My Three Sons

Really? A text?

2011-12-22T10:14:00.003-05:00

One text saying she was on a plane back to FL and that she couldn't go through with it. Our hearts weigh heavy with sadness about what was to be for our family in just 1.5 weeks. A package arrived this morning with tiny leather cherry shoes we just bought two days ago. I hate timely delivery. We are trying to process it all with a mass purge of emotion so we can enjoy Christmas and the many blessings we do have and the amazing boys we have been given. Thanks for peaceful thoughts and loving prayers sent our way. Please be respectful of our sadness and don't talk about our loss with our boys or with us while they are around. We will resurface stronger, eventually.

It's more real when I see it in black and white!

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

Matched

The following table represents matches between birthmothers (initials) and adoptive families (first names).

(LS) AA Gender Unknown - To be born in MO - December 16	Robert and Andrea
(CB) CC Boy - To be born in Utah - December 30	Annette
(LS) 3/4 CC 1/4 AA Girl- To be born in Utah - January 7	Jack and Jaime
(CW) AA Girl - To be born in Utah - January 9	Lance and Bethany
(YG) AA Gender Unknown - To be born in Utah - January 11	Josh and Melissa
(SL) 1/2 CC 1/2 Hisp Girl - To be born in Utah - January 12	Mike and Nora
(TH) AA Boy - To be born in Utah - January 16	Michael and Clara
(KH) CC Girl - To be born in Utah - January 17	Justin and Natalie
(JS) CC Girl - To be born in Tennessee - January 30	Jeremy and Lisa

Christmas is coming 2 weeks late

2011-11-22T23:25:00.004-05:00

On November 8th, we got the final call from our birthmother

telling us she had chosen our family for Baby Girl.

There are lots of details and a beautiful story to tell to the world, some day. For now, we know that Baby Girl is due January 7th. We are flying out to meet our amazing birthmother face to face in Utah on December 9th. We have a lot of unchartered territory to cover, hugs to give and I am sure, tears to share. Until then, we anxiously await and study up on what to do with a girl...

And please, any ultrasound techs out there, feel free to stop in and give me a tutoring session on the actual parts of a baby seen here. At this point, I take it on trust that this is indeed an actual baby.

Deny it, I dare you!

2011-11-14T09:22:00.003-05:00

With my tiny little pink camera I took these pictures. I say that not because they are professional-ish photographs but because even with my rinky-dink camera, it still looks amazing.

We live in a beautiful part of the world. It's beauty is one of the main reasons we have chosen to stay throughout the years. After having our Brazilian guests (that is a whole other blog, not just another post even) here, I was reminded of the beauty again as I was able to witness it through there eyes. I feel so blessed to call this home.

Yikes.

2011-10-12T15:46:00.001-04:00

Something is off

2011-10-06T16:14:00.002-04:00

Last night, as I was scrolling through things in my mind, I learned that I have never in my professional career, worked for...a MAN. Never. How weird is that?

(insert comment about Jack here)

Maturity is for the birds

2011-09-20T08:45:00.003-04:00

and me apparently.

So it's the birthday of:
1- Having to go get a new picture for the driver's license bc even the state knows I just can't pull off 25 anymore.
2- Having to take the vision test for said license bc even the state knows that @ 35, I can't still have good vision.
3- Being closer to 40 than 30.
4- Knowing there is band practice, soccer, and open house tonight and not even minding that they want to share my birthday.
5- Asking for the gift of yardwork and closet cleaning over jewelry and new bags--and not because of money, but because I actually want those things more.

35, welcome.

New Meaning to the Phrase "Release Party!"

2011-09-01T21:22:00.005-04:00

Four and a half years ago Jack was called to be the Bishop of our church. We believe in a living prophet who leads and guides the Lord's church through modern day revelation, including who should lead the church. The time has come for Jack to do something else and time for someone else to assume the responsibilities as Bishop of the Radford Ward as of Sept 4th.

One of the modern day 12 Apostles, Elder Hales, said, "My experience has given me an understanding that our personal relationship with our Bishop is often a good indication of our personal relationship with the Lord."

It has been an amazing 4 years. People keep asking me if I am thrilled. My response is, "It's like an equally weighted two sided coin." (Which is kind of a lame semi-old lady sort of response, I know)

While yes, it will be amazing to have more time with and a less burdened spouse (major over-simplification, but go with it), I have seen the blessings poured out to our family and feel so blessed our family was able to serve and sacrifice in this way. The things we lost, it turns out, were not things worth investing in anymore and the things we gained will yield eternal results. And to whomever follows Jack, I have a new respect and admiration for you. When Jack was first called, we said that when he got released, we would leave church directly for a vacation. Little did we know it would be the first couple weeks of school. We still don't know where yet, but for a day and a half, Jack and I are taking off. We will savor the amazing moments (many of which I will never know about) and cherish those who made this experience a blessing. We will leave behind the complainers, the naysayers, the gossips, the trails, the burdens, the criticizers, the questioners, the stress, the sadness, and the general weight of it all. Later, y'all!

This picture was taken the morning Jack was called to be Bishop. I wish I could say we don't look any worse for the wear, but then we know what happens to liars, right? :)

It's Official! We're Still Waiting...

2011-08-24T15:56:00.004-04:00

Came across an article this morning and this passage struck a chord,

"Sometimes that which we are doing is correct enough but simply needs to be persisted in-patiently-not for a minute or a moment but sometimes for years...Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of the God with a sense of wonder and awe-rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance."

We are officially working with another adoption agency. We are still on file with It's About Love, but we are now working with Heart to Heart Adoptions as well. We figure for the next 6 months we will do one final push, one last assertion, one more chance before we walk away and "take the next step." We have a couple of hoops to jump through, but thanks to much of the paperwork already completed by LDSFS, we hope to be "listed" with them by the end of September.

We feel confident in the path our family is headed down, whether or not that path ends in adoption. Of course that is our hope, but we are really in a great place right now, living well, and feeling very blessed and that in and of itself is a pretty rockin' path to be headed down.

Betsy Ross Would Have Never Picked Me

2011-08-07T18:10:00.005-04:00

I have claimed to be many things in my life, but "Hannah Homemaker or Molly Mormon," was never one of them. Crafty, maybe. Seamstress, neevvahh! However, I am thrilled with my recent project. I have been bored to tears lately with the dresses I own. Since I wear one every Sunday, it feels like I wear every dress every week (which I know is impossible, but alas, my conundrum). I been looking for something different and finally found it. (Yes, it was at Target, but nevermind, I take it where it comes!)

I tried it on and loved it, the bold color, the "Asian inspired" neckline, everything...everything that is, except the length. I really felt like it was too short. But I bought it anyway. Then I just looked at it everyday in my closet. Running out the door on the way to the pool, tired of reading, I brought the dress and a seam ripper. I watched dive after dive while I pulled the 3-inch seam out. Once out I had all these plans for covering up the stictching holes and fixing the hem with binding but after a starch and press and adding in a double hem about 1/4 inch, there was no need. VIOLA!! My dress. I recognize many would save this enthusiasm for a dress they actually made. Not me!Wore it today with my turquoise wedges and loved it. Yay, I have cured my Sunday dress doldrums--for this week anyway.

"The true smokers will come through'"

2011-08-05T20:03:00.002-04:00

I laughed. Then I stole it from moveon.org.

Swimming with The Stars

2011-07-12T12:56:00.005-04:00

At least that's what it felt like... Who knew Pulaski had it in 'em? New friends meant an evening swimming at their pool. Although once again, I think we are in the wrong field of employment. Public education did NOT build this estate.

Shameless Shutterfly Plug

2011-06-06T09:48:00.002-04:00

Alphabet Blocks Father's Day 5x7 folded card

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Thanks to shutterfly for making my father's day card so easy and perfect and for giving me $10 to tell you about it. Yay for promos!

Rockin' the hawk!

2011-06-05T08:45:00.007-04:00

Last year on the last day of school, he shaved his head because the school met their goals on their end of year tests (appropriately named the "SOL test"). So again, students lined up to take a swipe with the clippers...Except this year, they did not meet their goal of a 90% pass rate--they missed it by 1%. Jack told them they could not shave him bald because they only scored 89%, they would have to leave 1% of his hair. In case you have not had this experience yourself, let me share with you: it is VERY difficult to take an adult with a mohawk seriously. He wanted to keep it for the party we went to that night. I can't tell you how many people asked me how long he was going to keep the mohawk. My standard answer was "9am-when the barber opens." Also strange, the amount of people who said they like the mohawk better than the bald. Several people suggested he sport it to church but thankfully he does have limits. (Although I have to say, I am sad I did not get a picture of it styled...)

