I had to go outside to clean off J's wagon so we could take it on our little day trip to Paw Paw. After several minutes out in the yard and garage I came inside to start getting myself ready when I hear "If you need a drink you need to tell mommy. We don't drink out of the pottie." She had walked in on Jacob reaching into the toilet, dipping his hand in, and sucking on his fingers.
Like I said, who needs a dog?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
37 years ago today...
Jeremy is working all day today so we'll celebrate his birthday tomorrow. We gave him his cards this morning before he left. Jacob picked one out, signed and wrote his version of Daddy on the envelope, all by himself. SpongeBob - we'll talk about that later...
It's supposed to be really warm here the next few days - maybe we can get one more swim out of our pool. We hope to anyway. Jacob and I are making Daddy a German chocolate cake, from scratch, (heaven help me) this afternoon.
Happy Birthday Jeremy! Happy Birthday Big Da! We love you!
It's supposed to be really warm here the next few days - maybe we can get one more swim out of our pool. We hope to anyway. Jacob and I are making Daddy a German chocolate cake, from scratch, (heaven help me) this afternoon.
Happy Birthday Jeremy! Happy Birthday Big Da! We love you!
New front entry
I sold my soul to get new rugs, now I can't paint. As promised, the pictures of it all. This would look so much better on coffee creamer colored walls...then again, when I try for that color, I end up much darker. Green will just have to do.
Behind the front door, at the bottom of the stairs.
The 2nd entry into our den.
My new rug.
Up the stairs.
And, the archway into the living room.
Behind the front door, at the bottom of the stairs.
The 2nd entry into our den.
My new rug.
Up the stairs.
And, the archway into the living room.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"Get your kicks on Route..."
Don't know why I'm posting in song these days but...it's kinda fun.
I hung all the junk on the big wall in Jacob's new room that he won't sleep in, on Saturday. I had originally planned for just the Route 66 sign and the license plates but it looked too naked. The sign on the right is 'The history of Chevy trucks' with license plates from Illinois, Texas, Kansas, and Arizona. The one on the left is Ford V8 hot rods with license plates from Missouri, California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
While shopping for stuff for this room, I keep thinking of driving down an old country road, and coming upon this little mom and pop store, where the weathered, gray, clapboard siding is covered with old, rusted, tin advertising signs - you know with the metal Coca-cola bottle opener screwed to the door jamb. Granted I don't want his walls covered but - I want them full. Now, I'm looking for old diner advertising and soda pop ads for the other walls. What I really want - is an old rusty thermometer sans the mercury! I'll post more pics as I finish each wall.
I hung all the junk on the big wall in Jacob's new room that he won't sleep in, on Saturday. I had originally planned for just the Route 66 sign and the license plates but it looked too naked. The sign on the right is 'The history of Chevy trucks' with license plates from Illinois, Texas, Kansas, and Arizona. The one on the left is Ford V8 hot rods with license plates from Missouri, California, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
While shopping for stuff for this room, I keep thinking of driving down an old country road, and coming upon this little mom and pop store, where the weathered, gray, clapboard siding is covered with old, rusted, tin advertising signs - you know with the metal Coca-cola bottle opener screwed to the door jamb. Granted I don't want his walls covered but - I want them full. Now, I'm looking for old diner advertising and soda pop ads for the other walls. What I really want - is an old rusty thermometer sans the mercury! I'll post more pics as I finish each wall.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Happy Birthday Chris!!
or as Jacob says "Ris in a see car." Which translates to "Chris in the police car."
Happy Birthday nephew! We love you, we're proud of you, stay safe and BE careful out there!
Happy Birthday nephew! We love you, we're proud of you, stay safe and BE careful out there!
"Well, I was born in a small town"
"And I live in a small town,
Probly die in a small town
Oh, those small communities" - John Cougar Mellencamp
We live on a main street in and out of our small town, when our volunteer fire department gets a call, they typically fly by our house with the sirens wailing and all the lights flashing. Seventh heaven for a two-year-old boy with a car/truck fetish. Sunday afternoon, we heard the sirens and ran to watch for the trucks.
Jacob and were standing on the sidewalk, waiting for them when our friend, Shaun, he's a deputy chief on our fire department, passed us first, in his truck. He gave Jacob a big wave and an extra whelp on the siren. I'm telling you, Jacob was so excited I could barely hold him! We heard the firetruck coming, so we waited a bit more and they came around the corner, saw Jacob waving with both hands, they all, all 4 firefighters waved to him (3 of them with both hands!), gave him an extra 'toot' on the horn and a whelp of the siren. I thought that kid was going to pee himself. I showed Jacob that his friend, George was riding in the back seat. Oh, even more excitement! He danced up the street, on his tippy toes, after the firetruck!
