The Big Guy has morphed into a dedicated runner. It all started in October when the morning weather and darkness is not the best for biking. It took a few weeks for him to get over the aches. Now, it is smooth sailing. He is up at the crack of dawn to take in quite a few miles. I bought him a Garmin gps wristwatch thing for Christmas. It is too cool. The satellites track his distance and he can graph his course. Anyway, about a month or so ago, he grabbed the Shuffle, loaded up his songs from itunes and headed out the door. He could not believe the difference music made. It actually made the run fun. He got to hear something else besides his deep breaths.
The other day I was straightening up and decided to surprise him and add a song to his running line up. Here is what I added~
He went for a run and I asked him if he heard anything new. He had the playlist on shuffle and did not hear my little Valentine to him. I kind of spoiled the surprise. When he went out the next time, he came home smiling telling me he heard the song. It is quite apropo.
If you need a an easy Valentine for your sweetie, I'd recommend added a song to his playlist. You never know. You just might get a foot massage, the absolute ultimate for me!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Snow Day 2009
At the eleventh hour, the kids got a snow day yesterday! Mother Nature brought it all on just before the buses were to pull out of the lots. We even woke Pumpkin up seeing that school was open. He did not make it to the shower before we saw they had changed their minds and school was closed.
This is what the crepe myrtle outside our front door looked like.
It rained most of the night. We are extremely grateful we did not the horrible ice storm so many others got.
We bundled up pretty early to enjoy it all before it melted. We decided to walk Buddy. On our way up the driveway, Peanut shot a basket. Too funny! The net was frozen and the ball would not fall through. It is still there this morning.
It was quite blustery when we headed north and west. I was laughing at myself. I've morphed into a Southerner thinking it was cold in the wind. Where we lived in Pennsylvania, there was always a wind! Buddy was a bit rambunctious in the snow. He kept diving his snout down into the the white stuff.
We came home from the walk and I made hot chocolate. It was a great use for the left over candy canes. We were out of marshmellows and whipped cream. But, the boys did not mind. They played with the candy canes watching them dissolve and trying to bend them when they became more pliable.
Yesterday was a nice break from the routine. Pumpkin made some progress on his science fair project. He made lots of progress on Michael Phelps' book, No Limits. He knows how to play my game. When he got bored with the science fair, he grabbed his book thinking I would leave him alone if he was reading!! I am crossing my fingers the project gets done before the book is finished! We are all crossing our fingers that the project is done before the Super Bowl starts on Sunday. I have a house of boys that love to watch that game. I think they are all cheering for the Steelers!
This is what the crepe myrtle outside our front door looked like.
It rained most of the night. We are extremely grateful we did not the horrible ice storm so many others got.
We bundled up pretty early to enjoy it all before it melted. We decided to walk Buddy. On our way up the driveway, Peanut shot a basket. Too funny! The net was frozen and the ball would not fall through. It is still there this morning.
It was quite blustery when we headed north and west. I was laughing at myself. I've morphed into a Southerner thinking it was cold in the wind. Where we lived in Pennsylvania, there was always a wind! Buddy was a bit rambunctious in the snow. He kept diving his snout down into the the white stuff.
We came home from the walk and I made hot chocolate. It was a great use for the left over candy canes. We were out of marshmellows and whipped cream. But, the boys did not mind. They played with the candy canes watching them dissolve and trying to bend them when they became more pliable.
Yesterday was a nice break from the routine. Pumpkin made some progress on his science fair project. He made lots of progress on Michael Phelps' book, No Limits. He knows how to play my game. When he got bored with the science fair, he grabbed his book thinking I would leave him alone if he was reading!! I am crossing my fingers the project gets done before the book is finished! We are all crossing our fingers that the project is done before the Super Bowl starts on Sunday. I have a house of boys that love to watch that game. I think they are all cheering for the Steelers!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekend Wrap Up
We had a nice weekend even with the silly science fair project looming. I know. You are thinking that I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and don't appreciate science fairs. I love the science. I just struggle with all the stuff that goes with it.
We watched a few movies.
This movie is a couple years old. I recommend it. The power of singing in a chorus definitely comes through. After you watch, check out their website. I am going to keep them on my radar screen when they start to perform again in July.
I watched this one with the boys. It kept their attention. The acting is horrible but it does have a good message. It got us talking with Peanut about child abuse. It is a bit of a heavy theme, but all is well in the end.
On Saturday night, the Big Guy and I went out to dinner. It has been way too long since we went on a real date. It was nice and the food was good. It is so nice to have an older boy who can babysit. The boys watched the movie Meet Dave. They said that is was good - consider the source!
