jaymacave
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Junie B. Jones
Anyone ever read these books? They are so cute. Jaycie just left with her enrichment tutor for the big city to see this play. Afterwards, they are going to check out all the Christmas displays at the big stores. She is going to have such a great time. I am a bit jealous that I am not going. Of course, I am always so worried about her being there that I give her the 10 minute lecture about holding the adult's hand, not talking to strangers, not wandering off, not going to the bathroom alone, etc. Stuff that she already knows and that applies to small town life as well, so I don't even know why I am so neurotic about it. I guess that is a mother's perogative.
Monday, November 28, 2005
This was before her four shots this morning. She isn't as happy now, but she is just as cute. ;)
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Ok, I am over it.
I had originally thought I may try and make an early dinner (like noonish), eat with the hubby, and pack the girls up and make the four hour trek to my parents. However, as I was packing I noticed a snow squall outside my bedroom window and nixed that idea. I don't know how I survive living in New York. I am absolutely terrified to drive if there is anything (and I do mean anything) more than a teeny bit of water on the roads. I may leave tomorrow weather permitting. So, I figured if we couldn't be at my parents' dinner table tonight, I would do the whole feast and enjoy it, damn it. I did. We stuffed ourselves early and just relaxed all afternoon. C.K. and I sat on the couch and laughed at the older girls playing "super model" with their designer Disney princess shades, shoes, and handbags with make up smeared everywhere on their faces. He just left to milk and as soon as I get the little one down to sleep, Jaycie and Kenna and I are going to get out the Christmas stuff and deck our halls. It turned out to be a great Thanksgiving after all.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
A bit bummed.
I finished my Thanksgiving grocery shopping yesterday. It hit me that I really miss eating holiday dinner with my family. Most of the time it doesn't bother me that we live hours from them, but this time of year it really does. Farming is a 24/7 job, so there are no holidays off. It is better now that C.K. is working for someone else, at least he gets one day off a week. I am taking the girls and going home on Friday. I would invite them here for dinner, but we just don't have the room for everyone. I hate that drive, especially by myself. He can't go with me because that would just be crazy to try and do it all in one day. I could go on Thursday and eat with my family, but then the five of us wouldn't be together on Thankgiving. So, either way it stinks. :( He did promise me that he would ask for 2-3 days off after Christmas so he could go with me then. At least that is something.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
The lengths I will go to to get a great picture.
My poor kids. My husband tells me that they will have a severe phobia of cameras when they reach adulthood. I can't help it. They grow so fast, I just want to catch every moment. I think someday they will be so glad I always had a camera in their faces.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
I am so drained.
What a day.
Today was the big test. The baby had a positive test result for cystic fibrosis when she was born. We had to be at the hospital at 8:15 this morning (an hour drive) to do a sweat test to be sure. All along, I was sure that the first test was more than likely just a fluke. However, I have been so, so worried and stressed about the results of today's test. I didn't sleep well last night because I was anxious. To top it off, the baby woke at 3:30 am and went back down about 5:30. I didn't even bother going back to bed. So, I am ready to hit the hay now.
We went and got the solution and stuff strapped to her legs (to make and collect her sweat to test chloride levels). That had to be on a half an hour. She was not a happy camper at all. So, that was unnerving for me as well. I am not one to let my babies cry. It breaks my heart to hear it. My husband says I spoil them, but I don't think it is possible to spoil a baby. The tech
told me that she would call and give our pediatrician the results this afternoon. I called three times and the pedi's office hadn't received them. UGH! I felt like throwing up all day. I had to take the girls to Brownies at 5:15 and was so upset that no one had called. When I got home a little after 6, the doctor had left a message on our machine. "Heather, this is Dr.______, just wanted to talk to you about baby's NORMAL test results. Just give me a call tomorrow. Not to worry, mama." Oh my. I just started bawling, I was so relieved. Like I said, I knew it all along. It just felt so good to hear him say it.
