Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Spelling Lesson
I let Kid stay home from school again today. I just thought she was tired and needed to sleep and just let today be an *easy* day emotionally. (Plus, I was really tired from staying up late watching Lost...just kidding).
When she woke up (2 hours after she would have had to get up for school), I told her we would do a practice homeschool day.
We started with the assignment her teacher had emailed me. Then we went on to practice her spelling words.
When we introduce new spelling words I usually give it in the context of a sentence.
So when I told her "kicked", I followed it with...
"I accidentally kicked you in the head." (As if that isn't what came to your mind first, too)
Then Kid said...
"Which actually happens all the time at school."
"Except... it isn't an accident." She finished.
When she woke up (2 hours after she would have had to get up for school), I told her we would do a practice homeschool day.
We started with the assignment her teacher had emailed me. Then we went on to practice her spelling words.
When we introduce new spelling words I usually give it in the context of a sentence.
So when I told her "kicked", I followed it with...
"I accidentally kicked you in the head." (As if that isn't what came to your mind first, too)
Then Kid said...
"Which actually happens all the time at school."
"Except... it isn't an accident." She finished.
Monday, October 25, 2010
R.I.P.
Kid woke up early to snuggle Dasher for awhile before he was put down.
She was doing pretty well until we had to get out the carrier. Then we all started to lose it. Well, not Baby, she did fake cry to keep us all company though.
The hardest part for her (and me, honestly) is the empathy for him. Just feeling so overwhelmingly sad that he only got to live for 5 months. It is very hard not to anthropomorphize animals. But, we talked about it (for days) and we wondered if we would have adopted him even if we knew he was dying. Wouldn't we have brought him home and given him the best possible 2 months he could have? Love him, and let him live out his days sleeping and playing with his brother? Wouldn't we have wanted to make sure he didn't suffer? Of course we would have.
His short life was, sadly, inevitable and we need to focus on the quality of life he got to have. That he did not know he was dying, as we did. And was able to die peacefully and humanely in the arms of a loving family member. However short, he did have a good life for the few months he lived with us.
Right before he left with Mr F this morning, I gave him a pile of treats (he had stopped getting up to eat regularly). While he was eating he lost his kitten tooth. It was both a gift for us... a little physical reminder for Kid to hold onto... but also just a sad, sad, statement that he was losing his life just as he was losing his baby teeth.
Mr F had the unfortunate task of taking him to the vet to be put down. Mr F said "How many animals must I bury?!". This just feels so cruel after losing Canine last year.
Unfortunately, this is the dark side of pet ownership. And as I said to Kid, the natural world isn't a fair place.
Heartbreakingly, Tiger is roaming around the house crying out. I didn't think he'd notice yet, but he's definitely acting as if something is wrong. Or maybe he's just mad that I gave the last of our treats to his brother...
We still need to work on not anthropomorphizing Tiger, apparently.
She was doing pretty well until we had to get out the carrier. Then we all started to lose it. Well, not Baby, she did fake cry to keep us all company though.The hardest part for her (and me, honestly) is the empathy for him. Just feeling so overwhelmingly sad that he only got to live for 5 months. It is very hard not to anthropomorphize animals. But, we talked about it (for days) and we wondered if we would have adopted him even if we knew he was dying. Wouldn't we have brought him home and given him the best possible 2 months he could have? Love him, and let him live out his days sleeping and playing with his brother? Wouldn't we have wanted to make sure he didn't suffer? Of course we would have.
His short life was, sadly, inevitable and we need to focus on the quality of life he got to have. That he did not know he was dying, as we did. And was able to die peacefully and humanely in the arms of a loving family member. However short, he did have a good life for the few months he lived with us.
Right before he left with Mr F this morning, I gave him a pile of treats (he had stopped getting up to eat regularly). While he was eating he lost his kitten tooth. It was both a gift for us... a little physical reminder for Kid to hold onto... but also just a sad, sad, statement that he was losing his life just as he was losing his baby teeth.
Mr F had the unfortunate task of taking him to the vet to be put down. Mr F said "How many animals must I bury?!". This just feels so cruel after losing Canine last year.
Unfortunately, this is the dark side of pet ownership. And as I said to Kid, the natural world isn't a fair place.
Heartbreakingly, Tiger is roaming around the house crying out. I didn't think he'd notice yet, but he's definitely acting as if something is wrong. Or maybe he's just mad that I gave the last of our treats to his brother...
We still need to work on not anthropomorphizing Tiger, apparently.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Good Guess... But...
"Do you know where my party is going to be?" Kid asks Baby.
"At the... jail?" Baby whispers cautiously.
"At the... jail?" Baby whispers cautiously.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
This Has Been A Long Time Coming
The carpet is finally here!
It took Mr F and I an amazing 3 hours to empty all four bedrooms and the living room. How many weeks do you want to guess it will take us to put it all back? 3? 4? Our bathroom, dining room, kitchen and playroom look like storage units. I feel like we just moved in again.
This is what we put in our livingroom. It is a very dark moss green with a cut & loop texture. I love it. The color choice was very difficult. We needed dark to hide dirt (sliding door to outside) and the texture to hide wear and tear (there is a major walking path from the front door to the dining room cutting through here. We took our cues based on the staining of the previous carpet. It wasn't pretty and we do not want to pay this much money any time soon!
