BlogSmith

The End...

2008-07-30T18:44:00.002-05:00

Just to let my 3 readers know...I have decided to do all of my blogging in one spot: ArtSmith

BlogSmith is my first blog; my baby. I can't even remember when I started this...2004? Maybe.

Then I created ArtSmith, because I wanted to keep the arting and crafting separate from the daily life. Believe it or not, however, it all kind of spills over into the other on both sides, and it has gotten hard to decide what should I say here and what I should say there when I really want you to read it all but I hate to duplicate.

So...one blog it shall be. It's just weird, because I feel like there is a huge part of my life here. But...my life has completely changed within the last year so it just makes sense that the blogging should go along with it. But I'll be back to read and remember all of those little things: the "Conversations" especially!

Good times, good times....

Link over and join me on ArtSmith!

I think I needed a break!

2008-03-30T13:33:00.003-05:00

Sometimes there is just too much life in your life. I have a lot of that. This has been THE WORST Spring Sickness season EVER...even Ethan ended up with pneumonia and he's my healthiest one-I think he has only been sick two other times in his whole ten years. Allison has been ok suprisingly! She's the one with asthma, but we've recently found a new specialist for her and whatever he is doing is totally working! I think this is the first time in her life that she hasn't ended up with pneumonia or bronchitis or something during this time of year...I'm very pleased with him and he is now my NewFavoriteDoctorInTheWorld! Claire, however, is another story...I know the first year of public school/Kindergarten can be tough on their little immune systems but, she had been in Mother's Day Out (until we moved to SA) and she is ALWAYS running around with her big brother and sister's friends. She's not afraid of anything and is no stranger to germs and bacteria! lol! But from the time she went back to school after Christmas until Spring Break she has been sick with one thing after another...a virus here, Strep Throat there, even some Tonsilitis thrown in for good measure. Hopefully, all of the germs in the school died out over Spring Break and we are all good to go for the rest of the school year!

*Knock on wood here*

Plus, I just haven't been feeling very much like doing anything. I have a gabillion ideas, just no energy. It's starting to come back though, and I spent 4 hours in Claire's room yesterday cleaning out EVERYTHING! I also cleaned out and organized the closet in the gameroom...there are a couple of games and puzzles I left in there that I'm not sure we actually have all the pieces for (like 'Mousetrap. Who actually has all of the pieces for 'Mousetrap'? lol!), but, I didn't want it to look too empty, if you know what I mean. Oh, and going back to cleaning out Claire's room...she has this really old Care Bear blanket that I have NEVER been a fan of. I had planned to throw it out. But, it must have gotten left behind somewhere between the giant garbage bag and the dirty laundry pile because there it was on top of her bed this morning! grrrrr....

Anyway...we are all still here, alive and mostly well and Lucy's wardrobe is steadily growing! (I think that's where Allison spends all of her money.) I just want to say "Hello!" to everybody that comes around here...I really do appreciate all of you and I do plan to be back more regularly.

How did they get this picture of Lucy???

2008-02-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

moar funny pictures

I think she's been cattin' around!

Then I made this one of Frida, when she was a kitten...

moar funny pictures

Now I know why everyone loves the 'I Can Has Cheezburger' site...it is so funny!

Yes, we did survive last week...

2008-02-04T23:54:00.000-06:00

Barely. Ethan and Claire started out with the flu, then Claire went on to Strep Throat. They were home. For many days. Then Steven decided that THIS was the time to paint. After two and a half years of me begging it finally had to be done last weekend. After many days of children at home. So...children at home and man painting. I just locked myself away in my studio and pretended not to hear all of the yelling and screaming.

It worked!

Of course, he's not even close to being finished with the painting, so that will be all next weekend, too. But, Saturday I am teaching my very first sewing class! I still can't believe that. It's a kids' class, and we will be making a pillow, so I can handle that. No zippers involved!

As for Sunday...I see a road trip to Austin in my future! lol!

BLOGGING FOR CHOICE!

2008-01-22T09:46:00.000-06:00

*This is not my best work. I usually write much better, more coherent...but, I'm in a big rush, and I really want this out there one way or another! Because I am DEFINITELY Pro-Choice!*

I am a firm believer in Pro-Choice. Like you didn't know, but...I want that right out there. No question.

People think that that is weird, considering that I am adopted. However...that wasn't my choice to make; it was my bio mother's choice. She was the one who had to be pregnant for 9 months, hiding out in a 'Home for Unwedded Mothers" for 5 months, then go through labor and delivery just to hand the baby over to someone else.

The choice she made-adoption vs. abortion vs. keeping me herself-worked out in the best way possible! For me, anyway. I would have had no problem being aborted, and I KNOW that if she kept me for herself my life growing up with her could never have compared to the life I had with my parents...in a good way! And I truly believe that giving your baby up for adoption has to be, MUST be, the single most self-less act a person can do.

I know I could not do it. Ever. I know that if I had ever gotten pregant before I was ready to handle it on my own, and had accomplished the goals I wanted to accomplish in my life before I had children, I would have been in the fast lane all the way to Planned Parenthood!

Even now, after having given birth to 3 live children, I still believe I should have the right to make my own choice. I am the one who has to deal with the consequences for the rest of my life either way...why should that choice be left to someone else?

I certainly don't see any legistatures or people in the general public jumping up to help out mothers who don't have any support! Financial, Pre-natal, medical help for the mother and the child, diapers and formula, food, clothes, roofs over their heads, education in decent schools...I could go on and on Why should they have the right to force me to have a baby who isn't going to have the best in life? The people who campaign against it are nothing but a bunch of hypocritcal liars; many of whom feel it is perfectly OK to take out a living doctor or an abortion clinic full of living people to "save" an embryo that isn't even viable! I'm not saying that abortion should be a regular form of birth control, as repeated abortions can do damage to a female; however, saft abortions should ALWAYS be an option!

And don't even get me started on what WILL happen if abortions are made illegal! (Well ok, a little bit...) There will always be the option for abortion, legally or otherwise. If people are forced to have illegal abortions there are more complications that could arise from that than I can even come up with. Including, but not limited to: infection, ruptured uteruses, scarring and damage so severe that if she ever wants to have another baby it won't be possible, and death.

Remember what it used to be like? Let's not go back there. Vote Pro-Choice.

Target and Other Thoughts

2007-12-13T09:40:00.000-06:00

Yikes-I know...no posts since before Thanksgiving! Believe me, it's not because there is nothing going on here. In fact, it's because there is too much! lol!

So I received this Target add in my email. It features gifts for men, women and children.

Gifts for Women: A Gilligan & O'Malley Robe for $14.99; and a Turtleneck Sweater for $24.99.

Gifts for Men: A $179.99 Camcorder and Leather Jackets ranging from $99.99 to $109.99.

Gifts for Kids. Because they've been EXTRA GOOD this year. One of these is the Exercauser Triple Fun Activity Center for $119.99

Now...these are my thoughts on the matter:

How come the gifts that are featured on this Target add for women are a $15 robe and a $25 dollar sweater, and the featured gifts for men are a $180 camcorder and a $100+ leather jacket???

Hmmm...ever think I'd like a bigger lens for my Nikon (although I know they don't have those at Target), or a new and bigger TV that shows all of the colors equally and not just focus on red??? How about that Zune? I want one of those, too! And while you're at it, add that camcorder to my list, too. That Kodak 12 mp camera for $250 would be really cool if it really worked, but, I am having serious reservations at the ability of it actually being a 12mp camera-Point and Shoot, no less.

Seriously-men take one look at that add and go, "Hey! There's a Target 2 miles from here and I'm in and out and done for fifteen bucks. And look how happy she will be in that big bulky robe! Woot!"** Shit. Might at well throw in some pots and pans or a vacuum or crock pot or something. And the baby gift is some big noisy thing that would drive any adult over the edge! Then they wonder why their wives are mad at them all the time.

I think my favorite part of the add is this quote: "Gifts for kids. Because they've been extra-good this year." I think Santa has turned a blind eye to this house. You know they (the kids themselves) know they are in trouble when, while standing in line to see Santa last Sunday and they are hearing all the things about how Santa watches you all year and knows if you've been bad or good, and Claire leans over and you can hear the desperate whispering in your ear, "Ummm, Can Santa read your mind, too?" (Just might be time to bring this one in for confession! I think it would be very beneficial to her soul to let her skip a few grades!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news, because I ALWAYS love to learn new words and their definitions-seriously. I love dictionaries!

**The word "Woot" has just been chosen by Meriam-Webster as the new "Word of the Year" for 2007! I just learned that this morning, and I'm already using it in a sentence. To be totally honest to the point that some people may think I'm a freak, the word "woot" has been in the pop-culture for years now, and I'm not so sure that it's timeworthy of 2007. Maybe something more like 2001. Personally, I think a more appropriate word would have been something like 'selflessness' or 'charity' or 'coexist', even 'sympathetic'...something to remind people that it's not ALL ABOUT THEM. Like it or not, we live with millions of other people, and the things I am trying to accomplish are as important to me as they things others are trying to accomplish. Take "Little Driving Man Talking on Cell Phone" this morning...just because you are dressed more nicely (and talking on your cell phone) than the woman wearing pajama pants and a t-shirt who had just dropped of one of her children and her child's friend at school, does not make you more important than she or anyone else at the intersection where you blew through the STOP sign, and would have caused an accident if the other driver hadn't been paying as much attention. Get a sense of equality, will you?

Not to even mention doing good things for others, no matter how small. *Totally not to brag on myself here, but...* I was in line to check out at Target last week, with a basketfull of who knows what. I just know it was A LOT! A man walked up behind me with a package of diapers and a couple of other baby type things. I knew it was going to take me a long time to check out, and he could be in and out in about 2 minutes so, I told him to go ahead and get in front of me and check out first. He looked incredulous and asked if I was sure. I said of course...I'm gonna be here a while, you go ahead. He was very grateful and said thank-you several times, THEN he told me that his wife had just had a baby and they were on their way home from the hospital and had to stop for a couple of things...he ran in to get them while his wife and the baby waited in the car. The moral of this story is: do something nice for someone at least once a day, because sometimes you get incredible stories like this one! So totally worth the extra few seconds of waiting! And just from my own personal experience, I know how extremely grateful any woman trying to get in a doorway with a stroller will be if you will hold the door open for her!

My mom always told me to live by The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I still try to live every day like that (sometimes I lose my temper, yes; I won't say I'm perfect!). But, living that way makes life that much easier for everyone, and sweeter, too. And it will all come back around to you!

Lucy, Claire, etc...

2007-11-15T15:12:00.000-06:00

Lucy is still my favorite dog...

And the cutest one, too! Plus, I just cannot get over how friendly and loving she is, to everyone, including the cats. Lilly and Molly think she is great, even if Frida is still a little weirded out, and Annie is just plain not having anything to do with the whole thing! lol! Lilly and Molly also like the kennel, and are either inside it or on top of it all the time. I just wish I could get a picture of all 3 of them-Lucy, Lilly and Molly, all there at the same time. Here's one of just Lucy and Lilly:

And I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week already! Tomorrow is the last day of school. Tomorrow is also the day for Kindergarten's program...some kind of Pow-wow. At least I don't have to go for lunch and eat the cafeteria turkey dinner! That's one thing to be thankful for!

Among other conversations I've had with the kids, there was one in which Claire was talking about wanting to go visit my Aunt Carol and Uncle Rusty. They have a big pond that my Uncle keeps stocked with fish, so the little ones can always catch something, and Claire wants to go fishing...

Claire: If I catch a fish...(she pauses, because something else has caught her attention)

Me: I'm not gonna clean it!

Claire: NO! We're not going to eat it or anything. I'm just gonna get one of Uncle Rusty's boards, because I know he has some around there somewhere, and I'm gonna nail the fish on the board and hang it on the wall!

Ummmm...anybody out there have some air-freshener they need to get rid of??? lol!

Conversations with Claire

2007-11-12T08:37:00.000-06:00

*Just a quickie-because I keep forgetting!*

So...mom was here last weekend and we were working in the yard, planting some flowers. Mom had been using the hoe to 'chop up' the dirt, for lack of a better term because a farmer I am not!

When mom was done, she laid the hoe down in the grass, and eventually Claire came along and picked it up and said:

"Aw! You're a dirty ol' hoe, but I love ya anyway!"

I about busted a gut trying to keep it in...and I do know she meant "hoe" and not "ho", but it comes out sounding the same! And I am still laughing about it!

Because 2 Adults, 3 Kids and 4 Cats weren't enough...

2007-11-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

We got a dog!

And I wonder why I never have time to sit down. Well, now I have to sit down a lot though...to cuddle with Lucy and all. Dogs like to cuddle a lot more than cats! Oh! And they like to be dressed up and wear clothes, too. Really. Just ask them. And they also love to have 13 year old girls paint their claws with bright red nail polish! rofl!

Don't ask me how this happened, because I really don't know. I never wanted a dog, and neither did Steven. We have been telling the kids "no" for years now. Then all of a sudden, I just had to have one! The only requirement was that it had to be female and small. So, I started "The Search". And there are so many cute ones out there! But, we finally found just the right dog for us, at the Animal Shelter in San Marcos. Lucy was one of 15-yes, that's right, 15!-Chihuahuas that had been abandoned in the Wal-Mart parking lot there. Fifteen Chihuahuas of all ages. Personally, I think someone decided to get a couple of dogs and breed them and make lots of easy money, then finally realized it wasn't as easy as they thought it would be, and just left them all there in the parking lot one night. Luckily they were rescued before any harm came their way. We went and visited with them and realized that Lucy was definitely meant for us! She is about 3 years old and has had more than one litter of puppies. She is so calm and quiet; she never ever bothers the cats; she RARELY barks (we've only heard her bark about 5 times in the 2 weeks we have had her)and when she does bark it's just for show-you know, that 'Chihuahua Attitude', she is so easy-going and never runs off...just an all-around great little dog! You know, I do believe that people, animals, things, etc...come into your life for a reason and right when you need them. I think Gayla sent Lucy to me. I lost Gayla forever and Claire to Kindergarten right around the same time, and suddenly found myself alone, with no one to talk to or interact with except the Scotch Tape I did have a long conversation with one day, and Gayla decided I needed a dog! lol! And although I still instinctively pick up the phone to call Gayla, I do think Lucy helps...and I can take her places with me, carrying her in her little baby carrier with her cute little clothes and blankets...although her little ears turn red when she starts getting hot in there, just like Ethan's and Steven's! lol! And when we are home, she is either right at my feet (I've actually accidently stepped on her a couple of times) or sitting on my lap the whole time. Definitely my dog.

*Really-I'm not insane. I don't think.*

So anyway, here are a few-okay, a lot-of pictures. And no, I didn't deliberately keep Ethan out of the pictures, it's just that by the time we got home with her after she had been spayed it was around 8:00 (because we had to stop at Target for cute stuff), about an hour and a half after his bedtime and he got out of the car and went straight to bed and we never heard another peep! lol!

She's a Daddy's Girl!

This is Lucy's kennel with the banner I made...it has her name on it, although you can barely see it. Molly the Cat also enjoys the kennel! She likes to get in it when Lucy is out. It's so funny the way she sits in there, though: absolutely straight up and looking around at everything like she may be interested in buying. It's hilarious!

There are no pictures of Annie or Lilly anywhere near the dog...in fact, we very rarely see Annie anymore at all! But Molly is just so curious about the whole thing! This first night, since Lucy was moving around too much for Molly to get a really good look at her, Molly just waited until Lucy was good and asleep, and then did a thorough checking out! lol!

Frida is just keeping her distance! However, she is coming around a lot more these days.

By the end of the day, she was one worn out puppy!

Of course, there has been so much going on around here I could never tell you everything, but, this is the biggest news by far. Well, that AND I got my hair cut! Maybe with all of the kids in school, I'll have time to do that on a more routine basis! Oh, I can give you a head's up on 'Future News'...my parents will be here tomorrow for the weekend or a month (however long I can talk them into) and Steven and I got tickets for the Spurs game Friday night!!! I haven't been excited about going anywhere in a LONG TIME, but I am sooooooo excited about this! I love our Spurs!

Oh, and of course, I Love Lucy! ha!

Just a quick update...

