There's a new Target in town!

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

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

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!

(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!!!

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!

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!

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...

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...

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?

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?

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...

It's all about Ladyfest!

Oops.

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

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?

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

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

Yeah, that's about right...

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...

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!

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...

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

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

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

Conversations with Claire

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

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

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...

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!

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.?"

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."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!!!

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!!!

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!

(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!

I'm totally Sirius!

WOW! My Jeep came with a year's subscription to Sirius satellite radio. I thought, "Big whoop. Steven has had XM for a couple of years and it SUCKS!"

Well...I am cheerfully eating my words! Channel 22 is THE BEST radio station EVER. I won't even run into the store for an errand anymore...I just give Allison the $$$ and tell her to go get it, because I can't miss a song. Steven found it because I don't even listen to the radio any more, because it's gotten so bad. I just buy CD's. Now...I am all about channel 22. I just might even have to make a freezer paper stencil t-shirt about it.

Now...if I can just get it in my studio!

Well...I'm not in the looney bin...

...yet.

I think school starts August 14th. As long as I can make it till then!
Here's just the typical kind of interaction we have going on here in our house...

We have a giant Rubbermaid tub where we keep all the stuffed animals. Claire took the animals out and turned it into her car...fine with me, no problem, and she and Ethan are playing nicely.

However, because that just isn't allowed for any length of time, she just had to come tell me that Ethan was putting "gas" in her car and he put too much!

LMAO on the inside, but trying to tell her it's pretend gas so how does she know???

Then, 2 minutes later...she comes to tell me that she locked her car, but Ethan made a Lego key and he said the Lego key could still "break into it"!

So now I really am LMAO and said, "Oh my God Claire...it's a freakin' Rubbermaid tub with no lid! Anybody could break into it!"

The look on her face...priceless!

I've been blindsided...

By Ethan. And I can't even talk about it. But, suffice it to say, along with the physical abuse of his sisters and all the yelling and screaming going on here 24/7, I am losing it. I am totally maxed out on anti-anxiety meds but, in the last week have had 3 really bad anxiety attacks. One where I got to the point where I actually passed out. I don't think Ethan and Claire knew about it, but, Allison saw it, and it really scared her. And the thing is, since I started taking the Clonazipam last summer, I don't think I've had one...and I was only taking one or two a day. Now I'm maxed out at 6, and I'm having them every day. It's just awful having them all together all the time, but we just don't have a choice.

So...if I'm not checking in here, I'm probably checked in somewhere else.

They are calling my name!

See, even Blogger loves them so much, they posted twice!

MUST STAY AWAY from Robin's blog ! She got me into this mess by posting her super cute Ked's, along with the one's she is pining for...ok, ok, so am I. BUT...it all started with her!

I've got this Mary Jane thing going on, and these Ked's are just IT! If you find them-The Greatest Ked's- send them to me! lol!

I think I'm all swapped out!

Got Ethan back yesterday, and now all my little birds are back in the nest. If only it were really that peaceful and idyllic! (I'm really turning old and bitter, aren't I? lol!)

Now...it's time for me to really get down to work! I need to finish up a couple of things for friends, then start making stuff to sell on etsy or where ever. My problem is staying on track...I start on one thing, then think, "Ooo! I wonder what would happen if I did this?", then I move on to that and forget all about what I was working on first! So, the mission for today is 'focus'.

And Gayla, if you are reading this...good luck tomorrow, keep your mouth shut, and let the doctors and nurses do their jobs! LOL! ;)

Home again, home again...

It was time to go back to Kingwood and swap Allison for Ethan for Nana. So we went...I don't know how I lived in that jungle forest humidity for so long and thought it was normal! lol!

Got to see Gayla! Yea!!! I don't know what the deal is, but...we are somehow cosmically connected, soul mates/sisters or whatever you want to call it. Other than Steven, there is no one else better for me.

Anyway...I'm going back on Saturday to retrieve Ethan. If he makes it that long. He wouldn't even spend the night at Nana's when we only lived 2 miles away! It doesn't matter though...I'll go get him anytime, and he's already made it through this first night just fine.

