P.S.
BTW, I did finally locate my trusty, corded drill. It was in the garage, where I'd always suspected it was, in one of the last boxes to be opened. If I would've only waited two more short months , I could've saved myself $70. Oh well. I do enjoy my new drill so it's not all bad. :)
Review
So, although there were a couple of parts in the story that didn't quite hold up to scrutiny (for ex: why didn't Kreacher just use his powerful magic to stop Mundungus from taking off with the locket?), I thought the book, in whole, was a fitting end to the Harry Potter saga. I must admit to being momentarily turned off by the Jesus Christ turn the story briefly took right before the ending....and also, what's with all the breeding that goes on in the future? Haven't Brits ever heard of birth control? Har har
All that aside, HP 7 was a fine, exciting, and enjoyable story. Thumbs-up!
All that aside, HP 7 was a fine, exciting, and enjoyable story. Thumbs-up!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I got mine! Picked it up at Wal-mart of all places and for less than $18! What a steal. :)
I swung by there on my way home a couple hours earlier and picked up a wristband so, come midnight, I was able to walk right past the line at the back of the store to pick up a copy of the book. By the time I got back up to the front (after I detoured for some shampoo), the line at the registers had also gone way down so I was out of the store and on my way home with my new book a mere 45 minutes after I first got in my car to go pick it up. I even had time to make a return!
I could hear the happy ruckus from the parking lot of the BN nearby, but I didn't mind. I'd rather be heading home than at a party waiting to pay for my book, hehe. Now, I'm pretty tired from our long day so I'd best get started if I want to last through even the first chapter. G'nite!
Avon
In truth, I don't know what to say about Avon at this late date. It's been too long, and I did post our vacation pics on our Rocky Baby Picture Show so I guess that's that. I do have one picture from that trip that I'd like to post because it's too cool. Not that there's ever been, but if there had ever been any doubt as to Pumpkin's paternity....well, let's just say that this picture would've silenced all questions.
I call it "Clones."
I call it "Clones."
Lookit What I Found
Since last night, I've spent probably around 4 hours sorting through my digital photo and video albums. They've been in an advanced state of chaos pretty much since our trip to Avon in April.
Whoops! I was going to include the link, but I just realized that I never blogged about our trip to Avon! What a nincowpoop! What an ultramaroon! What an oversight. I've not had that much fun so close to home in such a long time that I will have to come back and blog it soon just to do our trip justice.
Anyway, back to file organization. I came across this cute little video of Pumpkin with his ultimate buddy Livy at the Denver Zoo, and I had to share it. Keep in mind the kid is only 2 years old!
I think the wagon alone probably weighs more than he does, haha!
Whoops! I was going to include the link, but I just realized that I never blogged about our trip to Avon! What a nincowpoop! What an ultramaroon! What an oversight. I've not had that much fun so close to home in such a long time that I will have to come back and blog it soon just to do our trip justice.
Anyway, back to file organization. I came across this cute little video of Pumpkin with his ultimate buddy Livy at the Denver Zoo, and I had to share it. Keep in mind the kid is only 2 years old!
I think the wagon alone probably weighs more than he does, haha!
More Pictures from Texas
While I'm here, I may as well post a few more pics from our trip to Texas. I have some new vids too, but I haven't downloaded them yet, and QT took the camera with him to their "boys night out" so I'll just go with what I've got for now.
After several revisions, this was my final draft for the addition to the restaurant. At least, that's what I turned in. I don't know if they made changes to it again after I left.
Also, while in Texas, I took my mom to Houston to visit with a friend of mine, who's a Diabetes specialist. We stayed in a posh hotel near the Galleria so, on our 1st night there, we strolled over to do some shopping and grab some grub. Here are a couple of photos from that outing. Just for grins, I also threw in a picture of the Houston traffic that was visible from our hotel room (it wasn't even rush hour!).
After several revisions, this was my final draft for the addition to the restaurant. At least, that's what I turned in. I don't know if they made changes to it again after I left.
Also, while in Texas, I took my mom to Houston to visit with a friend of mine, who's a Diabetes specialist. We stayed in a posh hotel near the Galleria so, on our 1st night there, we strolled over to do some shopping and grab some grub. Here are a couple of photos from that outing. Just for grins, I also threw in a picture of the Houston traffic that was visible from our hotel room (it wasn't even rush hour!).
Class Notes
Goodness me! Has it really been 2 weeks since I last posted? My, I'm really letting this thing go, aren't I?
