Monday, July 31, 2006

Tortilla Thief

I'm either losing my mind or someone is coming into my house and stealing flour tortillas. A couple of weeks ago, I was sure we had flour tortillas, but when I went to get some, I couldn't find them. I thought maybe we had just used them up and I didn't realize it to put more on the grocery list. So I added them to my grocery list and bought some. Last week I spent 10 minutes separating said tortillas because they were all stuck together. I think this was on Thursday of last week. At that time, we had about 15 tortillas left. I went to get some to make something for lunch today, and... they are gone. I cannot find them anywhere and I have cleaned off every shelf and pulled out both drawers. No tortillas. The first time I could have forgetten that we used them, but not this time. I even checked the freezer and the pantry as well as all the cupboards. No tortillas.

The only thing I can think of that could possibly be happening is that in my lack of sleep induced mommy brain that I accidently threw them away. Twice. Yeah, right!

So whoever is stealing my tortillas, I want my money back.

Photography Request

The life in pictures photo post is done except for the food shots, which I can't seem to remember to get. I guess I am too busy eating. ;-)

You can see all the shots here.

Monday, July 24, 2006

The State of it all...

I think a lot about the world we live in now, especially with a small child to worry about now. There is a lot of debate about how we ended up where we are and where we are headed. Many people claim that because we are taking God out of our schools, government, etc, that is the reason for the decay of our society. I have been thinking a lot about this problem lately, for what reason I do not know.

Another argument is that the violence we are seeing these days is caused by television and video games. This is an interesting argument that poses the circular question, does TV show reality or does reality mimic TV? (And I'm not talking about so called Reality TV here) We wonder why divorce is so prevalent when our favorite shows glorify bad relationships, glamorous cheating on your spouse and other things. Shows that are top rated such as Desperate Housewives (which I admittedly have never watched, so cannot really judge) or Grey's Anatomy where cheating is an underlying current of the entire show. We wonder why the violence doesn't bother us so much anymore, while we watch shows like CSI and Without a Trace, Crossing Jordan and more, that get more gruesome all the time. We wonder how all this happens while watching CNN show us pictures of dead children on the side of the road.

Recently a teenage girl, 16, was shot here in the Houston area. Two teenage boys are accused of the killing. When asked why they did it, one of the boys responded, "morbid curiosity". Is this type of behavior more prevalent now than it used to be or is the media that much, more, so to speak, more easily accessible, more out there, that we just hear about these things more often? What happened to consequences? We watch shows such as those about and although they may show justice being dealt out, it is still glamorized, so perhaps kids think it won't be that bad to go to jail. Or perhaps we have failed them in not teaching them respect, respect for self and respect for others. Perhaps we have not taught them the true meaning of consequences. We have taught them immediate gratification and that maybe you don't really have to work for what you want, just steal it. You deserve it, just for being you. Not.

How as a society can we sit back and say we have nothing to do with the state of things, when we don't stand up and say "no" to shows that curse on prime time. When did the words, a** and Bi$%@ become acceptable to say on regular prime time TV. What's next? Why is it acceptable to say GD, but not A-hole? Why does Janet Jackson get reamed for a boobie show, but our children can't watch TV after 5 PM because they might hear a bad word on "family" programming. Why does a channel that calls itself ABC Family show a TV show that shows two teenagers going skinny dipping. By accepting these shows and not doing anything about them, we are saying, "Go ahead, promote violence and promiscuity to our children." There is currently a commercial running that is part of the "Truth" Campaign against tobacco companies that flashes "WHUDAFXUP" across the screen. What is up with that?

And the sexual innuendo that exists in almost every show on these days tells me that we as society have lost our sense of values. Many people say, oh chill out, it's just TV. Well, I would argue, we are what we watch, read, etc. Can we say that we hold "good" values, but we choose to fill our lives with "bad" things. We are teaching our children it's okay to be promiscuous. It's evident in the clothing ads in magazines and on billboards and it's evident in the dropping age that children become sexually active. I would venture to guess that most of what we say is okay for ourselves, we would say no to our children for doing the same things.