OH! Funniest thing! We were driving back to San Antonio, and we always stop at Buc-ee's for our bathroom break, snacks, drinks, whatever...and you will never guess who was getting out of her car at the exact same time about 5 spaces down with only one car between us!

Go on...try...

See! I told you you couldn't do it! lol!

Anyway, it was my Aunt Sylvia! My dad's sister who lives in Houston and was driving back home after being in San Antonio for the weekend! And this isn't the first time we've run into her at a crazy place...it happens all the time! Crazy, crazy world!

So, moving right along...my mom has this trunk that has a lot of my grandma's old linens, crocheted things and a bunch of her old aprons-so I was going through all of that. Decided to take pictures of the aprons. Then got a better idea...I would do a 'photo shoot' of Allison wearing the aprons while "mixing" and "cooking" with my mom's old, and I mean like 50 or 75 year old bowls, and old wooden spoons and other kitchen things...like an iron skillet, an old pastry mixer and an old biscuit cutter that my mom's sister made her like 50 years ago out of an old aluminum can that she painted red...no doubt paint that was full of lead that we were exposed to all those years every time we ate biscuits! lol! It really was a lot of fun! But, instead of showing you all the apron pictures...because there are about 25 of them, I'll leave you with this...

Bringing them back, one by one.

Claire came home yesterday...Steven met my mom and dad at a mall just outside of Houston for the pickup. From what I can tell, the reunion between Ethan and Claire was just joyous! (Do I need to explain "sarcasm" here? lol!) As they got in the car, Claire tossed a rolled up piece of paper at Ethan and said, "Here. I made a present for you. It's a telescope."

After all that love, they are back to their old selves today...screaming and fighting over a Sponge Bob ball!

I got a little work done while Claire was gone, but not as much as I thought I would. It was really nice having that time with Ethan...and I know it meant a lot to him, also. Even though he is the only boy, he is still the middle child, and a special one at that, so he never gets time with just me and Steven...sometimes one or the other, but never both. So, it really was great!

Breakfast, anyone?

I'm thinking Ethan deserves a trip to Krispy Kreme for nice, hot, fresh doughnuts this morning! lol!

Well whaddaya know...

I've got a few free minutes!

How in the world did I manage that, you ask???

Well, thanks to the best Nana in the whole world, who got here just in time on Wednesday to save me from a monster anxiety attack, Allison and Claire are with her in Houston, and I'm down to only one child. Who is the sweetest little boy on Earth when you are with him one on one! It really is so special to have that kind of time with him. Now I'm going to move on because I'm tearing up and we really don't need full blown tears here! lol!

Anyway...at this moment, Steven and Ethan are enjoying some time at the swimming pool together.

And I am ALONE! ALL ALONE!

IN MY OWN HOUSE!!! I DIDN'T HAVE TO LEAVE TO GET SOME PEACE!

And this, my friends, is the best feeling of all!!!

Summer just isn't the same once you have kids.

Ya know? They are home from school and bored and whiney and I could go on and on and on.... And mostly, all they do is fight.

But...this is Boot Camp Summer. They are going to learn to respect each other and our house, cars and things if it's the last thing I do. And before you say anything, the psychiatrist and the psychologist BOTH agree! In fact, all 3 kids are starting therapy next week-so it's not just Ethan anymore.

I'm not tolerating anything, and they are spending lots of time in their rooms. Steven is taking them on "marches" when he gets home from work...really, it's hiking up a really big hill. Mountain to me! He makes them call him "Sir", and the whole time he is talking to them about their place in the family and the special things they bring to us and to each other. He makes them say nice things about one another. He is teaching them how they are a team and how to work together...whether it's helping each other climb over a rock or it's a hypothetical situation he throws out there. He's showing them how, if one wins, they all win. If one loses, they all lose.