On Sunday, we found the Panera that recently opened in the Memphis area. We've waited all these years and now we have one about 20 minutes away. We snagged some bagels. They added to our family breakfast that we had. I headed to the lys and bought some more yarn. I finished a hat for a baby shower gift. I'll post pictures tomorrow. I got yarn for stocking caps for the boys. With the shower gift done, I can get started!
We watched a few movies.
This movie is a couple years old. I recommend it. The power of singing in a chorus definitely comes through. After you watch, check out their website. I am going to keep them on my radar screen when they start to perform again in July.
I watched this one with the boys. It kept their attention. The acting is horrible but it does have a good message. It got us talking with Peanut about child abuse. It is a bit of a heavy theme, but all is well in the end.
On Saturday night, the Big Guy and I went out to dinner. It has been way too long since we went on a real date. It was nice and the food was good. It is so nice to have an older boy who can babysit. The boys watched the movie Meet Dave. They said that is was good - consider the source!
On Sunday, we found the Panera that recently opened in the Memphis area. We've waited all these years and now we have one about 20 minutes away. We snagged some bagels. They added to our family breakfast that we had. I headed to the lys and bought some more yarn. I finished a hat for a baby shower gift. I'll post pictures tomorrow. I got yarn for stocking caps for the boys. With the shower gift done, I can get started!
Friday, January 23, 2009
This Week!
First question - Where did the week go?
On Tuesday, I felt like a magnet being pulled back to the TV set. Years ago we watched the Persian Gulf War parade camping out on the DC mall all day waiting to take in the fireworks. I thought the Metro was crowded when we tried to make our way home after those fireworks. I can't imagine what it was like on Tuesday. Our sixteen year old nephew got to go. I am interested to see what he thought. The first story down the family phone tree was that they were up at 3 am the day of the Inauguration to get to their "spot."
On Wednesday, Peanut got his top braces off! Look at his new smile and funny face. I keep finding myself staring at him honing in on his teeth. The ortho made an impression for a bite plate. We'll find out what that is all about next week. He still has the lip bumper on the bottom.
Thursday, I met a friend for lunch and we brought our knitting along. It was fun to knit and talk. I am trying to organize a Knitting Triangle with three of us. I hope to have the Triangle here for lunch and knitting in the next few weeks.
Today, the awards were given out at Pumpkin's school. These are semester awards. He received the Honor Roll certificate and Principal's Honor recognition.
As if that was not enough, Pumpkin was awarded the Citizenship Award for his team. The teachers picked two kids from each home room for the semester. In this last picture he is holding the Citizenship certificate standing next to the girl who won on his team.
I feel like I have been slacking as far as pictures and blogging goes. I wanted to post this and be done with it. The boys are waiting to watch a movie with me. I'll let you know if any in our selections are any good! Have a wonderful weekend!
On Tuesday, I felt like a magnet being pulled back to the TV set. Years ago we watched the Persian Gulf War parade camping out on the DC mall all day waiting to take in the fireworks. I thought the Metro was crowded when we tried to make our way home after those fireworks. I can't imagine what it was like on Tuesday. Our sixteen year old nephew got to go. I am interested to see what he thought. The first story down the family phone tree was that they were up at 3 am the day of the Inauguration to get to their "spot."
On Wednesday, Peanut got his top braces off! Look at his new smile and funny face. I keep finding myself staring at him honing in on his teeth. The ortho made an impression for a bite plate. We'll find out what that is all about next week. He still has the lip bumper on the bottom.
Thursday, I met a friend for lunch and we brought our knitting along. It was fun to knit and talk. I am trying to organize a Knitting Triangle with three of us. I hope to have the Triangle here for lunch and knitting in the next few weeks.
Today, the awards were given out at Pumpkin's school. These are semester awards. He received the Honor Roll certificate and Principal's Honor recognition.
As if that was not enough, Pumpkin was awarded the Citizenship Award for his team. The teachers picked two kids from each home room for the semester. In this last picture he is holding the Citizenship certificate standing next to the girl who won on his team.
I feel like I have been slacking as far as pictures and blogging goes. I wanted to post this and be done with it. The boys are waiting to watch a movie with me. I'll let you know if any in our selections are any good! Have a wonderful weekend!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What I've Been Up To
It has been a week or so since I last added an entry. Where did the time go? We were hibernating like the rest of the country. We got some of the cold weather down here in Tennessee!
