Imp-age

I love that when I take out the camera I get mauled like a paparazzi. The girls become instant posers - models from the underground. Now, every once and a while, Olivia runs like her diaper is on fire. For the most part, though, she will stick around and give a performance worthy of praise.

Last night was no exception. I took the camera out to try and get a picture of the dog - his first grooming since joining us, memorable occasion, I know. Suddenly I was attacked by two little people hamming it up for the camera. You would have thought they were competing for a prize.

Catching Up

While on my 'computer break' I wasn't able to check the blogs that I like to read - well, at least as often as I like to. Today, whilst I did some catching up, I read what I think is one of the best mom ideas ever.

When the girls enter meltdown mode, my initial reaction is to box them up and ship them to ports unknown. After getting over that, slowly, but surely, I enter into reality mode. I try to calmly, and politely, suggest another manner of behavior. Trying to rationalize with a two-year old is like me trying to fit into a size six - laughable. I like to roll the dice with the five-year old, though. It's a mixed bag with her. You either get wisdom beyond her years coming from her mouth. Or, you get further breakdown that appears to require professional help. Either way, you're pretty much screwed.

After attempting rational conversation, it usually turns into a my-way-or-the-highway situation. It really works out well if there is some big ticket item to dangle in front of them. Taking away some coveted time away from home or a previously promised trip to somewhere they like. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.

There are several other methods of trying to deal with a meltdown/behavior problem, but there isn't enough time in the day to cover all that we have explored. That's what makes my latest discovery so exciting and quite honestly, delightful.

Thank you to The Meanest Mom for her wonderfully inspired way of handling children in their less than stellar moments. I am actually looking forward to the next, probably right-around-the-corner-occurrence, of crabbiness from the girls. In her March 24th post, she talks about, and shows, how she takes pictures of her kids in their time to shine moments.

Personally, I like the idea of showing Jason just what the little creatures do sometimes during the day. He has seen their handy work in person, but sometimes, the daily episodes far outweigh the night/weekend episodes. Calling him on the phone works sometimes too. Although I try not to bother him all the time with that - I could potentially consume a lot of his day at work.

Reflection (And Random Pictures From the 'No Computer' Days)

As I sit here with Olivia in the over sized chair, watching Sesame Street, I can't help but smile. She is my snuggler. It's usually her idea, but sometimes she is open to suggestions. I love it when she snuggles in, though. It's such a comforting and warm feeling to have your little one curled up next to you. Emma is pretty much beyond these times. On occasion, she will snuggle, but not as often as she used to.

I know there will come a time when Olivia won't want to snuggle either. Soon, neither of them will care to be anywhere near us. I know that it's just a natural progression of things. Kids get older. Parents get creepy and weird. Friends take over. Too much time passes before kids realize the error of their ways - well, most do. There are some who never understand their parents.

Isn't it funny how when you become a parent some things become a little more clear? I have much more understanding and respect for my dad and how/why he did the things he did when I was growing up. So much so that I want to be sure to use some of his 'methods' with the girls. Effective-yes.

Ok, too much serious. It's too early for a trip down memory lane. Perhaps I'll just sit back and watch the fish with the kitties. I wonder what they really think when they sit there and watch the fish so intently. Do they really think they will get them out of the tank? And even if they did, just what would they do with them? I have a hard time believing that my cats, the one who can't see, the one who snores like a truck driver and the one who will eat things off of the plates in the sink could seriously muster up a way to 'take care of a fish'.

IT CAME BACK

After finally getting myself to a point of accepting my computer-less fate, it came back.

Fed Ex showed up today with the familiar looking box. Upon opening, I was greeted by the sleek black laptop that I have been without. How I've missed it!

Sorry Crapple, your days of being used by me are once again over.

Now, I can finally download some pictures and get back to my normal routine of things.

Should probably go pick up Emma from school first though.

Unproductive and Bored

Realizing that some days are just a day. Not much that you can add to them to make them anything else other than a day.

