lub sweet lub

He's all boy

2015-04-02T12:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had two encounters with this little phrase and it got me thinking. "He's all boy" has bugged me before every now and then in little ways, but yesterday really made me wonder, "What are we talking about??"

I took the kids to the park and we met this sweet mom with her two boys. Her oldest was 8 1/2 and just a darling boy. So caring and kind, just wanted to play with my kids and share his bubbles with them, concerned about them if they cried, so sweet. His little brother was 2 1/2 and while still very sweet, also in that experimental, boundary pushing phase. We had brought a plastic bat and a large bouncy ball with us, and after playing with the ball for a while, the boy decided to see how well it would bounce off Evan's head. If you know my son at all, you know that didn't go over particularly well (tears and "I don't like that!!"). Just a bit later the boy took the plastic bat and proceeded to bonk Charlie repeatedly on the head with it. The mother apologized profusely and threw out those magic little words, "He's just all boy!"

For just a tic, it made me think...what do we mean when we say that? I know the general idea that surrounds that phrase that I'm supposed to pick up, but really, what are we saying there?

Then later that evening someone commented on my son's scraped up knee, "Look at his knee (chuckle), he's just all boy", I laughingly pointed out that Charlie had a matching scrape on her same knee from climbing the same dirt hill before I could catch myself and think, "Wait, does that infer that she is also 'all boy'?"

It's one of those silly things that rolls around in your head needlessly. In all my spare time (insert emoji crying-laughing here), I think I figured out what we're saying with this colloquialism. We use it when a boy is running around like crazy, being aggressive, hurting themselves, being loud, doing something physical with little to no thought of harm to himself or others. It's a very physical, loud, unaware boy, this All Boy, boy. So we're saying the essence of being a boy is kind of a very primal (or caveman like) idiot of sorts. We also use it to excuse behavior, I've noticed. For example, the hitting of my daughter with the bat. While I don't think that action made him a "bad kid" or anything like that at all, I think it made him a curious toddler quite honestly, I don't really know why we excuse the behavior with that saying. It's just weird, no?

I'm not trying to get all hyper-feminist on us all either, because I actually do think that the true meaning of "he's all boy" is actually pretty legit. While I do see my daughter doing some "boyish" things - she's much louder than my son, looooooves wrestling, and scrapes her knees climbing in-conquerable dirt hills, I can recognize that these behaviors in their extremes are mostly found in young boys. Yes, when my son does any of the previously mentioned things (being aggressive, not thinking about consequences...) I do think that when it's not simply him being a toddler of any gender, it is the fact that he is reverting to his primal, caveman, idiot manhood.

I suppose at the end of all this, I have to say...1) I am glad I'm not a boy. 2) I'm glad my son is not "all boy" but...partially girl? Huh. He's kind and more often than not, thinks about how others will feel, smart, and sensitive. And 3) I need more adult conversation in my life.

Life is a battlefield

2015-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

I want you all to know that I think of you often. Usually when something ridiculous happens in my life (i.e. taking the kids to the grocery store, making it all the way through only to find that I left my wallet at home, throw the kids back in the car, drive home, retrieve wallet, wait in line at the grocery store again, pay for food and buy two organic sugar free lollipops for my kids for being such good sports, driving through somewhere for dinner because it's now too late to start dinner at home without for-sure meltdowns, just as I order hearing Charlie scream as she tries to wrench her lollipop out of her hair...etc). I begin to write a blog post in my head, imaging how I would describe events, what photos I would use, and how I could best spell words my children use in their own "lisps" and trial and error ways (Evan calls juggling "Jungle-ing" and is frequently annoyed that I can't "jungle" like Daddy). I think about how to describe my neighbor to really get you to understand how absurd some of the situations I am put in are. And then I feel guilt and decide never to post about my crazy neighbor.

Obviously, about 1/1,000 of those posts actually happen as I take a peek at this dusty blog. But it sure would be fun to pick it up again.

I was thinking yesterday about my house and how very much effort it takes to keep it how I want it. My family can tell you, it is very rarely actually that way (how I'd like it). And as I was thinking about this, I realized that not only what I've said before is true - my career now is full time Master Re-arranger - but also that my whole life now is just a series of battles. I do not mean, however, that this is an entirely negative thing. Some battles are good, just still a lot of work and I end up near-dead by the end of the day, good battles or bad.

