Dear McDonalds

Dear McDonalds,

I am sorry to say, but I am officially done. My kids will be disappointed with my choice, but I can no longer look at you without getting sick to my stomach. Yesterday you were the perfect rendezvous point in Gila Bend... but lets be honest... you were really the only rendezvous point. Where do I begin?

I placed my order, which you submitted correctly, but then you forgot my kids drinks. When I went to get katsup (we were "dining" in) all those little cups were gone and you gave me a drink lid instead of refilling katsup cups. Then as I sat to eat I felt something tickling my foot. When I shook my foot the tickle did not go away. I began to panic and when I looked at my feet, I shrieked out loud when discovering a cockroach trying to climb my leg (and I was wearing flip flops)! I have never been so grossed out. I placed my feet on a chair next to me as the cockroach just hung out under the table, making its way under my moms feet. When she placed her feet on the floor she stepped on the cockroach and it "popped".... no joke... a pop sound and all. My gag reflexes went into over drive. I was done! And then when I went to use the bathroom, the faucet had been left on and was seconds from overflowing the sink and flooding the floor. Was it just Gila Bend? I don't know... but I do know that I will never look at the golden arches the same again... Not to mention this one didn't even have a play place. I can only imagine how this visit could have been 10 times worse if it had a play place.

I pray that my kids forgive me for this decision as they love the happy meals, but even those have gone the way of political correctness. You no longer have the option of fries or apple slices... you get a tiny fries (and I do mean TINY) and apple slices. So much for being able to make your own decisions. So dear McDonalds... this is one mom saying, "Peace Out!"

Sincerely,

Me

Angry Birds and animals gone wild

I thought I better write this down before I forget...

Last week we had an "angry bird" in our front yard. I was in the process of taking groceries in the house when a bird ran up the driveway and started squawking at me. It would make lots of noise and then charge at me and Timothy. I finally got it to go away but it was one angry bird.

Yesterday the angry bird returned. My mom was visiting and went to the back yard for a moment. The angry bird came right up to her and started pecking at her shoes. When she came into the house it followed to the back window. It continued to make a fuss at the sliding glass doors and the kids were having fun watching it.

Not five minutes later a cat came slowly prowling on the patio. The angry bird had no fear of the cat either. It walked strait up to the cat... and the cat pounced. The kids were just watching the whole thing take place right outside the door. I pulled the curtains closed, but I think they figured out what the end result was.... lots of feathers. I'm not sure if the bird got away or survived... but the cat has been hanging around, continuing to look for another victim.

Nothing beats a good visual lesson on the circle of life.

Finally to round out the day we went on a walk to the pond and to get mail. As we were almost home we saw what appeared to be a cat walking in a yard across the street. As the "cat" entered the street we realized it was no cat at all. It was a skunk! We hurried our walk and tried to keep track of the skunk so we didn't cross its path. I could already see that disaster and wanted nothing to do with it. What a crazy day with wildlife. Who knew our neighborhood could be so exciting.

Busted!

As women, we expect any tiny physical change to be noticed by our loved ones. For example... if I trim just an inch off my hair, I expect that David would notice right away, and if he didn't I would feel that he never paid attention and was insensitive. I guess I better be more careful, cause yesterday I was busted!

David has been growing this crazy mountain man beard for almost 3 months now. I don't understand it in the first place. I'd think that during the hottest months of the year, the last thing you'd want is facial hair... I know I want to shave my head in the summer because it is so darn hot... so it just doesn't make sense. Finally I got used to the mountain man look and just assumed David was going to pick up another shift at Christmas time as Santa. There is no use in fighting it, so I just had to embrace it. It was past the scratchy phase and entering the fluffy stage, so kissing him wasn't like kissing a cactus anymore.

I digress... So last night David showered after mowing the lawn. Which I appreciate, because he stank... anywho... It took me 2 HOURS to realize he had shaved ALL his face! It wasn't like he shaved and left for work and I only saw him momentarily. He sat next to me on the couch, and we were together for a full 2 hours before I noticed! He even hinted and made an extra effort for me to notice. Needless to say, I am busted. Now when I get a dramatic haircut or make a drastic change, I can't give him a hard time for not noticing. I still can't believe I didn't notice for so long. My husband literally looks completely different clean shaven. But he did assure me he donated his hair to "beards of love". :) I've gotta' love him... especially since he has such a sense of humor about me not noticing. And did I mention I prefer him sans beard. :)

Mommy... I love you...

