December 8, 2004 - Anthony James Yaklin was released from Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital after 71 days in the NICU. He weighed exactly 4 pounds that day...
Happy Five Year Anniversary, sweet boy!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Anniversary
I missed a very important day yesterday:
December 8, 2004 - Anthony James Yaklin was released from Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital after 71 days in the NICU. He weighed exactly 4 pounds that day...
Happy Five Year Anniversary, sweet boy!
December 8, 2004 - Anthony James Yaklin was released from Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital after 71 days in the NICU. He weighed exactly 4 pounds that day...
Happy Five Year Anniversary, sweet boy!
Missing
I seem to be missing a lot these days...
- I haven't been posting on my blog
- I haven't even been reading other blogs...and that's odd considering for a while I was checking them several times a day...
- I am missing having a job to go to every day
- I am missing my motivation
My routine used to be: get up a 5-5:30am, get self and AJ ready to go, drop off AJ at 6:30am, carpool with hubby to work, get stuff done at work, carpool home with hubby, fix dinner, watch TV with family, do a few chores, get AJ to bed, do a few more chores before bed at 10pm.
My routine now:
hear hubby's alarm go off at 5am, stay in bed while he gets ready and leaves for work, let AJ sleep in until about 6:45am, get both of us ready to take him to school, drop AJ off some time before 8am, come home, check Facebook, check email, check online job posting resources, clean house, watch TV...on my really exciting days I actually do the grocery shopping after I drop AJ off at school.
I REALLY need a job...I feel like I am killing more and more brain cells each day...
- I haven't been posting on my blog
- I haven't even been reading other blogs...and that's odd considering for a while I was checking them several times a day...
- I am missing having a job to go to every day
- I am missing my motivation
My routine used to be: get up a 5-5:30am, get self and AJ ready to go, drop off AJ at 6:30am, carpool with hubby to work, get stuff done at work, carpool home with hubby, fix dinner, watch TV with family, do a few chores, get AJ to bed, do a few more chores before bed at 10pm.
My routine now:
hear hubby's alarm go off at 5am, stay in bed while he gets ready and leaves for work, let AJ sleep in until about 6:45am, get both of us ready to take him to school, drop AJ off some time before 8am, come home, check Facebook, check email, check online job posting resources, clean house, watch TV...on my really exciting days I actually do the grocery shopping after I drop AJ off at school.
I REALLY need a job...I feel like I am killing more and more brain cells each day...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
On the Lookout
On October 15th I was laid off from my job with absolutely no clue that it was coming. I hadn't been happy for several months, and just earlier that week, Hubby told me I should start putting out feelers to look for something else. Then we had a connection group meeting at our house and I asked for friends to pray for some clarity regarding my job. That clarity came less than 12 hours later when I was laid off.
What to do? Sit around and wallow and feel like a victim? Worrying what we would do without my income and a new house? OR
Look at it as the opening for something even bigger and better that God is setting up for me. Spend more time getting involved in AJ's school. Rest and reflect on what I would really like to be doing.
Someone wise reminded me this weekend that I only have limited space in my life. The past and the future cannot occupy the same space. So you have to move the past out to make way for the future. So I'm putting the past behind me and waiting anxiously to find out the next step.
I have sent my resume out to lots of different places. But in my industry, this part of the year is very slow. I have sent out to other opportunities, but haven't had much luck yet.
I know there is something really good coming. I just have to work on my patience...But I must confess, my attitude and stress level have improved greatly.
Whatever is on the horizon?
BRING IT!
What to do? Sit around and wallow and feel like a victim? Worrying what we would do without my income and a new house? OR
Look at it as the opening for something even bigger and better that God is setting up for me. Spend more time getting involved in AJ's school. Rest and reflect on what I would really like to be doing.
Someone wise reminded me this weekend that I only have limited space in my life. The past and the future cannot occupy the same space. So you have to move the past out to make way for the future. So I'm putting the past behind me and waiting anxiously to find out the next step.
I have sent my resume out to lots of different places. But in my industry, this part of the year is very slow. I have sent out to other opportunities, but haven't had much luck yet.
I know there is something really good coming. I just have to work on my patience...But I must confess, my attitude and stress level have improved greatly.
Whatever is on the horizon?
BRING IT!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fannish Cookers
More evidence that my son shares most of his genes with his Daddy:
Last night we went out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant because the Hubby was craving tamales. When the waiter came to take our order, AJ said (loudly), "Mommy, why all those cookers (waiters) talking in Fannish (Spanish)?
I explained to him that we were in a Mexican restaurant. He replied (again pretty loudly), "Mexican?! They REALLY like tamales here!"
Once his food came, he came up with an idea..."Mommy! I got an idea! We should come here to eat every day 'cuz these tamales are really good!"
Yippee...now I have two people in the house who would eat Mexican food three meals a day, seven days a week...(sigh)
Last night we went out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant because the Hubby was craving tamales. When the waiter came to take our order, AJ said (loudly), "Mommy, why all those cookers (waiters) talking in Fannish (Spanish)?
I explained to him that we were in a Mexican restaurant. He replied (again pretty loudly), "Mexican?! They REALLY like tamales here!"
Once his food came, he came up with an idea..."Mommy! I got an idea! We should come here to eat every day 'cuz these tamales are really good!"
Yippee...now I have two people in the house who would eat Mexican food three meals a day, seven days a week...(sigh)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Meat Eater
AJ has been learning a lot about dinosaurs at school recently and is fascinated by the subject. In fact, he announced to me earlier this week that he is going to be a paleontologist. (That's a mighty big word for a 4-year-old!)