Keeping the house clean is a battle (closer to a war). Your bathrooms are fighting against you, Lord knows your kitchen is fighting against you. Laundry is like a beast you are constantly trying to fend off. It grows heads faster than you can fold, that's for certain. Your children are cute little gremlins frolicking around, scattering debris wherever they wander. I am thinking of writing a children's book/series...first one would be called It Only Takes a Cracker. You can probably guess the gist of the book. Sometimes your children at not cute little gremlins, but rather emotional monsters, throwing themselves and their 0-60 toddler emotions around willy-nilly for you to try to catch and console.

There are many more battles and I'm sure you have some of your own in mind. It can be easy to let those battles get you down, discourage you, or overwhelm you, I know it happens to me. When I was thinking about it yesterday, my kids were both napping (love the same nap time!) which is a coveted time in this house. I guard that time with my life. Usually I use the first bit to do Downstairs Damage Control, Feed the Laundry Beast, Finally Eat/Finish My Lunch, and General Pick-Up. And lately once that's done, I just sit on the couch, coffee and some snack that will kill me someday in hand, and watch my very own television shows. No matter how long or short it lasts, it is bliss. But I still end up feeling a little guilty. Kind of with that naggy feeling of, I should be DOING something.

But as I was thinking this yesterday, I took a sip of my thrice reheated coffee and thought, No. I will not feel guilty. Maybe my house is not spotless, and yes, if you tell me you'll drop by in ten minutes time, I will panic and move at 10x my normal speed to get the house ready, maybe my son's hair is not always tamed, and maybe there is a constant load of laundry either in the washer, dryer, unfolded, or waiting to be put away. YES. But, I am ok with taking some "me" time in exchange. I am really ok with that. I want to look back on this time and think, "My house looked decent. My family was fed home cooked meals 98% of the time, my children were healthy and clean, we had fun together, and I wasn't overcooked every day."

Sometimes I just need to sit out part of the battle for a Ho-Ho and coffee, and maybe a little British murder mystery. And it would be that time right now. Soooo. Talk to you later.

h

Adieu Facebook - you've been a wishy washy friend

2014-09-10T20:45:00.001-07:00

Today I deleted Facebook from my phone. I am. Over. It. I've been talking about doing it for a while now, but it was a tough commitment to make. And yes, I do realize that I've only deleted it from my phone, not shut down my Facebook page altogether. Now I can only access it via computer though, which is a surprisingly rare occasion for me these days.

The reason it took me so long to give it the boot was that I kept telling myself, "Well, I like to keep in touch with people I don't see anymore". However, what struck me today was that 90% of my newsfeed is shared articles, videos, blogposts, and buzzfeed "23 Things That..." I told Scott that it should be called BlogBook or ArticleBook now. Clever, I know.

I also, despite my best intentions, often end up clicking on at least one of said links a day. A mistake, I assure you. Rarely has this ended well. More often than not I come away completely annoyed by some blogger.

Now, in the interest of discontinuing this trend, I will not complain about it any longer. It is what it is. I'm severely cutting back my Facebook-ing which means I've freed up a lot more time (and brain power) for my games...I mean reading. But mostly 2048. Addicteddddd.

Peace out Facebook. It's just me, Instagram, and Pinterest now.

The new normal. And such.

2014-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

The other night, after both kids had been tucked into bed, I found myself rediscovering the show Scrubs. I don't know whether or not you're a fan, but for me it brings back some great memories of college. Two of my dearest friends and I would spend hours of our free time hanging out at each other's apartments watching that show and eating junk. These are friends that I now am lucky to see and catch up with maybe once a year.

After watching a few episodes and chuckling to myself, I turned off the tv, washed the remaining dishes left out after dinner, and absentmindedly picked up some toys scattered on the rug. A Lego car, a teething toy, and a super hero or two. All of a sudden I found myself staring at the toys and thinking how bizarre it was to be transported one moment back to my college days, probably just started dating Scott, putting off (then moaning about) studying for midterms that started 3rd week - and now here I was, not terribly far in the future, picking up my kid's toys like it was nothing. Kids. There's more than one.

