and lowering head down to desk.)
Toby: Yeah. So we took it back to the shop and gutted and cleaned it......
Me interrupting: OH MY GOD. What?!?!
Toby: That's some good meat! I wasn't just going to leave it there! Dusty took the ribs and Drew took the hind-quarter and I got 2 tenderloins and the left shoulder...the right shoulder was where I hit it with the sledge hammer, that meat was too bruised to take.
Me: Ummm. GROSS.
Toby: You don't know what you're missing.
Phone conversation ends and I hang up. I yell to my cube mate "KRISTIE!!!!"
She comes running "What?!?"
Me: I married a redneck.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Halloween 2008
I kind of feel like a failure again this year. We didn't go to the pumpkin farm. I got our pumpkin during a quick trip to Kroger. We didn't carve it at all. We were BLESSED with a pumpkin my Aunt Sunah brought over that she had decorated with a spider web and a "Pider" and that was the extent of our pumpkins this year. We hung one little decoration inside and put up the skull walkway lights outside - and that was a HUGE event. This past week at work (well, past WEEKS at work) have been so screwy, I let my home life and the traditions I WANT to make go to the back-burner.
So that's my whining for today. I'm not going to focus on this - I will just say NEXT YEAR our A$$ES will be the first ones at Ashland Berry Farm and we are going to take the hayride to the field and let Stella pick out her own pumpkin and then we'll carve it and make it a big fiesta. And that's the plan.
And now I will tell you what DID happen this Halloween. The CUTEST little witch came to town! Complete with pink PIDERS and pink dreadlocks. And a cauldron and a Harry Potter broom.
She had a blast trick-or-treating on our street. She really understood it this year and was so excited ALL DAY to get out and get candy. She told Toby she wanted candy for dinner before we went out. She was ready to go! Although when one person opened their door, she said "Happy Birthday."
Toby's Dad joined us Halloween night...
Here is a video of her talking about her pumpkin and the "pider."
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
And here is one of her digging into her chocolate stash...
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
So that's my whining for today. I'm not going to focus on this - I will just say NEXT YEAR our A$$ES will be the first ones at Ashland Berry Farm and we are going to take the hayride to the field and let Stella pick out her own pumpkin and then we'll carve it and make it a big fiesta. And that's the plan.
And now I will tell you what DID happen this Halloween. The CUTEST little witch came to town! Complete with pink PIDERS and pink dreadlocks. And a cauldron and a Harry Potter broom.
She had a blast trick-or-treating on our street. She really understood it this year and was so excited ALL DAY to get out and get candy. She told Toby she wanted candy for dinner before we went out. She was ready to go! Although when one person opened their door, she said "Happy Birthday."
Toby's Dad joined us Halloween night...
Here is a video of her talking about her pumpkin and the "pider."
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
And here is one of her digging into her chocolate stash...
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Think I should sign her up for dance?
My parents had a big Fall Festival gathering for family and friends on Sunday and my Dad's band played. Stella danced ALL OVER that party. Proof:
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
In the first video, you hear Toby say "Have you ever seen Elaine from Seinfeld dance?" Do you see a resemblance with the KICK? :)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
In the first video, you hear Toby say "Have you ever seen Elaine from Seinfeld dance?" Do you see a resemblance with the KICK? :)
Monday, October 27, 2008
You know it will be a good Monday when you...
...get STUCK IN THE REVOLVING DOOR of the MAIN entrance to your giant Headquarters building.
We have to scan our badges for the door to revolve once. You better hop in when it starts going. This morning I get up to the door and it's already revolving so I think "Hmmm, must be a new thing." so I scan my badge and hop in and...it suddenly screaches to a halt complete with loud beeps and an electronic lady saying "Door will reverse. Door will reverse."
Damn! So I wait and the door starts reversing so I walk backwards as it goes...and it opens just enough for my big honking gym bag to go outside the door BUT THEN THE DOOR STARTS GOING FORWARD AGAIN and my gym back is outside and I am inside... so now the door is REALLY stuck.
Me: inside
Gym Bag: outside
Electronic lady: "Door will now move forward."
Oh my GOD!
So I am looking at the security desk through 3 panes of glass and making a face like "WHAT THE EFF" because my hands are so full, I can't wave. In addition to the massive gym back which is now hanging OUTSIDE the door, I also have my purse, my laptop bag, a pyrex dish that I was returning to my friend Cyndy, my lunch bag, AND 2 thirty-0ne bags with orders for co-workers.