On Monday night he watched a show with his Daddy on the History Channel. It was about volcanoes. By Tuesday, AJ announced that he was going to be a paleontologist and when the volcano 'rupted, he would save all the dinosaurs.
Tuesday's project at school was cutting out dinosaur pictures and sorting them as either plant-eaters or meat-eaters. (This will come back to haunt me later...)
When I picked him up Wednesday evening, I noticed that he had not eaten the peanut butter crackers that he wanted me to make for his lunch. When I asked him why he hadn't eaten his lunch, he declared:
"'cuz I'm a carnivore. If you put meat in my lunch I will eat it!"
Guess I need to stock up on the proteins...
On Monday night he watched a show with his Daddy on the History Channel. It was about volcanoes. By Tuesday, AJ announced that he was going to be a paleontologist and when the volcano 'rupted, he would save all the dinosaurs.
Tuesday's project at school was cutting out dinosaur pictures and sorting them as either plant-eaters or meat-eaters. (This will come back to haunt me later...)
When I picked him up Wednesday evening, I noticed that he had not eaten the peanut butter crackers that he wanted me to make for his lunch. When I asked him why he hadn't eaten his lunch, he declared:
"'cuz I'm a carnivore. If you put meat in my lunch I will eat it!"
Guess I need to stock up on the proteins...
Monday, September 14, 2009
I'm still lazy
There has been so much going on lately between the unpacking, getting AJ settled into his new routine and school, and illnesses that I just haven't had the energy to do much more that a quick status update on Facebook. It's become a crutch for the things that I normally would have blogged about, but it's much quicker than beginning a new blog post.
The house is coming along. We still have a few more pictures to hang and some bookshelves to buy. We bought a really nice couch on Labor Day. It's huge; I can't bend my knees over the front of the cushions if I am sitting against the back. I feel a bit like Lily Tomlin's character "Emily Ann".
AJ really seems to like his new school. We found out on our tour that they will have the pre-K kids doing research on the internet, so Hubby went out and bought AJ his own computer. He is really doing well with it; much better than I would have expected. He could sit there for hours if we let him; just playing games on the PBS and Dis.ney websites. We also bought him some kindergarten software that teaches some math and science principles as well as the pre-reading activities. Kid is just too smart for his own good.
We are gearing up to have AJ's 5th birthday party in our new backyard. It's hard to believe it's been five years already. I keep asking myself where this big kid came from who has grown about 3 inches taller just this summer.
But life is good and we are truly blessed right now. My sanity seems (somewhat) to be returning :)
The house is coming along. We still have a few more pictures to hang and some bookshelves to buy. We bought a really nice couch on Labor Day. It's huge; I can't bend my knees over the front of the cushions if I am sitting against the back. I feel a bit like Lily Tomlin's character "Emily Ann".
AJ really seems to like his new school. We found out on our tour that they will have the pre-K kids doing research on the internet, so Hubby went out and bought AJ his own computer. He is really doing well with it; much better than I would have expected. He could sit there for hours if we let him; just playing games on the PBS and Dis.ney websites. We also bought him some kindergarten software that teaches some math and science principles as well as the pre-reading activities. Kid is just too smart for his own good.
We are gearing up to have AJ's 5th birthday party in our new backyard. It's hard to believe it's been five years already. I keep asking myself where this big kid came from who has grown about 3 inches taller just this summer.
But life is good and we are truly blessed right now. My sanity seems (somewhat) to be returning :)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Casualty of the move
Considering that we were a bunch of amateurs moving the stuff to the new house, we didn't really sustain much breakage other than a couple of glasses, the electric ice cream maker, and a vase from our wedding.
The most important loss has got to be Fred, our pet Betta fish. Fred had quite the personality and would get excited and swim to see the Hubby when it was feeding time. He almost looked like he was waving his fin at you. Fred got depressed after the move and spent more and more time hiding in his little house. We finally took the little house out of the tank to keep an eye on him. But then he wouldn't come up of the bottom of the tank. Hubby read somewhere that Bettas will do that when they are upset and depressed.
On Saturday, we went to the store to buy some medicine for Fred's tank that is supposed to be a "stress reliever". While we were at the store, AJ was busily picking out replacement fish. His Daddy explained to him several times, "Fred's not dead yet. Give him a chance."
On Saturday evening, AJ asked me whether "it's time for Fred to go live in the toilet." HUH? We had no idea where he got such a notion...
During the rest of the weekend, Fred seemed to be getting worse. You could actually see him gasping to breathe.
I was at home sick on Monday. Early in the morning, Fred didn't look good at all. By lunch, I noticed that he was lying on his side and had quit breathing.
We broke the news to AJ after school. He got really excited and wanted to see the dead fish. He asked again about flushing Fred and wanted to watch.
Hubby took Fred out of the tank, let AJ pet him, and took Fred to the bathroom for a private "memorial service." He wouldn't let AJ go with him, because AJ wasn't grasping the somberness of the occasion.
AJ just told him..."It'll be okay, Daddy. It's just a fish."
He has apparently moved on...
RIP Fred.
The most important loss has got to be Fred, our pet Betta fish. Fred had quite the personality and would get excited and swim to see the Hubby when it was feeding time. He almost looked like he was waving his fin at you. Fred got depressed after the move and spent more and more time hiding in his little house. We finally took the little house out of the tank to keep an eye on him. But then he wouldn't come up of the bottom of the tank. Hubby read somewhere that Bettas will do that when they are upset and depressed.
On Saturday, we went to the store to buy some medicine for Fred's tank that is supposed to be a "stress reliever". While we were at the store, AJ was busily picking out replacement fish. His Daddy explained to him several times, "Fred's not dead yet. Give him a chance."
