Born-again Blogger

Well this is old news to most of you at this point but since Jackson is now cast-free I finally have time to let you know that he fractured his arm. And if my grandmother is reading this, those dishes on the counter are clean.

Cupcake

We have a new addition to our family and her name is Cupcake! She is a Cairn Terrier Mix, who has had a few too many cupcakes by the looks of her.

We adopted her from the Riverside Humane Society which was an great experience. The facility is SOOOO nice, the staff was super helpful too. They reminded us that they were a no-kill shelter and that all of their pets would find homes. They really wanted us to find the right fit, not just feel sorry for an animal. Everything was clean and warm, not that scary animal shelter feeling. They even set up TWO interviews with our family and Cupcake, Jack was having a bad day the first time. They all cheered and were so excited for us, and the dog of course! They also have under retail priced pet items in their shop, that supports the shelter.

Cupcake is low-key, has only barked once. She sleeps happily in her crate at night, and did fine while we were gone for church. She is warming up to the kids, but gets a cautious look in her eye when Jack is around. Good instincts. Luckily since I got the huge baby gate for Christmas I can keep them separated when I can't have both eyes on them. She'll be trapped in the kitchen. Like me.

Worst Good News Ever

Yesterday I was discussing the state of the economy, especially as it relates to Pat getting a job when he graduates, with my dad. Pat has the option of pursuing a one year residency that would delay both the repayment of his loans and might buy some time for the economy to rebound.

My dad pointed out that since Pat will have a technical skill even if our economy collapses Pat will be able to provide for our family. People will still need health care and if worse comes to worse Pat could always barter a root canal for some chickens.

What a relief.

Just like Gayle

After easily unsubscribing weeks ago from Red Plum, who used to send unwanted ads to my home twice a week, I searched for the Pennysaver unsubscribe to no avail.

Ha! You will not defeat me junk mail.
http://www.pennysaverusa.com/mailinglist/removalform.aspx

Seriously I go outside some days and there is nothing in the mailbox. Ten years ago that would have depressed me, today I need less communication from strangers I guess.

Can't wait to tell my neighbor (though it does secretly satisfy me to see her mailbox overflowing everyday).

Leonardo di Caprio will be happy, and so will Ella. Though I am sure this will lead to more of the continuing tirade, "why do I have to empty the trashcans just because its Monday? They aren't even full!?!"

This just proves that if Oprah gives me an assignment I will complete it. Quit receiving junk mail. Check. All that's left on my Oprah list is to not eat out for a month, get sized for a bra, and decide what I am "really hungry for".

P.S. Dude, I already don't get mail on Saturday, now what?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28897426/?GT1=43001

Full Circle

The last day of every illness seems to start with me having stayed up all night. I think this happened when I had my second child, since there is no taking it easy with that little table dancer, nor can my husband call in sick.

I started with what seemed to be a minor stomach bug Friday, took a nap when Pat got home. Went to Chili's, and then went to bed late because of said nap. Slept in Saturday. Went to a birthday party. Later Saturday night felt barfy, stayed up later. Sunday we all missed church and I slept the day away. Little by little my bed time has crept up until now, when apparently I no longer have a bed time.

Tomorrow, well...today now, I will be exhausted through lunch with Sam and Marsi, dying by the time I get through our new troop's first Daisy Girl Scout meeting, and then I will collapse at a reasonable bed time. At which time I will consider myself over the stomach flu.

Did I mention I find inane details of my life fascinating when I am sleep deprived?

The elves arrived a few days after Christmas.

Little cleaning elves it seems have been to my home and I could not be happier.

A few days after Christmas, Pat and I went to Vegas (baby!) to belatedly celebrate our tenth anniversary. Awesome time was had by all but something even better happened when I came home...my house was spotless!

While my in-laws stayed here with the kids elves must have steam-cleaned my carpets, cleaned the microwave, emptied the vacuum(man I hate that job!), AND got the mildew out of our shower that I was sure was permanent. I would be mortified except that I am so freakin' happy that it is all clean. I am sure there are other surprised I have yet to discover.

On our drive home from the aforementioned awesome trip we were discussing our need to make it an annual trip. Now that I have seen my house I am considering semi-annual.

Do elves work in June?

Ready to potty train?

If Jackson picks up his sister's Dora the Explora' potty seat insert and puts it on his head, would you consider that a sign of readiness?

The best part was that when I held it up and said, "this is for your booty," he looked at me like, "what the heck would I put it there for?"

I wasn't prepping Jack for potty training, I was trying to clean the bathroom. Trust me I am in no rush to potty train Jackson. Ever.

Now that I am an old and seasoned veteran in these parenting wars I know that potty training is only the end of diapers, but does not represent any sort of new freedom. I will be racing to find the nearest restroom with a panicked child and handling poo for perhaps the rest of my life.