Too Early For Such Questions...

I didn't even have time to wonder about what I was writing today when the moment all mom's pray never happens, happened. My 5 y/o walked in at an inopportune moment (don't they always) and saw me placing something in my underwear.

"What is that called?"

"A pad or pantiliner."

"Why does it go there." He pointed.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Um hum." He shook his head vigorously.

"It's kind of gross." Maybe not what I should have said but better than what I wanted to say... "I'm not telling and you can't make me!"

"Yes, why?"

...and then I told him. Yes honey, if you're reading this, Dylan knows about that now. I told him it would be better if he didn't tell people about it because it might make them uncomfortable and it really isn't something we talk about. Again, might not be the best thing to say but it is better than the whole story coming out in the grocery at top volume, a phone call from one of his friends parents, or a blow-by-blow description to a older male relative while I'm present (I really don't need that look that says, "WHY, would you tell him that?") Okay, so I will hear that as soon as hubby reads this but once is enough.

And all this before 9 a.m.

How many days before they go back to school?

9/79 - 70? Arghhhh!

Weather, Vermont & Food

Yes, I'm reduced to discussing the weather. I'm not really complaining about the weather. It is a little odd that at the end of June we are still wearing pants and long sleeves.

My main concern is with each chilly day that passes we are that much closer to our camping trip. In Vermont. In the mountains. Where it is always cooler. I do not sleep well in the cold. Outside. On the ground. Actually, I wake up with migraines in those conditions. Hence the concern.

I'm hoping for a heat wave the second weekend in July. Then it can cool off again. Hot is good. There is a lake. Even hot and rainy would be okay. Cold and wet - a disaster.

Besides, it is more fun to eat Ben & Jerry's when hot. (we must always stop at B&J's) Yes, one reason I agree to drive so far for a camping trip each year is the fact we MUST pass the B&J factory to and from the campground. That means we MUST stop there.

One more note... If you are looking for the best pizza on the planet, go to Pie In The Sky in Stowe. Simply the best.

8/79

Help...

DO NOT BUY i dig dirt. I can NOT get that darn song out of my head. It is driving me insane. I'm going to have to start blasting some Red Hot Chili Peppers or Violent Femmes.

If you do purchase this movie know:

- It will give you a 1/2 hour of uninterrupted time.

- Be prepared for obsession from your toddler/preschooler.

- You MUST NOT be within hearing distance or it will drive you insane.

Anyway, more insanity. I actually caved and the two older boys are having friends over today. Not sure what I was thinking. To top it off, it looks like rain. Noooooo! I will banish them to the garage to play ping pong, then I will lock all the doors. ~Mawhawhaaaa!~

Okay, so I won't lock the doors. I can dream can't I?

i dig dirt

My youngest has just discovered the movie i dig dirt. I had actually forgotten all about it. We were sifting through the videos this weekend and came across it. It came out right after my oldest was born and was his favorite for the longest time. What you ask is i dig dirt? Well, if you didn't click the link above to find out...

The movie is 1/2 hour (perfect for trying to shower with a toddler around). It shows kids and giant bulldozers, earthmovers, and all kinds of tractor-like construction-type equipment I can't name. I used to know them all but it has been too long since I've watched it.

I haven't met a boy who hasn't loved it. Perfect for kids 1-5. I'm not sure how girls would like it. There are girls in the movie. I just have no experience with what girls like. I'm sure some would love it. If you want to buy it go to Amazon.

Be warned... your child will go around singing "i dig dirt, i dig dirt" for weeks. You will too.

7/79

Yoga, Ella Enchanted, & The Princess Bride

It never fails. The one day I get up early to do yoga - and Zach gets up. And he wants me. And he wants to hang on me.

I only made it through about 1/3 of the tape today. I couldn't take the nagging any more. To be truthful, I couldn't take the stiffness in my legs either. This is obviously something I have to start doing again.

I never told you all how we liked Ella Enchanted...

It was "totally different from the book," Alex said.

Even Tyler who has only started the book agreed. "Even the beginning is different!"

But... we all enjoyed it. I did have to cringe a bit at the elves singing and dancing. It was a bit much with all those sequins.

Did anyone else notice who played the evil uncle (who was not, BTW, in the book)? Yes, the man in black, AKA Wesley, AKA farm boy, AKA Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride. It did take me about 1/2 the movie to realize who he was. I must admit, I think The Princess Bride is still my all time favorite movie.