2007-10-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

First of all, thanks for the well-wishes! The kids are doing better...Ethan is still on the mend, not 100%, but I am seeing progress. I'm still going downhill..."Walking Pneumonia"...what is that??? To me, you either have pneumonia, or you don't; not a whole lot of grey area, but, I guess that just means that you have pneumonia, but the doctor doesn't want to give you a hospital vacation. lol!

In other news, Steven and I had our 15th Wedding Anniversary yesterday! We got married on the 10th day of the 10th month at 10:00 am. Sounded like good and lucky to me, and it seems to have worked so far. We didn't do much because I haven't been feeling well, but, he did take the day off and we went to P.F. Chang's for lunch. Mmmm...I love that place! Before we went, we were thinking how nice it would be to eat like adults, without kids...but the whole time we were there, we were checking the time hoping we wouldn't be late picking them up from school! LOL! And OF COURSE a date for us wouldn't be a date without a stop at a bookstore, so we stopped off at Barnes & Noble on the way home. I picked up a Jane Austen novel, "Persuasion", and a book of Kate Chopin's work that includes her novel "The Awakening" along with some of her other short fiction work. I got home and immediately started in on the Kate Chopin book and had a hard time putting it down! After that HUGE lunch I was sure I would fall asleep, yet I was still going strong and blowing goodnight kisses to the kids from my chaise while reading. lol!

Steven didn't get any books but...he did look at a lot of books with pictures! Ha-haaa! Old joke of ours...he doesn't read anything that doesn't have pictures in it.

We also got an old Five for Fighting CD-America Town.

I don't know why it took me so long to get this one. It was made in 2000, and it is wonderful...I love every song! I think I tend to just get lost in whatever I'm listening to at the time, and in 2000 it was probably MatchboxTwenty, so this one slipped right by. If you like bands like Train, Matchbox Twenty, Sister Hazel, Maroon 5, that type of stuff, I think you would like this and I would recommend it...if there is actually someone out there even farther behind in musicland than I am!

And now I have 2 more hours before I have to pick up the monkeys, so maybe I'll have time to work in a nap...or some 'Law & Order'.

What do you do...

2007-10-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

*If you aren't a mom and/or you get grossed out very easily, don't read. Because Ethan's lungs are gross.

...when your doctor insists that whatever you have is viral and you don't need antibiotics, but you are still running a fever after 3 weeks? And so is your son? Who is also coughing up mucus out of his lungs??? I did make another appointment with the pediatrician for him though...called yesterday morning but they didn't seem concerned in the least, so his appointment isn't until 4:30 this afternoon. My doctor said not to come back unless my fever gets above 101. So I'm living my life on the couch, dying, just wishing I could cough out some of the crap in my lungs, until my head can't take it anymore and I have to take Advil, because I want to let the fever "do it's job"...and this will go on for days until I finally break down, because it's only running in that 100 degree range. And apparently, 100 degrees isn't enough to kill whatever MegaGerm we have.

Really, I don't like going to the doctor because I don't want them to think I'm a whiner, but really...I need some advice here.

***UPDATE: Ethan's Rx...pneumonia. Ay yi yi!

"They say she used to be nice."

2007-09-28T08:22:00.001-05:00

I've gotten a couple of super funny jokes in my email recently, and this is another one I've got to share! And maybe it's a 'cheater post' but, it makes it much easier to get something posted, so I don't have to think while I have The Plague. (And why am I the only one in my family who hasn't gotten rid of it yet?) Which leads to another question about moms...why can't we EVER call in sick???

This is also my message to the men of the world: Say NO to drugs and YES to chores! Because it's true...Mothers don't do spare time.

Why God Made Moms

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make Mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make Mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are Mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice
in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your Mother & not some other Mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your Mom?
1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about Dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your Mom marry your Dad?
1. My Dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My Grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because Dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.

What's the difference between Moms & Dads?
1 . Moms work at work and work at home & Dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Moms have all the real power, cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's house.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

2007-09-25T08:23:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Carol sent me this joke, and it is the funniest joke ever...especially if you read it with that person's voice in your head!

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Why did the chicken cross the road?

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize
that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road
before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to
do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his
'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is
why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken
earn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm
going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the
road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road.
We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The
chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the
satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but
we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the
road.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now
against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the
chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can
see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was
going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs
when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any
insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad?
Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been
told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain. Alone.

JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the
plain truth?' That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends,
that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I
say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the
liberal media white washes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the
other side. That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as
plain and as simple as that.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road.
Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be
listening to the chicken tell, for the f irst time, the heart warming
story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to
accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads
together, in peace.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only
cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance
your check book. Internet Explorer is a integral part of eChicken. This new
platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^( C .. ...
reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road
move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your
definition of chicken?

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

AL GORE: I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS : Did I miss one?

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

Conversations with Claire

2007-09-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

*Overheard between Claire and Daddy/Steven:

Claire: I know what the difference is between boys and girls.

Steven: What's that?

Claire: Well, guys only know about cooking and a little bit of cleaning.
Girls know about make-up and fashion. So, that's why they have
to have different bathrooms!

Steven: You're exactly right, Claire.

ROFL!!! You can guess who does the cooking around this house!

On another note: the two little children who I thought just had colds on Monday
ended up with a sick Mommy on Tuesday, and we've all been sick the rest of the week. I actually was/am sick enough that I went out and FINALLY got myself a doctor, since I haven't had one in the more than 2 years that we've been here. Apparently, we have a 'plague like virus' that won't go away...my words, not the doctor's. It is a virus, though, but I can't imagine that the plague felt any worse than this. I tried to send Ethan back to school on Wednesday because I truly thought he was doing better, but the nurse called and sent him back home because he had started running a fever again. They are doing good now, though. I thought I was doing better, but I was wrong. I thought my worse day was last Wednesday, when I had completely lost my voice. It came back...sorta...even though my mom said she didn't recognize my voice on the phone yesterday. Today, I somehow slipped into a virtual coma and slept until 5:00 PM!!! Totally and completely slept through and lost an entire day! Oh, and when I woke up, my voice was gone again. Ethan told me if I didn't drink so many Dr Pepper's I wouldn't be sick. Who does he think he is??? I called him a "blasphemous traitor" and told him that if there was any more talk like that, I'd have to kick him to the curb. He laughed and laughed, then suddenly got this serious look on his face, looked sideways at me and said, "Really?" LOL! When I said no and started laughing, he started laughing again, and told me to drink some orange juice. lol! Balancing right on that edge!

Now I've been up for 4 1/2 hours, and I think it's time for me to go to bed again. Sleep tight, everyone!

I've finally realized...

2007-09-17T09:38:00.000-05:00

"Crazy" is my new normal. I always think it's crazy here and think to myself, "As soon as 'this thing' is over, things will quiet down." But as soon as 'that thing' is through, a new thing comes along. Today it came along in the form of 2 sick little ones: Ethan and Claire. Claire has come down with a bad cold/sinus infection or something; but Ethan is "sick" mostly because Claire is. He has had some problems with allergies, I think, recently though, so I have them both going to the doctor this morning. He can go back to school tomorrow, but I know I will keep Claire home at least another day...which will be kind of nice really. I miss the Old Days already!

Oh, and about the nun picture in my previous post...earlier this year I posted about Allison asking me if I had ever pretended to be a nun when I was a kid. Steven, my mom and I all about popped a gut over that one! rofl!!! My mom just happened to come across a picture of two nuns in the newspaper shortly after that, and took one of the nuns out and put me in! I still laugh every time I look at it, and I keep it on my desk. If you want to read the original post, here it is...http://lorilaurielauri.blogspot.com/2007/04/conversations-with-allison.html

Time to go get ready for the doctor...she might appreciate a shower.

I'm still here...

2007-09-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

Having to take a little unexpected break from the computer as things are just too busy! They should settle down next week so, I'll be back!

Planning is in progress...

2007-08-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

For a Fairy Party for Claire's birthday. Just realized she is having one of those the day before yesterday. I have all these ideas in my head, so I hope I have time to get them actually made! Does anybody know where I can find some little plastic fairy figurines? You know...like little Army men?

I've gotten some wooden dowels with stars on the end, some spray paints and all different kinds of ribbons to make wands with. There will only be a few...ok, 6, girls here, and I'm planning on making them very simple white cotton gowns with a fairy or two embroidered on the front (and I'm wondering if I should have some ribbons draping down the back) and hopefully Party City will have some rhinestone crowns, because Target sure doesn't! I still can't believe that. But, I did find some very cute little diaries in the dollar section at Target last night, and those will go in their goodie bags.

She really wants a sleepover, but, I also know that kids that age rarely make it through the night at someone else's house, so, rather than making a bunch of phone calls at 2:00 in the morning, we are just having the party until 10:00 at night, then they can all go home then. Allison and one of her friends will be doing the girls' make-up and nails, and I need to figure out some kind of movie for them. I was thinking Tinkerbell, but, then I remembered it isn't "Tinkerbell", it's "Peter Pan"! lol! But, maybe I can find something that is fairy related. AND, since I already have GOBS of beads and all of that stuff, we are also going to make bracelets. I just want to see if I can find a little fairy charm.

I think fairies need cupcakes, but Claire really thinks she needs just one big cake, lol! So, we found one of those, and I'll have to make some pink punch or lemonade or something...preferably with bubbles.

And moving on...I was a bad mommy the other day. Now I'm a bad daughter. My mom's birthday was yesterday, and I forgot to call! But I think I would have remembered if I could have stayed awake past quarter to five! Happy Belated Birthday, Mom! I have your present, and I'm trying to make the kids finish the one they started for Dad...then I can pack them up and mail them together. Maybe even by Columbus Day!

Conversations with Claire

2007-08-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

With bonus: "Bad, bad, Mommy!"

It only took 2 days this year to get a call from the school. But it was because of me. I had fallen asleep on the couch after lunch...and about 20 minutes after I was supposed to pick Ethan and Claire up, the school called-of course they wanted me to come get them. lol!

Anyway, I get there and Mr. O had been talking with the kids, and Claire noticed he had this empty iced tea jug thing on his desk and was asking him about it. He told them he had (drunk? drank? dranken? drank up the whole thing? INSERT PROPER WORD/S HERE) the whole thing today.

Claire: That's an awful lot of tea! It's gonna make you have to go to the potty, so don't hold it too long or you'll get a bladder infection!

He was laughing so hard when he told me this...wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall in the Principal's office???

I'm too old for kids!

2007-08-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

Well, sadly, since Dean didn't come anywhere near Houston, Dave decided he wanted his kids back, since he finished everything up in Chicago early. So the boys left today. I am wiped out, and my back hurts and the Aleve isn't doing anything to help it! lol! Now, if I can just make it through the weekend, school starts on Monday and I can be home all alone for the first time in over 13 years and enjoy the peace and quiet! : )

Guess what we are doing tonight? We are going to meet Claire's Kindergarten teacher! I don't think there ever was a kid more excited about starting school. This is her teacher's first year teaching...good thing she has Claire to break her in right! lol!

Tomorrow evening we get to meet Ethan's teacher. Found out she just completed her Master's in Education. Good thing too, because she's gonna need it!

As for Allison, her biggest problem right now is finding a cool tote bag. Apparently it's not cool if your mom makes it for you. But it is cool to go to Old Navy and get one just like everyone else's. She is the 'Anti-Me'. lol!

Really cool!

2007-08-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

First of all, thanks for the birthday wishes! It was very nice...definitely much better than I had thought it was going to be.

And now, Gayla's sons and a nephew are here with us! Gayla's husband is in Chicago on business and wanted to get the kids out of Houston because of Dean...just in case. His nephew, Mike, has been staying with them since Gayla died to be there during the day and while Dave was gone. So, now they are all up in SA with us, and we've been making plans for the week...it's working out great for us because I don't think Dean's coming to Texas at all and we will have great weather. So, see yall soon!

Only 5, 4, 3, 2...

2007-08-18T12:47:00.000-05:00

ONE more shopping day, everyone! While you are out running errands today, don't forget..."Tomorrow is Lauri's birthday!" LOL!

Oh, but Julie Panova, honey, mommie-in-law dearest: I got your little momento in the mail yesterday, and you have really outdone yourself, you c#nt!

To everyone else...please, please, PLEASE pardon my french! I have never said that word in my life, but it just so fits here.

He is soooooooooo lucky!

2007-08-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

Last night I thought it would be a good idea to drink a glass of wine with my egg salad sandwich. I don't normally drink wine with egg salad, or even with dinner...I only drink it rarely, and usually that's because I'm at my mom's house and they are having a glass because she made spaghetti for dinner.

I only ended up having 1/2 a glass.

But I'm such a freakin' lightweight that 1/2 a glass was enough to do me in!

Apparently I passed out on my chase somewhere around 3-4pm...right after my sandwich and wine...and didn't wake up until 9:45! Yikes. By then, the kids were in bed and I could hear Steven downstairs putting dishes in the dishwasher. I needed a snack so I tried calling him, because I had been in the same position for those 6-7 hours and could not move at all. I remember calling to him, but he couldn't hear me, and I didn't want to yell too loudly and wake up the little angels. So I thought if I yelled out something funny, that THAT would get his attention...

ME: "Help! I'm your baby mama!"

*That is when I realized I was drunk.

**No response from Steven.**

ME: "HELP! I'm your THREE TIME baby mama!"

He finally came upstairs and (later said) he found me lying there with my arm up in the air like I was waiting for the teacher or someone to call on me. We then decided I needed the Baskin Robbins Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream that was in the freezer.

Right choice? You decide.

The next thing I remember is that I was in my bed, no longer on my chaise lounge, and I was in the early stages of vomiting. Like, it had made it to my mouth. I immediately sat up trying to stop it, and noticed that if I did end up barfing, it would be all over Steven's neck and face. Somehow or other, I was actually able to choke it back down and it stopped. Then I sat up for the rest of the night.

And THAT, my friends, is how much I love my husband!

My New Philosophy on Life

2007-08-08T16:23:00.000-05:00

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Woo Hoo, what a ride!"

A good one, no?

Onto other things:
1) It quit raining and damn it got hot!

2) My children are THE MOST expensive children ever made! And I'm not talking about things like having to have "The" designer clothes, or "Those" shoes. Y'all know me; I don't go for that. I'm talking about just basic living and keeping them alive and healthy expenses. That must have come from Steven's side of the family, because I didn't have these problems.

3) If Claire asks me one more time, "How many days until school starts?", I'm going to scream.

4) Oh, who am I kidding...I'm gonna scream anyway. I am one slammed door away from the psycho ward!

5) Tonight we get to meet McGruff the Crime Dog, and all the kids are gonna be finger printed. Like we'd have to worry. A kidnapper would have them for all of 45 minutes, be driven out of his mind and have his wallet emptied because
something would happen, and drop them off right at our doorstop ASAP! lol!

6) Really, they are not that bad. And one at a time, they are my dream child and I'm living my dream life. But, having all 3 at home and together all the time? Not so much.

7) Oh! Steven has an ulcerated uvula. Does that top a sinus infection?

8) OK-seriously-it's not that bad. And I'm laughing as I type this, so I hope you take it in the way it was intended!

9) Time for me to take a shower. I don't want to smell worse than McGruff the Crime Dog!

When-Your-SpaceBar-Doesn't-Work...

2007-08-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

You-just-surf-around-and-make-stuff-like-this:

Ummm...HELLO?!? People who work at TNT!

2007-07-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

The people who watch TNT during the day are probably people like me: Moms who are home with or without their kids, love 'Law & Order', and absolutely, positively cannot stand Soap Operas! So WHY ON EARTH are you suddenly programming freaking GOLF TOURNAMENTS during our Prime Time hours???

We can't stand Golf Tournaments, either! Besides, there is the Golf Channel just for that specific reason! To show golf. All the time. Twenty-four seven. All golf, all the time. Not to mention ESPN and ESPN 2. Plus Channel 26 (on my TV) that, I have no idea what it is, but it always has sports on. Mostly basketball, but, seeing as how the San Antonio Spurs have just recently reclaimed their title of World Champions of Basketball and are entitled to a little time off, probably wouldn't mind sitting down and watching a golf tournament themselves. So use Channel 26 even! Use all 4, PLUS interrupt the SOAP OPERAS for Christsakes! They provide nothing valuable to the community at all. At least we can learn some scientific stuff with 'Law & Order'.

