Tolerance

*DO NOT READ THIS POST IF YOU HAVE AN EXTREMELY WEAK STOMACH & GET ILL TO THE WORD VOMIT*

There is one thing that I cannot stand/tolerate as a parent. I am sure a lot of you are the exact same way too. It's the one lonely thing. Vomit. Yes, puke, upchuck or whatever you want to call it. It's the one thing that I have no stomach for.

Hubby was sick last night in the middle of the night. I had no idea until he told me in the morning that he wasn't feeling well. I would never have known if he wouldn't have told me.

When the boys woke up this morning, they came into my room, as they do on most mornings. Everything seemed fine & dandy. Mack's face had "dirt" on it, but I used a wipe and cleaned his face. When Quentin woke up, I went to his room to get him and got a whiff of something horrible. Nope, not in the baby's room. No dirty diaper (except the usual pee bomb of a diaper the morning brings). Told the hubby that I think I still smelled his middle of the night illness, but it was in the hallway, how odd. He went to the kitchen to get something and when he returned, he said the same thing.

And then, I discovered what it was. I went to the boys' room to get their change of clothing for the day. I walked into their room and immediately saw Mack's bed and had to walk back out. Mack was sick too - and vomited in his bed. Sigh.

So the "dirt" on Mack's face wasn't "dirt" after all. It was maybe last night's dinner?

I had to put Vicks Vaporub up my nose by the chunks, and wore a bandanna over my nose/mouth and grab my rubber gloves, in order to go back into the boys room. (The Vicks thing, actually worked, all I smelled with the menthol scent from the Vicks). I quickly stripped Mack's bed and ran to the laundry room and shove everything into the washing machine. I febreezed the boys' room as we weren't home today and I didn't want to leave the windows open. It took 3 times in the washing machine to clean his sheets, comforter and whatever else was in his bed. One book got ruined, as it was in his bed and made it in to the wash. Oops.

Mack seemed fine enough to not tell us his was sick. Not even sure if he was sick in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. Jamie thinks that it might have been something that he & Mack ate yesterday. Sean & I were both fine. Not too sure what happened there. Mack was fine during his morning swimming lessons & was fine enough to go see a movie this afternoon (I treated the boys to a movie - more about that tomorrow).

So yes, there you have it. The one thing that I cannot tolerate as a parent. It's the one part of parenting I dread. I'll take all the poopy diapers in the world (not all at once, okay?), over vomit. Any day. Another reason why we won't be getting a dog, ever. I can deal with poop in a diaper, but cannot for the life of me clean it up off the ground. Same reaction as my child being sick in his bed. And if we ever get a dog, it won't be me cleaning up after it goes to the bathroom.

Not for me. No thank you. The joys of motherhood.

In 3's

Why is it that things in life always happens in 3's?

1. Friday on his way home, Jamie's muffler fell off his car. He had to get his car towed to the dealership and when he called Visa Roadside Assistance he found out our visa was changed and we don't have that service anymore. (I'm already looking into getting it back). This all, was the better part of what happened next.

2. We had some excitement over the weekend at casa Knit & Purl Mama. We had a little fire in the house. I can now say I know what it looks like when my husband's on fire. In the literal sense. He's okay, thankfully. We need a new dining room set though, as the table got burned a little, and 2 chairs as well. It'll be a while before we have fondue in our house again. And we've had it MILLIONS of times with another couple. It was our "thing" we did with them. And if there was a Habs game on... even better. All 4 of us are huge Habs fans. We were all done dinner, and Sean had asked for some more fondue. Since Jamie thought that the fuel was out, he went to pour more in, and it blew up in flames. The bottle in his hand caught on fire, and when he jumped up, the bottle of fuel rolled out of his hand, and rolled down the hallway of our house. We had fire all in our hallway on the stone floor (luckily with only a small damage on some wood at the base where the wall meets the floor). I ran to call 911, though by the time I got to the phone, Jamie was yelling to not call 911, as they had the fire out of control and practically out. I swear, for a split second, I thought for sure Jamie would have to be checked into a burn unit. At the time of the fire, Mack was upstairs in my room sleeping (with 101.3 fever) and Sean jumped in our friends arms and once Jamie put the fire on himself out, he grabbed Quentin who was sleeping on the floor in the room we were in as he fell asleep on his playmat.

The plus side to this story, is that I get to go shopping for a new dinning room set! The only good thing that came out of this. Luckily no one was hurt.

3. Quentin and I were in a car accident yesterday. We're ok. Came out of it without a scratch. I was turning around to park in front of a house to go to playgroup. I used a driveway to turn around and checked and was clear to go. The lady driving must have been speeding. She told me she thought I was parked. I'm not entire sure how she could have thought this. I pulled out of the driveway to go the opposite direction and didn't see her and she slammed into my car. She hit right into the back (sliding van door) on the driver's side. Quentin is okay and I am okay. His car seat didn't even budge. He was well protected. My car is still drivable, but I will take it in tomorrow to the body shop (already filed a claim with my insurance company). The car is just a piece of material. It can be fixed. No big deal. Money can fix a car, money can't fix us, so I'm just glad we're okay. I don't even know if it was any bit my fault in any way. I feel like blaming myself, at least partly. I didn't even know she hit me until after I was already hit. If you see a car coming out of a driveway, and you are coming from the stop sign before, so you had to stop, don't you go slow or wait? Nope, she went right into me. I dont even know what happened, it all happened so fast. Maybe she was on her cell phone. She seemed when she got out of her car that she was in a hurry. She seemed also like a high strung person. She called someone right away and started to yell at them in a language I didn't understand or recognize. I asked her if she was okay, but other than that, and her asking me if the baby was okay, once she realized there was a baby in the car, we didn't communicate much at all. I went with the ambulance tech once they arrived to check Quentin out, and after her car was towed and everything, the police handed me a paper that had an event number on it, that reads "You're a Victim of a Crime" and here's how to deal with any questions you might have and I went on my way. I was shocked that the police didn't even ask me any questions. The whole thing seemed so surreal. I wasn't distracted at all, not eating food, not on my bluetooth using my cell phone, not even listening to the radio. Though, I can't tell you what was going on in the other lady's car. That I don't know. In any case, even if you're careful accidents do happen. I was quite in shock for a good while after, but after going to bed early last night, I'm feeling better today, and will hopefully put this all behind me. There is no point dwelling over the past, what could have been had I been a few minutes earlier or later, or if I had not gone at all. (The thought did cross my mind, playing out every scenario that could have been in my head). Must stop it.

