Guess who...

...came to the Love Shack to work today?

...someone I've been waiting to see since Dave began working on the trim...

...which was approximately 10 months, 3 weeks and 5 days...

...not that I'm counting or anything

Not Me! Monday

Ok, the Not Me! List is so long, I had to post just to get some of them off my chest.

You can click here to see what everyone has not been doing over the past few days, weeks, or (in my case) months.

- I do not regularly give my toddler my cell phone in order to pacify him while I finish some work tasks. I am not aware that he only likes to hit the buttons- and that's what pacifies him. I do not let him accidentally call my friend while she's a work (sorry, Jeanie!) or my PTL co-chair while she's trying to feed her family dinner. (sorry, Melisa!). Nope, not me! I learned my lesson the first time it happened with my friend, Lesley, at her son's birthday party. I would never repeat mistakes, and totally have the utmost respect for my friend and their time.

- I would not, and certainly AM not trying to get my parents to take the boys overnight this week so I can get some work done. I am well aware that they are taking them for two nights next week, and would never push the envelope (or their feeble bones- ha! Hi mom!) to the limit. When A. asked if he could write them a letter today, and he asked me how to spell "sleepover," I did not do so with the biggest smile on my face. ;P

- I do not overcommit myself. I most certainly did not do that for this coming school year. In an effort to get "ahead of the game" by being prepared, I did not totally stress myself (and my already compromised adrenal system) out. I did not have a little breakdown. I did not skip the first MOPS Steering team meeting just to regain some composure and spend some time catching up on work and in prayer. I always understand my limitations, and would never overcommit myself. I would never shirk my responsiblities to my MOPS Steering team, and would never allow myself to get behind at work- so I would never have to play catch up. Not me! I am super woman, hear. me. roar.

- There is not too much month left at the end of the money this month. I am always miserly, and would never spend our teeny discretionary envelope on capri's and a few new shirts (and training underwear, and a magazine, and a smoothie). I did not feel horribly guilty about the capris and shirts that I returned them to purchase the model rocket, engine and fuse that D. wanted to make with the boys this summer. I always think of my family first, and would never put something as shallow as clothing ahead of our quality time and activities with the boys. Besides, I will totally not scope out the clearance racks next month in the hope that I will find said capris there. (insert evil frugal laugh here- BWAHAHAH!!!)

And a few things I most certainly did not say this month:

• C., no, your poopie does not belong on the floor.....it does not belong on the chair....it does not belong on daddy.  Yes, that would be funny, but gross....let's go put it in the potty, ok?  

• C, think of the asparagas as a long candy stick.  Yum!!!  Tastes yummy, huh?  Uh, oh...D, get a bowl, its coming back up...

• No, there's nothing wrong with my toes, A.  They look that way because of a few reasons...1. Mommy is too lazy to change the half grown out nail polish.  2.  Mommy is too broke to get a pedicure and 3.  When mommy was younger she was too foolish and vain to purchase cute shoes in her huge shoe size (11) and bought little shoes that were on sale, and then she was even more not smart and went out dancing in the all night long....and it messed up mommy's toes......  Yes, that's why mommy is always checking your feet and shoes.

• The other frog?  Oh...looks like he died.....  Yes, it does look like he's been dead for a few days (weeks?).....No, I don't remember the last time we fed him....a few days ago (weeks?) probably....I don't know if we'll see him again someday....I don't think frogs go to heaven because they can't have faith....yes, only God really knows.....yes, we'll find out someday....yes, hopefully a long time from now....yes, God truely is awesome.  I love you too, A.

  

Can you see me now?

My babies' daddy (Version 2.0)

Those of you who have not been reading this blog long, last year I did a post dedicated to what an awesome man the father of my sons is.  And I loved writing it.  It's still my favorite post of all time.  So, I'm doing another- updated- one in his honor- for Father's Day.

So, without further adieu...

My babies' daddy:

-prefers the boys to play outside

-appreciates that they have energy that needs to be expended

-will stand (even though he's tired) to push the boys on the swings

-appreciates simple living

-doesn't drink beer anymore

-Is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy

-has integrity, motivation, and is full of entrepreneurial spirit

-has funky tan lines

-is very respectful of others

- has owned his own business full time since 2003 (and part time since 2001)

-considers himself a little bit of a redneck

-is trying to sell his flatbed truck  :)

-Prefers a night home with the family over going out with friends

-Loves me unconditionally

-is the most honest person I know

- has a small patch of BRIGHT red hair on the back of his head.

-is always willing to help out- with neighbors, friends, at church

-loves to unwind with the boys

-is a born and bred worker- through and through

-stays current in local, national and international news

-has the ability to think long term

-has great problem solving abilities

-is crazy conservative- bordering on libertarian

-is ridiculously intelligent (see previous statement)

-has a hard time respecting the "keeping up with the jones'" mentality

-is always willing to read the boys books (Little Critter is the favorite still!)