George dates a gal from down the street. Jeremy played softball with him and George's kids, Shane and Sasha worked for Jeremy for a while. We know George pretty well. A few weeks ago, Jacob and I went for a walk to the corner, and George was visiting his friend. Jacob ran up to George, grabbed his finger and took George for a walk. George took Jacob over to his truck and turned on all of his flashers. Jacob and George have been buddies ever since.
(I thought I was going to have to call Shaun and George on Saturday. Jacob locked himself in the downstairs bathroom while Jeremy was at his fantasy football draft. Our bathroom lock is more like a deadbolt - no key, it just turns. Jacob's starting to cry, I'm trying to find Shaun's number, Jeremy's getting ready to come home (he was about a 1/2 hour away). Then I remembered that we have a back stairway that goes from the upstairs hall into the downstairs bathroom and there isn't a lock on that door. I ran up and backed down the narrow stairs into the bathroom and let my son out.)
Anyway, later Sunday night, Jacob and I were walking up to the store and we saw the firetruck coming back to the station. Those guys remembered Jacob from earlier, the driver slowed the truck, turned the siren on really low, tooted the horn, flashed the lights, and they all waved again!
Somebody told me that I'm lucky that Jacob has 'friends' on the fire department. I didn't think much of it but, they're right, we are lucky. God forbid we would need them, Jacob knows that they're safe and wouldn't be as scared. I don't want to find out. I am thankful to know Shaun and George personally, and I know should anything happen, they'd do all they could for my kid.
I do have to say, I am so proud of our firefighters for making a little boy's day! That right there is what I love about living in a small town!
Probly die in a small town
Oh, those small communities" - John Cougar Mellencamp
We live on a main street in and out of our small town, when our volunteer fire department gets a call, they typically fly by our house with the sirens wailing and all the lights flashing. Seventh heaven for a two-year-old boy with a car/truck fetish. Sunday afternoon, we heard the sirens and ran to watch for the trucks.
Jacob and were standing on the sidewalk, waiting for them when our friend, Shaun, he's a deputy chief on our fire department, passed us first, in his truck. He gave Jacob a big wave and an extra whelp on the siren. I'm telling you, Jacob was so excited I could barely hold him! We heard the firetruck coming, so we waited a bit more and they came around the corner, saw Jacob waving with both hands, they all, all 4 firefighters waved to him (3 of them with both hands!), gave him an extra 'toot' on the horn and a whelp of the siren. I thought that kid was going to pee himself. I showed Jacob that his friend, George was riding in the back seat. Oh, even more excitement! He danced up the street, on his tippy toes, after the firetruck!
George dates a gal from down the street. Jeremy played softball with him and George's kids, Shane and Sasha worked for Jeremy for a while. We know George pretty well. A few weeks ago, Jacob and I went for a walk to the corner, and George was visiting his friend. Jacob ran up to George, grabbed his finger and took George for a walk. George took Jacob over to his truck and turned on all of his flashers. Jacob and George have been buddies ever since.
(I thought I was going to have to call Shaun and George on Saturday. Jacob locked himself in the downstairs bathroom while Jeremy was at his fantasy football draft. Our bathroom lock is more like a deadbolt - no key, it just turns. Jacob's starting to cry, I'm trying to find Shaun's number, Jeremy's getting ready to come home (he was about a 1/2 hour away). Then I remembered that we have a back stairway that goes from the upstairs hall into the downstairs bathroom and there isn't a lock on that door. I ran up and backed down the narrow stairs into the bathroom and let my son out.)
Anyway, later Sunday night, Jacob and I were walking up to the store and we saw the firetruck coming back to the station. Those guys remembered Jacob from earlier, the driver slowed the truck, turned the siren on really low, tooted the horn, flashed the lights, and they all waved again!
Somebody told me that I'm lucky that Jacob has 'friends' on the fire department. I didn't think much of it but, they're right, we are lucky. God forbid we would need them, Jacob knows that they're safe and wouldn't be as scared. I don't want to find out. I am thankful to know Shaun and George personally, and I know should anything happen, they'd do all they could for my kid.
I do have to say, I am so proud of our firefighters for making a little boy's day! That right there is what I love about living in a small town!
