Picture of me house:
Waiting for Baby
I finished knitting the baby blanket for the shower. Well, it is not exactly what you would call a "blanket" as it is way too small. So I am starting again. I will give my sister the first one for a burp cloth.
I can hardly believe there will be another baby in the family soon. I don't let myself think about it too much because I get too excited. I have already volunteered to be her night nurse, since I can't sleep until the sun comes up anyway. I could sit with the baby and feed him and then read after he's asleep like I used to do with my own.
I can hardly believe there will be another baby in the family soon. I don't let myself think about it too much because I get too excited. I have already volunteered to be her night nurse, since I can't sleep until the sun comes up anyway. I could sit with the baby and feed him and then read after he's asleep like I used to do with my own.
I tried to vote at the weblog awards, but I messed up and submitted my ballot before I voted! I am distraught...
Homeschool and Socialization-Part 2
My inner sociology major can no longer keep silent. I have been reading more on homeschooling and socialization, and it is clear to me that there is some confusion about what socialization means.
When we talk about socialization in relation to homeschooling, we are not talking about socializing in the sense of "chatting with a group of friends." We are talking about the process by which a child learns the norms and values of the society in which they live. This link offers a more in-depth explanation, if you are interested.
There. I feel better now.
When we talk about socialization in relation to homeschooling, we are not talking about socializing in the sense of "chatting with a group of friends." We are talking about the process by which a child learns the norms and values of the society in which they live. This link offers a more in-depth explanation, if you are interested.
There. I feel better now.
Nice Way to Start the Day
I woke up this morning to the sound of the dogs whining in their crate. Their crate is downstairs, and I have a sound machine to drown out noise, but their piercing cries still pulled me out of a sound sleep. I go downstairs to let them out and feel a wet tail on my leg. I see one of them has urinated in the crate for the first time ever. It is now all over the floor.
I quickly wipe it up with a paper towel and rush back to bed. I have been feverish and need all of my sleep. I lie in bed thinking about how I just wiped up the urine with a paper towel and didn't sanitize the floor. I decide it's okay and try to sleep. I picture my little ones waking up and padding in their bare feet to the fridge to get some milk and getting dog urine germs on their feet. What kind of mother am I? Then I decide that it is probably no worse than everything else on the floor and bury my head in the covers.
Then I start thinking about everything else on the floor and how dirty it is because the dogs ate the doormats, so we can't wipe our feet. And when was the last time I cleaned the toilets? What kind of mother am I?
So I get up to clean the floor.
I quickly wipe it up with a paper towel and rush back to bed. I have been feverish and need all of my sleep. I lie in bed thinking about how I just wiped up the urine with a paper towel and didn't sanitize the floor. I decide it's okay and try to sleep. I picture my little ones waking up and padding in their bare feet to the fridge to get some milk and getting dog urine germs on their feet. What kind of mother am I? Then I decide that it is probably no worse than everything else on the floor and bury my head in the covers.
Then I start thinking about everything else on the floor and how dirty it is because the dogs ate the doormats, so we can't wipe our feet. And when was the last time I cleaned the toilets? What kind of mother am I?
So I get up to clean the floor.
Tim and the kids watched the movie Polly last night, while I attempted to knit baby booties. I wouldn't recommend the film for little ones as I heard quite a bit of language coming from that parrot. I think the voice of the parrot was Buddy Hackett, and it was very annoying.
The booties did not happen. I probably shouldn't try to learn something at night while a movie is on, so I will try once more today. If I can't get it today, I will have to make a blanket instead, because the baby shower is only two weeks away.
I used to give up on things all the time, but these days, I am determined. When I give up on something, it nags at me until I go back and do it. So I will probably figure out the booties. And I want to make socks.
The booties did not happen. I probably shouldn't try to learn something at night while a movie is on, so I will try once more today. If I can't get it today, I will have to make a blanket instead, because the baby shower is only two weeks away.
I used to give up on things all the time, but these days, I am determined. When I give up on something, it nags at me until I go back and do it. So I will probably figure out the booties. And I want to make socks.
Birthdays Without Pressure
I just read an article about the website Birthdays Without Pressure. It really cracked me up, because for my son's last birthday (6 days after Christmas) I was so tired that I didn't plan anything at all. We stopped off at the grocery store and bought a cake on our way to Grandma's house. The kids all played football in the street with the neighborhood children. And at the end of the day, my son said it was a great party.
During the day, I had a few pangs of guilt that I didn't try harder to make it a "special" day, but it turned out better than any of the parties that I worked so hard on in the past. The only major stress of the day was taking the wrapper off of the cake.