I am not saying that I do not watch these shows, CSI and shows like that are some of my favorites, but I do find myself changing the channel when a particularly gross part is shown. Shows now have to push the envelope, be as gruesome as possible to catch our attention. I don't need to see the inside of a knife wound filled with maggots to get the idea that someone was stabbed. Just tell me, don't show me. Don't push it.

I am really just posing questions here and getting thoughts out. Like I said, I am not standing up and saying no either.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Weekend Update

Technically the weekend isn't really over, but today is a chill out and relax day as well as a chore day. We'll see which one of those I do more of.

Yesterday was full of fun! Part of that is sarcastic and part of that is true.

Me and the girl went on a search for the perfect pair of pants and a pair of shorts. By the end of the day I just settled for pants and forgot the perfect part. The first store we went to, I probably tried on 20-30 pairs of pants and shorts. No dice. I always have this problem buying pants. I have a fairly large bottom half (so nicely called a pear shape in the fashion world, pear, my ass.)and a fairly small waist so pants always gape in the back, that is if I can get them over my thighs and rear.

I always end up buying a shirt or two instead of pants when I go out searching for clothing to cover the bottom half, but I made myself a rule, I was not allowed to buy anything for up top until I found something to wear on the bottom. So we left the first store empty handed. I have a bad habit of settling for an item and then once I get it home I don't like it, but I never take it back. So I waste time and money and never wear the item. I am trying to be better at this, so if I don't really like what I am buying and feel I am just settling, I put it back on the rack.

My MIL came up yesterday to go to a concert, more on that later, so she watched The Girl in the afternoon and I got to go shopping ALONE! Yep, all by my lonesome. Two whole hours of freedom! Too bad I was trying on pants. I went to Academy first. When I got in my car, the temperature gage read 111 degrees F. Holy Cannoli! By the time I reached Academy it had started to rain, perhaps a premonition of what was in my pant trying on future. The temp. gage now read 90 degrees. It is barely raining as I walk into Academy. I browse and pick some stuff out. I always have to get 2-3 of the same thing in different sizes to figure out what size I am. This is because I shop so rarely for pants because it is such a traumatic experience. I tried on no less than 50 pairs of pants and shorts. All the while the rain is coming down hard and it sounds like a tornado outside. I am in the dressing room right under the skylights, praying that they don't break. Nothing. I walked out of the store into the pouring rain with nothing. There was one pair of shorts that was okay, and probably would have worked, but I didn't think I would really wear them. I decided once again, (I decide this every time I shop for shorts) that I just don't wear shorts anymore, I'm too big. But I am the kind of person that hates being hot and uncomfortable. The dilemna here!

Next I go to Target where I had better luck. I will spare you the details, but I did leave there with 3 pairs of pants and 2 shirts, all for less than $70. Man, I love Target. I have also discovered a secret to finding pants that actually fit me without gaping. You are going to laugh, but I don't care because sometimes I just want a pair of pants that fit. They don't have to be perfect, the just have to fit. The secret? Maternity. I'll wait while you scoff... I tried on a pair of maternity shorts. Not only were they really comfy, they fit all the way around my waist. I didn't end up buying them because I liked the other pants that I had picked out better, but I may go back and get them. I also tried on a pair of maternity capris that had they been the next size up I might have bought, but they were just snug enough.

It also doesn't help my pants buying process that I seem to be in between sizes. I am not a 12or a 14, but something in between. I realize that I just told the internets what size I wear, kind of, but oh well. I am what I am and you can't see me anyways!