For the bedrooms we went with a light grey... touch of taupe... short pile carpet. I wanted a neutral but am not much of a fan of beige and didn't want to go the cream route because of the kids. This tone (being more cool) is well suited to our intended bedroom palate of cool pink, grey, and Kid's light blue. This short pile is unbelievably soft. Seriously.
Both of these are SmartStrand (made by Mohawk) from Lowe's. And they were not that expensive. We had looked at a high end independent store first and we could not afford their Mohawk SmartStrand and what we could afford was terrible low quality rough stuff. This is the same carpet we couldn't afford there and the price was lower than the cheap crap. SmartStrand is more stain resistant than Stain Master but have no added chemicals to make them that way, the stain resistance is part of the strand composition (as the name implies) instead of treated carpet, so they are super soft (also less fumes). We went with the highest end pad which is a solid pad instead of the glued up bits style... less glue... less fumes and off gassing. Plus it won't break down unevenly overtime. It is also the only pad you should leave down when you re-carpet if needed. So the little bit more (under $200 extra over traditional pad for the whole house) will more than pay for itself if we need to re-do any of these rooms.
And I'd like to give Lowe's a nod for giving us 10% off our entire purchase even though we never did get that coupon in the mail. Mr F told them about it and they gave it to us anyway.
And the installers (hired by Lowe's) did a great job. This is our 3rd time getting carpet in the AA area and this is hands down the best installation (even better than Merkel).
Everything looks so clean now... what with the lack of large bodily fluid stains and all!
On the unfortunate cat front... we've decided to put him down on Monday morning. We want to be sure we don't let this go on into suffering. Right now his movement is clearly inhibited but he can still eat a little and go to the bathroom in his litter. He can still be petted, but he can't move off the floor or play... just watch his brother. With the rate this has progressed, and the emotional toll of watching your pet die, we think ending this sooner rather than later is best.
It took Mr F and I an amazing 3 hours to empty all four bedrooms and the living room. How many weeks do you want to guess it will take us to put it all back? 3? 4? Our bathroom, dining room, kitchen and playroom look like storage units. I feel like we just moved in again.
This is what we put in our livingroom. It is a very dark moss green with a cut & loop texture. I love it. The color choice was very difficult. We needed dark to hide dirt (sliding door to outside) and the texture to hide wear and tear (there is a major walking path from the front door to the dining room cutting through here. We took our cues based on the staining of the previous carpet. It wasn't pretty and we do not want to pay this much money any time soon!
For the bedrooms we went with a light grey... touch of taupe... short pile carpet. I wanted a neutral but am not much of a fan of beige and didn't want to go the cream route because of the kids. This tone (being more cool) is well suited to our intended bedroom palate of cool pink, grey, and Kid's light blue. This short pile is unbelievably soft. Seriously.
Both of these are SmartStrand (made by Mohawk) from Lowe's. And they were not that expensive. We had looked at a high end independent store first and we could not afford their Mohawk SmartStrand and what we could afford was terrible low quality rough stuff. This is the same carpet we couldn't afford there and the price was lower than the cheap crap. SmartStrand is more stain resistant than Stain Master but have no added chemicals to make them that way, the stain resistance is part of the strand composition (as the name implies) instead of treated carpet, so they are super soft (also less fumes). We went with the highest end pad which is a solid pad instead of the glued up bits style... less glue... less fumes and off gassing. Plus it won't break down unevenly overtime. It is also the only pad you should leave down when you re-carpet if needed. So the little bit more (under $200 extra over traditional pad for the whole house) will more than pay for itself if we need to re-do any of these rooms.
And I'd like to give Lowe's a nod for giving us 10% off our entire purchase even though we never did get that coupon in the mail. Mr F told them about it and they gave it to us anyway.
And the installers (hired by Lowe's) did a great job. This is our 3rd time getting carpet in the AA area and this is hands down the best installation (even better than Merkel).
Everything looks so clean now... what with the lack of large bodily fluid stains and all!
On the unfortunate cat front... we've decided to put him down on Monday morning. We want to be sure we don't let this go on into suffering. Right now his movement is clearly inhibited but he can still eat a little and go to the bathroom in his litter. He can still be petted, but he can't move off the floor or play... just watch his brother. With the rate this has progressed, and the emotional toll of watching your pet die, we think ending this sooner rather than later is best.
Friday, October 22, 2010
So Obviously Things Are A Bit Intense
#1 Homeschooling: When, What, Where (DisneyWorld?!... just kidding... kitchen table)
This has been a hard, hard, time in the Furious house. Not hard like the 2 years in Asheville hard... but just *important* and *important* decisions can be stressful. You want to make the best decision you can. Of course, in our house, that means 100% of the pressure is ON ME. You might not have picked up on this yet... but, well, I make all the decisions. Which sounds awesome, but, let's face it... it's a lot of pressure. Leadership can really wear on you. Trust me.
The homeschooling issue is even harder, because there is what Mr F and I think we should do (he does express his opinions... he just doesn't choose to have the responsibility of acting on decisions... lucky him), and then there is Kid. She has her own ideas and viewpoint, which I very much want to honor and respect. Yet, she is still a child and is incapable of making (nor should she) a decision of this magnitude. I'm really torn.