Monday, August 25, 2008
A good Monday...
though you wouldn't think by the way it started. I had a sick child in my bed all night. He got there about 11:30PM. I know I was awake until until the clock said 12:24AM. After that, I saw 2:10 - 4:17, 5:52, 6:45, 7:12, 7:26 and finally 7:32. Jeremy came home around 2AM and slept in the guest bedroom, leaving me to "sleep" with Jacob's toes poking me in the back, the leg, the stomach, the thigh, or the arm for the rest of the night. We have a king size bed - why does he have to sleep sideways?
Jacob found himself a summer cold. His eyes are watering, his nose is running, and he has a icky little cough. He talks like he has a clothes pin on his nose. Poor guy! The cold medicine is providing some relief - thank goodness.
I almost forgot, Jacob now says "oh shit!" He said it Sunday at The Moving Wall. I ignored it. He said it again at home later that night. Jeremy looked at me, knowing who Jacob heard it from and we ignored it again. I do have to say that it is quite cute when he says it. We don't prompt him to say it like we do with "clock" (minus the L).
Anyway, to the best part. My brother called this morning with 4 tickets to a U of M football game that he needed to get rid of. Jeremy and I have a date to go to the game. Wow! We never go anywhere alone. I haven't been to a game since before Jacob - shit, before we got married!
Go Blue!
Jacob found himself a summer cold. His eyes are watering, his nose is running, and he has a icky little cough. He talks like he has a clothes pin on his nose. Poor guy! The cold medicine is providing some relief - thank goodness.
I almost forgot, Jacob now says "oh shit!" He said it Sunday at The Moving Wall. I ignored it. He said it again at home later that night. Jeremy looked at me, knowing who Jacob heard it from and we ignored it again. I do have to say that it is quite cute when he says it. We don't prompt him to say it like we do with "clock" (minus the L).
Anyway, to the best part. My brother called this morning with 4 tickets to a U of M football game that he needed to get rid of. Jeremy and I have a date to go to the game. Wow! We never go anywhere alone. I haven't been to a game since before Jacob - shit, before we got married!
Go Blue!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A Humbling Experience
This weekend The Moving Wall paid a visit to Sparta. It's a half size replica of The Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. I actually cried when I saw how big it is. Over 58,000 names of men and women that were killed. And this, is half the size of the original! Half! (The guy in the yellow shorts is NOT Jeremy - the and the little boy isn't JJ. I took the pic, but they were behind me.)
The Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross.
PFC Daniel Benson Nolff, is the name we went to see. Our own family hero. He's Edna's brother. He died of his wounds from hostile enemy small arms fire on Oct. 29, 1966. His body was recovered and he is buried in South Boardman by my Grandparents and his two other brothers. He was in Vietnam for barely over 3 months. I have been to his grave site many times. This experience was very different. We left a bouquet of flowers and a prayer in honor of his memory...somehow that doesn't seem enough.
The poster board below shows an enlarged news article - I didn't catch the date. This collection of photos is one week's losses in Vietnam.
The Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross.
PFC Daniel Benson Nolff, is the name we went to see. Our own family hero. He's Edna's brother. He died of his wounds from hostile enemy small arms fire on Oct. 29, 1966. His body was recovered and he is buried in South Boardman by my Grandparents and his two other brothers. He was in Vietnam for barely over 3 months. I have been to his grave site many times. This experience was very different. We left a bouquet of flowers and a prayer in honor of his memory...somehow that doesn't seem enough.
The poster board below shows an enlarged news article - I didn't catch the date. This collection of photos is one week's losses in Vietnam.
We watched a special on TV the other night, I can't remember the channel, so to us, seeing everything they had on display was pretty fresh in our minds. The men, the destruction, the loss of life, those who have never returned. We didn't even speak. We just looked.
They say there are 58,228 names on The Moving Wall Memorial. The saddest thing to me, is they're still adding more. 33 years later and we're still counting our losses...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Our first date
Jacob I had our first 'date' tonight. 'Date' also happens to be a new word for him!
I picked him up from day-care and we went down to the river walk. They have a gumball-like machine with fish food, so we fed the fish, walked the river walk and stopped for ice cream. He fed me bites of his Blue Moon and even let me pay. We were on the way back to the car and I had to scoop him up and said "thanks buddy, I had a great date with you!" He smiled, nodded his head, and said "date".
After we got home, I asked him if he had a good time on his date, "yeah!"
Big Da called from work a little bit later and he asked Jacob what we did tonight, "A date.", he said . He told daddy he had fun on his date too.