Well, here's an update for you guys. I mentioned previously that the Field Office at the UH Grad School of Social Work originally wanted me to move back to Texas to do my internship. Well, after many useless attempts at negotiating, I finally had no choice but to file a grievance against the Field Director to get her to understand that it would literally be impossible for me to leave my family behind and move back to Texas to (basically) take a college class. I mean, if my job right now is SAHM, then what would I do? Quit my job? Anyway, I mailed my grievance letter to the Dean right before we left on our trip to Avon. By the time we got back from our vacation, the Field Director and I had already reached an agreement. :)
I'm happy to report that I will be doing my internship in Denver and from the comfort of my own home base. I've even already found a placement (though I'm not technically supposed to "promise" myself to any agency until I get the go-ahead, but the Field Director seemed to think it'd be ok when I mentioned it to her). I'm actually very excited about this place b/c it seems so different from anything else I've done up to now in the field of social work. The agency is called CHARG, and they have been sooooo incredibly patient in their dealings with me and with the GSSW. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about going back to work after being away for so long. I'd like to think that it's like "riding a bike" and that I'll be able to just pick up where I left off, but I honestly don't know if I'm up to the task. Now, if a client comes in and wants to sing nonstop Wiggles songs, I'm their man! If they have more serious matters to discuss; however, I'm not exactly sure how I'll be handling those. Perhaps I should reread some of my textbooks.......nah!
Anyway, tonight, I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home (which is why I suddenly have time to blog again). QT took Pumpkin and the neighbor boys out for some pizza. He wants to make this "boys night out" a weekly ritual for him and Pumpkin. I know Pumpkin must've really enjoyed himself last time they went out alone b/c he's been asking me all week if "Daddy come to pick up me?"
Ok, I have to say it. That kid is so dang smart even if he can't quite form a sentence correctly. The other day, he was holding a crayon with both hands, and he put his arms up over his head then slightly behind. When I asked him what he was doing, he said "I stretching, Mommy." Now, where the heck did he even learn what stretching means? I have to give the credit for this one to the kids back home b/c it sure didn't come from me, Ms. Anti-Exercise!
So, what good's a post without a pic? Here's a really cute one of Pumpkin and his absopositively favorite cousin Lis.
Sure, it's a little blurry, but I love it because he looks so incredibly happy. They both do.
Well, here's an update for you guys. I mentioned previously that the Field Office at the UH Grad School of Social Work originally wanted me to move back to Texas to do my internship. Well, after many useless attempts at negotiating, I finally had no choice but to file a grievance against the Field Director to get her to understand that it would literally be impossible for me to leave my family behind and move back to Texas to (basically) take a college class. I mean, if my job right now is SAHM, then what would I do? Quit my job? Anyway, I mailed my grievance letter to the Dean right before we left on our trip to Avon. By the time we got back from our vacation, the Field Director and I had already reached an agreement. :)
I'm happy to report that I will be doing my internship in Denver and from the comfort of my own home base. I've even already found a placement (though I'm not technically supposed to "promise" myself to any agency until I get the go-ahead, but the Field Director seemed to think it'd be ok when I mentioned it to her). I'm actually very excited about this place b/c it seems so different from anything else I've done up to now in the field of social work. The agency is called CHARG, and they have been sooooo incredibly patient in their dealings with me and with the GSSW. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about going back to work after being away for so long. I'd like to think that it's like "riding a bike" and that I'll be able to just pick up where I left off, but I honestly don't know if I'm up to the task. Now, if a client comes in and wants to sing nonstop Wiggles songs, I'm their man! If they have more serious matters to discuss; however, I'm not exactly sure how I'll be handling those. Perhaps I should reread some of my textbooks.......nah!
Anyway, tonight, I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home (which is why I suddenly have time to blog again). QT took Pumpkin and the neighbor boys out for some pizza. He wants to make this "boys night out" a weekly ritual for him and Pumpkin. I know Pumpkin must've really enjoyed himself last time they went out alone b/c he's been asking me all week if "Daddy come to pick up me?"
Ok, I have to say it. That kid is so dang smart even if he can't quite form a sentence correctly. The other day, he was holding a crayon with both hands, and he put his arms up over his head then slightly behind. When I asked him what he was doing, he said "I stretching, Mommy." Now, where the heck did he even learn what stretching means? I have to give the credit for this one to the kids back home b/c it sure didn't come from me, Ms. Anti-Exercise!
So, what good's a post without a pic? Here's a really cute one of Pumpkin and his absopositively favorite cousin Lis.
Sure, it's a little blurry, but I love it because he looks so incredibly happy. They both do.
Hanging with La Familia
I told QT I'd be posting entries every so often to let him see what we're up to since we're going to be separated for a while, but most nights, I don't even get to the computer until midnight at the earliest. Sorry, QT. :(
In a nutshell, here's what we've been up to since you left. First, the kids decided to make a clubhouse out of a cardboard box.
Next, we're going to make a television set out of a cardboard box and make shows inside it, but we haven't started that project yet. Hopefully, we'll get to do it before I leave for CO, but I think this stomach bug's caught up to me so who knows if I'll feel up to it. :(
Next, we attended a Hannah Montana birthday party for Lis, where partygoers were treated to the sight of Mom (Grandma), Anne, and the party girl on the hula hoops.
. The party was held at the Imaginarium at the mall, and it was pretty neat. That was also the first day that I noticed that it felt really hot outside...and even then, I had to concede that it wasn't really all THAT hot since it was still tolerable in the shade, and there were no mirages yet. I think it probably got to 99 or maybe even 100 that day. Yesterday, on the other hand, it topped out at 104, and there I was, like a "lagartijo" running last-minute errands!
