tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49816252603874029132011-12-21T12:42:09.944-05:00Letting it all hang out since 2004.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.comBlogger6291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-75069298415449250562011-12-16T12:09:00.000-05:002011-12-16T12:09:36.820-05:00

We finally got the North Pole Airstrip put up in the front yard last weekend.  Our addition this year is the rocket ship.  The hot air balloon had to be retired, sadly, due to unfixable leak. Note to self: don't buy used inflatables off of eBay anymore.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-14917889962116078512011-11-02T08:42:00.000-04:002011-11-02T08:42:11.542-04:00

I'm very glad my kids are at a point where now when a camera comes out they put their arms around each other and smile. It feels like a victory because they used to just stand there and smile with distance between them, and I could easily crop one of them out of the picture. The integration of them as a unit instead of two orbiting beings... it pleases me. Bloomer wanted to be a black

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-65949785595685816182011-10-30T13:46:00.000-04:002011-10-30T13:46:35.191-04:00

I admire your stick-to-it-tiveness, working the check-out, inside, on one of the most gorgeous days of October. I really, really do.  But if you're going to ask a sweatpants-wearing, red-nosed, 30-something woman with some weird thing going on with her hair in that one spot in the back how she's enjoying her weekend, you really should be prepared for the intensity of eye contact and arched

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-17744621001591787622011-10-07T16:14:00.003-04:002011-10-07T16:14:47.784-04:00

Here's a little story my son wrote (all misspellings and punctuation his): "The Time by Dad Blow Up" One morning I went down stairs for breakfast. My Dad had 18 waffles and 22 pancake's. Then he had to go to the bathroom so bad he exploded. Then I asked my Mom why did Dad Explode? Then Mom tolled me he ate to much food.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-7787080250888400682011-09-30T12:50:00.002-04:002011-09-30T12:50:59.763-04:00

So! We went to Disney World last week for the kids' Fall Break (which happens when you start school in August).  Rather than post a pantload of photos here with commentary, I'm just going to direct you the Flickr set of the ones I posted if you're interested. Because in addition to tired from doing laundry and catching up on housework (yes, even a week later), I'm also frugal with my energy (

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-33122178895163662112011-08-31T08:26:00.000-04:002011-08-31T08:26:10.817-04:00

I have to think that Boxer is going through some sort of growth spurt, or preparing for one, because the boy has wiped out 3 times in the last two weeks. Granted, he has started playing tackle football, but these wipeouts are beyond those he has on the field. These are the normal walking-along-oops-gravity-works! sort of wipeouts.  This means either he is taking after my side of the family, or

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-38171277783436537642011-08-26T14:54:00.000-04:002011-08-26T14:54:21.709-04:00

There's a phenomenon around our house I like to call Festivus Friday. When I meet the kids at the bus stop (they stay in "after school" Monday through Thursday, and get to ride the bus home on Friday to watch television for three hours relax until Brief gets home), we walk home and there is an Airing of Grievances. 99% of the time it is my son doing the airing, as has been his habit for the two

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-24014479415323250412011-08-19T15:09:00.000-04:002011-08-19T15:09:30.380-04:00

I was traveling for business for the first four days of this week, so I asked the kids if they wanted me to come have lunch with them today.  I expected Bloomer to want me to, but was not sure about Boxer. Maybe at 7, he's too "cool" to have his mom eat lunch with him. But he was game, so I planned for a delicious lunch of turkey corn dog bites. I don't know why I expect my kids to have friends

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-26067941294789400632011-08-08T13:19:00.000-04:002011-08-08T13:20:07.140-04:00

This post is not about my kids, or even a particularly funny cat story.  I wanted to document what we went through with Zoom, my 14 year old cat, and a nasty reaction to methimazole, which was prescribed for hyperthyroidism.  Mostly I want to put this out there on the internet so the next person looking for "real life" examples of what can happen, and how it can get better, will find something

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-57065985729492179882011-08-07T22:56:00.000-04:002011-08-07T22:56:04.040-04:00

I know that the first week of school is a bit of a honeymoon period, but it has gone surprisingly well. I mean, sure someone's luggage is bound to get lost or thrown up on, but it's been a pretty decent interlude so far. Boxer can figure things out quickly, and 2nd grade seems to be reinforcing the idea of earning rewards.  We've starting earning chore money at home for both kids with some small

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-10935141946774149772011-08-01T08:44:00.000-04:002011-08-01T08:44:02.628-04:00

Well, hello there. How've you been? Doing anything fun lately? I mean, besides visiting this blog with your fingers crossed hoping for a new post? Or, you know, weeping into your coffee when it's the same old stale "I'm not here!" post, and you just think, "But, Pam! I don't care about blankets!!!" A collective gasp just went up through the quilting community, but you probably don't care about

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-422160924110529262010-10-25T21:57:00.000-04:002010-10-25T21:57:15.891-04:00

Whoops - didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged. In my defense, I've been percolating on something else. Come on over and visit!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-33083498832097663022010-09-15T17:01:00.000-04:002010-09-15T17:01:09.898-04:00

The problem with blogging about one's children can be boiled down to one of two things: It becomes extremely boring to write only about the Trials of Motherhood. Hey, I made the decision to have kids, knowing I examining waaaaay more genitalia than I ever did as a childless person (did I mention that genitalia would be covered in poop?), and it's hard and there are tough choices and now my

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-86038241078138085642010-09-13T22:33:00.000-04:002010-09-13T22:33:48.387-04:00