Anyway, I like the trend away from extravagant parties.
During the day, I had a few pangs of guilt that I didn't try harder to make it a "special" day, but it turned out better than any of the parties that I worked so hard on in the past. The only major stress of the day was taking the wrapper off of the cake.
Anyway, I like the trend away from extravagant parties.
An update on my projects...here is my terrarium:
It did not turn out the way I wanted it to, but I love it anyway. I still want to do the project again with tinier plants when I can afford another jar.
And here is my knitting:
My son, Morgan, picked the yarn out for me. I don't know what I am making. I am just practicing knitting for now. If I am not doing it right, please tell me!
It did not turn out the way I wanted it to, but I love it anyway. I still want to do the project again with tinier plants when I can afford another jar.And here is my knitting:
My son, Morgan, picked the yarn out for me. I don't know what I am making. I am just practicing knitting for now. If I am not doing it right, please tell me!
A Comment About Comments...
Nine times out of ten, I write a comment on someone's blog, read it through, then delete it. Or I get to the comment page and chicken out.
Now in my pre-internet days, I would have thought I was alone in my insanity, but now I know there are probably a thousand other people that do the exact same thing.
On one of my favorite blogs, daysgoby, I left a comment on her photos of snow that, "It must be cold," or something brilliant like that. Since Jess has been so nice to me, I didn't delete the comment, figuring she wouldn't judge it too harshly.
Why is it so hard to just leave a comment!?
Now in my pre-internet days, I would have thought I was alone in my insanity, but now I know there are probably a thousand other people that do the exact same thing.
On one of my favorite blogs, daysgoby, I left a comment on her photos of snow that, "It must be cold," or something brilliant like that. Since Jess has been so nice to me, I didn't delete the comment, figuring she wouldn't judge it too harshly.
Why is it so hard to just leave a comment!?
January Sunsets
I try to never miss a sunset. One reason I love watching sunsets is because of a song, "Twenty-One Times," from this album.
I couldn't find a preview of the song, but it is beautiful.
The Ultimate Blog Party...
...over at 5 minutes for mom. Click on the link in the sidebar for more info about the party.
"5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones."
Everyone is invited to join in, so check it out.
"5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!
This will be the place to be. Get your blog noticed, win prizes, hang out with your friends and meet some new ones."
Everyone is invited to join in, so check it out.
Gremlins in My Knitting
After learning some crocheting, I moved on to my dream: knitting without a loom. I sat down with my book and needles to teach myself to knit, while the kids and Tim watched the movie, Gremlins. First of all, it is not easy to learn to knit while watching Gremlins. My son, noting that I wasn't looking at the screen, started narrating the action for me so I wouldn't miss anything. Meanwhile, my head exploded.
Anyway, I finally caught on and proudly showed everyone that I was doing it. I was knitting! I got to the end of the row and checked the book on what to do next. The book said, "Now it's time to start knitting!" I wasn't even knitting that whole time. I was just "casting on."
So then I learned how to actually knit. But thanks to the chainsaw scene in the movie, it looked like I had knit it with my feet. I unwound and started again and again and again. Then, in frustration, I decided to look online. I found a great website with little videos that explained everything so well.
I am going to start again today, and this time, I am going to do it.
Speaking of movies, I have to recommend the movie we saw a couple of nights ago, Duma. It is about a baby cheetah, and since my son Morgan considers himself to be my baby cheetah, we thought it would be cute. It was the best movie I have seen in a long time. It might not be great for little ones (my youngest is almost 10), but we loved it.
Anyway, I finally caught on and proudly showed everyone that I was doing it. I was knitting! I got to the end of the row and checked the book on what to do next. The book said, "Now it's time to start knitting!" I wasn't even knitting that whole time. I was just "casting on."
So then I learned how to actually knit. But thanks to the chainsaw scene in the movie, it looked like I had knit it with my feet. I unwound and started again and again and again. Then, in frustration, I decided to look online. I found a great website with little videos that explained everything so well.
I am going to start again today, and this time, I am going to do it.
Speaking of movies, I have to recommend the movie we saw a couple of nights ago, Duma. It is about a baby cheetah, and since my son Morgan considers himself to be my baby cheetah, we thought it would be cute. It was the best movie I have seen in a long time. It might not be great for little ones (my youngest is almost 10), but we loved it.
If It's Good Enough for Shaq
To update you on my foot. The surgery I am having is called a cheilectomy. My doctor told me, "It's the surgery Shaq had a few years ago," which I thought was a ridiculous thing to say to a housewife.
Later that night, I started worrying and having my doubts about the surgery, and I thought, "Well, if Shaq had it done, it must be good." (!?)