Anyway, the kids had fun singing, dancing, playing, and of course, eating ca-ke at the birthday party. Here's a short clip of Lis and Soph dancing the Chicken Dance.
Naturally, there's also been plenty of Wiggly fun going on in between our other activities. I daresay that Pumpkin gets better at it with every trip we take down here, but of course, he's getting better at so many things as the days go by! I swear, QT, you'll hardly recognize him by the time we return! Anyway, enjoy this lovely tidbit:
And, on that note, I'll say goodnight. I've been kind of sick today, and I may have to go puke soon. Shades of San Diego all over again! ;)
In a nutshell, here's what we've been up to since you left. First, the kids decided to make a clubhouse out of a cardboard box.
Next, we're going to make a television set out of a cardboard box and make shows inside it, but we haven't started that project yet. Hopefully, we'll get to do it before I leave for CO, but I think this stomach bug's caught up to me so who knows if I'll feel up to it. :(Next, we attended a Hannah Montana birthday party for Lis, where partygoers were treated to the sight of Mom (Grandma), Anne, and the party girl on the hula hoops.
. The party was held at the Imaginarium at the mall, and it was pretty neat. That was also the first day that I noticed that it felt really hot outside...and even then, I had to concede that it wasn't really all THAT hot since it was still tolerable in the shade, and there were no mirages yet. I think it probably got to 99 or maybe even 100 that day. Yesterday, on the other hand, it topped out at 104, and there I was, like a "lagartijo" running last-minute errands!Anyway, the kids had fun singing, dancing, playing, and of course, eating ca-ke at the birthday party. Here's a short clip of Lis and Soph dancing the Chicken Dance.
Naturally, there's also been plenty of Wiggly fun going on in between our other activities. I daresay that Pumpkin gets better at it with every trip we take down here, but of course, he's getting better at so many things as the days go by! I swear, QT, you'll hardly recognize him by the time we return! Anyway, enjoy this lovely tidbit:
And, on that note, I'll say goodnight. I've been kind of sick today, and I may have to go puke soon. Shades of San Diego all over again! ;)
Cool Cat
With Father's Day approaching and Daddy-O so far away from us, I'd like to dedicate this post to the Coolest Cat on the block. Daddy-O!! (aka QT-Pie ;)
QT, I'd like to thank you on Pumpkin's behalf for taking the time to play trains with him (endlessly) and for taking him on rides in his wagon and for playing basketball with him and carrying him to the net a gazillion and one times when he couldn't reach it himself. Thanks also for reading the "Baby Bible" to him every night and for helping him brush his teeth and for teaching him to count in Spanish and for explaining traffic rules to him and...and for all those countless other things you do, little and big. I've said it before, and I'll happily say it again: You're truly a great dad, and I would be delighted if Pumpkin grew up to be like his "Daddy-o" (except perhaps a little less Grinchy around the holidays ;).
In your honor, here's a little pictorial retrospective of Pumpkin's 1st year:
1=With Pumpkin @ 2 weeks old
2=Getting ready to attend P's 1st baseball game (Houston Astros) May 2005
3=Learning to appreciate books June 2005
4=Riding the train at the Kemah Boardwalk Aug 2005
5=Disney World Sept 2005
6=House hunting in Denver Oct 2005
Sadly, I could only get through the first year of pictures (not even that), but you get the idea. Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o!!
QT, I'd like to thank you on Pumpkin's behalf for taking the time to play trains with him (endlessly) and for taking him on rides in his wagon and for playing basketball with him and carrying him to the net a gazillion and one times when he couldn't reach it himself. Thanks also for reading the "Baby Bible" to him every night and for helping him brush his teeth and for teaching him to count in Spanish and for explaining traffic rules to him and...and for all those countless other things you do, little and big. I've said it before, and I'll happily say it again: You're truly a great dad, and I would be delighted if Pumpkin grew up to be like his "Daddy-o" (except perhaps a little less Grinchy around the holidays ;).
In your honor, here's a little pictorial retrospective of Pumpkin's 1st year:
1=With Pumpkin @ 2 weeks old
2=Getting ready to attend P's 1st baseball game (Houston Astros) May 2005
3=Learning to appreciate books June 2005
4=Riding the train at the Kemah Boardwalk Aug 2005
5=Disney World Sept 2005
6=House hunting in Denver Oct 2005
Sadly, I could only get through the first year of pictures (not even that), but you get the idea. Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o!!
A Day In The Life
Woke up. Got out of bed. Dragged a comb across my head. Well, sorta. At 6am on the morning we were to depart for Texas, I woke up to the sound of Pumpkin coughing. He quieted, and I drifted back to sleep. Shortly thereafter, I woke up again when I heard him crying frantically. I ran to his room and found him sitting on his bed, crying his little eyes out, and covered in vomit. It seems the stomach virus that had been going around finally caught up to us--and once again on the eve of our departure. To make matters worse, I was on my own; QT having left on his trip the day before.
