Sorry Susannah

I know im supposed to be keeping you up to date on all things Lexington while you are gone, but ive been slacking. Im tired, and cant eat enough at one sitting to feel good, and just plain yucky.

I did go see the hubbys show this weekend. I caught WORKING at the Studio Players on Saturday night and really enjoyed it. The show is fun and if your not careful you will catch yourself singing one of those darn tunes for days. Good work hubby. The man is a directing genius. He took a show i hate and changed the set up, gave it a cohesive feel, and BAM....its enjoyable. How does he do that????

Thumbs up for the new Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie. The best of the series so far. Alan Richtman and Gary Oldman almost steal the movie. And when did Harry get so darn cute?

A lukewarm thumbs up for The Evening. Its predicatable, but i liked the themes. I think because i am getting older. I was the youngest person in the theater. What was your first mistake? How did it shape your choices? In the end does it really matter? Are there any American actresses besides Claire Danes that can hold their own besides their British and australian counterparts??

Discuss.

Fireworks Ad Nauseum

PEOPLE....LISTEN UP!!!!

Im as patriotic and fun spirited as the next person. On the Fourth of July i expect some BOOM, some BLAM, some KAPOW!!! What i do not expect is boom, blam, kapow for 7 nights straight. It is rude and annoying to live in a suburban neighborhood with people from 1 to 85 and have to put up with that for a week.

I can give you the night before the big event, the big event, and maybe the night after.....but SEVEN freaking nights and we are fried. Our 2 year old hasnt been to bed before 10 in a week and the cracks are showing.

Tonight my hubby was about to go to the neighbors and complain....but i intervened and went myself. *trying to prevent bloodshed*

So i walk down the street and very politely ask the people how much longer they think they will be.....that we havent been able to get our toddler down for a week due to fireworks. And they just looked at their watch and him hawed and said "uh...i dont know...maybe 20 more minutes"......no...oh im so sorry, or thanks for being so polite and neighborly about our disturbance. Nope. So i sighed....told them i would try to hold off my hubby for 20 minutes and walked back home.

So THAT is how it works. We now know who the rude neighbors are. And we are taking note. Tim took the wolverine for a drive to get him to sleep. And im still hearing fireworks. ILLEGAL fireworks i might add......yeah....in the city. So im giving them until 10 and then im calling the police. And i swear if i hear one more BOOM...BAM...or CRACK tomorrow night i am reigning down terror on them.

And i will reiterate, we are taking note of that house. We know who they are now. And we WILL NOT FORGET.

Baby blues, blahs, blechs.....

So i will admit i am about at my wits end. This time around, being pregnant has been not so fun. My morning sickness is all the time. I have pregnancy reflux...so anytime i eat it feels like it stays in my throat for hours. So i dont eat. And that makes the icky car sick feeling worse. Are you starting to get dizzy from my vicious cycle??!!

Im going to see the doctor today. To find out what i can take to relieve the reflux...or the yucks...and to make sure im not dehydrated. Im sure i am to some extent because my lips are cracked and i dont even get up at night to pee. Not a good sign.

So Ive missed 3 days in 3 weeks of work. So far, so bad.

The hubby i believe is about at his wits end as well. I dont guess he would say that, but he doesnt have to. He has never been good at hiding his feelings. And if this were reversed i imagine by now i would be tired of doing 98% of everything around the house and with the wolverine. Plus his show opens on the 12th. So we have high stress levels around our house.

Im not whining, im just worried. Im not one to give up alot of control easily, and with pregnancy you have no control really over your own body, emotions, etc. Im one big hormonal, chemical imbalance. I keep thinking i will have a breakthrough and be able to get it together.

I feel like im letting my family down. That is not a good feeling.

On the up side....this cant last forever, right?

Buffy the Fug

Its Independence Day SMG....Free yourself from grey satin shorts.

Courtesy of the fug girls.

Some Patriotic Trivia for the 4th.....

and yes im still just trying to get by. Hope you all have a Happy 4th.

1. Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941.

2. Fireworks were made in China as early as the 11th century. The Chinese used their pyrotechnic mixtures for war rockets and explosives.

5. Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. One representative rode 80 miles by horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence.

3. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.

4. There are many precise rules for taking care of the American flag. And speaking of flag traditions, we're sorry to report that contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.

6. The first two versions of the Liberty Bell were defective and had to be melted down and recast. The third version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when, according to tradition, it cracked as it was being tolled for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.

7. The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song ("To Anacreon in Heaven").

8. The iron framework of the Statue of Liberty was devised by French engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel*, who also built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

9. The patriotic poem "America the Beautiful" was published on July 4, 1895 by Wellesley College professor Katharine Lee Bates*.

10. Father of the country and architect of independence George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.

A Major Confession of Upcoming Expectations

that almost sounded like a Jane Austen book , didnt it?