On Saturday evening, AJ asked me whether "it's time for Fred to go live in the toilet." HUH? We had no idea where he got such a notion...
During the rest of the weekend, Fred seemed to be getting worse. You could actually see him gasping to breathe.
I was at home sick on Monday. Early in the morning, Fred didn't look good at all. By lunch, I noticed that he was lying on his side and had quit breathing.
We broke the news to AJ after school. He got really excited and wanted to see the dead fish. He asked again about flushing Fred and wanted to watch.
Hubby took Fred out of the tank, let AJ pet him, and took Fred to the bathroom for a private "memorial service." He wouldn't let AJ go with him, because AJ wasn't grasping the somberness of the occasion.
AJ just told him..."It'll be okay, Daddy. It's just a fish."
He has apparently moved on...
RIP Fred.
Friday, July 31, 2009
A New Reality
Well, we did it!
Last Friday we closed on the sale of our house and on the purchase of our new home. The previous owners of our new house are just the most AWESOME people! They have been so accommodating through this entire process of cancelled contracts and extended option periods...and I think I mentioned that they threw in the fridge, desk, and guest bedroom furniture into the deal.
Well, they showed up at the closing with a housewarming gift for us! They also mentioned that they had left a "few other little things" around that they thought we might like. Right off the bat, I noticed the two huge beautifully framed pictures that were still hanging on the walls. And the sprinklers, hoses, and hose racks left in the yard. Then, when the refrigerator was being filled, we found three (3) bottles of chilled champagne waiting for us!
Their new house has a swimming pool. They said we should come over to visit and bring AJ to swim sometime. Seriously...they are just really cool people...
Closing went very smoothly. Moving, however, became another story. We rented a 26' truck to move everything in. We apparently own more crap than will fit on a 26' truck, so we had to fill up all of the vehicles of our helpers, also. We made a caravan to unload at the new house. Then Hubby and a couple of guys went back in the truck to pick up the straggling pieces. We got a phone call a few minutes later...the transmission on the 26' truck went out. So everyone headed out with pickup trucks to transfer the rest of our stuff. By the time my dad drove up in his pickup, the brakes were smoking...Saturday morning they had to find a repair shop. Several hours and almost $500 later, we were back on the road.
Unpacking is going pretty well. We have some final "organizational-type" items that we will purchase this weekend to help with the process. AJ has been rediscovering toys that have been packed for a while, and LOVES his new playroom and bedroom. He is settling well into his new school, too.
It's starting to feel like home.
Last Friday we closed on the sale of our house and on the purchase of our new home. The previous owners of our new house are just the most AWESOME people! They have been so accommodating through this entire process of cancelled contracts and extended option periods...and I think I mentioned that they threw in the fridge, desk, and guest bedroom furniture into the deal.
Well, they showed up at the closing with a housewarming gift for us! They also mentioned that they had left a "few other little things" around that they thought we might like. Right off the bat, I noticed the two huge beautifully framed pictures that were still hanging on the walls. And the sprinklers, hoses, and hose racks left in the yard. Then, when the refrigerator was being filled, we found three (3) bottles of chilled champagne waiting for us!
Their new house has a swimming pool. They said we should come over to visit and bring AJ to swim sometime. Seriously...they are just really cool people...
Closing went very smoothly. Moving, however, became another story. We rented a 26' truck to move everything in. We apparently own more crap than will fit on a 26' truck, so we had to fill up all of the vehicles of our helpers, also. We made a caravan to unload at the new house. Then Hubby and a couple of guys went back in the truck to pick up the straggling pieces. We got a phone call a few minutes later...the transmission on the 26' truck went out. So everyone headed out with pickup trucks to transfer the rest of our stuff. By the time my dad drove up in his pickup, the brakes were smoking...Saturday morning they had to find a repair shop. Several hours and almost $500 later, we were back on the road.
Unpacking is going pretty well. We have some final "organizational-type" items that we will purchase this weekend to help with the process. AJ has been rediscovering toys that have been packed for a while, and LOVES his new playroom and bedroom. He is settling well into his new school, too.
It's starting to feel like home.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Getting Bigger
As we prepare to move into our new, much bigger house, I pause to reflect on how much bigger AJ seems these days...
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Super Mustard
*sigh* My son is strange. I know he was doomed to be, given his genetic makeup, but some days he's a little odder than usual.
On Sundays, we stop for breakfast at the Kolache Factory on the way to church. This weekend, AJ sat playing with the mayo, mustard, and salsa packets while eating his food. You may have heard me talk about his conversations with inanimate objects; today it was the condiments. Each of the packets had their own personality and voice. They talked to each other, posed, interacted, etc. Many of them morphed into superheroes. (What can I say? He's a little boy...) By folding the packet in half, he could turn it into a "mouth" and "talk" with it. Waving them around in the air, they flew around fighting the bad guys. (salt and pepper shakers?) He was so distracted with his play that he didn't notice his Daddy was leaving.
I turned around from refilling my drink to see my husband standing in the doorway yelling to AJ across the restaurant, "AJ! Put Super Mustard down and get in the car!"
I never really thought I would ever hear anyone say that...
On Sundays, we stop for breakfast at the Kolache Factory on the way to church. This weekend, AJ sat playing with the mayo, mustard, and salsa packets while eating his food. You may have heard me talk about his conversations with inanimate objects; today it was the condiments. Each of the packets had their own personality and voice. They talked to each other, posed, interacted, etc. Many of them morphed into superheroes. (What can I say? He's a little boy...) By folding the packet in half, he could turn it into a "mouth" and "talk" with it. Waving them around in the air, they flew around fighting the bad guys. (salt and pepper shakers?) He was so distracted with his play that he didn't notice his Daddy was leaving.