In any case, G-d has good plans for Quentin and I, and we walked away without a scratch. The lady as well, was 100% okay. I called my dad who was at home a few streets away and he came over to the accident. I called 911 for an ambulance for Quentin, I wanted to make sure he was okay. His vitals were perfect and the ambulance technician thought he was super cute. I've been keeping an eye on him, the accident occurred just over 24 hours ago, and he's totally himself. I had a headache yesterday, but I think it was honestly from not having eaten before the accident happened, (around 1:30 ish pm) and I only got a chance to eat at dinner time.

I have another post I'm working on with happier things. Stay tuned for that a little later. (It includes cute pictures of my kids).

12.23.10 :: 131 weeks old

Mack is 131 weeks old today.

Some stuff that's been going on around here... I'm behind on my blog reading since Bloglines now merged with some other thing and screwed up my entire thing, and now instead of merging properly, it only added half my feeds. I did transfer everything to Google Reader, but not some new stuff that I had added to bloglines when bloglines announced they were staying and not closing down. So I have to figure out what all that is... and get the new feeds in Google Reader, etc. Though, my time is rare these days, and the only consistent thing I've been doing is blogging, because it's my journal and it lets you guys know how I'm doing as well. I'm behind on my emails too - but do plan to eventually catch up.

I forgot to tell you a funny story on Tuesday. I had originally called around a few mohel's for Quentin's Brit Milah. Originally I thought I might use a doctor who is a certified mohel, though if you use a doctor you have to still have a Rabbi - so that he can officiate the ceremony and I can get the certificate that my son is Jewish. Realizing that I would have to pay both the mohel and the rabbi, and cost double, I decided to just find a mohel who is a rabbi. Anyhow, I had spoken to a rabbi's secretary just in case I was going to do the doctor route. This rabbi is not a mohel. Anyhow, I had spoken to her, and tried to figure out when he was free (because he was out of town when I had spoken to her) at the same time that the mohel (doctor) was free, who was leaving to go out of town on Christmas. Anyhow, I never told her where the Brit Milah was taking place, I never told her that I was officially using the rabbi. I also ended the conversation with "if I should require his services, I will call you back once my son is of weight to have a Brit Milah". It had been over a week and a bit since I had spoken to her on the phone. Anyhow, Tuesday, I'm just waking up from a nap with Quentin. I'm still in my pjs. I'm in the bathroom and miss a phone call and once I'm out of the bathroom I check my messages. It's the rabbi's secretary. She said the Rabbi was on my street in front of my house, sees no cars and is looking for the Brit Milah to officiate. WHAT?! I never told her I was using him at the time this week (Tuesday at 12:30) that she said he was free at. I never asked her to send him. I never even told her where I live. She must have reverse looked up my information from my phone number on their call display or something. His secretary is a real lunatic if you ask me. Yes, we had discussed when he would be free if I should require his services, but I never ever had any intentions of having the Brit Milah in the middle of winter (with hats and boots and coats to have somewhere to put) in my house. We had close to 50 people at the Brit Milah yesterday, no way I had room for that many people in my house. Not.my.problem.

I think I am going to look for a new cleaning lady. The one we've had has been "cleaning" my house for 3 years now, since we moved in. I am not entirely happy with the way she cleans my house. Things I've told her to do weekly, she doesn't. Things I've told her not to clean, she does. (Like the dishes in my sink - I HAVE A DISHWASHER!!! AND WE USE IT!) I'm just getting annoyed. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm paying her to do. And right now, I really need the help because with Quentin at home, I rarely have my hands free. The only thing I can manage to get done myself is the laundry. Why is it so hard to find a good cleaning lady?!

The mohel who did Quentin's Bris yesterday was only supposed to come back tomorrow to remove the antibiotic bandage but Quentin had his first diaper explosion today and I had to call him to find out what to do. I had strict instructions on what to do and what not to do, and I didn't know how to clean it properly. The mohel was so nice he came out tonight to our house to clean it up. Quentin was a trooper while it was being cleaned up - and I think it hurt me more than it hurt him. Poor guy. I hope it heels nicely. I'm still a tad nervous about it even though it's already been done. I see our GP on Tuesday with Sean & Quentin for their check-ups so hopefully she will say it looks fine. (Of course the mohel is going to say his job was impeccable, right?)

I leave you today with a survival kit that I put together for my purse. This works mainly for boys, but you can substitute the items for more girly stuff if you have a girl:

Toy cars, notebook & crayons, little mini books and some google eye puppets.
It all get stored in the brown case for my purse.

It's a must if you have kids and are waiting in line somewhere or waiting for your food at a restaurant. Not all restaurants have crayons for the kids to color with. (Some restaurants are just not kid friendly)

11.26.10

Conversation I had with Sean today:

Me: My nose is running. I hate this time of the year.
Sean: It's running? Where?
Me: That's what you say when you have a cold and your nose won't stop dripping. You call it running.
Sean: So then go catch it.
Me: Thanks Sean. Maybe tomorrow. Mommy has no energy today.

I love talking to my toddler. It's so much fun to hear what will come out of his mouth.

I had my 36 week check-up today and it was absolutely useless. We talked a bit - since it was my first time meeting my doc’s colleague (as my doc is officially on maternity leave now due to the fact that she's pregnant and due the week after me), and she listened to the heartbeat (A steady 160). She doesn’t do internal exams until 37/38 weeks. I’m going to demand one at my next appointment next Friday (at a day shy of 37 weeks), if my water hasn’t broken before then. I told her that my first born broke my water in my 37th week (37 weeks and 5 days) and my 2nd son in my 36th week (36 weeks 6 days), and then she said “Well, I don’t think this baby is coming out that early”. How the heck does she know!?? Is she psychic? She didn’t even do an internal exam, maybe I’m dilating already? Who knows. And I’d never met this woman before today, so she knows me that well? She didn’t even measure my belly - which my doc has done every appointment until now from probably 28 ish weeks onward. I kind of feel like today was a waste of an appointment. Though, I did run into a friend in the waiting room - so that was nice to catch up with her.

Oh yes, get this, my new doctor starts talking about scheduling a Csection for 40-41 weeks if I don’t go before then naturally (since I’m going for Vbac this time). Is she insane? I’m doing everything I can to soften my cervix naturally so that this baby comes out in 2010. No way I’m still going to be pregnant in 2011. I’m 36 weeks tomorrow and so done. I've had 2 healthy and early babies. (Early but full term). I’ve never been more than 38 weeks pregnant, so she’s insane if she thinks I’ll still be pregnant at 40-41 weeks. My doc had talked about scheduling a Csection at 39 weeks now that my placenta praevia cleared, if I wanted to still do the Csection route. Not at 40-41 weeks. This doc seemed to push Csection, rather than my doc who was all “go for Vbac, you’re a good candidate". It just seemed like everything she said today resulted in a Csection.

I’m not sure how I feel about this new doc to be honest. I'm kind of hoping that my water breaks soon, and that she's not on call when I go into labor. We've got a busy weekend this weekend - so anytime after Saturday night (or Jamie prefers anytime after Sunday), I'm game to go into labor.