Today was the big test. The baby had a positive test result for cystic fibrosis when she was born. We had to be at the hospital at 8:15 this morning (an hour drive) to do a sweat test to be sure. All along, I was sure that the first test was more than likely just a fluke. However, I have been so, so worried and stressed about the results of today's test. I didn't sleep well last night because I was anxious. To top it off, the baby woke at 3:30 am and went back down about 5:30. I didn't even bother going back to bed. So, I am ready to hit the hay now.
We went and got the solution and stuff strapped to her legs (to make and collect her sweat to test chloride levels). That had to be on a half an hour. She was not a happy camper at all. So, that was unnerving for me as well. I am not one to let my babies cry. It breaks my heart to hear it. My husband says I spoil them, but I don't think it is possible to spoil a baby. The tech
told me that she would call and give our pediatrician the results this afternoon. I called three times and the pedi's office hadn't received them. UGH! I felt like throwing up all day. I had to take the girls to Brownies at 5:15 and was so upset that no one had called. When I got home a little after 6, the doctor had left a message on our machine. "Heather, this is Dr.______, just wanted to talk to you about baby's NORMAL test results. Just give me a call tomorrow. Not to worry, mama." Oh my. I just started bawling, I was so relieved. Like I said, I knew it all along. It just felt so good to hear him say it.
Monday, November 14, 2005
The jump rope is kicking my butt..
WHEW!! I keep it in the kitchen. Every time I go in there I make my self do at least 20 rotations (is that what I should call them? You get the idea, right?). So, that way if I put anything in my mouth, I am working a bit harder for it. And, I think twice about if I really want it that badly. ;) I am up to 100 already today. LOL I have also done 15 sit-ups, and I hate them more with every one I do. C'est la vie. No pain, no gain, I guess.
I may jinx all of the northeast, but isn't this weather to die for? Omgosh. I can't believe it has been steadily in the 60's through mid-november. It is truly wonderful for this time of year. I am not much of a winter person. Yeah, it is pretty at first. But, really I would be happy with snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then it could go away until the next year. I hate to be cold and I loathe having to drive in the stuff.
All the cakes I posted are nixed as of last night. Jaycie has decided she wants a Disney Princess party. I should have known. So, she wants a sleeping beauty cake. You know, one of those ones where the dress is a cake? I will have to make a 3 tiered one, because there is no way that little dress will be enough cake for everyone. I am sure it will turn out great. It just isn't as challenging as I had hoped. :) Oh well, I am making several other cakes for birthday parties in the next couple of months. Maybe I will have mastered the fondant by then.
I may jinx all of the northeast, but isn't this weather to die for? Omgosh. I can't believe it has been steadily in the 60's through mid-november. It is truly wonderful for this time of year. I am not much of a winter person. Yeah, it is pretty at first. But, really I would be happy with snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then it could go away until the next year. I hate to be cold and I loathe having to drive in the stuff.
All the cakes I posted are nixed as of last night. Jaycie has decided she wants a Disney Princess party. I should have known. So, she wants a sleeping beauty cake. You know, one of those ones where the dress is a cake? I will have to make a 3 tiered one, because there is no way that little dress will be enough cake for everyone. I am sure it will turn out great. It just isn't as challenging as I had hoped. :) Oh well, I am making several other cakes for birthday parties in the next couple of months. Maybe I will have mastered the fondant by then.
The Christmas card photo search has begun.
This is not card-worthy, but I was just warming up. ;) I plan on getting some pics of them all together maybe this evening. She is just the sweetest, isn't she?
Friday, November 11, 2005
I am a blog thief.
I am jumping on the alphabet bandwagon. :)
ABC's of me (should there be an apostrophe there? I always forget, I know that doesn't show possesion so maybe not. Mary, want to clue me in?)
A is for Age-29.
B is for Booze- Captain and Coke or anything sour apple.
C is for Career-I am actually one measly year away from having a bachelor's in special and elementary education. Until then, I run a daycare in my home so I can be home for my three little ones.
D is for Dad's name-Stephen
E is for essential items to bring to a party-snacks!
F is for favorite songs of the moment-"Today" by Kenny Chesney,"Must Be Doing Something Right" by Billy Currington, and "Photograph" by Nickelback.
G is for Goof-off thing to do-play silly games with the kids.
H is for Hometown-Port Allegany, PA.