I've been keeping busy with lots of sewing as I just got a new sewing machine last month. My other machine works fine for piecing, but was just not cutting it on the free motion quilting- weird tension issues that came and went and it was loud. My new machine, a Janome 6600, is... uh... wow. It's smooth and quiet and has a 9" harp. I was good and didn't go for the 7700 mostly because of cost (

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-26524504598266459342010-08-25T16:31:00.000-04:002010-08-25T16:31:58.036-04:00

I got word yesterday that Boxer had one of his 'stars' (each child starts the week with 25, and can participate in First Grade Fun Friday if they have at least 20 by Friday) taken away for turning a cartwheel after Center Time in the classroom.  My thoughts, in order, were: What is wrong with him? Geez. When did he learn to turn a cartwheel? Upon further reflection, I am thinking 3) perhaps he

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-72111705999709085552010-08-15T11:42:00.000-04:002010-08-15T11:42:54.330-04:00

I know it's been 2 weeks since I blogged, and school has started and I should write about how good the kids are doing*, but rather than jinx that, I'd like to write about the cats and quilting. Because that is one scintillating topic, right? For the last few years, the vet report on Zoom and Zapper has come back the same: Zoom needs to gain a little weight and Zapper needs to lose a little. 

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-46239271425743501452010-08-02T08:54:00.000-04:002010-08-02T08:54:16.451-04:00

You know that fantasy of the first day of school that parents have? Your children wake up without grumbling, get themselves dressed, song birds flit about singing an ode to the joy that is school, etcetera. Apparently that's the sort of morning Boxer had. Bloomer, on the other hand, has never been a morning person, and those little birds were more like extras from a Hitchcock movie.  After the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-17448485733423022762010-07-29T11:50:00.000-04:002010-07-29T11:50:30.718-04:00

I think it's safe to say that I don't understand the Giant Chess Game that is the job market and my company. Remember that job interview I tweeted about? Well, after six weeks of stringing me along, the final decision came back that they were going to go with another candidate that had more experience doing what I had done (or had done it on a larger scale - I'm not really sure). I was asked if

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-33861535045409506952010-07-27T21:36:00.000-04:002010-07-27T21:36:51.117-04:00

Now that Brief has landed safely in Wisconsin, apparently my psyche has announced that now is the perfect time to FREAK the FREAK out. He's out of town until Friday (weather permitting), and knowing him he might decide to check the ol' blog and see what his lovely wife (as he frequently refers to me as - I think I'll keep him) is up to. For the record: I have consumed a bottle of wine tonight.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-82063769249001332742010-07-22T09:35:00.000-04:002010-07-22T09:35:46.408-04:00

Boxer has had a grand time this summer, up until we were Evil and sent him to outdoor camp at the YMCA. He spent most of June at camp at the daycare where Bloomer goes (his old daycare, too), and then two weeks at swim camp at the YMCA. This week he's in Outdoor Y camp at the lake near our house, with swimming and outdoor play and hiking! Next week is an abbreviated week back at the daycare camp.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-86777808241613739522010-07-09T19:19:00.001-04:002010-07-09T19:19:51.087-04:00

Next week is my birfday, and I am taking not only it off but also the actual day (Tuesday) but also the day before (Monday, of all things - who knew?). I have a massage scheduled, as well as a chiropractor visit, on Tuesday, and I will probably go see a certain sparkly vampire movie by myself. My gift to Brief is that I don't make him go see it with me. I believe Monday will be spent SEWING

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-76215470640128369992010-07-08T14:47:00.000-04:002010-07-08T14:47:35.634-04:00

My MIL's stove is on the fritz (again) (for the 5th time or something), and my FIL's birthday is Saturday. When we ask what he wants, he says only that he wants the kids to spend the night. And really, Brief and I don't need to be there. Now, this doesn't come from a place of disliking his darling youngest son and his even more darling (talented, and beautiful) wife, but rather that we are merely

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-50990273651197183772010-07-07T09:29:00.001-04:002010-07-07T09:33:49.728-04:00

Is it seriously only Wednesday? I know the week started on Tuesday what with the holiday glory and all that, but really... Wednesday? So yesterday was interesting on the parenting front. For those that haven't been playing along at home this whole 6 year blogging journey I've been on, we discovered a couple years ago that Boxer has a sensitivity to milk, specifically lactose. He gets the tummy

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-55879844104507048322010-07-06T16:53:00.001-04:002010-07-07T09:34:26.340-04:00

You know what's weird? I miss podcasting (side note: I did a scifi podcast for a while). Maybe I just miss the sound of my own voice since I rarely talk to other non-work people that I didn't 1) marry or 2) grow myself. I'm thinking about doing my own podcast but then think... eh. I probably wouldn't stick to it. Look how well this blogging thing turned out! *crickets* In the mean time, I

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-40591508513412118502010-06-30T20:15:00.000-04:002010-06-30T20:15:46.058-04:00

After about 10 years of owning this fabric, I finally turned it into a quilt. I originally bought it to make something for Brief out of it, but apparently if you wait long enough, you can just make other people and transfer your affection to them! Ha ha, just kidding. Sort of. Apparently Flickr is on its period or something, and refuses to show this right side up. And now that I see this in

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-38950247491232290682010-06-23T21:42:00.000-04:002010-06-23T21:42:52.130-04:00