And now I'm trying to nurse a cold. (As per my conversation with Sean earlier today). I cannot even take anything for it - as every cold medicine is not safe during pregnancy. Drinking tea - of course and getting enough sleep. The cold has been building up for about 2 days now. The other night Jamie told me that he wanted to shoot me in the middle of the night, as I woke him up around 5 am, because I was snoring so loudly. I am not a person who snores. But I cannot breathe through my nose right now.... so I guess I must have been sleeping with my mouth open and started to snore. If only baby boy would come out - I could take cold medicine and not be sick anymore. Oh, that would be nice.

Besides my OB check-up today I wasn't allowed out of the house. Some of the roads were a sheet of ice, and Jamie banned me from going out. He wasn't worried about my driving - he was worried about everyone else's. I don't blame him. Other people scare me when it's ice out there. I'm really hoping the sticky snow doesn't come until after I've delivered baby boy. My feet don't fit into my boots right now (I'm that swollen), and I'm so close to the end of my pregnancy that I don't want to buy new boots.

I didn't knit a stitch today (or even crochet) - though I have some knitting homework that I need to take care of before going to bed tonight. I'll talk to you about the knitting homework tomorrow. Promise. I've been still on the crazy nesting kick, and I have been checking every skein in my stash (in my yarn room where all my yarn marinates before usage) and making sure that every skein that I have is indeed listed in my stash on Ravelry. This way when I want to look up yarn for a project, I can visually see everything. It's perfect. Also saves me from buying more yarn, when I probably already own what I have for a certain project that I'll want to do. (Giving total credit to Jenn for inspiring me to do this crazy stash clean-up). You know, I have yarn that I totally forgot that I even owned. I like finding yarn. It's fun! It's like finding money in your coat pocket after the summer when you go to take out your jacket for that upcoming winter.

11.18.10 :: 126 weeks old

Mack is 126 weeks old today.

This morning a friend that I've recently reacquainted with after many years, came over. I discovered she crochets. Her late grandparents were friends with my grandparents and she remembers playing with me when we were both young. We hadn't seen each other in years, and then last year while I was at Rhinebeck, my kids attended a birthday party for one of Mack's friends, for his 1st birthday in 2009 and we started talking on facebook after she realized those were my kids. (We have a mutual friend). So we chatted for the longest time and then finally meet up at our mutuals friend's son's 2nd birthday this year. We started catching up at the party and realized we both "stitch". We set a date for a few weeks back to get together, but she got sick and with my anemia (weak immune) she didn't want to get me sick. So we rescheduled for this morning. We chatted & stitched for a good 3 hours. It was nice catching up. She's my age just under 3 months older than me. Her & her husband are both paramedics, and actually, her husband was the first responder on the scene of my grandfather's accident in October 2009. We actually talked a bit about that today - and I can't believe what great progress my grandfather has made from a year & a month ago. Truly a miracle he's still alive with us today. (The photo above she's multi tasking taking a call on her cell phone & crocheting).

Since my friend was also a little worried about my swelling, she brought along her blood pressure kit and took it for me. Everything looked great (PHEW!) She told me not to worry, to put my feet up, crochet/knit & relax. I felt better after she reassured me. If my blood pressure had been high, I would have called my doctor immediately.

I feel like a zombie today. So drained. I tried starting the crochet portion of the teachers gifts for the boys daycare, and I just can't keep focused on it (plus I have to go up a little bit on the hook size). Tomorrow. Tomorrow.

I waited home all day (ok, whom am I kidding, I wasn't going anywhere anyhow, not with this swelling to my very pregnant body) for Staples to deliver my order, as I ordered some more Tyvek envelopes that they do not carry in store, only online - they are my fave to ship stuff in. I also ordered 100 blank thank you cards, so that I can print my updated thank you design that includes baby #3. My lovely & talented friend Cynthia designed this after Mack was born, and I used them for all gifts Mackenzie received after he was born & at his Brit Milah (Bris), etc. Then after, I used them for any Thank you card that I wanted to send from us as a family. I knew I just had to update it for this time, and wanted to be prepared in advance this time. After Mack was born, I think it took me over 2 months to get my thank you cards out - the first time ever in my life that I was that behind on writing them & sending them out. (I think my track record is still my wedding thank you cards - they were in the mail I think 2 days later - ALL of them!) So, I went outside at around 4:30pm toady, because Staples emailed me to be home between 9 am and 5pm. I thought maybe they dropped it and left my parcel at the door. I've been home ALL day, haven't left. At one point there was even 3 of us here (cleaning lady, my crochet buddy & myself). Never heard the doorbell ring either. So I went to see outside. Nothing. I saw that my Suburban was at the bottom of my stairs with a white card size piece of paper. I went to the bottom of my stairs, got the Suburban and the white card to go put into the recycling bin (I don't read it the Suburban). I notice something about the white card and flipped it over. It was a "missed" slip from Staples. Uhm, what?! I missed slip? I don't get it. I've been home all day. Didn't leave once. So I came inside and called the 1-800 number on the card. Spoke to a nice lady, who told me they'll re-deliver tomorrow, but she has no idea what happened. Well, I am going to ask the guy tomorrow what happened, because I don't get it. I was home. Didn't leave. So frustrated. I wanted to test out the brand of note cards I bought to make sure that my new updated thank you cards print nicely on my new printer, just in case I need to send it out to get printed. Luckily I still have time before baby boy's arrival. This behavior, I would totally expect of Canada Post (because they've certainly done this to me before). But NOT of Staples. Hmph! I feel as though people have become so lazy these days. I don't even have many front stairs for him or her to go up, and the items I ordered aren't heavy at all.

Today’s link Love:
- I absolutely love this picture of Nienie’s family. I started to follow (lurk) her blog after seeing her on Oprah after her accident.
- Love this Snow Blossom Hat tutorial.
- Love this nesting doll pattern. (Ravelry Link)

08.25.10

I can't believe how big Mack is getting.
He just looks like a big boy now instead of a toddler.
And is starting to really be a big talker like his brother.

Mack's been wearing the necklace that Sean made him, since he received it the other day. Mack calls it a "neck-a-neck". (He's working on the word "necklace"). However, he hasn't been wearing it around his neck, but on his head, like a headband.