Jacob snuggled with me in the big rocking chair until he fell asleep - smelling like blue raspberry suckers.
My 'date' was very sweet. I'm pretty sure I'll go out with him again. It's been a long time though, since I put a date to bed...I guess I don't have to worry about him standing me up either (for a few more years anyway). What a great day!
I picked him up from day-care and we went down to the river walk. They have a gumball-like machine with fish food, so we fed the fish, walked the river walk and stopped for ice cream. He fed me bites of his Blue Moon and even let me pay. We were on the way back to the car and I had to scoop him up and said "thanks buddy, I had a great date with you!" He smiled, nodded his head, and said "date".
After we got home, I asked him if he had a good time on his date, "yeah!"
Big Da called from work a little bit later and he asked Jacob what we did tonight, "A date.", he said . He told daddy he had fun on his date too.
Jacob snuggled with me in the big rocking chair until he fell asleep - smelling like blue raspberry suckers.
My 'date' was very sweet. I'm pretty sure I'll go out with him again. It's been a long time though, since I put a date to bed...I guess I don't have to worry about him standing me up either (for a few more years anyway). What a great day!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What a weekend!
The family reunion went well despite all of the rain. Jacob had a few minor meltdowns. We're also learning that there are 'tantrum' meltdowns and 'low blood sugar/need to eat' meltdowns. The food was great, the company was exceptional. Funny though - the reunion was from Noon to 3PM. Everyone was gone, we were packed and ready to go home by 3PM. So...I brought out the water balloons from the game we didn't play and had a friendly, family water balloon fight.
After we were all wet, we all drove out to the cemetery in Lucas where my grandparents are buried. This is the family marker. They each have a stone with their name and their dates.
This stone is the old family marker.
Sunday, Jeremy's mom and dad, his sister, Liz and her three kids came over for a pool party. Only it was way too cold for the pool. They all settled for a wagon ride instead. From the left - Zoe, Natalie, Jacob, and Alex. I think we were all pretty well worn out.
After we were all wet, we all drove out to the cemetery in Lucas where my grandparents are buried. This is the family marker. They each have a stone with their name and their dates.
This stone is the old family marker.
Sunday, Jeremy's mom and dad, his sister, Liz and her three kids came over for a pool party. Only it was way too cold for the pool. They all settled for a wagon ride instead. From the left - Zoe, Natalie, Jacob, and Alex. I think we were all pretty well worn out.
In other news:
Edna isn't speaking to me. We had a huge argument over the reunion. I tried to explain to her that divorce means it's over and my dad's family doesn't want her there. She thinks her horrible children are spreading lies about her to everyone because my dad's family talks to her "all the time" - which translates to if Edna calls them. Needless to say she didn't go. Best part...she was so mad at me, she tried to call me 'Miss Etiquette' and she spit her dentures out! I heard them hit her bottom teeth, then her try to suck them back in. Haven't made her that mad in a long time! Not that I'm proud of myself but...you have to know Edna to understand.
We have skunks - so far a baby and maybe a momma. We've seen or smelled them every night since last Thursday. Jeremy emailed animal control but we haven't received a response. One of the cats got out and chased the baby in the yard. His nose was about 6 inches from that skunks business - I can't believe he didn't get sprayed!
We have a bee's nest in one of the pillars on our front porch. Jeremy sprayed it last night and pi$$ed off all of the bees.
Jeremy picked up the new rug for the front entry this afternoon. I can't wait until tomorrow to see how it looks. I forgot to tell you that getting a new rug meant I HAD to change all of the stuff on my walls too. And I did. I've been patching the plaster so I can repaint and hang the new stuff. Pics to come, soon, I promise!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Boiled Dinner
Boiled Dinner is absolutely my favoritest meal EVER!
My sister, Cindy (#1), makes it just like Edna used to...only better!
Ham, cabbage, green beans, potatoes, and whatever else her garden gives up. The fresh from the garden stuff makes it soo good. The last time I had boiled dinner, was at Cindy's house and she made it over a fire, in a cauldron (I don't know what else it's called) - she has the whole set up - the 2 posts to support the big, black pot that hangs from the chains - out in their yard. It was THE best!
I've made it myself a few times but, it's not as good as when someone makes it for you.
So, now, I'm sitting here, eating my salad from the corporate lunch line, thinking of my sister at home, making boiled dinner, wishing it wasn't a 2 hour drive to her house. I can even smell it!
Oh - and homemade rolls...
