Wednesday, June 30, 2010

truly



+



=



Truly, Taco Bueno + Barnes & Noble = Heaven.

*laugh*

It rained yesterday!

Oh, the rain was lovely.  It came down the better part of the afternoon and it was terrific.  Everything cooled down, the air was clear and it made for a lovely evening, watching a bunch of grown men play soccer out at Korompai. 

Better them than me, I say.  That ground looked hard. 

The Stowaway was kind enough not to wake me up at 3:30 this morning.  I did wake up at 5 but that was for other reasons and I went back to sleep until the alarm at 6:30.

I miss Munchkin today.  I was thinking about her this morning as I was waiting to fall back asleep.  I know she's having a good time but I'm ready for August already.  (for more than one reason!)

Packing is ... well, I made a list.  Does that count for progress?  Seriously, I just come home and die at the end of the day.  I straightened at the living room and kitchen last night and felt like I'd accomplished something but nobody but me could probably see any difference at all - it's still a mess.

I may have to take a few personal days to pack the house in peace and relative quiet because it's not going to happen after I've been at work all day and the weekends just aren't enough time. 

*sigh*

At least we have a long weekend coming up.  I may celebrate the 4th of July by sealing boxes.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A little preview *happysigh*

I love going over to my in-laws' house.  They are such sweet people and I consider myself super lucky to have them.  As if scoring Coach wasn't great enough (he really is the greatest thing since sliced cheese and chick-fil-a waffle fries), he came with a pair of parents who are a delight. 

So, we try to go over there at least once a week just to visit.  We don't always get over there during the school year but we've been pretty regular lately.  *laugh* 

We have a little added bonus for visiting - the Little Man.  Coach's sister had her second little boy around Mother's Day and he is a snuggle bunny.  I love holding him.  He's got that new baby smell and it is exactly what all these pregnancy hormones need.  Who needs to eat when you can hold the Little Man? 

I love babies - always have.  Since becoming a mommy, though, I know how hard it is to break one so they aren't scary anymore.  *laugh*  Since the Little Man was born, I can't hardly keep my hands off of him.  I'm a complete hog with him.  Coach laughs and asks if he'll ever be able to hold the Stowaway once she gets here.  I tell him, sure, I'll have to go to the bathroom and shower every once in a while.  (just kidding, honey)

I think my fixation on the Little Man is two-fold.  First, I'm VERY pregnant and can't hardly stand waiting until our little one gets here so holding the Little Man is a nice way to top off my happy mommy endorphins.  There is just something about holding a snuggly little baby that smells so sweet that makes all the achy joints, stretched and itchy skin and lower back ache go away for a little while. 

Second, had Riley survived, he and the Little Man would have been born about the same time; within a few weeks of eachother, actually.  Now, I don't think about Riley everytime I hold the Little Man.  I look forward to holding the Stowaway and know that Riley is in Heaven, fishing with Paw-Paw. 

I have plenty of love for all these babies.  We were remarking last night how neat it will be that the Little Man and the Stowaway will be so close in age and will get to grow up together. 

----

Speaking of previews, I had to laugh at 3:30 this morning when I was awake, trying to get comfortable.  I realized that the Stowaway was also awake, kicking around happily in there.  I told Coach to expect to see that time of day again.  *laugh* 

Normally, I can fall back to sleep in 20-30 minutes but I could not get back to sleep.  My left hip hurt terribly and I could not find a comfortable way back to sleep.  I finally moved out to the couch around 4:30 and fell back to sleep around 5.  *sigh* 

I could hug my Asst Supt of HR for coming up with the 10-3 work schedule idea.  Not having to be up and at'em at 6:30 this morning would have been delightful.  And, if I'm going to be this uncomfortable the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy, starting July 1 (new fiscal year) is going to be an amazing blessing (thanks Boss!). 