In case you aren't following the wisdom that is me on Twitter, you might not know that this morning I got to have a happy-fun-time-CAT scan on my noggin.  The problem, you see, was that I have Migraines. In fact, I have more Migraines than you can shake a stick at, and it was getting troubling because good old Excedrin which worked for a while, started giving me rebound headaches whenever I took

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-55377972182801803462010-06-09T21:30:00.000-04:002010-06-09T21:30:44.017-04:00

Well, not me, because I am a giant chicken who can't swim and refuses to put her face in the water.  But this is what Boxer did: And here is what Bloomer did (only I promise she looked a lot happier in the water most of the time): A couple more shots on Flickr. I am constantly amazed at how well the kids do while we're out and about. Yes, we've learned some tricks along the way (always carry

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-63314824151446357462010-06-08T22:07:00.000-04:002010-06-08T22:07:14.728-04:00

So! Yes. I've been gone, and then back. Mostly here, but also somewhere else.  Regardless, here's part of what kept me busy before the end of the school year (aside from last-minute parties, goody bags, packing for the beach, etc.): I made this quilt for the director of my kids' daycare in honor of her retirement. The handprints are from the kids in Bloomer's class, done with watered-down craft

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-74363883348900653992010-05-13T10:05:00.000-04:002010-07-07T09:30:14.963-04:00

I don't know why kids like catching frogs. I mean, I guess I get why Boxer does. He's a boy, boys are gross, frogs are gross, ergo boys likes frogs.  The Transmutative Properties of Amphibians.  What I don't get is Bloomer. I suspect part of it is that I am projecting all my feelings onto her. She's a girl, specifically she's my daughter. VERY MUCH my daughter, as Brief often reminds me. I

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-43630967334720361032010-05-07T08:45:00.000-04:002010-05-07T08:45:25.564-04:00

My dad grounded me for foul language in my last post. I am eagerly awaiting the beginning of my punishment wherein I get to go to my room by myself for an extended period of time. That is heaven for a mom. Maybe being grounded is the best Mother's Day present ever? I am pleased to report several things. One, that the second mouse was caught in a glue trap and released back into the woods. And

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-15015022890973065832010-05-04T22:09:00.000-04:002010-07-07T09:30:14.964-04:00

Somewhere in the universe, there is a bathroom shared by amphibians and rodents alike, akin to the co-ed bathroom in Ally McBeal. And in that bathroom, written on the door of the stall at the end are the words, "For a good time, visit Pantsfreesia!" Incidentally, the mouse toilets would be shaped like giant cupholders, because that's obviously what mice like to poop in, given the recent condition

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-14503740286618542452010-04-26T09:18:00.000-04:002010-04-26T09:18:33.576-04:00

I've thought about blogging almost daily, but then (obviously) didn't and then it became A Thing. And then The Thing got bigger and bigger and... eh. And that's what happens. I started blogging when Boxer was a baby to keep my family updated on him since we live so far away from them. That continues to be my primary motivation in blogging: for my family, or for the kids to look back on when they

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-49922299075585412202010-03-30T22:43:00.000-04:002010-03-30T22:43:13.277-04:00

The weather is slowly creeping to gorgeous down here in the South. I know we have about a week's reprieve before the pollen dam busts open and covers all available surfaces so we've been traipsing outside after dinner to ride bikes and run around the yard. And also chuck logs back into the wooded area. Apparently we've turned into lumberjacks, what with the two trees we've felled in March as well

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-70525018660660704702010-03-25T16:44:00.000-04:002010-03-25T16:44:50.240-04:00

Today is not a good diet day. Imminent monthly visitor and all that, I think my food consumption has consisted of 30% sugar, 40% salt and 30% cheese. So... yeah. Good times. But! I am doing excellently on my Craft Diet. I decided that this year my sewing would be devoted to finishing up UFOs (UnFinished Objects) and making use of what I've already got lurking in the corners of my house, and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-5026464278773018402010-03-21T20:26:00.000-04:002010-03-21T20:26:39.029-04:00

It struck me today that I may have given birth to an extrovert. Considering the double-whammy introvert genes, I find this hard to believe. On the other hand, Brief and I are the deceptive sorts of introverts, arming ourselves with "The Bikini & Brief Show" when we're out in public, and collapsing into a quivering heap of social exhaustion when we return from parties. Today Boxer had a birthday

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-68812827071953740212010-03-12T21:32:00.000-05:002010-03-12T21:32:14.776-05:00

Last weekend in a fit of gorgeous weather, we packed up the kids and headed for the zoo. I don't know why the flamingos are right at the front, but as they are the only pink animals at the zoo you can guess who didn't want to leave them.  For hint, check out the picture: As we went last Sunday, it was before the Great Sweatband Acquisition, otherwise you can bet Boxer would have that thing on.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-23069181801109143852010-03-11T22:43:00.001-05:002010-07-07T09:30:14.965-04:00

As Bloomer and I were leaving this morning, I opened the door to the basement/garage and saw a very tiny frog sitting on the ledge just outside the door at the top of the stairs. Now, I'm not a sizist. I will freak out with any size frog, so while my brain was saying "OHSHITFROG" I had to keep it calm for Bloomer's sake lest I shriek loudly and flail my arms and knock her down the stairs.  And

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-14184286835084052182010-03-10T21:56:00.000-05:002010-03-10T21:56:35.823-05:00