One evening, the boys decided Buddy's paws might be cold. Peanut's socks fit his paws "perfectly." Buddy did not want anything to do with those socks. He promptly sprawled out and did not move.
I spent lot of my free time working on this beret. It took me a more than a day. I had a hard time reducing the hat for the brim. I did not give up! I kept trying and trying. I think I am going to line it with a small band of fleece. Then, it will get packed up and sent away as a birthday present. I used handpainted yarn from Pancake and Lulu.
We spent the weekend at a swim meet. Pumpkin had a good meet. It was a prelim/final meet. He got to go back and swim each evening. Peanut tried to time him with his watch timer and it was so funny. He'd forget to start or stop the timer. That sounds like something I'd do. Peanut had soccer and basketball. We were grateful for having Monday off. The boys worked on their science fair projects. Peanut is in great shape. Pumpkin has LOTS of work to do. We'll be pulling our hair this coming weekend as we approach the due date!! Peanut pulled out his woodburning kit that he got for Christmas. This is his first creation.
We took this photo of Buddy last night. As I write this, he is at the groomer. They are cleaning him up. I hope they only trim him as I love him all shaggy. I know he will appreciate having the hair out of his eyes!
We are getting some snow flurries. Peanut is wishing for me. I don't think so. It is grey and cool. I'll be busy today catching up and watching the TV. This is day of history for the USA!
One evening, the boys decided Buddy's paws might be cold. Peanut's socks fit his paws "perfectly." Buddy did not want anything to do with those socks. He promptly sprawled out and did not move.
I spent lot of my free time working on this beret. It took me a more than a day. I had a hard time reducing the hat for the brim. I did not give up! I kept trying and trying. I think I am going to line it with a small band of fleece. Then, it will get packed up and sent away as a birthday present. I used handpainted yarn from Pancake and Lulu.
We spent the weekend at a swim meet. Pumpkin had a good meet. It was a prelim/final meet. He got to go back and swim each evening. Peanut tried to time him with his watch timer and it was so funny. He'd forget to start or stop the timer. That sounds like something I'd do. Peanut had soccer and basketball. We were grateful for having Monday off. The boys worked on their science fair projects. Peanut is in great shape. Pumpkin has LOTS of work to do. We'll be pulling our hair this coming weekend as we approach the due date!! Peanut pulled out his woodburning kit that he got for Christmas. This is his first creation.
We took this photo of Buddy last night. As I write this, he is at the groomer. They are cleaning him up. I hope they only trim him as I love him all shaggy. I know he will appreciate having the hair out of his eyes!
We are getting some snow flurries. Peanut is wishing for me. I don't think so. It is grey and cool. I'll be busy today catching up and watching the TV. This is day of history for the USA!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Stocking Cap and More!
The week started out dreary, cool and rainy. It was perfect to curl up in a blanket and ponder new projects. My nephew's birthday is this weekend. He turns 13! The boys are going to his house Saturday for a sleepover and I wanted them to give him something special. I searched through blogs and landed on this one, Bag 'n' Trash. I was inspired by the stocking cap she made. I thought a teenager might have some fun with it. I headed to my lys. Look what yarn, a pattern and a few days of knitting resulted in -
Knit with Karabella Aurora 8 yarn. It is soft and washable if need be.
I consulted Susan's blog for the tutorial on how to line the hat with fleece. This hat is a first stocking cap for me. It is a first at making the pom pom. It was a great project to start out the new year. The true test will come when the recipient tries it on! But, I know of two boys who were quite interested and envious. I started one for them. I know. I will have to make two - one for each if they like it. We'll see how that goes!
Lastly, I finally picked up a book. I started the year off with the book about Randy Pausch's last lecture.
I watched his actual lecture sometime ago on YouTube. The book follows the lecture. I found it to be insightful especially at the start of new year. It got me thinking about my dreams, having fun with my kids, and just living life to its fullest. The read kept me motivated to knit the hat. I wanted to create something new! And, I did it!
Knit with Karabella Aurora 8 yarn. It is soft and washable if need be.
I consulted Susan's blog for the tutorial on how to line the hat with fleece. This hat is a first stocking cap for me. It is a first at making the pom pom. It was a great project to start out the new year. The true test will come when the recipient tries it on! But, I know of two boys who were quite interested and envious. I started one for them. I know. I will have to make two - one for each if they like it. We'll see how that goes!
Lastly, I finally picked up a book. I started the year off with the book about Randy Pausch's last lecture.