How am I old enough to have children (again with the plural)? This led me to thinking about both those squirts and just how big of a chunk of your heart they take up. We have more than just a few friends that are either trying, struggling, or are unable to have children of their own. We were a couple, not too long ago that were bracing for that reality ourselves and yet God heals and has His own plan.

Sometimes I am a classic mom in a cliche moment. Evan woke up on the wrong side of the bed and is an emotional basket case, Charlie just squeezed a Pouch all over the floor, and I have to take a few deep breaths before I decide not to put them out on the curb. Those are not necessarily the moments that the words "lucky" or "blessed" come to mind. Then there are the quiet moments of bliss when they both are snuggling in my arms as I read them a story, or Evan is squealing in delight as Charlie-a-saurus and I chase him around the house, or they spontaneously show me affection. And then I think, I do not recognize how very precious these darlings are often enough.

It's then that you weird then out by smothering them in hugs and kisses, tell them over and over that you love them and they try to wiggle away because they think you're playing "too many kisses" (yes, that's a game in our house).

Bottom line/point of the story: 1) Give your kids a squeeze and remember that you are blessed. 2) I feel old. 3) Scrubs is a fun show.

2012-05-02T18:45:00.001-07:00

It has been quite a while, hasn't it? Well, in case you didn't hear yet, I recently popped that baby boy out. And by "recently" I mean 4 weeks ago today. And by "popped out" I mean not popped out. More like worked very, very hard to get an 8 pound baby out of a very small hole in 7 hours.

I started having contractions Tuesday night (April 3rd - 4 days past my due date) just before midnight. I had been waiting so long to finally have contractions and go into labor that I waited a good hour or so before telling Scott what was happening. At 3am the midwife on call said that I was in active labor and that I could come in.

3:30 we got to the hospital but had to wait in a Labor and Delivery room because all the birthing rooms upstairs were being used. The midwife on call came to check on me at about 4am and all I remember about her was that she was highly annoying and caused me a great deal of pain. She started asking me some dumb question when she came in and I didn't answer her since I was clearly in the middle of a contraction. Right when it finished my water broke so I hobbled over to the tiny bathroom to take care of business. When I finally came out she asked me how I was doing and I told her, "I think my water just broke". Her reply, "Why do you think that?" I don't remember my exact tone at this point but I do remember wishing I was physically capable of performing a round house kick to her face right then. I think I said something along the lines of, "Well, I just had a lot of fluid and blood come out of there and there really hasn't been much coming that way in the past 9 months"

She proceeded to check how far along I was and I believe it was at this point that I decided that I hated her. I shudder just remembering. Yeesh.

Well, I was 6 cm dilated - on my way. Just after this adventure they moved us upstairs. We had a wonderful, large room with a Queen sized bed and they were just filling the portable tub for me. Ahh. This was how it was supposed to go down. There is a very long blurry stretch in my memory of laboring for a few hours, about 3, before going into transition. Transition is what they call Active Labor, because before we were just cruising along being lazy I guess. It's usually when you are around 8 - 10 cm dilated, your contractions are longer, stronger, and closer together (joy!), and sometimes it's when the baby starts to descend. I might also call it Hell for short. I do believe there was a moment when I turned to Scott and told him something like, "Never again. This is horrible. We are adopting from now on".

Transition probably lasted about 2 hours for me and I thought I might just rather die. I was so tired and it took all of my concentration to not make noise and just breathe through the contractions. I really thought the...more colorful side of me might make an appearance at this time, but I think I was just so concentrated and tired that I saved myself.

Finally the midwife (new one!), a midwife in training, and my AMAZING nurse (I would name my daughter after her if her name wasn't Berkley - she understood) came in and announced that it was time to push. I could not have been any happier. At last! I had heard so many stories about "I pushed three times and my baby popped out!" - really, how long could this take?

Well, about 25 minutes into pushing is when I think I started making, "Seriously?! What is he doing?!" comments. The worst part was with all the people in the room (Midwife, midwife in training, Berkley the Incredible, my mom, Scott, and my sister) after every push, I mean, every push, I would receive multiple, "That was so good Heidi! Great pushing!" to which I would perk up, "Oh yea? So is he almost out??" -- "Uh, no. We just caught a glimpse of the top of his head. But it went back" DEAR LORD. Stop telling me I'm doing such an amazing job if nothing is happening! The next time someone says how great it's going there better be a baby flying out.

