Archives for July 2006

When It Comes to Inappropriate…

Hubby’s parents are the Queen and King of Inappropriate. I’ve said before (and will no doubt say several million more times) that I have no idea how those people produced a guy as bright, good-hearted, and just… NORMAL, like Hubby. Certainly, when it comes to my in-laws, I don’t believe they know what “normal” is.

Yesterday, we celebrated Pumpkin’s first birthday with a low-key party – mostly family, just a few friends. Hubby’s parents were there (only because we had to invite them – in my opinion, the guest list was just fine minus two). My mother-in-law tried to goad me into an argument about Hubby’s sunburned back (which, I might add, was sunburned while he was shingling her roof – and while he was shingling, she was on the “Olympic Standing There” team doing a whole fat lot of NOTHING!). My mother-in-law, who doesn’t believe in medical science, said to me, “Oh, a sunburn won’t kill him!” My snarky response (that I honestly should have just kept inside because arguing with the woman is POINTLESS!) was, “Oh yeah, that melanoma – nobody ever died from that!” Ugh.

So, this morning, I’m reading the Sunday paper and Hubby was flipping through the classifieds (no doubt looking for a cheap motorcycle because that’s what he does EVERY Sunday), and he said to me, “Do you want to hear something morbid?” I said sure, thinking he was going to tell me that someone was selling a used urn or something in the classifieds. Hubby proceeded to tell me that yesterday, while at my daughter’s birthday party, my father-in-law told Hubby that they had just made their first payment for FIL’s cremation. Who on earth would have deemed this appropriate birthday party discussion?! Clearly, these people are just not right. But, oh, they did NOT stop there. My in-laws then told Hubby that if FIL died while they were out of state (still taunting us with the promise of their cross-country move!), that Hubby and his brother might have to split a $40 fee to ship FIL’s ashes back to Michigan (you know, you can’t just Fed Ex someone’s ashes – there are rules about that kind of stuff)!

Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness.

Seriously, it was NOT that kind of party. Presents were given, cupcakes and ice cream were consumed (Note to other moms: cupcakes rock! It beat the whole having to cut the cake stuff – big time savings!), pictures were taken, and kids were smiling. But apparently, my inlaws didn’t notice that.

So what was up with the death talk? I couldn’t believe it when I heard it this morning. It definitely is in sync with everything I know about my in-laws which is that they are socially inept, boorish people with no idea what is appropriate.

(And for those who are wondering- they aren’t doing the “death layaway” for my mother-in-law because FIL says he’ll be able to afford to cremate her if she dies first – but if he goes first, she won’t be able to handle it… Yes, this WHOLE cheerful conversation took place at a one-year-old’s birthday party!).

A Meme

Five items in my closet
Work clothes that never get worn
Dresser
Scrapbooking supplies
An exercise ball
Page-a-day calendar

Five items in my freezer
Soft pretzels
Lots of ice cubes
Lots of chicken breast
Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches
NutriGrain Eggo Waffles

Five items in my car
Stack of magazines I’ve read already and need to take to a friend of mine
Box of graham crackers
Portable booster seat for dining out
CDs
Ugly, half broken sunglasses

Five items in my purse
Pictures of my kids
Cell phone
Various discount cards/punch cards for various stores
A diaper, just in case
Antibacterial hand wash

Now, TAG, you’re it!

Happy Birthday, Pumpkin…

Dear Pumpkin,

As I write this, you are taking your morning nap, no doubt overwhelmed from the start of your birthday: opening presents and playing with all your new loot with your sister (who seems to like playing with your blocks more than you do!). At this time a year ago, I was introducing you to your sister – you were so brand new to us, and now, a year later, we can’t remember life without you. Your sister adores you infinitely (even though she tends to get annoyed if you get into her things), and mommy and daddy do too!

We figured by the time you turned one, you would have some teeth – but you still have a gummy smile. We can see that the bottom front two teeth are working their way up (but mommy has been saying that for months, so what do I know?!). It will be odd to see you with teeth soon, because we’re so used to the gums!

You are a little snuggly bug – loving to cuddle up with me, or Daddy, or The Princess. You particularly like to give kisses. You gave me a series of kisses so slobbery yesterday that I had to wipe my face with a towel when you were done! I laughed so hard, and that in turn made you laugh as well. When you laugh, it brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

Right now, you are only allowed to have a pacifier in your crib. When The Princess turned one, I got rid of all her paci’s but I know that that is going to be harder for you. These days, when I come in to your room after a nap, I ask you to, “Give mommy your paci, please” and you do, putting it in my open palm before I’ll take you out of your crib. This morning, for kicks, I tried to put you down for your nap without it, and you cried and fussed until I gave it to you. I know I’m going to have to get stronger about that!