*yawn*

Monday, June 28, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Today is my mother's birthday.  She is an original cowgirl.  She's weathered hard times and seen her share of loss but she is resiliant and a survivor and manages to stay beautiful in the midst of it all. 

She is a storyteller, a director, a teacher, a player, a designer and a clown.  She knows enough about the computer to be really, REALLY dangerous and her fascination with Sims Castaway is hilarious. 

She has a wonderful imagination and her creations WILL delight even the most grown-up of grown-ups. 

She CAN cook (even though she doesn't really like to) and her humpty-dumpties are my very favorite breakfast on earth. 

She is fun to hang out with and just do nothing.  She is fun to run around with and she's very good at providing and "out." 

She has been my counselor, therapist, personal maseusse, principal and friend. 

She never wavered in her commitment to raise us to know the Lord.

She never buckled when the pressure to "just let siblings be siblings" crept into our house and threatened the relationship between my brother and me. 

She avoids conflict but is fierce in a fight. 

She endured a bout with Death and lived to tell about it.  Eight years ago, she had radical surgery to save her life.  The treatment alone nearly ended it.  That was such a hard time for us.  I could not be near her and I felt, for many years after, I had abandoned her. 

She is a terrific Nana.  She loves her grandgirl, Munchkin, and the feelings are definitely mutual.  She delights in hearing about our plans and dreams for the Stowaway and is waiting with breathless anticipation for her arrival. 

She is a fabulous teacher.  I have watched her reach down into the abyss of a child's wounded heart and draw out joy.  I have seen her stand in the gap for children with no allies.  I have seen her battle dragons in defense of a struggling child.  I have watched her create a masterpiece out of nothing but what some would call scraps.  Her greatest gift and legacy are the children who have been indelibly changed by her work. 

I love my mother.  I think she is one of the most beautiful women I've ever known.  Her beauty is a light that radiates from her. 


Happy Birthday, Mommy. 

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Miracle

Yesterday, we had our 4D sonogram and it was amazing.  I've looked at the pictures 1000 times already.  To see the contours of her face, that she sucks her thumb, that she puts her hands up by her face (like I do!) when she sleeps and that she has her own ideas about things is a delight.  She made us laugh yesterday because she kept turning away from the sonogram - almost like she was showing us that SHE was in charge of what we saw, thank you very much Mommy and Daddy, and we should keep that in mind for the future. 

She sucked her thumb, yawned and even smiled.  My heart just about stopped.  I didn't cry yesterday but did a little this morning when I went back and watched the video again. 

She is beautiful.  She has Matt's nose and my cheeks.  I haven't compared her picture with Munchkin yet, but I think there will be a strong resemblance since Munchkin looks so much like me and she was born with those cheeks too! 

We've sent the pictures across the web to our friends and family.  Technology is fantastic! 

What really amazes me, though, is that God has known this little girl from the beginning and what we saw yesterday He's been watching for the last seven months.  He knows the color of her eyes and the number of hairs on her head (and if they are RED or not).  He knows if she will like to sleep a lot (like Daddy) or if she'll be a morning person (like Mommy).  He knows if she will have a servant's heart (like Daddy) or a bossy get things done type (like mommy).  He already knows these things.  But, most importantly, He knows the hour she will accept Christ.  Technology is very cool, but SHE is the miracle. 

Eagerly waiting the arrival of our little girl....

[slideshow]

Saturday, June 26, 2010

sleeping in

I'm sure, at some point in my life, sleeping in was defined by a time later than 8am.  Since Munchkin was born, though, sleeping in has pretty much lost all meaning.  7:30 is lazing around.  So many things to do with the day and sleeping just steals time from the to do list.  I'm sitting in the living room, looking around the house and sighing to myself because, I know, the end of July will be here before I know it and I could get most of the packing knocked out in a few days if I'd just get to it.  But, then I look longingly at a short stack of books just begging to be read, a cake that needs to be frosted or the never-ending cycle of housework that seems rather pointless when things are in that transition state leading up to a move but still should be attempted. 