I don't mind those kind. It's actually kind of nice to not have a zillion things scheduled or to do. I like not having things staring me in the face saying 'clean me' or 'pay me' or 'organize me'. Even the dogs were pretty mundane today. Sleeping sacks of fur. Barely moved except to go outside. I think they only did that to get a treat. Scammers.

The girls were happy today. Stayed home and let them have free reign over the house. Not much damage to report. Even the new fish survived their wrath. Cats are unscathed. 

Thinking this week is just a nice time to relax and sit back for a bit. Emma's break starts next week, so I don't have much time to prepare for all day/every day entertainment. Have to rest now to put my game face on and make some preparations for the fast approaching madness. 

Trouble in Computer Land...

The news is disturbing.

Quite annoying. 

And severely disappointing.

I received an email from HP today telling me that the return of my computer 'could be' delayed. Until April 13th. 

I thought maybe it was a joke. A cruel one, but one none the less. 

What the hell is with 'could be'? How could you not know when you can return your customer's items? How long can it possibly take to fix a freakin' keyboard? If I had known it was going to be delayed, maybe I could have sent it in later. Sure wish they had given me that option.

Maybe I shouldn't be so hung up on it, but I love having a computer here during the day. Sometimes it's how I communicate with Jason instead of bugging him on the phone. I never wanted to be one of those wives who incessantly called their husbands at work for inane stuff. Only on occasion do I actually call him. And when I do, I only try the cell phone. I think I have called the store maybe twice in the almost six years he's worked there. 

Anyhow, I also like to have it if I think of something that I would like to look up or just to check my email whenever I feel like it. Or to look for a job - a process that is nothing short of trying and painful these days. Or, I use it with Emma so that she can hop on one of the parent-approved sites to doodle with some things. 

I'll get over it. I have no choice. I just don't like feeling cut off. 

I do have an alternative, though. MIL just got one like mine. Doesn't have it set up yet. Shows no strong desire just yet to do so. May have to 'borrow' it.

Day #4

Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. 

(If only I were that thin!)

I am so looking forward to tomorrow. My cousin Monique is in town for the weekend, all the way from sunny (ha!) Connecticut. So, I'm going to meet up with her and my mom at Twelve Oaks. 

Monique is a lot of fun. Full of that great 'back east charm'. Oh, and the accent. I love her. She's a great source of entertainment and conversation. She doesn't make it out here all that often and we all know that we haven't been back that way since moving away almost six years ago. Amazing since I have a huge chunk of family back there. 

It's too bad that I don't keep in touch with more of them. I guess one would be better than none, though. Kind of sad when you really think about it. I have a lot of family there - some major players, too. Not enough time in the day to really delve into that discussion.

Back to shopping.

No kids. Free day. Fun. 

Here's to the three of us having a good time. Finding good deals. And just being us.

Day #3

No great weather today. That's ok. Still had a good time. Olivia had music class this morning - at first she didn't want to be in the room, but with some well placed distractions (looking out the window, watching people walk around outside, watching one of the other kids play with the covered electrical outlets - one of Olivia's favorite things to do...) I managed to change her mind. 

It was our last class. No more from this session. Time really flies. I thought we had a couple of more weeks. No such luck. Now we have to sign back up for the spring session - only four weeks for that one but at least it will bring us up to Memorial Day. I think she likes going. Hard to tell when most of what she says is garbled. Unless she is talking about 'cocoa'. Don't ever stand between her and her cocoa. Unless you have a death wish. Or just enjoy messing with small children. 

PS - Laptop arrived safely at its destination. ETA of 3/26...

Day #2

71 Degrees.

MI weather is a wonder and a disgrace - at times. The girls and I enjoyed another glorious pre-spring day outside today. Time at the park. Ice Cream after. More time in the backyard. Riding bikes. 

I have pictures. Will have to toss them on when I can. Another good day.

Rain tomorrow. 54 degrees they say. Hmm....

Craple Post #1

Day one without my laptop. Didn't go as bad as I thought it might. It was a beautiful day outside so the girls and I spent a lot of time with chalk and bikes. Here's to hoping that the rest of the week goes as well and passes without difficulty. Weather is supposed to hold out at least - so they say. More fresh air for the girls = less time inside, trapped, like little beasts.