Things I am loving these days

2011-05-24T18:48:00.007-04:00

I love it when:

1. I am listening to good music in the car and can zone out.
2. All three bathrooms are clean at the same time.
3. I check the clock and realize the boys have been playing together for hours and there have been no arguments or trouble.4. I get a pay check from subbing and it is more than I expected.
5. I get snail mail.
6. Jack has late meetings, the boys are in bed, and I actually find shows I want to watch on the DVR.
7. I eat cereal with luke-cold (can I use that bc it really describes it well) milk
8. I make dinner and it is as good or better than something we could get at a restaurant.
9. We are invited to friends homes for dinner, games, or just to hang out.
10. I read a blog and it makes me laugh because it represents that person so well, or just because it is really funny.
11. Jack blows off his homework for chill out time (equal only to him having no homework at all)
12. My new (to me) van!! (and all the accessories it has...vain, yes. Comfy ride, yeesss!)
13. Nestle Tollhouse Choc chip cookies with caramel filling.14. The anticipation of summer break which means days at the pool, no schedule to follow, late nights, and no homework to check.
15. The ease with which our family comes and goes. Everyone can dress themselves, wipe themselves, put their own shoes on, buckle their own seat belt, feed themselves, entertain themselves (even entertain us). I'm sure it's my defenses talking, but our family the way it is right now is pretty darn awesome!
16. My new sandals from Target. I love them.17. Having 3 boys. I can skip the girl drama for now. Being in the schools makes me appreciate this more. Yes, I missed the bows and dresses, but I'd say we're even.
18. F packing his own lunch. I should have started this years ago.
19. Jack will be finished with his EdS in June, then just 2 more years and the EDD will be behind us...so we can then send F to college.
20. Feeling genuinely happy and peaceful. Yes, there are things I am unsettled about, but overall I just feel like things are so great for us right now. We are busy, we are manic, we are stressed, but mostly we are really good.

It won't sound like it, but I had a great day.

2011-05-23T16:47:00.005-04:00

I have been processing an idea. I want to squelch all the hatred in my heart. Not that I harbor hatred, but there are things I don't like. Things that bother me. Things that I strongly dislike. Things that make me sad. Things that offend me. Things that I let get to me. I thought maybe if I put some pen to paper (fingers to keys) I could do some purging. There is a thin line between things I hate and general pet peeves so I have thrown them all into the mix. Here goes, wish me luck.

I hate it when:
1. Someone chews ice (or crunches anything loudly).
2. I am running late (or when others do and don't give notice).
3. You see someone you know knows you and they don't even nod.
4. I forget things (which is happening more and more lately).
5. Someone lies to me.
6. I burn something (because I was too stubborn to start a timer).
7. Someone acts like a friend to my face but treats me like an enemy behind my back.
8. Toothpaste gets left on the sink basin.
9. I think I look one way and then see myself in a different mirror and then see myself in a totally different way.
10. People (including myself) fall short of my expectations.
11. I think something is clean but then the only way you find it is by scouring the bottom of the dirty hamper.
12. I think I have time to finish/start a task and then suddenly my time is up.
13. People who have to "TOP" you. I say I'm busy, they say they're busier. I am tired, they are more tired. I am happy, they are happier. You know the type.
14. Someone is a know-it-all. But I need a better word. More like a "seen/heard/done-it-all." Every time I say I just heard of a new thing, they knew about it already. I read a new book, they read it 3 years ago. I just got a new recipe-they invented it. This happens everytime you mention something (because obviously it will happen). You know this type too.
15. People think it is ok for them to break the rules, but not for anyone else.
16. I am left with only conditioner in every bathroom.
17. The only time people call you or come over is when they need something.
18. I always ask, but rarely get asked.
19. People cannot accept a difference of opinion-because you share views they think we must agree on everything.
20. Someone thinks that because you have things you don't like you must be sad or lonely or depressed.

Look for my corollary post, "I love it when:..."

Upgrade

2011-05-21T08:58:00.003-04:00

It's no Suburban (which we decided we could never do because of the gas and carbon footprint) but...

Thank you Honda for making an 8th seat. It's the only upgrade feature we decided we had to have and since Kia 8th seaters are only available in Australia and Canada and Toyota 8th seaters are only by special facory orders, Honda won.

And a call to all of you buying a car soon-if you buy it from Shelor and you take a Radford City school coupon (which you can get from me or Jack or any school) they give the school anywhere from $200-$500).

Welcome to our New Life

2011-05-16T21:42:00.001-04:00

How to Eat Food With New Braces

Now I am THAT mom everyone is judging

2011-05-02T14:00:00.004-04:00

So I forgot it was picture day the other week. I often do in the Spring because I usually buy the Fall pictures and do not need another round of school pictures. However, I usually at least pretend I am going to buy them by sending the children in something "picture-worthy."

Not this time. Note, however unplanned, they still both ended up in matching t-shirts. T-shirts and athletic pants, mind you, but matching. Then to boot they sent a note home saying they were going to take "graduation" pictures of the departing 2nd graders. Also not wanting those pictures, I put another mind-block up because I was asked to send him in a white shirt for those pictures. Turns out we forgot on that day too and the teacher had him borrow one from a classmate. Oops.

Great. I'm THAT mom now. And who needs to buy pictures when I can scan them for free instead of paying $13 a picture? (oh, guess I'm also THAT mom too!)

Watch Out Matt Lauer-He's Coming After You!

2011-04-28T10:20:00.004-04:00

Watch. Wait for it, wait for it...

How do I love thee? Let me count the bites...

2011-04-18T16:22:00.006-04:00

No, I am not getting paid for this endorsement, but I have to tell everyone about this website. It's my civic duty. You'd think for the amount of recruiting I do for them on the East coast, I'd get something out it...but I guess I do get something: killer recipes.

I absolutely love all of their recipes. I have not made one thing from their site that the fam doesn't love and that is not, for the most part, pretty darn easy to put together. Some of our all-time faves:
Mango Pico
Chunky Monkey Pancakes
Creamy Cilantro dressing
Thai Noodles (we like using shrimp the best)

I think their recently released cookbook is going to be everyone's Christmas gift this year.

Go figure-old country store has old country ways (no more)

2011-04-16T18:41:00.004-04:00

I was out shopping with a friend today and she told me that Cracker Barrel had a hiring policy that allowed black and homosexual employees to only work in the kitchen...
WHA? I hate hearing things like that. I feel like the list of places I boycott gets longer and longer, to the point I forget what and where I am boycotting.
SO I had to look it up. Turns out, in 2002, at the annual stockholders meeting, they rescinded the policy. Ok-how is that policy just get rescinded in 2002?

No matter what your personal beliefs, how is that not totally illegal, and just plain wrong? Nevertheless, while I know many still boycott because it ever had the policy, I am glad to know they have "changed their ways" so I can order a chicken tenderloin dinner platter while we are just passing through Oklahoma and it is the only restaurant in town.
(and no, we are not headed to OK any time soon-it's just a notion)

THE question, as of late.

2011-04-13T16:21:00.003-04:00

People seem to always be asking me THE question. At different times in my life, THE question has varied. "Are you going to marry him?" "When are you going to have children?" "When are you going to have more children?" (especially w 5 years in between the first two, this was popular for awhile) Not all the time, but often, people ask some version of the question, "So, any new on the adoption front?" No. But we did have to recently renew all our paperwork, medical forms, tax information, and pay our renewal fee. But that is not shiny and glossy and fun, nor is it "news," so I just say "No." But since I have been busy with adoption stuff lately, the answer to me is "sort of." So I thought I would at least put our updated collage on here (since you don't want to see the rest of our paperwork) just to prove we are still moving forward, even though everytime you ask me if we "Have heard anything...," the answer will be "No." Of course, it will be "No," until the ONE day when it will be "Yes." But I imagine you won't have to ask because the couple of you who still read blogs will already know :)

So when did 34 become old?

2011-04-06T17:59:00.006-04:00

I feel like I am this person... But lately I feel like the world sees me as this person... It started at kindergarten registration. I was there to get S all signed up and an acquaintance (you know, one of those moms who you know, but you don't really "know" or hang with, but always say hello to in passing) said something that threw me. She said, "Oh, you have a kindergartner? I didn't know you had one that YOUNG." That young? Wha? Now the, "I didn't know you had one that old..." statement I used to get a lot when parents did not know about F because he was so much older than the little boys. The worst part? I'd bet money the woman is 2-4 years older than I am. Then to boot, at my routine physical yesterday the doctor said that due to my family history of heart disease, I needed to get a full cholesterol work up. Blah. For the record, my numbers are excellent and I was given an excellent bill of health, all things considered. Well, as healthy as you can be for being (gasp!) 34!

I wish I was at that dinner party

2011-03-20T09:54:00.003-04:00

I'm usually not one for encouraging youtube videos on anything more than rainbows or unicorns, but I thought this was pretty good.

Erin go Bragh!

2011-03-17T21:31:00.003-04:00

Growing up my mother decorated for every holiday. And I mean every holiday! St. Patrick's Day got as much attention as all the others and we loved it! We loved waking up not knowing what would be written on the mirror in lipstick, what balloons and streamers we might find, and what out of the ordinary chocolate trail we would find honoring this saint or that fictional character. Holidays were celebrated in full force as a child. I try to do some of that at our house, but I know it is not to the magnitude it was done for me.

Specifically, I remember some garland that would appear every March 17th hung across the fireplace mantle. It said, "Erin Go Bragh." My sister and I, every time, would say "Erin, go get your bra!" We thought we were hilarious, year after year. Clearly, the "Ireland Forever" sentiment was lost on the two of us, but I still laugh when I see that somewhere for St. Patty's Day.

I'd put a picture up by my computer is angry and redirecting and I think it has a virus.