It's funny because when my lung doctor told me to have surgery, I was absolutely confident it was the right thing to do. But with my foot, I am wavering. I am in a lot of pain, though, not just in my foot, but everywhere else also from adjusting the way I walk to favor my foot. That was a terrible sentence, but you get the point.
My worries could also be because my surgeon seriously doesn't look too much older than my teenage son. My lung surgeon was old and grey and had medical textbooks from before I was born. Then again, I thought I was getting the new video-assisted surgery where they just make a couple of slits, but instead I got the full incision from front to back with the rib spreader and other horrors. So maybe young is good.
Later that night, I started worrying and having my doubts about the surgery, and I thought, "Well, if Shaq had it done, it must be good." (!?)
It's funny because when my lung doctor told me to have surgery, I was absolutely confident it was the right thing to do. But with my foot, I am wavering. I am in a lot of pain, though, not just in my foot, but everywhere else also from adjusting the way I walk to favor my foot. That was a terrible sentence, but you get the point.
My worries could also be because my surgeon seriously doesn't look too much older than my teenage son. My lung surgeon was old and grey and had medical textbooks from before I was born. Then again, I thought I was getting the new video-assisted surgery where they just make a couple of slits, but instead I got the full incision from front to back with the rib spreader and other horrors. So maybe young is good.
Homeschooling and Socialization
The New Parent reminded me of the most common comment I receive about homeschooling, "What about socialization?"
To me, socialization is so much more than just learning to relate to other children at school. Anyone who has "socialized" a puppy, knows that it is about exposing the puppy to a wide variety of common people and circumstances so that it will feel comfortable with life. In that context, school is just a small part of what a child will experience in their life.
My children go to our neighborhood park to play with other children. They will play with any children that want to play, toddlers or teens. I was happy to find out that my 11 year old daughter was also sitting and talking with the moms at the park. I have gotten nothing but good remarks on how sweet my children are, and how well they play with other children. I also get remarks on how well they play with each other. Well, sometimes they are all they have, so they have been forced to learn to get along with each other.
It is funny now to look back on the comments I have received about socialization. At the beginning, when my children were young, I would try to respond positively, but in my heart, I had a lot of worries. Now, my children are 9, 12 and 14, and I know they are well-socialized, well-adjusted children, who are a pleasure to be around.
To me, socialization is so much more than just learning to relate to other children at school. Anyone who has "socialized" a puppy, knows that it is about exposing the puppy to a wide variety of common people and circumstances so that it will feel comfortable with life. In that context, school is just a small part of what a child will experience in their life.
My children go to our neighborhood park to play with other children. They will play with any children that want to play, toddlers or teens. I was happy to find out that my 11 year old daughter was also sitting and talking with the moms at the park. I have gotten nothing but good remarks on how sweet my children are, and how well they play with other children. I also get remarks on how well they play with each other. Well, sometimes they are all they have, so they have been forced to learn to get along with each other.
It is funny now to look back on the comments I have received about socialization. At the beginning, when my children were young, I would try to respond positively, but in my heart, I had a lot of worries. Now, my children are 9, 12 and 14, and I know they are well-socialized, well-adjusted children, who are a pleasure to be around.
Blog Rundown
1. Confessions of a Pioneer Woman- Read today if you've ever dreamed of living on a ranch.
2. Oh, The Joys- Read today if you've ever dreamed of having children.
3. Dooce- Would someone tell her that her fish will kill any other fish that come near it. I don't know why, but I can't stop worrying about it. I wish she had comments turned on, because I know she would really love my advice.
4. Mighty Girl- Follow the link to see the tiny terrariums.
2. Oh, The Joys- Read today if you've ever dreamed of having children.
3. Dooce- Would someone tell her that her fish will kill any other fish that come near it. I don't know why, but I can't stop worrying about it. I wish she had comments turned on, because I know she would really love my advice.
4. Mighty Girl- Follow the link to see the tiny terrariums.
Excitement and Joy
I got my first visitor to my blog from South America! So they stayed for 0 seconds! So what!
My three goals were to get visitors from South America, Africa and Greenland. So I am very happy.
So if you know anyone who lives in Greenland (there are people that live in Greenland, right?), send them to my blog.
Update: There are definitely people in Greenland, but according to this site, there are only 55,000 of them, and they are busy hiking, kayaking and dog sledding. And they want us to go there, to hike and kayak, too. I can only imagine. But they have whales and reindeer, so it would be fun to see the animals while we were waiting for the search and rescue team.
My three goals were to get visitors from South America, Africa and Greenland. So I am very happy.