Or...at the very least...couldn't you please, PLEASE wait until 'Charmed' is scheduled? Then interrupt all you want, by all means!

Please, please TNT...I beg of you down on my knees...bring back my 'Law & Order'. Otherwise I'm just forced into doing things like laundry and cleaning bathrooms and mopping the kitchen...and I've really had enough of that.

It's quiet again!

2007-07-23T11:12:00.000-05:00

Aaaaaahhh! The girls are having their turn with Nana and Pop, so it's just me and Ethan here during the day. Life is so quiet with less than 3 children!

I'm going to spend this time trying to catch up on all the little projects I have going...a purse for a swap, curtains and things for my new studio, some little embroidery things for the laundry room.

Yes, I am going to decorate the laundry room! That poor room always gets neglected so I'm going to spruce it up a bit to be like the rest of the house. Steven painted it my yellow color (Sherwin-Wiliams Buttery) and added a big, tall cabinet. And, just because we don't have enough other things we need to spend money on, the old washer and dryer were dying a slow, painful death; so we put them out of their misery and got new ones. So now I'm doing a series of little vintagey looking embroidery patterns...the ones with little kitties, ducks and even elephants doing chores, specifically laundry. I also need to make curtains for the laundry room. I have the fabric-a laundry related pattern-but that's gonna take some thought...meaning math...with all the measurements and a thing to put the rod through and all that. So of course, I've been procrastinating. However I didn't waste any time in taking down the old curtains and using them in a crazy quilting project! lol! They were just the PERFECT colors!

Speaking of crazy quilting...it's something I've been wanting to really learn how...

*BREAKING NEWS***THIS JUST IN*
A few minutes ago I sent Steven an email about what I wanted for my birthday. It is something I found that is in the 'calamitykim' shop at Etsy. I think he found it, because I just got the little thing that pops up to let you know you have a new email, and it's to Steven's account and it's titled "Receipt for your payment for item # blahblahblahlongstringofnumbers". hee-hee!

*Back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Speaking of crazy quilting...it's something I've been wanting to really learn how to do for a long time, and I took a class on Saturday about it, with the GREATEST SEWING TEACHER EVER! I've taken lots of quilting and sewing classes so I know. This woman was great! Her name is Bobbie, and I took the class at Quilter's Point. The class was full of a great group of women, which is normal, but usually the teacher has no sense of humor what-so-ever. But Bobbie is a HOOT! A few of the ladies were super funny...LEAH..."hold me closer Tony Danza"...and I was cracking up all day long-which is something I really needed! I'm still laughing right now. And Bobbie was wonderful, and patient and kind! By the end of the class everyone was at a different stage, and she didn't even care. She just went around the room checking on everyone individually and helping with whatever they needed at the time. It was just great all the way around.

When the class was over I went out to sign up for another class she is doing, but she said she didn't want me to "waste my money on that class and not get anything out of it" because she said I already knew everything. She has another one though, in a couple of weeks that I asked about, and she said that one would be good for me because I would learn some new things. So, I'm going to take that one.

So this should have you all up to date with what's going on around here. Ethan and I are just gonna chill out this week, and he is going to let me work on things, right??? Maybe I can bribe him with the 'Harry Potter' movie....

Conversations with Claire

2007-07-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

*I'm in the kitchen emptying the dishwasher and Claire is in there talking to me, doing the 'potty dance'.

Me: Claire, do you need to go to the bathroom?

Claire: No, I just have a gas bubble, and I'm trying to pop it.

Getting through...

2007-07-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

...but it's hard without Gayla. Gayla would call me at least once a day, sometimes more. And now, every time my phone rings something happens in my brain that makes me think she's "come back", and I get all excited thinking it's her, "Finally!", then realize it isn't....

Today I was in my favorite art store, Stamp Antonio...carrying my purse and so many other things someone finally just felt sorry for me and brought me a carrying basket so that was completely overflowing. Then I hear my phone ringing/singing, "We represent the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop Guild...", instinctively thinking it's Gayla and thinking, "It's about time!", dropped everything on the floor because I was so excited, and it was Allison. Not that I don't want to hear from Allison or anything...but, it hit me really hard today. Steven, Ethan and Claire were next door to where I was waiting for a pizza and when I got over there Steven asked if I had heard from Allison, who went to see the new Harry Potter movie with a friend. I told him yes, but I thought it was Gayla, then start crying....

Of course, I've thought about changing my ring tone, but: 1) That was the ringtone she knew, and she won't know the new one; and 2) 'The Lollypop Guild' is just too perfect for us! lol! If you ever wonder what Ethan looks like, he's the red-headed boy who isn't too keen on singing "We represent the Lollypop Guild..." with the other boys. Even the attitude!

I do ok most of the time, but anytime my cell phone rings the tears start to flow. She even changed her cell phone service from Sprint to Verizon, for ME! Her whole family-mom, sisters, everybody-had Sprint. When we moved to San Antonio, she changed to Verizon so we could talk as much as we wanted. Friends like that don't come around very often.

Anyway...not much else going on. We did get a new washer and dryer, though. So I guess things can get pretty exciting around here every once in a while. OH! And my 'new' office is just about done. Walls are painted, shelves are done...I just need to get everything organized and put away. Mom recovered the seat of my chair and I need to finish painting it. (It's primer gray right now. Just gotta spray paint it white.) I also need to spray paint a little bar stool thing white, and I'm making a padded cushion for that. I'm also working on a curtain to cover up the very bottom shelf of the bookshelf that houses one of only two electrical outlets in here, so it'a a jumble of a mess and needs to be covered up.

Oh, how could I forget about this? Talk about some excitement...this is a picture of one of our neighbors having their hot tub/jacuzzi installed. By crane. Over their house. I hope you can make it out-I was taking pictures out of my bedroom window on a very gray, drizzly day.

My best friend in the world just died.

2007-07-05T10:25:00.001-05:00

Very suddenly and unexpectedly. And calling her just a "best friend" doesn't seem right...she was more than that. It's not fair that we weren't sisters. Because if you say something about your "sister", people get it. (Plus, most sisters probably don't love and care about each other as we do.) If it's just your "friend", it's not that big of a deal. But she was a big deal. And I don't know what I'm going to do without her for the rest of my life. We figured we'd be old and senile, sharing a room in the nursing home and beating each other with our canes! And if we weren't senile and still remembered we were friends, we'd just hit the other old people with our canes! lol!

She didn't just leave me...she also left a husband and two sons. One starting high school next year, and one in middle school. I really don't know how they are going to do without her!

My eyes hurt so much I don't think I can make any more tears. I miss you Gayla, and I'm not accepting this and I want you back.

Vacation?

2007-06-23T15:55:00.000-05:00

Steven took off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, to stay home and take care of some things around the house that have been needing to be taken care of. Including, but certainly not limited to: 1)Finish painting the cabinets and shelves in my studio; 2)Painting the laundry room and; 3)Painting the stairway and the rest of the upstairs, minus the kids' rooms. That means he has 5 days to do these few things...FIVE days...FIVE whole days! I was going to be able to finish up a couple of purses that I owe people; work on the Doll Quilt for the swap; and work on things in general that need to be done, like PUTTING ALL OF MY FABRIC AWAY IN MY STUDIO AND GET IT OUT OF THE HALLWAY, along with the sewing machine, soldering iron (!yea! So I can actually use it without worrying about burning the house down!)-basically, getting all of my stuff organized, plus working on some other little artsy/crafty things.

Today is Saturday. Day FOUR. Ninety-six point seven percent of our time has been spent dealing with the kids who are fighting over things like who gets to vacuum what, who gets to wipe the baseboards along the stairway to remove all the dust so the tape will stick for when we paint, and who gets to sweep under the kitchen table. Of course there are other things we have to do with them, like, keep them from killing each other. Sometimes I'd like to just say, "Have at it! Survival of the fittest!" But, I think CPS and the police would become involved. But I know you are reading this thinking, "Her kids are fighting over who gets to sweep and wipe the baseboards and she's complaining???" My kids will fight over ANYTHING. Particularly anything that involves taking something away from the other.

Claire absolutely loves to clean things with wipes...anything, anytime, if she can just use a wipe. She must get high off the smell or something. Wipes clean up baseboard dust really well, so, when I said, "Hey Claire! Go get a wipe and wipe the baseboards up the stairway for me.", that pretty much ensured a fight between Claire and Ethan, because he only wants to take things away from his sisters. If I had said, "Hey Ethan! Go get a wipe....", it would have been a whole different scene. The crying, the whining, the falling down because his legs just cannot hold him up one second longer, the "you make me do eeevvvvvvvvvvvverythiiiiiiiiiiinnng!"...in short...The Death Scene. But, by my asking Claire to do it first, there is fight that results in needing 2 adults, 1 psychiatric professional, usually some kind of First Aid-maybe even stitches, and lots and lots of meds to resolve. So, there goes 96.7% of our time.

We do need to eat occasionally, so there goes another percent. I've only had one shower in the last 4 days, so I'm not using up a lot of time on that. But, Steven and I do have to clean up after ourselves, and what we can't get the children to do...I'd say, what, 2%? Sounds good. And saving the best for last...sleeping! What's left, about 1.3%? Yep, that sounds about right.

So, how much has actually been accomplished these last 4 days? Well, the laundry room got painted. And Steven is painting the shelves in my studio as I type. I have yet to complete a project. A small portion of the baseboards got dusted and taped off...a very small portion. Not a drop of paint has hit those walls yet, though.

Silly me! And I thought Steven and I would be able to actually sit down at night and watch a few of 'The Soprano's' DVDs that I got him for Father's Day!

Thinking about things...

2007-06-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

I've been sewing a lot over the last few days...that kind of mindless, straight line sewing that gets you to thinking about things. Lots of deep life questioning things. Things like: why am I am who I am; how did I get to be this way; why do I have certain children; what do I want to do from here on out and be known for when I'm 55 years old-because I am 40 and REALLY close to 41...which really translates into "What do I want to do with my life?". And then of course, the truly thought provoking question...why am I not a 'Commercial Lady' like I wanted to be when I was a kid?

And that may sound like a really funny question, and taken at face value it is. So I've been thinking about what being a 'commercial lady' really meant to me. I've decided that what being a Commercial Lady really meant to me was that I would get to stand or sit there and talk...a lot...about anything. What I liked, what I didn't like, or whatever someone else needed me to talk about, but couldn't bring themselves to do it. Of course, I would have been more of a 'Solo Infomercial Lady'. So obviously the perfect job for me!!! I never did believe that test I took in high school that said I should be a Mechanic! (An if you're wondering yes, that is absolutely true and yes, I can hear you laughing all the way over here!) But, I think I finally got to the root of that this week...sometimes it takes a 40 year old woman to get into a 6 year old's head.

When I was old enough to realize that "Commercial Lady" wasn't something you went to college and got a degree in, I moved on to becoming a teacher. Which, if you think about it, has a lot of the same things going for it that Commercial Lady does...you get to stand up in front of a classroom spouting views and ideas and theories and opinions. However, I realized within the first semester or two of college that my type of teaching wasn't going to work in Public Schools, and it was quite possible that Security Guards would be throwing me off school property within hours of the first day for many violations!

1) I have never had a problem giving my opinion. Never. Not in any situation, public or private. I respect the opinions of others (as long as they have actually gone through a reasonable thought process and some research to get there). Their opinion does not have to be my opinion...different opinions are what makes the world go round. (I absolutely must say here, though, that some opinions are just downright stupid and ignorant!) Anyway-back to the point of me giving my opinions...if I was a teacher and a student asked me what I thought about something, I would tell them what I thought and believed. And most likely, that is not what the Public School System is going to want me to do.

2) I don't know why I said, "it was quite possible that Security Guards would be throwing me off school property within hours of the first day for many violations!"
Because the one above is really the only one I can think of. Let's just say I am more suited to teaching at the University level, and since I had better, more fun things to do than sitting around studying for a PhD, that is out of the question.

I have spent a lot of time acting on behalf of abused women and children and trying to educate the public about domestic violence. Even made it on the news in Houston for spouting through a microphone in front of City Hall. But I am wanting to do more. I want to help educate the world about things like Bipolar Disorder especially in children; what REAL ADHD is; Depression-that sometimes you just can't pull yourself up by the bootstraps, buck up and get happy; Schizophrenia-which is not Multiple Personalities!; Learning Disorders like Dyslexia and/or the fact that not all children progress and learn to read at the same exact time at the exact time the teacher tells them too! BRAINS ARE DIFFERENT! And that doesn't mean "wrong" or "bad". My two oldest children had difficulty learning to read...Allison didn't really learn to read until 3rd grade but, when it did click, she took off! Ethan is still struggling very hard and just may be Dyslexic. And Claire-who will be entering Kindergarten in two months-still shows no signs of wanting to learn her ABCs. If you ask her how to spell her name, she can tell you and she can write it out, but, if you ask her to write a 'C', she doesn't know how. If you hold up any other letter in the alphabet and ask her what it is, she has no clue. And just exactly like the other two, the harder you push to try and sneak in some learning, the more they turn off and the faster they walk away. But you know what...Ethan is a Straight A student. Allison would be if she weren't quite so social, if you know what I mean. lol! She has been before, and will be again, but, sometimes she just socializes a lot instead of doing homework. "Normal" kids develop at different rates, and it's all good as long as they are steadily developing on their scale.

Autism-that's another one that hits close to home, and people really need to learn more about that! You can check this link to the National Autism Association, also. You might wanna check out Pete, who has A Perfectly Cromulent Blog. I use him. You know...to keep up with House Bills and all that. The whole Government, making laws and stuff, adding important issues, such as Health Insurance and Early Intervention for Austim onto other bills that have nothing to do with that...this one may be tacked on to something about how to dispose of grass clippings for all I know...ANYWAY, it's all very confusing, but, I can just go to Pete and find out what's going on with what I'm interested in. Thanks, Pete!

Health Insurance-Especially for Kids! What the fuck is wrong with our Country? A Country who will let a family lose everything they have, even their HOME, even the WHEELCHAIR that their daughter desperately needs (Yep! Someone actually walked into their door and made them GIVE BACK their little girl's wheelchair!), because the medical bills have gotten so high that they cannot afford to pay the leftover 20% of the bill that their insurance didn't cover! Try wrapping your brain around that one! What if this was your child? Would that have happened if that was the daughter of the wheelchair company's owner?

Have you ever really looked around and realized how our world treats women and children? I know we live in a male dominated, Patriarchial Society and all, and sometimes I think we, in the US, have things bad and not fair. Then I start looking around and the women in the Middle East and the baby girls in China. And then I cry. A baby girl will get me every time!

I've tried to make a change...in my Social Work/Life Before Kids, and I've even worked a little on Ted Poe's campaign for Representative of the area I lived in. He's a great man...check him out. Because of my son's Special Needs, I have fought long and hard, AND WON, to get him what he needs at school...IEPs, ARDs, Wright's Law, a great resource for Special Education Law & Advocacym etc...a lot of research, learning and commitment. And I'm willing to (and have) help anyone else get what their child needs also. Right now I'm making a bunch of little security blanket type things for some of the orphans in China. Cindy at Skip to my Lou posted about her neice, who is working with a group called Hope's Heart . They are going to China soon to volunteer and bring over some things for the babies. I know that this is a very teeny, tiny contribution but, I'm hoping it will help a few children have something to hold that is their's and belongs only to them. I've also donated many other things I have made to several other charities to be auctioned off to help raise a little drop in the bucket. OH! And PFLAG...something else I've always wanted to do something for but don't know where to start-other than to stand up on roof or walk around downtown with a bullhorn shouting, "What difference does it make who you love?" I have marched in a Gay Right's Parade, though.

But where do I start? What problem to I fight to solve? Do I do a little bit for everything, or put all my eggs in one basket? All I know is, I need to get back to doing something. I know I don't get a whole lot of traffic here, but, if any of you have a link to a group you want to help with or a cause to fight for, let me know and I'll add it into this post. And even if you don't have a group or cause you want to help with, I hope I've made you think a little. I'm not even trying to actually sway or change opinions here, but if I did make you think, you made my day!