When school started we knew we weren't impressed with the academics by about week 2. But, we had hoped this would be a good social placement for her, and if she was happy and making friends... whatever... the academics would sort themselves out eventually. So, we said we'd wait until June to make a judgment about the academics and our future school plans for her. Then it started to become clear that she wasn't exactly making friends. Then it started to become clear that she was being teased. And then I started to think... what the Hell?!... She isn't having a good time socially, and academically she's bored and not retaining any info longer than what is needed for Friday's test.
The good news is that Kid is on board with our feelings... she's really insightful that way. She understands that the learning style is uninteresting to her, that they aren't actually learning any new information other than spelling words (which are literally forgotten by the next week), and that the kids are "meaner". But then she'll have a good-ish day. Someone will play with her, and she wants to keep trying school. And I totally get that. Of course, I can stand back and remove myself, and say one good day every ten is not good enough. But I completely get how it feels to want to be liked so badly that a little crumb feels like an entire cake and you want to hope so badly that things are changing!
We tried this week to review at the end of the day and label the day as *good* (I want to keep going), or *bad* (I want to homeschool). Out of 4 days she had one *good*. I wanted to be able to have some quantifiable evidence. To look at a calendar and see a pattern that is crystal clear.
I know (know) that she'll be happy at home. I just struggle with empathizing so much with where she is at. Putting so much in, risking rejection, and wanting to see it all pay off. As if in one more week suddenly all of the kids are going to *get it* and start really liking her. And even at 7, she can acknowledge that she doesn't think that is going to actually happen. That kids just are not as nice (to anyone) as they were at her old school (got to love the Hippies on that front!), but she doesn't want to give up hope. Oh it breaks my heart. I am so very proud of her, for trying so hard.
But, ultimately we have to step in and say enough it enough, the good doesn't out way the bad in this situation. On the weekends (and truthfully the mornings) she's always ready to homeschool... but... then there will be some event coming up (fieldtrip, Halloween parade, etc) that she doesn't want to miss... and then, that's another week. And because of that, I think this could just keep dragging on. I think what we need is a deadline, and at this point, I think Christmas break is a good one. It's a natural end, she won't feel that she is leaving in the midst of things. There is absolutely no question in my mind, that after a 2 week break she will not want to go back to school.... she won't. By then, if she has friends, we'll know about it. If she hasn't had a playdate by Christmas, I think we can write it off and walk away pretty easily. We can enroll her in the homeschool school which starts a new session in January, it gives me time to get our curriculum lined up.
This plan will also allow her the opportunity to bring a snack to school for her birthday next week (something, obviously, all kids look forward to... she also really wants me to bring something with a number 8 on it to prove to her mean desk neighbor that she is in fact older than her! Believe you me.... I will really enjoy making those cupcakes!).
Yesterday, Kid and I talked about Christmas break, and she seemed relieved. She wants closure, but more importantly she wants to do it in a way that doesn't stick out. Everyone packs up for winter break. I get it. I'm behind it. I just hope we can make it 8 more weeks, without all of us needing anti-depressants.
Of course, this could all be out the window if next week we get a 5 out of 5 *bad* day report.
I mean, Thanksgiving could be a good natural closure too ;)
#2 We told her about Dasher. Seeing as he can't play anymore and just lays in one spot all day, etc... I started to fear he might not make it another week. Honestly every time I see him I have to check that he is still breathing. Just last weekend he was still running around the house like a maniac. It is really, really, sad. More on that tomorrow. #1 was about 5 paragraphs longer than I planned, and I'm sure you have some other things to do today.
This has been a hard, hard, time in the Furious house. Not hard like the 2 years in Asheville hard... but just *important* and *important* decisions can be stressful. You want to make the best decision you can. Of course, in our house, that means 100% of the pressure is ON ME. You might not have picked up on this yet... but, well, I make all the decisions. Which sounds awesome, but, let's face it... it's a lot of pressure. Leadership can really wear on you. Trust me.
The homeschooling issue is even harder, because there is what Mr F and I think we should do (he does express his opinions... he just doesn't choose to have the responsibility of acting on decisions... lucky him), and then there is Kid. She has her own ideas and viewpoint, which I very much want to honor and respect. Yet, she is still a child and is incapable of making (nor should she) a decision of this magnitude. I'm really torn.
When school started we knew we weren't impressed with the academics by about week 2. But, we had hoped this would be a good social placement for her, and if she was happy and making friends... whatever... the academics would sort themselves out eventually. So, we said we'd wait until June to make a judgment about the academics and our future school plans for her. Then it started to become clear that she wasn't exactly making friends. Then it started to become clear that she was being teased. And then I started to think... what the Hell?!... She isn't having a good time socially, and academically she's bored and not retaining any info longer than what is needed for Friday's test.
The good news is that Kid is on board with our feelings... she's really insightful that way. She understands that the learning style is uninteresting to her, that they aren't actually learning any new information other than spelling words (which are literally forgotten by the next week), and that the kids are "meaner". But then she'll have a good-ish day. Someone will play with her, and she wants to keep trying school. And I totally get that. Of course, I can stand back and remove myself, and say one good day every ten is not good enough. But I completely get how it feels to want to be liked so badly that a little crumb feels like an entire cake and you want to hope so badly that things are changing!