My sister, Cindy (#1), makes it just like Edna used to...only better!
Ham, cabbage, green beans, potatoes, and whatever else her garden gives up. The fresh from the garden stuff makes it soo good. The last time I had boiled dinner, was at Cindy's house and she made it over a fire, in a cauldron (I don't know what else it's called) - she has the whole set up - the 2 posts to support the big, black pot that hangs from the chains - out in their yard. It was THE best!
I've made it myself a few times but, it's not as good as when someone makes it for you.
So, now, I'm sitting here, eating my salad from the corporate lunch line, thinking of my sister at home, making boiled dinner, wishing it wasn't a 2 hour drive to her house. I can even smell it!
Oh - and homemade rolls...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Worse the 2nd time?
My friend is leaving our place of employment for another opportunity. I've said goodbye to him before...it was easier then. We were younger, single, no kids, no crap - literally in Adam's case. I actually shed a few tears this time (before I took all of the good stuff from his desk...again). He and I were just talking about the trinkets he gave me the last time he left, now I have a few more.
Matt,
I look forward to watching your beautiful, little boy grow up. Please, keep that blog going for me. I pray he grows into a good man, like his daddy.
Please, let Jenny know that if she needs anything to feel free to give me a call. She's a very lucky girl - be good to her. Wait a minute - maybe you're the one who's lucky to have her!?! I'm not sure... so be good to each other.
It's been good having you back. It seems like you just got here and now you're leaving but, I'm sure our paths will cross again. I do want to take that trip to Busch Stadium and show your kid what real baseball is. Go Cardinals!
So, my favorite Cubs fan, that said, all that's left is good luck, I wish you well and I will miss you.
Matt,
I look forward to watching your beautiful, little boy grow up. Please, keep that blog going for me. I pray he grows into a good man, like his daddy.
Please, let Jenny know that if she needs anything to feel free to give me a call. She's a very lucky girl - be good to her. Wait a minute - maybe you're the one who's lucky to have her!?! I'm not sure... so be good to each other.
It's been good having you back. It seems like you just got here and now you're leaving but, I'm sure our paths will cross again. I do want to take that trip to Busch Stadium and show your kid what real baseball is. Go Cardinals!
So, my favorite Cubs fan, that said, all that's left is good luck, I wish you well and I will miss you.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
"No, NO! Big Da!'
The boys went for haircuts yesterday morning. They go to the small town, two seat barber with the old red and blue pole. The barber uses clippers on the lower part of Jacob's hair and then scissor cuts the top - usually. The barber was clippering away and Jacob leaned over, Jeremy heard the "nang" from the clippers and sure enough, we had a short spot. The barber had to clipper cut the rest of Jacob's head.
Last night, I asked Jacob what happened to his hair. He responded with "No, NO! Big Da!"
It really doesn't look bad but boy, he looks even more like his Uncle David and Grandpa Web!
Oh, by the way, Amber is pregnant again...Rob wants a divorce again...she shouldn't have this baby...she can't keep this baby...I don't know if I want another baby...!?!
Last night, I asked Jacob what happened to his hair. He responded with "No, NO! Big Da!"
It really doesn't look bad but boy, he looks even more like his Uncle David and Grandpa Web!
Oh, by the way, Amber is pregnant again...Rob wants a divorce again...she shouldn't have this baby...she can't keep this baby...I don't know if I want another baby...!?!
Friday, August 1, 2008
"Clock!'
Jacob now says "clock"...kind of. He forgets the "L". Uh-huh. You know what's coming!
This morning, I was getting ready for work. I asked Jacob, "Where's the clock?" Jacob pulls his daddy to the clock and yells, "Whoa, Big Da! That's a Big C_ock!"
Of course, Jeremy and I were trying not to laugh - or let Jacob see us laugh which would have brought on a chanting of "c_ock" at the top of Jacob's lungs. How mature are we!?! But, it was hilarious!
I can't wait for the day Jacob lets that one out on the speech therapist! I wonder if she'd see it as progress!?!
This morning, I was getting ready for work. I asked Jacob, "Where's the clock?" Jacob pulls his daddy to the clock and yells, "Whoa, Big Da! That's a Big C_ock!"
Of course, Jeremy and I were trying not to laugh - or let Jacob see us laugh which would have brought on a chanting of "c_ock" at the top of Jacob's lungs. How mature are we!?! But, it was hilarious!
I can't wait for the day Jacob lets that one out on the speech therapist! I wonder if she'd see it as progress!?!
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