So it tries to go forward some more but it can't because the gym bag is holding it back.... so it goes backwards again....but only opens enough to keep my gym bag hostage outside, but not open enough to let me out!!
So, horror of all horrors, I turn around and the next person in line to come in the door behind me is the PRESIDENT of my company. My very large world-renowned company.
He is saying "What can I do to help?" and I'm yelling "I'm stuck in the door!"
Well, duh.
So when the door pushes me in reverse, AGAIN, it opens enough for him to stick his hand in and get the strap of my gym bag and I also hand him another one of my bags...
"Door will move forward" and then "Door will reverse" so when it reverses again, I send him the pyrex and my lunch bag... "Door will move forward."
REPEAT LIKE 5 MORE TIMES.
I'm glad I can't send you the emotions I was feeling at that moment because YOU WOULD DIE.
So the security guard finally comes over and gets the door to stop and let me OUT - back into the outside air where Mr. President is holding all of my belongings. She then announces that we all need to use this other side door because my "situation" has caused the whole thing to go "off-line."
Now, three guards are there checking badges before letting people in since the scanner is "off-line" and I am mortified...but not so mortified that I don't turn around and tell Mr. President "HAPPY MONDAY!!" and walk towards the escalator with my 3029476320967 bags and a beet red face.
And wondering why the HELL I picked today to get back in the gym....
We have to scan our badges for the door to revolve once. You better hop in when it starts going. This morning I get up to the door and it's already revolving so I think "Hmmm, must be a new thing." so I scan my badge and hop in and...it suddenly screaches to a halt complete with loud beeps and an electronic lady saying "Door will reverse. Door will reverse."
Damn! So I wait and the door starts reversing so I walk backwards as it goes...and it opens just enough for my big honking gym bag to go outside the door BUT THEN THE DOOR STARTS GOING FORWARD AGAIN and my gym back is outside and I am inside... so now the door is REALLY stuck.
Me: inside
Gym Bag: outside
Electronic lady: "Door will now move forward."
Oh my GOD!
So I am looking at the security desk through 3 panes of glass and making a face like "WHAT THE EFF" because my hands are so full, I can't wave. In addition to the massive gym back which is now hanging OUTSIDE the door, I also have my purse, my laptop bag, a pyrex dish that I was returning to my friend Cyndy, my lunch bag, AND 2 thirty-0ne bags with orders for co-workers.
So it tries to go forward some more but it can't because the gym bag is holding it back.... so it goes backwards again....but only opens enough to keep my gym bag hostage outside, but not open enough to let me out!!
So, horror of all horrors, I turn around and the next person in line to come in the door behind me is the PRESIDENT of my company. My very large world-renowned company.
He is saying "What can I do to help?" and I'm yelling "I'm stuck in the door!"
Well, duh.
So when the door pushes me in reverse, AGAIN, it opens enough for him to stick his hand in and get the strap of my gym bag and I also hand him another one of my bags...
"Door will move forward" and then "Door will reverse" so when it reverses again, I send him the pyrex and my lunch bag... "Door will move forward."
REPEAT LIKE 5 MORE TIMES.
I'm glad I can't send you the emotions I was feeling at that moment because YOU WOULD DIE.
So the security guard finally comes over and gets the door to stop and let me OUT - back into the outside air where Mr. President is holding all of my belongings. She then announces that we all need to use this other side door because my "situation" has caused the whole thing to go "off-line."
Now, three guards are there checking badges before letting people in since the scanner is "off-line" and I am mortified...but not so mortified that I don't turn around and tell Mr. President "HAPPY MONDAY!!" and walk towards the escalator with my 3029476320967 bags and a beet red face.
And wondering why the HELL I picked today to get back in the gym....
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A couple Stella-isms
I'm listening to Stella singing while she's playing with this little penguin squirty toy...
"Happy birtday to you. Happy birtday to you. Happy birtday ah penguin. Happy birtday to you."
And also...
"Twinkle Twinkle little dar. How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high. Macaroni in the sky..."
She's so FUNNY. And smart as hell.
She's talking in full sentences more and more each day. My favorite thing she does right now is that she says "happy birthday" to EVERYONE. I think she thinks it's a term of affection.
Sometimes when I get her up in the mornings, she says "Happy Birthday, Mama" and gives me a big hug.
"Happy birtday to you. Happy birtday to you. Happy birtday ah penguin. Happy birtday to you."