So if you know anyone who lives in Greenland (there are people that live in Greenland, right?), send them to my blog.
Update: There are definitely people in Greenland, but according to this site, there are only 55,000 of them, and they are busy hiking, kayaking and dog sledding. And they want us to go there, to hike and kayak, too. I can only imagine. But they have whales and reindeer, so it would be fun to see the animals while we were waiting for the search and rescue team.
Homeschooling Book Recommendation
I have had a few questions about homeschooling, so I wanted to share my favorite book series with you. We started with this book,
What Your Kindergartener Needs To Know, from the Core Knowledge Series. Even if you don't homeschool, it is a great book to read with your child. We have all of the books in the series, up to seventh grade, and the kids love them.
I graduated from college, and there were things in the kindergarten book that were new to me, so they are good for parents, too!
If you have any book recommendations for me, let me know.
What Your Kindergartener Needs To Know, from the Core Knowledge Series. Even if you don't homeschool, it is a great book to read with your child. We have all of the books in the series, up to seventh grade, and the kids love them.I graduated from college, and there were things in the kindergarten book that were new to me, so they are good for parents, too!
If you have any book recommendations for me, let me know.
Okay, I Am Getting Better...
This morning, after about twenty false starts, I did this:
Then after a walk to clear my mind, and a healthy meal of Taco Bell, I did this:
I am so proud! And in pain. But I am happy that I actually made a square!
Then after a walk to clear my mind, and a healthy meal of Taco Bell, I did this:
I am so proud! And in pain. But I am happy that I actually made a square!
Hormonally Driven Crafting
1. I spent the last eight hours trying to teach myself to crochet. I can hardly move my hands to type, and all I have to show for it is one very odd chain. It is so hard for me to follow the illustrated directions. I wish my Grannie was still alive to teach me. Back when I could have learned from her, all I cared about was boys. Now that I have my boy, I want to learn to crochet! I know I can just use my loom, but I am so determined to learn how to do it...
2. I made my terrarium. The plants I bought are too big, so I need to take them out and put in smaller plants.
3. Once I told my husband I was doing all these projects instead of having another baby, he drove me to the craft store to get supplies!
4. If you have any helpful crocheting advice, please let me know. :)
2. I made my terrarium. The plants I bought are too big, so I need to take them out and put in smaller plants.
3. Once I told my husband I was doing all these projects instead of having another baby, he drove me to the craft store to get supplies!
4. If you have any helpful crocheting advice, please let me know. :)
Shopping with Mom
The kids and I went shopping with my mom today. We were supposed to be getting supplies for Christin's baby shower, but we took the opportunity to get a few things for ourselves, too. My major purchase was an artificial Christmas tree for $4.00! Now that's a deal.
I also found a cute terrarium, but the lines at Michael's were too long, so I will have to go back tomorrow and get it.
And we did not get our thunderstorm! It was a nice sunny day. Not even a drop of rain.
On a sad note, we lost our little dwarf hamster, Luke. I think the hamsters must have gotten some sort of sickness, since they all died within two months.
So now we are down to two dogs, five guppies, one platy and two black skirt tetra. The fish are no trouble, and the dogs are behaving better and better. They still can be a little wild sometimes, but all in all, they are getting quite obedient. It will be nice when the weather warms up, so we can go on long walks again.
I also found a cute terrarium, but the lines at Michael's were too long, so I will have to go back tomorrow and get it.
And we did not get our thunderstorm! It was a nice sunny day. Not even a drop of rain.
On a sad note, we lost our little dwarf hamster, Luke. I think the hamsters must have gotten some sort of sickness, since they all died within two months.
So now we are down to two dogs, five guppies, one platy and two black skirt tetra. The fish are no trouble, and the dogs are behaving better and better. They still can be a little wild sometimes, but all in all, they are getting quite obedient. It will be nice when the weather warms up, so we can go on long walks again.
Don't Look Directly into the Sun
I had to take this photo with my eyes closed:
If you look closely, you will see there is a flock of seagulls flying in the clouds. I have a bit of an obsession with taking photos of clouds. My favorites are the white fluffy clouds, but at this point I will settle for any clouds. Tomorrow we are supposed to have a real storm with lightning and all. We have had only an inch of rain this year, so I can't wait. I love lightning.
I spent my day today waiting in the podiatrist's office. So exciting. I did get a "You are much too young for blah, blah, blah treatment..." from him, so it wasn't a total loss. When I was in the hospital having lung surgery, I regularly got told I was the youngest patient they had ever had. It was the only good part of having one lobe of my lung removed.