Boxer's school is having a fundraiser on Friday that requires the kids to gather pledges for each lap they will run. You may remember my earlier post about the "lovely" men who run this fundraiser. Needless to say I've turned over Room Mom responsibility for this particular class function to my co-Room Mom. Of course I took the easy route and hit up immediate family members by email, letting the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-56753531909883452392010-03-03T21:32:00.000-05:002010-03-03T21:32:13.050-05:00

I don't know if it's the age, genetics, too many cartoons, or some perfect-storm-stew of a whole lot of stuff, but I'd really like to know why getting Boxer on the school bus turns into a Jerry Lewis-esque French farcicle comedy every morning. From getting him out of the car to the bus will inevitably result in 2 arm-flapping incidents, 6 stray banana peels, and that Charlie Chaplin hat-kicking

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-12965735058554225882010-03-01T12:35:00.000-05:002010-03-01T12:35:14.185-05:00

My work laptop is due to be replaced shortly, and if you've followed my tweets at all you will know this is none too soon.  Aside from the crackle that it emits when I open it up and my funky Escape and F1-F3 keys, both the result of an unfortunate carbonated beverage incident, the biggest problem I have is that the letters are rubbing off of the L, M and N keys. O, A, C, and S are also starting

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-47236866255297433372010-02-28T12:26:00.000-05:002010-02-28T12:26:09.880-05:00

I had the pleasure of being a Mystery Reader in Boxer's kindergarten class on Friday, conveniently timed to coincide with when I wanted to take in cupcakes for his birthday. I did not realize that Friday was also "Dress As Your Favorite Book Character" day and Spirit Day, all rolled into one giant blob of insanity. I was originally scheduled to read after lunch, but the teacher emailed me that

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-29244608990900027692010-02-24T14:53:00.000-05:002010-02-24T14:53:02.363-05:00

I had an eye appointment this morning, as a regular check-up sort of thingy.  I knew going into it that I wanted to get a new pair of glasses, as I've been wearing a pair that is 5 years old, maybe more. My eyesight hasn't changed, so it was more a matter of the fact I was tired of looking through splotchy lenses.  I have no idea what minuscule evil substance attached itself to my glasses and ate

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-14483109275247392982010-02-23T15:23:00.000-05:002010-02-23T15:23:57.800-05:00

This weekend Boxer pretty much mastered the art of riding his bike without training wheels. I find this astounding because I didn't master this feat until I was nine or so, and he is due to turn six some imaginary day this weekend. Of course, I forget that my athletically impaired genes are mingled with Brief's freakish ability to (according to him) come out of the womb throwing a 70 yard

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-46099667265459003212010-02-22T14:48:00.000-05:002010-02-22T14:48:13.083-05:00

We've started a little something new on the weekends over here. After breakfast, it's Chore Time. Now, we usually make the kids pick up toys several times a week, especially on Sunday night when I know that I'll need to get to my desk at some point on Monday to, I don't know, work, maybe? or something? Anyway, this all started when we noticed that the powder room was smelling more like a subway

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-19966081856099723262010-02-17T19:28:00.001-05:002010-02-17T19:29:20.216-05:00

I am a huge bookworm, but since I have things like a job and children, I don't get to read as much as I used to. So I love me a good audiobook. I love me a good free audiobook even better. That's where the website podiobooks.com comes in. This site provides audiobooks in a variety of genres written by a variety of authors (some published, some unpublished, and some unpublished that got published

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-73684713830657061252010-02-13T16:02:00.000-05:002010-02-13T16:02:16.824-05:00

I hope you are loved and warm this weekend. I have actual content planned for this week! I know! Total crazy talk.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-39696024224633944052010-02-02T10:24:00.000-05:002010-02-02T10:24:10.798-05:00

Yesterday Bloomer started at the "new" preschool as part of her plan for improving behavior. Of course, she's still at the old one, too, since the new one is only from 11am - 2pm, and I have a job and such which requires us to send her to daycare in the first place. Basically, I take her in to the Old School like normal, and a bus comes to pick her up from there to take her to the New School. The

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-26263507408970617892010-01-27T23:01:00.000-05:002010-01-27T23:01:18.801-05:00

There is nothing like travel to make one feel simultaneously like a petulant toddler and a crochety old woman.  I am currently in the fine state of New York, well away from home and husbands and kids and cats and my own bed.  I'm in quite a lovely bed at hotel beds go, although the pillow is a bit too foofy for my liking.  But let's back up a bit to the air travel portion of this trip.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-63115771516182067202010-01-20T13:13:00.000-05:002010-01-20T13:13:05.842-05:00

Today, Bloomer, I am taking advantage of the fact that you can't really read or know how to get to the internet and I am going to write about you. Possibly some embarrassing things, but hey, I'm your mom, and if I had more friends I might say these things to them, but as I am a hermit you will have to deal with the fact that I shared them with the entire internet instead. Hey, at least I named

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-31753608829275143172010-01-16T22:09:00.000-05:002010-01-16T22:09:00.893-05:00

This is the sort of thing that kids are convinced parent's do when they go to school or go to bed. Parents play with their toys and eat all sorts of crap that kids aren't allowed to eat, like candy for 3 meals a day with a midnight snack of cupcakes with maple syrup. Boxer got some new Lego sets for Christmas. And universes collided! Thank goodness there was parking available at the Krusty

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-86580640745482781472010-01-15T19:54:00.000-05:002010-01-15T19:54:14.605-05:00