We tried this week to review at the end of the day and label the day as *good* (I want to keep going), or *bad* (I want to homeschool). Out of 4 days she had one *good*. I wanted to be able to have some quantifiable evidence. To look at a calendar and see a pattern that is crystal clear.
I know (know) that she'll be happy at home. I just struggle with empathizing so much with where she is at. Putting so much in, risking rejection, and wanting to see it all pay off. As if in one more week suddenly all of the kids are going to *get it* and start really liking her. And even at 7, she can acknowledge that she doesn't think that is going to actually happen. That kids just are not as nice (to anyone) as they were at her old school (got to love the Hippies on that front!), but she doesn't want to give up hope. Oh it breaks my heart. I am so very proud of her, for trying so hard.
But, ultimately we have to step in and say enough it enough, the good doesn't out way the bad in this situation. On the weekends (and truthfully the mornings) she's always ready to homeschool... but... then there will be some event coming up (fieldtrip, Halloween parade, etc) that she doesn't want to miss... and then, that's another week. And because of that, I think this could just keep dragging on. I think what we need is a deadline, and at this point, I think Christmas break is a good one. It's a natural end, she won't feel that she is leaving in the midst of things. There is absolutely no question in my mind, that after a 2 week break she will not want to go back to school.... she won't. By then, if she has friends, we'll know about it. If she hasn't had a playdate by Christmas, I think we can write it off and walk away pretty easily. We can enroll her in the homeschool school which starts a new session in January, it gives me time to get our curriculum lined up.
This plan will also allow her the opportunity to bring a snack to school for her birthday next week (something, obviously, all kids look forward to... she also really wants me to bring something with a number 8 on it to prove to her mean desk neighbor that she is in fact older than her! Believe you me.... I will really enjoy making those cupcakes!).
Yesterday, Kid and I talked about Christmas break, and she seemed relieved. She wants closure, but more importantly she wants to do it in a way that doesn't stick out. Everyone packs up for winter break. I get it. I'm behind it. I just hope we can make it 8 more weeks, without all of us needing anti-depressants.
Of course, this could all be out the window if next week we get a 5 out of 5 *bad* day report.
I mean, Thanksgiving could be a good natural closure too ;)
#2 We told her about Dasher. Seeing as he can't play anymore and just lays in one spot all day, etc... I started to fear he might not make it another week. Honestly every time I see him I have to check that he is still breathing. Just last weekend he was still running around the house like a maniac. It is really, really, sad. More on that tomorrow. #1 was about 5 paragraphs longer than I planned, and I'm sure you have some other things to do today.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Oh Man
This is a sad, depressing situation.
No one wants to see a 5 month old kitten go from playful to restricted movement in the span of a week.
Dasher (Kid's cat, also briefly and incorrectly termed Fatty for a few days) has IFP, a rare and fatal complication of an extremely common cat virus.
He has weeks to live, although at some point his quality of life will have deteriorated to the point that we'll need to put him down.
Probably in a week.
It is heartbreaking on so many levels.
And the fact that he and his brother sleep nose to nose isn't making it easier.
God...
No one wants to see a 5 month old kitten go from playful to restricted movement in the span of a week.
Dasher (Kid's cat, also briefly and incorrectly termed Fatty for a few days) has IFP, a rare and fatal complication of an extremely common cat virus.
He has weeks to live, although at some point his quality of life will have deteriorated to the point that we'll need to put him down.
Probably in a week.
It is heartbreaking on so many levels.
And the fact that he and his brother sleep nose to nose isn't making it easier.
God...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Update of The Day
"Fatty" is not fat.
He's dying.
He's also Kid's cat.
She still actively grieves over Canine.
So, yeah, this is not going to go over well.
At all.
He's dying.
He's also Kid's cat.
She still actively grieves over Canine.
So, yeah, this is not going to go over well.
At all.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Overwhelmed!
Sorry. I'm 100% consumed by this curriculum search and finalizing our next steps.
Gotta go.
Kid cried in school yesterday.
Gotta go.
Kid cried in school yesterday.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A List
#1 Mr F finally got my treadmill taken apart, put in the basement, and put back together. I can finally start working out... but... where is the damn safety stop cord?!!! I can't power it up without it!
Mr F and I have both spotted it lying around the house in the last two months, but neither of us can remember where... except that it wasn't where it should have been. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing you've seen something but not being able to remember where!
#2 One cat looks like a disgusting leper, the other has spontaneously gained a tremendous amount of weight (neutered... and male... so not pregs) and suddenly looks like a giant fur covered light bulb with a small kitten head. It's ridiculous. My theory is that while we were away last weekend he ate ALL of the food I left out for both cats for the full two days. I now call him Fatty. I call the other one Disease. I can't wait to try and wrangle them up and cover them is nasty sulphur solution this afternoon. My favorite smell! And it stains!
#3 Baby looks so freaking adorable I can't wipe my large stupid grin off my face. She could pee on the floor and I'd be like "You're so cute!"