-loves me- regardless of what my scale says

-teaches A. about math concepts

-enjoys teaching the boys about smart ways to use money

-leads by example (not just with the boys, either)

-will gladly talk religion and politics...as long as you ask first

-is hot

-prefers handmade gifts over store bought ones

-wears ball caps whenever socially acceptable

-needs a new ball cap

-inspires me to be a better person

-is picky about who he spends his time with outside the family

-respects his father- and my father

-till tries to muffle laughter when someone passes gas

-lets me cut his hair- and never complains when I mess it up

-camps out with the boys in the backyard

-loves me

-prefers salty snacks

-walks the dog every Sunday morning (very, very early)

-has the best belly laugh...seriously

-has calloused hands

-has the ability to laugh at himself

-works 12 hour days

-does paperwork after the boys are in bed (yes, after working the 12 hour day)

-works on the house when he has some "spare time"

-is protective of us

-is willing to get dirty with the kids

-prays for me, prays for the boys daily

-loves to talk to me about scripture

-is a solid cornerstone of this family

-is a great blend of his mother's passion and his father's compassion

-wants to build a model rocket with A. this summer (oh geez)

-really got into the science fair project this year (propulsion)

-can be very opinionated

-has good teeth (let's be honest, that is a total positive!)

- is incredibly handsome

-will eat almost anything I put on the dinner table

-makes a funny face when the air-nailer is too close

-is not a fan of crowds

- shows the boys the safe ways to handle tools

-doesn't believe in being wasteful

- has the kindest heart- especially for handicapped people

-loves watching the boys learn new things and explore their surroundings

-has the ability to read people quickly

-is not very competitive

- asked me to bake a batch of cookies and distribute them to our elderly neighbors

-encourages us to do our best

-is astounded that the Mother's Day flowers are still alive

-remembers to water the flowers and the garden when I forget

-lets the boys win sometimes

-doesn't care that I let A. wear his moonboots in the summer

- flosses daily

-thrives on routine

-likes country music

-listens to talk radio

-sometimes thinks of himself as a thug

(sha..a white bred, sensitive, caring, worker...kind of thug he he)

-wants to take me back to Maine- where we honeymooned.

-is my confidant, cheerleader, best friend

-is an awesome father, husband and friend

-is someone I respect, love and admire

- **is the person I'm most thankful for.**

**is the one whom my soul loves.**

Happy Father's Day, my love

I should thank the Lutheran school for an awesome education, but I'm too embarrassed...

A. just finished kindergarten this month.

When he started the school year,

his teacher explained that not all kindergarteners

(approximately half- state wide)

are reading when the school year ends.

A. was working through the homework primers on his own. 

Sounding out words. 

Learning a little comprehension along the way.

I think I underestimated him.

I went to Meijer on Monday to pick up some groceries.

I had to look for some sole inserts for

Dave's boots to tide us over until we

can afford a new pair of Red Wings.

There was a specific kind I was told to get.

I'm looking and looking. 

C. is "helping" me.

A. goes to look at the clearance end cap-

which is approx. 2 feet away.

He must have slipped into the next aisle, because I hear a question from him:

(projected loudly...so I can hear what he's asking)

"Mom?  What's rib-bid for her please....pleaser?

Uuuuuhhhhhh

(trying to breathe here)

(Sandy control yourself, don't freak out!)

Yes, he found the family planning aisle.

I dropped all hunting for insoles,

and turned the corner to find my

six year old reading the box of Trojans

in his hands.

And of course, I can be as calm as I want...but the fact that my face was literally as red as a lobster totally gave me away.

So, while I'm totally impressed that my fresh-out-of-kindergarten son can read labels like that...I think I'll take that as a warning to keep him out of the health and beauty department...

...for the next 20 years.

Bee stings....who knew?

Last Wednesday night, we were all coming into the house after spending some time with D. at the grill.

D had his hands full of hamburgers.

I had my hands full of boys.

I had my sunglasses on top of my head (where they normally reside in the summer)

And something felt funny up there.

I put my hand by my hairline and realize there's a bug.

Then the bug falls to my hand.***

OUCH!

Sting.

It was a bee.

Naturally, I throw it to the ground and stomp on it for all I'm worth.

This is only the second time I've ever been stung.

In.my.life.

I had a reaction the first time I got stung too.

Took forever to heal.

So, it gets red.

It gets hot.

It gets inflamed.

A few days later, it starts to itch.

And itch.and itch.

More heat.

More red.

Memorial Day, I wake up to this:

The swelling is throughout my entire hand. 
The redness goes into my wrist. 
I can barely bend my fingers.

So I posted a facebook status update on how wierd it was that

I'm reacting on MONDAY to a sting on WEDNESDAY prior.

I got the usual "oh no!"'s and "poor lady" which wasn't what I was looking for at all

-since I'm not the first person, nor will I be the last, to be stung by a bee-

I wanted some advice about how to make it all go away.

So, on the advice of my husband, I took some benadryl. 
And of course we don't have any adult stuff in the house-
so I took an adult dose of children's benadryl
(the adult dosing was on the side of the bottle).

I spent the next 5 hours high as a kite.

But at least I was "productive."

I did some spray painting.

Cause, you know we all make great decisions

when we're high.

Then swoops in my Aunt Sue with a comment:

to my rescue.

"Sandy, try putting some antibacterial gel on it.  I got stung last summer and it helped alot."

24 hours later:

Look!  Bendy fingers!

No more swelling.

Only a small red spot surrounding the original sting.

Minimal itching.

Thanks, Aunt Sue!!!

***Looking at the bright side here:  I'm unbelievable grateful that the bee fell to my hand instead of stinging my forehead.  That would have been one crazy scary reaction.***