Cut the strings, even if it's a super cute apron

2011-03-13T21:45:00.002-04:00

I do not understand parents inability to start cutting the apron string's.

What I also do not understand is that parents who cannot cut the strings think that parents who can do not love their children as much.

Just sayin.

I'm Ready, Let's Start Charging!

2011-03-09T14:02:00.007-05:00

When we were in Iceland we learned quickly, that like IKEA, all stores throughout the country charge for each plastic bag. If you don't want to pay, bring your own bags. The woman at Kroger today would not have used 8 bags for her 20 items if she'd been paying for them, of that I have no doubt.In D.C, the 5 cent plastic bag tax has resulted in a drop from 22 million bags to 3 million bags in one month! I mean this is common sense people-just carry your bags in already.

You don't have to be a hippie, or a democrat, or any other stereotypical "environmentalist" to realize this is just stupid. I have a great tip Laurie B told me. She said if you are in the store and have forgotten your bags, and you are waiting in line or ready to check out, leave your cart. Go. Return to the car, get the bags, make the trip and you will be so hassled/embarrassed/annoyed you will not forget to bring them in again. It totally worked for me.Now, bringing them back out to the car after unloading them in your kitchen, even though they have been hanging on the doorknob for days, OR getting them equally distributed amongst both cars? You're on your own.

Crazy Hair Day

2011-03-06T10:02:00.003-05:00

The posing was ALL him. G got in on the action too with some dyed blue hair but I couldn't find the camera by the time he'd left for school. Shows you what an extra 30 minutes can do.

Skiing-Baptist Style

2011-03-03T21:18:00.001-05:00

For President's Day, we headed up to Lynchburg to Liberty University to hang with Jerry Falwell Jr. and see if he'd be interested in converting to Mormonism. Turns out, he wasn't. But he does have one heck of a synthetic ski slope and lodge up there.
We took the boys and spent the afternoon getting ski lessons on the Snoflex slope, "the most innovative technology in the snow sports industry." Who knew? Apparently, the Baptists.
It was AWESOME! We had such a great time. The boys caught on so quickly.The biggest struggle was navigating the "lift" which was a rope instead of a chair and you had to hold on for dear life. Even S eventually mustered the strength and coordination to get up by himself. He was even doing jumps on the way down. We have so many great pics but I will only put a few here. Note the dude in the background mowing the lawn. (btw that is NOT me camped on the side there. a poor snowboarding teen could not get up the rope lift) I am dedicating another special post to my favorite moment of the day. For now, enjoy these. Everyone should go and at least give it a shot for the day. It was a random, fun way to spend the day. And the prices were insanely cheap! Plus, it's a great excuse to stop at Red Palace in Roanoke on the way home and gorge yourself with yummy General Tso's.

Yep-Me and June Cleaver, BFF

2011-02-25T21:48:00.007-05:00

I try to leave the soap box rants off the blog (sort of, at least not about real issues). But I have to say something and since there are like 3 of you listening (reading) I figure this is a safe space. Please tune in for my diatribe about being a stay at home mom (SAHM in blogger world).

Dear Lady Who Sat Next to Me at Swim Lessons,

1) I actually LIKED my job before becoming a SAHM

2) I was pretty darn GOOD at my job before becoming a SAHM

3) I didn't chose to be a SAHM because I had no career, no skills, and no other options

4) Being a SAHM was a willing sacrifice, not a plan B

5) Of course becoming a FT SAHM at 23 involved some paradigm shifting, rethinking, and redirecting of my goals.

6) That shift, however, was not because of oppression, but because of the exact opposite...the opportunity to choose to stay home.

Additionally, I don't want you to say how being a SAHM is "great, but it's so not for me. I could never do that. You are so wonderful that you can do that. I love my career too much. I love my job so much. I could never quit my job. We need the money. We couldn't live without my paycheck. " All of that may be true-but lay off the condescension. Are you trying to make me feel OK about staying at home or are you trying to make yourself feel better about working FT?

Guess what? I thought I would have a couple more years in my career, but when I found out I was pregnant and would have a child, I knew for me and what I believe, I knew that staying home with him, no matter the cost to my career/lifestyle was top priority. Living on a dime, not spending money on frivolous things, learning to live on one income, putting off career goals until another phase of life, it was all a choice. Lots of women wish they could stay home but have to work. I believe being a SAHM is a privilege.

And guess what else? I have lots of friends (actual people) who work FT and raise their children. I do not just hang with a bunch of "mommies" who have nothing to do except talk about how many diapers they have changed that day. Really.

I was talking to a teacher the other day who had a baby in the Fall. All she could talk about was how she wished she was at home, playing with her new baby. She couldn't wait until the bell rang to let her go home. She dreamed about being able to make it work so she be home with her baby all the time. I was. I am. And I feel blessed to have been around for all the bumps, bruises, crazy, manic, sad, lonely, exhilarating, hysterical, bonding, loving, playful, fun, hair-pulling, joyful days. You don't have to try and make me feel good about my decision to stay home. I am pro-choice and this is what I chose.

We never claimed to be picture perfect

2011-02-23T16:23:00.010-05:00

Which is a good thing-because if we had, I'm pretty sure we'd be called liars! This is what perfection looks like at the McKinley house...
You can thank G for farting which got us this one. This was F's response to the question about a girlfriend.
G thought when she said make a crazy face she meant look possessed.

The adults playing normal.

Heaven help this crazy mess of a crew.

How sweet-Blogger is protecting me

2011-02-20T09:14:00.002-05:00

So, you have seen the new layout on my blog by now. It's not by choice. I wanted to upload the greatest pic of "My 3 sons" but blogger won't let me. I have now tried several different templates both from blogger and other sites. Clearly, blogger does not want freaky internet predators to see how cute my boys are because they want to protect us. Awwww.

Now, who's going to come over and fix this?

Don't blame me-I'm just the sub

2011-02-17T15:40:00.003-05:00

So I signed up to substitute teach this year. Since I can't sub at Jack's school (what's up w/nepotism policies?), and I am scared of the high school (although I hear the band gig is the best b/c you just play a video), that only leaves the PK-2 school. After subbing for special ed, spec ed aides, kindergarten and the librarian, turns out I have a new appreciation for the teachers my boys have had over the years. And a new question of sanity for Jack.

Oh, and sign me up for Corporate America sponsoring schools. I am all for some Chipotle offered at the school cafeteria and a Cold Stone to cap off the day. Brand away, little school. Sell out already. Teachers are ready--at least this psuedo-teacher-for-a-day is ready anyway!

Today went great though. At least this time the child I was an aide for didn't pull the fire alarm. Again. I mean, for the 3rd time. But probably only because he started homeschooling.

I'm not convinced we shouldn't move to Nicaragua

2011-02-08T20:46:00.005-05:00

Lately Jack and I have caught the bug. Truth be told, I have had the bug for like a year, but Jack is finally on board: we need a bigger house. The bummer is that for about $250,000, we could probably get into a great house. Curses public education!

Jack's latest idea is for us to convert this into our new home.

In spite of the great price for the square footage, I just don't think we can afford the renovations (but of course we are going to go look at it anyway).

I watch enough House Hunters International to know we might be going about this all wrong. Seriously, I'm not so sure we shouldn't just do this:

Baby Soy is 5. Hwha?

2011-02-03T18:38:00.013-05:00

S wanted "chili soup and soda" for his birthday dinner tonight. In 12 years I have never made chili by request, especially for a B-day dinner. Pizza, sure. Pasta, maybe. Soup-never.

I could list the 5 reasons I love him most. 5 ways he has changed our lives. 5 things that he routinely says that make us laugh hysterically. I will do none of those. Instead, I will post something just to show my pure love for him. "My little pony,
all skinny and bony.
Farted on purpose,
and blew up the circus."

See S...I do love you more than I can express. Your favorite song that I despise is now emblazoned on paper, the Internet, and in all of our brains--just what you've always wanted!
Happy Birthday Baby Soy Soy!

This is what Friendship and Charity looks like

2011-02-01T19:39:00.006-05:00

You see 30 blankets.

I see friends who gathered their family together to do service one night tying blankets for others. Friends who heard me asking and simply answered. A friend who donated money knowing her dollar goes a little further than her sewing skills. Another friend who listened to me drone on about which blankets to buy with said money. Friends who carried blankets in their luggage across the country. Friends who pulled out old fabric and spent time on this instead of something else. Friends who tried new techniques and let others reap the reward instead of themselves. A friend who remembered yet another thing on her already harried Target run. Friends with babies and families and busy, busy lives who helped me with my MLK service project. So thank you.

Martin Luther King Jr. would feel glad people served.

I feel extremely blessed to count those people as my friends.

Oh yeah...and in 14 days instead of 40, nontheless!!! I'm shipping on Monday unless you tell me otherwise.

Slimming down the library

2011-01-29T10:34:00.004-05:00

I have been going through my cd collection to load into itunes now that I have an ipod. Tedious work it turns out, but also a fun stroll down memory lane. Stumbling across cd's from throughout the years has had a disappointing end though. Some of the cd's just don't do it for me anymore. I find myself skipping through song after song to find "the one" (the reason I bought the cd in the first place) and then realize I passed it 3 songs ago. But then I realize it just means less I have to rip to my library.
I am going to start a running list of those not making the cut.
First up:

Hawwllaaah!