Of course, I can't let this blog publish until I say a little something about OUR SPURS! We said, "GO!" and you "WENT!" and I am very proud to have such a wonderful, polite, well-mannered group of people represent our city! To all the Mom's who raised their boys to be these men, to all of their teachers in school along the way, to all of the Spurs Administration, to Pop...thank you all for raising and helping and teaching and coaching them all to be who they are today. A team I am proud of and a team who emulate the the social graces I want my children to learn. I couldn't be happier! Congratulations on #4!

Why am I so naive year after year after year...

2007-06-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Not even year after year...also holiday after holiday, event after event, day after day...I always think "THIS TIME it's gonna be better!"

I have a plan for the summer for the kids this year-basically homeschool, but fun. With LOTS of arts and crafts! For example, this week was 'Fish Week'. We learn some cool things about fish, and make a lot of things with fish on them. I found tons of fish and ocean related foam thingys at Michael's, so we were going to make "aquariums", those foam can holders/koozies covered with fish; I got some solid color beach towels that we are going to applique with fish, clam shells, dolphins, seaweed, mermaids, etc..., and also got some of those bucket hats to decorate as well-either appliqued or embroidered or both. OH! I also got flip-flops that the kids decorated, and they came out so cute! And yes, you know I got those for me, too! lol!

Sounds fun, no?

But of course, there was an incident. Tuesday morning Ethan "hi-yahed!" a perfect front kick squarely into Claire's chest. She seemed perfectly fine-breathing great, no hurt ribs or anything like that, but, all I could think of was "What if?" "What if he had broken a rib and it had puntured her heart or lung?" "What if the pressure of the kick had ruptured her aorta, like what happened to Princess Diana, and she bled to death?" (Or, maybe, just a tiny little vein???)

OK-so maybe I was a little dramatic that day.

But, I'm not a mom who takes her kid into the doctor for every little thing. I take them for their well-check visits every year, and other than that, they have to pretty much be running a fever of 105 for 24 hours OR they need stitches. The Pediatrician pretty much knows that, if I'M calling, it's probably warranted.

So I called. I don't even know the number for the pediatrician. I had to call Steven to get it. Chalk another one up for Mom of the Year.

They put me straight through to the nurse, who asked me a bunch of questions then said they wouldn't be able to work Claire in until 4:30 and she didn't want me to wait that long so, emergency room it was.

Of course Claire is fine, and apparently it's gonna take a lot more than a 126 lb. brother perfectly planting a kick in her chest to bring her down, but, it really did scare me! I know the difference between real remorse and fake remorse, and Ethan really and truly is the most sensitive, sympathetic and empathetic person I have ever known, BUT...does he have NO FRONT TEMPORAL LOBE AT ALL??? Short of shooting him with a dart that could take down an elephant, what is it going to take to get him to control his impulses? And this kind of super, really serious stuff only happens with Claire.

We did get an emergency appointment with my Favorite Psychologist Ever yesterday, and, he is going to start seeing Ethan and Claire together; which I think is a GREAT idea!

So...homeschool fun with arts and crafts mixed with Psychotherapy for the summer! Who could choose Disneyland over that?

And we are a little behind on the fish stuff, but, the flip-flops did turn out great, so I'll definitely take a picture of those! I think the towels will be cute, too. I was also making quite a bit of progress on a special "fish" game that is a surprise for the kids, but it has stalled. I think I can pick up on it this evening maybe. But, I'm telling you it's gonna be so freakin' cute, you will have to come back for pictures!

Sheesh! I never have time to blog anymore...

2007-05-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

But, today is the last day of school. So things should slow down now, right??? lol! I'll be back!

Yeah, I know...it's been a while...

2007-05-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

It's May. I hate May. Well, not really but, it is THE busiest month ever. Even worse than December. OK, well, maybe they are equal. From Cinco de Mayo all the way to the last day of school it doesn't stop with the school events. Then weird things keep happening on top of that...like yesterday. The gas that heats the water in the water heater decided to turn off. Why? No one knows. We had gas to the fireplace and to the heater-like we really need to use those in TX in May, but just not the water heater. Makes for a very cold shower. Called the gas company and the guy was here within, NO LIE, 30 minutes! San Antonio is the best city ever! In Houston, that would have taken 3 days.

So, he came out and checked everything and it was all good; he got the pilot light back on. He has no idea what made it go out though. I swear to you I'm haunted. Not in a bad way, but spirits follow me. This stuff just doesn't happen to other people. It's always something.

Anyway...back to May and all it's busy-ness. Before next Friday I have to make cupcakes for Ethan's class party, make a baby quilt for his teacher who is having a baby this summer, finish a bracelet I started for her, and maybe throw in a few other things for the baby. Oh, and I'm going to do the cupcakes with her face on them like I did the ones for Cinco de Mayo-I REALLY should have taken a picture of those! They were so cute! AND-finish up some belated Mother's Day things for my mom that we have been working on so we can bring them to her next weekend. Plus send out 2...wait, I think it might be 3...swap things-one has to go out tomorrow so I'd better get to painting. AND, Gayla has requested another baby blanket for her neice, Milo, (lol!) and I found the cutest material and it's going to be adorable, but, I gotta make it first.

And I'm determined to finally meet up with my friend, Deb the Debutant! Click on her link over on the right sidebar and check out her blog. She has to be the strongest woman I know. While you're at it, check out her and her daughter Zoe's fund raising efforts for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society-TEAM ZOE! Zoe, who is in First Grade, is so organized, she has even appointed her best friend as Vice-President of Make-Up! roflmao! Priorities! You gotta look good when you are fundraising! Allison, Ethan and Claire have decided they are going to donate $1.00 a week from their allowances until they each raise $10.00. Claire has a special 'Fundraising Bag' she is keeping her money in, and has combed the whole house and gathered up all the loose change she can find and already has $2.47! And sure, I'd love to kick in some cash, but, I'm trying to figure out a way to make and sell something that would *hopefully* make more money than I could ordinarily give. I was practicing last night with some red jewelry. Bracelets would be easy. Earrings, too. I did make a pendant with a couple of small silver beads and one bigger red one in the middle, but, I need some bigger red beads I think. If I ever do actually wear a necklace, it's always something small, but lots of people like really big pendants, so I think I'll look around for something a little bigger. If Steven can finish up my office so I can actually use it for it's intended purpose, I could make some really cool soldered necklaces/pendants/charms, and I would really like to do that because I could personalize it with some kind of Team Zoe theme or a Deb theme, since we are actually raising the money for her. Feel free to kick in ideas if y'all have any!

Hmmm...anything else??? Nah, I think just school stuff, and obviously I'll HAVE TO go shopping for bigger red beads! lol! Oh, and I think Claire and I had a little virus or something going on last week that we probably picked up off a shopping cart somewhere along the way, but, it's all good now. Except that since I hadn't eaten anything except a few crackers-not even a whole roll-since last Thursday, I started actually starving to death yesterday...I think I'll have to go get a big hamburger and onion rings at Bigz today. *wink, wink* And as I type, Claire is swarming around me like a vulture wanting doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. She's feeling better, also!

The Spurs are still going strong! GO SPURS GO!

GO SPURS GO!

2007-05-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

Why don't they ever sign me up for napkins or paper plates?

2007-05-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

Cinco de Mayo is coming up, so Allison's Spanish Class is having a party. Well, not just her Spanish Class, but ALL 6 Spanish Classes. The teacher's have gotten smart, and decided to bribe the students with the deal of replacing their lowest quiz grade with a 100 if they bring something for the party. Allison signs me right up...for cupcakes. She wanted to sign me up for cookies, but, that was already taken, so 3,074 cupcakes it is! *So I exaggerate a little.*

"But what about the napkins, paper plates, cups...why don't you ever sign me up for that really easy stuff?", I ask her.

"Oh, I don't know. I didn't think about that."

Tonight's Agenda: 3,074 Cinco de Mayo themed cupcakes!

Rough Day/Dear Dr. Dilley

2007-04-23T17:49:00.000-05:00

I was told I am a bad mother by Allison's asthma specialist. He says I care more about Ethan and his needs than I do about Allison's. How does he know this? He knows because, when I took her to see him the other day because she was SICK, her lung function was down to only 54%...lower than it was the first time we saw him for a well-visit and she was healthy. Well, excuse me but, um...DUUUUUUUUHHH!!! SHE WAS SICK!

Dear Mr. Asthma Doctor:

When asthmatics get sick...catch a cold in Allison's case...their lung function goes down. And guess what? Their mother's really don't have much control of the germs, bacteria and viruses floating around in the air, especially out in public!

Sincerely,
Lauri Smith-a mother who loves boys more than girls

Anyway...this all goes back to a letter we got on Friday, from Ratner, Dilley & Associates, LLP, stating:

"Please be advised that we will no longer be able to treat your child as a patient. All scheduled appointments have been canceled."

This came out of the blue Friday afternoon, so of course there was no one we could talk to until today. Finally, after several calls, Dr. Dilley finally called me back and asked what I needed, like he didn't know. I asked why they were dropping Allison as a patient, and that was the reason. Because I obviously was not following his directions for her meds and her lung function was too low, and that I care more about my "special needs son" than I do her.

Well, dammit! I made her cut her smoking back to only one pack a day! She still needs to use her inhaler, too? Geesh! And because dust in the house has a bad affect on her lungs, I make sure she dusts everything at least every other day. I thought I was doing good!

Dear Mr. Asthma Doctor:

Even when asthma patients are taking their maintainence meds, they can still get sick, and need a little extra medical intervention; which I was doing on the day you decided I was an unfit parent and could no longer treat my daughter.

Very Sincerely,
Lauri Smith-a mother who has done more than her fair share of Asthma, ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, Dyslexia and Schizophrenia research.

Dr. Dilley...you do not have a "God Complex". You have something much, much worse. After speaking with you on the phone this afternoon, I have realized that you truly believe you are so much better than everyone else. That you know all. That you know all about me, my family and our life situation after only 2 fifteen minute visits in your office, and that you are able to make judgements about what kind of mother I am. God does not even judge like this...and that is what makes you so much worse. The thing is, I thought you were a good doctor-I respected and trusted you and thought you were good at what you do. However, you have shown your true colors and I no longer have any respect, much less trust, for you as a doctor or a man; and you can't get any lower than that.

Very Truly Sincerely,
Lauri Smith-a mother who loves and guards her children more fiercly than you could ever imagine.

munkeepod Blog

2007-04-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Let's hear it for my friend, Gayla! She actually got the blog part of my munkeepod website going! I do have a post over there, so, those brave souls who are willing to be my guinea pigs...would y'all mind checking it out and make sure you can find it and leave comments and all that stuff? It doesn't seem as easy as Blogger and I hope I can figure it all out.

Anyway, you can try this link... http://blog.munkeepod.com/Or, if that doesn't work, go to www.munkeepod.com then at the top of the page, click on "munkeepod blog". I would really appreciate it! And if there are any problems, let me know...you can leave comments here or on ArtSmith. Thanks!

How did this happen?

2007-04-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

I've been made a "Featured Artist" on the ZNE website! Is someone out there still playing April Fool's jokes??? Because seriously...how did I get in with this great group of artists? All the ones I stalk and worship? Go check this out!

http://www.znespirit.com/

All I keep thinking is, in the words of 'Frank Barrone', Raymond's dad on "Everybody Loves Raymond"...Holy crap!
Thank you, Chel!!!

In family news: I am now the 'Mother of a Teenager'! Isn't that a whole new stage of life? Somehow or other, last week zipped by in a flash! Then, over the weekend, I was only home long enough to sleep. And now Allison is sick and we have an appointment with the asthma specialist tomorrow. Poor thing-I feel so bad when she is like this, because there is just nothing I can do! Hopefully, the doctor can help tomorrow.

Conversations with Allison???

2007-04-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

OK-I really thought the girl was smarter than this...or at least knew me better. And Mom, don't hit your head on the desk while you are laughing so hard you fall out of the chair!

Blah, blah, blah...Claire and I are talking about things she plays now, and things I used to play/pretend when I was little...and mind you-there was NO RELIGIOUS talk at all!

Allison: Mom, didn't you ever pretend like you were a nun?

BWAAAHAAHAAHAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Steven falls down to the to the ground in the parking lot at Michael's, where is where we were. He almost didn't recover.

Don't get me wrong...I was a very good kid, and truly hope that my kids turn out just like me. I never drank, smoke, used drugs, or anything like that. But...I did question things, had my own opinions and had no problem voicing them at any given moment, which I think scared my mom because most of them were not hers. I want to clarify here that she DID NOT have bad opinions, they were just different; and, to her, you didn't question authority. But, when authority is an idiot, I can't stay quiet. We are the CLASSIC Nature vs. Nurture Study Family! Definitely coming out on the side of nature, no matter how hard my mom and dad tried to make us nurture! lol! And some of my strongest, most passionate beliefs go completely against the Catholic Church, in which we were raised, AND which I still consider myself to be.

But, if I were ever to walk into a nunnery and announce that I was going to become a nun, they would all faint dead away, losing all of their faith wondering why Jesus had challenged them with THIS burden, because they would know that God gave them WAY MORE than they could handle...because I would NEVER give up my rights to be Pro-Choice; I will ALWAYS believe a gay or lesbian or homosexual (whatever you want to call it-but it better be in a good way) marriage is just as good and valid as my marriage is to Steven; I would NEVER be subservient to ANY man, Priest, God or Husband-not to mention then population of men in general-most of which have IQ's lower than mine, and I'm not even going to go into morals. Most of all, I could never walk around with my head bowed to anyone or any thing. I am Lauri Smith...a decendant of Fred Jack Smith. We have egos that can't even be measured they are so high off the charts...ok, so maybe the nurture part did have some affect! My Aunt Carol and my Mom will second and third me on this!

Ummm...what was the whole point of this post anyway? Oh yeah...me being a nun. HA! Still can't get over that...I will laugh about that one as long as I live! EVERYONE knows I was going to be a "Commercial Lady"!

Conversations with Claire

2007-04-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Claire got a haircut yesterday...along with Allison, Ethan and Steven (read: everyone but ME, AGAIN!)...and it's one of those cute, stacked little bobs.

Her hair is short enough that her neck needs to be shaved a little bit. She's had it done before and it's never bothered her.

So, the stylist is shaving the back of her neck, and Claire says: "I'm not feeling very comfortable with this."

And, when I'm typing this out it doesn't seem so funny. But when you're there and this little girl who isn't even in Kindergarten yet pops something like that out at the exact right time, because if this girl has nothing else, she has timing, it's freakin' hilarious!

You Can Learn a Lot from Blogs

2007-04-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize
they were the big things.

-- Robert Brault

I found this quote today on Stargazer and I immediately knew it was one of those that I need to remember. I tell myself, basically, the same thing every single day, but, having it all put together like that just made it all so nice and neat.

The thing is, I actually start out enjoying the 'little things', but, between one or the other of the kids that little thing usually quickly deteriorates into one of the 'fight things'. And by the time we've actually gotten to that part, I've worked so, so hard to keep it from going there that it just becomes one of 'those things' you want to forget. About once or twice a year (and I am not exaggerating) we will have one of those nirvana moments...we are all together, everyone is in a good mood, there isn't any fighting and we're all having a good time...and that is when I want to just stop time for a little bit and let that mood linger because, really, that is all I've ever wanted. And I'm so afraid that the girls are going to grow up and hate Ethan, or that Ethan is going to grow up and hate everyone. And maybe if I can get the kids to enjoy the little things that are going on when Claire suddenly states, out of nowhere, "Purple is my favorite color.", and Ethan comes back, with smoke and fire coming out of his ears, nose and mouth, "NO IT ISN'T! YOU'RE FAVORITE COLOR IS ORANGE!!!", that it does not matter one bit who's favorite color is
what, or whether the sky is blue or light blue, they will finally learn that those little things are a lot more fun than the fighting.

Just wanted to brag on Ethan a little bit...

2007-03-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

FIRST...he loves to draw and paint, and he is pretty good at it, too! And anytime he earns reward time at school and is given the choice to have free time on the computer, do something else, or draw, he always chooses drawing. Anyway, one of the pictures he drew and painted was one of the ones chosen to represent his school at the district level, and that show is tonight! We are always telling him what talent he has, but it's nice to have it come from an impartial 3rd party...especially his school!

