I Had a Dr. Pepper at Dinner

I'm not very smart sometimes. Take this evening, for example. I hesitated for a moment when filling up my cup when we went out to dinner. I almost chose Sprite, but then my eyes spotted the Dr. Pepper.

I knew it was wrong. I knew I'd be up late tonight due to the caffeine's effect on me. But I chose it anyway.

And now here I sit in front of the computer, while the clock reads well past 1:00 am, instead of laying in bed blissfully asleep.

Maybe I should call my phone number twin and, with my best Sinatra, sing her a song.......New York! New York!

The McGyver Menu

A great big thanks to those who gave ideas for my dinner last night!!! I went with a Goulash, which I ended up having a recipe for all along. So, I pretty much threw in cooked hamburger, can of corn, can of stewed tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped green pepper and some elbow macaroni. And voila, there was dinner!

My family enjoyed it too! In fact, as Ryan headed off for seconds he said to me that he was surprised it tasted so good, he said it just looked like a bunch of things thrown together. Well, he wasn't wrong!

~~~~~

On a side note, a friend* of mine, who commented in yesterdays post, gave me a web site that may help in future dinner pickles, and I thought I'd tell you all about it too! She said that the site is called recipematcher.com. You type in what you have in your pantry and it gives you recipes to try. I think I'll use it next time I find myself low on supplies and low on cash.

*thanks Debbie!

A McGyver Dinner Special

I don't have much in the cupboards or the fridge today and would like to see what I can do with what I have. Can you help a girl out?? I need some suggestions. Here is what I have to work with;

chicken
hamburger
can of corn
can of peas
can stewed tomatoes
frozen hash browns
can of peaches
misc pasta (linguine, and elbow noodles...I think)
jar of pasta sauce
onion

Use your imagination. Pretend that you're either on a reality show to be the Next Food Network Star -or- you only have a few dollars to your name and can't go out to buy any food today, and all you have to work with is what is listed above (and not everything has to be used, it's just all you have, plus the necessary spices). What would you serve?

Ok, ready, set, go!

It'll Tie You Up In Knots

The other day I bought the game Twister for our family. I thought it would be a great way to spend some fun time together, and it is something that doesn't involve a high level of understanding in order to play. Even little Isabel will be able to get in on some fun!

We had a good time together and the minimal cost of the game....worth it! But I gotta tell you that after playing for about a half hour to forty five minutes, I'm sore! My leg muscles were a cryin' out and shaking.

Pilates has nothing on Twister, that's all I have to say.

Google Search

Some interesting things come up when searching the world wide web for things. For example, recently Mae asked me what a beard was and after trying to describe it to her, I decided to pull up some pictures on Google Images.

Brilliant idea, right?

Well, it was, but some rather unexpected images came up as well as the typical. It was helpful in showing Mae what a beard was, but I am still at a loss as to why exactly this picture was among them.


I'm just wondering. That's all I'm sayin'.

Wait

That's what I feel like the Lord is saying to me right now. Wait.

It's an interesting feeling, this waiting. What am I to wait for? Since moving to Southern California two years ago, I've been waiting to buy a house. At first it was because we were trying to sell our house back in Michigan, and wait for the end of the lease here, then we'd buy a house. After that it was wait to save for a down payment and now it's that and pay down some debt first.

Am I waiting for a house, is that the next step?

I've also had in my mind visions of Michigan and the life we had back there, thinking of what it would be like to move back. But then I have to remind myself that the Lord has never called me back to someplace I've already been. Not that He can't or won't ever do that, it's just that I don't think that is where He will lead us. But the thoughts are still there. It even went as far as having a dream the other day that we were back at our old house and it was fall and I was feeling the environment of autumn in the air, the coolness to the breeze and the colors of the leaves, the way the neighborhood looked and who lived in which house and what the houses looked like. It was strange.

As much as we enjoy our Southern California location and the proximity to our families, am I waiting for another job change for Ryan, another relocation?

There are many things in my mind that are just on hold. Things that can't move forward until He moves us forward. I'm a little bit anxious and a lot bit nervous about this whole waiting thing. I guess I'm just nervous that I won't like it when the waiting is over and the answers are in hand. But I must remind myself that the Lord has the best in store for me, His plans are good and perfect, as I have always seen them to be once looking back.

And so I wait. I will wait on the Lord when there are many conflicting thoughts that swirl in my mind. I will wait for His timing and release. I will wait on Him.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

No, Not Today

I've always cut Caleb's hair using a great electric razor (like the barbers use), and he's never liked it. When Caleb was just a wee little boy I would try to prepare him for his impending hair cut by letting him know that it was coming later that day. His response was always the same. I'd say to him in an excited voice 'Caleb, do you want a hair cut?'. And he'd reply in his sweet little-boy voice, in a matter-of-fact kind of way 'no, not today' as though that would settle the matter. It didn't, but it was sure cute.