My little Mr. Timothy is learning lots about communication. One of his most recent discoveries is the "bait and switch" approach. This evening he came super close to my face and whispered, "Mommy, I love you.... can I have a cookie?" Where did he learn that? It was super cute though. He did eventually get a cookie, but not until after his dinner.

He has also discovered the idea of just saying "mom" for the heck of it. Not that he really needs anything or is trying to get my attention... he just says it, all the time, repeatedly. When I answer him he just stares at me blankly trying to figure out why I am responding. I think he truly does it to make me insane, and it is working.

And then there is Alexis. She is so excited that tomorrow she doesn't have to go to school because it is "leper day". I keep trying to correct her that it is Labor day. That becomes a futile conversation. She wants to know what "labor" means... and then why we would have a holiday for "work". Then she asks what "leper" means. I try to explain it is a disease and that we don't celebrate leper day. She then asks when we celebrate leprechauns, and I tell her St. Patty's Day, and the whole conversation starts over... when she says, "Oh... so we celebrate leprechauns on leper day."

So if anyone wonders why I am going crazy... here is my official documentation... for today at least.

Shifty Shifts...

I am a pretty structured person. I have to have my calender in front of me before I schedule something. I need to know ahead of time what is going on and if there are not plans I need to make them. David's schedule has not been conducive to this lately. Just when I've finally written it on the calendar, it has changed again. My calendar is a mess of scribbles now. David has been working lots of overnights lately. The hospital fired the overnight person so now David "gets" to help out. Blah!

I've also discovered that I am a nervous wreck when David isn't home overnight. It seems there are more mysterious noises than usual and the dark is darker. I feel like a little kid afraid of the dark. I blame it on our days in Tucson. Everyone really is out to get you there.... so now I am paranoid about everything.

So here is my plea.... If anyone knows a pharmacist looking for an overnight shift.... come get it so I can have my husband back.

Thanks! That is all....

Moms in minivans

I just have to vent for a few minutes. Anyone who has ever dropped a child off at school... or picked them up from school knows my frustration. I have come to discover that some of the worst drivers are moms in minivans. They don't look where they are going, and put the petal to the metal. You think someone else would actually take their naughty kids if they didn't arrive at the school first?

I usually ride my bike to take Alexis to and from school. By doing so I can avoid the long line of cars and frustration it generates. I also find riding my bike a lot more relaxing. It is, however, more of a risk than jumping out of an airplane if you ask me. These crazy minivan mom's have almost ran over me more times than I can count. It makes me worry for these little kids who just cross the street without a second thought, assuming that cars will slow down or stop for them. It makes me even more frustrated knowing that parents don't even worry when they let their first graders ride their bikes to school... ALONE!

I guess to be fair, some drivers actually do pay attention and drive the speed limit. Occasionally a driver will even stop and let pedestrians and bikers cross the road without the risk of being mowed down. I try and be one of those drivers now.

Today I was running late as I finished up errands and had to drive to get Alexis at school. It was ridiculous! Regular rules of the road must not apply to these parents. I was in the left hand turn lane trying to get into the parking lot to park. The cars weren't going anywhere, even when there was obviously no oncoming traffic. After a few minutes of sitting there I was able to get out of the turn lane and go around... only to discover that the person at the front of the turn lane had placed their car in park and was reading a magazine! For real!? I wanted to punch bunnies I was so irritated. Some parents!

Okay...

That is all...

Just as long as you aren't one of those parents...

and if you are...

Some bunnies are going to haunt you...