SECOND...since his visit to the neurologist and a little 'uppage' on the dose of one of his meds, he has been having some much better days at school, and home! Things certainly are not 100%, but it's nice that I'm not so worried about what he is going to do today to get himself sent to alternative school!

***And now back to irregularly scheduled crazy life!***

Now I know why!

2007-03-21T11:32:00.000-05:00

Now I know why everything gets lost/I can never find what I'm looking for/everything is always messed up, no matter how much I clean!

ROBERT GOULET LIVES HERE!

*I know Gayla and Lori believe me now!*

Bluebonnet

2007-03-20T16:26:00.001-05:00

Bluebonnet
Originally uploaded by artsmith_satx.

Nikon is hard to work with...much harder than Kodak. At least when it comes to cropping and resizing pictures. After working on this for a couple of hours, this is the ONE picture that we were able to crop and resize. But, I have no idea what size it is.

Anyway...I took this along I-10 on the way home to San Antonio from Houston on Sunday. Looks like a great year for Bluebonnets!

If the word "vagina" is offensive to you, quit reading now!

2007-03-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

*Other less PC words are used to describe the word "VAGINA", also. I'm not trying to be sarcastic or nasty...I'm just trying to make a point. If you don't like those types of words, don't read any farther.*

Thanks to fellow blogger, You da mom!, I was pointed in the direction of THIS article.

Three high school students were suspended from school for saying the word "vagina" during a reading from the excerpt from "The Vagina Monologues", by Eve Ensler! WTF!?! Why would you allow the reading if you are not allowed to say the words from the reading?!? This has got to be the most ridiculous form of banning I have ever heard of!

Yes, I have read the whole article, and yes, even the part where the girls agreed not to say the most hideous of words-VAGINA. But, come on, really...who trusts teenage girls? I was one...and believe me, if given the directive to say or not to say VAGINA, I would have said it. Ask anyone. Even my mom would have to admit to that one, as much as she would like not to! It's the exact reasoning that sent me flying to the bookstore, the library and friends' houses for books on the banned books list. Of course, I was and am a big reader, so if somebody made a big enough deal out of a book, I had to read it just so I would know what they were talking about. I know mom found more than one of those in my room, too.

Anyway, back to trusting teen-age girls and VAGINAS. If you do not want a particular word said at any event or reading, do not allow even the book to be in the reading, much less a direct quote with that exact word in it! The school administrators here are clearly the idiots. Any teenager, not just girls, will defy authority just about whenever possible.

The word VAGINA is one of the technically correct words to use when describing the female genital area. It is the word they use in Health class to describe that particular part of the body when the annual sex education lesson plan comes around. Certainly the teachers don't tell their students that giving birth includes phrases like, "baby grows in utereus", and "cervical dilation", and "the baby exits the body through the twat".

A VAGINA is a part of each one of those girls anatomy's, as it is every other woman's in the world. How is it supposed to make them feel when told that they are not allowed to name parts of their anatomy's, and that those words are bad? This truly upsets me, because I thought those days were long gone. Is it better, in fact, to call a VAGINA a pussy? Twat? Cunt? Does that make anyone feel better? Does that help their self-esteem? I know from firsthand experience that self-esteem building is just about the number one thing schools are focusing on these days, aside from academics, and I don't think using alternate words for VAGINA, like pussy, twat and cunt, or leaving out the word entirely, really fit that bill, and in fact, harkens back to the days when racial slurs were the norm, and when any race, other than the caucasian race, was inferior, less intelligent and frankly, not quite human...just a property that the white man controlled for his own needs.

Do we really want to go back to that?

It's Spring Break here...

2007-03-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

...so of course, after a couple of weeks of gorgeous, Spring weather, it started raining promptly on Sunday afternoon. I've never had a Spring Break without rain, so really, I wouldn't know what to do if it were nice, anyway!

Thank goodness Mom was here Wednesday through Sunday, and she planned ahead with some art projects for the kids, and of course I always have popsicle sticks and tape handy. Plus, there is always the vacuumimg and dusting they can do...hey, Allison's the one with the asthma problems, so I think it's only fair that she is responsible for keeping the breathing air clean, right??? ;) Anyway...it'll be our turn to go visit mom in a few days...probably right after the rain clears our area and follows it down to ours! ha!

In other news...NOT happy with the Baby Nikon right now. Finally got the software loaded onto the computer, uploaded all 297 pictures. All is going well. Then it asks me if I want to go ahead and delete the pictures from my camera...wow! This is full service! Kodak didn't do that. So yeah, what the hell, let's do it. So now all pictures are deleted from the camera-full fresh memory is ready to go! And I'm groovin' along, adding tags and comments to some of the pictures when, BAM!!! Up pops this window saying something like, 'Oopsy! We've encountered a problem and have to shut down now and you and your pictures are fucked.' ALL, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE ONE of my pictures are GONE! Most of the pictures I was just playing anyway, but, there were a few really neat ones of the kids in action, some for the 'Flickr-Club-SA.com', and a whole entire 'Starbucks Series' that was really good!

I sat in Starbucks one day for an hour or so and took a bunch of pictures of Claire in stripey tights (!) and the atmosphere and the things people bring into Starbucks...like luggage...real, live, in use, sets of luggage. Why? We aren't in an airport-or even close to one. I don't think there is a luggage store around there, like they just bought some luggage and were stopping in Starbucks on their way out. Plus, had tags and stuff on them and they were definitely used. Couldn't they have just left them in the trunk of their car? Are they full of diamonds? Hundreds of thousands of dollars? The coolest shoes ever??? If so, why not leave one person in the car with the shoes, and let the other one run in and get their drinks?

People ask me why I love Starbucks so much, and this is why...Sociology, with a little Psychology thrown in. The sociology part is the best, though. You get every type of person in there, and they all seem to feel comfortable going there. Students in there studying with their books and laptops; some scary looking people; your average Betty Homemaker; new moms with tiny babies who have to get out of the house before they kill themselves; the very 'Social Elite' (or they think) who, frankly, I'm surprised are able to lower themselves to the Starbucks general public; business men and women running in and out; and...at least in my particular Starbucks...the VERY arrogant doctor who I like to play games with and try to beat him there by 11:45 and take the chair, "HIS CHAIR", where he sits for an hour to an our and a half every single day. He HAS TO be a surgeon...the only people with that much arrogancy and egos that big are surgeons, pilots, and the strain of Smith's I come from...and Aunt Carol-don't fall off your chair laughing at this! rofl!!! (Because it is absolutely true, y'all!) Anyway...the doctor. I LOVE to beat him in the chair race!!! I actually don't even like that chair because my back is against the door, but, when I win I have full view of all of his glares and utter distaste and disgust for me, for having the nerve to throw off his whole entire day, because his little was disrupted by having to sit in another spot. If he is there first, I really don't mind, because I get to sit by the windows and observe the wonderful little things life is made of, like this...the man who comes and gets a drink for himself and a cup of whipped cream for his two dogs to share.

My workout for the day! Brought to you by the Letter 'E'.

2007-02-28T08:31:00.000-06:00

Or just the first heart attack of the day...I'm sure the stroke will come later...

Trying to get Ethan to school, and I can't find my keys. Every single time I come in the door, I hang them on my Frida Kahlo Key Hanger that is right there...I made it Frida, so I'd want to look at it and then I'd remember to hang my keys there...it's always worked before.

But Frida let me down today.

Can't find my keyes anywhere! Found my purse underneath my bed (whaaa?) yesterday, so I'm even looking there. No keyes. I make a half jokingly/half serious remark about "We might have to walk to school today-I can't find my keyes."

Now...if I had told Ethan he had to walk to school or I would kill him, it would have gone in one ear and out the other. But not today! I had gone back upstairs to do another once over, came down, noticed it was rrrreeeeeeeeeeaallllyyy quiet, and ETHAN WAS GONE!

Rush to look outside, and he's not even on our street. Claire runs down the street and he's not around the corner.

I call the school, tell them "blah blah blah, so I think Ethan is walking to school. Can you give him about 5 or 10 minutes and call me if he makes it there or not?" She thinks I'm crazy and goes, "So...you THINK he is walking to school today but you don't KNOW???"

I told her yes, he's not here so he must be on his way to school.
Right??? lol!

Hang up, call Steven THREE TIMES BEFORE HE WILL ANSWER HIS PHONE...and tell him what's happening while Claire and I are running down the street in our pajamas in no shoes. Thank God I sleep in pajama pants and had put on a bra in anticipation of driving and dropping him off! lol!

Steven was going to leave work and come home or to the school or something...that wouldn't do any good at this point, so I just told him to call the school. He calls directly to Mr. Owens...poor Mr. Owens...I love that man! lol!

Claire and I are half naked and almost to the school when the receptionist calls, and he is there. Whew! So we turn around and go home, Steven calls me back and lets me know that Claire and I had just done about a little over a mile in like 7 minutes! That girl can run! I'm like wheezing and crawling on the ground, and she isn't even out of breath! I think we have a track star in our future! ha!

PLEASE DON'T FORGET!

2007-02-25T10:41:00.000-06:00

The Christian Carlos Fund Auction goes live on Ebay tomorrow, Feb. 26, 2007.

Go and bid on some beautiful art for a good cause, and help this little boy!

Yikes...it's been a while!

2007-02-25T10:36:00.000-06:00

*just copying and pasting from ArtSmith, so you'll know I'm still alive*

Too much going on here to even BEGIN to tell you...I don't think I even remember anything before 15 minutes ago-my brain has lost control of it's long and short term memory sections.

Just know that I'm still here...and working on projects between meeting with school principals and uh, "jail school wardens". Looooooonngg story!

And now, I have 2 hours to make a birthday present for a 4 year old and take a shower.

And uh, if you pray for people...you might want to start with me and Ethan! ha!

Ask a stupid question!

2007-02-09T11:42:00.000-06:00

Ethan has a doctor's appointment today, so I have to pick him up at school about a half hour earlier than he would normally get out. So today, I wrote a note for his teacher, so that he would have his things together in his backpack by then and be ready to go.

Last year, the last thing he had before they got out was PE, and it was always so hard when I had to pick him up then. When you come to pick up your child, they call from the office to the classroom where the child is. But, the gym is so loud, the teachers would never hear, then I would have to go up and get him then get his stuff and all that...blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, I'm driving him to school this morning and I'm telling him that I will be picking him up early, then I ask, "What's the last thing you do before you get out of school?" He just turns and looks at me like I am the King of the Idiots and says, "Dismissal, Mom!"

Ok, yeah. Maybe I could have worded that better!

Ugh!

2007-02-05T14:28:00.000-06:00

We are all taking turns with colds, viruses, pink-eye and whathaveyou. I don't think I can infect you through the internet but, don't come to my house.

New Rule: Children should go to school even when sick. Who cares if somebody else's kid gets pink-eye? They have drops for that and it's no big deal. Other parents send their sick kids to school and get Allison sick-which means SHE CAN'T BREATHE!-and obviously that's no biggie either. No one else cares about the health of my children, which can include life-or-death situations for Allison, so, why should I care about them? Not to mention that the germs and crap get spread all over the house and take their turns with Claire, Steven and me.

And the freakin' ice and snow! Don't forget about the children being trapped in the house for days during all of that! From now on...they can walk. Well, I'll get a sled for Allison. Walking home in the afternoons may be difficult, but sledding downhill for about 5 miles will be a blast in the mornings!

I think since Christmas Break was over, there have only been about 3 days when Al and E were both in school. Freud, Jung and Pavlov put together couldn't even BEGIN to understand my mental state at this point. Well, maybe Pavlov...if he could just set up a little deal where I could press the lever and some Dr Pepper or Krispy Kreme doughnuts, or, hey, maybe even a few tranquilizers would come out, that just might help. I'm a quick study for that kind of thing.

I need a shower and a nap. Maybe I'll go try one or both. Or maybe the tranquilizer thing...then I just won't care whether or not I've had either!

The Official George Clooneyton Action Figure!

2007-01-31T19:54:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is! I finally found it and took a picture of it...the action figure Claire made of the First President of the United States, George Clooneyton!

(Scroll down a few posts if you are confused.)

In other news...I got to meet Elizabeth from Lazy Life (link is over to the right) last weekend. She's as sweet as I thought she would be and Lulu is my new best friend in the whole world! However, without really knowing me, Elizabeth offered to go shopping with me, to all the funky shops down on Congress Ave. (We were in Austin.) I hope she didn't get more than she bargained for! Well, I know she did, because she did have to sit down for a while (pppffttttt!), but I just hope she recovered enough by Monday to make it into work! Not the first time I've shopped til the other person dropped! lol! Anyway, if she'll still have me, I'd like to be her friend. I, personally, had a blast, and it's great driving by myself all the way to Austin with no kids and good music!

You know, now that I think about it...a long distance relationship would be good for me!

Ooohhhhhhhhh...I hear the Law & Order song calling to me. I'll check back in later, when I'm really back to the land of the living. I came down with a cold that is going to leave me minus one lung. It's gonna end up hacked out on the floor like a hairball from the cats.

Isn't this cool?!?

2007-01-25T16:03:00.000-06:00

1. Target Dollar Deal Magazine-Sewing Basket, 2. Claire Writing Thank-You Notes, 3. White Elephant Tote-work in progress, 4. Inspiration, 5. Ethan Writing Thank-You Notes, 6. Follow your heart..., 7. ArtSmith/Lauri Self-Portrait 'Just to Introduce Myself', 8. Mrs. P's Christmas Tote, 9. Mrs. P's Christmas Tote Reversed, 10. Pincushion Swap from Me, 11. Krispy Creme Light Up Blinking Ornament, 12. Girls Denim and Black Dot Ruffle Skirt and Tote, 13. Flower at the San Antonio Zoo, 14. Stack of Purses, 15. Black and White Purse, 16. Vintage Stacking Owls from Gruene, 17. Lauri and Steven Pointing, 18. Vintage Chenille, 19. Pincushion Challenge Aug-Sept Recycled Sleeve Cuff, 20. Halloween Purse for Claire-2006, 21. Morning Coffee, 22. Allison-July 2006, 23. Lauri-Whole New World, 24. Lauri in Studio

Made by: Mosaic Maker

I really wanna know how they do this...

2007-01-24T16:49:00.000-06:00

Especially the Betsey Johnson part!!!

What Your Red Outfit Means

You're bold and risk taking when it comes to style.
You are proud of who you are. It doesn't matter what others think.
A complete flirt, men are drawn to your confidence.

Designer match: Betsey Johnson

Signature accessory: A studded leather hobo bag

What Does Your Favorite Outfit Say About You?

But...this one??? I never heard of her. I was hoping for Melissa Etheridge! I gotta remember that, "...lazy as white paint on the wall" comment! ha!

You Are Ani Difranco!

Honest, real, and well liked.
You're not limited by any boundaries.
"And you can call me crazy
But I think you're as lazy as white paint on the wall"

Who's Your Inner Rock Chick?

A funny thing happened on the way to Target...

2007-01-22T12:46:00.000-06:00

You really aren't out of money if you still have checks!

So, way back during the first week of January, I had to go to Target. So I'm saying to Steven, "I need the checks. Where are the checks?", and he motioned and mumbled like he always does, and I never understand but pretend I do. (If a doctor's talking was like his handwriting, that's what it sounds like.)

So I found a book of checks and grabbed it; Allison and I merrily on our way to Target, which is right next to World Market, and some other store was involved, but it's all blurry after that. Then we came home, and I haven't written a check since.

So the other day, Steven got something in the mail from our old bank in Houston...an account that has not been in use in over a year and a half, but was never completely closed. It had like 5 bucks in it or something. Anyway, SOMEONE had written some checks off that account all over San Antonio, they all bounced, we had accummulated a bit of debt with all the charges, and I've got the phone in my hand, ready to dial 911 ASAP because Steven was having a heart attack!

All I could understand with all the heavy breathing were words here and there..."Amoco" "checks" "$191.82!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "fees" "$75.00!!" "What" "the" "Fuck!" "Stolen identity" "Lawyer. We have lawyers for this." "FUCK!" "I can NEVER get things under control!" ...oh, and the pacing...I forgot to tell you about the pacing..."We're screwed!" "I'm gonna have to go to jail." "You think your Mom can help you with the kids?" "Holy Shit, Lauri! What am I gonna do?".