2011-01-27T12:48:00.002-05:00

Yep. I said (typed) it. And...?

1011 hits, baby! Not sure whether this is good, meaning we are getting a lot of exposure or if it is bad, meaning we have now been seen by over 1000 people and still no one has chosen us. Either way, it's some kind of mile marker on our "twisty" road!

Our One Thousandth Customer!

2011-01-25T10:00:00.004-05:00

It doesn't seem like it happens anymore, but remember on tv shows how there used to be the "One hundreth customer" or some # customer who would win prizes and showers of confetti would rain down on them?

On our profile page there is a meter to log how many people have viewed this page. There is also one on each of the proceeding pages, like for our photo album, our getting to know you pages, and our contact us page. We are at 995 views on our "Our Message" page which is the first page of our profile. Now, for example, when I clicked on it to get the link to put on this blog, it counted as a hit, so at least 100 or so are from Jack and I. At least another couple hundred are friends and family to whom we have sent the link. I imagine a couple other hundred are from the Pass-Along cards we have asked all of our friends to carry in their wallets (don't have one? want one? leave a comment or send me an email and I will get you one). I imagine another 100 or so are from lurkers--like me--who get on to see who else is crazy enough to jump on this adoption roller coaster. So what-that's 500-600? Doesn't that mean at least a couple hundred are birthmothers checking us out?
So does it mean we get a prize when we hit 1,000? (Enter Bob Eubanks type announcer voice) "Thanks for clicking! By clicking for 1000th time, Jaime and Jack will be meeting the birthmother of their dreams. A girl who will be interested in remaining part of their family as a member of the adoption triad, who will foster an open adoption and who will place with the McKinleys, the baby of wonders and miracles!"
You saw that episode, right?

Charlotte Sometimes

2011-01-23T09:25:00.002-05:00

Little says rejuvenation for me like escaping for a day. Whether with Jack, with girlfriends, by myself--I like to sneak away, be on my own schedule, accountable to no one and within the time frame, no deadline to return. Add shopping at some of my favorite stores into the mix--heaven!

Thanks for a great day Karen! And a call to the world-if you are ever in need of a weekend getaway girl or a day trip partner-I'm in! PS-Like my CURE reference? Sorry if you were topically mislead.

When I am troubled, I start a project. Wanna help?

2011-01-18T11:17:00.006-05:00

It's true. When I start to feel antsy, anxious, bored, overwhelmed, sad, troubled, even when I feel overwhelming blessed, I start a project. It's why my carpet never gets steam cleaned, but all the boys are diggin their new book slings I saw in Family Fun over a year ago. (The magazine page has been stuck to my fridge since then and thanks to MLK, we finally got started on them yesterday. No fears, they picked their own fabrics and pink polkas were not on the menu!)

The project at hand: Blankets.

I stumbled across a birthmothers site several months ago and thought, I should get involved. I thought about it and then forgot about it. Saw it again about 2 weeks ago, and it has been a burr in my side that won't go away. Friends who were listed with our same adoption agency were placed with their adorable baby daughter around the same time and I think that is what has stirred me into action. We are so excited for the Watsons!! Truly! We have seen the miracle of adoption just a couple blocks from our own front door and it is powerful! It has also brought with it for our family, an ever present preoccupation that we have not felt in some time.

With our recent one year anniversary of becoming hopeful adoptive parents, we are trying to embrace Pres. Uchtdorf's words, "Patience is not passive resignation nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can-working, hoping, exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our heart are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring, it is enduring well!" So I am jumping into a project and I would love it if you'd join me!

What are you joining me in? I am setting a goal to collect/make/buy 30 blankets to send to the Blankets for Birthmothers project by Feb 28th. There is a birthmother who is collecting and donating blankets to give to hospitals/agencies for birthmothers to wrap their babies in before they place and then take home with them "so they won't leave empty-handed." It struck a nerve when I read that. I have read in several places, this is a common practice among birthmothers--keeping something to remind them of their child. How symbolic a simple blanket can be.

If you will get me the blankets, I will ship them. All you have to do is buy/make a blanket for me to send. You can drop it off to me anytime. If no one wants to jump on board, I will be busy sewing this next month, so when I don't answer the phone, you'll know why. (Sufficiently guilted?)

The best imitation of myself

2011-01-15T10:43:00.007-05:00

Thankfully, my mom was not thrilled with my dirty hippie phase of high school and took as few photos of me as she could (although pics of skinny Jaime would not hurt my feelings). That said, here is a small glimpse which can lead you down a path to imagine me in high school...

The one thing I wanted for Christmas was a jewelry box. My old one was a hand-me-down from my mother and it was huge. It didn't fit in the bedroom so I had all my jewelery stuffed in her stand up, which was stuffed in the closet, so I never wore anything because it was too hard to get. I also never had to get rid of anything because it was big enough to hold everything. But downsizing thanks to Jack's gift, I had to get rid of some items I have been holding onto since high school. (which, btw, how great is this jewelry box? nice pick Jack!!)

I guess I kept them because I thought if I ever had a girl, she would want to see them to know about the girl I used to be. Maybe even wear them for a little kitsch factor. Now that I can list about 12 things wrong about the above 2 sentences, some Goth at Goodwill is going to be stoked! Rings. Always have, always will be a ring girl. But, I mean, a leather snap bracelet, a dragon sucking an amber ring, "twilight-esque" pieces before vampires were even popular? The only thing missing is the skeleton necklace made from wire and crystals. No, I mean not missing from my life, missing from the photo. I found it after I'd already taken the picture.

But now I have this...

Middle school PE, a fate (almost) worse than death

2011-01-11T21:53:00.004-05:00

Middle school PE is stupid. I know that is not a complicated sentiment.
They should eliminate it. I know, a corollary uncomplicated argument.

Who doesn't have life scarring stories from middle school PE? It sucks because F is living it right now. I have never been a promoter of home schooling. Most educators aren't. But if there was a way to home school just PE, I would be all for it. Mostly because I just wouldn't do it--we'd call it swim lessons and soccer team.

Here's the other thing-they do not have co-ed PE. Maybe if there were some girls in there to mellow out some of these crazy boys, we'd be OK. I mean, segregated PE classes-what decade is this, 1950?

So thanks, Radford, for being one of the meager 8% of middle schools left in the nation requiring PE for all students everyday. Why are we overachievers on PE and yet offer Spanish as the only language option. If we could only settle for more obesity...

"Coco-wha?"

2011-01-08T17:21:00.004-05:00

Yes. I know-all good Mormons have one. A Cocomotion. When you say the name, most non-coffee drinkers (typically Mormons by default, well, Mormons and vegans for some reason) have no idea what you are talking about. Ironically (or coincidentally?) it is made by Mr. Coffee. Then when you explain, "No, it's great, it mixes the cocoa and hot water, it gives it those tiny little bubbles on the top..." there is a brief nod of the head and a courtesy, "Ahh." Subject changed.

But really, everyone needs one. Of course you can make hot chocolate on the stove, and yes, even in the microwave, but why? I was always taught, the proper tool for the proper job...and quite frankly, this is the ONLY tool for this job.

Jack tried to buy one "for the ladies in the front office," which is code for he wants one himself but will look selfish if he buys one and just puts it there. He couldn't find one in any of the local stores. Then when he got online, some idiots were buying them on ebay for $109!! Thank you 8 years ago and $25.99.

Needless to say, if you ever see them on clearance (it's the perfect clearance item as no one will either a)know what it is or b)think it actually works) BUY THEM ALL! Hoard them--looks like they are one their way out!

BTW-When googling to steal an image for my mug of hot coco pic, I stumbled across this recipe for coconut hot chocolate. Yep-trying this one tonight!

If I bow out of FB, I guess I can resume blogging

2011-01-05T08:21:00.002-05:00

I have decided to bow out of Facebook. Of course, I will have to keep my account for Lexulous and Scramble. In the process, I have learned something about myself. It is better for me if I do not know "every move you make, every breath you take..." It's probably better for you too, if I do not know these things. That said, I have ended my blogging hiatus and want to resume posting for our family journal. Plus, this helps contribute to my biological need to be plugged in at times.

The countdown begins...

2010-12-01T08:45:00.004-05:00

There are few things I look forward to with an almost childlike giddiness. It may not involve Oprah or ipads, but it will be divine nonetheless...

Happy Turkey Day

2010-11-24T21:43:00.002-05:00

Life.
Family.
Health.
Love.
And a feast of a meal that I am only making 3 of the 20 different items we will be eating.

Luigi and Michael Jackson pretend to be Spiderman

2010-11-18T07:46:00.002-05:00

Enough said.

Toy Story 4

2010-11-16T17:24:00.003-05:00

I bet our dinner guest is cooler than yours. Toy Story 4 happened at our house this morning when life size sock monkeys just appeared. Sawyer wanted to try and trick Gma and Gpa so he even put the shirt he was currently wearing to seal the deal.

I'm bringing back "Y'all!" Trying to anyway.