*****************************

The second half of the day, we took The Girl to her first concert. My MIL, hubby, me and The Girl went to see Paul Simon. It was a good show. It was at an outdoor venue and we had lawn seating so it was a little wet, but we brought blankets and it was nice to sit outside and enjoy some live music. I grew up listening to live music and I love going to concerts. I used to go to a lot of concerts when my company got tickets to each show, but since we stopped doing that trade, I haven't been to a show since 3 Doors Down a couple years ago. Or maybe it was Aerosmith. Hubby isn't wild about concerts so we rarely go to them, but my MIL bought the tickets for us and it was a nice night out with the family.

The Girl wore an outfit that my MIL and Grandmother-in-law bought her. It is a little onsie dress that is pink and green tye die. She was so cute. I will post some pics soon.

That's it for the update. I'm off to plan the meals for the week and do my grocery list. Exciting stuff I tell you! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Oh, and if you know the secret to the perfect pair of pants, spill it!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

DIY Meme

I present to you the totally made up by moi, random, meme.

1. What kind of soap do you use? Vanilla Body Wash from Victoria's Secret
2. If you could have any job in the world, what would it by and why? Professional back up dancer for videos, award shows, etc.
3. If you could only take one thing with you to a deserted island, what would it be and why? Probably my daughter. She would provide entertainment and I would get to see her grow up. Of course, she wouldn't be much help for awhile. Could the whole family count as a 'thing'?
4. What book could you read over and over? Gone With The Wind
5. What one thing do you use on a daily basis that you couldn't live without? My coffee maker.
6. Would you rather not shower for a week or have to eat the same thing everyday for a week? Not shower for a week.
7. Cream or Sugar? Both please. I like my coffee as light and sweet as possible. But not too sweet, it's a very fine line.
8. Tell me one thing about you that most people don't know? I have taken all kinds of dance in my life. From ballet, tap and modern to hip hop, country western, ballroom, African and belly dancing. I like to think I can dance to anything. A friend of mine in college and I proved that you can two step to anything, including Metallica.
9. What age would you want to be if you could stay that age forever? Could I go to that age with the knowledge I have now? Probably 27ish. You know just enough about who you are and what you want, but you aren't too old to have fun. That or 16. Life was good. Except for boy problems, popularity, etc, but if I knew then what I know now...
10. Make up your own question. I made up the last nine. Your turn. Leave your answers in the comments, or do it on your own page and leave me a comment letting me know where to find your answers.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Gotta love him, right?

Hubby has two main "chores" at home, they include doing the yard and taking out the trash. That's it. Granted he helps on other things when he is home. See we own a seasonal business that my husband runs, so during the summer he is gone from around 8 in the morning until 9 at night generally. Sometimes later.

So last night after he gets done taking out the trash, he says to me, "I want a new trash can for the guest bathroom, the one in there weighs too much."

What?!

I told him, "Well you can buy a new one if you want, but is it really too heavy weavy for big old strong you?"

Him: "I knew you would say that!"

Me: "Well, I want the kind of laundry that folds itself, the kind we have now is too much."

Gotta love him, right?

Wondering...

... how many days is too many to go without a shower. *sniff sniff*

Monday, July 17, 2006

Stating the Obvious One Thought at a Time

Money levels the playing field. How would more money level your playing field?

Life in Pictures: Discombobulated

First, let me say thank you to everyone for their words of encouragement from the last past. You have helped me to find perspective and to not worry so much. Thank you dear e-friends. Thank you.

For the first installment of Life in Pictures, Liz wanted to see pictures of one of her favorite words, Discombobulation. So here you go. This one was quite a bit of a challenge. You may have to use your imagination on some of these.

The Definition of...

The Girl... she's trying to eat the camera. Clearly the monkey is discombobulated.

I see you... I'm always in a state of confusion. Tigger wants food...
This is what happens when you drive and shoot (the camera.)