Of course, nothing I could say would help to calm him down at all. And all I knew was...It wasn't me! This was the one thing he couldn't blame me for, because I didn't even know that account still existed, much less that we actually had checks for it. And the fact that he would have them out in plain view for me to just grab and run off to Target or Barnes & Noble or anywhere??? No. Way.

I finally told him he had to stop or he was going to have a heart attack, and asked if that was what he really wanted? His response? "Your Dad! Can I talk to your Dad? He would know what to do!" So I get Dad on the phone, and guess what Dad told him...THE EXACT SAME EXACT THINGS I HAD EXACTLY BEEN TELLING HIM TO DO EXACTLY THE NEXT DAY, EXACTLY!!! But for some reason, this means nothing coming from ME, who was raised my Mr. Finance himself, and had been grilled and drilled daily for like 23 years or something. Ahhh...I remember our first Financial Meeting...Buras, LA...somewhere around 1972...mom was out for the night and dad didn't have any idea of what to do with me and Brian...so he taught us how bank accounts and checks and credit cards work. ;) Just kidding Dad...but, you and I both know it's true!

Steven did calm down a little at this point, but he just kept searching and searching for that checkbook. I was just glad I didn't have anything to do with it!

Steven: "I found the checkbook!"
Me: "Oh good."
Steven: "It was in the bottom of your backpack."
Me: *insert wide-eyed shocked face here* "Huh?"
Steven: "Yeah. You wrote these checks."
Me: "Oh good! Now you know someone didn't steal your identity!" *Big Smile Here*

Somehow, he didn't see the bright side in this; that it was me and not someone else.

Sometimes, he just has no sense of humor!

Anyway...we got it all worked out, and went and apologized and explained what happened to Target...for real...because I couldn't afford to be Blacklisted from there. And frankly, neither could they!

Claire made breakfast for me...

2007-01-12T08:22:00.000-06:00

She actually has made my breakfast twice this week. One morning it was a salad...of celery stalks and leaves, carrots, bananas, apples (including the core) and SALT! Somehow I managed to get rid of that one before she knew about it.

But this one was much better! How could I refuse?

NEWS FLASH!

2007-01-06T14:11:00.000-06:00

The reknowned historian, Claire, has just announced that the First President of the United States was George Clooneyton!

*I am NEVER going to stop laughing from that one!*

On to other business...Target Business...there is some GREAT new stuff at Target! In their "One Dollar to $2.50 Section", they have a bunch of Curious George stuff...memo pads, pens, tiny Georges, coloring books and some stationary packs. I picked up a couple of coloring books for the kids-these were actually a dollar, which I'm afraid is actually a bargain for coloring books these days!

And I got a little package of pens and 2 packs of the stationary, also. These packages are really cute-there is a pad of paper for writing your letters on in the middle, then there are envelopes on either side. When it's open it looks like this...

Then it closes up and looks like this.

The big plus...IT WORKS! It actually got Ethan and Claire to write thank-you notes for Christmas gifts!

HEY MA! Remember these shoes??? Although back in the early 70's they were tan. But, you wouldn't let me have a pair. Kelly Kleinpeter had some, though, so we traded...I don't remember what pair I gave her in return, but you made me trade her back. Well, I bought my own now! And I'm 40 years old and you can't make me return them! lol! Another Target bargain. They had them in tan, also, but I like dark brown better.

Claire has been wanting cowboy boots for a while. She was wearing a pair of Ethan's old ones, from when he went through his 'Superman in Cowboy Boots' stage. (Wish I had a picture of that!!!) Anyway, she's grown out of them, and she found these pink ones at Target and had to have them. And how can I refuse my 'shoe daughter' new shoes, when she inherited the disease from me? So here she is, looking so tough in her new pink boots.

And here's a close up...

You can also see another cute Target find over at ArtSmith. I really should be a contributor to the "Slave to Target" blog! lol!

Quick! Hurry, please!

2007-01-02T18:24:00.000-06:00

Something is very wrong here in BlogSmith land! Take their temperatures, call the doctors (pediatrician, psychologist and psychiatrist), do some DNA testing , or whatever you have to do! The children I gave birth to are not in this house today.

And how do I know this, you wonder?

There has been NO TV all day long!

WHAT THE F*CK?!? (see, I knew that would be your response!)

Yep, that's right...the kids have been home all day today (they go back to school tomorrow) and not only have they not watched TV, it Hasn't. Even. Been. Turned. On! Plus...I've only had to intervene in, I think, 3 fights/arguments.

Not to mention that I braved the vaccuum cleaner once again. I even vaccuumed between the cushions on the couch! Sucked up a lot of chunky things...don't know what they were because I was too afraid to even look, but I bet they were Legos.

Something weird is going on in 2007!

It's hard to blog when everyone is home!

2006-12-31T16:20:00.000-06:00

Kids home from school, husband home from work...that all equals 'too much stuff happening around me'. We had a nice Christmas, but I don't think I got to spend more than 5 minutes with my mom. Seriously. I was really sad when she left. Plus, the few days around Christmas are always really tough with Ethan...too much excitement, stuff going on, new stuff, whatever...just puts him in an awful mood which makes it hard on everyone.

Steven decided to start on putting in "wood"-not real wood, but the fake whatever they call it wood-floors. We have always planned on painting, also, so I thought we should paint before the new floor, so he's doing that right now. It only took us 5 tries to get the right color green. We wanted a Sage Green, but everything is either minty or too dark. He first painted the whole downstairs hallway, and it was so light that you could only tell the difference between the new green and the old white if you knew to look for it! So we picked 2 more colors and got a quart of each. One was so dark the house would have looked like a cave, and the other was totally mustard yellow! Mind you, we were putting a lot of thought into this...not just throwing a dart at random colors. So back to Lowe's for 2 more quarts of different colored greens. Finally, one of them worked ok, and we weren't going to mess with it anymore! Why can't they make those samples more true to life???

So far, he's gotten the downstairs hallway and the kitchen. Oh...and I bought curtains for the kitchen and got them up right before Christmas, and Molly has been climbing on them and now they are full of holes. (She climbs the curtains when she's not trying to climb up the chimney. She is so dirty! And we have to pin the gate closed in the middle to keep her out!) I have big plans on curtains for the family room, but...I'm rethinking those. Oh well, we've already gone a year and a half without curtains....

Also...I'm going to redo my office and make it a real craft room/studio/Mommy's Work! I can't wait to get started on that! I was going to do it this past week, also, but now I think I'll just wait until Ethan and Allison are back in school. It also involves the new flooring and paint (but not green) and new shelving so I'll have somewhere to put my stuff other than the floor. And as soon as I can find my camera, I will take a before picture-because you wouldn't believe me if I told you how bad it is anyway. lol! Well, maybe my mom would, because I grew up in her house...and she tried to walk in there last week. "Tried" being the operative word here.

Just in case anyone was wondering if the girls were actually my children or not (there's never really been a question about Claire, but Allison does lean more toward Steven's side), Allison is heading full-speed into Teenagedom, and is now growing cultures and various other things in her room in the bowls and glasses she leaves in there, hidden for weeks at a time. You know, just like mom taught me to do when I was a kid. And Claire has been announcing, "We need a maid!". LOL! I totally agree!

It's hard to clean house when everyone is home, too!

That's about it for our holidays so far...everyone fairly healthy and no one hurt and no ER trips. Well, unless you count my vaccuuming accident yesterday. That's what I get for trying to be domestic. It didn't require a trip to the ER, but, I did cry, so you know it hurt! It was worse than childbirth AND breaking that bone in my foot put together!

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy 2007!

Happy Holidays to all!

2006-12-25T00:09:00.000-06:00

Let's just keep this our little secret...

2006-12-18T12:50:00.000-06:00

...and not tell Santa until AFTER Christmas!

Your Wrath Quotient: 65%

Everyone around you pretty much fears your wrath... which is probably what you want.
But just remember, there's a very thin line between fear and hate!

How Much Wrath Do You Have?

Why does this keep repeating in my head?

2006-12-13T12:17:00.000-06:00

So you know the song, "Here Comes Santa Clause"? Well, for about the last week, it's playing over and over and over in my head.
But, when it gets to the part about:

Bells are ringing
Children singing
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings and say your prayers
Cause Santa comes tonight

Instead of "Hang your stockings and say your prayers", I keep singing "So drink your coffee and say your prayers". Why? I guess because I'm looking at it as a mother, rather than a child. But, shouldn't I substitute something a little stronger? Like the Jack and Coke I could always have at my mom and dad's Christmas Eve parties? Crown Royal? Tequila? Margaritas? Hmmm...margaritas sounds good there...

"So drink your margaritas and say your prayers..."

That settles it. Margaritas all around!

The Real Lyrics for "Here Comes Santa Claus"

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
Oh what a beautiful sight
So jump in bed and cover your head
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He'll come around when the chimes ring out
That it's Christmas morn again
Peace on earth will come to all
It we just follow the light
So lets give thanks to the lord above
That Santa Claus comes tonight!

So I spent the WHOLE morning...

2006-12-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

...setting up an Etsy shop! Just click on the Etsy button on the right sidebar. The name of the shop is 'munkeepod' (well, duh, since that's the name of the business and all) and hopefully I can get the website going soon and consolidate these 2 blogs and have lots more stuff over there.

Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing, but, it isn't as easy as it sounds. I managed to get 3 things listed...just totebags. I'll work on some other stuff later. I have to take pictures of everything and write up descriptions and all that, and that takes a lot of time. I should delegate those kinds of things to my assistant, but...last week when I asked her to do something for me, she said, "Hey, you could be your own assistant!", and went about her business. I haven't gotten a formal resignation, but I don't think she's working for me anymore! lol!

OMG! It's "snowing"!!!

2006-12-08T15:16:00.000-06:00

It is so cold here that right this very second it is sleeting outside! Ethan and Claire think it's snowing, so they are running around yelling, "It's snowing! It's snowing!"

Allison is having a "social" after school-they can't call them "dances" anymore, and they can't have them at night. **Just inserting my opinion here: I think that really sucks! Even though they were Middle School Nightmares to me, they are like a Rite of Passage. It is really sad how one or two people, literally, can ruin something for everyone. OK-off soapbox now.** Anyway, it's like driving through the mountains to get to Allison's school. You are either going straight up or straight down. She may just have to spend the night there! lol!

Our Evening in Gruene, TX

2006-12-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

Saturday evening, Dec. 2, was when the City of Gruene had their town Christmas Lighting. I have to admit the lights were not quite as spectacular as I thought they would be, but, the shopping was 100% better!!!

They were also having their "Market Days", which are normally the 3rd weekend of the month, but we didn't have time to even look around at all of that. But...the very first shop we went into had these marvelous ceramic sculptures by Sandy Coulter of 'Full of Spirit Creations'. They were all so beautiful! And the red one was screaming out to me, "I am yours! I was made for you!". It was one of the bigger sculptures, and I just couldn't buy it right now with Christmas coming up. I'm just praying it will still be there in January. I was able to afford one of her smaller sculptures...and it was even my second favorite, so I didn't feel like I was settling. The picture doesn't do it justice, but here it is anyway.

By the time we got out of that shop, I had about 2 minutes to zoom through an antique shop-real, live, 100+ year old antiques-with some very cool and beautiful things!

By then, we had to run on down to town center to see the lighting. Then we had to wait for Cowboy Kringle to get there. A local Santa, I suppose, riding on a horse. The kids (Ethan and Claire) thought he was great. He finally hitched up his horse, made his proclimation, did the countdown and voila! The Christmas lights all came on! Got this shot of Claire on Steven's shoulders.

Then, everybody in town made a beeline for The Grist Mill restaurant! That place is great! Of course, the perfect weather didn't hurt...but there is a HUGE park size waiting area outside, that is lighted and fenced, so if you are keeping an eye on your kids at all, you can't lose them. We had to wait an hour but it was no problem. Ethan, as usual, made friends with two other boys and ran around the whole time, and Allison and Claire just kept themselves entertained with different things.

And the food! It was all so good, and the Chocolate Sundaes the kids got for dessert were, I think, actually Chocolate Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays! Huge freakin' big! I think they only ate about a third of them.

From there we walked around town a little bit. We went into the General Store, but it wasn't anything real special. However, across the street is an "antique" store...but mostly a "vintage store". Anyway, they had some wonderful things! And I only got through about 1/8 of it before they kicked us out so they could close! lol! I did buy 3 things, though...one was this vintage Vera Christmas tablecloth.

Another was this vintage Christmas apron. They had several, but I love this one. Now I'm going to have to come up with a Christmas outfit to match it!

And this is my favorite thing of all! These little nesting owls! I thought there would be 3 in there, but they just kept on going and going...the tiniest one is sooo cute!

I'll leave you with this picture of the whole family that this nice drunk lady took. She was nice enough, but, she wouldn't wait for anyone to get settled, and we were all on the far right edge with part of Ethan's face chopped off, and some other girl in a very plump pink coat like I had in 1972 was the whole rest of the picture! Thank goodness for editing! lol!

The 'D-List'?!?

2006-12-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

Give me a break! I know these stories are more interesting that that! lol! But hey...still better than my math grades in elementary, middle, high school AND college!

We're off to Gruene (Green), TX today, for some Christmasy celebrationy type stuff...including SHOPPING from INDIE artists and craftsters! Also in search of the elusively defining question..."Just what is "vintage" anyway?"

If anyone here knows, please let me know. The answer seems to be defined generationally.

Around the table...

2006-11-30T12:17:00.000-06:00

Now that Blogger is allowing pictures on my blog again, here is a little more of our Thanksgiving Day. First of all, I should introduce you to everyone...

So here we go, around the table: I'm taking the pictures of course, so here on my right are Ethan, Steven and Claire.

And here on my left is Allison, my mom and my dad.

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the obligatory "drumbstick shots" (which just reminded me that we never did the wishbone!). Here is Ethan trying to manage his drumbstick, but the meat was literally dropping off of the bone!

Claire with her's...

The only way I get into a picture is if I take it of myself. That day I decided to take a 'nice' picture of Steven and myself. Steven had other ideas in mind...he just wanted to be silly.

After about half a dozen pictures, you can see my disdain. lol! But really, I think this is just our personality...it's hard for us to take a serious picture. I remember when we were having our engagement picture taken we couldn't take it seriously...and when we did get a 'nice' one, it just didn't look right. After I don't know how many pictures, I lost trust in him completely, and while he was sitting there looking like an angel, I'm looking at him with my head straight ahead, but my eyeballs were looking at him at a 90 degree angle, and the photographer snapped the picture...much like this one below...and that's the one we put in the paper! lol! But it was totally us! And what? 14 years later? We're still the same.

In the beginning...

2006-11-27T19:21:00.000-06:00

So we leave SA for Houston on Thursday. IMMEDIATELY I start getting car sick...which really doesn't happen anymore. But I'm feeling awful, and my head bouncing around is just making it worse. I happened to mention to Steven that what I needed was one of those little neck things that they make for babies to hold their heads up in the carseat.

Oh yeah. And Claire had no shoes. None. Nothing on her feet or in her suitcase. The poor neglected child with no shoes.

So we finally make it to Luling and Buc-ee's...where I head straight for the Dramamine aisle. Steven disappeared somewhere else, but I didn't really care...all I wanted was a Dr Pepper to down the Dramamine with. Then here he comes, my knight in shining armor, with a Buc-ee's neck rest thing! It's a beaver that wraps around your neck and holds your head up and straight. I think it is now my most favorite possession! just look at this! How could you not fall in love with a rabid looking beaver that is about to bite your head off?!?

After that, I thought Buc-cee's had everything...so we are looking for some flip-flops for Claire, but they got nothin'. Wal-Mart was open Thanksgiving Day though, so we got her some shoes there...you know, the traditional "Thanksgiving Crocs". LOL!

And get this...even with all of that, we still made it to Mom and Dad's in only 4 hours! It has never taken us less than 5, so that's pretty good.

When we arrived, everything was ready and it was time to eat. I didn't have time to get pictures of the food before hand, but, here's an after...