And also...
"Twinkle Twinkle little dar. How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high. Macaroni in the sky..."
She's so FUNNY. And smart as hell.
She's talking in full sentences more and more each day. My favorite thing she does right now is that she says "happy birthday" to EVERYONE. I think she thinks it's a term of affection.
Sometimes when I get her up in the mornings, she says "Happy Birthday, Mama" and gives me a big hug.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
This weekend...
This weekend was great. After work on Friday, I had a Thirty-One party. This was only my 2nd in-home show and my presentation went MUCH better than the first time...but I learned a lot this time too and will incorporate it into the next show. I can tell it will get better/easier with practice. It was a great show as far as sales - and the orders are still coming in, so that's wonderful... I had a nice time - the ladies are all so nice. I am actually enjoying THIS job.
We piddled around on Saturday and got stuff done in and around the house. We were actually very productive! Productive enough to where I did not feel guilty taking a nap while Stella did. When she got up, this was the outfit she insisted on wearing.
We went to Toby's Mom's house at 5pm for dinner. That was really nice and YUM - she made spaghetti. I snapped a pic of Toby and Stella walking to the car... Check out the purse. It was a MUST. Inside was a golf ball and a string of gold mardi gras beads. Necessities, I tell ya!
After dinner, Mimi was sliding Stella back and forth on the dining room table and Stella was laughing so hard... Doesn't take much to entertain her, huh?
Sunday morning came too early - I slept like a LOG! It was such a cozy night with the heat on and the humidifier going and the flannel pjs. I love it when it starts turning cold... But anyway, we got up and had breakfast at River City Diner with Cece who was in town. I wish I had taken a picture while we were there - duh! But here is Stella getting strapped into Dada's Jeep. SHE wanted to take the jeep so OF COURSE we had too... Spoiled much?
And the BIG NEWS of the weekend!!
We went to get Stella out of her crib this morning and she was sideways with both legs through the crib slats. Time to do something. So I remember my friend Leslie offered the use of her Toddler Bed when we loaned her our Superyard for her baby Jack. So, I texted her and asked if I could take her up on her offer. She called later and said "Come and get it!" so we did.
It was ugly for awhile.... It gets ugly every flipping time we have to assemble something as Toby is INCREDIBLY impatient and starts yelling at me to do something and of course I do it wrong and he gets short with me and I get upset and say "Stop yelling at me!" and he says "I'm not yelling!" and you get the idea.... As soon as the last screw goes into whatever we are trying to build, we are back to normal. Maybe some of you can identify?! :)
So, finished product: STELLA'S NEW BIG GIRL BED!!
A few minutes after all was said and done, I was in the kitchen and Toby was in the living room and Stella went running down the hall to her room and slammed the door. Toby walked down there and peaked in the door and she was lounging on the bed. He was like "What - is she 14 already? Running to her room and jumping on the bed. Does she have the phone with her?"
It's funny now, but she WILL be 14 before we know it..................
We piddled around on Saturday and got stuff done in and around the house. We were actually very productive! Productive enough to where I did not feel guilty taking a nap while Stella did. When she got up, this was the outfit she insisted on wearing.
We went to Toby's Mom's house at 5pm for dinner. That was really nice and YUM - she made spaghetti. I snapped a pic of Toby and Stella walking to the car... Check out the purse. It was a MUST. Inside was a golf ball and a string of gold mardi gras beads. Necessities, I tell ya!
After dinner, Mimi was sliding Stella back and forth on the dining room table and Stella was laughing so hard... Doesn't take much to entertain her, huh?
Sunday morning came too early - I slept like a LOG! It was such a cozy night with the heat on and the humidifier going and the flannel pjs. I love it when it starts turning cold... But anyway, we got up and had breakfast at River City Diner with Cece who was in town. I wish I had taken a picture while we were there - duh! But here is Stella getting strapped into Dada's Jeep. SHE wanted to take the jeep so OF COURSE we had too... Spoiled much?
And the BIG NEWS of the weekend!!
We went to get Stella out of her crib this morning and she was sideways with both legs through the crib slats. Time to do something. So I remember my friend Leslie offered the use of her Toddler Bed when we loaned her our Superyard for her baby Jack. So, I texted her and asked if I could take her up on her offer. She called later and said "Come and get it!" so we did.