I is for instrument you play-I played the clarinet in elementary school and I can play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the piano (does that count?).
J is for Jam or Jelly you like-I like it all.
K is for kids- three girls, 6,3, and 2 months.
L is for living arrangement-3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style.
M is for Mom's name-Leslie.
N is for Names of Best Friends-Janine, Melissa, and Michelle.
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays-6-two with the birth of each of my children.
P is for Phobias-driving over bridges.
Q is for quote you like-"You're always a little bit better and a little stronger than you think you are."
R is for relationship that lasted longest-Husband, 8 years.
S is for siblings- One younger brother and one younger sister.
T is for Texas, ever been? Nope, but I have a family and a few friends there, so it could happen.
U is for unique trait- I have teeny tiny wrists and fingernails. Weird.
V is for vegetable you love-aparagus, corn on the cob, and peas and beans right out of the garden.
W is for worst traits-procrastinator, emotional eater.
X is for x-rays you have had- Many on my spine. I had scholiosis as a child, but have since outgrown it.
Y is for yummy food you make-Lasagna and Ham and Potatoes au Gratin.
Z is for zodiac sign-Libra.
ABC's of me (should there be an apostrophe there? I always forget, I know that doesn't show possesion so maybe not. Mary, want to clue me in?)
A is for Age-29.
B is for Booze- Captain and Coke or anything sour apple.
C is for Career-I am actually one measly year away from having a bachelor's in special and elementary education. Until then, I run a daycare in my home so I can be home for my three little ones.
D is for Dad's name-Stephen
E is for essential items to bring to a party-snacks!
F is for favorite songs of the moment-"Today" by Kenny Chesney,"Must Be Doing Something Right" by Billy Currington, and "Photograph" by Nickelback.
G is for Goof-off thing to do-play silly games with the kids.
H is for Hometown-Port Allegany, PA.
I is for instrument you play-I played the clarinet in elementary school and I can play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the piano (does that count?).
J is for Jam or Jelly you like-I like it all.
K is for kids- three girls, 6,3, and 2 months.
L is for living arrangement-3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style.
M is for Mom's name-Leslie.
N is for Names of Best Friends-Janine, Melissa, and Michelle.
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays-6-two with the birth of each of my children.
P is for Phobias-driving over bridges.
Q is for quote you like-"You're always a little bit better and a little stronger than you think you are."
R is for relationship that lasted longest-Husband, 8 years.
S is for siblings- One younger brother and one younger sister.
T is for Texas, ever been? Nope, but I have a family and a few friends there, so it could happen.
U is for unique trait- I have teeny tiny wrists and fingernails. Weird.
V is for vegetable you love-aparagus, corn on the cob, and peas and beans right out of the garden.
W is for worst traits-procrastinator, emotional eater.
X is for x-rays you have had- Many on my spine. I had scholiosis as a child, but have since outgrown it.
Y is for yummy food you make-Lasagna and Ham and Potatoes au Gratin.
Z is for zodiac sign-Libra.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Are you an "emotional eater?"
I am. :(
I am so disapointed in myself. I have been doing really well watching what I have been eating. Well, today has been a difficult day. My heart is heavy, because I am worrying about my kids for various reasons. So, of course I have been stuffing my face all day. UGH. I wish I was one of those people who couldn't eat when they are stressed. No such luck.
I seriously wonder if my children will need therapy when they are grown because I have f$#cked up so badly. Especially Jaycie. She is my first, therefore the guinea pig in a sense. Right now, she is going through this defiant, mouthy phase. Really, it is just quite exhausting. I am running out of ideas. The thing is that I know it will eventually get way worse before it gets better. She is the carbon copy of her mom, so the butting heads has really just begun. Of course, Kenna wants to be just like her big sister. So, she is picking up some not-so-great stuff from Jaycie. So, now I have two of them not listening and mouthing off. Wonderful. The teenage years ought to be a real trip. There will be so much estrogen flying around this house, it frightens me. My poor husband.
I am so disapointed in myself. I have been doing really well watching what I have been eating. Well, today has been a difficult day. My heart is heavy, because I am worrying about my kids for various reasons. So, of course I have been stuffing my face all day. UGH. I wish I was one of those people who couldn't eat when they are stressed. No such luck.