I'm a little jealous of the cats and the husband who love to sleep and find it in abundance on Saturday mornings. 

Maybe I'll take my list to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick up moving boxes.  Wal-mart and get a new moving notebook (thanks Mom for that brilliantly effective model!)  Getting out should motivate me to get to work. 

*sigh* 

At what point in human history did the responsibility of the To Do list fall to Momma?  Can anybody tell me that?

Friday, June 25, 2010

So tired of sneezing!

Something blew in a few days ago and I've been sneezing and congested ever since.  It's AWFUL.  Half the folks in my office are hacking and coughing.  UGH. 

Thank goodness for



In other news, it's FRIDAY and I've managed to blog almost every day this week.  That's quite an accomplishment after such a long dry spell.  I think, like my friend Sarah, fb and twitter have taken over my life and I can only think in 140 characters at a time. 

We have our 4D sonogram TOMORROW!  I am so excited, I can hardly sit still.  Knowing that tomorrow afternoon, we'll see our little someone's face just takes my breath away. 



I hope she's in an accomodating mood and we get to see good pictures.  She's usually pretty active in the afternoons so that'll be even better! 

I know I need to do more packing and finish boxing up Munchkin's room.  Maybe I'll do some of that tonight.  I've taken most everything off her walls and I'll get Dad to take her bed apart. 

Working on moving utilities but the house is so new, nobody can find the address...  URGH.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

hot...already!


I'm hot.  It is not even 8 o'clock in the morning and I'm already hot.  I really have nine more weeks of this? 


He'll be intolerable after this...



So, as you can imagine, we've been watching a LOT of soccer lately.  I consider it part of my education.  *laugh*  I can't decide if Coach is laughing when I talk about soccer because he's happy I'm paying attention or if he's laughing at me.  Either way, I guess it's a good thing.  *laugh*

Here's what I've learned from watching this World Cup:

  1. There is very little (NO) accountability for sucky calls during games.  No sanctions on the ref and no remedy for the teams/players that bear the brunt of the mistake.  Oh, I understand that officials, like players, are human and are GOING to make mistakes but the arrogance involved in refusing to admit they've made a mistake is what draws the ire of the entire world.  Dudes, if you're going to mess something up (and you will), man up and admit it. 

  2. Taking a dive is apparently a completely acceptable way to waste time on the field.  I love this exerpt from a blog I found called "The Beautiful Blog:"
     Still trying to get over the disgraceful dive that cost Kaka an ejection in yesterday's Brazil-Ivory Coast game. Never known as a dirty player, Kaka used his arm to fend off an aggressive challenge by Kader Keita. Kaka's arm grazed his chest, but Keita went down clutching his face. The referee didn't have a clue, missing the dive and citing Kaka (who will miss the next game) for absolutely nothing. Time and again, you're seeing athletes trading their integrity for a yellow card. Or as Keita likes to say:
    "Oh my God! It's my face! Hold on, it's my heel! Call an ambulance! I can't get up! Wait a minute, I've never been better!"

  3. I still don't understand offside (or offsides; WHATEVER) calls.  (I don't think I ever will)

  4. I'm pretty sure they will have vuvuzela horns in hell.  That is the most awful sound.  I don't care if it's a part of their tradition; audiophiles around the globe groan and stick fingers in their ears, suffering through that racket just to watch the game.  It's been likened to the singing/chanting that goes on during other games but I beg to differ.  The monotonous drone is nothing like a song with some kind of melody. It's not the volume, it's the lack of tonal movement.  Coach loves them.  I hate them.  There you have it. 

  5. I'm glad France is doing so poorly.  Serves them right.  And why, on earth, do they have a chicken on their jersey?

  6. I want South Africa to do well, even though I know they probably won't. 

  7. Of course I want the USA to advance but I really like watching England, Portugal and Argentina play.  Does that make me a traitor?  Maybe it's more that Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo (he's just pretty) and Argentina has Messi and the nutzo antics of Diego Maradona - he's bananas! 