It was ugly for awhile.... It gets ugly every flipping time we have to assemble something as Toby is INCREDIBLY impatient and starts yelling at me to do something and of course I do it wrong and he gets short with me and I get upset and say "Stop yelling at me!" and he says "I'm not yelling!" and you get the idea.... As soon as the last screw goes into whatever we are trying to build, we are back to normal. Maybe some of you can identify?! :)
So, finished product: STELLA'S NEW BIG GIRL BED!!
A few minutes after all was said and done, I was in the kitchen and Toby was in the living room and Stella went running down the hall to her room and slammed the door. Toby walked down there and peaked in the door and she was lounging on the bed. He was like "What - is she 14 already? Running to her room and jumping on the bed. Does she have the phone with her?"
It's funny now, but she WILL be 14 before we know it..................
Sunday, October 12, 2008
P.S. to the Poop in the Tub
Toby has been working 12-16 hour days every day this week. I have not seen him at all, really. On Thursday morning, he got in the shower and we were talking through the door while I was in the kitchen making coffee and packing my lunch.
All of I sudden he stops talking and goes "Ugggghhhhhhhhhh" to which I go running and say "What's wrong?" and he says:
"Did Stella shit the tub?!?"
My mind immediately races through all of the ways he could possibly know this since he was not home when it happened and I certainly hadn't had time to tell him. I realized he does not have ESP so the way he found out must.be.bad.
Apparently, a couple doo doo balls slipped by me and clogged up the drain. When his shower water started backing up, he put his finger in the drain and swirled it around to loosen the hair or whatever that had blocked it.
It wasn't hair this time, babe. Sorry 'bout that.
All of I sudden he stops talking and goes "Ugggghhhhhhhhhh" to which I go running and say "What's wrong?" and he says:
"Did Stella shit the tub?!?"
My mind immediately races through all of the ways he could possibly know this since he was not home when it happened and I certainly hadn't had time to tell him. I realized he does not have ESP so the way he found out must.be.bad.
Apparently, a couple doo doo balls slipped by me and clogged up the drain. When his shower water started backing up, he put his finger in the drain and swirled it around to loosen the hair or whatever that had blocked it.
It wasn't hair this time, babe. Sorry 'bout that.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Today was a gross day
On 2 accounts...
1. I can't BELIEVE I am admitting this; much less posting in detail. But since I make a living (ha) sharing my embarrassing stories - here goes!
So, my right ear has been popping and feeling stopped up off and on for over a week. It really stops up at night when I am laying down. The weather has gotten colder this week and Stella and Toby have both had colds so I decided today that I really needed to get this checked out - just incase I have an ear infection or something.... So LUCKILY, my work has a Dr. on-site. Yes, we are spoiled. This is the one perk I LOVE because I don't have to leave the building if I need a quick check (like today) or if I need a prescription, etc... So, I go down to medical for them to check my ear. No biggie.
So, I get down there and they take my temp = no temperature. And he checks in my ears and the left if totally clear with no sign of infection. The right ear - there is no sign of infection but he sees a lot of wax. So now I'm about to DIE because I SWEAR ON MY LIFE I clean my ears atleast every other day. Infact, I use q-tips to "shape up" my liquid eyeliner so q-tips are always readily available - and I swear I use them. The doc says it looks like it's "a lot" and it's "really far down there" so he calls a nurse in to IRRIGATE my ear.
The words "ear" and "irrigation" should never be in the same sentence.
So, they make me hold this bowl under my ear and they get this giant syringe thing and shoot this liquid mixture into my ear. I felt like a gallon of water was being shot into my head and swirled around my brain. Apparently, the wax (gag!!) is supposed to come out but it didn't.
They had to "irrigate" three times.
Horrified.
THEN the doc dug in my ear and pulled out the biggest wad of wax. The nurse actually said "I have never seen that much come out before!"
Thanks a friggin lot.
HORRIFIED!!
So, after he pulled out my brain (it felt like it) I could hear in stereo. I swear to God I think I have Bose eardrums now. The clicking of the keyboard as I type this is so crisp and clear!
So, the lesson here is that q-tips don't quite work how you think they are working and sometimes they just push ear wax further down into your ear where it gets impacted and you have to have your ear irrigated in the medical clinic of your Fortune 500 company.
2. I ran Stella's bath water and threw her in the tub. I soaped her down and washed her hair and rinsed her off. After that, I usually let her sit in there for a bit and play... I stay in there with her but I stepped out for 2 seconds to go in the kitchen and start the dishwasher when I hear her yelling "Mama!" in an oddly panicked tone... So I go "What?" and she goes:
"Poo Poos!"
