Runway

Project Runway is another one of my favorite shows. Shell, are you still watching it? I'm a day late since I have to record it and watch it later but just wanted to share my favorites with you guys.

Rami - his dresses are beautiful. He does a lot of draping to make dresses, it's amazing to watch him work.

Jillian is really good also. I like her clothes but her personality throws me off.

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Well, I'm 0 for 1 in trying to find the numbering for the jerseys. I think trying to stay with the same numbering style is what is going to be hard about this.

The boys are attending their very first dance tonight! I'm bringing the camera so I hope to get some pics taken. I've volunteered to work at the front door selling tickets to make sure that I would be there for their big night. I'm so anxious to see if either one of them will get out and dance or if they will just hang out with their buddies along the wall.

Anyone American Idol?

I do. Not sure why, guess I want to see what will happen now that I've started. This year it's been kind of disapointing. The boys seem pretty girly to me and the girls are just so so. Here are my favorites so far:

Brooke - she sang Carly Simon last night and I loved it!

Carly - love the accent!

Chikezie - Very fun name and his smile makes me smile.

David - He's obviously the front runner and expected to win. I can't disagree, he's really good.

I read on the internet that this guy's wearing a wig. I can totally see that in this picture but honestly wouldn't have ever known. He's not a favorite of mine and they give him a hard time on the show because of his image and they don't quite see him as "rock". Could Simon actually be right? If he's wearing a wig it all makes sense.

Procrastination

Do you ever have a chore to do and you just can't get yourself to do it?

I have to have numbers put on T's soccer jerseys and his goalie shirt. It's not as if I'm actually sewing the numbers on myself but I have to find a place that will do it for a reasonable fee and hopefully they will have the same type of numbering that we used last year. See, the place I normally buy the uniforms from always added the numbers on for you and now they are closed. I've got the new uniforms but have to handle the numbering by myself.

I know of a couple of places that I'm going to try, maybe I'll get lucky and strike it rich with the first one. If I remember to put them in my car tomorrow, I'll try after work. Wish me luck!

Off topic, just heard my youngest sister got the flu! Keep her and her family in your prayers. She's got two little girls and a big guy at home.

Work related...

I’m assuming a lot of people don’t realize that when you are married and you are pregnant, the State automatically recognizes your husband as the father of the child. Your husband can sign a form stating that he is not the natural father of the child but if he doesn’t the true father’s name can not go on the birth certificate.

You will not believe how many times I’ve discussed this with women lately. They are shocked and upset, and then it turns into anger. Unfortunately they aim their feelings at me until they realize it’s not my rules, it’s the State’s. I’m just shocked that until they meet with me this isn’t an issue or concern to them. What do you think happens when you mess around outside of your marriage? Or if you never finalize something legally and just carry on with your life as if you were never married before?

Not to mention, most of them tell me that their husbands aren’t in contact with them, haven’t been in contact for years, live in another state, they have no idea where he is, or there is a restraining order in place so they can’t contact them, etc...

On another note, how in the world can you afford breast implants when you have Medicaid? I don’t think this surgery is something that Medicaid covers unless you’ve had a mastectomy. Priorities, people, priorities!

Weekend and movie reviews

We seemed to have an extremely busy weekend. I’m more exhausted than normal. Saturday we had 4 boys all day and then yesterday T&A went to a birthday party at a new place that opened up here. The web site is: www.itzusa.com/colorado in case you are interested. It was fun; I enjoyed the food even though I had been warned it wasn’t that good. Definitely a place we will go back to, especially on cold and snowy days.

I managed to watch some movies over the past week and I’ll pass on my opinions.

Why Did I Get Married? – Really good movie. I’ve liked all of the Tyler Perry movies so far. I haven’t gone as far as watching the plays like Josh but the movies are touching. If you think you have problems in your marriage this one will show you how much it could be worse!

We Own The Night – watched this one with a group of friends from bible study, odd choice huh? The movie has a lot of bad language and some sexuality in it but overall it was good. Guess I didn’t know enough about it to have an idea of what happens, there were some surprises.

American Gangster – long!!!!! Maybe it’s because we watched the unrated, extended version. I didn’t make it to bed until after 11 p.m. It was pretty good; I think Crow was better than Washington though.

Oh, and I’ll say this while knocking on wood. I think we’ve escaped this round of the flu. Who knows if there will be another but so far, so good.

What's your View?

Okay, I have to admit that whenever possible I steal away from my office at 10:00 a.m. and watch The View. I consider it a coffee break. I don’t want to see the whole show, just the Hot Topics. I love watching their discussions and debates. When Rosie was on, I recorded the show everyday but once she quit I stopped watching. Just recently I started tuning in again and I really like Whoopi. She’s interesting to me and seems real; I don’t think she gives a flip about what people think of her. I have a book that she wrote and I’ve read it but I can’t remember a thing about it. I’ll have to read it again; it’s still on the bookcase so it must have been pretty good.