I did get a couple of in-betweens though...

OK-Blogger won't let me add the 'in-betweens'. Oh how I love Blogger! Don't you love Blogger, too? Anyway...guess I'll go watch 'Law & Order' and hopefully be able to post the rest of the story tomorrow!

The Fish Funeral

2006-11-21T13:12:00.000-06:00

Allison's fish, Linda, died yesterday. Of course she decides to have the whole funeral thing around the toilet, and even made invitations for everyone:

What? Linda's Funeral
Where? Allison and Claire's Bathroom
When? When I say so.

(she has time commitment problems, I guess.)

Anytime something dies, it really upsets Ethan and he gets very emotional. He spent a lot of time making hearts out of construction paper for Linda. Claire made Linda two pair of construction paper pants. (I have no idea...)

Allison finally announces it's time...so we all gather 'round the toilet. I about busted out laughing when I see the lid up and a construction paper grave marker leaned up against it! I wanted to run and get the camera, but I thought maybe it wouldn't be appropriate. It said:

RIP
Linda
You were a good fish!

So, Steven scooped Linda out of her tank with the net thing and we all say something nice about her. Ethan is getting very weepy. Steven walks over to the toilet from the counter where the sinks are and dumps her in the toilet and Ethan REALLY starts to cry. Steven looks at Allison and asks, "Who's going to flush?", and before he can finish, "You or me?", Claire is leaping into the air trying to fly over Steven and yells, "I WILL!", like it's a really fun ride at Six Flags or something. Allison decided to flush, and Ethan, who I've had my arm around, starts totally bawling and turns around to grab and hug me and almost knocks me to the ground! I finally got him calmed down and had him lay down in our bed and he fell asleep almost immediately.

Out of respect for Linda, the girls won't use their toilet now, so they've been using ours ever since. There are TWO other bathrooms they could use, but what's the fun in that since there wouldn't be any reason to jump around and try to hold it in until Mommy or Daddy is finished? It's amazing how perfect their timing is! lol!

There's a new Target in town!

2006-11-16T15:27:00.000-06:00

I thought you people were my friends...but no one even told me a Target was even being built here, much less already opened! I had to discover it all on my own. Well, Allison actually told me about it...and when she did, the first thing I did was load her up in the Jeep and go check it out! We may have actually been the first customers. Or at least there on the first day it opened, because these pictures were taken about 7:00pm, and I'm pretty sure we were the only people in the store besides the employees. Check out the parking lot and store front...

There is a big stone wall off to the right with a giant hole in it (yes, it was built that way on purpose) that Allison loves to climb through! lol!

Yeah, so I took these pictures right before Halloween and I'm only getting them up now...oh well. But...this is Gormet Candy Corn. Huh? I wonder if it actually tastes better than regular candy corn. I don't know, because I'm not willing to be the taste tester there.

As if the Gourmet Candy Corn wasn't bad enough, check out the Candy Corn Soda! Eeewww! That makes my stomach rebel just thinking about it! Allison bought some though, with her own money, because she thought it would be so wonderfully delicious. She wouldn't admit that it really was gross, but, I'm thinking she was glad it was only a 4-pack! lol!

For some reason, it's not technically a "Super" Target. Although, it does have a Starbucks and check out this "Aisle of Chocolate", aka, "The Chocolate Wall"! I heard the angels singing as I walked down this row. How can this NOT be a Super Target???

Conversations with Claire

2006-11-13T16:20:00.000-06:00

She and Ethan are playing out in the backyard and Claire comes running in crying that Ethan is calling her a "baby". Which is the worst thing a 5 year old can be called. So she is just bawling and I'm trying to calm her down and she finally stops and says, "Can't you just send him to military school?"

How does she even know what military school is??? lol!

The Newest News

2006-11-11T11:57:00.000-06:00

Due to some very unethical behavior within the group...behavior that I did not want to be associated with in any way...I have quit.

I'm sleeping better than I have in a long time, I can run my business the way I want to run it, have to free time to actually catch up on swaps (YES! I do remember and I'm so sorry I have allowed this to completely take over my life!) and hey...maybe even do some things for my self on the side...just don't tell the kids! lol!

I have also learned some lessons along the way, and that is the most important thing of all.

We gots a new bike rider in da hizzous!

2006-11-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

(Do I sound cool??? rofl!)

So Claire has been wanting us to take her training wheels off of her bike. No way! Not on this mountain we live on! Allison and Ethan learned to ride in the Flatlands...aka: Houston, TX. Here in SA, however, we live on a freakin' mountain, and no way were we gonna just let her go...down our street...to fly off the cliff...straight into the valley...to become a coyote snack!

Well, Sunday, she, Allison and one of Allison's friends where out riding bikes in the street. One of her training wheels came off, so, rather than come tell one of her adults, she just took off the other training wheel! (I'm tellin' ya, that girl can do anything!)

I *think* Allison held the seat of her bike for just a second so Claire could get her balance, then she just took off! A perfect bike rider! They come in and say, "Come look outside for a second." And there she was, out riding around the circle, getting up on the sidewalk, getting down off the sidewalk...up and down the mountain...a bike riding champ.

Of course, Ethan learned to ride as quickly as Claire did, but like I said, it was on totally flat ground. I think Steven had to hold Allison's bike and run with her twice, and the third time she took off and that was it.

Claire has perfect bike riding posture though. Always has, like it's a natural born gift. Even going up steep hills, she stands up, bends at the waist keeping her spine straight, and uses the muscles in her legs to keep climbing. She only moves from the hips down. We have never talked to the kids about that at all-it's just all natural for her. No wiggling her hips back and forth or any of that.... I think I'll head on up to Austin and have a talk with Lance. I'm sure he would love to train her, because he will know, like I do, that she will be the first woman to win the Tour de France.

And don't even get me started on how fast she can run! Y'all just thought Ethan was fast. Claire is like a flash...you see some color zoom by and feel the breeze that follows, and that's it. She's outrun 9 year old boys down a street and up a full flight of stairs to the front door of a house, and the closest one behind her was still down on the landing! I'm tellin' ya...the girl is gonna win a gold medal some day.

OMG! Look!!!

2006-11-05T19:03:00.000-06:00

My website is up!!! It's not all finished-it really only has the home page, but it's there! He'll be loading pictures and getting the blog ready soon. This is so COOL!!!

www.munkeepod.com

PS-Steven did the monkeys in the pod drawing.

She wanted to mop!

2006-11-02T21:32:00.000-06:00

Claire decided yesterday that she wanted to mop the floor. Who am I to say no to that? lol! So I got her the Swiffer Wet Jet thing, and she is mopping in the kitchen while I'm in the dining room, sewing.

I didn't really notice her technique in the kitchen but, when she got to the entry hall, I realized that she just sprays all over the floor, then rides the mop around like a stick horse...or a witch on her broom! lol!

Whatever works!

Oh no!

2006-10-31T17:20:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's Halloween already! I totally forgot the pumpkins! Managed to remember the candy, though. :)

And...I can't find my camera! Allison is a Hula Girl and Claire is an Angel, and they look so cute!!! Ethan is his regular-some sort of Ninja. I don't think he has ever been anything else, except for the year he turned one, he was a monkey.

I'm going to keep looking for my camera...

This Motherhood Gig...

2006-10-26T14:38:00.000-05:00

Just doesn't pay enough! I don't even get good benefits! I have decided that the one thing we (mothers) REALLY NEED is Worker's Comp. insurance!

Seriously...not to even mention the wrinkles and gray hair and insanity the children have given me, this week alone I've gotten a broken foot and a nice little slash in the top of my hand with the rotary cutter, because I had to look at Claire instead of what I was doing. One of these days, I'm gonna lose a finger I tell ya! Plus, what if all these make-overs with so much lipstick I'm sure it's going to stain my face permanently, or, what if she actually cuts my hair with real live scissors instead of the pretend ones she is supposed to be using? Who is going to pay for these things?

And really...worst of all...are the "salads" Claire comes up with that resemble that new Barf Bowl that Kentucky Fried Chichen just came out with. You know, the "Stoner Bowl", the "I'm so fucking stoned with major munchies I'll eat anything, even if just looking at it makes me throw up Bowl"? Her "salads" really do resemble those things. She claims they are really good though. But, as a woman who doesn't like her food to touch, I'm pretty sure it would kill me. So you're talking all the funeral costs, there.

This is me, about to get beaten over the head with Cascarrones at Easter. A concussion waiting to happen.

I say we make our own union, "Mothers for Compensation", and start our own movement.
"Fight, Unite, for Motherhood Rights"

Hey...it could happen...

She's taking lessons from Ethan...

2006-10-23T18:37:00.000-05:00

Claire and subtlety mix about as well as oil and water. You always know right where you stand with her, you always know exactly what she wants...basically, she doesn't hold anything back so you always know exactly what she is thinking at any given moment.

Apparently she has been taking lessons on this from Ethan.

This morning, after I got Al and E off to school, I did something I never do...I flopped back down on my bed and thought I would watch the news, because I think the last time I saw any local or national news at all, was the day Meredith Viera took over the Today Show. The last thing I remember is reaching for the remote control.

I swear I must have a brain tumor or something...1) I ALWAYS make the bed AS SOON AS I get up. It's totally compulsive, and I cannot do anything else until the bed is made. And this morning, I didn't make it, which made it very easy to flop back into. 2) I ACTUALLY FELL ASLEEP WHEN THE SUN WAS OUT! Ethan and I are both roosters; we cannot sleep during the day. It's impossible. But...I did today and that means I must be sick...very sick.

So anyway...Claire comes in and asks me to make her some popcorn. I'm sure I mumbled something about, "Sure...be right there...whatever.", and Claire went back to doing whatever it was she was doing before. Apparently, her popcorn wasn't arriving so, she came back in telling me I needed to get up and asking for more popcorn. Then she says, "Here, let me turn on the TV to make you stay awake." lol!

So I got out of bed, washed my face, put on some clothes (because if I don't do it before I leave my room, I'll end up in my pajamas all day) then started making the bed. However, Claire's plan to get me downstairs and making her popcorn wasn't working fast enough, so she devised a new plan...Plan B.

So...I'm standing there making the bed and Claire walks in, holding the box of popcorn in her hands and says, "Hey! Let's play like we are a popcorn making company!"

I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!

Subtle, isn't he?

2006-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Ethan's not so thrilled with riding the school bus anymore. It's hot. It's noisey, and there is lots of chaos...which typically sends him over the edge. So, he's been wanting me to take him to school and pick him up. I really don't mind taking him, but I just cannot pick him up every day! I'm usually trying to work and lose track of time, then I'm late, then I have to go park and get him out of the office.... He has a VERY short ride home, and, in accordance with his 504 and IEP, he has his own seat right behind the bus driver, which, if he would just sit there and not worry about everyone else, would greatly reduce the amount of time and energy he would normally have to expend dealing with the other kids. He CAN do it...he just doesn't WANT to.

When just asking and begging me to pick him up didn't work, he stepped up his plan to get off the bus. Stepped it up so much in fact, that he was suspended from the bus. Well, like I told the Vice Principal and Steven...he got just what he wanted because guess who had to take him and pick him up in the car!

So...I sat him down and we had a little talk. He could either sit down in his seat, face straight ahead and not worry about what the other kids were doing and enjoy his bus ride home, OR, I would WALK him to school-which he really doesn't want to do-and, not only would we just be walking, but, because of other ways in which he and Claire have been acting out (fighting, biting, RUNNING OUT INTO THE STREET IN FRONT OF CARS AND BUSES, and I cannot keep them both safe when I am by myself) I would be walking them on leashes. Which was a great idea Mom gave me! ;) We even bought 2 leashes I can hook onto a belt loop on their jeans/shorts, and told him I would walk him right up to the front door of the school, not removing the leash until then to ensure his safety.

He is NOT happy with that idea.

Claire thinks it's about the best thing she's ever heard...we can play "puppies"!!

The threat is working so far...no complaints since 'The Talk'. But he's not giving up that easy, no sir! He drew this picture at school yesterday and gave it to me when he got home. He didn't even talk about it...just a "Hey, this is what I did today", kind of thing.

"I want to be a car rider." Ethan-Oct. 2006

This was one of those times when I hope he didn't see that I was "-" close to busting out laughing before I had to start thinking about baseball or something to take my mind off of it! lol! It's definitely a keeper! I think I'll frame it and hang it in my office.

What's new?

2006-10-20T14:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I broke my foot again. At least I still have the uber sexy and fashionable "Boot"...as seen here, relaxing in Starbucks a few months ago. I think this time around, I am attatching a munkeepod label to it.

And I just have to make sure everyone in the universe sees this picture at least once! It was Kat's idea...she just told everyone that she had an idea, and needed to take a picture of each one of us looking up. Then she put it all together. Of course, once again, I am the different one in the picture, with my chin resting in my hands. But I think it's good! Actually, I think it's perfect! I just don't know how come I am always different...ok, now who's singing:

One of these things is not like the others?
One of these things just doesn't belong?

Then I can't remember the rest...I was never a big Sesame Street fan.

So...taa-daaaaaa!

Here's the lineup, left to right...
Adriana, Myriam, Kat, Lauri, Luli and Cece

About this week...

2006-10-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

It's all about Ladyfest!

Oops.

2006-10-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

I think I completely skipped over the fact that Steven and I just had our 14th Anniversary this week! October 10. Mom was here last weekend, so she babysat while Steven and I went to The Melting Pot...which has to be the best restaurant ever! All that melted chocolate...Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

He has definitely grown a lot since our 10th...when I had to drive myself to Domino's and pick up our pizza, because he had no clue that 10 years could possibly be special.

But that's all I'll say about that. The rest would just bring everybody down and probably actually make you believe that he really is a dumb bastard. However, he really is a genius, and has proven that several times-Dean's List every single semester of college, complete academic scholarship, and in life in general-and he's not really a bastard. He does happen to be a son-of-a-bitch, though...and those of you who know Julie, know that statement is entirely true!

Moving on...

Tip of the Day: When your kids come to you and say, "Mom, can I eat this in my room?", you just respond, "Just make sure you bring a paper towel and don't get any crumbs on the floor because roaches and scorpions will come in your room if there are crumbs in the carpet."...Suddenly, eating in the kitchen doesn't seem like a bad deal at all! ROFL!!!

School Holiday=Ice Cream

2006-10-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

Sprinkles anyone?

Today was a school holiday. I think they actually needed it...we all just sort of lounged around all day. Ethan especially, which is unusual for him, so I'm thinking he REALLY must have needed it!

On Friday, Ethan actually got ANOTHER "good phone call home", because he completed a cursive writing 'class' that he actually volunteered to take all on his own, because he wanted to improve his handwriting. I knew that he was learning to write in cursive, which I was shocked about to begin with because that's a 3rd grade thing, and he is in 2nd. But then to find out he actually asked on his own if he could do it? I had NO idea...until the Principal called on Friday to inform me of that, and to tell me that the Cursive Writing Teacher said that Ethan has The Best cursive handwriting she has EVER seen in a 2nd grader! Whoo-hoo Ethan! We have always told him how great his cursive writing is, because seriously...it is actually really beautiful and perfect! Getting outside confirmation of that is really great though. I personally think it is so nice because he doesn't have to pick up his pencil, then put it back down again to start another letter...it's more like drawing. One of his Learning Disabilities has to do with his not being able to, or at least having a VERY hard time with tracking. So whether it's reading or writing, he has a very hard time going back to where he was once his eyes move away. BTW...his printing his hideous and practically unreadable, so this is just a wonderful accomplishment!

ANYWAY...all that to explain why we had all of that ice cream, hot fudge and sprinkles in the house. Friday evening we had a celebration for Ethan's accomplishment by making our own ice cream sundaes. We all raised our spoons and clinked a toast to Ethan's Cursive Handwriting! lol!

So today, Ethan and Claire wanted to make their own sundaes again. Which was great for me, because I got to lick the hot fudge spoon! lol!

Here's a shot of Claire eating her ice cream and sprinkles. Or should I say, her sprinkles with a little ice cream to go with them?

And a shot of Ethan's hand spooning ice cream into his mouth so fast, it's just a swoosh!

Did you know?

2006-10-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

That dinosaurs used to live in barns...before the other animals and the farmer got there?