I was supposed to have a play date with a friend this afternoon with her 2 boys. Originally we had plans to go to her house to go swimming. Though, it being end of August, I knew there was a chance of the weather being not-so-great. Then I was diagnosed with full placenta previa. So I asked her to come over to my house instead, that it’s easier here because of my modified activity. (In someone else’s home I have to be on top of my kids, at home, they have free reign of the house – they know what to touch and what not to touch and respect our boundaries and limits). The plan was always to get the kids early from daycare, (After nap time) and then meet up at her house. Well, now because it’s not at her house, it’s an inconvenience to her. She doesn’t want to go pick up her kids from school, then go home, then come over. She asked me to keep my kids home from daycare so that she could come at the time that was good for her. I explained to her that Sean only naps at daycare, he doesn’t nap at home anymore, and there wasn’t going to be a functional play date if Sean hadn’t napped. So I told her another time. I am starting to get annoyed at the fact that people are becoming more self-centered. No one cares about going out of their way to maybe make things easier for other people. Is it just me? I wasn’t even asking much from her, except to move the play date from her house to mine because of my restrictions due to the pregnancy. I feel better now. Thanks for listening.

Still playing the waiting game. Waiting for the insurance to be sent over so that I can pick up my car tomorrow evening, I don't see why it wouldn't be ready on time. I’ve never been this excited about getting a mini van. Never thought the day would come. However, with a 3rd child on the way, a mini van is very needed. There simply isn’t any room in my car for a 3rd child. Must finish cleaning out my car before tomorrow evening. I'm kinda sad to say bye to my trusty Acura EL - but that time has come, and I must. She was very good to me while I had her (since Oct 21, 2005).

I did hear back via email from my supplier in regards to my printer. I have a “case” number and I am waiting to hear back from them within 48 hours for “product management approval” for a replacement or servicing. I just want my printer back, working, I love it. I guess I’ll have to wait to see what happens next. If they can’t do anything, then I’ll have to go to the manufacturer to see if they can fix it or replace it. It’s not even old (From May 2010).

Wait, wait, wait. Tap... tap... tap....

I watched Grown-Ups today while finishing my Destroyed Cowl. I also watched The Back-Up Plan while finishing the last touches on the cowl. Now it's wet blocking. Hoping to wear her tomorrow. Looks like it might be a chilly day again (with showers). Grown-Ups was funny, and it was nice seeing all those main characters together (Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, and Rob Schneider). It was mindless entertainment to pass time. The Back-Up Plan was cute but upsetting at the same time, as the main character's name was Zoe and she got pregnant in the film with not one, but TWIN girls. I'd still like to know how to have a girl!? And it seems like (almost) everyone I know is having boys.

I started knitting a test/sample knit tonight, for a yarn shop in California. We did a swap, some Cascade 220 I wanted, for 3 test knits. Two are already published patterns and one is her own design. I will talk more tomorrow about the project/yarn, as I don't think it's a secret. They're just samples for her shop. There is always a way to barter for what you want, especially if it's yarn. Just sayin'.

I realized another item I need for the baby is a new bassinet. The one I used with Sean & Mack we discovered grew a LOT of mold while in storage (not entirely sure how that happened, as it was put in storage dry and covered in plastic garbage bags). I have been checking craigslist to see if there are any that I like for sale, I don't mind picking up one 2nd hand (or even borrowing one from a friend). Babies usually only stay in one until max 18 lbs, so it wouldn't be for that long. (Sean hated the bassinet, but Mack actually used it). I certainly don't need to buy one brand new, so I'm going to keep my eyes open for one.

07.15.10 :: 108 weeks old

Mack is 108 weeks old today.
(And still walks around carrying not 1, but 2 Social Tea Cookies).
(Doesn’t eat them. Just carries them around).

This is the tutorial I used to make these shorts.
They were intended for Sean, but he couldn’t get them over his bum.
However, Mack fit into them perfectly and wore them all day.

They’re so cute on him.
Pat myself on the back.
I’ve promised Sean I’d make him another pair.

Here is the progress on Bekah’s Girl Cap Sleeved Spring Shirt. Just a bit more knitting to do on the body and it’ll be done. This is such an easy knit. I’ve got to make one for Zoe as well. Super easy. I love that it’s made in numerous sizes from 3T-10.

Not sure if this is really a 3T-5T however. You see, underneath is Sean’s (tight fitting) 3T swim shirt. The knitted garment is a touch smaller than a 3T FITTED garment. Hmmm. I am going to use this swim shirt as a guide for length, because in the pattern it just says to “knit to desired length” and well, I don’t have the person it’s for here, to try it on. It’s a gift for my friend’s daughter, and they live near Philly. I am curious to know what actual size it is though. Once I am finished the length I’ll try it on both Sean & Mack for sizing. Or I’ll borrow one of my friend’s daughter. I’ll figure it out. Great pattern though. I’m loving it.

Day 5’s De-clutter progress here. I was on a roll today! Still working on de-cluttering the office! (Eventually onto the rest of the house!) 2011 items seem soooo many. I hope I can do it. Speaking of de-cluttering, does mental clutter count too? I’ve been on a roll weeding a bunch of unnecessary people out of my life lately.

I am so done with other people’s stupidities and immaturities and I am so annoyed with people trying to comment on what I am doing, and that it either “doesn’t work that way” and that they know better because they have a child a couple of months older than mine, for example. Just because you have a child a few months older than mine, (and you are younger or older than me) doesn’t make you an expert. What may work for you, may not work for me and my situation and my family. I wish some people would just keep their comments to themselves. I really am grateful for the close friends that I have, and over the last couple of months I’ve really been weeding out the unnecessary people in my life. There’s been a lot of them too. People who just were dragging me down. Life shouldn’t be like that. So I’ve moved on. I think that should count as emotional clutter, getting de-cluttered (part of my challenge?! Could it include that too?) I’ve come to just let things not bother me anymore. I used to care. I don’t anymore. (Don’t worry, I still care for those that are important to me. But to people who aren’t important, no sweat off my back anymore. Life is WAY too short to have that bother or affect me).

I’ve also started to back off from some people who I felt I had a one sided friendship with. Even though I like these friends as people, why bother with them if I feel like I am putting all the work into the friendship? I try to make plans, I invite them & their children to my kids birthday parties and stuff, but never do they try to invite me to do stuff or invite my kids to their celebrations. That also – is stuff that I don’t have time to deal with anymore. I really only have so much free/extra time in my life, and I don’t want to waste any more of my precious time when these people just don’t give any time back. I’m done. Moving on. There are better people in my life to focus on. Amen!

Ok, I feel better now. No longer have to think about this. Wanted to get it off my chest, and move on. There really should be a emotional de-clutter in my challenge too. Right?

I’ll leave you tonight with some garden updates:

Any plant that grows upwards, (like zucchini, cucumber, etc…) their plant will curl and the curls will grab onto things (like walls or cables or fences, etc). I absolutely love these curls. They’re so pretty. This one is from one of my cucumber plants.

We have one HUGE tomato that is almost ready to eat. Still has a bit of red to color. The production of tomatoes hasn’t been as quickly as we’d have liked, but we do have some promising tomato plants. We think we’ll be over flowing with tomatoes probably mid-August.