  8. I think it's hilarious that the camera men zoom in on the players faces during the national anthems, trying to catch them crying like the North Korean player.  I mean, you can see their pores.  What's impressive is that the players seem to totally ignore the camera.  You know, I consider myself pretty accomplished at not fixating on the camera during an interview but I don't know that I could resist looking if it was IN. MY. FACE.  *laugh*

  9. I'm falling in love with this "beautiful game."  Dangit.  I hate it when Coach is right. 


 

Monday, June 21, 2010

Disney - for posterity

Here are my thoughts - wrap/up on our Disney trip.  This way, I can come back here and look it up the next time we plan a vacation to Florida.

Disney was PERFECT!  Munchkin had a blast and we had a great time too!  Dad is totally hooked and wants to go back next year – even with The Stowaway not being quite a year old.  We figure that’s why God created strollers and slings.  LOL

Our itinerary:

Sunday afternoon we got into Orlando about 2:30.  We went ahead and checked in to the hotel and went to Animal Kingdom.  The park was near deserted b/c it was so late in the day.  We got a head start on her autographs and she got to ride a nearly empty Kilimanjaro Safari, right up front and get LOTS of extra attention b/c she was one of the only children on the ride.  She REALLY loved it. 

Monday – Epcot – Munchkin’s Princess Breakfast in Norway was FABULOUS – SO glad we did it there instead of @ Magic Kingdom.  Talked to another mom that evening who was disappointed with MK’s Princess Breakfast b/c it was so crowded – she said it was very rushed.  We saw all five of the princesses and they stopped to visit, sign autographs and take pictures with Munchkin.  IT was VERY fun (although it’s the most I’ve EVER paid for eggs and bacon!!)  I think the World Showcase was Dad’s favorite – hands down.  I think the next time we go, we want to spend an entire day in the WS; I started to run out of energy by Japan.  We finished at Epcot (because mommy’s legs were about to fall off) around 3 o’clock.  We went back to the hotel and got into the pool.  That made me feel a LOT better.  We got dressed and rode over to Magic Kingdom to grab ride schedules for the next day (so I could plan) and rode a ferry over to Wilderness Lodge to have dinner at Whispering Canyon Café “I NEED KETCHUP!” – LOL – it was hilarious!  We were EXHAUSTED at the end of Monday. 

Tuesday – Magic Kingdom – Got there in time to open the park with the extra magic hour – Munchkin loved the teacups, Dumbo, Peter Pan (pretty sure this was her favorite), Small World…She hated Haunted Mansion but loved Tom Sawyer’s island.  I have a hilarious picture Dad took of her shooting at Indians.  LOL  We all LOVED Philharmagic.  Love what they’ve done with Pirates of the Caribbean but hated Carousel of Progress (what happened to “this is the best time OF YOUR LIFE!”).  Munchkin LOVED Buzz Lightyear ride in Tomorrowland but HATED Stitch’s Great Escape – the total darkness and bursts of air at her head scared her to death.  She actually cried.  I felt awful for her but she recovered pretty quickly.  She really enjoyed the people mover but we had to constantly reassure her when we went through the building where Space Mountain is that we WEREN’T about to ride a roller coaster.  LOL  Rode the resort buses back to the hotel (riding the ferry or monorail to the transportation center THEN walking to the car was for the birds!) and rested a little while.  After we cooled down again in the pool, we went back to MK for dinner and more rides.  We went to dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern, caught a bit of the Spectromagic parade on the way to Buzz Lightyear (I totally set Dad up on Buzz Lightyear – I knew the secret to a really high score from my reading – we played mommy/Munchkin vs. daddy).  Ended the day with fireworks – we were trying to leave the park but got stuck in the crowd so we just stood and enjoyed the show – I’m so glad we did – Munchkin loved them and I cried!  The tourguide Mike site recommended against going to MK on Tuesday but we didn’t have another full day to do it because of the princess breakfast Monday so we just elbowed our way through the crowds all day.  This put one small dent in the day b/c there were a few things Munchkin decided to skip b/c she was hot and didn’t want to stand in line (a notable example: she picked seeing the princesses AGAIN over the fairies b/c the line for fairies was twice as long.  Consequently, we never saw Tink L)  Riding the buses back and forth earlier in the day paid off when we left that night – we were on the second row going home!  J