Hey, remember when I wrote that book about a chicken? So yeah, there's a reason I wasn't an English major. Also, I have an over-fondness for commas which I can't explain and a dire need to revive the semi-colon which seems to have been abandoned by society. Despite my best intentions to point out Girl Power! and Chics Can Be Nerds Too!, I have inevitably offended English majors everywhere by

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-39627558366845955172010-01-14T19:17:00.000-05:002010-01-14T19:17:14.555-05:00

I've just returned from a Room Parents meeting at the elementary school, and I must share this anecdote. One of the fundraisers this year is a Fun Run the kids are doing to get pledges and such. One of the guys there to talk about the Fun Run introduced himself as a recent University of Georgia grad, with the follow-up statement that "I'm sure since we're all from {this here small-ish town in

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-72745936355146392422010-01-04T14:43:00.005-05:002010-01-04T15:03:50.383-05:00

You know, living the last couple of days like I'm the sinus-riddled equivalent of Bill Cosby's "dentist chair" man from his "Himself" tour has been amusing. I mean, as amusing as it ever is to be able to bodily blow the metric equivalent of my own brain through my nose. Makes me impressed with the mummifiers (aka, dudes who prepped the kings to be mummies) in ancient Egypt who pulled the kings

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-29869938439679505562009-12-31T15:28:00.002-05:002009-12-31T16:10:38.651-05:00

If anyone has tips for how to remove one's face and scoop out one's sinuses, I'm all ears. And sinuses. Just as Bloomer started fading dramatically during the Christmas festivities at my in-law's on Saturday, I woke up two days ago feeling like a giant vise was sitting on my face. I had the kids by myself for two days - Tuesday we hit the bounce house yesterday we went to the aquarium.Now,

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-47566061987728317182009-12-24T22:42:00.007-05:002009-12-28T08:52:32.362-05:00

So! Christmas is upon us. Bloomer has done pretty good for a couple weeks now, and only started to stray into meltdown territory tonight probably due to the Traditional Holiday Emotional Freakout we all experience, frankly. Eye twitches and double shots for everyone!When the kids get up tomorrow and come downstairs, we will torture them by making them wait to open any presents until after

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-84563252264649003332009-12-18T19:14:00.003-05:002009-12-18T19:26:54.694-05:00

So... after our Special Snowflake meeting Monday morning we were just going to see how things went with Bloomer while we waited to hear back from the inclusion class (apparently the official name for it -thanks Holly!). Tuesday morning she started getting upset and acting up, but the director looked at her with a white tiger Beanie Baby in her hands and said, "Bloomer, I have this kitty I'd like

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-47512308889143765502009-12-15T22:15:00.003-05:002009-12-15T22:21:51.725-05:00

I had a flash of brilliance (if I do say so myself) today about something to make for the director of the daycare as a Christmas/Thank You gift. She's a grandmother and manages the center, and generally deals with a TON of kids. She's got a decent sense of humor, or so we think. She laughs at most of our jokes, although that may just be because we pay her money. Either way, she's been very

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-66042951376858177322009-12-15T12:15:00.004-05:002009-12-15T12:31:23.026-05:00

In the firm tradition of sticking one's fingers in one ears and saying "LA LA LA" really loudly to ignore things happening around oneself, I'm trying to not write about the meeting with daycare yesterday morning. Which is to say, I'm trying, but not succeeding. Suffice to say, the daycare is still more than willing to work with us and with Bloomer, but she is still struggling in class and will

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-79277584684648750702009-12-11T17:55:00.003-05:002009-12-11T17:59:45.946-05:00

Over dinner, I mentioned to Boxer that I had talked to Ms. T, the lady two houses down and the mom of one of the girls from Boxer's Pre-K class. We get to chat just about every Friday at the bus stop since both Boxer and Lil B (the girl) ride the bus. Anywhoodle, we were discussing neighborhood Christmas lights and decorations, and she said that Lil B really, really liked our Santa airplane and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-54760216438077294952009-12-10T21:47:00.005-05:002009-12-10T22:09:39.303-05:00

Time for a moment of honesty now. I'm writing superficial posts about decorations and sewing and Christmas stuff because there are just massive piles of shit going on with home life right now. Boxer went through 4 days of yellow, the first 3 of which were for playing in the bathroom. The third time, though, he 'fessed to getting a yellow when Brief picked him up but LIED about why. He said he got

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-60460206366268039192009-12-09T20:17:00.003-05:002009-12-09T20:35:31.051-05:00

I've tried to sit on this for another couple of days until the Christmas/Festivus party we've been invited to with the White Elephant gift exchange this will be a part of, but it amuses me too much. It's like that weird compulsion to write about boogers and poop on a blog... must... share... with... internet. When I heard that the historical "winners" of the gift exchange in the past included

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-22956507822523888362009-12-07T08:37:00.004-05:002009-12-07T09:09:50.708-05:00

First, the Giveaway Day contest has closed, and I've emailed the winners. If you don't have an email from me, please insert a "WHA-WAAAAAA' sound here. Hopefully you won someone else's contest, or at the very least found some other entertaining blogs to read.I've finished two more quilt tops for my quilt group, and while they won't make the cutoff for this year's donations, they can be used as

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-47691221641267524382009-12-02T07:17:00.009-05:002009-12-07T09:20:15.506-05:00

The contest is over - thanks for playing!I'm happy to participate in Sew Mama Sew's December Giveaway Day! This month I am going to give away 2 things, one for crafting and one to enjoy!The first item is a collection of nine buttons that I reclaimed from clothing my mom gave me to upcycle. They are gardening themed, obviously, what with the watering cans and seed packets and whatnot. The grid

