A little girl walked to and from school daily. The weather one morning was dark and threatening, but she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The little girl's mother felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. She saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile. Another and another flash of lightening followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her "What are you doing?"
The little girl answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."
Deliciously Horrible!
I have discovered a convenience store item that makes me want to forget to pack a healthy lunch: MarketFare's Bistro to-go Beef Steak Fajita Wrap from 7-Eleven, w/400 calories (120 from fat), 0g Trans Fat, 50% RDV Calcium & 25% RDV Iron... but 60% RDV / 1450mg Sodium. Yum Yum!!
Fighting Wolves
An old Cherokee is telling his grandson about a fight that is going on inside him. He said it is between two wolves: one is evil, with anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good with joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one I feed."
~ Author Unknown
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one I feed."
~ Author Unknown
My Birthday :)
I have always known that our daughter would help lift my husbands spirits and encourage his more enthusiastic participation in the celebration of family birthdays and such. I arrived home yesterday to the most adorable little Husband-&-Children surprise party for my birthday, complete w/streamers, balloons, singing, presents, and cake w/candles! I loved it!
Ship's Whistle
They've been testing an aircraft carrier whistle all day - I just love that deep low bellow that says "I'm a big bad Navy vessel - you better get your ass outta my way!"
Connect w/Your Inner Cowboy
I listen to today's country music, I admit it. It started as just a lyrics thing, but now I enjoy more than just the words, it's just a very down-to-earth, humble genre. As I pulled into my parking spot at work this a.m., the DJ reminded me between songs to "Connect w/Your Inner Cowboy" and I felt busted! - caught enjoying country diddies before work.
Snickers Kick
Our admin assistant recently added a bowl of candy to his desk, and now I'm on a bigtime Snicker Bar kick!
I love the new words Snickers is introducing: NOUGATOCITY: A heightened yet fleeting state of accomplishment that makes you realize how unbelievably unmotivated you normally are. :)
I love the new words Snickers is introducing: NOUGATOCITY: A heightened yet fleeting state of accomplishment that makes you realize how unbelievably unmotivated you normally are. :)
Civilian Conservation Corps
I received my grandfather's CCC record from the National Archives recently - this genealogy stuff is so cool!
Luther J. Fuller DOB 6/05/1918
Serial# CC5-195187, Enrolled 10/28/1935 @ Camp SP-3, Clifftop, WV
Allottee: Violet Hitchcock (Grandmother) Crum, WV $25.00
a. 10/28/1935 to 1/12/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Camp SP-3, Company 1522, Clifftop, WV
b. 1/13/1936 to 1/15/1936 Enroute to Oregon
c. 1/16/1936 to 3/31/1936 Gravelling Banks @ Camp BR-42, Company 565, Ontario, Oregon
d. 4/01/1936 to 4/04/1936 Tonsilitis Patient "Not Own Misconduct" @ Camp Infirmary
e. 4/05/1936 to 4/10/1936 Graveling Banks @ Camp BR-42, Company 565, Ontario, Oregon
f. 4/11/1936 to 5/07/1936 KP @ Company 2504 F-107 Riggins, Idaho
g. 5/08/1936 to 5/08/1936 Enroute to Burns, Oregon
h. 5/09/1936 to 6/12/1936 KP @ Camp DG-5, Company 2504, Burns, Oregon
i. 6/13/1936 to 10/14/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Camp DG-5, Company 2504, Burns, Oregon
j. 10/15/1936 to 11/06/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Company 2504, Camp DG-24, Burns, Oregon.
Administratively discharged after an 11/06/1936 hearing for "failure to work" and supposedly organizing a strike - he was the spokesman for a group of "boys" who felt they hadn't had sufficient chow the day before. His CO's assessment was "hot tempered; indecisive; average worker; irresponsible" but his overall service was characterized as "honest and faithful" entitling him to a satisfactory rating.