I turned around from refilling my drink to see my husband standing in the doorway yelling to AJ across the restaurant, "AJ! Put Super Mustard down and get in the car!"
I never really thought I would ever hear anyone say that...
Friday, July 03, 2009
Happy Birthday!
I have spent my entire life being told I look just like you...now my husband tells me that I'm just like you (he thinks that's a GOOD thing!)...I happen to think that's a great compliment.
Happy Birthday, Mom! Thank you for everything you have shown me and for the great influence you have been on me and my family. We love you very much.
Happy Birthday, Mom! Thank you for everything you have shown me and for the great influence you have been on me and my family. We love you very much.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Boxes
Looks like it's time for me to re-start packing. I hesitated to say anything about the contract that was executed late Thursday night for the sale of my house. But the inspections are scheduled for tomorrow. I am hoping that since these people are making an investment in that kind of expense, they will be less likely to flake out on me. Or so I hope...I am keeping fingers, toes, eyes, and everything else crossed.
Tentative closing date is July 24th.
My sanity can't take much more of this roller coaster ride...
Tentative closing date is July 24th.
My sanity can't take much more of this roller coaster ride...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Will this ever end?
We spent the weekend at my parent's house celebrating my dad's birthday. It was a really great time. On Saturday, we went to eat and listen to a band that my uncle plays in. On the way there, Hubby got a phone call from the monitoring service for our house alarm. They said that the smoke detectors were going off and wanted to know if they should dispatch the fire department. Since we were 200 miles away, we told them to go ahead. Subsequent emails and phone calls revealed that the monitoring service mis-read the code. It was the motion detectors - not the smoke detectors. Apparently the alarm had not been disarmed before a real estate agent came by to show the house. They tripped the alarm. Way to scare off potential buyers, right?
Well, Sunday morning we got a call rescheduling the showing from the day before. Persistent people!
Monday morning I found a feedback response in my email inbox. The message at the bottom said "we have written an offer and will forward it to you today"! WOO HOO! I guess maybe they were impressed by the security or the fast response of the fire department...don't know...don't care...
WE. HAVE. ANOTHER. OFFER!!
We sent over counter-offer for just a little more money, but we sweetened the deal with the fridge, deep freeze, and all of the window coverings.
Now we wait to hear back...
The "Red River house" is moving closer and closer to my grasp...
UPDATE: The offer from yesterday has now been withdrawn. The husband decided he didn't like the backyard. We are back to square one. I'm tired of this roller coaster...
Well, Sunday morning we got a call rescheduling the showing from the day before. Persistent people!
Monday morning I found a feedback response in my email inbox. The message at the bottom said "we have written an offer and will forward it to you today"! WOO HOO! I guess maybe they were impressed by the security or the fast response of the fire department...don't know...don't care...
WE. HAVE. ANOTHER. OFFER!!
We sent over counter-offer for just a little more money, but we sweetened the deal with the fridge, deep freeze, and all of the window coverings.
Now we wait to hear back...
The "Red River house" is moving closer and closer to my grasp...
UPDATE: The offer from yesterday has now been withdrawn. The husband decided he didn't like the backyard. We are back to square one. I'm tired of this roller coaster...
Friday, June 05, 2009
And now...the REST of the story
So here's what is going on in our little world...and a followup to my last post.
On Thursday 5/28 we had the inspection scheduled for the new house. We paid for a detailed inspection as well as a termite inspection. A Br.inks guy was there also to give us an idea of what needed to be done to the security system. Everything looks great, we pay everyone, and we head to work.
Friday was our regular day off, and we took AJ to Brenham to the Blue.Bell creamery tour and to make pizzas at a friend's pizza place.
When we pulled into the parking lot, Hubby checked his email and found a message in his inbox "Termination of Contract paperwork". Please tell me I am having a nightmare! The buyer on our house was backing out of the contract AND wanted her $1,000 in earnest money back. She had apparently decided to move out of the country. Seriously? You didn't know this before you started jerking around other families?
Anyway, I had complete meltdown in the parking lot. For three days, I could not even think about the situation without crying. We were suddenly faced with having to find another buyer in 7 days, or lose the option on the perfect house. Need I remind you, a perfect house that we had already spent quite a bit of money on...
Our current house was put back active on the market. Of course, I had already started packing boxes for the move, so we are no where near "show ready."
On Monday, Hubby got a phone call from the appraiser, who did NOT follow the orders he was given, and who was looking for another $350 for the appraisal on the new house. When asked why he didn't call to schedule it with us like he was told, his response was "I don't have to. I don't work for you." Well, then, buddy, I suggest you talk to the people you DO work for to get your money, because I'm not giving you a penny!
I also contacted the listing agent on the sale of our house and told her we were refusing the sign the release of the earnest money to the lady backing out of her contract.
You see, she is claiming her "unrestricted right to terminate for any reason within 10 days of the execution date of the contract." Well, read the rest of that paragraph, lady, and you will see that you only get that right if you paid us the $100 option fee within TWO days after signing. We didn't get the fee until FOUR days after. So sorry - no money for you...
So last night, there is a knock on our door. It was the "terminated buyer's" agent (who lives down the street. He wanted to talk to us to see if we would split the earnest money with the backed-out buyers. Apparently, the buyer's mother got sick in Vietnam and she went back to stay with her. The Buyer's husband is still wanting to buy our house for his father to live in. But they may not be back from Vietnam for another couple of months. The agent explained that they really want to buy our house when they get back. He seemed to be playing the pity card because the lady's mother is sick. Sorry...I have compassion for you...but I also am out a lot of money that needs to be reimbursed.