You are cruising on the furniture and like to push your sister’s toy shopping cart around the living room. I anticipate you’ll be taking some independent steps soon, and I can’t wait to see the look of joy on your face when you realize you’re mobile and you can get anywhere you want! You love to catch one of us forgetting to shut the baby gate to the upstairs – you have gotten halfway up the stairs before we’ve been able to catch you! What a little speed demon.

I can’t believe it’s been a year already. I remember your birth so vividly. I can’t even begin to describe how joyful I am to have both you and your sister as my daughters. How on earth did I get so lucky?

I love you with my whole heart, and I’m very lucky to be your mom.

Love you, Birthday Girl,

Mommy

Five Months Minus a Day

Yesterday, when the oven repair guy was here (on top of all the chaos – the ignition on our oven stopped functioning – blah! I’ve got a baby with a birthday tomorrow and a cake to bake!) he said, “Oh look – it’s July 25 – five more months ’til Christmas.”

Huh?

Doesn’t that make it sound like it’s so close? Of course, Hubby and I were talking about it later and decided we’re going to start making our list of who we need to shop for and what to get and quite possibly… gasp… get started on shopping.

I am one of those people who tends to get carried away giving gifts to family. Particularly my kids. Budget-wise, it actually behooves us to start our shopping in (gasp) July/August, because it doesn’t feel quite as gruesome on the wallet as it does when we do the last-minute-week-before-Christmas-binge-shopping-trip. But – I’m not ready yet.

And five months til Christmas means that it’s less than five months before the weather turns to crap and we’re cooped up inside. Again. For another long, cold Michigan winter.

Gee thanks, Mr. Repair Guy. (You know, if he hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have never thought of it).

When It’s Okay to Lie to Your Kids…

If your child won’t put on clean underpants unless they say the appropriate “day of the week”, it’s okay to tell her that her Thursday underpants say Tuesday.

Note: This will only work if she can’t yet read.

Light Hearted and Funny (for a change)

Last night, The Princess was talking on her toy cell phone to one of her friends from preschool. “K, QUIT calling me!” she admonished her conversation partner. She “hung up” the phone and said to me and Hubby, “That was K and her brother. They want me to come to their house and listen to country music! I hate country music!”

I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff…

Last night, Hubby assembled The Princess’s brand new bed – a twin size “princess” bed – with a flowing canopy over the top. She was so excited, it took her two hours to fall asleep!

Won’t You Take Me To Funkytown?

Okay, I’m still in a funk, but wanted to update people and let them know I’m still here, and I’m doing okay. Sure, I’m stressed to the max, and yes, there is more drama in my life than I would care for, but – I’m here.

After my last vague posting, I received nice comments as well as several kind emails that reminded me how truly blessed I am to have caring friends and caring folks who don’t even know me sending kind thoughts, prayers and well wishes my way. To be honest, that has made the past week so much easier, knowing that I have literal and figurative shoulders to cry on. With support and friendships like this, how bad could things truly be – am I right?

Having said that, we’re still struggling. While I still don’t feel entirely up to broadcasting our struggles, I’ll say that the next weeks and months to come in our life will be challenging to say the least. Any continued prayers and thoughts would be welcome.

(On the bright side, my Hubby knows things are hard for me, so he brought me flowers last night, and I was able to get out and get to Starbucks for a lovely cappuccino this a.m. – so I’m getting to have some positive things to report again… Oh, and my little Pumpkin? She’s going to be one in less than a week!!)

You’re Invited to a Pity Party

I haven’t posted in a few days so I thought I would quickly write and let you know, I’m still here. Things are rough going these days, and I’m struggling emotionally, but I’m as okay as I can be and I’m getting by. Sometimes I have to wonder if by being blessed with a husband who adores me and the two best children on the planet that I’ve used up my allottment of good luck. That because I hit the jackpot in so many other areas of my life, I keep getting these monster curve balls thrown at me.

Vague, no?

Sorry ’bout that.

Uplifting, No?

I got an email from my stepmother yesterday with a link to the Death Clock. The subject in her email was: “When are you scheduled to die?”

Nice, huh?

Anyway, check it out, and then let me know what it says. If it’s right, I’m scheduled to kick the bucket on January 21, 2076. I’ll be just a few months shy of 100 years old. Wonderful.

The Theme Song of Our House

“I’m Not Perfect” by Laurie Berkner

I’m not perfect, no I’m not
I’m not perfect, but I’ve got what I’ve got
I do my very best, I do my very best
I do my very best each day
Oh, I’m not perfect, but I hope you like me that way

We’re not perfect, no we’re not
We’re not perfect, but we’ve got what we got
We do our very best, we do our very best
We do our very best each day
Oh, we’re not perfect, but we hope you like us that way

You’re not perfect, no you’re not
You’re not perfect, but you’ve got what you’ve got
You do your very best, you do your very best
You do your very best each day
Oh, you’re not perfect, but you know, I love you that way…