Well, in a nutshell, I gave Pumpkin a bath, threw his sheets in the wash, put him back in bed, and jumped in the shower. Then, he vomited again; I washed more sheets, cleaned him up again, put him back to bed, and finally decided to just give up on even thinking of getting any more sleep. Instead, I got on the computer to read up on stomach viruses and check us in for our flight. The rest of our day went by in a blur until my friend Mel arrived to take us to the airport. Here's a self-portrait I took sometime that morning.
I was so busy after my shower that I never actually had a chance to drag a comb across my hair. As the morning wore on, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my curls still existed. (I'd thought the dry Colorado air had killed them, hehe). So, forgive me, but I had to take a quick moment to snap a photo. It's for posterity after all!
On the plane, we were fortunate to be seated next to a very nice man on his way to basic training. When I warned him that Pumpkin had been ill that morning, he said he wasn't worried about getting soiled having two small kids of his own. Other than that, the flight itself was uneventful, though if anything had happened, I'd have been prepared having gone through this once before when we flew out to California earlier this year. So, I carried a couple extra pounds of clothes and barf cloths on my back, big whup! Thankfully, there was no cause to use them this time.
We arrived at the Denver airport shortly after 1pm MST. We landed in San Antonio around 7pm CST and arrived at my parents' house in Laredo around midnight. A long day indeed!
So, what've we done since arriving? Well, we've eaten at Salsa's a few times already. Speaking of Salsa's, Mom & Dad just purchased the suite next to theirs and are planning to expand the restaurant. A good portion of my first few days here was spent drawing plans for the expansion. Here's a picture of the floorplan (contractor's original plan is on the left, mine is on the right).
Next up: dealing with diabetes, investment banking for my in-laws, getting haircuts
Well, in a nutshell, I gave Pumpkin a bath, threw his sheets in the wash, put him back in bed, and jumped in the shower. Then, he vomited again; I washed more sheets, cleaned him up again, put him back to bed, and finally decided to just give up on even thinking of getting any more sleep. Instead, I got on the computer to read up on stomach viruses and check us in for our flight. The rest of our day went by in a blur until my friend Mel arrived to take us to the airport. Here's a self-portrait I took sometime that morning.
I was so busy after my shower that I never actually had a chance to drag a comb across my hair. As the morning wore on, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my curls still existed. (I'd thought the dry Colorado air had killed them, hehe). So, forgive me, but I had to take a quick moment to snap a photo. It's for posterity after all!On the plane, we were fortunate to be seated next to a very nice man on his way to basic training. When I warned him that Pumpkin had been ill that morning, he said he wasn't worried about getting soiled having two small kids of his own. Other than that, the flight itself was uneventful, though if anything had happened, I'd have been prepared having gone through this once before when we flew out to California earlier this year. So, I carried a couple extra pounds of clothes and barf cloths on my back, big whup! Thankfully, there was no cause to use them this time.
We arrived at the Denver airport shortly after 1pm MST. We landed in San Antonio around 7pm CST and arrived at my parents' house in Laredo around midnight. A long day indeed!
So, what've we done since arriving? Well, we've eaten at Salsa's a few times already. Speaking of Salsa's, Mom & Dad just purchased the suite next to theirs and are planning to expand the restaurant. A good portion of my first few days here was spent drawing plans for the expansion. Here's a picture of the floorplan (contractor's original plan is on the left, mine is on the right).
Next up: dealing with diabetes, investment banking for my in-laws, getting haircuts
Need to get away?
It's been 17 months since we moved into our new house, and I've yet to locate my trusty corded drill. Our almost-new cordless drill died shortly after it was used to install our new microwave oven/hood, and I found out that replacement batteries and chargers cost nearly enough to justify buying myself a brand new drill. So, for the past couple of weeks, I've been scanning the sales flyers and comparison shopping at Home Depot, Sear's, etc hoping to find a good deal. Meanwhile, 17 months worth of projects are piled up around the house just waiting for a drill to magically fall out of the sky and into my hands.
Yesterday, I had to run to Wally World to pick up some yogurt, a loaf of bread, and some bath soap. While I was scampering across literally the entire building to get from the grocery section to the toiletries and back home within 20 minutes, I ran right past the hardware section and thought "why not?"
I skidded to a stop and ended up buying a Black & Decker 18v cordless drill that came with a storage case, 2 battery packs, and a set of drill bits for about $70.
Actually, it wasn't my 1st choice, but they'd run out of the corded model I would've preferred.
This morning, I decided to check reviews of my new drill before I cut open the package, and one of the sites I came across was an online offer from Black & Decker for a free Companion Airline Ticket voucher for purchasing this very drill at this very time. I found this offer very interesting indeed especially in light of the fact that it isn't mentioned anywhere on the drill's packaging. On top of that, the dril was given good reviews by other users so score one for me!
If you're in the market for a drill or some other power tool, check out B&D's offer site first to see if you, too, may qualify for a free airline ticket voucher. Sure, I could probably find this drill cheaper on eBay, but even paying full price from Wally World, I would still end up with at least a $50 savings on the airline ticket (which everyone knows I WILL use sooner rather than later). Happy Hunting!