45 minutes of pushing and finally, at 10:36am, my baby boy was born. Praise Jesus. I wanted to be alert and joyful but I was so tired, it was all I could do to remain conscious. 8 pounds 10 ounces, 21 inches long, full head of hair. I was in love.

The worst part is, I can tell...I can already tell that although I have not forgotten how painful labor was (no drugs baby), I will somehow be conned into doing this all again. He's just so cute, I know I will want another one. Fortunately, the next one is supposed to be easier. And really, I had a pretty short labor. 7 hours is not that bad when I compare war stories. And now I have this:

10 pounds in this picture. I'm super in love and he is just the best baby. Such a good little spirit, he's hard not to fall in love with.

So that is the story...next time I won't gross you out so much. But next time might also be at 3:30am while I'm up with him for a half hour. So...there may not be quite enough of a filter at that hour. Let's cross our fingers.

Loving being a Mommy

Baby Induced Madness or Nesting?

2011-11-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

There are some projects that I've been working on. I've been a little hesitant to do too much because I know that once I start this ball rolling, it will be hard to stop it. And it turns out I was right. I've got the itch now and I'm finding it difficult to stop.

I'm making E a small collection of personalized onesies. Is that partially insane?

Does it help or hurt my case that I bought a range of sizes so he will fit them for the whole first year?

This blanket was actually not originally intended for Ev when I first started it. But as it turned out in the end, whether it's because I took too long to make it, or the baby moved states, it's Evan's now. I finally finished it and held onto it until we found out whether we were having a boy or girl. If it was a girl I would feminize it a little more, but as luck would have it, it's perfect for our little papa bear. I stitched his name in it last week when my craze picked up hot and heavy again.

I can't help it folks. I am the girl that knitted scarves for all of her wedding guests as wedding favors/an alternative seating chart. I love doing this kind of stuff. If I had the time (and a rockin pattern) to make the onesies themselves, believe me, it would be happening. In my defense, we don't have a nursery for E yet so let's call this my version of nesting for now. I'm sure I'll burn out eventually....right?

If not, sorry husband.

Happy Day of Giving Thanks everyone! I hope you all are surrounded by people that you love and that love you!

h + e

Oh babies

2011-11-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today I spent my entire hour lunch break hanging out in the new infant room at work. Two little baby boys, both under 6 months I believe. Oh the chubby thighs, the toothless goofy grins, the cooing as they told me about their days...too much I say.

After I left that peaceful room I thought, If I just wasted an hour of my time completely entertained by these two babies I don't even know, then I am doomed when Evan comes along. He just gave me a little punch to confirm that.

The first time I (and we) felt him really move was three nights ago. We were laying in bed, ready to turn the lights out when I felt a little Hiyah! I heard it described best as the way you feel when your eyelid twitches and you can't control it. It is simultaneously the coolest and the weirdest thing I have ever felt. It honestly freaks me out a little bit if I think too much about the fact that it's a live baby making those movements. It's probably best to not have a panic attack about my unborn baby moving inside of me. But I just start thinking about Wrath of Khan, or the scene of The Matrix where they extract that bug from his stomach. Bleaaahhh...I just gave myself the willies.

In any case, I am still feeling great, a little preoccupied with work stuff, but ok. Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we are actually going to have a real baby in 5 months. Just insane.
Guess I should get all my sleep in now :)

It's time for something new

2011-10-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's time to put up a new post, if for no other reason than to move the belly band photo down.

Week 15 1/2. Still feeling good. Albeit a little large. And around 12pm I suddenly lose all will to live, or at least move one iota. Apparently my scrubs (work mandated attire) hide the bump quite a bit because when I was changing out of them today Scott's reaction was, "Whoa! You are definitely bigger than last week". Good thing I am not self-conscious...or emotional. And for once I am not being sarcastic here :]

In case I hadn't blasted you with it yet, here's a video Scott took of the latest Dotson viewing. Just wait till Baby actually comes out...photos galore.

T minus 17 days until we find out what Dotson is! Woot!!

Happy Monday~
heids + baby

I have an idea for you

2011-09-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

If you would like to find a really great way to have your Saturday morning breakfast revisit you, try typing in "maternity..." and follow it with very nearly anything you please on google, or even on etsy. What in the world people??