And if anything can be worse than having one lobe of your lung removed, and having tubes draining out of your chest, it is having a hospital roommate who has a toddler visit her everyday. I was terrified the kid would rip my tubes out and kill me. My normally very shy sister stood up to the hospital staff and got the baby ousted from my room.
But I was talking about my foot. I will have to have some minor surgery to fix a defect that is causing me pain. I am just so happy that it is my foot and not my lungs. I don't care what they do to my foot. Of course, I might feel differently after the surgery, but after having my ribs cracked open, I can't imagine a foot being that painful. And I am proud to say that I was able to get the line from Seinfeld out of my head before the appointment, the one about podiatry school being "very grueling in it’s own way."
If you look closely, you will see there is a flock of seagulls flying in the clouds. I have a bit of an obsession with taking photos of clouds. My favorites are the white fluffy clouds, but at this point I will settle for any clouds. Tomorrow we are supposed to have a real storm with lightning and all. We have had only an inch of rain this year, so I can't wait. I love lightning.
I spent my day today waiting in the podiatrist's office. So exciting. I did get a "You are much too young for blah, blah, blah treatment..." from him, so it wasn't a total loss. When I was in the hospital having lung surgery, I regularly got told I was the youngest patient they had ever had. It was the only good part of having one lobe of my lung removed.
And if anything can be worse than having one lobe of your lung removed, and having tubes draining out of your chest, it is having a hospital roommate who has a toddler visit her everyday. I was terrified the kid would rip my tubes out and kill me. My normally very shy sister stood up to the hospital staff and got the baby ousted from my room.
But I was talking about my foot. I will have to have some minor surgery to fix a defect that is causing me pain. I am just so happy that it is my foot and not my lungs. I don't care what they do to my foot. Of course, I might feel differently after the surgery, but after having my ribs cracked open, I can't imagine a foot being that painful. And I am proud to say that I was able to get the line from Seinfeld out of my head before the appointment, the one about podiatry school being "very grueling in it’s own way."
Hang in There, Moms
Most of the blogs I read are written by parents of babies and toddlers. They have so many concerns about their children, and I remember having the same concerns when my kids were little. Here is a little reassurance for you.
Haley as a toddler: Running into the street, talking to strangers, world-class tantrums (the neighbors called the police).
Haley now: Absolutely delighful young lady, sweet, self-controlled, helpful, creative, a good friend and daughter. She always helps around the house and takes care of our dogs almost by herself.
Morgan as a baby: Born six weeks premature, slow development, didn't walk until 15 months old.
Morgan now: Tall, healthy, athletic, smart, reads a book a day and can throw a football out of the park (we have to buy a lot of footballs).
Annie as a baby: Constantly cried, cried all day, cried all night.
Annie now: Only cries when she is sad! Sweet, sensitive young lady. Needs a lot of extra cuddling, but gives a lot of extra cuddling, too!
So just hang in there! Soon you will have only the memories of the crying, the sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing. Someday your little darling will be baking brownies for you...and it will all be worth it!
Haley as a toddler: Running into the street, talking to strangers, world-class tantrums (the neighbors called the police).
Haley now: Absolutely delighful young lady, sweet, self-controlled, helpful, creative, a good friend and daughter. She always helps around the house and takes care of our dogs almost by herself.
Morgan as a baby: Born six weeks premature, slow development, didn't walk until 15 months old.
Morgan now: Tall, healthy, athletic, smart, reads a book a day and can throw a football out of the park (we have to buy a lot of footballs).
Annie as a baby: Constantly cried, cried all day, cried all night.
Annie now: Only cries when she is sad! Sweet, sensitive young lady. Needs a lot of extra cuddling, but gives a lot of extra cuddling, too!
So just hang in there! Soon you will have only the memories of the crying, the sleepless nights and the constant diaper changing. Someday your little darling will be baking brownies for you...and it will all be worth it!
New Project!
I saw this post on terrariums over at mightygirl.com, and I am so excited to get started. Mom, if you're reading this, I need some big glass jars!
Unschooling
I read an article about unschooling today, and from what I read, as well as from the heated comments that followed, I think there a lot of misconceptions about what unschooling means. I would like to share my thoughts for anyone who is interested.
We have textbooks that we use when we are "homeschooling." I sit down with the kids and we read the books, talk about the ideas, then do whatever activity I feel is related to the subject. Obviously, with math, we do math drills. With history, we might act out certain historical events or quiz each other on names, dates or places. With science, we usually find a way to set something on fire.