First Grade

Oye! I think I missed a post about her even going to kindergarten last year... what happens to time? (Note to self: go back and post about kinder) My kids are growing up to fast! We made it through the first week of first grade... and I do mean "we". Her first day was crazy. Last year with kindergarten things were more "safe" and better explained. This year it was like being tossed into the lions den. I didn't know how she would do with lunch at school, bathroom breaks, or how they released the kids at the end of the day. Luckily I mentioned to her to stand at the gates and we would find her. When the bell rang it was a mad house of parents and kids. We all survived and made it home in one piece..ish... David has no patience for crowds of people, let alone crowds of crazy, and rude parents. Let's just say it is a good thing he isn't a stay-at-home dad.

On her first day they only had 13 minutes to eat their lunches. Alexis had practiced the week prior to finish her lunch at home in 20 min. and barely made it. Her teacher said she became teary eyed that she hadn't finished her lunch and was still hungry. Thank goodness her teacher allowed the kids to finish their lunches in the classroom. The rest of the week they had their normal 20 min at lunch, but I think she is still struggling to eat that quick, considering Wednesday she came home with an untouched sandwich. Argh... we have got to get this time management thing figured out... stat!

Alexis is my little slow poke. She sees no reason to rush anything. She will be in the bathroom for 30+ minutes if I let her. She takes forever getting dressed, even though her clothes are set out the night before and she savors every bite she eats. Timers don't work so we are always looking

for new ways to push her along.

She seems, however, to enjoy first grade so far. She has a very nice teacher, but it is her first

year of teaching. I guess it could be a good thing. Her teacher is excited to teach but I hope she

doesn't get overwhelmed with the load of work that comes with first year teaching.

Alexis has already received a marriage proposal and couldn't wait to tell me the news. Her little friend Jackson from last year apparently wants to be more than friends. Already!? I didn't think I would have to deal with that for at least a few more years... although... who am I to talk. I was doing a wedding commercial in kindergarten with my boyfriend at the time. That is a story for another time.

So we will see how the rest of the year goes. Enjoy a few pictures of the first day.

This picture cracks me up... not sure if she is wearing the backpack or if the backpack is wearing her. :) She has also started this thing where she has to have a thumbs up in all her pictures.

This picture gives you a better idea of how tiny Alexis is. Timothy is two years younger and almost as tall as her. Better start feeding her more veggies I guess.

Summer Harvest

I'd like you to meet my little garden buddy. Last month I found this little guy right outside my front door. He was just hanging out. I'm not sure how he survives here in the desert, but I'll take him. I am pretty sure he lives in my garden. I think I found him out there last year but he was much smaller then.

Our backyard has undergone a BIG transformation in the past year. When we moved in last year it was a blank slate... at least that is how they try and sell it to you. The previous owner hadn't touched a single thing. One of my favorite things in the yard is our garden. We have a garden at the side of the house and then David built me some garden boxes.

I wasn't sure what to plant or when... so I watched the local fields to see what they were up to. When they planted corn, I planted corn. I have to say I did guess on some of the planting but I am learning lots. I also make lots of calls to my mom. She has the most amazing garden. That is yet another thing my mom does that amazes me. She lives in Yuma (armpit of America) and she can get things to grow all year long. My hero and my gardening almanac.

Besides food I also wanted to plant some pretty things... just for pretty's sake. And what is a garden without a little fountain?! I love to sit out there and just watch the kids play and listen to the water (except when it is so dang hot). Around my fountain I planted several things but the black potato vine kinda took over. That is okay though... it looks nice.

Not many things have survived all the heat and weather. One sturdy plant that has, however, is the jalapeno plant. I actually have three HUGE plants out there. They just get bigger and bigger. The best part is that we don't really love peppers. Anyone want to barter? I should learn how to make and can salsa... then we'd really be in business. We had a cucumber plant next to it, but it cooked. Not really sure what happened to it, but we did get a whopping 3 cucumbers from it before it dried up to nothingness.

We have learned lots about jalapenos in the process too. Did you know that they start out green, but if you don't pick them they change to red. The less green and more red they become the hotter they are. Interesting eh?