Did you know that there is something called a Maternity Belly Band/Bow?? No, you probably didn't because you are still innocent of such ridiculous things.

Not any more you aren't. This is actually the most pleasant picture of one that I found. I've had people try to convince me that we should do a pregnancy photo shoot, but I just don't know. If you know me at all....you know that would be pretty tough for me to swallow. It would have to be amazingly tasteful. And you might need to pay me to do it.

On a much more uplifting note - here is the video that my sister took of when we revealed the news to my family. It was the day after my brother's wedding, also the day after my dad's birthday and the whole family went out to breakfast together. Scott and I gave my dad a book called, The Really Useful Grandparents' Book. Inside the front cover was a copy of our first ultrasound.

The Reaction from The Diehls on Vimeo.

Enjoy your weekend.

It's part of my job

2011-09-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

I had a moment today that will either make you grin or make you think that I am a horrible person.

I was in my classroom and it was time for the kids to clean up, so I announced "Clean Up Time!" and my little monkeys got to work putting their toys away. All except these two little girls. I was helping a child close a puzzle box when I heard one of the girls say to the other, "Let's hide from Ms Heidi" and they crawled under a table. Oh heck no.

I quietly walked over to their ingenious hiding spot, squatted down and startled them with a sharp, "You two better get out NOW." I saw both sets of legs jump in surprise and they quickly scrambled out. "Pick up a toy." They both grabbed the nearest toy and started putting things away and as I walked away I heard one of them say with a nervous giggle, "Well, I guess hiding was not a good idea". I had to stifle a laugh :)

Now, I'm not just mean. The reason I snatched them up was because this was not the first time the ring leader girl had hidden under the same table to get out of doing something. None of that now. Someone's got to lay down the law.

Gotta run for now, but just for the record - got a pumpkin spice latte today (DECAF) and decided it is much like drinking a scented candle. That needs to be toned down please.

Lata.

It's a done Diehl

2011-08-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

AT LAST. The news is out! After weeks of agonizing, joyful torture - we are finally public. And by public I mean that we announced on facebook that we are having a BABY!!!!

*Deep Sigh of Contentment*

Now I can finally start writing about what's really going on in our life (/my body). We are 9 weeks as of yesterday, and next Thursday we will have a new ultrasound of little Dotson (=Daughter or Son - not actually the front runner for its name). Hopefully we'll get to hear a heartbeat then.

For now, I'm feeling pretty good. A little hungry most of the time. And by that I mean every hour on the hour I feel like I have a tapeworm living inside of me. I eat at least two breakfasts, maybe 3ish snacks before lunch, early lunch, a few more granola bars and fruits before I get off (4:30), and then I barely make it home before I start gnawing on the steering wheel. One and a half dinners and then I'm pretty good for the night.

You know, for a human the size of a grape, Dotson sure is making a ruckus. Pushing around in there, blowing me up like a balloon, eating man-sized portions of my meals...Sweet Moses. Tonight after my second (and a half) dinner Scott predicted that Dotson was going to be humongous. Very encouraging :]

The only other "symptom" I've really had is feeling a twinge drained of energy which is why I need to sign off for the night. I was up waiting until my bedding laundry was done, and now that the buzzer has gone off, it's time for me to shut my blurry eyes and get some rest!

xoxo
hd & baby

The cuteness is overwhelming at times

2011-07-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Got to hang out with the little D-meister a few weekends ago and discovered he has a new "trick". I think this is his go-to happy place when things get overwhelming or it gets too close to bedtime. He is destined to own a motorcycle. Biking is in our blood.

Dylan's Motorcycle from The Diehls on Vimeo.

Can you handle this? I hardly can.

Sick Day

2011-06-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

I went to work this morning feeling...not the best. My throat's been bugging and my voice was not up to par today. In my line of work, you need your voice. That is, if you want the day to go smoothly. So I was sent home.

I spent the day napping, eating a whole pot of soup by myself, and watching wayyy too much TV. Add a dash of house cleaning and that was the extent of my exertions. It was kind of a nice break. My voice is not yet back to normal, but I plan on taking a gallon of hot tea to work with me tomorrow :)

Summer has Begun

2011-06-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today was the "First Day of Summer", at least as far as our school is concerned. I have my own class for the summer, and while I was not completely prepared for the day to begin, things went pretty dang well.