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-63958675239881466082009-12-01T08:56:00.006-05:002009-12-01T09:14:59.088-05:00

Well, that unplanned blogging break was brought to you by panicky crafting and heartburn. And a crapload of quilting thread. And some cans of corn!I did it. The king-sized quilt is finished. And on my parents' bed. And I finished it before they arrived at my house, which was the goal all along. That, of course, freed up the cans of corn holding up the extension table to be used for Thanksgiving

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-7437122640358959722009-11-18T19:46:00.003-05:002009-11-18T20:05:25.835-05:00

One of the fun things about Thanksgiving (aside from all the pie) is the various lists that kids are encouraged to make as part of educational activities. Last year, if you recall, Boxer's list included:TurkeyToastSandwichesHamClearly I had more work to do in the Laying On Of Maternal Guilt For Nurturing Him For Nine Months. I am pleased to report that my campaign worked and I am on The List!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-32197406102930191582009-11-17T20:22:00.003-05:002009-11-17T20:41:56.728-05:00

Warning: Vomit Ahead. Someone should have put that sign up after dinner last night.I really wish I didn't know the answer to the question I posed on Twitter last night. In case you missed it, the question is "How many steps can a child hit if they vomit from the top of the stairs with a 6' tall man in the way?" Other factors worth knowing: The man's hands were cupped to catch the, er, "results",

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-53744896090481364762009-11-12T20:42:00.003-05:002009-11-12T20:49:20.109-05:00

Honestly, I was looking for the DVD remote that's been missing for a couple months, but instead I found this treasure trove:A pair of panties (Bloomer's, fortunately)A toy missile from a Storm Trooper Skimmer Sled, as seen on the planet of EndorA Star Wars trading card commemorating the first attack on the Death Star (original to my childhood, circa 1978)A magnet from a Magna-DoodleA blue poker

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-855514305058594472009-11-11T22:05:00.004-05:002009-11-11T22:32:32.344-05:00

So I got my hair cut today. Typically I get that done every 7 weeks or so, as I wake up around week 6 still loving the style and keeping it under control with the larger brush, and then on week 7 I feel as if I could be doing a decent impression of Billy Ray Cyrus telling people about my heart, it is achy and breaky. And apparently since my stylist has been learning some new techniques and such

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-43584630554291941062009-11-06T18:26:00.004-05:002009-11-06T18:37:40.987-05:00

After a rough day on Monday (after which I had to administer the punishment, which is atypical), Bloomer has had a good week for the first time in a long time. It is either attributed to:Me having to administer punishment on Monday which is particular brutal since I get upset when I have to do itBrief telling her teacher to tell Bloomer that she's going to let Daddy know when she is starting to

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-70537997163902735682009-11-05T20:47:00.005-05:002009-11-05T21:10:45.873-05:00

There are times in my life when I appreciate my experience for the skills it has given me. Being a math nerd. Loving a good spreadsheet. Being handy with power tools. Becoming more adventurous with cooking. Sewing.I've already demonstrated the combination of spreadsheets and sewing in this quilt project. And so, when contemplating a way to make the free-motion quilting easier for this king-sized

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-14430130667767269102009-11-02T20:02:00.003-05:002009-11-02T20:18:47.611-05:00

Ten years ago, I was in the throes of working full time, starting graduate school, planning my wedding, sewing my wedding dress, and organizing the annual silent auction for Good Mews. And then it all stopped.Only it didn't stop. All that crap kept going on while my mom laid in a hospital, lucky to be alive after her car got crushed by a tractor trailer and the rescue workers had to peel it open

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-62207070747178613892009-11-01T20:52:00.005-05:002009-11-01T21:01:06.895-05:00

So! I got all the nine patch blocks chopped up and twisted around. Like so:Then they had to actually be reassembled and sewn up. And arranged on the card table to take pictures.Here's a secret: I'm farther along than this. I actually got them all sewn together and the first (of three) borders sewn on. HOWEVER. There may be some sabotage in putting the other two borders on.I'm not naming names

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-46317545512976564502009-11-01T08:48:00.002-05:002009-11-01T08:53:47.799-05:00

Halloween, circa 2009, when the trick or treaters started arriving during picture time and Boxer was too distracted by the thought that other children were getting candy before he was to look at the camera.Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-42558510705932237542009-10-29T13:18:00.006-04:002009-10-29T13:51:49.071-04:00

This looks unimpressive, but here are 16 (pressed!) blocks for Mom & Dad's quilt.I've got 4 brown ones, 6 aqua ones, and 6 cream/light brown ones. The next step is to CHOP THEM UP AGAIN. That is the most depressing part of the Disappearing Nine Patch quilt (well, mostly it's the ironing you have to do as a result of that) - you divide these blocks into quarters, twist two parts, and then sew

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-1940140068621662052009-10-28T14:41:00.004-04:002009-10-28T15:02:45.464-04:00

Of course the craptacular month continued with me hitting a deer in my car last night. Not that I pimp-slapped a deer in the passenger seat while we argued about picking up tacos for dinner versus burgers, no, it was more like an 8-point buck ran into the side of my car as I was driving home last night after a last-minute pumpkin run. It was dark and raining, and then WHAMMO!I am fine. The deer,

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-22209917904073206392009-10-25T10:58:00.004-04:002009-10-25T11:09:20.970-04:00

