Things I love on road trips

The sunscreen song
Who's on First
Stand up comedy
hypothetical questions from my crazy head -
like would you rather climb up 100 feet in the air on a ladder or down 100 feet into a cave
If you had to do one -would you eat moldy bread or lick a toilet

who ever said I was mature??

Who's on first?

Ella dressed me up

Hey you guys!

I'm back! Home that is, and maybe to blogging, although I have a to-do list a mile long. Probably the precise reason I am blogging.

It was very surreal to be back at Aunt Beth's house without Aunt Beth there. We worked very, very quickly so we could get back - so there wasn't much time for reminscing, but I did anyway. Is it wrong to mix feelings with places and belongings? I would venture to say it is because Aunt Beth mixed emotions with things and hence and kept everything, I didn't stutter, EVERYTHING! Anyway back to my emotions...

The house she lived in was a house Kyle and I looked at renting as newlyweds. I fell in love with it, but it was out of our price range at the time. I couldn't let it go though so I made Aunt Beth go look at it. She agreed with its perks and the little doggie that the departing tenant were going to take to the pound. So she moved in to my dream house at the time and adopted a little dog named Buster.

Being there knowing it would be my last time there brought back all those memories: Wanting to make that place a home for Kyle, helping Aunt Beth move in, Dinner after Benjamin's blessing at church. Pictures with my kids when there were five generations alive to photograph. Late night board games with cheese and crackers and accusations of cheating. Many birthdays and Christmas celebrations. Being with Maw-maw as she passed away. Gathering there to plan my brother's funeral. Tears shed in every room. Being there again as Me-Maw (my great-grandmother who I am named after) left this world.  

There was also the time that my sister lived in the duplex upstairs. It cracked me up at the time to watch the kids love to sneak upstairs. It reminded me of my childhood. My "Auntie" aka the cool one of my dad's four sisters,  lived downstairs at my granparents house on the lake. It was buisness upstairs and fun down. For a litte while it was the opposite for my kids. Business downstairs, fun up.

I miss Aunt Beth a lot, but I was surprised that it was so hard to say goodbye to that house.

Now that I covered the emotions of the trip, I have to say the logistics went better than could be expected. THANKS to everyone who helped me with the kids!

And a big THANKS to Cora. I was thinking of all that has been asked of her since being born:

A trip to Disney in September, 

a long road trip to VA and on to Pennsylvania in October,

Back to VA in December, and

back again in March,

Countless miles, three airplanes, several hotels, naps in carseats, nights in different playpens, nursing anywhere and everywhere - she has rolled with it all, slept well, smiled tons. Man I love that baby!

Can I just say how it kind of hurts my feelings that after being exclusively nursed, she enjoys the heck out of a bottle. That's why I only put water in it.

So this picture probably seems really dumb to you, but check this out - Its a forest fire in the mountains of tennessee. We turned a corner and couldn't figure out if there was some UFO ahead or something, but as we got closer we realized it was the mountain on fire. It was about 1 in the morning and right after we were sure it was a fire we realized we were the only ones on the road in either direction. When we entered the smoke we began to get worried that we missed the message that the road was closed because of the fires. So we did what any insane person would do, went faster to get the heck out of dodge.

Doesn't do it justice - I love Texas but Virginia is BEAUTIFUL

How we roll in the UHaul...

oh in the battle of... Cora and the Carrier vs. Me - I am losing.

My babies are always in regular carseats by now, but I knew the Va trip was coming up so I decided to keep her in the infant carrier until after. It was much easier to deal with in the UHaul than a regular carseat would have been. But I'm done, carrying her in that thing is like lifting a bag of bricks.

Shall I say goodbye or see ya later gator?

that's contemplative, not angry 

On my favorite nights of the year ( if you are wondering, those are the nights that I can have the windows in our bedroom completely open) I love to lay there and feel the breeze. I also listen to the neighbor's wind chimes. The thing is I am not sure if the sound is soothing or annoying.

I am beginning to wonder the same thing about blogging.

You see I have been blogging since 2005, shortly after the fabulous Ryann started. Back then I had to frequently explain what a blog even was to people.