"Unschooling" occurs in a much different way. Usually, my kids will ask a question about something they have seen or heard about, and we start talking and doing research, and it slowly evolves into a lesson. If you asked them, they would have no idea they were learning or "schooling." It is just another part of our day.
So when Grandma asks, "What are you learning in school?" my kids will reply, "Nothing."
But if you spend a day with my kids, you'd find they are always learning, always questioning and always creating something new. They are full of dreams and ideas, business plans, floor plans, life plans, stories, books, movies and some really good jokes. They look forward to the excitement and adventure of going to college, rather than dreading the idea of four more years of school.
Homeschooling is not for everyone, and if I felt my children were not learning, or if I had to start working, I would put them in school. I think there are many ways to educate children, and every family has to make their own choice about what is right for them. And one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is to respect the choices that others make, even if those choices are different from their own.
We have textbooks that we use when we are "homeschooling." I sit down with the kids and we read the books, talk about the ideas, then do whatever activity I feel is related to the subject. Obviously, with math, we do math drills. With history, we might act out certain historical events or quiz each other on names, dates or places. With science, we usually find a way to set something on fire.
"Unschooling" occurs in a much different way. Usually, my kids will ask a question about something they have seen or heard about, and we start talking and doing research, and it slowly evolves into a lesson. If you asked them, they would have no idea they were learning or "schooling." It is just another part of our day.
So when Grandma asks, "What are you learning in school?" my kids will reply, "Nothing."
But if you spend a day with my kids, you'd find they are always learning, always questioning and always creating something new. They are full of dreams and ideas, business plans, floor plans, life plans, stories, books, movies and some really good jokes. They look forward to the excitement and adventure of going to college, rather than dreading the idea of four more years of school.
Homeschooling is not for everyone, and if I felt my children were not learning, or if I had to start working, I would put them in school. I think there are many ways to educate children, and every family has to make their own choice about what is right for them. And one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is to respect the choices that others make, even if those choices are different from their own.
Blue Buffalo
We feed our puppies Blue Buffalo puppy food. When I went to Petsmart to buy food before we brought Janie home, an over-zealous Petsmart employee foisted it on me, and I was too shy to put the bag back and say, "No! I want to pick my own dog food!" So we tried it. Then, when we fostered puppies we tried every other dog food known to man. Janie had all kinds of skin problems when she was on the other foods, but the day we switched her back to Blue Buffalo, her coat got all soft and shiny.
We also use the little liver treats that come in a foil bag. I forget the brand, but they love them so much that Daisy almost killed me trying to get some. Janie is very patient and won't even take a treat unless I put it in her mouth, but Daisy will just maul you trying to get what she wants. When I first started training her, I had to put her in the crate so she didn't attack me for the food. If she wasn't so endearing the rest of the time, she would be a difficult dog to have around.
Janie can be a pain at times, too, but she is just so darn polite and lady-like. I had read that pointers were well-mannered, but I am still stunned when she looks at us after we put her food down to make sure that it is okay to eat. And she never chews up anything in the house without asking first. Except the stair railing! Which we found out was some kind of pressed wood instead of solid wood. But other than that, she hasn't chewed up anything else in the house.
The backyard is a different story. She must feel she has permission to do whatever she wants out there, because she shreds anything we put out there. Including our hose! I now have to wrap up my hose and put it away like a precious jewel if I want to see it again tomorrow. And I must have my hose. It is great therapy for me to clean up the backyard and hose it down. I just wish I could do the same thing inside the house.
We also use the little liver treats that come in a foil bag. I forget the brand, but they love them so much that Daisy almost killed me trying to get some. Janie is very patient and won't even take a treat unless I put it in her mouth, but Daisy will just maul you trying to get what she wants. When I first started training her, I had to put her in the crate so she didn't attack me for the food. If she wasn't so endearing the rest of the time, she would be a difficult dog to have around.
Janie can be a pain at times, too, but she is just so darn polite and lady-like. I had read that pointers were well-mannered, but I am still stunned when she looks at us after we put her food down to make sure that it is okay to eat. And she never chews up anything in the house without asking first. Except the stair railing! Which we found out was some kind of pressed wood instead of solid wood. But other than that, she hasn't chewed up anything else in the house.
The backyard is a different story. She must feel she has permission to do whatever she wants out there, because she shreds anything we put out there. Including our hose! I now have to wrap up my hose and put it away like a precious jewel if I want to see it again tomorrow. And I must have my hose. It is great therapy for me to clean up the backyard and hose it down. I just wish I could do the same thing inside the house.