So as of today, this is the situation. I have a couple of college friends who are real estate agents and have talked the owners of the new house to extend our option period until the end of July. I am terminating our agreement today with the agents who currently have our house listed because they don't seem to be willing to fight for us. We will then re-sign with our friends for both the sale of our house and the purchase of a new one.
In the meantime, we have bought a little more time to find another buyer...and I'm exhausted...mentally and physically...
On Thursday 5/28 we had the inspection scheduled for the new house. We paid for a detailed inspection as well as a termite inspection. A Br.inks guy was there also to give us an idea of what needed to be done to the security system. Everything looks great, we pay everyone, and we head to work.
Friday was our regular day off, and we took AJ to Brenham to the Blue.Bell creamery tour and to make pizzas at a friend's pizza place.
When we pulled into the parking lot, Hubby checked his email and found a message in his inbox "Termination of Contract paperwork". Please tell me I am having a nightmare! The buyer on our house was backing out of the contract AND wanted her $1,000 in earnest money back. She had apparently decided to move out of the country. Seriously? You didn't know this before you started jerking around other families?
Anyway, I had complete meltdown in the parking lot. For three days, I could not even think about the situation without crying. We were suddenly faced with having to find another buyer in 7 days, or lose the option on the perfect house. Need I remind you, a perfect house that we had already spent quite a bit of money on...
Our current house was put back active on the market. Of course, I had already started packing boxes for the move, so we are no where near "show ready."
On Monday, Hubby got a phone call from the appraiser, who did NOT follow the orders he was given, and who was looking for another $350 for the appraisal on the new house. When asked why he didn't call to schedule it with us like he was told, his response was "I don't have to. I don't work for you." Well, then, buddy, I suggest you talk to the people you DO work for to get your money, because I'm not giving you a penny!
I also contacted the listing agent on the sale of our house and told her we were refusing the sign the release of the earnest money to the lady backing out of her contract.
You see, she is claiming her "unrestricted right to terminate for any reason within 10 days of the execution date of the contract." Well, read the rest of that paragraph, lady, and you will see that you only get that right if you paid us the $100 option fee within TWO days after signing. We didn't get the fee until FOUR days after. So sorry - no money for you...
So last night, there is a knock on our door. It was the "terminated buyer's" agent (who lives down the street. He wanted to talk to us to see if we would split the earnest money with the backed-out buyers. Apparently, the buyer's mother got sick in Vietnam and she went back to stay with her. The Buyer's husband is still wanting to buy our house for his father to live in. But they may not be back from Vietnam for another couple of months. The agent explained that they really want to buy our house when they get back. He seemed to be playing the pity card because the lady's mother is sick. Sorry...I have compassion for you...but I also am out a lot of money that needs to be reimbursed.
So as of today, this is the situation. I have a couple of college friends who are real estate agents and have talked the owners of the new house to extend our option period until the end of July. I am terminating our agreement today with the agents who currently have our house listed because they don't seem to be willing to fight for us. We will then re-sign with our friends for both the sale of our house and the purchase of a new one.
In the meantime, we have bought a little more time to find another buyer...and I'm exhausted...mentally and physically...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Because it's a long story...
I will just point you to hubby's blog post about it, since I haven't had time to write my own version...
Update: The contract has been executed, the inspection is scheduled for tomorrow, and I have boxes EVERYWHERE. Closing is scheduled for June 26th!
Update: The contract has been executed, the inspection is scheduled for tomorrow, and I have boxes EVERYWHERE. Closing is scheduled for June 26th!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Road Trip
We went to visit my parents this past weekend...I leave you to discuss who the sign may be referring to... :)
Friday, May 08, 2009
Real Moms
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens, and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask "Why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "Because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression from Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul...It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.
This is for all of the fantastic women and mothers in my life...especially my own mother. Happy Mother's Day!
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens, and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask "Why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "Because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression from Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul...It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman with passing years only grows.
This is for all of the fantastic women and mothers in my life...especially my own mother. Happy Mother's Day!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Monkey Boy
NOTE: This climbing wall was about 8 feet tall. My little monkey boy just scurried up it without a second thought...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Swine Flu Safety Bulletin
Please refrain from this behavior to protect yourself from swine flu.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I haven't been posting much lately for several reasons. I don't really have much to say; AJ has been such an awesome kid lately and doing so much that I can't keep track of it all long enough to write a post. Then there's the whole house thing. It's still on the market. We are getting regular showings, but no offers yet. It's getting tiring trying to keep everything "show ready" all the time. And don't even get me started on the drama of office politics that I have recently found myself smack in the middle of...AJ and I were sick for a while also. It seems I have been coughing for about 2 months now. I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired. Know what I mean? I will try to do better. Meanwhile, I can barely even keep up status updates on Facebook...
This weekend is a UH Band Alumni family picnic. Should be lots of fun seeing everyone. Then Sunday is the March for Babies. Team AJ has been able to raise $1,184.00 this year...
This weekend is a UH Band Alumni family picnic. Should be lots of fun seeing everyone. Then Sunday is the March for Babies. Team AJ has been able to raise $1,184.00 this year...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Babies, Babies, Everywhere...
The past several months has seen a big influx of new babies into my real and bloggy world. First was Margaret's little cutie pie Connor, then my friend LW from church had a little boy, next was Nikki's princess Sophia, then JM (my church choir director) had little Abigail last week. Now one of Hubby's "work wives" has been induced this morning. After several attempts, Kim is getting the baby she was wanted for as long as I have known her. The gender is going to be a surprise, but I'm very excited for her and her new little monkey! Here's to sending easy labor vibes to Kim...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Satan
Saturday I was trying to clean the house to prepare for another showing, but AJ was in rare form and seemed to be bouncing off the walls. I got tired of cleaning a room, only to have him follow behind me and destroy it again. I finally asked Daddy to keep him out of my way. This conversation followed:
Daddy: "AJ, you're making your mother insane...stop driving her crazy. I need her sane."