Luther J. Fuller DOB 6/05/1918
Serial# CC5-195187, Enrolled 10/28/1935 @ Camp SP-3, Clifftop, WV
Allottee: Violet Hitchcock (Grandmother) Crum, WV $25.00
a. 10/28/1935 to 1/12/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Camp SP-3, Company 1522, Clifftop, WV
b. 1/13/1936 to 1/15/1936 Enroute to Oregon
c. 1/16/1936 to 3/31/1936 Gravelling Banks @ Camp BR-42, Company 565, Ontario, Oregon
d. 4/01/1936 to 4/04/1936 Tonsilitis Patient "Not Own Misconduct" @ Camp Infirmary
e. 4/05/1936 to 4/10/1936 Graveling Banks @ Camp BR-42, Company 565, Ontario, Oregon
f. 4/11/1936 to 5/07/1936 KP @ Company 2504 F-107 Riggins, Idaho
g. 5/08/1936 to 5/08/1936 Enroute to Burns, Oregon
h. 5/09/1936 to 6/12/1936 KP @ Camp DG-5, Company 2504, Burns, Oregon
i. 6/13/1936 to 10/14/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Camp DG-5, Company 2504, Burns, Oregon
j. 10/15/1936 to 11/06/1936 Pick & Shovel @ Company 2504, Camp DG-24, Burns, Oregon.
Administratively discharged after an 11/06/1936 hearing for "failure to work" and supposedly organizing a strike - he was the spokesman for a group of "boys" who felt they hadn't had sufficient chow the day before. His CO's assessment was "hot tempered; indecisive; average worker; irresponsible" but his overall service was characterized as "honest and faithful" entitling him to a satisfactory rating.
Two Grandsons
What a difference between my Mom's two grandsons! AJ did get a bit of a head start, but even if he hadn't he'd still be winning the gravy race! :)
Ode to Nursing
I've been trying to think of an appropriate expression of how I feel about nursing (and pumping) knowing that I sometimes send work folk to my blog. So this post is just a place-holder until I can think of some clever little way to share w/you the absolute joy I feel when Christopher gives me that adorable little milky chin toothless grin! :)
Funny Error 408
I got this real error msg on my Navy computer today - it cracked me up - gotta love Windows! :)
I Want to Be On HGTV!
This post will be modified w/pics of my design disaster home so I can refer to it in my application(s) to HGTV.
Morning Sun
This little squirrel suns himself on the grill in the mornings, and he's got a spot in the corner of the backyard for the afternoon. I think he flaunts himself to torment the dog and cats.
Later that day, we spotted two squirrels humping, and Phoebe squealed in delight: "Look Mom, there's two!! Aw... look... they're playing, I think they're friends!"
Later that day, we spotted two squirrels humping, and Phoebe squealed in delight: "Look Mom, there's two!! Aw... look... they're playing, I think they're friends!"
Last Day of Maternity Leave
It's over... my days of leisurely ooohing and aaahing over little Mr. Christopher are coming to a quick close. I took my six weeks disability, plus one week LWOP (to help w/my flu+bronchitis recovery), and am set to return to work Monday.
FluX4
My poor whole family got the flu, and my poor baby boy had to go back to the hospital, where they had to do a spinal tap, an IV, a catheter, and then we spent three days in a hospital crib tethered to an IV pole for fluids and antibiotics. What a sad sight he was!
My Sweet Baby Boy
I love that Christopher looks so much like Phoebe did as an infant, and that they both look so much like my husband. :)
Kids in Church & Other Prayers
3yr-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."
After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."
One particular four-year-old prayed, "and forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, "Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait." Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"
A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven" the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"
A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"
My Daughter: Already a Great American Consumer
I convinced Phoebe to let me get rid of all her non-Crayola crayons. Some of the non-Crayola's were easy to spot - the ones from Olive Garden, etc. But some were clearly designed to mimick the familiar Crayola brand, so I showed her the fine distinction between the words "Crayola" and "Crayons" on the wrapper. When I spelled out Crayola, she immediately said "the art of childhood." She's picked up other advertising bits too, there's one toy on her wish list that she recognizes as being "by Little Tikes." And another she knows is available "only at Toys-R-Us." This is on top of the "I want that! I want that!" that accompanies so many of the toy commercials this holiday season. Mama Mia...
41 Days to Go!?!
Wow... I can hardly believe we're so close! Just 41 days left, and we'll be so distracted w/Christmas preps (shopping, decorating, celebrating), I just know those days will go faster than I imagine.
I continue to marvel at how very different this pregnancy has been from my first. At first I attributed it to the baby's gender, but I suppose it's probably more likely just that each pregnancy is just as different and unique as each child.
The latest is the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions, or "practice" contractions. They don't actually hurt, but they did take some getting used to. The baby is already head-down, so maybe my body's gearing up to deliver a little early? I'd prefer full-term, but an '07 delivery sure wouldn't hurt my taxes (or my body).
I continue to marvel at how very different this pregnancy has been from my first. At first I attributed it to the baby's gender, but I suppose it's probably more likely just that each pregnancy is just as different and unique as each child.