Right now in season are our snow peas. They’re everywhere. And they’re SO good. I’ve been eating them raw. I think tomorrow night we’ll try them steamed with dinner. Yum!

We have 2 spaghetti squashes that are about the same size. This is one of them. I need to do research to find out when they are ready for picking. It’s our first time ever growing spaghetti squash.

Today’s loot. Zucchini (pictured last from tomatoes (3 cucumbers in between)) become muffins tonight. Cucumbers were eaten at dinner time. Lettuce became Caesar salad for dinner too. I used this recipe to make some zucchini muffins. Definitely a unique recipe. I’ll let you know how they turned out. They’re sitting on the cooling rack right now. Fresh out of the oven. If they’re good, I’ll link the recipe again tomorrow. Stay tuned to find out if they’re tasty or not.

On the potty training front, Sean only had 1 accident today at school (while he was napping), and 1 accident at home (during dinner - he was drinking his (watered down) juice way too fast). I think he's been doing excellently. I am trying to figure out what to reward him with this weekend for an excellent week.

Today’s Link Love:
- Love this tutorial for a Travel Roll-up Chalk Mat.

07.09.10

Today, Mack stayed in from school, his last day home. He’s feeling better, so he’ll be going back on Monday. My day did not go as planned. I was supposed to go to Pre-Natal Aqua this morning. First Sean threw a fit when he overheard that Mack was going to go to my mother’s house while he was in school and I went to aqua. Then just as we were about to leave the house, Sean decided that’s when he HAD to use the toilet do do this business. He sat on the toilet for 20 minutes. I missed aqua. Not my morning.

So I decided to just take both kids out with me on all my errands today. Some points of my day were better than others. I managed. Especially in the pissing rain. Our first stop was to do a return to Reno. It was easier just to go myself to do it than to wait for Jamie to get around to it. Then it was close to lunch, so we made a pit stop at McDonalds. Everything was going fine until we got our food and walking to the ketchup/straw/napkin counter and Mack and Sean both collided into me and the tray went flying. Most of our food was salvaged as their happy meals were in bags. A nice man who worked there helped me out and replace my drink that had spilled all over the floor. Ah, what a morning. Mack actually ate lunch today – which I am really happy about. He hasn’t eaten lunch all week because he hasn’t been feeling well. Dinners also haven‘t been that fantastic for him. Finally got some food into him.

After lunch we made it to the grocery store before it started to pour (rather just as we walked into the store, it started to come down). I had 6 bags of cans that were piling up in the garage. Jamie had given me the “get rid of them or I’m putting them out on garbage day ultimatum. The boys had fun taking turns putting the cans into the machine. A great activity for a rainy day. And I walked out with almost 25$ from the returns. I couldn’t believe how many there were. After returning the cans, we got some groceries and then waited a bit until the rain stopped pouring down and made a mad dash for the car.

I ran home, put some groceries away, picked up some shorts for Sean (some how he managed to fill his pull-up (even though he’s been using the potty/toilet) and leak through. I am so happy the I had just put in a Piddle Pad on his seat. Mack already has one that came with his car seat, but Sean didn’t. I am so happy that I remembered to put it in his seat when we left the house this morning, because I just washed his car seat yesterday! I would have been very upset had I had to wash it again. After changing Sean and putting the spare Piddle Pad I had in his seat, we left to a local bead shop to see if they had 2 items in stock. Neither were found there, so we left to go to Pointe Claire shopping center. I wanted to go to stores. First to an LYS in there, and then to a hobby shop. At the LYS I picked out some buttons for Zoe’s February Baby Sweater (see below). One of the ladies who works there, was entering my last name into the computer and asked me if I was related to (my dad’s brother). I asked her how she knew him, and she even mentioned she knew my dad. Apparently her sons growing up were good friends with my cousins. They’re the same ages. The older boys didn't remain friends, but the younger 2 are still best friends and she was telling me that my cousin slept over at her house last night. Small world.

Back in the car, Mack fell asleep.
I drove around trying to do one other errand but the shop was closed.
I let him sleep until we got to Chapters.

I had promised they could come here to play a bit after a long day of running errands. Now Sean wants a train set. I told him to start saving in his piggy bank or to put it on his birthday wish list. I think there are sets that aren’t brand name (like Thomas the Train) that are cheaper, but this set is ridiculously over priced (and that price doesn’t even include the table).

I let them play for a good 20 minutes. (Yes, Mack’s not wearing any shorts and just a diaper). We had another diaper accident when we got to Chapters. (Not our day, let me tell you).

And I managed to get a few rows knit on Zoe’s FBS.

Tonight while watching TV with Jamie, I cast off the last stitches on the sweater. All I have left to do is seam up the sleeves and sew on the buttons. The buttons however, I have no idea which to use. It’s between 2. (See below).

I bought round pink ones, that have little white lines in them (hard to see in this photo) and oval pearl type ones that are sparkly. I really can’t decide which to use. What do you think?Hopefully I can make a decision soon.

I’ve been eating our snow peas right off the plant. Yum. I love summer. And they taste so awesome. Tasty and fresh. I am so glad that we decided to plant the snow peas this year. They’re definitely a huge hit. I think we are going to try steaming them and see how they are steamed as well.

Mack’s black sandals are missing. They’re Spiderman ones, that light up. He was wearing them on Tuesday when we got home from work. He napped in the car, while I sat in the car in the driveway until he woke up. We came in. Not sure what happened to them after that. Luckily he has brown ones too, that he’s been wearing. Phew. I just don’t get where they disappeared to. I noticed they were missing when we had to go to the doctor on Wednesday and they were no where to be found. I didn’t even realize that I still kept Sean’s brown ones from last summer until Wednesday night, and put Mack in socks and sneakers in this damn heat we’ve been having because his sandals were no where to be found. I’ve asked him numerous times where he stashed them – with no luck. I’ve seriously looked everywhere. I guess they’ll turn up when I am not looking for them? I just don’t get how things go missing. I’ve been searching for them now for 2 and a half days (since Wednesday lunch).

06.02.10 :: 102 Weeks Old

Mack is 102 weeks old today.

This morning Sean came to me and said “Mommy, it’s not Lellow anymore, it’s Yellow”. I am so proud of him for realizing his pronunciation, and correcting himself. For the longest time, Yellow was “Lellow”. I thought it was cute, but I’m glad he’s corrected himself.