Yesterday, I had to run to Wally World to pick up some yogurt, a loaf of bread, and some bath soap. While I was scampering across literally the entire building to get from the grocery section to the toiletries and back home within 20 minutes, I ran right past the hardware section and thought "why not?"
I skidded to a stop and ended up buying a Black & Decker 18v cordless drill that came with a storage case, 2 battery packs, and a set of drill bits for about $70.
Actually, it wasn't my 1st choice, but they'd run out of the corded model I would've preferred.
This morning, I decided to check reviews of my new drill before I cut open the package, and one of the sites I came across was an online offer from Black & Decker for a free Companion Airline Ticket voucher for purchasing this very drill at this very time. I found this offer very interesting indeed especially in light of the fact that it isn't mentioned anywhere on the drill's packaging. On top of that, the dril was given good reviews by other users so score one for me!
If you're in the market for a drill or some other power tool, check out B&D's offer site first to see if you, too, may qualify for a free airline ticket voucher. Sure, I could probably find this drill cheaper on eBay, but even paying full price from Wally World, I would still end up with at least a $50 savings on the airline ticket (which everyone knows I WILL use sooner rather than later). Happy Hunting!
First Cut is NOT the deepest
Pumpkin had a little spill over the weekend. With his daddy. It was ugly too. A Daytona-like spill with the requisite rollover and everything. Daddy-o and I rushed Pumpkin inside to clean him up and realized that the injuries weren't nearly as bad as the fall had looked. On a cheerier note, Pumpkin's now reached a new milestone. This is his first time wearing "band-aids." 
Fortunately, I happened to have some Cars bandages at the ready, and Pumpkin agreed to let me put them on him if I'd use one too. I got Sally on my thumb, and Pumpkin got Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen, and with that, he was a happy camper again.
Meanwhile, Daddy-o's driving permit has been temporarily suspended. >(
Fortunately, I happened to have some Cars bandages at the ready, and Pumpkin agreed to let me put them on him if I'd use one too. I got Sally on my thumb, and Pumpkin got Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen, and with that, he was a happy camper again.
Meanwhile, Daddy-o's driving permit has been temporarily suspended. >(
Just call me Cap'n Crunch
We've been scrambling to get our taxes done in time this year (for a change), but we've run into a few difficulties dealing with some business property transactions that took place last year. What a bummer. We use TaxCut so I even tried logging on to H&R Block to ask for "live help" but the dratted thing erased everything I'd input so I just gave up.
Fortunately, a good friend of mine referred me to Kim, the H&R Block consultant, who'd worked on her taxes. Even better, Kim the Tax Lady was able to squeeze me in for an appointment on the same day I called! Kim not only answered all of my questions for free, she even gave me her number in case I encountered more problems after I got back home and resumed work on my taxes. Now THAT's good service.
***********************************
Well, taxes were due at midnight today (technically, yesterday since it's well past midnight now). By 11:35pm, I had finally muddled through to the point where I felt confident enough with what I'd done to even suggest to QT that we file an extension. By my reckoning, WE WEREN'T GOING TO OWE ANY MONEY! That's right. ZIP. ZILCH. ZERO. I can hardly believe it. I'm totally stunned not to mention completely exhilarated at the prospect of keeping my house and home. Oh boy! This calls for a celebration! I think I'll have some celery. ;)
Fortunately, a good friend of mine referred me to Kim, the H&R Block consultant, who'd worked on her taxes. Even better, Kim the Tax Lady was able to squeeze me in for an appointment on the same day I called! Kim not only answered all of my questions for free, she even gave me her number in case I encountered more problems after I got back home and resumed work on my taxes. Now THAT's good service.
***********************************
Well, taxes were due at midnight today (technically, yesterday since it's well past midnight now). By 11:35pm, I had finally muddled through to the point where I felt confident enough with what I'd done to even suggest to QT that we file an extension. By my reckoning, WE WEREN'T GOING TO OWE ANY MONEY! That's right. ZIP. ZILCH. ZERO. I can hardly believe it. I'm totally stunned not to mention completely exhilarated at the prospect of keeping my house and home. Oh boy! This calls for a celebration! I think I'll have some celery. ;)
Itchy and Scratchy!
That's me after having gone into the attic to try and find this elusive pipe thing that's supposed to connect straight from the attic to the basement to make it easier to wire the house for sound, cable, etc. Dang insulation is the blow-in kind so it was impossible to tell what or where everything was. I was thinking of calling the builder's office to ask them where I would find this fabled pipe, but in going through my paperwork to figure out what the heck it's called, I can't find record of it existing at all in our house! It seems the "Design Center" detail sheet is missing from all of our paperwork!! . Coincidence? I think not!
Anyway, I'm done with that. I'm just going back to my original plan of drilling a hole from one room to another in order to run the cable extension that I want. Bah!