The three highlights of my day before I go lesson plan for tomorrow:

1) One of my kids from my old class hugging me outside and pleading with me not to go to the new class and leave him alone. Sigh. Love my kiddos.

2) Middle of nap time, picture me - teetering on a chair, trying to hang some paper from the whiteboard and NOT step on any sleeping children, simultaneously giving a child the harshest "Shush!" you ever did hear and telling them they better lay on their tummy and go to sleep or ELSE. Then a small voice from a little girl in the middle of the room that just rolled over in her sleep says softly, "Miss Heidi? ... I love you". Aw shucks. Just melts my stern heart.

3) Ending the looong day with Family Dinner. Ahh.

Fat schmat

2011-03-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

I do believe we will be hitting up the gym mañana due to my husband's rising concerns over his girlish figure.

I think it might have something to do with these bad boys:

I was in the mood today, I don't really know what hit me, but I just announced this morning, "I feel like making doughnuts". Turned out not to be nearly as intimidating as one would think. And really. SO delicious that it's actually a very horrible thing.

I got the recipe from The Pioneer Woman, because her pictures were so tempting and it seemed like one of the better recipes I found online. Not difficult at all and 100% worth the effort/time.

Her glaze is absolutely the bomb as well. However, I only made 2/3 the glaze recipe because 3 cups of powdered sugar seemed like too much. It turned out that 2/3 was the perfect amount.

They turned out perfect, light and a little crispy on the outside, completely fluffy and scrumptious on the inside.

I am very satisfied at this moment. Unfortunately, I need to make some dinner now. How does one top homemade doughnuts though?? I'll whip up some chicken dish I guess.

Here's to a new week! And rolls for thighs! Huzzah!

His name is Joctopus

2011-02-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

For "Share Day" the other day, one of our kids' dads brought in a baby octopus that they are raising. Basically this family is one of the coolest ones ever. The kids were pretty enthralled. As was I.

Despite the fact that one of my worst nightmares would involve a giant octopus menacingly approaching me while I'm trapped at the bottom of the ocean in a small container filled with slugs, reptiles and germs - I thought the little guy was pretty dang cool to watch. I did have the same reaction as one of my little boys when it climbed to the top of the tank and tried to wrap it's tenticles around the air vents in an attempt to escape. Aka I was friggin close to jumping backwards and making a fool of myself. Like, that thing is awesome, unless it wanted to touch me. Then, not so awesome.

Yes, I am a giant wussy when it comes to all things...gross. Slimy animals, scaly animals, animals that look like they might be either slimy or scaly. Insta-heebie-jeebies.

Joctopus 1 from The Diehls on Vimeo.

Just a little fun for your weekend pleasure!

While Greenbay was winning the Superbowl ~

2011-02-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

I was working on this:

Few more things to finish but fun to make. And quick! However, I think it needs pockets. As almost every dress does.

Yes, that is all I had to say today. And good Monday to you!

When I die...

2011-02-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

...and go to heaven, I want to magically have Sara Bareilles' voice.

This rendition of Single Ladies is rocking my Sunday:

Fun to listen to, but the real gem is her version of Sittin on the Dock of the Bay. Click to listen to that magic.

Hope Super Bowl Sunday is treatin you well.

Ah the weekend...

2011-01-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have the house to myself for a little while this evening as Scott is musically occupied until 9:30 or so. I have the laundry going, the dishwasher humming, the kitchen cleaned, garbage taken out...I figure I should rest for just a sec.

Whilst resting, I would like to share with you THESE:

From Noa Noa, I really like these pants. When I showed them to husband the other day, he kind of looked at them while squinting, a face that interprets to, "Really? How should I tell you that I'm not really diggin those?" While what he actually said was, "Hmm...I guess I'd have to see them on you". Wise choice of words husband. Because I am quickly stumbling into love here.

Anyway, I will get back to thinking about more chores and watching shows that Mr D doesn't care for. Amazing how I've had somewhere around 1,300 weekends in my lifetime and yet I get excited about nearly each and every one.

I am going to sleep in till 8:00 tomorrow! Don't try to stop me!
Peace out homies.