The Time has Come...

This weekend, I will pack up the laptop and send it to be repaired. Last weekend was a blur and didn't present an opportunity for me to backup the info and get it ready to ship. I am hoping that by the beginning of the following week it will return - with a new keyboard complete with that pesky little arrow button that came off.

I will have to use Jason's 'crapple' when he gets home from work, which will not allow me a whole lot of time/patience to use it. Oh well. I mean, there was a time, way back when, that I didn't have a laptop to use on a daily basis. Trouble is, I don't quite recall when that was. And I'm pretty sure it was a dark time.

Feeling Better...

Take note of the yellow socks and pink shoes with large pink-jeweled embellishment. Complimented by the 'diva' glasses and matching hat and mittens. We are a fashion icon.

Sick Child + Guilty Mom = Long Days

Olivia is sick. Probably the worst cold/flu thing she has ever had in her short two years. We knew something was coming - she only gets clingy when she isn't feeling well and she was a monkey starting last Thursday. Whatever it is she has took hold Sunday - of course, while we were gone.

Enter the guilt.

I felt bad leaving Saturday because I was afraid that she was coming down with some kind of ick. But off I went. To have fun. Eat yummy food. Enjoy room service. All while my baby was sick. I felt like a schmo for leaving her.

But, then Monday came and I had an opportunity to feel even worse.

I had an interview scheduled for 9 am that day. GD was going to come over and snag Olivia so that I could get off on time and just keep her over at her house until I got home. She woke up feeling super crummy, and it quickly went downhill from there. She got sick. All over the kitchen floor. In the midst of Jason trying to get Emma out the door to school remotely close to on time. I started reconsidering my interview. Here is my wee one, crying, icky and just miserable. And here I am. Getting ready to leave her. You would have thought GD was stealing her when she tried to take her from my arms. Olivia didn't want to let go. Mommy guilt kicked into over drive. GD kept insisting she would be fine. Go. Don't worry.

As she walked down the driveway with her, and it now being fifteen minutes past when I wanted to leave, I felt like an ass.

Of course, Olivia was fine. She settled down and attached to GD while I was gone. GD called me on the way to my interview to let me know she was ok. And even though I knew she would be ok while I was gone, I still felt horrible. How could I not?

It's only Wednesday. It feels like it should be the weekend by now. I can feel some kind of ick trying to get a hold of me now. Sure can't wait to feel super crummy. Of course, it couldn't be at the same time as Olivia - we could be good sick buddies. No. My ick will rear its head when she is better, putting me at a serious disadvantage.

Let the fun begin.

The Townsend Hotel

Better late then never. Yesterday was a crazy blur and will take some time to process. Until then, here is a belated version of the weekend...

My dad came on Friday afternoon - in the 'pony' car - to pick Emma up for the weekend. With her whisked away for the weekend, we were left with Olivia to entertain. She had started acting a wee bit like she was coming down with something, but it's hard to tell sometimes. After we enjoyed a delish dinner of Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa, shared with GD, out of the blue, a plan was hatched. She asked if we would like to head over to the Detroit area Saturday, stay the night somewhere, and then head over to my dad's to grab Emma. We jumped at the chance to have a free night - since she offered to keep Olivia with her. Reservations were made. Bliss was coming.

To Birmingham we went on Saturday to stay at the beautiful Townsend Hotel. Upon entering the hotel, we knew we were going to love our brief stay. Up we went to our room on the 3rd floor. Cozy and plush, it was wonderful - everything we could have wanted. After admiring the room, we decided to wander around downtown for a little while and check out the shops. Unfortunately, with the rain coming down and most shops starting to close, that was short lived. Ok for us - we went back to our room and relaxed before our dinner reservations.

Dinner - a food experience. The Rugby Grille is nestled inside the Townsend and is a 4 star restaurant - and we found out why Saturday night. Our dining experience was amazing. The food was superb. The service was outstanding. Atmosphere was lovely. We stuffed ourselves full of yummy food and happiness. It was a blissful experience.