One of today’s discussions was about school pictures and the new “retouch” options they give you. Back in the day we had retakes, not a “retouch” which is basically airbrushing the pimples, birthmarks, etc. from the pictures. Wow! No age limit either, they offer it on the boy’s school picture forms now. They showed Elisabeth’s school picture and it brought back major memories for me. She had these huge red glasses on with braces. I didn’t have braces but I did have big green glasses in 4th and 5th grade. I may have had red at a time also but I’m not sure. I would have never thought that anyone had glasses bigger than mine back then but she did!! They practically covered her whole face, too funny!

College and careers.

Another interesting conversation between the boys and I recently:

Tristan asked me if we were going to give him some money to pay for college. This blew my mind that he was thinking about this. I never thought about going to college until high school. My parents don't have degrees and it wasn't anything that was ever discussed at our home. I told him that we were working on it but he might get a scholarship to go to a college and then they pay him to go there, live there and eat. His only job would be to do well in school and maybe play a sport.

He then went on to ask me if he can skip college. I said sure, but what job might you get if you don’t go to college? He said that he was just going to go to the NBA. I explained that they don’t allow that anymore and he has to go to college for at least a year before he can do that. He then said he was going to sell lemonade. We did the math a bit and decided that probably wasn’t going to pay the bills. But he decided that if he worked at a gas station he would be okay. A gas station!

Aidan asked if you have to go to college to be a race car driver. I told him no and that was that. He’ll be a race car driver, piece of cake. I have no idea where he gets that from, no one in our immediate family watches NASCAR.

So, I may have a future gas station attendant and a race car driver! I can’t wait to find out how this all plays out.

Very sad day ~

One of my dear, dear friends is suffering with a huge loss today. I don't want to go into a lot of details but please keep her in your prayers.

She doesn't deserve this, no one does. She did everything right, got wonderful, promising news to have it all taken away a week later.

It's just not right. I wish I had something else to say.

Sexual awakening?

The boys and I have had some really interesting conversations lately. I definitely want to be the kind of mom that they feel comfortable talking to about things but I have to admit that I’m clueless when it comes to boys and their own sexuality.

We were in the car and had gone over a hill that took our stomachs a little bit. I’m aware that this also tickles their winkies (their current name for their penises). This must have triggered a thought about how when we are watching TV and something sexy is happening they also have a tickle in their winkie. Before you jump the gun, we don’t allow them to watch sexually explicit shows but occasionally when we are watching a movie we might get surprised by a scene that goes a bit far and we have to fast forward it.

Anyway, I asked something to get a little more info and Tristan tells me, “you know- when the boy and girl are sitting on the bed and kissing and they don’t have a lot of clothes on, I just know that something sexy is going to happen and my winkie tickles and stands up.” Aidan completely agrees with Tristan’s description and was amazed that it wasn’t just him that it happens to. (That was funny!)

I couldn’t help it but had to ask a little more and asked if it was seeing the girl or boy that made him feel that way and he says, “The girl”. I asked Aidan the same questions and he states, “Both!” OMG!! This all at the age of 8 and 9, plus the Truth or Dare experience last Friday. I’m not ready for all of this! Luckily I have Josh and he is so relaxed about it all and down to earth. A little too relaxed if you ask me though.

Another weekend...

Here's the scoop on our weekend.

We went to bible study next door Friday night. I wished I hadn't now but how could I have known? Come to find out his son had the flu and had been sleeping in the bedroom. He came out right as we were getting ready to end the night in prayer. I couldn't believe that he still had all of us come over. I would have preferred to have it somewhere else or just cancel it all together. Plus, I went into the basement during the evening to find my two boys behind a locked bedroom door with two older girls playing Truth or Dare. Can you believe it? Luckily the worst thing that happened was that Tristan had been kissed by one of the girls but still!!! It was very hard to explain why they shouldn't be doing it. Aidan didn't see a problem with that game at all, completely innocent. Uggghhh.

Saturday I had to work in the morning for a bit to make up for spending Friday with the boys. Tristan had his first soccer practice with his new team for the spring season. That went well, I've been designated as the team mom. It's not too bad now, emails here and there but I'll have to take care of the end of the season party and trophies. The boys played a game that afternoon and did really well. Tristan scored 5 goals and Aidan assisted 3.

I had planned on skipping church that evening to watch the NBA All-Star activities but found out that our friends and neighbors were going to visit our church. Then I felt obligated to be there also. Lookie there, God always has a better plan for me! It went very well and looks like they will be switching to our church. They were looking for something a little smaller and more family oriented.