2010-11-04T15:33:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I spent much of my middle school and high school years fighting and rejecting the use of the word "y'all" because it was too local, too country, to redneck...it was just so wrong! Using it though was--enticing, it was like playing along with a practical joke that only some people were in on. But alas, at 34, I am not one of those people who uses the word "y'all." After all, I am "above" such incorrect usage of the English language. (as if- my favorite words are the ones I make up)

I'm over it!! After the Avett Bros concert, I remembered how alluring "y'all" can be. I have decided I am going to bring back "y'all" into my personal vernacular. I mean, after all, embracing the word "y'all" means embracing my roots-my, heritage if you will. Although, I guess that means I should ditch the quotation marks around it, eh?

The only problem is every time I say it, just to try it out, it feels so wrong in my mouth. This may prove harder than I think.

Buried Treasure Hunt

2010-11-03T13:26:00.004-04:00

Gma and Gpa have been helping the boys with FHE while they have been staying here, particularly with the Activity and Treat portions of the evening. G told Gma he wanted to have a "BURIED treasure hunt (not just a regular treasure hunt) and so, as Gma and Gpa do--they made it happen... Just prior to the execution, however, G decided he wanted in on the hunt, so he left the final clue making and hiding up to them so he could participate. G is full of ideas lately. Thank you, second grade. I think it made their top 1o FHE list for the year.

Do not tune in for updates on the following:

2010-11-02T10:05:00.002-04:00

My birthday trip/F's conference trip to SLC
The arrival of my in-laws
The DC Temple trip
The anniversary of "whatever we are calling it"
The Avett Brothers concert in Roanoke (F's first concert ever!!)
Halloween
or
My new life as a substitute teacher.

Pshew-I am all caught up. Now I can start blogging again.

It seemed dirty and wrong, but it was just what I needed.

2010-09-28T11:26:00.003-04:00

Well, it did.
Once the boys started back to school I had these free days (I guess I still do...) and the weather was just delightful. Every time I thought we were on the river for the last time, we managed to squeeze yet another tubing trip in. And to clarify, not "we" as in the fam, but "we" as in the ladies! It was like Team Scooby-doo All Stars (which will make Jack sad to think an all-star team was formed while he was sitting in an office, chastizing a student no doubt).

On one of the trips we floated alongside the ducks that were out in droves and the herons that were too quick for my camera. No zoom on this one. We should have brought bread.

It seemed so wrong to be out in the middle of the WEEKDAY doing something so gluttonous as spending time for myself. It was divine and I am pretty sure I love my children more for it!

My own little Garden of Eatin'

2010-09-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

One day as I was getting the mail I noticed a little plant growing in the front yard near the water meter. It was odd, but I ignored. Since our lawn mower has been broken all summer, we have pretty much declared, "Whatever (grows) goes!" I figured it was some random weed that had been waiting to spring forth from our blatant neglect of the yard.

A couple days later it was bigger and I wondered if we had a pumpkin seed that had sprouted from where we had tossed our jack-o-lanterns off the front deck one year (don't ask). Now, a couple weeks later, we have learned that a stray yellow squash plant has sprouted in the middle of the front yard and is now even bearing two fruit, with more blossoms. Well looky here! My own little Garden.

"11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."
Gen. 1: 11-12

Happy Birthday to Me is RIGHT!

2010-09-21T10:41:00.005-04:00

So not only did I get some of my favorite yummy TJ's snacks, I got this killer pair of boots. You will remember, knee length boots don't work for me. But again, for the second time in my life, we found a pair that works. And they are flat (and grayish/taupe), so they are different than the Eddie Bauer ones I got. It has been a productive boot acquiring year.

So the boots were a great gift, and I thought they were a bit extravagant for a regular birthday, but I loved them and it would be rude to turn down a gift.

My last present was wrapped in a Harry and David box that appears at almost every family occasion where gifts are involved. It had a sticky note attached to the inside of the box that read, "This gift is non-refundable or exchangeable." (which is another post about the gift returning policy in my family) It was an airline ticket to SLC in 10 (now 9) days!!!

F and Jack have been planning this trip for years. Jack was going to take F and meet up with all the McKinley boy relatives and they were going to General Conference together. And now I get to go!! It had always been a boys trip, which I was totally down with, so I was beyond SHOCKED when I opened the ticket.

Now if we can find babysitting for the week and a way to pay for everything, I will be even more ecstatic!!

Happy Birthday Jaime!

2010-09-20T10:06:00.009-04:00

This is a shout out to Jaime on her birthday. Happy 29th !Here are my top ten reasons why I love her (not in any particular order):10. She is my best friend.9. She is beautiful on the inside and out. Please keep growing your hair out. I love it.8. She is one of the wisest people I know.7. She puts up with my wild and crazy ideas. Most of the time.6. She is the best mom ever. I couldn't be a happier dad of such great kids.5. She can put me in my place when I need it.4. She puts others before herself.3. She is extremely creative.2. She can multi-task like no one else.1. She loves me with all my imperfections and hang-ups.Have a great day! Monday birthdays kind of suck and all but we will see you soon!

3 degrees of crazy

2010-09-16T21:45:00.002-04:00

Grant me a moment, would ya?

You know how there are those people who are endearingly crazy. Like the old widower lady that hugs Jack just a little too long and who Jack won't go do visits alone to her house anymore? Like, "Oh, isn't she crazy and oh how we lover her for it!"

Then there are the ones that make you pause. Like, is she fun crazy or crazy crazy? Like when they do something you laugh at in the moment and then a couple hours later you realize they were being totally serious? But depending on the day and time, they are a little borderline.

But to round things out, there are the full on "She's so crazy! I think I'm gonna have her baby!!" (not really but I had to say the line as it popped into my head) crazies. You know, the ones where after you finish your interaction with them, you're like, "Crap, did that girl get my last name?"

Yep, add another one to the tally.

thank you etsy for inspiring my new kitchen

2010-09-14T14:20:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to redecorate my kitchen for awhile now. I am so over the italian cafe flair I was going for with all my bottles. Ordered this print and centering my new kitchen decor around it. She has three more I want to get only smaller to hang with this one. Now I just need it to arrive!! Her stuff is great-check out her etsy @Lucky Bluebird Art.

It's been awhile since this one--

2010-09-09T07:28:00.012-04:00

and even longer since this one.

You may not be 18 anymore,

or are you?

The hair may have changed (several times along the way, actually), and the neck muscles might be a little less flexible, but you've still got some rock and roll left in you! Happy Birthday Jackie!! We love you. Come home so we can celebrate already!

Closer to 40 than 30. Yikes!!

Wlecome Home Bob and Joan!

2010-09-06T14:50:00.002-04:00

So, it has been two years since my parents left to serve as missionaries in India. They are en route back to the US as I type this. They will be returning to a big family welcome in California on September 11. But sadly, I will not be able to travel out there. Finn and I will be going out to General Conference and we will get to reunite with them there. They are coming back to VA after that for around 6 weeks! Can't wait!

Who did I think I was?

2010-09-01T12:31:00.001-04:00

I am clearing out old boxes. Any important papers are getting kept in sheet protectors and all photos are going into an album or they too are getting trashed. Came across 2 college year photos from The BYU and all I can focus on is how SHORT my skirt and shorts were. Now clearly, this picture was 80's night at Classic Skate (thereby short shorts defendable--somewhat--ok, not really), but...this picture was one morning on our way to CHURCH. Church I say!! That is not church length appropriate. Who did I think I was? (oh yeah, and remember when I was skinny?)
(PS- Can you tell the boys are all in school 5 days a week now and I am working on projects. This week: clearing up/tossing out/photoshopping old-jaime-body-into-current-jaime pictures photo project)

"Breakdown, takedown, your busted!"

2010-08-30T15:04:00.005-04:00

Accompanying F's 12th birthday was a religious milestone. On Sunday he was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood (that Mormonspeak meaning essentially he gets to leave Primary, enter the youth program and pass the Sacrament to the congregation after it has been blessed.) Thus, the photo shoot.

(F was not interested in making a funny face!)

We wanted to get a couple good pics and our lawn wasn't mowed, so we went across the street to our neighbor's house whose lawn was nicely mowed. She is the Dean of the Buisness College at RU and thus rarely ever home. Noting her car was gone, we jumped over for our photo shoot. This was our favorite shot. Jack said, "Hold on a car is coming, I am going to let it pass." Except it didn't pass-it was our neighbor! She was nice enough to not pull into her driveway so we could get the shot. Thanks neighbor!!

And yay for F for his ordination!

12 clues we have a 12 year old

2010-08-25T08:27:00.007-04:00

1. No matter what the task, if it is in his room, F is rockin' out to his ipod.
2. Anytime we are going somewhere we hear, "But do I have to go?"
3. When F finally brings his laundry down, it forms Mt. McKinley.
4. We are out the door the crack of dawn for zero period (that's 7:15 in case you were wondering) 5. There is a sound nearing death eminating from our house as he practices his sax.
6. You can hear a mother wailing, "Nooooooo!" as she gets beaten by the preteen in one of several different board games. 7. The clocks are never right--for that matter, nothing is ever right unless it comes from his mouth.
8. You can hear a father wailing, "Noooooo!" as he finds out indeed, the preteen was right (thereby making him wrong).
9. We hear a constant chorus of "Why won't F play with us?"
10. There is now more than one set of gigantic man feet in the house resulting in gigantic man shoes littered across the house. 11. "PE is lame" is now a familiar end of the day assessment.
12. Final clue: He was born on this day in 1998, thus Mr. 12 year old.