AJ: "Daddy, why is Mommy in Satan?"
There are some things you just leave alone...
Daddy: "AJ, you're making your mother insane...stop driving her crazy. I need her sane."
AJ: "Daddy, why is Mommy in Satan?"
There are some things you just leave alone...
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Waking up
This morning I went to wake AJ up to get ready for school. When I told him it was time to get up, he rolled over, shoved his head under the pillow and mumbled, "Okay...when it's sunny..." and closed his eyes again.
When he finally got up, he decided he wanted to get dressed in the living room instead of his bedroom. When I told him it was still dark in the living room, he looked up at me and declared, "Well...I supPOSE you'll have to turn the light on."
Lots of smart-mouth from a 4-year-old when it's not even 6am yet...
When he finally got up, he decided he wanted to get dressed in the living room instead of his bedroom. When I told him it was still dark in the living room, he looked up at me and declared, "Well...I supPOSE you'll have to turn the light on."
Lots of smart-mouth from a 4-year-old when it's not even 6am yet...
Monday, April 06, 2009
Lions, and Grasshoppers, and Bears...oh my! (UPDATED)
I am having the hardest time keeping that child of mine in pants. He's so scrawny (and has no butt) that ones that are long enough for his mile-long legs...well, those just fall off. So I have to locate pants with an adjustable waist.
Then he comes home with holes in the knees of his jeans. I asked him what happened to his pants. His answer? "A lion bit them off". "Really? And did the lion bite your leg too?" "No. Just my pants."
While getting dressed, he noticed a small "boo boo" on his leg and pointed it out to me. Jokingly, I told him to stop hurting my baby. His answer? "I didn't do it, Mommy. The grasshoppers and mantis did it."
So why is the animal kingdom after my child?!
Seriously, the imagination on this kid...I can't keep up with all of the things he says and does that I tell myself to remember to blog about.
UPDATE - I just found a rip in the left knee of the pants AJ wore to school today. They were perfectly fine when he left home this morning. I'm not even going to bother asking what happened this time...(he's now down to only one pair of khakis and one pair of jeans that do NOT have a hole in the knee.
Then he comes home with holes in the knees of his jeans. I asked him what happened to his pants. His answer? "A lion bit them off". "Really? And did the lion bite your leg too?" "No. Just my pants."
While getting dressed, he noticed a small "boo boo" on his leg and pointed it out to me. Jokingly, I told him to stop hurting my baby. His answer? "I didn't do it, Mommy. The grasshoppers and mantis did it."
So why is the animal kingdom after my child?!
Seriously, the imagination on this kid...I can't keep up with all of the things he says and does that I tell myself to remember to blog about.
UPDATE - I just found a rip in the left knee of the pants AJ wore to school today. They were perfectly fine when he left home this morning. I'm not even going to bother asking what happened this time...(he's now down to only one pair of khakis and one pair of jeans that do NOT have a hole in the knee.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Crying at my desk
I usually spend my early morning time reading through the blogs I follow regularly. This morning, though, I was brought to tears by Crystal and her post about her little girl. She has such an amazing way of putting motherhood...
"She has changed our lives. All kids do. They're not just here to be little people, they're here to teach you what it means to love someone more than yourself. But there are days when I don't know if I can really do this, when I wonder if I'm going to screw her up and she wouldn't be better off being raised by wolves."
By the end of her post, I found tears in my eyes and remember those days when AJ reminds me just how special he is...and how lucky I am...
"She has changed our lives. All kids do. They're not just here to be little people, they're here to teach you what it means to love someone more than yourself. But there are days when I don't know if I can really do this, when I wonder if I'm going to screw her up and she wouldn't be better off being raised by wolves."
By the end of her post, I found tears in my eyes and remember those days when AJ reminds me just how special he is...and how lucky I am...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
That's What Little Boys Do...
So whenever AJ gets to my parents' house, he turns very "little boy" and likes to play with sticks and dirt. Saturday afternoon I asked him why he was playing in the dirt.
Response: "That's what little boys do, mommy."
Then he began to sing a little song...
"That's what little boys do...look out...they'll steal your heart..."
Indeed they do..
Response: "That's what little boys do, mommy."
Then he began to sing a little song...
"That's what little boys do...look out...they'll steal your heart..."
Indeed they do..
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Mystery Cameraman
While perusing the camera's memory card at the end of the weekend, we discovered some random pictures that no one would claim...
Then we had the "a ha" moment!
Someone should teach the 4-year old how to stay out of the shot!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Funny Monday
I just stumbled across this guy and am having a hard time deciding which clips are funnier.
On Parenting
On Marriage
Playground Fun
Enjoy!
On Parenting
On Marriage
Playground Fun
Enjoy!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Please Excuse Cindy's Absence...
This seems to sum it up quite nicely.
Starving Cannibals: Feverish times
Add that to a new rebranding effort at work, and you just about have it all...
Starving Cannibals: Feverish times
Add that to a new rebranding effort at work, and you just about have it all...
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Case of the "Lazies" and Mindless Ramblings
My inner lazy couch potato is in turmoil. We have our house on the market, which means it has to be "show ready" basically at all times. With 2 adults, a shedding cat and a 4 year old in the house that becomes a full time job. Instead of relaxing at the end of a long work day (which lately has been full of new creative projects and marketing projects)to watch a little TV and play with AJ, I am constantly cleaning. I feel like I'm just cleaning the same things OVER and OVER and OVER.