Now many are blogging and its so awesome, unless you are me and prone to addictive behavior.

It can be a time drain.

Its not you, really its me. 

See it goes down like this:

"I should blog" and or check other blogs, then I should check email. Might as well read the headlines on Fox News, better check bank account balances while I'm here, wow been here a while might as well go check blogs again. Its a vicious cycle. 

So I am going to break the habit for a while. I need a hiatus. 

I have big changes ahead anyway, Going to Richmond next week to clean out and box up Aunt Beth's house. I am bringing back two furry family members who will need some extra attention getting used to the new digs.

AND, 

I also have had this on my mind (sorry if you can't read it)

This was something someone handed out during a RS lesson a while back, I thought it contained a lot of great things all together in one handout. I laminated it and its been on my nightstand since. I look at it from time to time and long for the ability to accomplish many of  the things on it.

If you are taking this post as "holier than thou" then please kick me in the head. 

Its just what I feel tonight

And I thought I'd share it with you tonight because I am not turning on the computer tomorrow.

But I am sure (in terminator voice here) I'll be back.  I just need a little break.

One more thing before I go, to attest that I do, do, do love blogging:

I love my old blogs, I go back to them sometimes and they only bring smiles, wanna know which one is my favorite?? No real reason why, it just comes to mind sometimes, Probably because I'm already painfully aware that my babies won't always be babies. Curious?

Its this one 

Some other stuff I've been meaning to blog...

We took some other pictures that day at the park. The one I previously posted was taken by a passerby. I begged some nice lady to take our picture, set up the camera and handed it over to her. She was a little intimidated but obliged. But here a few I got to take myself:









And on Friday we celebrated our anniversary with a backyard dinner party at our house. It was so much fun, I laughed until my side hurt and I am glad we had the chance to do it. Thanks to everyone that came!! We had a blast!
And I am only slightly embarrassed that we only beat this couple in the Newlywed Game!

rant...

The video I posted yesterday is ancient, but its just been on my mind with all the stimulus crap going on. Not that I don't want the economy to pick up, I just don't think the government is the one who should do it.  So lay off the further stimulus bills talk!!  Anyway on to other annoyances:

You already know my frustrations with germaphobes, especially those of the mom variety.  What is it with the moms who freak out about indoor playlands. 

#1 - If you are going to stand there with your lip curled like you are releasing your kids into a petri dish - then go home!

#2 - When you harass your kid to keep their socks on, its so annoying. Do you know how hard it is to climb up the slide with socks on? And climbing up the slides is arguably the most fun thing to do an indoor playland (just ask any kid). And what is the point?? Protect their feet from germs?, scrapes?? Their bare hands are all over the equipment as it is -- who cares about the feet?

#3 - My biggest pet peeve is the parents who whisper to the kids "just leave your shoes on" Nice one mom, your precious kids pinkies will be protected from whatever while they crush my kid's fingers with their shoes.

And I firmly stand by my "germs aren't all that bad" theory. My kids are way less sick than all the freak out about germs crowd.

Happy Birthday...

We hope you have a great day Nana!

The record of history is absolutely crystal clear

I feel lately I am yelling at a fooball team losing in the last grueling minutes of a big game when I read the headlines and watch the news. Congress and Obama are in a big huddle trying to win this one and bad plays are being called.
I don't understand it all but I just want a big shout out for CAPITALISM!!!!

Spinning Braids

There is much to blog about (our week with Nana, our wonderful anniversary party, the lovely weather, etc.), but alas my brain is tired so I will share with you the joy of spinning braids. I am never allowed to put just one braid in her hair. 

"TWO braids mommy, TWO ok?!?"

"Yes Maiya two braids it is" - oh how I love my Maiya:

Ten Years later...

and still madly and completely in love

I am very indecisive

Imagesfromoz.com has updated galleries...go check it out here

Hodge Podge

Lunches at school, visiting Prather Park, playing with Nana's coolpix camera, and dealing with pink eye - that's a few of the things we've been up to and here a few pictures:

awwwwwwwww....

Cora is Paid in full!

Well not really, but her delivery is!!!

They accepted my offer, funny that they did with the letter because when I called twice in the past asking the exact same thing they said no.