The latest is the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions, or "practice" contractions. They don't actually hurt, but they did take some getting used to. The baby is already head-down, so maybe my body's gearing up to deliver a little early? I'd prefer full-term, but an '07 delivery sure wouldn't hurt my taxes (or my body).
Naps @ Work
I recently spent five days in a row at home, sick, and my body quickly became very accustomed to the daily nap I took w/Phoebe. This week back at work has been particularly hard, mostly due to lack of naps! My body has already quit cooperating w/my work schedule, and is already ready for the "leave" part of my maternity leave. And my brain's not too far behind, especially with the timing of the holidays smack dab at the end of my third trimester! C'mon Jan 15th!
My Nephew
I did these announcements for my sister, but felt obligated to let her send them before I posted this. No new info, just the nice announcement w/pics.
The Name Game
We're already calling him Christopher James (maybe "CJ"?), but Phoebe claims not to like it, so I guess it's actually open for consideration until he gets here. Three syllables is my only request, to go w/James... we've heard Abraham, Addison, Adrian, Benjamin, Cameron, Christopher, Damian, Darius, Dominic, Elijah, Emerson, Gabriel, Garrison, Greggory, Harrison, Jeremy, Jonathan, Joshua, Kristopher, Madison, Malachi (or Malakai), Nathaniel, Nicholas, Oliver, Remington, Samuel, Sebastian, Timothy, or Zachary.
Telling Jokes to God
Phoebe was sorta muttering to herself and giggling in the car yesterday. When I asked her about it, first she said it was nothing, she was just talking to herself. But then she clarified, "Actually, I was jus' tellin' jokes to God." What an absolutely WONDERFUL thing for a little 4yr-old girl to be doing - telling jokes to God... and I bet God was laughing too! :) I love that kid more and more and more every day.
Sweet AJ
I spent a good part of the weekend holding my new nephew... so small, so sweet. :) "AJ" appears to be one of the more likely nicknames being tried out, I like it. The whole no-sleep thing threw my sister for a loop - go figure! I kinda enjoy watching her make many of the discoveries I made when Phoebe was new. :)
McTernity Clo
Phoebe has decided that a singular piece of maternity clothing is called a McTernity Clo, I love it! :)
Andre Maurice Brewer, Jr.
My nephew arrived safely into the world at 1341 this afternoon, weighing in at 7lbs, 0.6oz, and 18in long. As excited as I am about being a new Aunt, I am even more excited that my sister finally gets to be a Mom - I can't imagine anyone more well-suited! Since Phoebe isn't allowed to visit at the hospital (siblings only, no little cousins), we won't meet him until they get discharged in a couple/few days, we'll drive up probably Friday and spend the weekend. Yay! :)
Senior Citizens Rule :)
A very self-important college freshman attending a recent football game, took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation. "You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear.
"The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with DSL, bsp; light-speed processing, and..." pausing to take another drink of beer.
The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young - so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit, what are you doing for the next generation?"
The applause was resounding...
"The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with DSL, bsp; light-speed processing, and..." pausing to take another drink of beer.
The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, "You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young - so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit, what are you doing for the next generation?"
The applause was resounding...
Happy Birthday Little Phoebe!
My daughter is four today... hard to believe. When I called her this morning before school to wish her a Happy Birthday, she said "It's not my birthday, Silly Mommi! It's just the day I was born!" I don't think she quite got the concept of a Saturday party to celebrate a Wednesday birthday. Silly Weebs. :)
Definitely a Boy!
So, our 20wk sonogram on 8/29 confirmed that we are indeed having a baby boy! So... one of each... this oughta be fun! I would have loaded the "money shot" showing how we know it's a boy, but our sonogram tech typo'd "WHAT A MAM" instead of "WHAT A MAN" so it rather defeats the purpose. Plus these profile shots are so much more recognizable as a baby rather than as alien life. :)
While I am grateful to be carrying an active healthy baby, his kicking is KILLIN' me! It feels nothing like Phoebe's little flutter-kicks felt. He kicks most when I eat, and when JR, Phoebe & I are playing together. It seems the kicks to the top half of my insides feel cute, like a baby moving around in there... but the kicks to the bottom half of my insides feel like he's tugging as hard as he can on the cord, resulting in a somewhat disturbing tearing feeling. Could he dislodge something important? I'm sure my Ob will say it's normal and not to worry, but it's uncomfortable enough for me to mention at my next appt.