At work we are re branding the company, and as the marketing manager, that means a lot of new tasks to keep up with. The creative juices are running kind of dry. I INTEND to write regular blog posts; and often remark that I will write about something the AJ has done. But I just can't seem to get motivated to actually TYPE anything.
I've started a Facebook account. I manage to "somewhat" keep on top of that, but it doesn't require any extended amount of time. Just a sentence or two between projects.
We have gotten to spend a lot of fun family time lately that at least the hubby has been posting about. And I'm kind of geeked about watching AJ at his first Tae Kwon Do testing this Saturday...he's getting so grown up...I can't seem to keep the child in pants that actually cover his ankles. I can't wait for Spring and Summer so he can wear shorts every day.
And on top of that, it's only about two months until the March for Babies. Team AJ has signed up again to participate, but I haven't gotten around to any serious fundraising. I'm torn on whether to do it all this year, but we have always made it a family priority to remember the struggles AJ had.
I just can't think about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow. Fiddle dee dee.
At work we are re branding the company, and as the marketing manager, that means a lot of new tasks to keep up with. The creative juices are running kind of dry. I INTEND to write regular blog posts; and often remark that I will write about something the AJ has done. But I just can't seem to get motivated to actually TYPE anything.
I've started a Facebook account. I manage to "somewhat" keep on top of that, but it doesn't require any extended amount of time. Just a sentence or two between projects.
We have gotten to spend a lot of fun family time lately that at least the hubby has been posting about. And I'm kind of geeked about watching AJ at his first Tae Kwon Do testing this Saturday...he's getting so grown up...I can't seem to keep the child in pants that actually cover his ankles. I can't wait for Spring and Summer so he can wear shorts every day.
And on top of that, it's only about two months until the March for Babies. Team AJ has signed up again to participate, but I haven't gotten around to any serious fundraising. I'm torn on whether to do it all this year, but we have always made it a family priority to remember the struggles AJ had.
I just can't think about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow. Fiddle dee dee.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tired
I'm just tired...
I have several new projects at work because we are completely re-branding the company. We put our house back on the market last Wednesday, so everything has to be "show-ready" before we leave the house at 6am every morning. I have about 4 different travel clients who are waiting for more research and pricing. AJ has a little virus that has him in coughing fits several times during the night. That, of course, wakes me up each time. We decided to take him to the clinic after school yesterday, but the NP said she heard some wheezing and referred us to the urgent care center. So we went to get some dinner first. (We couldn't go home, because the house was being shown some time between 5:45pm and 7:45pm). Get to the restaurant to find out that it's "Spirit Night" for one of the elementary schools. The place was jam packed with people. We took AJ to the urgent care center after dinner and had to wait inside the examination room for an hour before anyone came in to see us. So, the NP comes in, examines AJ, listens to his lungs, has AJ cough, listens to his lungs again, and declares that "the wheezing goes away when he coughs...just have him cough...he's just got a little viral thing going on." Which I interpreted to mean "there's nothing wrong with your kid, dimwit. He's just got a cold."
Given everything going on, I didn't get to eat anything all day yesterday until about 6:00 last night. So my blood sugar is probably out of whack. THAT always improves my mood...
I have several new projects at work because we are completely re-branding the company. We put our house back on the market last Wednesday, so everything has to be "show-ready" before we leave the house at 6am every morning. I have about 4 different travel clients who are waiting for more research and pricing. AJ has a little virus that has him in coughing fits several times during the night. That, of course, wakes me up each time. We decided to take him to the clinic after school yesterday, but the NP said she heard some wheezing and referred us to the urgent care center. So we went to get some dinner first. (We couldn't go home, because the house was being shown some time between 5:45pm and 7:45pm). Get to the restaurant to find out that it's "Spirit Night" for one of the elementary schools. The place was jam packed with people. We took AJ to the urgent care center after dinner and had to wait inside the examination room for an hour before anyone came in to see us. So, the NP comes in, examines AJ, listens to his lungs, has AJ cough, listens to his lungs again, and declares that "the wheezing goes away when he coughs...just have him cough...he's just got a little viral thing going on." Which I interpreted to mean "there's nothing wrong with your kid, dimwit. He's just got a cold."
Given everything going on, I didn't get to eat anything all day yesterday until about 6:00 last night. So my blood sugar is probably out of whack. THAT always improves my mood...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Jesus has an office
So last week on the way home, Hubby and AJ were having a discussion about his grandparents. AJ followed really well, until he asked about Grandma (Hubby's mother).
Hubby: "Well, she's gone home to be with Jesus."
AJ: "In Heaven?"
Hubby: "That's right."
AJ: "Why?" (because every statement ends with that question when you're 4...)
Me: "Well, she got really sick."
AJ: "Why didn't she go to the doctor?"
Hubby: "Well, she DID go to lots of doctors. But sometimes the doctor can only do so much."
AJ: "And Jesus helps the doctors?"
Hubby: "He sure does."
AJ: "And maybe the doctors got tired..."
(Pause to put car back on the road after veering off from laughing so hard)
Me: "Could be..."
AJ: "So Jesus has an office in Heaven?"
Hubby: "Well, she's gone home to be with Jesus."
AJ: "In Heaven?"
Hubby: "That's right."
AJ: "Why?" (because every statement ends with that question when you're 4...)
Me: "Well, she got really sick."
AJ: "Why didn't she go to the doctor?"
Hubby: "Well, she DID go to lots of doctors. But sometimes the doctor can only do so much."
AJ: "And Jesus helps the doctors?"
Hubby: "He sure does."