#4 Kid went to school today. She wanted one more week to be sure she wants to homeschool. (Although Mr F reports that all the way to school she was moaning out: "Homeschool! Homeschool!") There has been a lot of explaining that homeschooling isn't the same as calling in sick. She can't homeschool one day and go to school the next, which was kind of what she had been assuming. We also spent the end of last week reviewing different curriculums and doing placement tests. I've settled on a math curriculum that I think will fit her better than any instruction she's had yet. I'm ordering that today. For homeschoolers out there (the only ones who will probably be interested in this) I've gone back and forth about getting a full boxed curriculum set (re:sonlight, etc) or piecemealing it together.. which obviously requires a lot more work. For Kid it isn't school or school structure that is the problem... it is purely social... so she might respond well to a set structured routine. The downside is that I've heard mixed reviews about some of the components and don't think they are 100% the right fit. And isn't that the whole beauty of this? That we can pick components that are all uniquely challenging, stimulating, and appropriate for one learner? I'll try to hammer this stuff out this week.
That's it. Oh and we're getting our new carpet this weekend!
Mr F and I have both spotted it lying around the house in the last two months, but neither of us can remember where... except that it wasn't where it should have been. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing you've seen something but not being able to remember where!
#2 One cat looks like a disgusting leper, the other has spontaneously gained a tremendous amount of weight (neutered... and male... so not pregs) and suddenly looks like a giant fur covered light bulb with a small kitten head. It's ridiculous. My theory is that while we were away last weekend he ate ALL of the food I left out for both cats for the full two days. I now call him Fatty. I call the other one Disease. I can't wait to try and wrangle them up and cover them is nasty sulphur solution this afternoon. My favorite smell! And it stains!
#3 Baby looks so freaking adorable I can't wipe my large stupid grin off my face. She could pee on the floor and I'd be like "You're so cute!"
#4 Kid went to school today. She wanted one more week to be sure she wants to homeschool. (Although Mr F reports that all the way to school she was moaning out: "Homeschool! Homeschool!") There has been a lot of explaining that homeschooling isn't the same as calling in sick. She can't homeschool one day and go to school the next, which was kind of what she had been assuming. We also spent the end of last week reviewing different curriculums and doing placement tests. I've settled on a math curriculum that I think will fit her better than any instruction she's had yet. I'm ordering that today. For homeschoolers out there (the only ones who will probably be interested in this) I've gone back and forth about getting a full boxed curriculum set (re:sonlight, etc) or piecemealing it together.. which obviously requires a lot more work. For Kid it isn't school or school structure that is the problem... it is purely social... so she might respond well to a set structured routine. The downside is that I've heard mixed reviews about some of the components and don't think they are 100% the right fit. And isn't that the whole beauty of this? That we can pick components that are all uniquely challenging, stimulating, and appropriate for one learner? I'll try to hammer this stuff out this week.
That's it. Oh and we're getting our new carpet this weekend!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Makeover... Baby Addition
Up until now Baby has not been a fan of haircuts. For an entire year the only way I could trim her bangs was if she fell asleep in the car, strapped into her carseat (and that did not make for a very even trim). Then one day a few months ago she woke up mid trim and, well, she never let me near her again. Hence the long bangs in the eyes look she's been sporting since last winter.
On a lark I asked the girls if tonight was Haircut Night and Baby joyously yell that it was. And then she sat (mostly still) while I cut away. Then she'd get down from her stool run to the bathroom to check it out, return and ask for more. Mr F and I were flabbergasted. And more than a little afraid that half way through she'd freak... and... well... look like a freak. But, as always, that girl knew what she wanted, and she made it through till the end.
Before:
(Just kidding... and, NO, it was not cold that day)
After:
(don't mind her homemade double arm cat toys!)
On a lark I asked the girls if tonight was Haircut Night and Baby joyously yell that it was. And then she sat (mostly still) while I cut away. Then she'd get down from her stool run to the bathroom to check it out, return and ask for more. Mr F and I were flabbergasted. And more than a little afraid that half way through she'd freak... and... well... look like a freak. But, as always, that girl knew what she wanted, and she made it through till the end.
Before:
(Just kidding... and, NO, it was not cold that day)
After:
(don't mind her homemade double arm cat toys!)
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Cats Have Ringworm
Do you need me to go on?
I spent the entire day yesterday washing everything they've been on (everything) and vacuuming. Dipping them in a nasty sulphur solution. And trying to quarantine them. This is a goddamn nightmare. And it could go on for weeks if not a month or more. (They had it all along, just weren't showing symptoms when we adopted them).
Oh... and now I have it.
Awesome.
And Kid is routinely found reading in bed (nude) with cats nestled up on either side... so... um... I think she's next.
And, of course, this all went down while Mr F was out of town. Isn't that always the way?
Yes, it is.
It's like the lice all over again.
And I still managed to make Kid a kickass hair bow for her Cheerleading performance (thank you YouTube tutorial).
Oh and Kid didn't go to school today, or yesterday.
More to come.
I spent the entire day yesterday washing everything they've been on (everything) and vacuuming. Dipping them in a nasty sulphur solution. And trying to quarantine them. This is a goddamn nightmare. And it could go on for weeks if not a month or more. (They had it all along, just weren't showing symptoms when we adopted them).