~~~

Now that the kids are back in school I am required to get up earlier and take them to school. All week I've been consoling myself with the fact that on Saturday I can sleep in. But that's not going to happen. I have an appointment to get my hair cut, which will require me to get up earlier than I want (but at least I'll look good all day with my perfectly coiffed hair). When I recieved the automated reminder call last night the only thing I running through my mind was 'no, not today'.

No Comment

Earlier this week Mae and Caleb returned to school and we are beginning to see the effects of the budget issues that California has had in regard to education. Some class sizes are larger, less teachers, assistants and staff to go around, and little or no bus routes (to mention a few). So far the only thing that has effected our family is the loss of the bus route that we took advantage of last year.

Last year Mae was able to take the bus to and from school, and it was great! It was a very nice convenience but not necessary by any means. But with the education budget cuts, our schools and districts had to find ways of saving programs and cutting costs. Our district has saved well over a million dollars by cutting way back on bus services, and our little school lost just about all the routes that served it, including Mae's. Since this luxury was just that for us, a luxury, it was not a hard thing to accept and I think it was a wise move on the district to cut the routes. Hopefully this has saved other things like art programs and more importantly, teachers jobs.

As school began the other day, and as I waited for the kids to come out of their classes, I was approached by a reporter asking if I had used the bus system last year. I said I did, and she asked if she could interview me. Ah, well, I'd rather not (not my best of hair days, you understand) but I most graciously showed her where there were other parents were, not too far off, who may be of service to her. Before leaving she asked if I would consent if she didn't find anyone. I said yes (hoping I'd be gone before she could come back). And darn if those kids didn't come out soon enough! The reporter nabbed me before I was two feet from leaving. Bummer.

I did the little interview and answered her questions regarding the loss of the bus routes. I knew she wouldn't use my segment though. I was honest in the relevance of the buses to me, 'a nice convenience'. She proceeded to ask how the cost of gas has effected my family. Again, I was honest in my response which was 'not that bad since we don't drive around that much'. I can be so eloquent when needed, yes?.

So, no, I was not surprised when we watched the news and did not see my little interview. Caleb and Isabel made it though (a little blip of them playing in the shrubs). The mom who did make the cut talked about how far she lived from the school and how much she would love to have the routes back. Ahem, she lives maybe a mile from school. I can't feel bad about her loss for it is no worse than mine. Being a stay at home mom I feel that it falls into my job description to take my kids to and from school, and I can't quite get myself to complain about it. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to chat it up with other moms in the course of my day. And us stay at home moms know how important a little adult conversation is to ones day. However, the main issue still remains, the budget cuts that are effecting our schools. And I'd much rather take a hit with bus routes than quality of teaching and other important programs for our students.

But there you have it. The world was deprived of my brilliant mind and eloquent speech. Alas, I resign myself to remain among the masses as a undiscovered jewel of wit and wisdom, the perfect package.

Back To School

Tuesday was the first day of school for Mae and Caleb and they were both excited. They have been looking forward to it for weeks now. Mae has the same teacher that she had last year but has her for 2nd grade, and Caleb has the same kindergarten teacher that Mae had two years ago. I was pleased to hear that bit of news as I like this teacher very much. Anyway, with this news everyone was wrapped up with anticipation for this new school year. In fact, Caleb was up at 5:45 that morning and Ryan found him sitting on the couch all dressed, with shoes on and was hugging his backpack. Here is the little conversation that followed:

Ryan: Hey Buddy, school is in two hours.

Caleb: I just want to be ready.

That just melted my heart when I heard that. He'd been looking forward to this day for months and months now. It was no wonder he was up before the sun!

Mae was excited too. Moving up a grade is always cause for excitement, you know. As I walked her down the hall to her class (after dropping Caleb off at his class), she told me that she was glad to be back at school. That makes me happy to hear. I wonder how long she'll feel that way about school? Do I have a few more years at least before the dreaded school attitude begins?

Here's a photo essay of their journey to school;

the kindergartner and 2nd grader

in the truck, on our way!

walking to the school, getting closer!

first in line and eager to begin his elementary career

Mae and a class buddy

Then there's me. Excited to start another school year and watch my kids grow and learn. Excited about spending some one on one time with Isabel. Excited to go to the grocery store with just one kid. Who knew that was something I'd ever look forward to!

Faux-Pita

foh-pee-tah

noun

1) artificial or imitation pita bread; fake flat bread that does not have a 'pocket' when sliced in half

2) what is served to friends with yummy chicken salad when real pita bread was mistakenly passed over at the store for something that looked like pita bread.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

For Mae and Caleb, school starts today! At this point they are very excited about going, and so am I! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and this has been a great summer....but it's time to start school and get back into the routine of things. In fact, I'm a bit giddy over it! Caleb will start kindergarten and Mae the 2nd grade. This means I'll have the first half of the day with just Isabel. Who knew going grocery shopping with just one child would give me such excitement?!