My Son the Jr. Super-Genius
The other night, Pumpkin and I were driving home from the store, and he says, "I can't see moon, Mommy." He enjoys looking up at the moon and stars, and he always points them out to us. Well, I made some mumbling noises in response to his statement, and then he says, "Sky cloudy. Can't see moon." Whoa, kid! Where'd you learn that? For starters, even I couldn't tell that the sky was cloudy until I got out of the car to check! Next, he's gonna be telling me what type of clouds are in the sky "Those cumulus clouds, Mommy." hehehe
The next morning, I'm changing him getting ready to head out for our daily whatever, and he starts showing me his toy cars ("That Bastian's car.") I think it's so cute the way he says his name so I ask him what my name is. I tell him I'm Mommy, but he says, "You Cristina" (Actually, it sounds more like "You Kwitina" but still, whoa! My eyeballs nearly popped out of my head when I heard that. Seriously, this is getting painful.)
Hardly anyone calls me Cristina, but I suppose he's heard my CO friends call me that. I'm dumbfounded, not only that he's apparently paying attention, but also that he remembers what he hears. I guess it really is time to start watching what I say...for the reals this time!
Anyway, I'm done with that. I'm just going back to my original plan of drilling a hole from one room to another in order to run the cable extension that I want. Bah!
My Son the Jr. Super-Genius
The other night, Pumpkin and I were driving home from the store, and he says, "I can't see moon, Mommy." He enjoys looking up at the moon and stars, and he always points them out to us. Well, I made some mumbling noises in response to his statement, and then he says, "Sky cloudy. Can't see moon." Whoa, kid! Where'd you learn that? For starters, even I couldn't tell that the sky was cloudy until I got out of the car to check! Next, he's gonna be telling me what type of clouds are in the sky "Those cumulus clouds, Mommy." hehehe
The next morning, I'm changing him getting ready to head out for our daily whatever, and he starts showing me his toy cars ("That Bastian's car.") I think it's so cute the way he says his name so I ask him what my name is. I tell him I'm Mommy, but he says, "You Cristina" (Actually, it sounds more like "You Kwitina" but still, whoa! My eyeballs nearly popped out of my head when I heard that. Seriously, this is getting painful.)
Hardly anyone calls me Cristina, but I suppose he's heard my CO friends call me that. I'm dumbfounded, not only that he's apparently paying attention, but also that he remembers what he hears. I guess it really is time to start watching what I say...for the reals this time!
Pumpkin sings Wiggles. Ahoy!
Here's another video for the kids to enjoy! He's singing "Go, Captain, go! Go, Captain, go! Go, Captain Feathersword, ahoy!"
I will try and record a better copy where you can hear the music more clearly....and maybe where I don't accidentally almost cut Pumpkin's head out of the shot, hehe.
I will try and record a better copy where you can hear the music more clearly....and maybe where I don't accidentally almost cut Pumpkin's head out of the shot, hehe.
I did it!
I still haven't finished transferring all the pictures I took while in Texas, but I suppose it's time to move along anyway so here's what's new.
For his birthday, I gave QT a new XM radio that's also an MP3 player, and as usual, he wasn't too enthused about his gift. He put it away and supposedly did not think about it again until Pumpkin & I returned from Texas a couple of weeks later. When I got back from Texas, I asked QT when he was going to have his new radio installed, and he said something like, possibly maybe someday soon he might take his truck to Best Buy to get it done...maybe (hehe, I've taken a bit of artistic license here). I even offered to meet him at Best Buy after work the next day so that he could drop off his truck, and nothing.
The following weekend, I decided that if he wasn't going to get it done, I may as well give it a shot myself. I mean, I've sat alongside my brother and watched him install plenty of radios over the years. I figured it couldn't possibly be that difficult, and besides, I once installed my own radio antenna! ;)
So, I started messing around in QT's truck and somehow managed to remove the previous radio without damaging anything or cutting any wires. From there, it was easy enough to figure out how to install the new radio, and Presto Chango! I did it! (that's one of Pumpkin's favorite phrases, btw)
Here's a pic of my handiwork:
I'm so proud of myself! I think QT was too b/c he immediately set out learning how to use it and has already recorded dozens of songs on it. When he got home from work the following day, it was easy to see that he was truly happy with his new radio. And, when he told me that he LOVED his gift, I even believed him. :)
For his birthday, I gave QT a new XM radio that's also an MP3 player, and as usual, he wasn't too enthused about his gift. He put it away and supposedly did not think about it again until Pumpkin & I returned from Texas a couple of weeks later. When I got back from Texas, I asked QT when he was going to have his new radio installed, and he said something like, possibly maybe someday soon he might take his truck to Best Buy to get it done...maybe (hehe, I've taken a bit of artistic license here). I even offered to meet him at Best Buy after work the next day so that he could drop off his truck, and nothing.