Brightened my day

2011-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

Two minute story:

I got to work this morning and went outside to greet my little monsters. I got my morning hugs and hellos in while attempting to manage 4 different mini conversations (when working with small children I think you develop the skill of being able to hear and comprehend more than one conversation that is being spoken to you at the same time) while one of my little boys kept trying to get my attention, "Miss Heidi? Miss Heidi. Miss Heeiidi?" I finally looked over at him and asked, "What's up buddy?"

His response was, "You look pretty". Then he ran off to play dodgeball.

That's how you know it's a good day.

Just thinking about it made me temporarily forget that I have just noticed my lazy eye seems to be getting worse and I think I'm two steps away from looking like Steve Buscemi in Mr Deeds. For real. But I'm not supposed to talk about it anymore. Scott thinks I'm being paranoid.

Whatever, we'll see who's paranoid when people start asking him which is my "good eye".

Happy Tuesday and to all, a goodnight.

Forecast looks a bit fabric-y

2011-01-14T22:13:00.001-08:00

Hi all. How's it going?

Happy 2011 by the way. Forgot to say that. So far the first 14 days have flown by. For real? We're halfway through January? Absurd.i.ties. I haven't even made any New Years Resolutions. Wait, hang on a sec. I'm actually not sure I've ever made NYResolutions.

Well in place of those ... I'll just throw out a few things I'm inspired by as of late/what's worming through my brain and refusing to give my tendinitis a break.

I recently received (and also acquired) some of the most amazing books ever. For Christmas I got Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, as well as Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts. I was so giddy. I have now gingerly leafed through both books probably 3 times each. Each time I do I find myself dreaming of a craft/art corner all my own in our house someday. Eventually when we get a bigger place we'd love to have a second room that would be our studio/guest room. So hopefully my dream is not too far in the distance.

I also acquired from a wonderful donor, a 1960 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book. I nearly cried when I found it. It is that beautiful. I adore early 60's fashion and this book is a wealth of sewing and craftsman knowledge. After a week of having it I turned to the husband and sighed, "I'm on page 40 and it's only getting better and better" as I wiped away a small tear. Ok, who am I kidding...small tear? Really, me? But let's pretend because that's how the scene went in my head.

This is no novel either mind you. It is a manual. I was reading a bit about it and someone likened it to a cookbook. So if you can imagine reading that snuggled in bed, then you're with me.

Isn't it beautiful? However, now I have been forced to apologize to said husband for teasing him about reading an old Toyota 4Runner Manual in bed at night. What nerds we are indeedy.

This has spurred on a sudden desire for something new to sew (go figure). Therefore I did what any logical person would do and checked ebay for "vintage" patterns. Oh the joys to behold. I now have a few packages coming my way any day now. The excitement is overwhelming. Truly.

I plan to reinvent the shift dress. There, I said it. It's out there. I'm doin it!

Moving on, I also have been eying our poor couch in a manner that makes him quiver a twinge as I walk by these days, seeing as BHs and Gs has empowered me, telling me that, "Slipcovers are inexpensive, easy to make. New slipcovers give a wonderful lift to an old sofa or chair. Combined with new draperies, they give a welcome color change." How can I refuse? They used "draperies" in a sentence.

Oh goodness. I'm doomed. Just doomed. But so happily so. I can smell it in the air - 2011 is going to be a good year.

All for now. Hasta luego.

Ahh...this is the life

2010-12-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today I was standing outside talking to some of my kids, probably about favorite cartoons or the finer usages of the word "poopy", when this little girl that was resting against me looked up (huge grin on her face) and said, "Ms Heidi, I just farted on you" and erupted into a fit of giggles. My chorus of "Ewww"s and "Gross"s only resulted in more uncontrollable giggles from the offender. Then out of my mouth popped, "I'm gonna fart on you!" before I could stop it. This was followed by an absolute break out of giggling and guffawing by all my kids as though I'd said the funniest thing they'd ever heard.

Too far? Meh, who knows. Thus are the joys and snapshots of my life.

Using the 20 minutes I don't have -

2010-10-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am going to say a quick, "Hello" and then scoot my buns to try to get the next few tasks on the impending "To Do" list done double time to make up for things.

Sister's wedding was great, so happy it's over though. I mean, so happy they are so happy. Naturally. Happiness all over the place. And better yet, we have a pleasant break from weddings, at least for a while.