This little commercial sums up how I'm feeling as my kids head out for their first day back.

Why-ning

Often I have silly, sometimes rhetorical, questions that plague my mind. Here are a few:

Why...

...is it that any time I find something at a store (clothes, shoes, etc) that the item is, most of the time, out stock of the size that I need? It doesn't matter if I'm looking for a shirt for Caleb in size 4t, they're gone! The annoying thing is that all the other sizes (one size smaller or larger) are always fully stocked. Then the following year, if I'm looking for a 5t, then it doesn't fail that they are out of it, again. It's a conspiracy I tell ya!

...does a clean kitchen give me such joy?

...do I feel the need to always tell people where I got something and how much I spent on it when either a) they compliment the item. or b) I get a great deal on something....it never fails, I just can't not tell them!

...are the kids so precious when they sleep?

...do I get emails notifying me that I've won big money in the UK lottery? I don't, and never have, played in any lottery. (maybe I should start?)

...is it that I can not bring myself to throw away a set of crummy kitchen towels I bought a few months ago? They are crappy, I tell ya, but I just can't make myself throw them away. I think about it every time I either pull one out of the drawer to use (because it is the last clean one) or when I fold it after it's been washed. Oh! I actually know the answer to this one....I'm cheap and can't stand the thought of wasting a few dollars.

...does Costco not give out samples from their bakery?

...did I just receive two issues of Field & Stream magazine? I am not a outdoorsy person. I haven't picked up a fishing pole in probably twenty years and I've never hunted a single creature on God's green earth. So why am I now the owner of the latest issues of Field & Stream? Is this a practical joke??? (anyone want me to forward them 'The Accuracy Issue' or the 'Big Bucks Now'?)

Olympic Question - Answered

A couple days ago I posed a few questions I had about what I've been seeing on the Olympics. One of them was that I have seen many videographers with blue tunics with the word BOB on them. I wondered who Bob was and why there were so many Bobs about. Well, I just received an email from a friend that has so graciously answered this strange phenomenon for me. Here is what she said;

BOB = Beijing Olympic Broadcast
We heard it mentioned during last night's coverage!

So there you have it! It's China's media coverage.

Dreams

Along with the rest of the world, my kids have been watching the Olympics. I think this is the first time that they are really understanding what it is and able to enjoy the sports and events. It's gets them thinking about being a part of it one day. Here's a conversation that occurred the other day between Caleb and his daddy.

Caleb: Dad, when I'm a teenager do I have to ask to be in the Olympics?

Ryan: Do you mean in the Olympics or go to the Olympics?

Caleb: In the Olympics.

Ryan: First you have to find a sport that your good at, then maybe you can be in the Olympics.

Caleb: I'm good at swimming.

Ryan: Well, you have to be really good.

Caleb: You've seen me swim, I'm good!

How incredible it would be to one day watch my son compete in the Olympics! I'm saving this little conversation just in case it happens, then I can look back and smile even bigger!

Pathetic

pa·thet·ic

–adjective

the cause for being unable to go through a Pilates class and not be sore the next day.

Olympic Questions

I've been watching the Olympics with the rest of the world these past few days and I've noticed a couple things that I can't quite find an answer for. Maybe my loyal readers (all two of you) can help shed some light?? Here goes....

* Why do the women's beach volleyball players wear skimpy bikinis while the men's team have full-length shorts with sleeveless shirts? Seriously, why is that??! (oh, and I'm not all that interested in watching the ladies 'readjust' their bikini bottoms after every jump or dive. ewe.)

* Has anyone noticed the guys with the video cameras, the ones taping the events, that wear the blue tunics with Chinese characters written on them along with the word 'Bob'? Does 'Bob' mean something once translated, or do all the videograophers happen to have that name? (or some odd communist standard that all males with the name Bob must be trained in the art of video taking?) Strange.

Snippets

I'm stumped. There is either not much going on right now OR my mind is just going blank. Either way, I just can't come up with anything of interest to post about. There have been a few things here or there but nothing that could constitute a full post. So here are a few snippets of things going on to keep you up to speed (because you must be really bored to want to read it).

* I have a confession. I've been a bit preoccupied with Facebook. I joined a couple weeks ago and am having fun reconnecting with people! When asked the question as to why I had not yet joined my answer was this 'I don't need another time-suck on the computer', blogging is enough. Apparently I was wrong.

* I made homemade ice cream last weekend. Yes, I've made it many times before, but this time was different. This time I had a new recipe that did not require me to cook the mixture and cool it for a while before freezing it. The result? Perfection! (thanks Carrie for passing on the recipe!!!)