Well our little family has a major announcement. We have been keeping the lid on for the most part for awhile, but no more. We are pregnant, expecting our second child in February 2008. That is a whopper. We are excited to share the news, although i must confess i enjoyed keeping it under wraps. A pregnancy can get pretty long and we always find out really early, so a little private time is good.

So our household is pretty rocking right now. This time around my "morning sickness" is 24/7 and pretty rough. It seems i have traded the semi- nauseous , mind numbing fatigue of the wolverines pregnancy with the super yuck, always a moment away from a heave nastiness im experiencing this time out. Its been a rough several weeks. Each week i get a little worse and Tim gets a little more behind in his work. Its not easy having a partner that cannot stand to step into the kitchen, especially when your 2 1/2 year old really has to eat. Tims show opens in less then 3 weeks and he is having to juggle the play, the wolverine, and me.

Ive managed to get to work each morning, and found its actually easier to be sick at work then at home. Iknow...that is terrible. But i told them at work at least im not expected to do anything, outside of just sitting there and massaging patients.

On the up side, the wolverine has had a good week, which coincided with my worst week yet. That was nice. It makes it easier to feel bad when he is happy. that just sounds crazy doesnt it. But i guess we should get used to crazy.

We havent had a lot of time to sit around and think about how our lives will change and what it will be like. This is all about just getting thru the next few weeks. Maybe when i feel better i will be able to do that. but somehow i dont think you get that a second time. I think this pregnancy will go mostly unnoticed alot of the time, except for the occassional "wow im getting big", or "oh the baby kicked" or "oh my we are always going to be behind". Life marches on in this house now. A toddler demands it. And i think having been thru this before makes a difference.

The baby will be very welcome, very loved, and im sure totally its own personality. But this house has been there, done that......and we are ready to rock.

U.S Circumcision rates drop

http://kevxml.windstream.net/_1_KTBTO1044EKGTH__wind.main/apnws/story.htm?kcfg=apart&sin=D8PRD5BG0&qcat=USNews&ran=7073&feed=ap&


This very sensitive and personal issue is a no brainer to some and a confusing, emotional one for others. Im glad people are being more proactive in their decision making at the very least.

Never too young to jump into politics and let your voice be heard...

Here is my sister and her youngest at a political rally for John Edwards.

Our First Recall....

All you Thomas the train folks out there...listen up....there has been a recall.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07212.html



We have the red baggage car and the yellow sign. Great.

Summertime fun

For both of you that read this i apologize for the long break. Things get busy, i get tired, and i am unspired.

So taking a cue from the hubby, what are your top five favorite "Summertime" songs. You know, the songs that just remind you of summer, take you back to lightning bugs, lemonade, yard sales, beaches, cold beer, riding around, having not a care in the world.

*Van Halen- Panama
*The Sundays- Skin & Bones
*Bob Marley- Is This Love
*Seals & Croft- Summer Breeze
*Counting Crows- A Murder of One

June is Busting out all Over.......

This week has been a doozy for us. Mommy has been working full days and daddy has been promoted to double-shifts on the homefront. Its only for four days, but boy oh boy you would think it had been 3 weeks. We are all off our game and tired and cranky and so ready for it to be back to normal. NORMAL. What a funny word. Its something different for everyone.

For us, normal is lots of laughing and singing and playing with matchbox cars. Its a house that although low on clutter is always dirty. Walk barefoot on our floors or run your fingers across a dresser and you are sure to see the evidence of our normal. Its sticky fingers and yogurt smeared across the tummy giving a "massage" like mommy does. Normal is no clean underwear by wednesdays and 5 trips to Kroger every week. Its going to work for "time to myself" and allowing myself 5 minutes in the car in the parking lot to read the paper before i head home for mommy duty. Its seeing the man i love in passing or talking to him while we supervise the wolverine bouncing on the bed. Every third sentence is normally interrupted by the little guy checking in with "mommy?" Normal is always having bills to pay. Its wondering if the YMCA gives rebates for unused months. Its laying in bed and hearing not one, but two guys snoring.

So what is your normal????

Congratulations Honey...or thanks for keeping us out of the poor house...

Yes , we found out today that the hubby has been rehired after much hoop jumping and head scratching. We are thankful, we are relieved, and we are 3% wealthier. woohoo!!!!

Way to go Mr. Davis. On to the next worry......

Predictable

Oh the joys of the "nap schedule"....and i use that term loosely.

isnt it just like a child who hasnt gone down for a nap before 2 all week to fall asleep in your lap at 11:55 on the day you have a 12:30 lunch date planned with friends.

I swear i think he is looking at my calendar and taking his nap cues from it.


Sorry Susannah and Sophia we missed you.

Memorial Musings.....

Clean White Bean.....



Stories always sound better when read by Grandmother....

The secret to our relationship........

Home sweet home.......

We live in a tri-level house that is cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. We have clean, running water at our fingertips. We can cook at ease and refrigerate at will. I have a wonderful job where i help others, get paid well, and only work about 15-20 hours a week. The hubby *hopefully still* gets to work in a field he enjoys, that pays fairly well, and gives us medical and dental benefits. He can arrange his schedule to be able to spend alot of time with our child AND where we dont have to send the wolverine to daycare.