I also have several grape vines going. I really need to get something out there for them to hang on to and vine up. It is just to dang hot to work out in the garden right now. All the vines are still young and won't produce any fruit for at least another year, but they sure are beautiful.
Here is my attempt at corn. I am pretty sure that the type I planted needed to be planted earlier. They got tiny ears of corn, but never got much bigger. I think it got to hot to fast for them. Note for next year I guess. It did a nice job of covering the wall with green. They are all dried up now so I am thinking of cutting them off at the base and making them into a bundle to stand next to the front door as a fall decoration. Perhaps?
Watermelon! I had never tried this one before. I had no idea what the leaves looked like either. Such a pretty plant. So far there have been two watermelons. I must admit it is pretty cool.
And then cantaloupe. We have 5 fruit on the vine that I have found. These plants have gone wild and taken over the whole side of the yard. The kids love to go check on their progress and can't wait to pick them. I need to do some research to figure out how to tell if they are ripe.
I also have learned that I need to be more aware of how much water a plant needs. I planted zuchinni and pumpkins with cantaloupe and one takes lots more water than the rest. They are all on a drip hose that waters them all so I can't adjust the water. Another note for next year I guess.
Pic: Jalapenos... mild and HOT!

Alexis helped pick the watermelon. I'm not sure it is ready. It was nice and red inside, but the flavor wasn't super sweet. I'm not sure if it is just because of the variety or if it needed more time on the vine. More research to do I guess.
I love gardening and seeing an actual result. Now if only it wasn't a bajillion degrees outside. Only a few more months until we have the best weather around, right?

Little Things

Timothy just came and asked for more cereal. As I entered the room to get him more he was curled up on his chair saying a prayer. When he finished he commented he just needed to say a quick little prayer. I guess he is soaking up some of the things we are trying to teach him. Good start to the day.

Memory Lane

Wow... I am pretty bad at keeping up on here... but better to post late than never. The other day I made a happy discovery. I figured out how to move my pictures from my phone to my computer. Needless to say, there were some old pictures on there... but it was a fun walk down memory lane. It is almost like the past year in review. So why don't you join me on a little walk...

I got this picture message from David while I was doing a photo shoot... it read something like... "Don't worry, she is okay..." Nice! School picture day was in the next few days and I was sure her new teacher was going to think we were beating her. Lesson learned: Don't stack cans of food like legos cause they hurt like the dickens when they fall. And yes... she now has a scar.

This is the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Amazing sunset and first time to DC. Can't believe it has already been a year since we went.

While in DC, David picked up an apple fritter for breakfast one morning. The thing was literally as big as his head... we had to document!

This is the adventure to the Salt River. The kids, my sister and I were just looking for something different to do... and scope out photo shoot locations. We stopped for some fun throwing rocks and heard wild horses nearby.

Ahhh.... David's collection! This is from when we were consolidating boxes from moving. We had moved several boxes, several times that had not been opened in years... Now was the time. In one box we found this treasure. An OLD R/C car. It was older than me, and David was so excited that when we put batteries in it... it still worked. And we can't get rid of something that still works, so it is still in a box... and will probably be for who knows how long... Just sayin'.

Mr. Orville Redembacher.... Need I say more. :)

I had the pleasure of shadowing Alexis at school for a day. It was a fun time and she was very dedicated to her work, especially her coloring with details. I better warn her next teacher that she not ask Alexis for details... she has that down...
Dedicated to her learning... I think...

I also got to attend Alexis' field trip to Schnepf Farms for the Harvest festival. The best part is that Timothy got to come to! It was lots of fun and it was nice that we all got to hang out and get to know other kids/parents from school.

Below is a picture I usually send to David with the text of: "Please daddy!?" How can he say no to this? We didn't end up getting this... but it works for the most part.

Oh... and then there is the occasional date night. This was around Christmas time and we went on a date to finish Christmas shopping. We came across this boy doll... and you don't often come across boy dolls. This one is rather creepy... yes? And this picture makes me laugh every time I see it.... I love David!

Another painting project. I got brave and let the kids help with this one. Alexis did a pretty good job, and looks cute in her apron.

The wall Alexis was painting was a tall wall, and tall walls call for scaffolding. This was a nerve racking process. I don't consider myself afraid of heights, but maybe I am. Every time I was on this I held on for dear life with one hand and painted with the other. And the color in that room will not change.... for a LONG time. David was changing the light to a fan... notice he is not dressed to paint.... he hates.... rather.... strongly dislikes painting.