* I've made a new friend! I met her and her family at a social gathering this past weekend with our couples bible study group. The amazing part is that I actually invited her and her kids over this Wednesday. This is out of my comfort zone, but I couldn't help myself. But maybe the more amazing thing is that she accepted my invitation!

* The kids start school next week. I don't know who is more excited. Me or them?

* I got a new swim suit recently and LOVE it! I mixed and matched a pair of board shorts with a longer tankini top. I love the modesty of the shorts as well as the length of the tankini (no longer do I have to be concerned with the tankini rising to show my lack of flat abs! oh, they're there, just concealed with, let's say, some 'layers').

* Potty training Isabel is going ok. I've been better recently with being more consistent with asking and taking her potty. I think she'll be ready by the time she starts preschool next month. Once MaeLeb start school, I think I'll have even more time and less distraction with getting her school-ready. Seriously though.....who is training whom?

Insomnia

Way back in December, when we were gone for Christmas, we came home and began listening to our phone messages. Among them was an unknown caller who identified themselves as living in New York and having the same phone number. The caller suggested we call and chat.

Um, no, we didn't return the call.

A few weeks ago they called back. It was after 10:00 pm and the phone rang. We have caller id and it said 'blocked'. My parents have a 'blocked' number, and we were also preparing to leave on our camping trip and I thought it could be either my parents calling (with an emergency, 'cause who calls at that late hour?) or maybe it was a friend calling about our impending trip. So I answered it.

Me: Hello?

Caller: (imagine a strong New York accent) Are you from California?

Me: (starting to remember this caller leaving a message months earlier and thinking maybe it was them) Um, yah.

Caller: Can I sing a song for you? (again with the thick accent)

Me: (matter of factly) No. (it's late, I'm tired and not interested!)

Caller: (as if my response doesn't matter, starts singing) Caaaaa-li-for-niaaaaa..

Me: ( I hang up)

I know, how rude am I? Here my phone number twin is suffering in New York and can't sleep (it was past 1:00 am over there) and I go and hang up! But maybe that's all the person needed to get to sleep.

They never called back.

Does Whatever A Spider Can

The other day I was relaxing on the couch while watching a design show, and Caleb was sitting on my lap. He was being very quiet and started playing with my hands. Soon I heard him singing a little song as he played with my fingers. I thought 'how sweet!'. I couldn't quite make out the words he was singing, but still I thought I was having a sweet moment with him as I listened to him sing. Then I heard what he was singing. Caleb was quietly singing the Spider Man song as he maneuvered my fingers into the position to release spider webs.

Not sure if that was the sweet moment I thought I was having. Guess I'll take what I can get these days!

YouTube Tuesday - Dorcs

I'm not a big fan of Crocs. However, I must admit to buying the kids some knock-offs at Target (I call them Sham-rocs). On the kids, they are cute especially Isabel. But I dare say that I do not forsee myself ever donning a pair. I'm sure they are comfortable, but I do not consider them to be very attractive. I think I'll just stick with my nifty new summer shoes for around the town and use my cheap-o flips flops for the beach and pool.

But here's a video just for fun!

Does She Know Me Or What?

This conversation occurred the other day while driving around:

Mae: Look! There's Wal-Mart!

Me: Um, yah? (we don't shop there very often so I was a little surprised at this reaction)

Mae: They have Hannah Montana stuff there, and it's cheap!

Me: And you like cheap stuff??

Mae: No, but you do.

*sigh* Yah, my seven year old daughter has me pegged. Wouldn't you say?

It's Her Prerogative

It seems that Mae gets the idea about once a year to get her hair cut. Then, she decides to not get it cut again so it will grow out and be nice and long. She's done this for the last few years. I consider her to be embracing her female-ness. Isn't that what we girls do?

This year is no exception. Last summer, right before school started Mae decided to get her hair cut in a bob style. She had never had it cut that short before and I had my reservations. It turned out so cute, I shouldn't have been so concerned. Then all year she said she didn't want it cut again and that she wanted it to be long enough to reach her bum. Well, she's female and changed her mind. This time she wanted bangs and for the length to be short-short. Again, I had my reservations about something, this time it was about the bangs. But I let her do it anyway.

Today I took Mae to get her hair cut. Here's the before and after:



What do you think? Cute, right?!

Aside from getting the necessary school supplies, I think she's ready for school!

**note: she was going to get her ears pierced too but chickened out. maybe next time!

Water

It is essential for good summer fun. For instance, it's great when coupled with a fountain.

It also comes in handy for swimming or blowing bubbles.

The beach is an excellent source of water as well (shovel and pail optional).

The backyard variety is fun too.

So grab a friend and jump on in!

But don't forget a towel!