The following weekend, I decided that if he wasn't going to get it done, I may as well give it a shot myself. I mean, I've sat alongside my brother and watched him install plenty of radios over the years. I figured it couldn't possibly be that difficult, and besides, I once installed my own radio antenna! ;)
So, I started messing around in QT's truck and somehow managed to remove the previous radio without damaging anything or cutting any wires. From there, it was easy enough to figure out how to install the new radio, and Presto Chango! I did it! (that's one of Pumpkin's favorite phrases, btw)
Here's a pic of my handiwork:
I'm so proud of myself! I think QT was too b/c he immediately set out learning how to use it and has already recorded dozens of songs on it. When he got home from work the following day, it was easy to see that he was truly happy with his new radio. And, when he told me that he LOVED his gift, I even believed him. :)
The Wiggles
I'm so far behind the times that I think I must be going in reverse! We'll start with a quick catch-up. The weekend after we returned from California, Pumpkin and I went to our 1st Wiggles concert with our Colorado buds The Oz and the the Guamian Knuckle and their girls Weevy, Coey, and Ne-ne (that's how Pumpkin pronounces their names). After his precious cousin Liss, these girls are some of Pumpkin's best buds, and well, Knuckle and Oz are 2 of mine I suppose (don't sound too excited now, Pine! hehe). Here's a pic of the dudes and a couple of Pumpkin enjoying the show.
The day after the Wiggles concert, we threw another impromptu birthday party...for QT this time in celebration of his 38th birthday (I think it's 38 anyway). We had to keep it simple since I was supposed to be preparing for our upcoming trip to Texas so no big surprise or big fandango, just a couple of friends over for some very undercooked burgers and a little Scene It. :)
The following week would've been good except for the latest zinger received from the University of Houston GSSW. As usual, they bear nothing but bad news (and apparently ill will) for me, but I'll save that rant for another day.
The day after the Wiggles concert, we threw another impromptu birthday party...for QT this time in celebration of his 38th birthday (I think it's 38 anyway). We had to keep it simple since I was supposed to be preparing for our upcoming trip to Texas so no big surprise or big fandango, just a couple of friends over for some very undercooked burgers and a little Scene It. :)
The following week would've been good except for the latest zinger received from the University of Houston GSSW. As usual, they bear nothing but bad news (and apparently ill will) for me, but I'll save that rant for another day.
Where'd all the March go?
Pumpkin and I are in Texas now. We arrived 7 days ago, hit the ground running, and have been on the go since then. It's Spring Break here, you see, and Pumpkin hadn't seen his "cousins" since Christmas so there's a lot of catching up to do. We've already been to a dance recital, played at the pizza place, watched a lawn hockey "game," jumped on the trampoline by moonlight, had a picnic at the park, been to the Children's Museum, had lunch at Salsa's a gazillion times, and danced/sang/watched/listened to The Wiggles another bazillion times (per day).
Bedtime for Pumpkin is now closer to midnight than 9pm, and every nap is a huge struggle, though ultimately, he tends to just pass out after a couple of minutes of crying and fussing about not wanting to go "nite-nite" so it's not too bad except that after he's asleep, I still have to locate all Pumpkin's bottles and cups and make sure nothing stayed out in the car w/milk in it (ugh!). I also have to shower and make sure we have clean clothes for the next day, and of course, I have to charge my camera and my phone, download the pictures from the camera to leave it ready for our next big adventure, and then I still have to find time to read a few pages from my current novel!! I swear, a woman's work is never done!! ;)
Frankly, I'm wiped. Case in point: earlier tonight, when it was still Friday, we were supposed to go watch Pumpkin's godfather's mariachi band play (Shown: Godfather & Pumpkin c.12/2005).
We didn't go b/c I was just too tired. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you see it), Godmother, who's super-preggers right now, was also too tired so we both settled for staying home instead. The older kids had all gone to a hockey game, the Aunts & Uncles were all out spending money, Grandma and Grandpoo were out drinkin' and carousing, and Pumpkin & I were home alone for the first time since our arrival. I ran out and picked up some tortas (aka: heart attack on a bun), and I even briefly entertained the notion of putting Pumpkin to bed early for a change. NOT! The gang showed up before I'd even finished chewing my torte, haha. Here are a few pictures from the past few days. In the picture of the tiny dancers, Cass is 2nd from left and Lis is at far right. Then, there's Van, Ron, Grandpoo, Grandma, the group in the trolley and in the back of Mom's Navigator (with me driving), and the last is of Pumpkin and I ostensibly getting ready for bed but really just goofing off and having a blast!
Bedtime for Pumpkin is now closer to midnight than 9pm, and every nap is a huge struggle, though ultimately, he tends to just pass out after a couple of minutes of crying and fussing about not wanting to go "nite-nite" so it's not too bad except that after he's asleep, I still have to locate all Pumpkin's bottles and cups and make sure nothing stayed out in the car w/milk in it (ugh!). I also have to shower and make sure we have clean clothes for the next day, and of course, I have to charge my camera and my phone, download the pictures from the camera to leave it ready for our next big adventure, and then I still have to find time to read a few pages from my current novel!! I swear, a woman's work is never done!! ;)
Frankly, I'm wiped. Case in point: earlier tonight, when it was still Friday, we were supposed to go watch Pumpkin's godfather's mariachi band play (Shown: Godfather & Pumpkin c.12/2005).