The OC
So I read the television show The OC has been canceled. I never watched the show, but living in the real OC, I watched the whole Orange County phenomenon with interest. When I used to tell people where I lived, I would get a blank stare, then I would explain that it was south of Los Angeles, but north of San Diego, and then their eyes sort of glazed over. Now, everyone knows exactly where Orange County is, and what we are all about.
We always drive through Laguna Beach on the way to my parent's house for holidays. One year, it was absolutely impossible to get through the traffic, then we remembered the television show, "Laguna Beach" had just come out. The sad thing is, the tourists in Laguna Beach are the ones that always think it's okay to just cross the street whenever they want to. They just pop out in front of your car, on the Pacific Coast Highway. The city of Laguna Beach actually installed musical, flashing light crosswalks, to stop the jaded locals from running down the tourists and their valuable tourism dollars.
We found a short cut through the hills, to avoid the holiday traffic, but sometimes when we have enough time, we still choose to drive through Laguna and watch the tourists risking their lives, dodging cars to get to the beach.
We always drive through Laguna Beach on the way to my parent's house for holidays. One year, it was absolutely impossible to get through the traffic, then we remembered the television show, "Laguna Beach" had just come out. The sad thing is, the tourists in Laguna Beach are the ones that always think it's okay to just cross the street whenever they want to. They just pop out in front of your car, on the Pacific Coast Highway. The city of Laguna Beach actually installed musical, flashing light crosswalks, to stop the jaded locals from running down the tourists and their valuable tourism dollars.
We found a short cut through the hills, to avoid the holiday traffic, but sometimes when we have enough time, we still choose to drive through Laguna and watch the tourists risking their lives, dodging cars to get to the beach.
Another View From My Porch
This one I zoom in, so the houses aren't in the picture. Every time I do this, I think, I really need to get off my porch and go out somewhere where there is Big Sky to photograph. I dream of going back to Moab, where there was silence and sky. And wolves. Oh.
So I think I will stay on my porch for now!
Walking Challenge
I am participating in a walking event here, if anyone wants to join. We are walking together across the United States. Virtually, of course. It is kind of fun, and having to publicly post your miles is a good incentive to get moving.
Well, it should be, but since I have signed up, I only walked one mile. I think I am cramping up under the pressure of public scrutiny.
No, actually, I think it might be the eighty mile an hour Santa Ana winds that having been blowing the last three days. It is a bit Wizard of Oz here right now, so I will try to make up the miles when the winds die down. I am one of those positive people that thinks, if a tree is going to fall down, it is going to fall on my head.
Well, it should be, but since I have signed up, I only walked one mile. I think I am cramping up under the pressure of public scrutiny.
No, actually, I think it might be the eighty mile an hour Santa Ana winds that having been blowing the last three days. It is a bit Wizard of Oz here right now, so I will try to make up the miles when the winds die down. I am one of those positive people that thinks, if a tree is going to fall down, it is going to fall on my head.
Whips, Biscuits and Angel's Wings
One of my New Year's resolutions was to stop worrying what people think of me. So, of course, this had to happen:
I called to my husband in the backyard to come discipline the kids. He was not there, but I heard him talking, so I peeked out into the alley and saw him talking to one of our neighbors.
So I yelled, "Morgan just hit Annie with a whip!"
And my husband says, "...and this is my wife."
I didn't have my glasses on. It is our new neighbor that just moved in. So I, worried that I made a bad impression, walked over to try to correct the bad impression, wearing yellow rubber gloves, and for some reason, carrying a big package of Pillsbury biscuits.
I said, "Sorry, I wasn't wearing my glasses..." then realized I couldn't very well say, "I wouldn't have mentioned my children whipping each other, if I had known you were a new neighbor, that I wanted to impress, and not our old neighbor, that I don't like anyway." So, I just kind of rambled on and on. The guy got away as fast as he could.
So I spent most of the night, saying things like, "Was I rude?" to my husband and worrying what our new neighbors think of me.
Which reminds me of when we first moved to this neighborhood. We had had a bad time in our old neighborhood, with the neighbors actually calling the police on us, because they felt our baby was crying too much (we had three kids under four years old).
So I was anxious about our new neighbors, and when we met the first one, a single man, I quickly pointed out how I hoped we wouldn't bother him, because our kids were so noisy.
He said something like, "How could these angels be too noisy?"
My six year old replied, deadpan, "It's our wings rubbing together that makes all the noise."
I called to my husband in the backyard to come discipline the kids. He was not there, but I heard him talking, so I peeked out into the alley and saw him talking to one of our neighbors.
So I yelled, "Morgan just hit Annie with a whip!"
And my husband says, "...and this is my wife."