This morning, I got locked out of office. My keys, purse, yoga mat, shawl (we were asked to bring a shawl for the ending of the class), Mack’s library book for school, were all locked in my office. I made some phone calls. I rang neighbours bells. I got one neighbour to help me, not realizing that he was on his way to his grandmother’s funeral (I dropped a condolence card in their mailbox earlier today after realizing), but he still couldn’t get my door open. Another neighbour (teenager) whose parents were out of town, suggested that one of the other neighbours is a handyman. Since my dad was in the city this morning, and Jamie was already at work, I rang the guy’s bell. He wasn’t in his house, but I found him across the street, ironically. I introduced myself and he helped me out. He managed to get my door open, and now I need a new door handle. (The least of my worries). It’s just too bad that I missed my first yoga class. There’s always next week. I just really wanted to be there today.

Mid afternoon I headed into the city to take a class on Finishing with Mona Schmidt. The class was being held at Ariadne. You may know Mona from her pattern Embossed Leaves in Interweave Knits. You maybe also know her new collection, Lili & Leo. Mona’s awesome, and I’m so glad to be taking a class with her. In the class with me, are Madeleine (in the pictured above), Jocelyn & a woman I’ve never met before Janet. I really enjoyed my evening.

We learned how to properly follow stitches to weave in ends.


We learned mattress stitch to seam up on a stockinette stitch.

We also learned how to do mattress stitch on reverse stockinette stitch.

I learned a few new tricks tonight and realized I was doing a few things wrong.
Classes are always so much fun to take. Never can stop learning in life!

View Full Album

The June 2010 Desktop Calendars are up! Just like previous months, they’re free for you to use. From left to right you have Birdhouses by Cynthia, Hills by ScoutJ, Red Flowers by Carol & Lilacs by Robyn (me!). Open the image you’d like, right click on the image, and save as your desktop background. Voila!

Free Huggies Points: (for those of you whom collect)
BFRBG-QHTCT-XQPGB – for 5 points
BFQPQ-MZTD-XBPBG – for 5 points
BRSJT-FPNPX-PQPGB – for 5 points
BHQXZMKTGBZRPGB – for 1 point
BHQWTLDZFKJTPGB – for 1 point
BFSJXBBWQDCCPGB – for 5 points
BFQCWHRKQMLKPGB – for 5 points
BFQFBHGCPKGDPGB – for 5 points

05.11.10

I can’t find my mabel’s labels. I use them for the kids’ clothing mainly. I know I had ordered a new pack of Skinny Minis with the boy’s last name on them with the hockey logo as well. It’s my second time ordering from Mabel’s, after having ordered a promotion package with a whole ton of stuff in it. I polished through those and finally in the fall when Mack started daycare, I ordered a new package of just the Skinny Minis. I used one full sheet (you get 3 sheets) and I know I have 2 more sheets in their original packaging somewhere… where? I don’t know? And now that Mack and Sean are both in larger clothing now, I need them. I need to label their stuff for school. I’ve cleaned up my office. They’re not in there, and I know they should be. That’s where I either open my mail, or mail opened goes. Where on earth are they? By ordering new ones, (and I added in some Tag Mates as well this time), I am hoping that the old ones will turn up as well. It usually works that way. Can’t find what you are looking for? Order new ones and the old ones will turn up. In any case, they all will eventually get used, so it won’t be a total loss if I do find the old order.

Today Sean came into the room where I was, running away from Mackenzie and screamed “CHEESE & RICE”. I started to laugh so hard, and it wasn’t even funny nor should I have been laughing about it. You see, I have a habit of saying “Jesus Christ” when I’m angry/mad/pissed off, etc. It’s a lot better than saying Fuck when you have 2 young ones in the house. Jamie’s trying to get me to say something else besides Jesus Christ, cuz well, that’s not cool either. So, when Jamie catches me saying “Jesus Christ”, he’ll scream out “Didn’t you mean Cheese & Rice?” It was just funny that Sean came into the room screaming Cheese & Rice. Better than him coming into where I was and screaming “FUCK!” Yeah, I like the “F” word. But I swear, I only type it now. I haven’t said it in… forever. Trying to watch my potty mouth… so my kids don’t get potty mouths too.

Tonight was a couch night catching up on some TV. We’re watching some shows that are ending (like 24 and Lost). Boy was I lost by Lost tonight. I swear, if the show wasn’t ending in 2 or 3 weeks, (not sure how close the end is?) then I don’t think I’d continue watching it. I started watching it because it was something Jamie was into, and it was something for us to watch together. Ugh. I’m so lost, that I just want it to ALL come together so that I can move on with my life. At least I get knitting time in and that wasn’t a total waste.

Speaking of knitting, I’m just about at the Feather & Fan Border of my Multnomah shawl. It’s coming along. I’ll get a progress photo of it tomorrow.

Today I love this video. Jamie went to high school with Annakin Slayd. This guy is awesome.
It does feel like ‘93! GO HABS GO!

january twenty-six

Today we flew home. I safely managed to get some hockey packages for Sean without him seeing me buy them, so that he would have hockey packs to open on the airplane. He collects goalies only, so the others I have no idea what to do with since Mack has no interest in them yet. If there had been a little boy on the airplane Sean’s age or older, I’d have given them to him. There were other kids on the airplane, but not in that category.


After a lot of fighting sleep, Mack finally fell asleep for an hour on the flight. He napped on my mom. Our flight was delayed as the flight that left Montreal to come here to get us to take us back was delayed by about half an hour.

However, we made up time on the way home because of the winds. Instead of it being a 3 hour and 30 minute flight we made it home in 2 hours and 48 minutes bringing us home only 15 minutes later than we were supposed to land.

I worked on my Babette on the flight. I had no issues at security with my aluminum crochet hook. They didn’t even go into my bag after it went through the x-ray machine.

Of course Sean fell asleep as the plane was descending into Montreal. Funny kid. He slept through landing (with that bump, I’m not sure how it didn’t wake him up) and I finally woke him up after most people had cleared off the plane. We had to wait until everyone was off the plane until we could get off as we had to wait for them to deliver my stroller to the gate.

Speaking of the stroller… They broke a part on it. It’s not even my stroller. It was borrowed. I felt soooo bad that they broke one of the buttons (to open it). I was given the name of the repair company and a claim number from Westjet to get it fixed. Usually they take care of it, but it could take up to 3 weeks. Because I have it, they will probably get it done faster, and I will get the stroller back to the person I borrowed it from faster. It’s the button to open the stroller up that they broke. It’s not 100% broken off, but it’s hanging. I don’t think I’ll ever borrow anything ever again when I’m flying. Maybe if I am traveling by car, but you cannot rely on the airline to safely take care of your items. As we were walking off the plane we saw luggage falling off the conveyer belt off the airplane onto the floor. The guy who was unloading wasn’t doing it fast enough and luggage was falling down. I am glad I had nothing breakable in my suitcase. Anyhow, I will call the repair company tomorrow to find out exactly where they are located (they’re off the island of Montreal on my way to work) and what hours they operate and how long it will take to fix). I am glad that I will be able to get it fixed though. That’s the most important. Westjet told me that if they can’t fix it, they’ll replace the stroller. Either way, I just want to get the person I borrowed the stroller from, back her stroller in working condition.