While I am grateful to be carrying an active healthy baby, his kicking is KILLIN' me! It feels nothing like Phoebe's little flutter-kicks felt. He kicks most when I eat, and when JR, Phoebe & I are playing together. It seems the kicks to the top half of my insides feel cute, like a baby moving around in there... but the kicks to the bottom half of my insides feel like he's tugging as hard as he can on the cord, resulting in a somewhat disturbing tearing feeling. Could he dislodge something important? I'm sure my Ob will say it's normal and not to worry, but it's uncomfortable enough for me to mention at my next appt.
Phoebe to Quit Dancing
Phoebe has never been too excited about ballet. I signed her up because she wanted a tutu, thinking she might enjoy it, but I don't think she does. She's usually reluctant to go to her weekly class, and she never talks about it or practices it during the week. Yesterday she told me she was ready to quit, because it hurts her legs. So, we're going to let her quit ballet and move on to try another thing. Maybe martial arts? Or maybe just another round of swim lessons for now? We'll see.
Most Likely a Boy
Some of the symptoms of the placenta previa I experienced w/Phoebe showed up w/this pregnancy too, so I went in for a sonogram today to determine if indeed we were facing another previa - and we're not! :) But at 16wks now, she was able to identify some "suspicious material" between the baby's legs, and so suspects that at our std 20wk sonogram she will be able to confirm that we are having a little boy. My body was already telling me it was a boy, so I wasn't too surprised.
Looks like we get some snips and snails and puppy dog tails to go with our sugar and spice and everything nice! :)
Looks like we get some snips and snails and puppy dog tails to go with our sugar and spice and everything nice! :)
My Listing... Still on the Market
They never came to terms on the offer for my listing, so it's still on the market. I wish I'd been able to sell it at the above-avg commission, but tomorrow it goes down to the traditional 6%. I sure hope it sells soon!
TGIF & Happy Friday!
I spent Mon, Tue & Wed in DC... and let's just say I've never been happier to get home!! I didn't sleep well, I didn't eat well, and of course I missed my Phoebe so much! My meetings were productive and fruitful, but that wasn't enough for me to rate the whole trip a success - it still sucked.
The good news... An offer came in on my one/single/first listing! I don't know what I'm more excited about - closing the deal - or not having my client as a client anymore! I can deal with his unrealistic expectations regarding the timeliness of selling his home in this stagnate market - but I sure can do without his calling to remind me EVERY DAY that I haven't sold his house yet.
Plus... my Navy job still keeps me more than fully engaged. I consider myself so fortunate to be struggling to balance two equally challenging and enjoyable career paths. :)
The good news... An offer came in on my one/single/first listing! I don't know what I'm more excited about - closing the deal - or not having my client as a client anymore! I can deal with his unrealistic expectations regarding the timeliness of selling his home in this stagnate market - but I sure can do without his calling to remind me EVERY DAY that I haven't sold his house yet.
Plus... my Navy job still keeps me more than fully engaged. I consider myself so fortunate to be struggling to balance two equally challenging and enjoyable career paths. :)
I Did It, I Did It, I Did It!
Rookie agent here, blogging my first contracted client. And not a friend or family client either, a legit duty call stranger client. I got the lead by being one of the few SSP-certified agents in my office! :) And... best of all, it's a 7% listing! But... it does go down incrementally (as does the asking price of the property) so seller and I are both motivated to sell very quickly. This should be fun!
My First Client?
I will know today if I've landed my first listing. We've negotiated an incentive-based arrangement for us both, this should be interesting...
Phoebe's Friend Anna
Phoebe has a neighborhood friend who's just too cute not to post about! And she's got a darling little spunky personality to go with that darling little smile too!
Steak Tips w/a Balsamic Glaze Over a Gorgonzola Alfredo Fettuccini
I am usually disappointed w/the Olive Garden, but I keep going for the soup, salad, and breadsticks. Every once in a while I try something else from the menu, and for once I was pleasantly surprised. I'm on my third day of leftovers, all from one big meal of delicious glazed steak tips over a delightfully sharp Gorgonzola alfredo sauce, yum yum!
Bye Bye BlackBerry?
I think my BlackBerry's about to go to the highest bidder... I use the GPS to navigate places I already know my way to, call reception while navigating SUCKS, and all else I do w/it is carry nice pics of Phoebe, and delete my friggin' junk email both on-the-go and at home. Not exactly working out to be worth my while. Hm. What device next?
Nitto - Fueled by Enthusiasts
Our Mustang is among those being featured in a year-long ad campaign to grace the back cover of various Mustang magazines.
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