First Day Oranges

2010-08-23T15:59:00.004-04:00

I am co-opting the color orange. I feel like there should be a color to describe the opposite of having "the blues." I have decided having "the oranges" means exactly the opposite of having "the blues." Enough of the quotation marks; so let it be written, so let it be heard.

Today was one of my favorite first days yet! I picked everyone up at separate times thanks to 3 different pick up times and it was fantastic!! Everyone was able to share their excitement, stories, and triumphs without having to wait for a brother to finish a sentence or fight to get a word in edgewise. It was divine. I highly recommend it to all of you who have picked up everyone in the same van at the same time and have trouble saying "that's awesome!" 42 different times and in 18 directions and not really being able to attend to any of them.

We are still on a high from our first day oranges and hope they last through tomorrow.

(Not convinced this whole "oranges" thing is going to work after re-reading...but we'll give it a go!)

"You're NO Miss America, ya know!"

2010-08-19T18:28:00.003-04:00

That was a favorite cut down of my 7th grade posse (and used most often by Ashley ? who later moved, which was good because I think she would have jumped me into a girl gang).

To me, middle school meant:

-Todd Penington teasing me for not shaving my legs. (Um, Todd, you might have a heart attack to see the hair on my legs now, so maybe avoid me at the--wait, I imagine I will never see you again.) (and isn't it random his is the only last name I remember?)

-Getting pink loafers with a huge bow on the them for my birthday, loving them, and then never wearing them after Jackie ? said they were ugly. Repeat for pink peasant shirt with matching bag.

-Killing it as the starting setter on the volleyball team, only to later drop out because I was more into the hippie scene than the athlete scene (which was the beginning of a 4 year long deliberation about which "scene" I was into, and finally deciding I was into none of them).

-Crying in Mrs Huffman's Latin class after school one day to have her change my 6 weeks grade of a D to a C so I wouldn't get beheaded upon returning home.

-Deciding math was not cool and pretending to hate it which eventually lead to me actually hating it which led me to regretting wanting to be cool.

-Taking choir with Mrs Tatum because everyone said the class was super easy and chill instead of taking band which is what I wanted to take.

-Oh F!! I went to his middle school open house and watched as he fiddled with his locker, worried about dressing out in gym class, wondered if he will make it from class to class in only 5 minutes, and laughed as he reunited with friends who were all similarly consumed. May middle school be for you even marginally better than it was for me. Here's to high school, eh?

There are no photos, as F would have KILLED me if I'd brought a camera (even though I did toss it around in my mind).

Why finish one project when you can just start another?

2010-08-11T18:31:00.003-04:00

I had planned to take the boys to the pool today but by the time I was ready to go, they decided they would rather play with their bow and arrows from Steppin' Out and engage in all out war. So. I decided it was the perfect afternoon for a project.

I have been on a quest to find oilcloth (and by "quest", truthfully I have only been to one store that did not carry it and looked at a couple online fabric stores) because I want to make reusable snack bags for the boys' lunch boxes.

Turns out it is a good thing I couldn't find it because apparently oilcloth contains a chemical potentially harmful to children and pregnant women (amy-stay CLEAR of the oilcloth!).

I decided to check out our local sewing store, SewBiz (which is great but quite overpriced), to see what they had. She didn't carry nylon by the yard (my new substitute) but she did carry a nonabsorbent raincoat material. At $22/yard, I bought 13 inches for $8.

And viola! The first three had some kinks, but with all the snags now under control, I am going to make 9 more. The 13 inches cut enough for 12 bags. LOVE them!! I am so happy because I was feeling lame that we have reusable lunch boxes, water bottles, & sandwich containers, but were still wasting bags for chips, etc. Now--DONE!

Getting my memories onto the blog and out of the closet!

2010-07-28T19:07:00.003-04:00

We are getting rid of things. Lots of things. Mostly little things. But lots of little things take up a collective massive amount of space.

I have decided to take pictures and post them with their accompanying memories so that I can at least have a reminder of the memory, but I don't have to have so much "stuff" cluttering my closets.This is one of those things.

Jack's sister Jenny moved to CT briefly. Knowing his sister would most likely not stay on the East Coast for long, he wanted to drive up and spend Thanksgiving with her and Stacey. It took us over 16 hours to get there because we drove right into a massive snow storm. It was the trip we coined the phrase "snow whipped" to describe that phenomenon when a truck passes you and suddenly you can see nothing.

When we arrived Jenny had purchased this Bob the Builder sleeping bag for F to use while crashing on her floor. We thought that was so thoughtful and generous. Everytime I see it, I am reminded of that trip.

It was the first Thanksgiving we ate a fried turkey (it was delish, btw).

After Thanksgiving dinner I was very sick and kept trying to hide it in the bathroom. Jenny and Stacey walked by one time and oveheard me barfing in the bathroom. They were afraid something from the T'giving meal had made me sick so we had to spill the beans a little earlier than we had planned...I was PG with baby #2.

I also was reminded on trip that I love toast. Strange memory I know, but we had white bread toasted with butter and boysenberry jam on it and I had not eaten butter nor white bread in decades, and it was the trip that brought good toast back into my life.

Strange the memories we have, eh? Thanks Jenny and Stacey.

Almost missed this gem

2010-07-15T09:51:00.004-04:00

I borrowed G's camera for our ladies tubing trip, just in case we had a "run-in" with some water (which ironically, usually doesn't happen when we go tubing). I found this little nugget he had taken as I was looking for the pictures of us on the river in the pouring rain.

Solution to frustration about 1 dog?

2010-07-11T08:41:00.004-04:00

Get another?

Lela.

S is crazy about getting his "own" dog (although he wants to name her Cookie 2 which we have all out rejected). While this is NOT our reasoning, we have been talking about Cookie needing a playmate, especially since her #1 play pal will be heading to preschool 5 days a week this year. No decisions have been made, no meeting has been arranged, but we are tossing it around.

How stupid are we?

Ohio I’m leaving, Ohio I’m gone

2010-07-06T19:05:00.006-04:00

Britt and John might be moving the NM (gross!) so we had some good times over the weekend of July 4th... just in case.

Started with a tour of the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. It was really cool. My kids are totally into Food Network the way other kids are into cartoons. (Don't even get them started on the show "Next Food Network Star" or you will never hear the end of it.) My favorite comment of the day was when G said, "Mom, this is so cool. It's like "Unwrapped" but in real life!"

We proceeded to play a lot of games, swim, hang, eat, bake, cook, eat, and then eat some more. Oh yeah, we went out to lunch too. Tried Pei Wei, the fast food chain byPF Chang's . Delish, btw-so go for it. It's like PF Chang's but you don't feel like a shmuck for taking your kids there.
(turns out I have posture issues)

We also toured the Santa Maria. Turns out, I would not have been a good sailor.
We rounded out the trip with a rousing 3rd of July Celebration that was tons of fun and the show was spectacular. Wouldn't want to fight the crowds every year, but the "big city" shindig was a good time for all.

(lighting snakes all the boys could talk about was the resemblance of the snake to poop)

M and S enjoyed the fireworks laying down.

Hit church on Sunday on our way out of town and stopped for a photo op at the Columbus OH Temple. All in all, a great way to spend a long weekend.

Inspiration or Marketing, it's a thin line

2010-06-23T09:37:00.007-04:00

Awhile ago, even before we had committed to adoption, we stumbled across a blog by a woman who is an adoptive mother of 2 and whose husband is an adoption caseworker. Because both of her adoptions are very open, she has guest posts by her two birthmothers. Some of her posts are fascinating to read. Anyway, on one of her posts she has an offer to adoptive couples.

As a staunch adoption advocate, she had been doing some presentations around her community and stumbled across 2 resources who said they would help spread the word about couples hoping to adopt. She has an open appeal for individuals to put together and send her a "press packet", if you will, and she will forward it on.

I have been reading and re-reading a talk given by a leader in our church about patience. His words keep coming into to my mind:

"...I learned that patience was far more than simply waiting for something to happen-patience required actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results didn't appear instantly or without effort.

There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means actively waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can-working, hoping, exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude; even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well."

-Pres. D. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor in First Presidency

So decided to do some math: blog + talk = our kit.

Ta-da!

I'm not a graphic designer. Nor a photographer. Nor a marketing expert. But here is what I put together. Let me know if you want our "press packet" to pass along to someone OR if you will just keep some of our pass along cards in your car, wallet, or office. We are in the process of getting our packets out into the community. If you'd keep some of our pass alongs it might be easier to just hand one over when a conversation inspires you.

Now if I can just muster the courage to hand these puppies out in all the random places Mrs R tells us we should.

Keepin' it real (ish)

2010-06-21T07:45:00.005-04:00

So we have always had somewhat less than discriminating taste when it comes to certain lines of tv shows. In high school, college and when we were first married, we watched Real World (ah, Heather B, Puck, the cowboy...) and Road Rules (remember when they actually competed and didn't just get drunk?). As they went down the toilet and their B ratings quickly dropped well below an F, we decided to save what was left of our innocence and walked away.