Wednesday – Animal Kingdom – By unanimous family vote, we skipped Disney Hollywood Studios in favor of going back to AK and picking up all the stuff we missed Sunday because we got into town so late in the day.  Really, all she missed at Hollywood were a few more character autographs – she wasn’t going to ride the Tower of Terror or the Aerosmith Roller Coaster and we weren’t really all that interested in the American Idol or High School Musical shows.  In a few more years, she’ll be older and will (maybe) be more interested in the faster rides.  So, we went back to AK and were there to open the park.  Munchkin was the first in line to see Lilo & Stitch, we rode the Safari ride again (a definite favorite) and walked through Maharajah Jungle (WOW!), rode the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and ate lunch at a really fun “Dino” diner in Dinoland.  We hit the road back to Texas about 3pm. 

Some things we’ll do differently next trip:

  • Plan to stop on the way – Dad thought he was going to be able to drive straight through but with NOTHING but trees to look at after Louisiana, he was too tired and we had to try and find something at 1am.  On the way home, we figured out where we’d be around 10pm and found a really nice (and brand new) Country Inn & Suites.  Best night of sleep I had the entire trip!

  • Know in advance that I-10 is EXCRUCIATINGLY boring.  LOL

  • Plan a whole day for the World Showcase; maybe we can split the first part of Epcot with Hollywood Studios next time and give world Showcase a full day.  Then, Animal Kingdom gets its own day and Magic Kingdom gets a VERY full day.

  • Upgrade meal plan to include more snacks and counter service meals.  We ran out of these and ended up buying our lunch and snacks the last day.  (not a big deal, but now that we know how it works, we might as well use it)

  • Definitely keep staying on property – the perks were the same at the $82/night All Star as they are at the Grand Floridian.  I do think next time we are going to try and stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge (I know it’s three times as expensive per night but since AK was our favorite of the three parks, I think Munchkin would dig seeing the animals outside the hotel room).  That one and the Wilderness Lodge look really neat (that’s where we ate Monday night and it sure was neat to be across the lake from MK).  

  • Stay longer than four days/three nights – that way, we don’t have to rush and can go back and catch extra stuff (like the fairies!). 

  • Keep driving – find a grocery store before we leave Florida to restock snacks and water – we ran out and ended up spending on food on the way home (we spend NOTHING on food the way there).  The drive is pretty boring but it’s smooth sailing once you get out of Texas (lots of stopping and starting in the little towns after Bryan).  

  • Don’t try and leave the afternoon after graduation – it made for a VERY long day and we (Dad & I) started the vacation tired.  Get up before God the next morning and leave – that way, we’ve got MOST of the trip out of the way before (if) we stop.


 All in all, I am VERY pleased with the trip.  Munchkin slept from Orlando to (almost) Pensacola on the way home – she was one VERY tired little girl! 

I’m going to make some photo books of our trip – 500 pictures is a lot to go through!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

ahhh...coffee...and Saturday!

I love Saturdays.  Not because I'm not at work - I love my job.  But because for one whole day, I can pretty much decide what happens. 

Like now.  I'm sitting in Daddy's chair, world cup on near-mute on TV, blogging and perusing digital scrapbooking sites.  I'm still in my pj's and the baby is happily kicking or dancing or whatever it is she's doing in there.  The cats are laying around and Daddy is snoring snoozing on the couch... *laugh*

I love Saturday. 