AJ: "And maybe the doctors got tired..."
(Pause to put car back on the road after veering off from laughing so hard)
Me: "Could be..."
AJ: "So Jesus has an office in Heaven?"
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
More 4 year old wisdom
Heard from the back seat:
"Skip, skip, skip to the loo..." (I had to stifle a laugh at that one...To all my pregnant friends - have you been skipping to the loo a lot?)
"Mommy, do rainbows have gray?"
"No, sweetie. There's no gray in a rainbow."
"So maybe old rainbows have gray in them?" (I can't argue with the child's logic...)
And this morning as I said goodbye to him at school...
"Are you going to be a good boy today?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to listen to your teachers?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to be a good friend?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to miss your mommy?"
"Uh huh...and I won't use ANY potty words today!"
"Skip, skip, skip to the loo..." (I had to stifle a laugh at that one...To all my pregnant friends - have you been skipping to the loo a lot?)
"Mommy, do rainbows have gray?"
"No, sweetie. There's no gray in a rainbow."
"So maybe old rainbows have gray in them?" (I can't argue with the child's logic...)
And this morning as I said goodbye to him at school...
"Are you going to be a good boy today?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to listen to your teachers?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to be a good friend?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you going to miss your mommy?"
"Uh huh...and I won't use ANY potty words today!"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'm lucky
Me: (to hubby) "That child of yours is ALWAYS singing..."
Hubby: "He's happy and has a song in his heart. He knows he's lucky to have a Daddy like me. You just don't know how lucky you are."
AJ: (from the backseat) "No, Daddy. You're lucky because you like me!"
On another note...AJ went to his first hockey game last night. It was the mascot's 13th birthday and all of the other local mascots attended the game for his birthday party. AJ was fascinated by the whole experience (so many animals!) and talked non-stop for over an hour after we left the game. This morning he was looking for his hockey puck to take to school.
And us? We forgot to take the camera with us! ARGH!!
Hubby: "He's happy and has a song in his heart. He knows he's lucky to have a Daddy like me. You just don't know how lucky you are."
AJ: (from the backseat) "No, Daddy. You're lucky because you like me!"
On another note...AJ went to his first hockey game last night. It was the mascot's 13th birthday and all of the other local mascots attended the game for his birthday party. AJ was fascinated by the whole experience (so many animals!) and talked non-stop for over an hour after we left the game. This morning he was looking for his hockey puck to take to school.
And us? We forgot to take the camera with us! ARGH!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Day at the Doctor
Every three months I have to go to the doctor to get two vials of blood drawn and a new refill order for my prescriptions. The blood test has to be done while fasting, so I always make my appointment first thing in the morning, either the first or second patient appointment.
And then there was today...
Doctor's office opens at 8:30am. My appointment was for 8:45am. Remember this time. I have not eaten anything since 7:30pm last night. (Note: When diabetics get hungry, they get a little cranky and irritable.)
8:30 - arrive at doctor's office in time to fill out new data form for new year.
8:45 - still sitting in lobby. Request lab order form so I can have it already filled out to save time.
9:10 - am finally called back to exam room for vitals.
9:45 - have paced a hole in the tile floor waiting to be seen
9:50 - call husband on cell phone to vent frustration
10:15 - I have finally had enough. I open the door, stand in the hallway, and say (rather loudly), "All I need to have done is a blood draw. I have been sitting in this room for an hour!" Scared nurse goes into the next exam room and pulls doctor out. Doctor decides to talk to me and draw my blood himself.
10:20 - I am in my car leaving to go back to work.
Can anyone tell me why I bothered making an early appointment! (Over 15 hours without food makes me not a happy camper!)
And then there was today...
Doctor's office opens at 8:30am. My appointment was for 8:45am. Remember this time. I have not eaten anything since 7:30pm last night. (Note: When diabetics get hungry, they get a little cranky and irritable.)
8:30 - arrive at doctor's office in time to fill out new data form for new year.
8:45 - still sitting in lobby. Request lab order form so I can have it already filled out to save time.
9:10 - am finally called back to exam room for vitals.
9:45 - have paced a hole in the tile floor waiting to be seen
9:50 - call husband on cell phone to vent frustration
10:15 - I have finally had enough. I open the door, stand in the hallway, and say (rather loudly), "All I need to have done is a blood draw. I have been sitting in this room for an hour!" Scared nurse goes into the next exam room and pulls doctor out. Doctor decides to talk to me and draw my blood himself.
10:20 - I am in my car leaving to go back to work.
Can anyone tell me why I bothered making an early appointment! (Over 15 hours without food makes me not a happy camper!)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dumb things parents do...
To the woman in the back seat of her car, in the DARK, in the parking lot of the daycare, SPRAYING HAIRSPRAY ON HER THREE YEAR OLD SON...
Seriously?
Seriously?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
From AJ's Dad
So Cousin Margie's tagging of my dear wife made me curious has to what would be in the 4th of my 4th.
I thought it was cute so I decided to post it here too.
It's that same little cowboy but he has grown up and moved on mechanical bulls. This was taken at this past year's rodeo in Panola County. Notice he still has that arm up.
And in case anyone is interested he not only gave an 8 second ride but the judges scored it a perfect 10.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Tag - I'm it!
I have been tagged by Margie. The rules are as follows:
1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 more people.
Well, here goes:
1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 more people.
Well, here goes:
This was my little buckaroo riding his rocking horse on Granny and PawPaw's back porch. Notice that at less than two years old, he already knew he had to keep his arm up...
I have no idea who would actually participate, but I'll throw a couple of names into the hat...
1. KimboSue
3. Mindy (I'm sure her picture will be completely AWESOME!)
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