Sunday was a day that we all slept in. The boys made it to 10:30! I think this is the latest that they have ever slept. We are trying to stay healthy and so far so good. Aidan is over his barking cough for the most part and we are continuing the airborne routine until this all dies down around us.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wish you all a wonderful Valentine's day. We had a two hour delay this morning so the boys and I were able to sleep in a bit and spend some extra time together. Their Valentine gift from me was a heart box full of chocolate covered cherries. (This was requested a couple of weeks ago.) They were surprised. Before Josh left for his business trip I was able to slip a box of chocolates and a card in his suitcase. I'm happy because all of my boys are taken care of.

Aidan still sounds terrible when he coughs but he doesn't have a fever and feels fine for the most part. Tristan and I are doing well, we are all taking Airborne just in case though.

We are putting the flu vaccine to the test.

In the post below, I talked about a boy from Aidan's sleepover who was running a fever. Today we've been notified that a doctor has confirmed that he has the flu. Wow! This is not what I wanted to hear. We've all been vaccinated but I'm praying it was for the right strain. I do not want the flu at all but I definitely don't want it when Josh is in another state. After Tristan's dentist appt this afternoon we are headed to Target for preventative maintenance.

Calgon, take me away...

We had a very busy weekend, so sorry for the late post.

Aidan's party went very well. I'm the type of person that envisions the worst and then is thankful when it doesn't turn out to be that bad! Art Sports turned out to be a really neat and easy place to have the party. 14 showed up and played non-stop for 75 minutes. We then went to our party room and low and behold the pizza I had ordered is late. This put me into a little panic because we only had 45 minutes to be finished with pizza, cake, and presents. We poured drinks and then let the birthday boy open some gifts until the pizza made it. The rest all fell into place after that. He scored some great gifts, lots of gift cards and money. It's great to have a big party but he didn't enjoy writing all of the thank you cards :)

The sleepover was next. We made it home around 8 p.m. and the boys started playing in the basement. I have to admit that I was amazed the video game and the tv were never turned on! They were playing on their own, it was a shock. Around 10 Tristan and Aidan started arguing and crying over every little thing so I could tell they were tired. What would you know but they announced that they were going to bed at 10:30 p.m. Hallelouia!

The next morning I had to get up a little earlier than I would have liked for a Saturday so that I could give the boys a little breakfast before they started leaving. The first left at 8:30, the second at 9, the third at 10, and then the last one that was supposed to stay until noon left at 10:30 because his brother was running a high fever. What a gift to have it all over with so early in the day. The only thing is that the brother that was running a high fever was the one who left our house at 8:30. I sure hope we don't come down with something, I'm feeling a little scratchy throat so we'll see. I'm hoping this is just a mind game.

The boys had a soccer game but I missed it to attend Bill's funeral. Sounds like it was a more competitive game, they won 2-1 and Tristan played goalie for most of the game. I hate that I missed it but I'm glad that I went to Bill's funeral. This is only the second funeral I've ever been to in my life. It's so hard!!! Their family did the service themselves, it was very informal. They each went up and said a little something and then opened it up for stories from those who had come. This man was loved and admired by so many, the chapel in the funeral home was full! People were standing in the back also. I think the part that touched me most but also made me feel like I was watching something so personal and private was when my friend Beth went up to the casket to say her last goodbye. She talked to him, touched him and kissed him. It was so moving. The way she handled her last opportunity to see and touch her husband. I will never forget it. I think it's effect on me is also so great because we share some similarities. They were high school sweethearts, married for 32 years. Can you imagine?

Josh left for Alabama yesterday. I haven't talked to him today yet but I do know he made it in last night. He'll be back with us on Friday. I miss him already but the time will go by fast due to our normal weekday schedules. Today's event after school is a parent/teacher conference with Aidan's teacher. I'm praying to hear good news.

Party tonight!

Aidan's birthday party is tonight! It's at this place called Art Sports that has trampoline parties. They have bungee cords that help them do flips and flying. Here's the website: http://www.artsportsworld.com/parties.html. Pray for Josh and I. The party won't be so bad but he's also having 4 boys over afterwards to spend the night. This is where I will need the help. I'm sure I'll be tired around 9 p.m. and they will be up until who knows when.

I'm going to Bill's funeral tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to it but I feel like I should be there.

Sunday, Josh has to leave for a business trip to Alabama. He'll be gone for a week, single mom-here I come.

Did anyone caucus?

I did!

I've never done this before and it was really interesting. I voted for Hillary and I was shocked that I was in the minority. There were so many Obama supporters there. It was neat to look around and see everyone that was supporting him though! Lots of older couples - the news has talked about his popularity with young people but I didn't necessarily see that last night. Maybe my voting precinct is an older population?

I did learn all about the delegates though! They allowed two people from our group to go to the county level caucus, then two people will go to the state level caucus, and then two will be chosen for the national level. The Democratic National Convention is in Denver this time at the Pepsi Center! How exciting!!!