Going through customs was a breeze. The guy barely asked any questions. Actually, he made an observation and said “He surely was a birthday gift” in regards to Mack. I responded “Well actually I missed my birthday dinner as my water broke just before we were about to get ready to leave, and he was almost born on my birthday”. He chuckled. Glad he was in a good mood. I am shocked that a man actually paid attention! Usually men and birthdays don’t mix…! I always have to remind Jamie of birthdays. I thought it was cute/funny that he noticed that.

I can tell you that a flight at noon is a lot easier than flying at 7 am with 2 young children. I will never ever again fly at that hour of the morning with 2 young children. Getting up at 3:30 am to make a 7:40 am flight will only happen if the kids are staying back at home. And after being away for a week with both kids without Jamie, I now feel like I need a (small is okay) vacation from my vacation. I’m burned out. Totally exhausted. I need the next couple of days to just cool down, chill out and veg.

This evening that’s just what we did. After supper we put the kids to bed, and I think they were extremely happy to see their own rooms again (Mack squealed when he saw his crib/dream screen). Jamie & I vegged out on the couch and watched some tv that our PVR recorded while I was away and I worked on some more squares for Babette. One of these days we’ll have to catch up on the 5 hours of 24 we’ve got. It started the Sunday night before I left with a 2 hour premiere, then 2 hours the night before I left, and then 1 hour last night. I’m very excited that we have a few shows to start watching again together, as there hasn’t been much on tv for a while. With 24 starting, Lost starting next week, Chuck started again… and a new season of Survivor starting up in February, we’ve finally got stuff to watch! (This equals knitting or crochet time for me!) Multi-tasking is the only way to go with watching tv or a movie.

I am glad to be home. I missed Jamie. I missed my own bed. I missed my own things. I missed my own space. It’s great to be home. Home sweet home.

january two

Late afternoon I dropped the kids off at my parents house and headed to my work Xmas party for Jamie's store that we run. It was a nice dinner for the employees at this really nice Italian restaurant called Zibo! I really enjoyed my meal (Fettucini with a tomato sauce that had sausage in it - so good!) The boys went back to the store after dinner to play video games until the wee hours of the night, and I came back, picked up the kids and put Mack to bed.

I made a few phone calls this evening to figure out where my cell phone could be. I can't find it. It's not in my car. It's not in my purse. It's not in my jacket. The last time I saw it was on my way home from work on Wednesday, my mom called me while I was at the checkout at the grocery store. I called there, spoke to someone, they didn't see it in the lost & found. Damn. I don't recall having it with me when I went out with my friends on Wednesday night. I called Telus and put my phone on hold. This way if someone did find it, they wouldn't be able to make outgoing phone calls. And if I do find it (if and when) I can get them to re-activate it. And if I can't find it, I'll have to get a new cell. (I'm hoping to not need to buy a new one, but we'll see). I'm giving it until Monday to try to find it.

This evening my friend Dara came over to hang out.

We got cozy in our pj's, and she played with Sean (who didn't want to go to bed right away) while I did a dishwasher load. They were so cute doing stickers together on Sean's Cars Mosaics.

Stickers ended up all over the place...!

Sean then got ready for bed.

And brushed his teeth real good with his Peanuts toothbrush.

He had a guest reader read him his bedtime stories & then it was off to la la land.

After the kids were both in bed, Dara and I baked some oatmeal cookies (I think now I'm officially addicted), we drank some Sangria (I love Sangria!) and then we sat down and watched All About Steve. I worked on my Mara Shawl, and Dara looked through my wedding album. The movie, was well, dumb. There were a few funny parts, but it was really bad. I love Sandra Bullock and I think Bradley Cooper is HOT, but other than that... really bad movie.

I forgot to photograph the last update on Zachary's Birthday Blanket. With his birthday nearing, I need to get crack-a-lackin' on it... I have no fear, I work best under pressure with deadlines!

I am hoping to finish my Mara Shawl in the next few days and then go full speed ahead on this blanket. I got so burned out of this ripple pattern after not one, not two, but three others that I made... that after this one, there will not be another ripple afghan in my sight in 2010. In 2011, if I need to make another, we'll see... I just am so sick of this pattern... really! Though, it's super mindless... so that's good.

Well, I'm going to go crawl into bed, turn on the tv, knit a bit and try to stay awake until Jamie gets home from the Xmas party from work. If not, I'll hear all about the "geek squad" tomorrow. (10 guys in a room gaming all night... can't get any more geekier!)

october thirteen

I was about to put the boys into their jackets this morning in order to head out the door and Sean decided to dump an entire water bottle over Mack's head. He was soaked. I missed music class this morning because of this. I had to dry off and change Mack. I was so angry I just dropped them both off at daycare. I really wasn't in the mood to be very late to music class.

Three more sleeps until Rhinebeck! I feel like a little kid counting down until Christmas. Really!

I worked today. Jamie wasn't in our store today because it was a holiday yesterday (Canadian Thanksgiving) so he had to stay the head office today to get work done, as today was his "Monday". Monday is his busiest day at the head office. It was actually rather quiet today at our store because he wasn't there. I miss his presence when he's not in.

Today I tried to convince Cynthia to come to Rhinebeck. It didn't work. I even found her a chea deal on a flight to get her to Montreal. I had it all planned out. Maybe she can make it work for next year. It's sad that Tara won't be able to join us either as her husband will be having surgery on his hand again. And Eugenie can't get off work this weekend either, she's working at the hospital. Oh well. I will still have fun with Amy & Madeleine regardless!

When I picked up Mack from daycare he was rather warm. When I brought him home & checked his temperature he had 101.7 fever. Poor guy. He has 2 molars coming through on the top. I am hoping the fever is just because of that. If he still has fever by the morning, I'm keeping him home tomorrow just in case. I need him to get better. I don't want to go away this weekend knowing he's at home sick. Isn't 101.7 a little too high to be teething fever?

This evening I had the Montreal Knitting Guild Meeting. We had a raffle and for every black or orange knitted item you were wearing (didn't have to be solid of those colors, it just had to have that color in it) you got a raffle ticket. I was wearing the most -- at 8 items. And there was only 1 prize drawn, and I won! A skein of Regia Nordic Color. In my sister's fave color... blue! Lucky me! I had a good time at the meeting tonight, and I can't wait for next month's meeting. Someone is coming to talk to us about spinning. Although I am not interested in picking up spinning (I'd rather spend what free time I do have knitting), it should be an interesting lecture.

september twenty-nine

Last night I managed to find these cute high top shoes with laces. They took me over 20 minutes to get them on his feet. I plan on leaving them at daycare and bringing him to and from in velcro shoes that I don't mind putting them on and off. Though, I don't know how much longer these size 3's will fit him, I don't plan on actually going out of my way to buy more of these for daycare. I have a full shoe wardrobe from Sean for Mack to use, so until Mack gets to a size I don't have, I won't be buying him shoes that he really doesn't need. It's honestly a ridiculous request.