My letter writing campaign continues

remember this day? yeah its still not paid for...

We haven't had the money to pay for Cora's hospital bill yet.  And unfortunately they reported it on my credit. This is not good so I figured my other letter worked I thought I'd try again. This bill was bigger so I didn't try the "please forgive outstanding balance".

I mailed this standard mail and certified mail, so that when I called I would know that they did recieve it. When I called this morning I was actually taken seriously and and a supervisor is calling me this afternoon and according to who I spoke to they will most likely help me.  Man-- am I saying my prayers.

so here is the letter I wrote:

To whom it may concern:

 

I am writing in regards to my account with Medical Center of McKinney.  My remaining balance is 2151.37.  My husband has been out of work since October and it has severely affected our finances. That is why I have not been able to make payments on this account.

 

We will be getting a tax refund this year. I would like to settle this account. I would really like to know if there is anyway I can have the negative information removed from my credit. If this is not possible I will apply the money to other negative accounts that I have with other companies. I am going to apply this money where it will best affect my credit. I hope that it will be with you.

 

Please respond and let me know if there is any agreement that we can make in writing to remove the information from all three credit reporting agencies and I will be prepared to pay the outstanding amount in full.

 

Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

 

Janie Oyakawa

never underestimate a good old fashioned letter

Nana is coming today -

Thanks for posting this Haley it cracked me up....

and I thought it was appropriate since Nana is flying here today in a chair in the sky :)

OH come on Mom

little has really been blogged about lately... so here is some randomness for ya:

I am really feeling a disturbance in the force. I am missing Aunt Beth. See this is how it works -- My mom and I talk on the phone at least once a day if not three times - its our thing kind of like Terms of Endearment (see video below)

So I talk to my mom about any major event as it is unfolding, ya know flu, baby vomiting, baby falling on head outside, etc. Then Aunt Beth calls the next day to ask for the update on the current situation.  I find myself lately waiting for that phone call, and reminding myself there won't be a phone call.

you don't really need to watch this, its just one of my favorite movies and I love montages so I put it here.

Happy Mardi Gras - late... I consider Mardi Gras parade memories growing up in Louisisana some of the best memories ever. Once a parade went by our church on Sunday. They let us out of primary to go catch some beads. I know, I know but they couldn't stop us - we were climbing the walls and out the windows.  If you live in LA its not just like you see it on Bourbon street, there are a lot of family friendly parades - One day I'll introduce my kids to them and we'll all scream "throw me something mister" and I'll teach them the fine art of not getting trampled.

We did have our King Cake,

Maiya got the golden baby, and was declared Queen of Mardi Gras at our house. She enjoyed every minute of it!

Ella's class led the school in the Baker Blast off (a little opening ceremony they do each monday). I think she did a great job. Maiya LOVES going there and dancing and doing the pledge and such with all the big kids. 

I hate attendance awards, I mean what are we awarding here? Hey good jobs kids you happen to have better immune systems than your peers and/or your mom sent you to school sick. GREAT JOB? And to all the rest of you guys who caught the flu, your class lost the award because of you - feel bad.  its so dumb

Ella has a nervous thing about tucking her hair behind her ear when speaking in public

Can't hold on much longer. This is Cora patiently waiting ( I mean falling asleep) for me to finish with dishes and put her to bed for a nap. I felt mean stopping to take a video, but it was so dang cute.

Last week a bunny met its horrible end on the cross street by our house. I gave Benjamin and Ella permission to go see it. I officially became the "coolest mom" according to them because I let them walk up and look at roadkill.

Its all about the little things.

I didn't tell you this post would be in any understandable order

It came !!!

The bottom line is that this can organizer is very easy to put together and its great that it is adjustable, you can change it as needed to fit all different things that you have in your food storage. My odd size things are peanut butter and madadamia nuts (Kyle's dad sends us a bunch from Hawaii each Christmas - YUM) It also works with Tuna cans - so very cool becuase those can be awkward. So for the price you can't beat the homemade version. But if you are not into the home project thing, this product is awesome and I wish I had it years ago in all of my smaller kitchens!

And right now its on sale!! Check it out here:

Shelf Reliance