We took Munchkin to the airport yesterday and it was the easiest hand-off to date.  Sandra has such a gentle way about her, she puts you at ease.  I really like her and couldn't have hoped for a better soon-to-be-Stepmomma for Munchkin. 

After we left the airport, we found a new store (it had been recommended by a friend) called Buy, Buy, Baby.  I think they are part of Bed, Bath and Beyond b/c they are the same size and set-up.  Needless to say, we found a bedding set that is just TOO darling.



I think, with those colors, it will be a breeze to find something sassy to coordinate Munchkin's bedding.  It's the first big purchase we've made for the baby and it sparked a flood of emotions because, if we're close enough to make big purchases like bedding for the nursery, that must mean she's almost HERE!!!

I wish I had a window into my uterus to see what's she's doing in there.  It makes me crazy, speculating all the lumps and ripples and jabs. 

Well, I'm off to figure out what kind of glider we have - maybe I can order new cushions for it (smart) instead of a whole new glider (not so smart). 

Lunch with my dear friend, Sarah today.  I can't wait!!!  It is a rare treat when she comes into town and I'm SO looking forward to it!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Book Post

What books do you have next to your bed right now? How about other places in the house? What are you reading?

Next to the bed:
The Mental Floss History of the World: An Irreverent Romp Through Civilization's Best Bits (hilarious and I'm actually learning something)
A book about Egypt - I just like looking at the pictures

Next to the Couch:
Neverending Story
City of Ember

In the bathroom:
Wizard of Oz

I think I enjoyed vacation TOO much.

Not that I'm not getting things done but, gee whiz, I'm tired!  My eyes feel SO heavy and I could close my door and take a nap (no, I'm not going to do that). 



I can feel the stowaway pushing around in there, trying to get comfortable.  Sweetie, I don't know how to tell you, but my lungs are attached and not really all that moveable.  Squishing them up into my esophagus just makes Mommy feel bad and doesn't really give you any more room!  *laugh*

 Well, back to it.  I may resort to taping my eyelids open.  If you see a very pregnant woman jogging around Central Office, you'll know it's just me.  ;)

Monday, June 14, 2010

packing

It's time. The time of year where I have to pack her clothes and favorite bears and toys and movies into a suitcase and get ready to say goodbye to her for seven weeks.

It helps knowing she is excited about going and I know she will have fun. But I so dread the stillness and, despite how exasperating her nearly constant chatter can be, at times, I come to hate the quiet of the house when she is gone.

But, like so many things in this life, it is something we do even if we don't really want to.

As I have these past years, I will put her on the plane with a smile and come home and wait for August 1 when my sunshine comes back.

Smile tho' your heart is aching,
Smile Even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,
If you Smile through your pain and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through- For you.


Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Altho' a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time (thats the time) you must keep on trying,
Smile- What's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.


 

Friday, June 11, 2010

ice cream



what is it about an ice cream cone?  It's like perfect happiness, in a crunchy cone package...

*smile*

Friday, June 4, 2010

too hot to cook

picked up subway for an early dinner.  Just couldn't stand the thought of standing over a hot stove.  Almost finished packing - we certainly have all the critical stuff. 

  • Clothes - check

  • reservation confirmation (why does that make me think of Conjunction Junction?)

  • stuff to do in the car

  • snacks for the trip


I'm missing a few small, last minute things but it's the stuff we can't pack until after we get back from Graduation tomorrow morning. 

Ready to go!!!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

a good weekend...when's the next one?

Vacation prep was the theme of our weekend.  A little last-minute shopping and organizing and laundry (which will continue through the week). 

I can't wait to be away a few days.  Just the three of us (well, four, if you count the stowaway).  No school.  No work.  Just Mickey Mouse.  *smile*

The stowaway is doing some funny wiggling today.  It's like she's shimmying through my abdomen.  Not the usual pokes or kicks, either. 

Have I mentioned how impatient I'm getting for August?  I just about can't stand it.  I want to see her little face and talk to her and play with her and...UGH!  LOL