This morning we had music class.

Mack just loves this class. I have a good time as well. I am friends with two of the moms in this class. One of them, wanted to show me a picture she had on her camera, so she called me over. I was standing next to her when she found them. Pictures her son took. He had pulled down his pants and took pictures of his thing. He's 7 years old. She had a chuckle and was sure that her son had done it for shock value. She will be talking to her son about it, as it's not right that he did that. Has your child done this? Is it normal? Is this what I have coming with my kids?

After dropping off Mack at daycare (and his teacher being incredibly happy that I got him high top sneakers), I got some gas in the car and headed to work where I sold even more chocolates from that last remaining box. (Somehow on Friday when I asked for 1 more box for my sister to take Sean door-to-door in her neighborhood while she babysat, I ended up with 2 boxes - 100 bars).

When I got to work I asked Jamie if the manager from the auberge called him back about the jacuzzi not working. Well, no one called him Monday. So I called the place today. Here's the conversation.

Robyn: "Hi, I'm calling to find out why no one called me back yesterday about the jacuzzi not working in Studio 5 over the weekend. I only rented that room for the jacuzzi, so the fact that it didn't work is an issue. Is it possible to speak to your manager please?"
Manager comes on the phone: "Yes, can I help you?"
Robyn: "Someone was supposed to call me back regarding the non-functioning Jacuzzi in Studio 5 from this weekend. Did you look into it?"
Manager: "Yes it was looked into".
Robyn: "And?"
Manager: "It doesn't work"
Robyn: "Ok, so what are you going to do about it?"
Manager: "What do you want me to do about it?"
Robyn: "Well, since we took that room because of the jacuzzi, I'd like compensation for it not working".
Manager: "I'll have to speak to the owner, but I could probably get you 25% off your next stay."
Robyn: "I don't want 25% off my next stay, I don't think I'll ever be coming back. I want a partial credit applied back to my credit card"
Manager: "I'll have to speak to the owner, but he'll either give you 25% off your next stay or a credit".
Robyn: "I don't want 25% off my next stay, I won't be coming back. You speak to him tomorrow about my partial refund and call me back. You have my number?"
Manager: "It's...."
Robyn: "Yes, thank you".

WHAT THE.....!

Definitely won't be going back there, and I bet you, I won't get a call back tomorrow.

On my way home I actually remembered to pick up cat food, or my cat wasn't going to have anything from breakfast tomorrow morning. (Oh, well there is emergency cans of tuna in the house, but it was Jazz our late cat that preferred the tuna than Zeus does). Picked up the kids, and spent the evening with them as Jamie had hockey tonight, and it's not Monday. Seems like his hockey schedule is changing..! He did tell me that it wouldn't interfere with knit nights, as there isn't any wednesday night games. Phew!

Off to go watch some tv and work on some projects, both knit and crochet.

august thirty :: 139 weeks old

Sean is 139 Weeks Old today.

Today we had Oliver's 3rd birthday party. Oliver is my 3rd cousin's son. Oliver has a baby brother born in April 2009. Between them and Jenn's 2 boys we have a hockey team. I think someone in my family should start having girls. I doubt it'll be me (apparently all I is how to make boys, and that's Jamie's reason for not wanting any more kids - though I'm not 100% shutting this subject for discussion, though, I don't want anymore kids right now, so it's to be discussed in a few years). Maybe I'll have to wait for a granddaughter one day to have my own little girl. I'm sure a niece (from my brother or sister one day) will be nice, but I really wanted my own little girl. It's just not the same, you know? In any case, I'm enjoying my boys and my family full of boys.

At the party we had the same Seseme Street Theater that we hired for Sean's 2nd birthday party back in December. While Sean went downstairs because he was bored of it, Mack really enjoyed it. He missed the showing at Sean's 2nd birthday party as he was fast asleep taking a nap. He was only 6 months old at the time of Sean's party).

Today's naps got really messed up. Mack napped on the way to the party and Sean feel asleep on the way home. That's all the naps they got today, and I'm really not sure how Mack is functioning on lack of naps this entire weekend.

At the birthday party today, Jamie ended up knowing a guy that was there, as he went to camp with him years ago. His son is 20 months old. We got their contact info, and Jamie suggested maybe we go out for dinner sometime with them, with or without the kids. It would be nice to have a couple friend to go out with once in a while. We don't really have any couple friends that do have kids to go out with. Most of our couple friends don't have kids and our lives are at different places to go out for dinner together. If that makes any sense at all. But it really would be nice to get out of the house once in a while on a Saturday night with another couple (or two!) and have adult conversation. (As much as homebodies we may be - it does one good to go out of the house with others!)

This evening I had dinner at my parents house. For some reason I brought my laptop over tonight. I was in the middle of transferring some files for my mother (at the end of the each month I give her copies of all the digital pictures I take of the boys during the last month). My laptop gave me the 10% warning for battery power left, so I turned around into my bag to get my plug to plug it into the wall. By the time I turned around to plug my laptop in, it died, and it wouldn't turn back on. I freaked out. It wouldn't even turn on with the battery out and the power plugged directly into the laptop. (A test that the manufacturer will make me do when I call them tomorrow to find out what is wrong and if they'll fix it). I know what tests they'll make me do, since I do that job in the office when I go in. (I take care of defective goods for the store that Jamie & I run in my family business).

My LIFE is on my laptop. And yes, I do make back-ups, but I hadn't yet made my backups for August's photos (I will NO longer do this monthly, but daily or weekly from now on!) and I am PRAYING that it's not my hard drive, but just the power. I won't know until tomorrow though, I'm going to go into work special to see what I can do about my laptop. I am so angry let me tell you! And all my emails in Outlook Express.... I have no access to that right now either.

Mini Heartattack. Really. Just pray for me it's not my hard drive. I really feel so lost without my laptop. I'm hoping my computer is still under warranty. I got it last fall (Oct 9th, 2008 to be exact). At least I have my PC in my office, and I'm not completely out of a computer, but no files on my office PC. I used my laptop for everything.... I miss it already.

Tonight to get my mind off things, after we put the kids to bed, Jamie and I watched Big Brother and I cast on another test knit with my 9" hiyas in 2.75mm to try them out. So far, I'm loving them. They are so much better than the 12" Addis I have, which I will no longer use for socks. (Though they work better for men's socks, since I cast on more stitches for a sock for Jamie than I would for a sock for myself).