I didn't have my glasses on. It is our new neighbor that just moved in. So I, worried that I made a bad impression, walked over to try to correct the bad impression, wearing yellow rubber gloves, and for some reason, carrying a big package of Pillsbury biscuits.
I said, "Sorry, I wasn't wearing my glasses..." then realized I couldn't very well say, "I wouldn't have mentioned my children whipping each other, if I had known you were a new neighbor, that I wanted to impress, and not our old neighbor, that I don't like anyway." So, I just kind of rambled on and on. The guy got away as fast as he could.
So I spent most of the night, saying things like, "Was I rude?" to my husband and worrying what our new neighbors think of me.
Which reminds me of when we first moved to this neighborhood. We had had a bad time in our old neighborhood, with the neighbors actually calling the police on us, because they felt our baby was crying too much (we had three kids under four years old).
So I was anxious about our new neighbors, and when we met the first one, a single man, I quickly pointed out how I hoped we wouldn't bother him, because our kids were so noisy.
He said something like, "How could these angels be too noisy?"
My six year old replied, deadpan, "It's our wings rubbing together that makes all the noise."
Hi, Mom!
I changed the layout just for you! It's really the least I can do, after all you have done for me. How could you drive me to ballet lessons four days a week for 5 years? You must have really wanted a ballerina. Sorry about that.
Once in awhile I pull out my old skillz and do terrible pirouettes for the girls. And they clap and clap. And then I go throw up because I never learned to spot.
But thanks for all the driving...
Once in awhile I pull out my old skillz and do terrible pirouettes for the girls. And they clap and clap. And then I go throw up because I never learned to spot.
But thanks for all the driving...
View From My Porch
I wish there were less houses and more sunset, but it's the best we can do for now. This is a view of the mountains behind our house:
I think they are National Forest, so hopefully they will not be able to raze them and build more houses.
Add Yourself to My Map, Please
I switched to a cuter map, so if you already added yourself to the old one, please add yourself again to this one. Thanks!
Overextending Myself in the New Year
I am trying to get the new year off to a good start, which means cleaning up and getting organized. I remember a few years ago hearing my dad, who was about 65 years old then, say he was trying to do his chores and get "caught up on things." It completely stunned me, because I was sure by the time I was 65 years old, I would be caught up on things! So I guess I should use that wisdom, but instead, I am still trying to catch up.
Anyone with children knows about the piles of laundry that keep piling up no matter how many loads you do. I actually had a dream one night that I had a second washer and dryer, and I woke up all full of joy and warm fuzzies. My practical goal is to get caught up on the laundry enough that everyone has clean clothes and the laundry baskets are not spilling into the hallway.
I also have a pathetic goal of rounding up all of the socks that don't fit anyone anymore. My little one suggested we make sock puppets, but it would be a heck of a lot of puppets.
And I am dumping the task of returning all of the defective Christmas gifts, including my new vacuum, onto my husband. It is truly the vacuum from hell. It works perfectly, is a cute red color and has an automatic cord thingy. But every so often, completely at random, the metal hose pops off and falls onto the floor. And my shin. And then a little piece broke off when it fell, and I picked it up and cut my hand on it. So I am bruised and bleeding from my nasty Hoover Telios Canister Vacuum.
So I told my husband to take it back and get a Eureka vacuum. That's the brand of our old vacuum and I have had it forever. It is now falling to pieces, but it has done its job and has never injured me. Well, now I have gotten off track.
Oh well, I'll save my new year's resolutions for tomorrow! Happy New Year!
Anyone with children knows about the piles of laundry that keep piling up no matter how many loads you do. I actually had a dream one night that I had a second washer and dryer, and I woke up all full of joy and warm fuzzies. My practical goal is to get caught up on the laundry enough that everyone has clean clothes and the laundry baskets are not spilling into the hallway.
I also have a pathetic goal of rounding up all of the socks that don't fit anyone anymore. My little one suggested we make sock puppets, but it would be a heck of a lot of puppets.
And I am dumping the task of returning all of the defective Christmas gifts, including my new vacuum, onto my husband. It is truly the vacuum from hell. It works perfectly, is a cute red color and has an automatic cord thingy. But every so often, completely at random, the metal hose pops off and falls onto the floor. And my shin. And then a little piece broke off when it fell, and I picked it up and cut my hand on it. So I am bruised and bleeding from my nasty Hoover Telios Canister Vacuum.
So I told my husband to take it back and get a Eureka vacuum. That's the brand of our old vacuum and I have had it forever. It is now falling to pieces, but it has done its job and has never injured me. Well, now I have gotten off track.
Oh well, I'll save my new year's resolutions for tomorrow! Happy New Year!
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