I seriously wonder if my children will need therapy when they are grown because I have f$#cked up so badly. Especially Jaycie. She is my first, therefore the guinea pig in a sense. Right now, she is going through this defiant, mouthy phase. Really, it is just quite exhausting. I am running out of ideas. The thing is that I know it will eventually get way worse before it gets better. She is the carbon copy of her mom, so the butting heads has really just begun. Of course, Kenna wants to be just like her big sister. So, she is picking up some not-so-great stuff from Jaycie. So, now I have two of them not listening and mouthing off. Wonderful. The teenage years ought to be a real trip. There will be so much estrogen flying around this house, it frightens me. My poor husband.
Monday, November 07, 2005
The hunt is on.
Jaycie's 7th birthday is next month and I am completely anal about coming up with the perfect cake and then making it. :) We are not even sure where or when the party will be, but I am already obsessing about the cake. Right now I am really going back and forth on 3 cakes. Two are castle cakes and one is a cake decorated with cookies. They are all adorable.
This one (only more girly--pink and purple):
I would also ice the cones.I don't like them like that.
Or a variation of this one (I would use regular icing--I haven't mastered fondant yet, also I don't think it tastes as good.):
Here is the cookie one. It was on the cover of the 2004 Wilton yearbook. Of course it would be pink and purple with princess themed cookies on the top (tiaras, hearts, etc)And of course I would probably improvise where the fondant is supposed to be:
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Quick! I only have a month to decide!
This one (only more girly--pink and purple):
I would also ice the cones.I don't like them like that.
Or a variation of this one (I would use regular icing--I haven't mastered fondant yet, also I don't think it tastes as good.):
Here is the cookie one. It was on the cover of the 2004 Wilton yearbook. Of course it would be pink and purple with princess themed cookies on the top (tiaras, hearts, etc)And of course I would probably improvise where the fondant is supposed to be:
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Quick! I only have a month to decide!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Maybe it isn't as silly as I had originally thought.
Get Roped Into Fitness
Having some trouble getting into exercise? Maybe the solution is to jump-start your fitness program--with a jump rope.
Edward Jackowski, author of Hold It! You're Exercising Wrong, says a jump rope is the best fitness investment you can make. It is inexpensive and can be used almost anywhere. Jackowski claims 10 minutes of high intensity jumping provides the equivalent workout of running 30 minutes--with about half as much impact on joints. Jumping rope can burn between 600 and 1,000 calories an hour; strengthen and tone all major muscle groups; and improve coordination, balance, agility, timing, and hand-eye coordination.
"Running does not do that," Jackowski says. "We put jump ropes in runners' hands and-pffft--they die."
He recommends jumping on hardwood floors that "give," rather than on concrete. Also, jump to music. Wear cross-training shoes and use a plastic or vinyl rope. After a quick warm-up, including stretching your calves, do the basic two-feet-together jumping at about 100 revolutions per minute. You need to jump only an inch or so off the floor.
Starting out, just jump far a minute or two--you'll find that's plenty. As you progress, your jumping can get as fancy as you like, but try moving feet from side to side or forward and backward as you jump for an extra workout. As you progress, your jumping can get as fancy as you like, but try moving feet from side to side or forward and backward as you jump for an extra workout.
Having some trouble getting into exercise? Maybe the solution is to jump-start your fitness program--with a jump rope.
Edward Jackowski, author of Hold It! You're Exercising Wrong, says a jump rope is the best fitness investment you can make. It is inexpensive and can be used almost anywhere. Jackowski claims 10 minutes of high intensity jumping provides the equivalent workout of running 30 minutes--with about half as much impact on joints. Jumping rope can burn between 600 and 1,000 calories an hour; strengthen and tone all major muscle groups; and improve coordination, balance, agility, timing, and hand-eye coordination.
"Running does not do that," Jackowski says. "We put jump ropes in runners' hands and-pffft--they die."