I watched his actual lecture sometime ago on YouTube. The book follows the lecture. I found it to be insightful especially at the start of new year. It got me thinking about my dreams, having fun with my kids, and just living life to its fullest. The read kept me motivated to knit the hat. I wanted to create something new! And, I did it!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2009 - The Year Ahead!
Last weekend we had dinner at my inlaws. They noticed Pumpkin's rate of growth. He is almost as tall as Nana! I think it is a pretty safe bet that she will be looking up to him sometime this year. It makes me wonder what else this year has in store. I am not making specific resolutions, but have lots of ideas in my head~
Simplify. Over the past year, I've made a valiant effort get the clutter out of our activities. Advice from friends of older children says that Pumpkin will enjoy our company for the next year or so. Then, it will get a bit rocky. We are trying to block out time to do just that. For this upcoming year, I want to appreciate the simplicity. In these times of excess, it is nice to take our pulse and evaluate what is really necessary.
Create. I am so grateful for the time I have to try new things. My list of things to make grows longer. I want to be a better knitter. I want to complete knitting projects I have in my head. I want to try my hand at sewing some new things. I have a shower curtain to finish. I have lots of other crafty things. This year I vow to dwindle down the supplies I have. I'd like the share the craftiness with the boys. Peanut would be all for it. We can start with the wood burning kit he got for Christmas. We need to accomplish one major project around the house. I don't know what it will be yet. It may be indoors. It may be outdoors. At the end of the year, I want to say we improved this place we call home.
Apply. Each week I create a menu and head to the grocery store. This year I want to use the library of cookbooks I have to create the menu. I am thinking of referencing one book each week. It may give us a glimpse of a region of the country. Or, it may give us a taste of something new. It will make me simplify my collection. I am sure there are books that aren't worth keeping on the shelves. I want to learn more of the features of this Mac and of my iphone. We have the technology and I want to get the most out of it. I have quite a few books by my bedside. I hope to make my way through not only them but more. We have a wonderful four-legged dog and I want to work on training him to become a therapy dog.
Reuse. In this green movement, I hope to get more out of what we have. That may mean reselling items on Craigslist. It may mean using the fabric in old clothes to create something new. It may mean using dishes instead of paper. We've weaned ourselves off of plastic water bottles. I don't even buy them anymore. I'd like to do some thrift store or garage sale hunting. Historically, I haven't had the patience to search for items. This year I'd like to allocate time and give it a try. It'd be great to find some "treasures" to add character to the house.
Grow. I plan on exercising so I don't grow out this year! During these cold months, I will take the dog for a daily long morning walk. Throughout the year, I want to grow internally. Spiritual growth is high on the agenda. I am currently reading the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I listened to his last lecture on YouTube some time ago. He makes so many good points in his book. The challenge comes in applying it to real life. The book is making me think and will make me grow toward living my life in the moment.
Lots of these thoughts are just that - thoughts. I toil with placing measurements on them. As the boys grow physically this year, I will be able to reflect on how my year is progressing. I know one thing. I want it go by at a very slow pace. Me elders warned me that as you age, time flies even faster. I feel it. I want to cherish each day of 2009!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Yes! Vanderbilt Commodores Win!
It was a long time coming but the 'Dores pulled off a win against Boston College in the Music City Bowl yesterday!!! We were thrilled! It will do so much for the program. What a wonderful way to finish off the year! The ornament was a gift from my college roommate. We got it years ago to help decorate our first Christmas tree. It was really shining on the tree today! I tried to get rid of the glare but to no avail. You get the picture! Go Commodores!
Happy New Year to everyone! My sister and family were here visiting the last few days. I'll share pictures when/if they send them to me. They have two boys and fun was had by all. It is so nice to just hang out. We did lots of that while the kids played. We enjoyed some good food - probably too much! We watched football and basketball. Ironically, University of Cincinnati was playing University of Memphis in basketball while they were here. We could not get tickets. The Tigers are sold out! We enjoyed the dog park on a beautiful Tuesday. That was Buddy's favorite day of their visit. Peanut tried to ride him through the fields. He did not get very far.
We enjoyed the movie, Bedtime Stories, yesterday. It is a very cute movie starring Adam Sandler. It appeals to both kids and parents. The creativity and imagination is wonderful. We played Apples to Apples Junior and Yahtzee! The kids love Apples to Apples. It is a fun game. I love board games and want to make an effort to play them some more in these winter months.
I am fighting off a cold. It seems like we just keep passing it around to the four of us. The Big Guy and I are heading to the bookstore to pick our new calendars. Then, I hope to come home, snuggle under the covers and sleep this cold stuff away!
May 2009 be all it can be - and more!
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