Our vacation up the coast was wonderful, pictures to maybe come. I say maybe because I am uploading them here in my head, but let's just wait and see if that really does happen. San Fran was gorgeous, Philz coffee is the most amazing thing ever and it basically made and ruined my life all within a matter of 20 seconds, which was a weird sensation, let me tell you. Oregon was beautiful + relaxing + fun. If you stop in Portland for lunch and cupcakes in September, you may fall in love. Not sure how wise that is but I'll wager Not At All. Seattle was great fun, such an artsy feel, so much coffee, so many trees! Also probably not the wisest to base your sole opinion of the city upon three days of site seeing in the best of weather conditions. Unrealistic, but nice for us.

Work is great, thanks for asking. Workin my buns off. My co-teacher [aka the one that has the entire year planned out and has been doing this for over a decade] has a family crisis and has been out for 2 weeks leaving me as head teacher. She will be out for about 4 more weeks give or take [breathing into a paper bag now]. Only joking. Everything is under control...yes, there are looming issues that cause nightmares in my mind, but other than that, things are going swimmingly. Who knew that two such harmless words could be so daunting? Open House. Lordy, I just sweat a little.

Ok, this is cut short, but Henry's is waiting and I have to pick up the husband from a worship sesh (stands for session but I was too lazy to type it out. And I don't want to hear what you have to say about what I just wrote. Thank you.) and then do dinner while we continue to catch up on 30 Rock, and by catch up I mean finish season 1. Don't judge. We all have shortcomings.

I will leave you with this: today, while at my desk working on prepping the next "Circle Time" and simultaneously watching the kids, I overhead two puzzle buddies having the following conversation - initials are replacing names, but I think you could have figured that one out on your own. Let's hope.

R: Jesus wouldn't have snatched that piece from me like that A.!
A: Hmph. Well I wanted it!
R: He's up in heaven and He wouldn't like that.
A: He's not in heaven! He's here in us!
R: Well...He's in heaven and in us. But I don't know how. And you shouldn't have snatched my piece. I'm telling.

Take out the theology and that's a pretty standard puzzle convo in my class. However, the theology made it that much better.

Off to the market. Hope you are alive and well cyberspace!

Found, Hired, and Sewing like Crazy

2010-08-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

I feel like every now and then, when I go a little too MIA in the blog world, I need to drop just a quick note to say, "Still Here!!"

Latest News (before I hit the pillow):
- I am now employed full time at the preschool. I am co-teaching a class of Pre-K-ers, aka 4 year olds. Love them, admire the teacher I'm working with, can't wait for the school year to start. However, we're fitting in an awesome vacation up the coast first!

- Three books I got from the library that the kids have loved: There's Something in my Attic, Jumpy Jack and Googily, and Pigeon Wants a Puppy. The last read with the correct inflections is apparently Pee In Your Pants Hilarious. Ok, not really that bad...we all know in my field that could be quite literal.
It's funny. That's the point. If you have kids, they are worth looking into.

- Sisters' wedding is fast approaching and I am still working on quite a few things. Ring Bearer pillows are near completion, but I still have quite a few pinwheels to pound out. And two or three fairy wands. It'll get done, don't worry.

- I found my camera cable!! Not that you were aware that it's been missing, but this is the majority of the reason I have been such a procrastinator in my blogging. How could I post about just anything when Scott's performance from the Adams wedding is stuck in my camera?! This means many a post is soon to hit you.

- I hope you all realize that my new job security means many more ridiculous child stories...

...and on that note ~ (just one, I promise) one of my favorite little boys was in my class the other day, and after a little girl had made some comment of very little importance (something along the lines of, "This cracker is salty!"), he said with great drama and while rolling his head back, "[Girl's name], you are crackin me up! You are crackin me up at this Sitch-U-ation right now." My eyes watered I was silent laughing that hard. Maybe you just have to hear how he said it, but it was worth my entire day just to be a fly on the wall (/teacher at a desk) for that moment.

Ok, more to come, I promise.
xoxo

Sweet tooth anyone?

2010-08-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon an amazing find! If you are hungry right now, do not even click on this page...in fact, you may want to close your eyes for this one.

Amazing...I know. They're by Ming Makes Cupcakes and she puts all of her recipes online. I am in love with this woman.

Check it out. Try it out. Get fat. Let me know how they taste.