What's funny is, if one of them starts whining, he makes them drop and do 5 push ups, sit ups or squats. After only 2 times Claire stopped whining, and it only took Ethan once! lol! And actually, I think the funniest thing is, when they come home, all they can talk about is how much fun they have had! *Knocking on wood here, but* I hate to say anything because I'm afraid I'll jinx it-but I can actually see a difference in their behavior today. They've only been to their rooms once!

Their behavior has been so horrid they have only been to the pool once so far this summer. (That's their reward.) But, maybe we will get to go more often very soon!

Ta-DAAAAAA!!!

My new Jeep!


Of course, it needed a special keychain...so I custom made one! lol!
This is the life!

Why I'm never around anymore...

1. I rarely have internet service...it's been like this for a couple of weeks, and I have to wait until next Friday before Time Warner can come out. Don't they realize people need their blogs???

2. *This may gross you out.* The new kitten we found? She was doing great. Then all of a sudden she got diarreah. Yuck. So we locked her up in our bathroom. She was only getting worse, so we took her to the vet on Friday. Apparently, she has a really bad bacterial infection, so she put her on some antibiotics. Either she is getting worse, or the antibiotics are giving her extra diarreah, because she never stops 'leaking', if you know what I mean. It's awful...like Rotavirus for kittens. All we do is give her a bath and clean the floor...wait a few minutes and do it all over again. Of course, these things only happen on weekends when the vet is closed. grr!

3. The more I do to make things easier on me, the harder the kids work to make it harder. Take paper plates and cups for instance: we got some so they would be disposable, therefore cutting down on kitchen cleaning time. Does it work? Of course not...because, even though we told the kids NOT TO TOUCH the things except for eating and drinking, they decided they would make perfect art projects! Therefore, making a huge fucking mess. So, between that and their regular mess, it's just all too overwhelming.

Why can't everything just be regular around here for a while, and not always a crisis???

A friend of mine is going to help me with a website...I want to be able to sell stuff (actually, people are already buying it anyway) and have my own little name. So, of course I would like to have 'artsmith.com', but that isn't available. I'm afraid to use something with Lauri in it, because no one knows how to spell it right. Same thing with Panova, kinda. What do you think about 'smithpanova.com'?My mom and dad would call me Lu-Lu when I was a kid, so Steven suggested 'lulumakesart.com' or 'lulumakes'. What do you think about that? What about 'smithmakes'???Help me get a cool name, people!

So this is what I've been doing...

Bottle feeding a kitten!

Last Tuesday was like a day out of another universe. The Jeep (Cherokee) was in the shop, and a guy Steven works with was supposed to give him a ride to work. Well, he forgot. So...got the kids off to school, I got dressed and got my stuff together-because I had to stop by the post office and mail off an order, then be somewhere by 10:00-then Steven, Claire and I take off for Valero. While we are driving down Blanco Rd. (a very busy, main road, right before we get on the highway) we see this tiny kitten crawling from the sidewalk up into the grass, like she has just crossed the street...on her way to Super Target, cuz this cat knows where it's at! lol!

So Steven yanks the car over, tells me to get out and get the kitten and he will drive around and meet me in the parking lot. When I get to her she is about as scared as she can be. Her white parts are grey. I checked to see if I can feel if anything was broken, and it all seems ok, so I picked her up, brought her to the car, and we went back down Blanco road to the vet. We dropped her off there to get her all checked out.

Dropped Steven off at work, went by the post office, then Steven calls with news about the Jeep. It can be shocked back to life for $3500. Um...it's almost 10 years old and MAYBE we could get $800-$1000 for it on a good day. Steven wants to take out a loan to pay for the repairs. Um,again...it's almost 10 years old and MAYBE we could get $800-$1000 for it on a good day! If I'm making payments on something, it's gonna be new and under warranty! Because, make no mistake, there will be more going wrong with this car.

So...I went car shopping and...are you ready for this???