We go to the grocery store whenever we want and buy pretty much whatever we want. We have two cars and are able to fill up the tank *even though we moan and complain* whenever we need to. The three of us are healthy and if we werent our insurance would at the least make most illnesses affordable. We dont live in the swankiest neighborhood, but we are in a wonderful school district. Our house isnt the nicest decorated, but everyone has a bed, bath, and beyond. Our clothes wont turn heads most days, but we are covered and sometimes stylish.



If we wanted to get in the car or on a plane and travel we could without too much hassle...although the cost can be alot....we can still get around. We enjoy time with friends and go visit family on occassion. All this with no hassle. *Unless you count family in general as a hassle. ha!



We can vote. We can speak our minds. We can do pretty much whatever we want unless its illegal or harmful to someone else.



We can pray or worship if we choose, who we choose, when we choose, how we choose....or not.



The place i live is pretty alright. Even with all her faults, i appreciate the good and the advantages i was born into. But i realize down thru the ages alot of people have laid down there lives for this place...some willing and some not. People before me have not just espoused rhetoric....not just talked platitudes.....some people down the line have gotten their hands dirty to build something. And now here we are.



On Memorial Day i think about that. I think about not just those that have served in the Military, although their deeds arent forgotten. I think about the regular people who for whatever reason found themselves in a position to make a difference and they did. I remember all the people who have contributed to this place i call my home. And i wonder to myself if when my time comes to make a difference i will have the courage and wisdom to do so. To do my part in helping continue building the United States of America.

Sunday Fun....You Are Invited

Hey for any of you not already booked, obligated, or on the road........

THIS SUNDAY AT OUR HOUSE at 4:00 p.m
We will be doing burgers (beef and turkey) and your all welcome. Just bring a dish and yourselves and a festive spirit.

We will have the kiddie pool filled for the kiddies so bring swimsuits Or at the very least a swimdiaper....although i have been shamed in the past for letting my son venture out into the water with only a diaper on.

Its a FREE for ALL .....isnt that what Memorial Day is all about???

Since i dont know if Melinda has watched it yet

i wont give any spoilers away to the season finale of Lost.

After sitting thru the first 45 minutes it finally kicked into overdrive and had some fun. They have turned it around now to start the slow walk home over the next 3 seasons. Should be interesting.

I do have few things that bugged me about the finale but i will keep quiet for now.

Playtime with friends

A friendly game of checkers with Noah.

The boys riding horses at the Explorium

A game of bball with Daddy and Owen, while Noah works on his soccer skills. I think someone might want to bring that goal up a foot or so to make it an even game.

The boys and THE BOYS. Notice THE BOYS have color coordinated to avoid having to subject the boys to "shirts and skins".

The haircut....or what Rapunzel does on the weekends

So for quite awhile now i have had long hair. When i got pregnant with the wolverine it really grew like a weed, what with all those pregnancy hormones surging thru me. And i was happy just to let it grow. Since he has been born most days the hair goes up. Between mothering and work my hair usually didnt get to bask in its full glory more then once a week. And even then i had no time to do much more then wash and go. So its been ponytails and badly shaped buns for mommy for over 2 years.

Last summer my niece donated her hair to Locks of Love and it got me to thinking. I decided i would grow my hair "super" long and then cut and donate it too. Although i was feeling generous of spirit, my vanity prevented me from cutting it right away. I was not going to go "short", even for charity. I had to at least have shoulder length hair. So i waited....and waited....each visit to my hairdresser we got the ruler out and measured and she would show me where the cut off would be.....you have to have 10 inches to donate.

Well it finally happened and we ended up taking off 12 inches. Its taking some getting used to. I still prefer long hair, but its not so bad. I do have to actually use a hairdryer and "product" in my hair now...unless i want it to be wild. But sacrifices must be made.

The upside now is that i can wear my hair down without the wolverine saying "Mommy pull your hair up". That has been nice.
Before-

After-


The wonderful thing about hair is.....that is always can grow back. At least for me. The organization i chose to donate my hair to makes wigs for children who dont grow hair or have lost all their hair due to chemo treatments for illnesses . I liked http://www.wigsforkids.org/because they donate their wigs to the families instead of making them pay for the wigs which several of the other organizations do.

I figure i will do this again as soon as my hair grows back out. Any of you care to join me???

Spring Flashback

This is the wolverine at his very first baseball game. He was intrigued at the guy throwing the ball. He was thrilled they had a playground and a carousel. And while he people watched , Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the REAL reason people go to ballgames......the snacks. Is it just me or do the big pretzels just taste better at these places. It almost makes paying $4 for one not hurt so much.

Just one more reason to love Henry Rollins

http://www.glumbert.com/media/walmart


You just have to appreciate a man who spans the generations with Black Flagg, The Rollins Band, spoken word, and now this, his own take on Wal-mart, the devil .