We didn't go b/c I was just too tired. Fortunately (or unfortunately, however you see it), Godmother, who's super-preggers right now, was also too tired so we both settled for staying home instead. The older kids had all gone to a hockey game, the Aunts & Uncles were all out spending money, Grandma and Grandpoo were out drinkin' and carousing, and Pumpkin & I were home alone for the first time since our arrival. I ran out and picked up some tortas (aka: heart attack on a bun), and I even briefly entertained the notion of putting Pumpkin to bed early for a change. NOT! The gang showed up before I'd even finished chewing my torte, haha. Here are a few pictures from the past few days. In the picture of the tiny dancers, Cass is 2nd from left and Lis is at far right. Then, there's Van, Ron, Grandpoo, Grandma, the group in the trolley and in the back of Mom's Navigator (with me driving), and the last is of Pumpkin and I ostensibly getting ready for bed but really just goofing off and having a blast!
Back Home (Snowing Again)
Well, as it turned out, we didn't fare much better for the final portion of our San Diego trip than we did at the onset. I came down with the same stomach virus that felled Pumpkin and spent our last full day in San Diego lying around Joe and Ranny's house like a limp rag. Unfortunately, that meant missing out on Legoland, but at least we got to spend a lovely afternoon at Balboa Park before I got sick. Here are some of my favorite snapshots of Pumpkin from our last couple days in SD:
The 1st one was taken while we were strolling around the grounds at Paradise Point. I think he looks like a little schoolboy (so cute!). The other 2 were taken in Joe and Ranny's lush backyard while "Mommy" (me) was sick in bed. Incidentally, the guys' landscaping is absolutely stupendous, but I won't post those pics here. You'll find those and the rest of our vacation pics where I post all our pics, on the Rocky Baby Picture Show. Not now, of course, as I'm still a bit behind on that site, haha,...but eventually! I promise. Anyway, the last picture is of Pumpkin and I riding the open-air trolley at Balboa Park mere hours before I got sick.
As nice as it was visiting with Joe and Ranny, I was very glad to return to Colorado, where I could at least be sick in my own home. I gotta say, though, I LOVED the ease with which I was able to reach the bath sink to puke my guts out. Great design-planning, Guys! I'll be sure to remember that when it's time to remodel over here. ;)
Well, I'm happy to report that, though this illness lingered for a bit, both Pumpkin and I have been completely restored for over a week now. Yay! BTW, it snowed again in Colorado a few days after we returned from California. Bah! Enough of the lies!
The 1st one was taken while we were strolling around the grounds at Paradise Point. I think he looks like a little schoolboy (so cute!). The other 2 were taken in Joe and Ranny's lush backyard while "Mommy" (me) was sick in bed. Incidentally, the guys' landscaping is absolutely stupendous, but I won't post those pics here. You'll find those and the rest of our vacation pics where I post all our pics, on the Rocky Baby Picture Show. Not now, of course, as I'm still a bit behind on that site, haha,...but eventually! I promise. Anyway, the last picture is of Pumpkin and I riding the open-air trolley at Balboa Park mere hours before I got sick.
As nice as it was visiting with Joe and Ranny, I was very glad to return to Colorado, where I could at least be sick in my own home. I gotta say, though, I LOVED the ease with which I was able to reach the bath sink to puke my guts out. Great design-planning, Guys! I'll be sure to remember that when it's time to remodel over here. ;) Well, I'm happy to report that, though this illness lingered for a bit, both Pumpkin and I have been completely restored for over a week now. Yay! BTW, it snowed again in Colorado a few days after we returned from California. Bah! Enough of the lies!
Potty Dance
While I find the time to get on here and wrap up our trip to San Diego, here's a video clip of Pumpkin dancing to his potty chair song. Sorry, but it's sideways so you'll have to tilt your head again for this one. You won't regret it though. Check out his moves!
Here's another random thought:
My regular car is a Chrysler Pacifica mommy-mobile. When the weather's nice; however, Pumpkin and I like to tool around in my Mazda Miata 10AM. Apparently, this has convinced Pumpkin that I am a cool mommy, who only drives cool cars, because he has since labeled every single snazzy and/or convertible toy car he owns as "Mommy car." (By contrast, "Daddy" has only been given 2 toy p/u trucks and one's kind of ratty, hehe.) Wanting to preserve this in my memory forever, I recently gathered up all the "Mommy cars" I could find and took a picture of them. Ta-da!
Here's another random thought:
My regular car is a Chrysler Pacifica mommy-mobile. When the weather's nice; however, Pumpkin and I like to tool around in my Mazda Miata 10AM. Apparently, this has convinced Pumpkin that I am a cool mommy, who only drives cool cars, because he has since labeled every single snazzy and/or convertible toy car he owns as "Mommy car." (By contrast, "Daddy" has only been given 2 toy p/u trucks and one's kind of ratty, hehe.) Wanting to preserve this in my memory forever, I recently gathered up all the "Mommy cars" I could find and took a picture of them. Ta-da!
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