For several years we haven't watched anything on MTV or VH1, but last year 16 and Pregnant caught our attention. Especially in light of our current adoption hopes it was a train wreck we could not walk away from. But you know, if I had a pregnant teenager, I would make them sit down to watch both seasons before making any decisions. It seemed pretty spot on. With that season ending, we needed a new train wreck. Insert Dad Camp. It's like 16 and Pregnant meets Real World and it is just depressing and yet sort of enlightening.

Who needs Hallmark specials when you can watch people whose lives in no way reflect your own and make you think, "I'll keep my own problems, thank you."

Hawlllaahhhh!!

2010-06-16T19:21:00.004-04:00

Or should I say, "Challah!"
John said it best; "Put a onesie on that thing, it could be a baby!" Britt has been in town and we have been recipe swapping and it has been a delicious week thus far. This, however, might just push me to my limit.

"Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean!"

2010-06-11T11:30:00.010-04:00

Jack told the school if the school scored 85% or higher on their SOL's (yep, that's right, that what they call them in VA...) he would shave his head bald. Well, the school pass rate was 89% in science, 89% in history, 91% in reading and 91% in math.

Normally a couple pictures suffice per post, but I really have to walk you through the whole experience for full effect.

He chose one student from each grade level to help with the buzz. This is him explaining his brain is just below the surface and how not to kill him. Gearing up
The kids were chanting, "Shave it off! Shave it off!" (doesn't he kind of look like 'Joe Dirt' in this one?)

Midway through he announced there was a teacher who had been asking for weeks for the honor of shaving off a sideburn (which are my favorite--it was most sad to watch those go. I asked him if he'd keep the burns and go bald on the rest. He thought that was a bad idea.) He called her up and the crowd went wild!

Then he dismissed the students for the final razor shaving and promised to visit each classroom when it was complete.

Thankfully, one of the PSA members is a professional stylist and agreed to both supervise and do the finishing touches.

(which included thinning out the brows, because it turns out with no hair, they were a bit thick)

Now he will have to remember to put on sunscreen for car pick up duty. And pickup some spray tan--that head is whhiittee!

This is how F felt about the whole thing...

When F first heard this was going down, he was livid. "How could dad do such a thing? This is ridiculous." Ahhh-the indignation of a 12 year old!

Bald is beautiful!

The first of his lasts

2010-06-05T09:31:00.007-04:00

His last field day. His last day of music class. His last day at a school with a jungle gym. His last day with his dad for a principal. His last day in elementary school. His last day of innocence. Ok, that is probably a little extreme, but you get where I am going with this...

F is leaving elementary school friday and starting junior high next year. We had our first, wait for it...BAND meeting. He has to change for gym. He wants to take "zero" period (which is going to school BEFORE school really starts). Not sure what we are truly in for, but since he's excited, I guess we are too.

Last Friday was his last Field Day. It was so fun Jack was able to be his principal for his year of "lasts". Moment of silence for prepubescence please.

(ps-this is Jack competing in the obstacle course against a 6th grader. He won. Barely.)

Lauren would call them "little rich girl problems"

2010-06-02T10:23:00.006-04:00

My house didn't burn down. I'm not scrounging for food in a trash can. My children are healthy. My husband and I actually like each other (most days). I'm alive. Compared to a lot of people in the world, I have it pretty great. I acknowledge that. To me, we will be considered "well to do" when I can go to Target and buy everything we need, a couple of things we want, and not worry about the price tag. And that lifestyle is just up the road a ways-I can almost see it. I don't need a mansion, "the" car, or to be a millionaire. Sometimes though, I just want money to burn. This is how I'd burn it if I had it this week. Starting at a very reasonable $45, the silver and wood finger cuff.

A little higher, we'd get the pounded silver charm bracelet, sans charms, at $108 Since I do run around a million places, and need to be on time, and the 13 watches I already own are not wraparound, I'd add this to my cart for only $198.

And really sealing the deal, and satisfying me completely would be the platinum Galahad necklace at a mere $415.

Or buying pretty much anything from my new favorite catalog: sundance jewelry

Oh Robert, you had me at Tibetan coral.

The only word I can think of is "reassuring" but I am sure there is a better one

2010-05-26T17:51:00.003-04:00

Lyssa had referenced this picture awhile ago so I set out on a mission to find it, and viola! (Thanks again C, look at the great scan...)
We had been driving back home to UT from CA when we were delayed because the freeway had closed on one side because the wildfires had gotten too close to the road. Of course we had to stop and take some pictures (how dumb are we in college?). As I look at this picture, all I can think is how reassuring (?) it is that even THEN, in my shall we call them "smaller days", I still had backfat.

I laugh EVERY single time I watch

2010-05-18T16:09:00.006-04:00

Ok, there is a weird middle section where they talk, but hold strong, you will be rewarded for your patience.
And for Lyssa and Beth--as an added bonus this song always makes us laugh....remember the interpretive dance.

"Who stakes down a tent?"

2010-05-15T19:46:00.003-04:00

Campers, that's who. Not Jack--he says it is unnecessary. But alas, as the tent almost blew away this year, F said "Dad agreed and we staked down the tent."

I am so grateful that every year, come hell or high water, Jack makes arrangements to take the boys to the Fathers and Sons campout. Each of them has been attending since they were 1 year old and talk about it all year long. Maybe this will be the year we actually go camping other than the one weekend. (Hopefully not.)

While the boys are away...

2010-05-14T16:20:00.003-04:00

this is where the ladies are going to go play. Whoo-hooo!

It's the weekend of the Fathers and Sons campout, which for the boys means tents and hotdogs. For me it means good music, hippie shops, and virgin margaritas with the ladies!

Last minute crafting-must be teacher appreciation week

2010-05-05T08:06:00.003-04:00

Let the gift basket (bag) assembly begin! Here's my favorite item for this years swag bag...

After glowing with excitement because these soap bottles turned out so well, Jack's remark was (after his obligatory "they look great"), "You remember this wasn't your idea, right?" Apparently my crafting-to-completion glow was a little over the top.

And to boot, check out the bags I found to hold the swag...

Job, schmob. Next year, with S in preschool 5 days, I am going to craft full-time.

But there WAS joy in Mudville-Sat. night anyway.

2010-05-02T09:28:00.006-04:00

While we are not "sports people" per se, we do enjoy a live basketball or baseball game now and again. Saturday night we took our 3 boys and 2 of their friends to Salem to watch the Red Sox play. And while yes, the car stunk both ways, and yes, they were interested in the "teleporting" mascot slightly more than the game, and yes, dinner for 5 boys was pricey, we still had such a great time!

No bickering, a lot of potty talk, and Jack and I actually sat next to each other, talked, and even watched part of the game. I caught a glimpse into the future and it actually looks fun (a little motley, but fun)!!

Livin' it up on Wisteria, um, Banister

2010-04-28T15:55:00.004-04:00

Three years ago we bought a bunch of plants when Central Lumber went out business ("Thanks for that one Lowe's!" said in a tone that both loathes the destructively sweeping arm of big business, while appreciating big business prices). We bought whatever was on clearance for less than $5 and planted random things all over the yard.

One of them has grown and created my favorite spot in our yard: the wisteria banister. What was so small just three years ago has blossomed and grown up our balcony into this fluffy and fragrant bee haven. It is so beautiful and aromatic; it has also brought a mysterious sense of murder, sex, and intruigue to our home.

No I will not buy them, thank you.

2010-04-25T18:44:00.006-04:00

I hate that they have spring and fall pictures. I hate more that they send the spring photos home hoping to financially ensare you. Good try, but ultimately, a waste of paper and ink.

But I will scan for all to see anyway. Thanks to the scanner fairy!!! "Can you see the whites of my eyes?"

"Smile. Smile. Smile. Pose. Smile."

"You will not be able to scream because you will be paralyzed by my charm..."

10 reasons my Grandma is better than your Grandma

2010-04-18T19:11:00.006-04:00

1. She owned a clothing store just down the hill from my elementary school. She would let me roam the racks of clothes everyday after school, sit behind the cash register, play with the ticket gun, and best of all, get the best duds around!

2. She took me to get my shots from the pediatrician one day after dance class because my mom was at work. (I vividly remember having the pull up my leotard) After the shots she took Brittany and I to the store to buy a My Little Pony.

3. One day I was driving her in the car and had my Joni Mitchell CD in. She didn't love it. From then on she would sing in that high head tone voice imitating Joni when she wanted to get her point across with me.

4. She let me live at her house with my crazy roommates. And not only that-she cooked us delicious meals when we were around, and more than once did our laundry!

5. When I was dating Jack, she razzed him enough to keep him on his toes. She also loved him enough to endear herself to him, as he has had no living grandmother since he was a child. He considers her his grandma 100%.

6. She made us each a felt stocking which she hung by her chimney. She hired a Santa to come Christmas eve and deliver us all a present at the family Christmas dinner. Then she would fill our stockings and hide them Christmas morning so that when we arrived at her house, the hunt was a much fun as the stocking goodies (at least close anyway!).

7. She held these hugely elaborate Easter egg hunts involving tables of prizes and a huge meal. It was almost a bigger loot than Christmas!

8. Her food. Her cooking. Her kitchen presence. She just has a presence in the kitchen--so that even when I use the exact same recipe, I can tell she didn't make it.