Mother%&#*Q)%#(*%^$*
So I walk in and sure enough! She's standing in the tub trying to get as far away from it as possible. Yeah sister, I agree.
Of course it wouldn't be an easy poop. I mean, OF COURSE NOT. It was like 35 little balls all floating in the soapy water amongst the multi-colored bathtub letters and squirty toys.
I'll spare you the rest of the details but it involves draining the tub, picking out doo doo balls, and lots and lots of bleach spray. LOTS.
And you should be thankful I didn't take a picture of it all and post it because I really really thought it about.
1. I can't BELIEVE I am admitting this; much less posting in detail. But since I make a living (ha) sharing my embarrassing stories - here goes!
So, my right ear has been popping and feeling stopped up off and on for over a week. It really stops up at night when I am laying down. The weather has gotten colder this week and Stella and Toby have both had colds so I decided today that I really needed to get this checked out - just incase I have an ear infection or something.... So LUCKILY, my work has a Dr. on-site. Yes, we are spoiled. This is the one perk I LOVE because I don't have to leave the building if I need a quick check (like today) or if I need a prescription, etc... So, I go down to medical for them to check my ear. No biggie.
So, I get down there and they take my temp = no temperature. And he checks in my ears and the left if totally clear with no sign of infection. The right ear - there is no sign of infection but he sees a lot of wax. So now I'm about to DIE because I SWEAR ON MY LIFE I clean my ears atleast every other day. Infact, I use q-tips to "shape up" my liquid eyeliner so q-tips are always readily available - and I swear I use them. The doc says it looks like it's "a lot" and it's "really far down there" so he calls a nurse in to IRRIGATE my ear.
The words "ear" and "irrigation" should never be in the same sentence.
So, they make me hold this bowl under my ear and they get this giant syringe thing and shoot this liquid mixture into my ear. I felt like a gallon of water was being shot into my head and swirled around my brain. Apparently, the wax (gag!!) is supposed to come out but it didn't.
They had to "irrigate" three times.
Horrified.
THEN the doc dug in my ear and pulled out the biggest wad of wax. The nurse actually said "I have never seen that much come out before!"
Thanks a friggin lot.
HORRIFIED!!
So, after he pulled out my brain (it felt like it) I could hear in stereo. I swear to God I think I have Bose eardrums now. The clicking of the keyboard as I type this is so crisp and clear!
So, the lesson here is that q-tips don't quite work how you think they are working and sometimes they just push ear wax further down into your ear where it gets impacted and you have to have your ear irrigated in the medical clinic of your Fortune 500 company.
2. I ran Stella's bath water and threw her in the tub. I soaped her down and washed her hair and rinsed her off. After that, I usually let her sit in there for a bit and play... I stay in there with her but I stepped out for 2 seconds to go in the kitchen and start the dishwasher when I hear her yelling "Mama!" in an oddly panicked tone... So I go "What?" and she goes:
"Poo Poos!"
Mother%&#*Q)%#(*%^$*
So I walk in and sure enough! She's standing in the tub trying to get as far away from it as possible. Yeah sister, I agree.
Of course it wouldn't be an easy poop. I mean, OF COURSE NOT. It was like 35 little balls all floating in the soapy water amongst the multi-colored bathtub letters and squirty toys.
I'll spare you the rest of the details but it involves draining the tub, picking out doo doo balls, and lots and lots of bleach spray. LOTS.
And you should be thankful I didn't take a picture of it all and post it because I really really thought it about.
More MCS pictures by Aunt Linda
Her pictures are the best!
Cousin Katie, Nanny, and Uncle Keith...enjoying the show!
Tony!
More Justin...
Matt and his proud Nanny - the coolest grandma to sit through 3 screaming rock bands to get to see her grandson.
Cousin Katie, Nanny, and Uncle Keith...enjoying the show!
Tony!
More Justin...
Matt and his proud Nanny - the coolest grandma to sit through 3 screaming rock bands to get to see her grandson.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Kings Dominion
My company had their annual "Employee Appreciation Day" at Kings Dominion a few weeks ago. We took Toby's sister Kim and her daughter Kendall with us... Not much to say other than we spent the entire day in KIDDIE LAND and the girls had a blast! We even saw "Dora the Explorer - LIVE" which was probably the highlight of Stella's life thus far... Here are pictures from the day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)