A huge thank you to GD for sending us on our way and for keeping an eye on the wee beastie. It meant the world to have a few moments alone with Jason and to know that both of the girls were being well cared for and loved. We have an amazing family.

A MI Tease

I hate MI weather. I know I've said that before. How can you not? It's March. Only the 6th day of March. And it was in the 60's today. How freakin' cruel is that? I mean, winter isn't over until April most years, so a day like today just isn't fair. It reminds you of just how badly you want it to be warmer. And then it smacks you in the head and says, 'duh, you live in MI'. Then it laughs. Heartily.

Cabin fever was tackled big time. Muddy out, sure. Toys cleaned, heck no. Did I care? Not really. The girls had a blast. Chalk saw the light of day. Slides were used. Soccer balls were kicked. Kites were flown - thank you wind. Bikes were ridden. Fun was had.

A Thing of Beauty

It arrived today. Big. New. Shiny. Pretty. Two men had to carry it in. Just barely fit. But it's here. It's ours. And I love it.

This lovely Samsung refrigerator is the first new one I've ever owned. It rocks.

Look out stove - I've found your replacement and it won't be long before you're out the door.

Crazy Called...

...and I can never say no to it. Well, it's not just me this time though. I will not, and should not, accept all the crazy for this one. It was certainly a family effort - yes GD, that means you too!

Welcome to the newest member. Rufus (I know. The name is a little weird, but that's what it was. He's six and I don't know about trying out a new name on him at this point in life).

Heather, you now have your nephew.

Jason has a boy - that isn't a hamster or a three-legged cat, or the one that pukes. My job is done.

Green Eggs & Ham

There is another big piece of news today. But since this little video clip is a major milestone, I deem it much more newsworthy than the other. Plenty of time to report on that tomorrow. Until then, I present, the reading of Dr. Seuss.

March Madness

Not in the sense you may think. I am not, and never will be, a basketball follower. I don't consider it a real sport. Hockey. That's the only real sport for me.

Anyhow, with it being March and all, I started to think of how much closer we are getting to spring. I bought the girls more spring/summer clothes this weekend and I am just itching to dress them in all of it. If I didn't think someone would report me to CPS, I would. But, I suppose out meager 14 degree weather is really not appropriate for it - yet. I long for the days that I can spend outside with them - hopefully watching them on a swing set out back. I have promised for the last two years to put one in the backyard and have failed each time. Hoping this year will be the one that I can finally follow through. Emma has already poured over the ones in a Toys R Us catalog and picked out her fave.

"How much is this one? Is it 99?".

"No sweetie, it is $1,699.99."

"Oh. That's a lot isn't it?"

Maybe she is finally getting the concept of money. Doubtful. But one could hope. She'll just revisit the idea later and hope that her luck changes.

Olivia, bless her little monkey soul, decided that it would be fun to play with the laptop this morning. She was successful in changing the size of the desktop icons. Getting onto Google and searching for 'jfkdsoueioa;'. And breaking the little right arrow button. An email to HP revealed the horror.

I have to send them the laptop for repair.

How am I supposed to live without my computer for 7-9 days while they repair the keyboard? I'll have to lower myself to a whole new set of standards and use Jason's 'crapple'. Or, go across the street and use my MIL's.

I suppose at least the whole process is free. It will be whisked away via Fed Ex and returned in the same fashion. It will return with a new keyboard. Thank you warranty. And upon its arrival home, it will be whisked away to a safer haven. Not just the couch, which is forbidden territory.

New fridge to be delivered Thursday. Good thing since the old one went psycho upon discovering its replacement was coming. Both crisper drawers are freezers now.

New chair to complete living room furniture ensemble will arrive Wednesday. About damn time.

Lots of nonsensical junk today. Rambling away I am. Kids are fine. At GD's right now. One sleeping. The other, decked out in dress up probably watching TV. Here I sit. In silence. See what it does? I need all the noise and distraction. Otherwise it's utter madness in the brain.