Oh... and now I have it.
Awesome.
And Kid is routinely found reading in bed (nude) with cats nestled up on either side... so... um... I think she's next.
And, of course, this all went down while Mr F was out of town. Isn't that always the way?
Yes, it is.
It's like the lice all over again.
And I still managed to make Kid a kickass hair bow for her Cheerleading performance (thank you YouTube tutorial).
Oh and Kid didn't go to school today, or yesterday.
More to come.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dear Mr F
I accidentally watched 2 episodes of Lost last night.
I'm sorry.
I tried not to.
But, well, you know how it is.
P.S. It took a turn for the MUCH better. So, you'll want to hop on it.
I'm sorry.
I tried not to.
But, well, you know how it is.
P.S. It took a turn for the MUCH better. So, you'll want to hop on it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pep Talks
So, lately, I've been saying things in my head.
Like...
"You don't need anyone's approval."
And...
"Your an adult woman who successful manages a family."
And...
"To Hell with them."
And...
"It's okay to do the right thing...
even if it makes everyone else uncomfortable."
We've been giving some things a lot of thought and consideration.
We've been waiting and seeing.
We've been trying to dampen down our feelings.
We've been second guessing ourselves.
We've been stressed and upset.
Then we tried to avoid it and started talking about adopting handicapped children.
Cause that would make everything less stressful... right?
And then this morning I'm walking around beating myself up.
Why can't I just stand up for what I think is right?
Why do I care what OTHER people will think?
I don't even agree with those people, so why on Earth would I let the fear of their judgments hold me back from doing what is best for my family?
Or at least trying.
Trying to choose to live a different life.
One that is supportive and challenging.
Not unsupportive and challenging.
Why do I keep setting a deadline that's several months away?
Why do I need to allow us to continue suffering when I know it isn't working?
Why can't I just stand up for what I believe in, TODAY?
Peer pressure that's why.
I'm always battling that demon.
So maybe I'll just say it here.
We're taking Kid out of school.
Hopefully soon.
It's not working.
There is some bullying.
There is intensely disappointing academics.
There is a classroom structure that I just fundamentally disagree with.
Kid is bored.
And exhausted from getting too little sleep.
Kid is tantruming after school.
Kid still has no friends.
And it is just a slow, corrosive torture on our whole family.
Kid used to love school.
Now when I get her after school she isn't excited to tell me about her day.
She's just sort of dull in the eyes.
Every day is like the one before, and she's just getting through it.
And I just don't believe a child should spend 7 hours a day like that.
And it's hurting my heart that I'm letting it happen.
That I'm more worried about what other people think, then what is actually happening.
So, we're going to pursue something better.
Like...
"You don't need anyone's approval."
And...
"Your an adult woman who successful manages a family."
And...
"To Hell with them."
And...
"It's okay to do the right thing...
even if it makes everyone else uncomfortable."
We've been giving some things a lot of thought and consideration.
We've been waiting and seeing.
We've been trying to dampen down our feelings.
We've been second guessing ourselves.
We've been stressed and upset.
Then we tried to avoid it and started talking about adopting handicapped children.
Cause that would make everything less stressful... right?
And then this morning I'm walking around beating myself up.
Why can't I just stand up for what I think is right?
Why do I care what OTHER people will think?
I don't even agree with those people, so why on Earth would I let the fear of their judgments hold me back from doing what is best for my family?
Or at least trying.
Trying to choose to live a different life.
One that is supportive and challenging.
Not unsupportive and challenging.
Why do I keep setting a deadline that's several months away?
Why do I need to allow us to continue suffering when I know it isn't working?
Why can't I just stand up for what I believe in, TODAY?
Peer pressure that's why.
I'm always battling that demon.
So maybe I'll just say it here.
We're taking Kid out of school.
Hopefully soon.
It's not working.
There is some bullying.
There is intensely disappointing academics.
There is a classroom structure that I just fundamentally disagree with.
Kid is bored.
And exhausted from getting too little sleep.
Kid is tantruming after school.
Kid still has no friends.
And it is just a slow, corrosive torture on our whole family.
Kid used to love school.
Now when I get her after school she isn't excited to tell me about her day.
She's just sort of dull in the eyes.
Every day is like the one before, and she's just getting through it.
And I just don't believe a child should spend 7 hours a day like that.
And it's hurting my heart that I'm letting it happen.
That I'm more worried about what other people think, then what is actually happening.
So, we're going to pursue something better.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Polar Opposites
While it was not our intention, both of our girls left the American Girl Place with little expensive versions of themselves. Kid opted not to get suckered into the retiring of historical dolls (after a lengthy discussion of this marketing ploy... because once you start down that path where will it end?!). She picked out her mini me and we sprang for glasses to boot. I was hoping this might make the doll more of a play doll and less of a *too special to play* doll (like Kaya turned out to be).
Baby had just assumed she was getting a doll too. Um... she was not. And she was not happy to hear it. After some thought (we made the girls think about their choice for 2 days before we made our purchases), we decided to let her get one of the Bitty Baby twin dolls... which looked enough like her to meet her needs (and was half the price).