Today's 'History of the Dinosaurs' lesson is brought to you by Claire...who apparently learned all about this on "Higgleytown Heroes". I hadn't realized that Nickelodeon was so educational! rofl!

Adventures with the Mafia

2006-09-30T15:43:00.000-05:00

I have my first official 'sit-down' today! I wonder if Kat will make us kiss her ring?

Yeah, that's about right...

2006-09-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

You May Be a Bit Schizotypal...

A bit odd and socially isolated.
You couldn't care less of what others think.
And some of your beliefs are a little weird.
Like that time you thought you were Jesus.

What Personality Disorder Are You?

I never really thought I was Jesus, and know damn well I'm not Mary! But, I'm sure I've thought something equally as weird at some point. Come to think of it, I am a Smith after all...and we all think we're God...maybe that's what it's talking about! rofl!

Moving on...ever had one of those days where you get absolutely nothing done? Like, not even a shower? Well, I've had a whole week like that! I did get to take showers yesterday AND today, though.

It's been that way mostly because Ethan's been sick this week...started Sunday. By Wednesday he hadn't run a fever in 24 hours and seemed much better, so I sent him to school. It was only a half day, but when he walked in the door he looked worse than ever. Poor baby! Then yesterday evening he was telling me about how his "right nostril" hurt...and there was a bad smell. Ah-ha! Sinus infection. Of course, it was too late to call the pediatrician and make an appointment, so we had to wait until this morning. Then, he woke up and threw up-which is actually a bonus, because that way the doctor will work you right in! lol! The verdict was, of course, a sinus infection. Poor thing! Last week-well, 2 weeks ago-he had that absess in his tooth/gums, from where a filling had fallen out. He did a 10 day course of amoxicillin, then last Thursday went back and had that tooth taken care of. We've just been a whirlwind of dentists, psychologists and pediatricians!

Today was also the conference with his teacher. He is doing so great in school this year! I'm still in love with her after a month and a half of school, so she's doing something right! (Actually, I think Ethan is just a little bit in love with her, too! hee-hee!) Don't tell him I told you that! Anyway, she's very wonderful, as is his new Special Ed. teacher. They both have learned how to deal with him and keep their voices low and calm-he hates loud noises and loud voices, and it really gets to him. (I don't know HOW I got to be his mother!!! Certainly, if that had been taken into consideration, he would have been placed elsewhere!) I'm definitely going to have to make them something special, and soon!

And, I have my first 'mafia sitdown' this weekend...we've gotta bunch of business to take care of. Can't wait for that! I know I'm such a goober, but it's all very exciting to me. OH! And I got a gig on Monday talking to a group of 3rd graders at their Career Day! So that's pretty cool. I'll let y'all know how that goes. We are also taking part in the Ladyfest Arts & Crafts show the weekend of the 20th. So, between career day, Ladyfest and Stitch (Nov. 11, in Austin) this has basically turned into a full-time job! So...let's hope it starts paying like one! lol!

Proud to announce...

2006-09-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

I am the newest member of the San Antonio Craft Mafia! I cannot believe I am actually there! It's the greatest group of women...hardworking and serious about what we are doing. It's gonna be great!

Who would have guessed? Pffftttt!

2006-09-17T18:39:00.000-05:00

You Are 10% Left Brained, 90% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.
Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.
If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.
Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.
Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.
If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.
Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

She called my lawyer...

2006-09-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

Since Claire missed the cutoff for Kindergarten this year, I told her that her job is to be my assistant. She does a pretty good job, but yesterday she told me that she called my lawyer, and he said I could take the day off, and that she would give me a make-over.

Well, if the lawyer said so, I guess I have to comply!

New Pink Dr. Scholl's

2006-09-09T18:10:00.000-05:00

New Pink Dr. Scholl's, originally uploaded by artsmith_satx.

My birthday shoes! I love all shoes, but especially pink ones!

Conversations with Claire

2006-09-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

So...Allison and Claire are in the backseat of the car talking about something...can't remember what...and Claire said some word (again, can't remember what-LOL!) that was obviously a more mature word than she would normally use...

Allison: Wow, Claire! You really are getting a big vocabulary!

Claire: Well...I didn't fart if that's what you mean!

ROFLMAOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I cannot believe we are all still alive and have never crashed the car in the middle of these "conversations"!!!

Man with Dogs at Starbucks

2006-09-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

Man with Dogs at Starbucks, originally uploaded by artsmith_satx.

One of the best things about Starbucks is the people watching. I was in there recently when this man motored in...he had tied up the big dog outside there, but the little chihuahua was riding in his basket. He got a drink for himself, and a Venti size cup of whipped cream for his dogs to share. I just thought that was so sweet, taking his dogs out for a treat...couldn't pass that picture up.

Joel's

2006-09-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

Joel's, originally uploaded by artsmith_satx.

On Interstate-10, between Houston and San Antonio, there is a little town called Flatonia...this is the town of Joel's Bar-B-Q. If you like barbecue, even if you're not hungry, stop here! It is the best!

You can't miss it-it's right on the highway and there is a huge flag flying over the property. If you like chocolate malts, I would recomment that you cross underneath the highway to Dairy Queen...they make a hell of a chocolate malt there and they know what you mean when you say, "Extra malt.".

Dee-liscious!

I don't know why I'm so lame, lately...

2006-09-05T13:56:00.000-05:00

I think this kid gig is catching up to me. Or, turning 40 really does turn you into an old lady! lol!

I'm almost afraid to say it but...everybody who reads this better be knocking on wood RIGHT NOW...but...things are going fairly well. Aside from our daily episodes of "Extreme Sibling Rivalry", Allison, and especially Ethan are getting off to GREAT starts in school this year! I do believe Ethan's teacher this year is a heaven sent angel, and, if the rest of the year goes as well as it is so far, I'm nominating her for teacher of the year! Then demanding that she move up to 3rd grade with him! lol! The ONLY time he has been sent to the principal's office so far is because, he had had such a great week at school (the 2nd week in) he earned a 'Good Phone Call Home' pass, and got to go to the VP's office, and Mr. O. got to call me and give me the good news, then I got to talk to Ethan. That was so wonderful!

Allison seems to be really enjoying school...of course, nothing is very hard for her so, she can be social AND make A's at the same time, and all of the teachers love her. So what's not to like? lol!

Claire has gotten a job as my assistant this year...Assistant to the Head Keeper of the Munkees at munkeepod. She is an expert at firing people (rofl!) and tends to take off a little early in the afternoons but, she does a good job while she's here and screens all my calls...which is really what an assistant is for anyway, right? So, if you ever call and hear a little voice saying, "Hello, this is munkeepod, can I help you?", you've got the right number. (It tends to throw people off! lol!)

OK-I've got one hour of 'Law & Order' left before Ethan gets home...I'm going to go try and enjoy it!

Happy Birthday to me and, my 200th Blog!

2006-08-19T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of me and my dad, circa 1967...probably Easter. I'm 40 now! Can you believe it??? When I think about things that happened 30 years ago, it seems like they happened yesterday...well, maybe last week, anyway. Other things are like a dream, and then there are others, like the kids, that seem like I never had a life without them.

Moving on to the really big news...BLOG # 200!

Yikes. That's a lot of blogs! But this is one of those things I should have been doing a long time ago. And I love reading other people's blogs...I could (and have) sat here all day long...linking from blog to blog, learning something knew on every single one. I love Blogland!

2nd day of school...ring, ring..."Hello, Mrs. P.?"

2006-08-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Already? There is usually a honeymoon period of 2-4 weeks before the phone starts ringing...

Background: Ethan has developed a new 'tic'. Coughing. It's a very dry cough, every 2-5 seconds. I, his mother, know that that is exactly what it is, because his old one went away and this started; but I also know that it will be an issue with the school so, I took him to the pediatrician last week and had him all checked out just to make sure. Health is great. She agrees, also, that a tic is what it is.
From here on out, imagined responses are in *...*; real responses will be in quotes "...".

So yesterday, the nurse calls. "Well, Mrs. P., Ethan has been in my office. Do you know he is coughing?"

*Ethan, Ethan...which one is he now? Oh! the little red head with all of the psychological disorders! OK-now I know. You mean to tell me he's been coughing constantly with every breath for the last two weeks? Why, no...nope, haven't noticed a thing.*

"Yes, I know he is coughing. It's a new tic. Remember last year when he was rubbing his chin and the side of his face on his shirt sleeve every 2-3 seconds, and would rub it so raw it was actually bleeding and ruining every shirt he owned? Well, he's not doing that anymore. Now he is coughing. However, I knew this would be an issue with you, so I took him to the pediatrician last week and had him all checked out and he fine, lungs are clear, and she agrees that it is a tic also."

"Well, Mrs. P, does he need medication for this?"

*HAVE YOU NOT SEEN THE FORMS I HAVE FILLED OUT IN TRIPLICATE ABOUT THE MEDS HE IS ON FOR HIS DISORDERS???*

"He is on many medications for several disorders, including this one."

"Well, I'm just wondering if he is sick."

"No. He is not sick. Like I said, he was completely checked out by the pediatrician last week. He is perfectly healthy, and frankly, I'm getting tired of all the comments from all the little old ladies about his health and me being a bad mother for not taking care of him."

"Oh yes, I remember what that's like...tee-hee-hee!"

Grrr!

---just an aside---you should see the looks on people's faces and how they RUN when they make comments in Target and/or Wal-Mart when they ask if he is sick or if he is ok and I say, "Ya know...he coughs like he has TB or something. Maybe I should get him check out...I dunno." ROFLMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! PURE ENTERTAINMENT, I tell you!!!

Anyway, back to the nurse..."Well, Mrs. P., the school psychologist is standing right here...do you need to speak with her about things you can do for Ethan?"

"Well, not really. He has an appointment with the psychologist he sees every single week tomorrow, but uh, if she needs to speak with me, yeah, that's ok."

"OK-here she is..."

"Hello, Mrs. P, this is (whateverhernameis) the SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST, and I understand Ethan has been coughing. Is he sick?"

*Oh Jesus Christ-here we go again!!!*

"NO, he is not sick...blahblahblah...I knew it would be an issue with the school...blahblahblah...pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, every single week! Blah, blah, BLAH!"

"Well, is he on any medications?"

*AGAIN-HAVE YOU LOOKED AT HIS RECORDS AT ALL? YOU SUGGESTED THE IEP IN THE FIRST PLACE AND DID ALL THE TESTING YOURSELF, EVEN THOUGH HE HAS ALREADY BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE FREAKIN' HEAD OF THE CHILDREN'S PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT AT THE FREAKIN' UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOL!!!*

"Yes, he is on several. Which ones are you interested in?"

"Well, for the cough."

"He is on Lexapro for the OCD, which causes the cough. But, the pediatrician is having us try an allergy med just in case it is allergies, but it has had no impact whatsoever, and he's never been allergic to anything before in his life."

"OH! Okay, then. Well.....uuuuuuuuhhhhhhh....just wanted to make sure...blah."

"Thank you. Blah."

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Moving on...his new teacher also called, but for a good thing! She just wanted to let me know that his first two days of school have been wonderful! And he's doing great!

I thanked her very much for the nice call, and that I would certainly let Ethan know that she called to tell me that, because, we never get good calls, we only get the bad ones.

She seems like a wonderful teacher...although I think I am old enough to be her mother! lol! They all look like babies! But that's good...still young and idealistic! lol!
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Moving on to some munkeepod business...Claire is my "assistant". So she has set up a little wooden TV tray thing in my office with a notebook to sign people in with (people who are coming to work, or just coming to "look at the gallery" (rofl!), an orange crayon-her favorite color, a hairbrush, 2 little books 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and one about birds, and she even keeps a blanket and pillow in case she needs to take a nap (yeah, right!). It is so cute! Guess I need to take a picture! Anyway...she keeps asking me who she can fire! roflmao! And I swear she is the girl version of Donald Trump...she walks around firing her stuffed animals, "You're fired!" She's not at all interested in interviewing or hiring anyone...she just wants to fire them! Then she wants to know when she gets paid. roflmaoooooooooooooooo!!! I swear she CRACKS ME UP!!! I told her I'm not even getting paid yet. She was like, "Oh.", then just walked away, knowing she wasn't getting paid anytime soon. Hasn't deterred her one bit from firing anyone, though!

As much as she talks and talks and talks and drives me crazy, I'm gonna miss her next year when she goes to Kindergarten!

Guess what, guess what, GUESS WHAAAAATTT!!!

2006-08-11T23:05:00.000-05:00

I am now officially, legally, self-employed, small-business owner, professional artist/crafter!!!

And I am totally beside myself! Giddy, manic, ecstatic!!!

I got my DBA and tax ID number and it's all official-I am the CEO, Designer, and Manufacturer of 'munkeepod'!

This is a monumental day in my life...and Steven is on his way to Johnny Carino's right this minute to get some celebratory tiramisu AND cannoli's! lol! (My most favorite deserts in the world-JC's makes THE BEST tiramisu there is. I just don't care for their food much. lol!)

You know how sometimes you want to do something, but all of these things keep getting in your way, and like sending you signals to not do it? None of that has happened ever since I really started thinking about doing this...little things keep coming into my life leading me more and more toward the goal of having my own business doing what I love to do. And it just feels so right. I've always wondered how you knew, or when you could actually call yourself an "artist"...is it when you make something for the first time, is it when you finally, actually sell something...what??? Well, today I actually FELT it. This feeling in my heart and soul that I can actually call myself an artist, and I'm not lying! lol! I want to make t-shirts for all the kids that say, "My mom's an artist!"

Basically, I just want to shout it from the rooftops!

I don't think I've ever been so excited...and I think part of it is because I did it ALL BY MYSELF. It's my stuff. It's my ideas. It was my money that paid for the license and the notary. (OK-sure, that originally came from Steven, since he's the one supporting the family, BUT...it was cash I had been just been accumulating and saving for a couple of weeks.) And it was SO GREAT when I was going to pay and Steven started to, and I was able to say, "I have cash. I'm paying for it myself." (Just the look on his face was worth every penny! rofl!)

I'm just so happy...and I want everyone to share it with me.

Mother $^(&#@* BLOGGER!!!

2006-08-08T11:09:00.000-05:00

I never have enough time to blog anymore, and now, when I do get the chance, Blogger won't let me post pictures at all, and half the time the blog I do type out never makes it. GRRR!

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, POP!

2006-08-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

(OK-not playing favorites here...I was going to post individual pictures of each kid, but BLOGGER will only let me post 2 pictures. grr!)

So, sorry we missed it but, hope your birthday was great! Allison is making you something and didn't get it finished in time...hopefully we can finish it today and get it in the mail tomorrow!

Happy Birthday! (steven and lauri) Allison, Ethan and Claire!

So, school starts next Monday! Whoo-hoo! But...already having issues with the elementary school and school hasn't even started. The nurse called this morning about not having Ethan's shot record and he can't start school until she gets it. Yeah...like they let him go there all last year without it! Which I know they had anyway, because the one from Houston wasn't good enough and we had to take him in for an "emergency" check-up, 3 days before school started last year, to the pediatrician here in San Antonio!

*It's not MY fault you lost your paperwork. Idiot.*

Hopefully, the pediatrician faxing over a copy of his records will suffice and I don't have to take him in. Because I don't have enough to do, and I really want to do everything TWICE. Or, 3 times really, in this matter.

Anyway...very, very busy week last week. And somehow the weekend got really busy, too. Today will be busy....

Oh God! I almost forgot to tell y'all the funniest part! I have ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted to serve on a jury! It really is a dream of mine. The only other times I've gotten a summons for jury duty was when I was in college, and it was for Harris County and I wasn't there, of course, so I couldn't do it. Well...I got one last week! I was soooo excited!!! I opened it to find out when I was gonna get to go...and guess what?! It's the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL and I have to be there at 8:00 am! Can you freakin' believe it??? ANY other day! Plus, I still have to find someone to keep Claire. Well, I called the only other person I know who could keep her and had to leave a message. Now she's not returning my calls. So...guess I'm gonna have to pass this one up, too. I wonder if I can put a note on there, "Just give me one more year, and I'll be FREE! FREE, I tell ya! FREEEEEEEEEEE!!!" rofl!