Sunday, July 16, 2006

The first of many

We had The Girl's 6 month check up on Friday and needless to say, it was intense. We of course waited an hour as we always seem to, no matter what time the appointment is made for. So by the time we got to see the doctor, it was naptime and she was cranky. She screamed when they put her on the scale and when I saw the numbers, my first inkling of trouble begain. Her temp was fine though and we waited for the doc. And waited and waited. When she finally came in, The Girl was not happy and neither were we. We went over the normal questions, etc, etc. Then the doc looked at her weight. She hasn't gained enough weight. She hasn't doubled her birth weight. At her 4 month check up she weighed 13.3 pounds and she only weighs 13.10 now, two months later.

The doc gave us some things to try to get her to gain some weight and they will most likely work. The feeling you get when something is wrong with your child is horrible. I felt like a bad mother. I felt helpless. They took blood to see if she was anemic and then collected urine to see if she had a thyroid problem. Poor thing was so upset at being pricked and stuck and having things stuck to her, it was awful. She also had her 6 month shots on top of everything else.

She has had a flat spot on the back right side of her head. At 2 months I asked the doctor about it and she said it was minor. It has gotten worse and so we pointed it out again and the doc referred us to a craniofacial specialist to see if she has positional plagiocephaly. Generally treatment includes therapy and having to wear a specialized helmet for 23-24 hours a day for 4-6 months. My poor baby. I know it isn't the end of the world and better to fix it than to have her head be misshapen, but it's hard. All mother's want their children to be perfect and she is really, but it hurts to have something wrong with her. We will get it fixed and at least then she won't have to deal with children making fun of her later in life. I am sure that we will get strange looks from people that don't know what it is, but I want to make sure that she in no way feels weird about it. I can handle it, I know I can. And I will decorate that thing so it's the prettiest in the world and that it looks like it belongs on her head.

The doc said that because it is considered cosmetic, insurance probably won't cover it. Bummer, really, but we will do whatever it takes. Okay, enough of the pity party. I will wait to really freak out til we go to the specialist. Their first appointment isn't until August 1st, so the waiting that is so painful to do will last another 2 weeks.

My poor sweet baby.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

6 Month Letter


Dearest Girl,

You are currently napping, off schedule I might add, so I can at least begin this letter. Speaking of napping, we recently finally put/got you onto a fairly regular schedule. This has helped both of us tremendously as Mommy was about to lose her mind. You take 2 naps a day and go down for the night at 7:15. You usually wake up at least once during the night, but will go back to sleep with the pacifier returned to it's rightful place (dang that thing!) You will generally go down without a fuss and I am so happy about that. Sometimes you still want to take an additional nap, which is of course fine with me. Of course, having a schedule means that we are pretty tied to the house most of the time, but I am sure that will work itself out.

Since the last update, you have started to eat real food. We started you off with rice cereal which you loved and still do eat without any issue. Then we tried green beans, which you also thoroughly enjoyed. Although, they are now causing you tummy issues. We then tried bananas which you wanted nothing to do with. Next sweet potatoes which you also enjoy, but also give you tummy problems. Last night we tried prunes. We will see if that helps. You are adjusting to what real food does to your body and are not liking it. I hate to see your tiny little face turning red as you cry and strain to remove that bad stuff from your body. I know it is new to you, but I hate seeing you in pain. It will get better though and you will be able to poop with the best of us.

You can sit up by yourself now. You generally like to lean way over forward, but you can pick toys up and play with them. I am glad that you can sit up, because hopefully that will work your stomach and back muscles since you hate being on your stomach. I like that I can sit you down instead of laying you on your back. I still hope that I can fix your crooked Charlie Brown head. It may be too late. Sorry, boo bear.

In the last week or two you have spent most of your waking hours with your tongue hanging out of your mouth. Not sure why, but it is a permanent state with you lately. In the last couple of days you have discovered how to use that tongue to make fun noises. You have started to spit in the way most small children do when saying nanny nanny boo boo. I think it's hilarious!

You love to type on my keyboard so I pulled out an extra one and you love banging around on that thing. You still like mine better, perhaps you need your own monitor. Not likely.

You reach for anything and everything these days. Generally your hands are covered in slobber so whatever you grab for ends up that way too. You especially like to slobber all over Mommy. My face thanks you really.