Once we got them back to the hotel room we unpacked them.
Baby immediately started brushing her doll's hair.
She slept with her doll slung across her chest, one real cheek joined to one plastic one (glued with sweat).
Kid put her doll carefully on an upholstered bench.
The next morning she had her doll boxed back up for travel.
Baby's doll rode in the back in her own seat with seat belt.
Kid's doll rode safely in it's box.
Baby's slept in the bed last night.
Kid's doll slept in it's box, where it had been since the morning before.
Kid's doll is still safe and sound and in perfect condition in it's box.
Baby's doll has a noose around it's neck and is being thrown forcefully face first onto the cold hard floor.
Baby had just assumed she was getting a doll too. Um... she was not. And she was not happy to hear it. After some thought (we made the girls think about their choice for 2 days before we made our purchases), we decided to let her get one of the Bitty Baby twin dolls... which looked enough like her to meet her needs (and was half the price).
Once we got them back to the hotel room we unpacked them.
Baby immediately started brushing her doll's hair.
She slept with her doll slung across her chest, one real cheek joined to one plastic one (glued with sweat).
Kid put her doll carefully on an upholstered bench.
The next morning she had her doll boxed back up for travel.
Baby's doll rode in the back in her own seat with seat belt.
Kid's doll rode safely in it's box.
Baby's slept in the bed last night.
Kid's doll slept in it's box, where it had been since the morning before.
Kid's doll is still safe and sound and in perfect condition in it's box.
Baby's doll has a noose around it's neck and is being thrown forcefully face first onto the cold hard floor.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
We're Off To See The Wizard
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Of course, last night at midnight, Mr F said "Shall we talk about tomorrow?"
And I knew right then that he was not able to take today off as we had hoped.
He said he'd just go in in the the morning.
I think we all know that "morning" can be a highly variable term.
And, ahem, technically over by now.
I'm expecting a 5 PM departure (as I have all week... I'm no dummy).
Nevermind. More time to make ShrinkyDinks.
Just in case you're wondering our weekend plans include:
This.
This.
This.
This.
and
This.
(also sleeping in as late as we can, not worrying about bedtime, swimming in the hotel pool, ordering breakfast in bed, and hopefully NOT catching bedbugs)
Just overheard...
"Really, there is no need to put your face in my G!"
So... uh... gotta go.
Of course, last night at midnight, Mr F said "Shall we talk about tomorrow?"
And I knew right then that he was not able to take today off as we had hoped.
He said he'd just go in in the the morning.
I think we all know that "morning" can be a highly variable term.
And, ahem, technically over by now.
I'm expecting a 5 PM departure (as I have all week... I'm no dummy).
Nevermind. More time to make ShrinkyDinks.
Just in case you're wondering our weekend plans include:
This.
This.
This.
This.
and
This.
(also sleeping in as late as we can, not worrying about bedtime, swimming in the hotel pool, ordering breakfast in bed, and hopefully NOT catching bedbugs)
Just overheard...
"Really, there is no need to put your face in my G!"
So... uh... gotta go.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Let Me Just Say... I'm Getting Tired
Of making dinners Mr F never comes home in time to eat.
Lots of things are better.
But a couple of things are worse.
Mr F works less in total... but... he works more during our children's waking hours (as in all of them).
And he sometimes goes a couple of days without really ever seeing them.
And he regularly misses out on their things and their life.
It's been really hard on most of us (except Baby... she just refers to him as "THEE IDIOT" now)
We're going away for the weekend.
We'll be brainstorming some solutions.
And buying large historic dolls.
Because nothing brings a family closer than spending money on large dolls.
Lots of things are better.
But a couple of things are worse.
Mr F works less in total... but... he works more during our children's waking hours (as in all of them).
And he sometimes goes a couple of days without really ever seeing them.
And he regularly misses out on their things and their life.
It's been really hard on most of us (except Baby... she just refers to him as "THEE IDIOT" now)
We're going away for the weekend.
We'll be brainstorming some solutions.
And buying large historic dolls.
Because nothing brings a family closer than spending money on large dolls.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Maybe This Will Go Away Soon
It seems like I can't seem to maintain the blog these days.
I'm sorry about that.
I've had a strange headache since Thursday.
I feel like my brain is trying to expand beyond my skull.
So, you know, that makes looking at the computer a little less enjoyable.
It's not just you I'm neglecting.
I didn't take baby to her class this morning (because it bores the shit out of me and the brain pressure is a good excuse).
Plus, Kid starts Brownies tonight.
I had to save up my energy for that.
Oh, and Mr F's magazine is closing* this week OF COURSE (for the 2 or so readers that have any idea what that means... well, they'll know that not feeling well this week is the worst kind of luck).
And next week Mr F will be on a work trip ALL week.
He's going to miss Kid's cheer debut at the JV football game (don't tell her).
She's going to be HOT.
* this month's issue... the magazine is not folding... no worries!
I'm sorry about that.
I've had a strange headache since Thursday.
I feel like my brain is trying to expand beyond my skull.
So, you know, that makes looking at the computer a little less enjoyable.
It's not just you I'm neglecting.
I didn't take baby to her class this morning (because it bores the shit out of me and the brain pressure is a good excuse).