I'm still a little twisted up over yesterday's events, all of which have been resolved, but the two lowlights include having to take Boxer out of his soccer game for pushing kids down and the subsequent crying and general upset-ness he showed to the point that the coach on the other team started tearing up over it when Boxer went to apologize and go back in the game. And then at the Fall

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-35715069413613139552009-10-22T20:10:00.004-04:002009-10-22T20:44:01.904-04:00

I finally got around to taking pictures of Bloomer's room because I finally finished the quilt for her bed and put it on there. Check out the two things I made!No, not the kids! The two quilts! Actually I think the quilts took longer to make than the kids, now that I think about it. Ah well. On the wall is the baby quilt I made for Bloomer, and on her bed is the new one.Ah, that's better.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-55484349696452906682009-10-21T18:35:00.004-04:002009-10-21T19:07:32.558-04:00

I have a headache. I blame Boogers.Both kids had rough days today. Big ol' honkin Rudolf the Red-Nosed Smiley Face REDs on their daily sheets. If they were grown-ups, they'd be branded with a scarlet A's for being Asshats. But I suppose a mother is not suppose to say that about her children, and as the root cause is boogers, maybe a scarlet "B" is in order instead.Bloomer was having a good day

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-16978062337962824262009-10-16T22:17:00.005-04:002009-10-16T22:28:45.925-04:00

Alternate title: My Math and Photoshopping Skillz, Let Me Show You Them.So I got the squares grouped into groups of nine. The layout is 16 Disappearing Nine Patch blocks, which math nerds will know lays out to a 4x4 grid. Each block needs (quiz time!) nine squares, so 9 x 16 = 144. I wanted a mix of cream blocks, brown blocks, and aqua blocks. Given that a spreadsheet wasn't really a viable

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-8330257843531826792009-10-15T20:46:00.005-04:002009-10-15T20:55:48.551-04:00

Due to a series of crappy weather-related cancellations, Boxer's soccer team hasn't had practice since the first week of the season in September. The games have continued, however, so he's getting to run around on Saturdays at least. One of the other parents was taking photos last week (with a much better camera than we have), and sent us some shots of him from the game. He wears his game face

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-15444440013192960722009-10-12T20:18:00.005-04:002009-10-12T20:34:26.108-04:00

I asked my mom if she wanted me to blog my progress on the quilt I'm making for their king-sized bed, and she said, "Sure!" So here's my first progress post. Mostly my progress has involved ironing and cutting, which is still a lot of work and occasional rotary slice of the finger. Since there's no red in this quilt, though, I probably shouldn't bleed all over it.Anywho, when my parents

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-9670660115750336632009-10-06T13:14:00.003-04:002009-10-06T13:35:55.009-04:00

Yesterday was sort of momentous in the way that only everyday days can be as a parent. I got my first homemade piece of jewelry as a mom (7 Cheerios on a piece of string, from Bloomer). She handed it to me when I went to pick her up at daycare, and told me to put it on right then. I wore it all night. She wanted me to wear it this morning (apparently it survived the night without cats nibbling

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-81917871355278311542009-10-01T22:30:00.005-04:002009-10-01T23:02:12.443-04:00

Zapper, Why do you insist on "rescuing" me in the bathroom? Yes. I am in the bathroom. I am doing... stuff. Stuff that is perfectly safe and that I can do on my own perfectly well. I do not require supervision. I do not require assistance. So why are you hollering at me and shoving your paws under the door like you're trying to pass me extra air as part of a rescue attempt from a toilet paper

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-87558012805951868842009-09-27T20:50:00.004-04:002009-09-27T21:39:09.561-04:00

I work for a company that really does try to come up with ways for all the "work from home" people to get together. For example, every month all the employees in my area get together at the Starbucks for a free tall beverage and a 10-minute massage, courtesy of Our Company. It's a pretty sweet deal, frankly - adult contact AND a free non-creepy massage in a public venue? Well, when I put it that

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-52519834394110389082009-09-24T20:24:00.004-04:002009-09-24T20:48:06.010-04:00

Whoops. I sort of forgot to post something. But I will refer you to this tweet, that explains where I was and why it took me several days to recover enough to string together coherent sentences. Also, Atlanta flooded while we were gone. Poof! The Georgia Aquarium decided to annex the city. Our neighborhood was safe, although the lake behind us was up about 11 feet at its highest. It still

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-2591524346481339312009-09-16T10:49:00.005-04:002009-09-16T12:46:59.427-04:00

For a variety of reasons, I went to have lunch with Boxer at his school yesterday. The first reason was that I wanted to meet his teacher, what with being a Room Mom and all and hadn't yet since I was germinating the cooties of bronchitis and assorted other viruses probably. The second was that I am, of course, competing for Mom of the Millenium and consuming neon orange/yellow "cheese sauce"

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-54215754563004666942009-09-15T09:44:00.003-04:002009-09-15T09:50:32.534-04:00

Well, a lovely reader Laura emailed me to ask about Boxer's milk issues and how we figure it out, and I wrote her a big old long reply and figured I would post it here as well in case anyone is struggling with child behavior issues and thinks it might be tied to food. Here's what I wrote Laura about our experience:I'll start off with the note that his pediatrician still thinks we're crazy, but

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-3031015899776163422009-09-14T16:18:00.005-04:002010-07-07T09:31:02.943-04:00