This morning was a bit off -

I got up at my normal time (4:30) and after I finished setting the coffee maker Aidan shows up in the kitchen. He comes over and gives me a hug and kiss.

I ask him, "What are you doing up?"

He replies, "I had to see you."

I pick him up and give him a big hug in which he just crumbles into me. I ask him, "What's wrong?"

He says nothing but I can tell he's about to cry.

We lay down on the couch and turn on the news to find out that there is a two hour delay today due to our winter storm. I figured with this knowledge he would go right to sleep but he doesn't and seems as if he's wide awake for his day. I cover him up and tell him he needs to try to go back to sleep and that I have to get ready for work. Josh is the lucky one who has the job that also gets two hour delays! Working at a hospital doesn't have that benefit, we never close.

Aidan layed on the couch for a good 30 minutes and watched the boring news to finally fall asleep with Opal laying on top of him. At 6:30 I moved him into the bed with Josh and got ready to leave. Not sure if he had a bad dream or what but the look on his face when he appeared in the kitchen was really weird.

I've had a really horrible nightmare that was about Aidan. It was this past summer and I can't seem to forget it. Most dreams escape my mind and if I remember parts of them I am lucky. This one was something that I've never experienced before. Absolutely horrible. I pray that his dream wasn't anything like mine, if that's what was really going on.

You just never know...

One of my coworkers lost her husband yesterday. It was very unexpected, they believe that he died instantly from a heart attack. There are lots of weird circumstances about this story. He worked for the Dept. of Transportation and had been scheduled to work on a Sunday which she said he hadn't been scheduled for in 10 years. That morning he was on his route and he stopped at a McDonald's and told them at the counter that he didn't feel well. They called 911 and he collapsed at the counter. The response time was only 4 minutes but he was already gone. Beth was here at work and got the call to go to the hospital. She said that if he hadn't been scheduled to work, he would have been at home alone and she wouldn't have made it there until 8 p.m.

We worked together last week and he came up here to have lunch with her. Once he left, we had a conversation about his health. He had failed his physical for work and had been sent for a cardio work-up. They found that he had a really low heart rate but she told me that this was normal for him. He was put on blood pressure medication and his knee was bothering him so much that he couldn't go skiing.

How sad! He seemed like a genuinely sweet man. They were inseparable and were best of friends. They are only in their 50's and have a son and a daughter. Please keep them in your prayers. Her name is Beth and his name was Bill.

I can't believe my baby's 8!

Today was Aidan's 8th birthday! I think it's tough sharing your birthday with the Superbowl but we tried to make it special for him. He's always been easy to please and this year was no different. He got Moon Sand, Drop Popz, and money. He was looking for some Pokemon cards but those are coming from a friend at his party this next Friday.

I can't believe my children are now 8 and 9 years old. Time escapes us so quickly. I remind myself daily to cherish these moments with them. As they get older they won't always want to share every detail of their day with me and give me hugs and kisses. I can't put it in words how much I love my boys. They inspire me.

Bangs!

Well, I did it! Went to get my haircut and still wasn't sure about cutting the bangs but at the last minute I told her to do it. What do you think? I wished that I hadn't now. I didn't realize how much I had gotten used to not having them - it will take me a while to get adjusted. I just keep telling myself, it's too late now. Do I look like Patricia Arquette from Medium? That's the picture I took in with me for the haircut, ha!

Tristan and Aidan did really well during their soccer game. Their team won 7-0. But I have to mention that they are definitely playing under their skill level and they played a girls team. I didn't have to worry about the competition factor though. Tristan passed the ball to Aidan several times, even though Aidan couldn't quite get the ball in the net. He still kept passing it which I loved to see.

Superbowl Weekend - Go Giants!

Anyone watch the debate last night? I've started it but haven't finished watching it yet. This is typical for me, I DVR all of my shows that I like to watch and get to see them as time allows. Normally this means I'm watching something at 6 in the morning but it works. I don't have a favorite right now between Barack and Hillary, I'll vote for whoever gets the nomination.

Ready for the SuperBowl? I went shopping a couple of days ago and have what we need to make nachos, queso, and lots of snacks. I'm excited but sad! The SuperBowl means no more football for a while, I have to move on to basketball. I don't have a favorite this year, I'm really hoping it just turns out to be a good game. I do tend to lean towards the underdogs though. Let's go Giants! Tristan has a Patriot's Randy Moss jersey-I'll have to make sure to give him a hard time.


I'm finally getting my hair cut tomorrow. This is long overdue! Definitely going shorter and might have some bangs cut in but not sure about that. I'll talk with her and see what she thinks. Josh likes me without bangs but personally I think I look better with them. I'll post a pic after it's all said and done!

The boys are playing together on an indoor soccer team and they have their first game tomorrow. Hopefully they will play well together, I've noticed a lot of competition between them lately. Guess we shall see!