Timothy being Timothy...

One more wall down... More to go.... I have a thing for blue right now. I go through color phases.

Another wall. This went from white, to dark brown, and then part went to beige. The brown looked awful next to the cupboards. Funny how that happens.

Another day at Alexis' school. This was a western day of sorts. I tried with the "costume" but looks more like she was Cinderella pre-princess. She is eating her trail mix... therefore, she is happy.

Valentines day is always fun, but even more fun when you get a surprise from cousins James and Wendi. They spoil these kids rotten!
Here was my first attempt at burned silk flowers for hair clips. They are super easy but time consuming. Oh my list of projects/crafts is so long. Now if only I could get my sewing room cleaned up enough to utilize.

Timothy being Timothy... again... This kid cracks me up. He is perfectly content with rocks under a container. Love him!

Happy 8th anniversary! This is how we roll.... in Yuma... We spent the day at antique shops and then went bowling. So romantic I know. Aren't you all so jealous! Sure beats a cruise or a fancy destination. David always makes me laugh and looking back... I should have bought that fork and spoon. :)

Alexis getting a hair cut from the neighbor girl. They love playing pretend... let's just hope they don't find those real scissors.

Happy Tax Return! This is what the kids decided to do with their "tax credits". And it is way cool! It took three men, a week to put together. Thanks for all the help Wayne, Mike and John.... oh and David.... so I guess it took four men.... and me to put together. This is never moving!

The best part of a happy meal is the box. Oh... and the kids inside.
Easter in Power Ranch... HILARIOUS watching all those kids swarm the eggs on the field. It was fun, but I think roasting peeps over an open fire will become our family tradition instead.

More yard projects. This was another purchase via a picture text message. Gotta love technology. The hubby makes the money while I spend it. Our backyard is almost done. I'm just trying to cover that ugly block wall now.
EEG.... Boo! Poor Timothy was a trooper for this. He did amazing and got props from the doctors. Results were "normal" as were his MRI results. All good things. Now it is just watch and wait to see if he continues to have seizures. Praying he doesn't. He put up with lots and did great. Pretty sure he was delirious in this picture.
Our Home Depot friend... do you see him? It is the little owl under the box. There was an owl nest in the garden department and people would go just to see the parents... and then the babies. They were little celebrities. The kids liked to go see them too.

Timothy asleep in the Costco cart. Must be a hard life. He can literally sleep ANYWHERE!

Big kid table and a real light! Our previous table was older than me. I love that table, but it only sat 4 people so it was time to move up in size a bit. AND we got rid of the "hot seat light" as we called it. It was a hideous light that hung over one single seat. It was the "interrogation seat". Now we all share the light. Yeah!

Timothy had so much fun at a friends birthday party that he fell asleep with the lollipop in his mouth!

First water park for the kids this summer up in UT. It was an adventure and Timothy loved it.

Timothy loved the water park so much that he fell asleep upright. He is fast asleep.

And then crashed gracefully to the ground. He can literally sleep ANYwhere.

Alpine Loop in UT. There was still snow in the mountains in July. Alexis wanted to go look for bears.

Alexis said "everything in this store was OLD.... Like back in the 1980's"... so what does that make me? But she did like this doll stroller. To bad it was only $250.

And he is asleep again! Best-pillow-ever!
So we switched it out with some dinner rolls instead.
More painting... Alexis wanted pink walls, with a chair rail, and polka dots.... that's my girl!
Last week Alexis and I went on our first "mommy-daughter date". We got matching toes. She is growing up way to fast. She said her toes were so happy that they were dancing.

Peach Jam! I finally got out the directions and did "real" canning. I don't have to store these in the freezer. These can go in the pantry. Look at me!? And it was not hard... and kinda' fun.

And last but not least... Timothy, being Timothy, again.... He has such personality. He dressed himself. I guess he is prepared for everything from 110 degrees, to rain, to a blizzard. Very prepared.
So I guess there is a theme to what I take pictures of with my phone. It was fun to remember some of the many things we have done in the last year. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it. I'll post more regularly... I promise! ;)