You never know what sort of story you're going to get out of me, do you? One day: DIRK BENEDICT! Another: CROWS ARE TOO FLAPPY! And now, I'd like to talk about my bush...es. Bushes. Shrubbery! Ha ha ha! I just gave my dad a heart attack, and that's probably not good, but he's home recovering from hand surgery and needs entertainment. Now he has another excuse to go lie down: his daughter makes

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-57458046120186686172009-09-10T21:08:00.003-04:002009-09-10T21:49:05.811-04:00

I feel like I have enough experience with raising kids through age 5 to write up some one-liner advice tidbits. So here are my sage words:AgeWhat You Should Tell Your KidsPregnancy(for the expecting mom) No matter what your ailment, you should lay on your left side and drink water.InfancyWow, I thought it was medically impossible to burp, sneeze, and fart at the same time. You are Mommy's Little

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-78519143938570814952009-09-09T12:13:00.002-04:002009-09-09T12:20:38.103-04:00

I ran into Boxer's Pre-K teacher this morning (her classroom is across the hall from Bloomer's) and we actually had a few minutes to chat. We really like her - she's got a good sense of humor about things, taught the kids the meaning of the word "Capiche", and will be Bloomer's teacher as well. Here's how our conversation went this morning:Her: "So how's he doing in kindergarten?"Me: "Still

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-48162610655408224552009-09-08T20:36:00.003-04:002009-09-08T20:38:32.506-04:00

Wisdom from the mouth of a 3 year old:"I can't put a crow in my pocket because it's too flappy."If that isn't the smartest thing I've heard all week, I don't know what is.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-92050024310672883832009-09-05T22:58:00.004-04:002009-09-05T23:16:38.023-04:00

I've got some other pictures and stories to share, but for now, this late, this will have to suffice.Dirk Benedict read my shirt out loud and I told him I was the Mr. T of my company, only with less jewelry and blow torches.And then I told him I always thought he was cuter than Apollo (who never took his sunglasses off at the entire Con - really, dude? You're that cool?). I may have almost

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-56160441825481721552009-09-03T19:53:00.002-04:002009-09-03T20:02:36.281-04:00

So while I was gallivanting off getting chest x-rays to make sure I didn't have pneumonia (I don't! it's just bronchitis!), apparently the plane Brief was flying at work caught on fire. In mid-air. Yikes. All is well, albeit slightly singed. He was not hurt, the plane landed okay, and he still doesn't know why it sparked and flamed.Now, for those of you that don't know my husband, you should

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-22678106069315731342009-08-31T21:39:00.005-04:002009-08-31T21:54:04.729-04:00

I used to be, and still am somewhat, one of those people who refer to their pets as their "children". Zoom and Zapper gets their own presents under the Christmas tree, although I really only had a cake for their first birthday. They've also been with me longer than 90% of the people I'm connected to on Facebook. I'm not sure if that means I have a lot of disposable friendships, or if that

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-18317375871296352762009-08-30T18:46:00.004-04:002009-08-30T19:32:06.454-04:00

I've never had a five year old before, but I didn't really know they came with soundtracks. I sort of remember being five, but I don't remember singing all. the. damn. time. I remember my mom singing goofy songs (and possibly some dancing involved). I know Brief makes up goofy songs all the time, so I'm guessing we got hit with a double dose of the goofy song gene, which is probably on the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-22060486774969612532009-08-27T14:47:00.005-04:002009-08-27T15:01:59.704-04:00

So... it's still August, right? I mean, I made it with... 4 days to spare. Yeesh. Good thing I like this quilt enough to leave it up through September!I got the idea when I found this fabric on eBay from a seller that I was purchasing some Dora fabric from to make Bloomer a dress. Since it wasn't any extra shipping, I bought it. That's how all the best fabric stashes start, I'm sure - the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-71193139636928034792009-08-27T11:22:00.002-04:002009-08-27T11:35:19.582-04:00

Brief and I had a conversation the other night about how to keep our kids engaged and off drugs as they get older, because now that we think we're past the "no beating up your friends/teachers" phase for both of them we are realizing, "Oh crap, now there's like... morals and stuff!" As Boxer is starting to take things apart to figure out how they work, Brief's plan to build a kit car with him

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-91472641660421122412009-08-25T10:44:00.005-04:002009-08-25T11:00:42.803-04:00

Well, thank you everyone who has complimented the, er, "genetic legacy" Boxer inherited from his father. I also think that perhaps my dad, who I was told LOLed at the post, secretly said to himself, "Excellent work, y-chromosomes. Carry on!"Random aside: one of the things they don't tell new parents is that their newborn sons' "bits" will be HUGE. Like, seriously out of proportion. MASSIVE.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-27639957723219140772009-08-20T19:05:00.004-04:002009-08-20T19:46:36.047-04:00

(For the uninitiated, the term "farts 'n craps" affectionately refers to "arts 'n crafts" created by our darling children. I totally ripped that phrase off from a friend of mine who uses it liberally to apply to a broad swath of adult created "crafts" (in the totally air quote sense of the word.)The kindergarten craft projects have started. The first project was to create a likeness of Boxer

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981625260387402913.post-12545158367755703842009-08-19T10:37:00.004-04:002009-08-19T10:59:34.223-04:00

It shouldn't come as any surprised that after the first day of school, Boxer has a lot of friends that are girls. It was a bit surprising to me, though, that when I asked if he had a best friend in kindergarten, he said, yeah, her name is Al. (note: her name is not really Al, but until she's married into my family, which should be about 2nd grade, it's not my right to bestow an underwear name on

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08831784791956398906noreply@blogger.com1