He recommends jumping on hardwood floors that "give," rather than on concrete. Also, jump to music. Wear cross-training shoes and use a plastic or vinyl rope. After a quick warm-up, including stretching your calves, do the basic two-feet-together jumping at about 100 revolutions per minute. You need to jump only an inch or so off the floor.
Starting out, just jump far a minute or two--you'll find that's plenty. As you progress, your jumping can get as fancy as you like, but try moving feet from side to side or forward and backward as you jump for an extra workout. As you progress, your jumping can get as fancy as you like, but try moving feet from side to side or forward and backward as you jump for an extra workout.
Don't laugh.
Ok, so I *have* to lose this baby weight. I am drooling over a specific treadmill to buy, but don't want to spend the money until after the holidays. However, I cannot wait that long to get rid of these extra pounds. I want to look cute in new dresses for holiday parties. ;) My days are so crazy with the daycare and my own kids' extracurricular activities that I literally have NO time for myself. So , I let the gym membership go and I just cannot seem to get outside and walk. No time, or too many kids tagging along. My solution: I bought a jump rope.
Yeah, that's right...I did say not to laugh.
This sucker isn't any old jump rope either. It has ball bearings for faster rotation and no-slip grips. LOL I just need to sweat a bit, you know? I thought my husband was going to choke on his pizza last night when I showed it to him. But hey, whatever works. I will jump rope and do sit ups every chance I get, people. I need to get back to the skinny me, and starving my self just isn't cutting it. It has been so long since I have jumped rope, I wasn't sure I could still do it. It took me a few tries, but I got it. Just like riding a bike, I guess. I am glad I bought it. Too bad I forgot to buy a sports bra, the twins are complicating things. ;)
Yeah, that's right...I did say not to laugh.
This sucker isn't any old jump rope either. It has ball bearings for faster rotation and no-slip grips. LOL I just need to sweat a bit, you know? I thought my husband was going to choke on his pizza last night when I showed it to him. But hey, whatever works. I will jump rope and do sit ups every chance I get, people. I need to get back to the skinny me, and starving my self just isn't cutting it. It has been so long since I have jumped rope, I wasn't sure I could still do it. It took me a few tries, but I got it. Just like riding a bike, I guess. I am glad I bought it. Too bad I forgot to buy a sports bra, the twins are complicating things. ;)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
My cocky attitude has caught up with me.
This past weekend, I got pulled over. We had just got off the interstate (speed limit 65) and were on the last leg of the trip to the in-laws. This particular stretch is out in the middle of nowhere. You go a few miles and hit a little town ( to actually call it a "town" is pushing it). Go a few more miles, hit another small town. And so on and so forth. So naturally, the speed limit will change from 55 to 30 to 25 rather quickly. If you aren't paying attention, it isn' t difficult to miss. I know, excuses, excuses. However, I still had a lead foot from being on the interstate and hadn't acclimated myself to the lower speed limit. I was going 50 in a 35. YIKES. As soon as I passed the officer, I knew I was busted. He pulled us over and C.K. was coming all unglued. "I told you before that you need to pay attention on this road, blah, blah, blah." I said, "Relax, he won't give me a ticket." Turns out, he was a very nice guy. ;) No ticket, no written warning, nada. I had to say, "I told you so." to my husband who was irritated that in the 8 years we have been together, I have been pulled over three times for speeding and not received one ticket. LOL
But, it caught up to me last night when I took the girls to Brownies. I always park on the same side of the street as the school because I usually have a carload of kids and don't want to take the chance of crossing the street with all of them when I only have two hands. When I pulled up to the school, there were at least 5 other cars parked there (as usual). I stopped the car directly in front of the same sign that I have parked in front of every other Wednesday evening for the past three years. "No parking this side of street." This time it cost me (and at least five others) $10. Oh well, such is life.
But, it caught up to me last night when I took the girls to Brownies. I always park on the same side of the street as the school because I usually have a carload of kids and don't want to take the chance of crossing the street with all of them when I only have two hands. When I pulled up to the school, there were at least 5 other cars parked there (as usual). I stopped the car directly in front of the same sign that I have parked in front of every other Wednesday evening for the past three years. "No parking this side of street." This time it cost me (and at least five others) $10. Oh well, such is life.
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