I GOT MY WRANGLER!!! *doing the Wrangler dance* The car I have been dreaming about for decades! Black Jeep Wrangler Unlimited-with a hardtop! And I cannot believe I haven't taken a picture of it yet! The kids are kinda freaked out though...Wranglers don't have electric door locks and windows and they have never lived in this kind of world. Claire still thinks if she can just push hard enough or in the exact right spot on the handle that you use to manually roll down the window, it will roll down itself! lol! And I have just really put Allison out by making her wait for me to get to it and unlock the door with the key, and not just unlock the door from half a parking lot away and let her get in first! This kids have absolutely no idea how spoiled they are! lol! But, they love it in spite of it's shortcomings, and I am now set for life! And I did it all before I turned 40! lmao!

I'll have to take a picture of the Jeep later, but, here are some of Molly the Kitten...

I love the little black smudge on her nose!

Here's a good one of her back, so you can see how fuzzy she is and all of her spots.

And one more of her face. Allison was trying to hold her so I could get a good shot, but she really didn't want any part of it...look at her legs, trying to get away! lol!

Just a teezer...

The last week of school is always the busiest, and this one is no exception. And, because you know my life never just runs smoothly, even when I know it's gonna be crazy, we were thrown a couple of big surprises! Nothing bad, really...just surprising. I'll be back with details and pictures later.

Today Allison and Ethan both have award ceremonies at their respective schools...AT THE SAME EXACT TIME! I have to go to Ethan's because he would be absolutely devastated if there wasn't anyone there for him. But then Allison was crying because no one would be there for her...and we really didn't think Steven would be able to make it. But, things have changed, so, he is going to hers, and I am going to Ethan's. And on that note...I must go get dressed!

Went to Austin on Saturday...

I had to check out a store I have heard about-Moxie and the Compound. Very Cool store! Ethan even liked it...he asked me if I could, "drop him a few bucks"! lol! Guess he found something he liked. And I found LOTS of stuff I liked, but didn't buy anything. Can you believe that?!?

Drove around and showed the kids where I was born and stuff-they thought that was really cool...especially how they turned a hospital into condos! lol! Almost 40 years of progression...anything can happen, I guess. lol!

Stopped at the outlet mall in San Marcos on the way home. Everyone got new shoes EXCEPT FOR ME. I even had some on my feet and was walking around in them. Then I put them back in the box and carried them around for a while. Then decided I didn't really need them. Can you believe THAT?!?

*Go ahead-I'll give you a moment to catch your breath and get your heartbeat back to normal.*

Sunday...well, I, ALONE, spent about 3 hours in JoAnn's. Then Steven called and needed me to get milk on the way home, so I had to stop at Target. There went another couple of hours, dontcha know. Then it was time to meet my friends at Starbucks, and we were there until 10:00. I think I saw the kids all of about 45 minutes yesterday.

This week is crunch time, though. The last 4 days of school. I'm trying to make something special for all of Ethan's teachers and therapists at school, so I've got my work cut out for me these next few days...in between doctors appointments, award ceremonies and other various school events. Two of which, one for Ethan and one for Allison are scheduled for the EXACT SAME TIME. How am I supposed to pull that one off???

Look at this!

I made a business card/label to sew onto things I make or to add to the back of art stuff. Cool, huh?

So about Mother's Day...

Oh. My. God! How sick was I??? It started on Friday, and Sunday morning was the worst! I finally started feeling a little better Sunday night. Still not 100%-if I eat, I still feel really bad-but much better than yesterday.

I actually did get a gift, though. But only because my mom took the kids out shopping while she was here. When asked, repeatedly, by Steven, what I wanted, I told him, repeatedly, the only thing I wanted was blueberry muffins, orange juice and coffee in bed...as in breakfast. Breakfast in bed. Blueberry muffins. That's all. Nothing else. Really! That's the only thing I request.

He forgot.

Weekend Word Challenge

These were not taken this weekend, but I'm entering them anyway...

Mothering: When we brought Frida and Remy home when they were tiny kittens, they immediately took to this wooden chicken I had on the table, filled with apples, as a centerpiece. They would cuddle up against it and sleep with it all day and night. I finally decided they had adopted it as their 'mother', and they needed it more than my table did. I took the apples out and took it off the table, named it their "Chicken Mama" and gave it to them. Since the apples were out, they could curl up inside of it and sleep that way. They LOVED that chicken! This is a picture of Frida in her Chicken Mama.