9. She boycotted Mother's Day one year. She now always says she regrets it, but that showed me her strength as a woman and it is a favorite memory of mine.

10. She played war with me a million and one times as she let me drive across the country with her and Grandpa when I was about six years old. She watched me and protected me as a small child and took me into her arms and loved me and those are only a few of the reasons my Grandma is better than yours!!!
Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Lions and Tigers and Temples, Oh My!

2010-04-11T14:12:00.004-04:00

Lionand Tiger

and Temple-oh my!

We had a lovely extended weekend and traveled to DC. Drove up a new way on TH night and avoided the inevitable 495 traffic jam. Fri we chose to go to the National Zoo as our "site" this visit. The boys were able to participate in temple related activities outside with their church leaders while Jack and I went inside the temple. Kudos to our stake primary who organized the supervision of 190 children for 4 hours.

FAQ about Temples

From India to Ohio with a layover in VA

2010-04-07T14:08:00.004-04:00

He came from India and stayed with us a little while.

We sent him on to Ohio.

Sometimes I wish I was Flat Stanley!

Never roast Peeps by the bonfire!

2010-04-06T08:54:00.005-04:00

We were beach bound for the short spring break and the drive was well worth it! The weather was gorgeous, the company was great (thanks Karma and Duane), and the food was phenomenal. Plus, we came home with some good recipes, so someone should invite us to a potluck. One night we lit a huge bonfire and played Kubb (our favorite Icelandic yard game) UNTIL...we started experimenting with roasting Peeps. Jack burned his thumb and a huge blister immediately formed. Turns out that whole opposable thumb thing is pretty critical. Also note, Peeps melt much faster and at a higher temperature than marshmellows.

The pick up soccer game at the Milnes house on the harbour was a lovely way to close out the weekend.

No dresses, not cute mary janes, and now this!

2010-03-31T18:39:00.007-04:00

With no girls, there are a few things I cling to with my boys that help me cope with the testosterone overload. The boys' locks of curly hair are something I love about them. When G decided to buzz his head last summer because his hair kept getting tangled in his goggles, I agreed (thinking his hair would grow back and the locks would return). His hair has not grown back yet, 10 months later! S has been hassling me to buzz his locks since G did. I refused. But the last couple of mornings he has thrown the fit of a teenage girl! Here are some direct quotes, coupled with tears and his hands ruffling and tossing his hair in frustration:

"My hair is too curly and it looks funny."

"Kids are going to laugh at my hair."

(had to include this pic because it highlights the huge scar he got Sunday morning as he jumped off the foozball table while I was in the shower)

"My hair looks like it has bulldog horns. I don't want to be a bulldog!"

"I can't make my hair look right!"

"My hair looks weird and I want it all cut off...like G's"
So, fine--give the child what he wants...but don't expect me not to cry about the loss of my little dutch boy! I did make him wait until school pictures were finished yesterday. (and please disregard my soaking crockpot in the background)

Three-oooh is the magic number (or is it?)

2010-03-27T12:23:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we took S to the egg hunt/hayride at Buchinsky's house. (F was at RU and G at a bday party.) We have been doing this for years now, except usually we have a heap of eggs to cover all 3 boys. This year, we took our required 14 per child and they didn't even fill a basket.

Hanging out with just S reminded me of hanging out with little F. F was an only child for 5 years. It's eery how the day took me back to when we just had our little family of 3.

For so long we really thought we might only have 1 child (ok, Jack maybe didn't, but I sure did). As I think of how full and fantastic and loud and dirty and chaotic and laughable and marvelous our family is now, I am so grateful G and S could join us.

Did you also notice the mystery guest who joined us for the day?

A break from tradition

2010-03-21T13:42:00.007-04:00

Every year after Stake Conference in Pembroke we have a picnic at Pandapas Pond. This year conference was broadcast from SLC so we watched it in our local building. We improvised though and had a picnic at Sunset Park. The pictures aren't as good because the boys changed out of their Sunday clothes, which I always like seeing them in, but they always hate being in. Either way, good times.

(had to at least put the one shot of me in there-even if it highlights my gray)

(the almost catastrophe in the wagon...)

We have a "dude" in the making!

2010-03-19T08:50:00.004-04:00

Me: "Why are you wearing your hat like that?" (cocked and over one eye)

S: "Because."

Me: "Who taught you to wear it like that?"

S: "Me, because I just want to look cool."

Okay then.

Don't quote me on this-or do-because I am keeping names out of it

2010-03-16T21:46:00.005-04:00

School Board elections are coming up and they are really important this year. Maybe more so for me, since it is directly linked to those little things we enjoy like eating and sleeping in a house and wearing clothes and driving cars and such. But it is important for you too, especially if you have children in Radford schools OR pay Radford city taxes. Issues and jobs and playgrounds and projects are on the line.

If you are local, PLEASE vote for good school board officers. It's not a democrat or republican thing. It's an "I-want-the-best-for-my-child-and-the-children-of-Radford" thing. If you have questions on some of the key issues, and what candidates are up to, PLEASE ask.

School policy says we can't put out signs, and I don't want to put my opinons on the blog, but you owe it to yourself and your children to 1) VOTE and 2) VOTE for the right people!

Delusions of Springtime

2010-03-09T13:10:00.006-05:00

Turns out the walking paths weren't exactly clear yet, but we didn't care. We were so desperate to get outside, not only did we not care--we didn't wear jackets and G even wore his crocs. Ok, so probably not the wisest moves on our part, but we spent the afternoon pretending Spring was here. And it felt great!

Nevermind the small slip on the snow climbing up the hill that almost sent us home 10 minutes after our arrival. We endured...

My inner Alex P Keaton sneaking out again

2010-03-05T16:41:00.007-05:00

I don't know why I care, but I do. At least, I do twice a year anyway. Twice a year it totally matters to me what the boys wear to church. The rest of the year, if the top has buttons and the bottoms aren't school pants, I do not care. But Easter and Christmas get me every time. My particular nueroses come in the form of sweater vests and gingham.
And I'm not even a "matchy-matchy" type person, but coordinated children just give the illusion of cleanliness, of perfection, of adoration. I guess pretending twice a year gets me through the rest of it.

For all you "Project-Runway-fashion-forward-folks", I opted against the vest this year, which is a first for me. My boys HATE sweater vests (see G), but usually at Easter I make them suck it up (plus they are cheaper than buying a shirt AND tie). Since it is one of the 2 times a year I usually end up paying (close to) full price, I figured rather than buy a vest they will NEVER wear again, I will get a shirt and tie which they will actually don by choice every other Sunday or so.

But I can say...at least I come by it honestly! (yes, I know this is a pic of you Britt-but I couldn't find the one of me in my sweater vest and faux pearls...)

A little help...from STP!

2010-03-02T12:20:00.005-05:00

Yep. Same Ten People.

I sit on the Radford Children's Theatre Committee and every year we bring the Missoula Children's Theatre to town. As always throngs of children show up for limited amounts of parts. Last night 115 children auditoned for 62 parts. Clearly, there is a need.

However, the folks who have chaired the committee and brought MCT to Radford for the first time several years ago, are stepping down. Of course, everyone can't serve eternally. If we do not find someone willing to step in, this could be the last year our children get this opportunity.

Here is my little rant...

Whichever school I am at, it's usually the STP I see helping out (clearly, more than ten, but you get my jist). The same faces reading in the classroom, monitoring lunch hour to give the teachers a break, helping with the medical clinics, serving as home room parent, lending a hand with classroom duties, volunteering at the front desk, serving on the PSA, you name it!!

Now when the school needs a chaperon for a cool field trip, there aren't enough seats on the bus to accommodate those adults.

Everyone wants all these great opportunities for their children, as long as it means they can come when it starts, leave when it ends and never think of it again.

I think my tirade is over...until of course, I end up hearing no one would take MCT and I get suckered into it. But if you could see the thrill of some of these children who probably would NEVER get recognized or noticed for anything else...you'd be a sucker too!

Ugly, cruddy, muddy mess!

2010-02-22T08:35:00.004-05:00

Thank you rain, for turning what was an icy dangerous mess

into a slushy, dirty, nasty eyesore. It looks like this everywhere. Spring, what? Grass, huh?

How to Suck at Facebook

2010-02-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

The Oatmeal. It's funny-you should follow. It has temporarily replaced The Onion for me as my stupid time filler.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/facebook_suck

Finished the quilt, now I just need the baby.

2010-02-19T14:20:00.005-05:00

Notice: If you are an occassional weekend quilter, continue. If you are a "Quilter", please look away...

When "everything" went down in October, I was in the middle of working on a quilt for the baby. I wanted to start working on it again, but tried and just couldn't pull it out. So I started a new one. New quilt for a new baby.

Awhile ago Jack had purchased some great fabric for me from IKEA on one of his trips without me (yes, they do sell fabric). The print had these adorable little characters that sort of reminded me of Beatrix Potter in a modern sort of way. I decided to bust it out, and this is what I came up with:

I told Jack my goal was to make it look "just fine" and I think I did. I actually did the binding myself, which is a first for me. Ususally I cheat by using blanket binding or having someone else do it. The sides are wavy, corners are a mess, but I think it looks "just fine."

Now I just need a baby to stain it.