Plus, Kid starts Brownies tonight.
I had to save up my energy for that.
Oh, and Mr F's magazine is closing* this week OF COURSE (for the 2 or so readers that have any idea what that means... well, they'll know that not feeling well this week is the worst kind of luck).
And next week Mr F will be on a work trip ALL week.
He's going to miss Kid's cheer debut at the JV football game (don't tell her).
She's going to be HOT.
* this month's issue... the magazine is not folding... no worries!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sneak Peaks
I've been wanting to wait until Kid's room was 100% done... but we're still waiting on those new carpets, and a couple small projects that may or may not get done soon (or ever... although we have the best of intentions!).
You may recall that Kid's room was the first one we tackled (in large part thanks to my Aunt Alice!).
Kid wanted a more grown up room than the one she left behind.
A lot of ideas came and went.
After viewing The Little Princess, and having a large cache of goods from a trip to India, I suggested we go with an Indian theme.
My aunt graciously offered to take it to the next level with her mural skills.
BEFORE:
DURING:
First came the blue:
Then the foliage:
Then the animals:
AFTER:
We're all really happy with it! Unbelievably it only took my aunt three days to paint the entire room! I've had a great time hunting all the finishing touches. I'm also pretty happy that when Kid outgrows this, everything I've bought can be repurposed somewhere else in the house.
Details:
The curtains are 2 Saris I brought back from India. Behind them I had cotton sheers from Ikea ($12... cut off tabs and used the hem as a pole pocket). The curtain rod is an old double rod from PB we had.
The bedding is from Ikea ($30/set). The throw pillows are from Cost Plus World Market ($19/ea) in their Eat Love Pray area. The painted mirror is also from CPWM in the clearance section ($40). The painting I brought back from India. The tin lantern I already had. The little jeweled lamp is from Target ($9). The elephant lamp is from an antiques fair ($30), and still needs shades. The little chair and dresser are family antiques I already had. The throw on the chair is a fashion scarf from Target ($12). The bed frames we had and are from Ikea (Minnen... $100?/ea). The bookcase (I'm going to paint) is just a solid wood folding bookcase we've used in our craft area. Bean bag (Kid insisted!... and, well, it is her room) from Target ($19). The bedside table is the old white one we had in her room with a piece of fabric my aunt had swaged over it to hide it. All in all I spent about $185 decorating this room. My aunt furnished the paint (again, thank you!!) so that cost is not included.
The LATER:
We're still waiting on the new carpet. I also think I'm going to put in our large green/purple floral area rug that we had in our old room. We're also going to install a ceiling fan over the beds to replace that light (if I can get one that isn't too expensive we're looking for one of the palm leaf style ones), and a new light fixture closer to the doors. We're also putting up a couple of picture ledges for her to display her collectibles, and hanging the mirror, and hanging that lantern from the ceiling by the left bed to balance out the tree.
And we're going to rearrange the shelves in this mega closet:
To make a built in desk.
You may recall that Kid's room was the first one we tackled (in large part thanks to my Aunt Alice!).
Kid wanted a more grown up room than the one she left behind.
A lot of ideas came and went.
After viewing The Little Princess, and having a large cache of goods from a trip to India, I suggested we go with an Indian theme.
My aunt graciously offered to take it to the next level with her mural skills.
BEFORE:
DURING:
First came the blue:
Then the foliage:
Then the animals:
AFTER:
We're all really happy with it! Unbelievably it only took my aunt three days to paint the entire room! I've had a great time hunting all the finishing touches. I'm also pretty happy that when Kid outgrows this, everything I've bought can be repurposed somewhere else in the house.
Details:
The curtains are 2 Saris I brought back from India. Behind them I had cotton sheers from Ikea ($12... cut off tabs and used the hem as a pole pocket). The curtain rod is an old double rod from PB we had.
The bedding is from Ikea ($30/set). The throw pillows are from Cost Plus World Market ($19/ea) in their Eat Love Pray area. The painted mirror is also from CPWM in the clearance section ($40). The painting I brought back from India. The tin lantern I already had. The little jeweled lamp is from Target ($9). The elephant lamp is from an antiques fair ($30), and still needs shades. The little chair and dresser are family antiques I already had. The throw on the chair is a fashion scarf from Target ($12). The bed frames we had and are from Ikea (Minnen... $100?/ea). The bookcase (I'm going to paint) is just a solid wood folding bookcase we've used in our craft area. Bean bag (Kid insisted!... and, well, it is her room) from Target ($19). The bedside table is the old white one we had in her room with a piece of fabric my aunt had swaged over it to hide it. All in all I spent about $185 decorating this room. My aunt furnished the paint (again, thank you!!) so that cost is not included.
The LATER:
We're still waiting on the new carpet. I also think I'm going to put in our large green/purple floral area rug that we had in our old room. We're also going to install a ceiling fan over the beds to replace that light (if I can get one that isn't too expensive we're looking for one of the palm leaf style ones), and a new light fixture closer to the doors. We're also putting up a couple of picture ledges for her to display her collectibles, and hanging the mirror, and hanging that lantern from the ceiling by the left bed to balance out the tree.
And we're going to rearrange the shelves in this mega closet:
To make a built in desk.
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