Wonder: Hmmmm...I wonder what this button right here does...*FLASH!*

Oh. Okay.

So I'm curling up on the couch with her, 1) just wanting to sit down for a few minutes and 2) trying to get her to stop crying because she has been crying all morning, and 3) watching ER. They bring in this woman who was all beaten up and bloody.

Claire: What happened to her?

Me: Some mean person beat her up and hurt her.

Claire: Well, I know it wasn't me, because I was never in Hollywood!!


ROFLMAO!!! Like if she WAS there, or if it happened in San Antonio, it's a possibility.

Lilly's such a good kitty!

Thank goodness Lillian is so easy going! Today, Claire has her in a little rolling, plastic bin, and is pushing her all around the house.


Such a good kitty!

Weekend Word Challenge

OK-so it's way past the weekend. Sue me.

I did manage to get a photo for one of the words: Peace


This is Ethan, playing in peace. I think this is the first time ever that Ethan has actually gotten to play outside in the "fort" alone. He was just sitting and playing...moving so slowly and gently. Very rare event for him. Just watching him I got that hypnotized feeling. It was nice.

Shopping with Mom

I've never really done the 'antiqueing' thing, but lately I've been very interested in things like vintage aprons...and teapots (?). I don't know...

Anyway, last Wednesday, the first thing we did when she got here was go to this little place that is probably about a mile from my house. It's a shop called Handmade somethingorother, and I thought it would just be some handmade toys, jewelry, stuff like that.... But, it's one of those places where people rent out little booths and keep their stuff there. It could be anything! And not even hand made! But I found a lot of old, crocheted (is that how you say it?) doilies and things, and several vintage aprons. I did good...all I bought was 3 aprons, but I'll probably have to go back for more! lol!

All of the aprons are my favorite for different reasons. I love this pink one with the little orange flowers, because it looks so dainty, yet everyday. It must have been for a lady who was very petite and tidy...probably didn't even need an apron because she never made a mess, and cleaned as she went along. Just minimally practical-only one pocket, and I really think she only wore this just in case she actually spilled a drop of something. (This must have been my mom's apron! lol!)

This white one with the purple flowers is nice...things like these are usually saved for special occasions, but nothing special enough ever REALLY comes up so it's never worn, but this one does have some use. I'm thinking it was used on Sunday's, or any day she just wanted to feel pretty. It's so sheer! And there aren't even any pockets!

This green one was quite the workhorse! It's made of a heavy cotton fabric, and the bottom is a row of 3 pockets! My kind of apron-I LOVE pockets...on anything! This one was worn all the time-day in and day out, only taken off long enough to wash and dry. It even has a couple of holes! Very worn and, if not loved, very appreciated. It really reminds me of my grandma. She ALWAYS had on an apron, and they usually looked something like this one.

Introducing Lillian!

Oh my goodness! So much is going on right now it's not even funny! Things are happening faster than I can blog about them! Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up eventually, but I am going to start here, with Lillian (Lilly), our/MY new kitten...

I have always wanted a little white, brown, black and orange calico, and I finally found her last Thursday at San Antonio Animal Control. They said she was 6 weeks old, but I'm wondering if she is younger than that, because she is such a baby. I've had 6 week old kittens before, but she really reminds me of a newborn human baby. She loves to cuddle up under my neck and sleep for hours. When I put her down so I can eat, she will sit on the floor next to the chair and "cry". It's so funny, yet sad! lol! And, she will actually groom me! My neck and ears and hair. I think she really thinks I am her mommy. (I hope she does, anyway! lol!)

This is Claire holding Lillian while I was trying to get a good shot of her face, but Lilly wasn't being too cooperative.


As soon as she could get herself loose, she jumped down from Claire's arms, turned her back to me and just sat there. I think she was making a statement, but, the joke's on her, because I got a great shot of her back!

Mom's here...

So...I may be away from the computer, since there is so much shopping to be done! lol! We're going to the new mall tomorrow! :)