Now that you can sit up, I have started sitting you up in the bath with a bunch of toys. Because you are so laid back (at least that's what I think) you don't have much of a reaction when you like things or when you don't. But I think you like the bath. You have started screaming when I take you out of the bath and you never used to do this. This makes me want to pull my hair out. The screaming and the pitch and the echoing of both off the tiny bathroom walls makes me glad that it is night night time for you.

You enjoy the highest pitch when screaming or when talking that grates on my nerves and makes me want to scream, but it's only your way of communicating. I am trying to be more patient with you and I know that God is preparing me for the years to come, but seriously, with the screaming... inside voice PLEASE!

Your smile still lights up my life and I hope that you never stop. No matter what is happening or how my day is going or how frustrated I am, you can smile or laugh and it makes it all worth while. Life is good when you are smiling. I would do anything and everything to make you smile and more so to make you laugh. The best sound in the world is your laugh. The only thing that may ever top that is when you first say, "Mommy, I lub you."

I love you precious one,
Mommy

Monday, July 10, 2006

Stating the Obvious One Thought at a Time

Children are loud.

5 Things Meme

5 things in my fridge:
1. Pink Lemonade, mmmm good.
2. Half bottle of breast milk.
3. Out of date lunch meat.
4. Sweet Potatoe Ice Cubes
5. A variety of marinades and sauces that are probably past their prime.

5 things in my closet:
1. More shoes than I wear.
2. A cowboy hat.
3. Two Sweaters. I got rid of all the rest.
4. 6 pairs of jeans, two of which I actually wear.
5. Toilet Paper.

5 things in my purse:
1. Hand Sanitizer
2. 6 things of chapstick/lipstick/lipgloss of which I use 2.
3. Diapers and Wipes and changing pad.
4. Digital Camera. It goes with me everywhere.
5. Grocery List. That's the next stop.

5 things in my car:
1. Two strollers.
2. First Aid Kit.
3. Pacifier.
4. Extra Straw. Probably won't ever use it.
5. Coupon book that we forget we have and never use.

5 people I tag: If you dare, care to share? Leave a comment and let me know you played along.

SAHM Syndrome

Since I know there are a lot of SAHM's out there that blog, I wonder, can you tell me, how do you stay connected to the outside world? Other than blogging of course? I feel so disconnected. There are weeks that go by that I don't see anyone other than my husband and my daughter and the only outings I have are to the grocery store. I have tried finding a local play group with kids The Girl's age, but haven't been successful. Some days it's fine, but other days I am overwhelmed by the need to be social and be out of my house. How do you do it?

Monday, July 03, 2006

Fun with photos, Edition II

A while ago I asked for color requests for some photo montages. This time let's play with subjects. Give me a subject that you would like me to photograph and I will comply to the best of my ability. Please keep it clean. And remember, it takes me years to do anything these days what with The Girl and her need to be entertained 24/7. Tanks a million.

The Beauty of Life

I just finished reading Expecting Adam and it is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Very heartfelt and very poignant. It is a memoir of Martha Beck, a Harvard grad with 3 degrees from the Ivy League school. The book tells of the time in her life when she and her husband were pregnant with their second child who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The book chronicles her pregnancy and how it changed her life and that of her husband.

Here is an excerpt that spoke to me tremendously and hits very close to home especially at this point in motherhood.

"One of the great myths of our society is that when women are left with small children, they are not alone. The truth is that a mother left with babies is far more alone than she would be without them; every bit of energy, attention, protectiveness, and care she might use to meet her own needs must first be directed toward the needs of her children. That's why the Bible alwasy laments teh fate of 'those who are with child and those who give suck' in the middle of war and disaster. The authors of the Good Book knew perfectly well that a woman alone can run, fight or hide, but a woman with babies is toast."

-Martha Beck, Expecting Adam

I read this book in about 4 days, it is so good. I highly recommend it.