6/79 & I'm getting out today! (without the children)

Rejection

Now besides the whining of small children I must deal with a rejection. Not your average rejection which I'm use to but a slap-in-face one that arrived in this morning's mail.

This rejection was on a submission I sent out on May 2, 2003. Yes, I said 2003. It consisted of my SASE and a form reject. No mention of the actual manuscript, in fact, no manuscript. It is common practice that when one submits a manuscript and SASE with enough postage to return the manuscript, the publisher actually returns it. I figure they lost all materials I sent but the SASE and just stuck the form in to ease any guilt they were feeling.

The rejection was from an editor I have worked on revisions for in the past (on another manuscript which she did not buy - and I scrapped the revisions) and sent 2 status queries on this particular piece. I never heard back. I had actually given up.

I'm excited I sent out two reworked pieces this week. I've had good feelings about them. This has put a bit of a damper on things. Oh well, three manuscripts out and more to work on. I'd better get on with it...

5/79 & everyone still alive

Day 4

It is day 4 of summer vacation. The children are all still alive. No major injuries yet. So far, so good. From now on I will include a counter for summer vacation at the end of posts. Lets face it, every Mom needs to count down. So... today it is 4/79. 79??? What were they thinking? We can usually make it to about 50 and then I fear actual death. The children have had enough of each other and try with more determination to seriously maim each other. We're talking the kind of determination they use when eating an ice cream cone.

Okay, enough about the future. Who knows if we'll even make it that far.

Back to now...

The children thought it would be fun to add cereal to an almost full gallon of milk this morning. Guess my coffee will be cinnamon Life flavored for the next couple of days. I thought they might be on good behavior since Grammy & I are taking them to a movie today. Foolish me.

I'm hoping the movie trip goes well. With the youngest 4 now it doesn't usually involve chasing anyone around the theater during the movie. There are no guarantees though.

We are going to see Ella Enchanted. Alex has read it twice and is very excited about seeing it. Tyler has just started the book. I've heard the movie is very different from the book. We'll see what the kids have to say. I love the book but am kind of cringing about seeing the movie. Oh well, approximately 2 hours of them not fighting (I hope) is worth it.

Off to get ready...

A Quiet Night At Home

Yes, tonight we can have a quiet night at home. No sports, no meetings, no obligations... YAY!

The menaces (the two little ones)are at it again. Their latest adventure is trying to get onto the kitchen roof. Yes, the roof.

They saw Alex go out there once when a bird was stuck in our stove exhaust pipe. I sent him out to rap on the pipe to try to get the offending bird to stop making a nest and leave. Unfortunately, menace 1 and menace 2 saw this and got the bright idea to go out there. I heard them chatting about this as they went upstairs on the last day of school. Amazing the trouble these two can get into with two free hours!

So I sprinted upstairs. And anyone who knows me can tell you, that is very rare indeed and most likely very funny to watch. I found them in standing by the office window looking out at the roof, trying to figure out how to open it.

"Mom, will you open this?" said Menace #1. "We want to go out on the roof."

"No, you may not go on the roof." This was me.

"No, Mom... we'll be really careful. We'll sit in the corner over there. We promise!" Dylan again.

"Yeah, there is a little spot right there," said Menace #2, Zach. "It's safe!"

"No, you are not allowed on the roof. It is too dangerous."

"But we just want to go out like Alex did." (#1)

"Yeah, like Alex." (#2)

"I said No. Now get away from the window."

"Mom! You're so not fair!" (#1)

Various indignant grunts and groans were heard as they wandered away and I stood guard at the window.

Now I am terrified they will sneak up and get the window open on their own. As unlikely as that seems since the window is ancient and held open by pegs. (I can barely get it to stay open.) Only those who have not seen the ingenuity these two have when together would doubt their ability to do anything. So life is now constant fear that I will find them on the roof or more likely one falling off the roof.

"What was that noise? It sounds like something fell off the roof."

I Survived

I survived the first day of summer vacation. It was a little rough going in the beginning but it got better. I think it is going to take a little getting use to. The kids have actually said they weren't ready for school to end. Dylan told me tonight that he missed it already.

I took pictures of Tyler's last baseball game tonight. Tomorrow is his last gymnastics class for the year. Alex has 2 games left. Sounds great but soccer starts next week. 4 nights a week...

Now some tulips from my garden...

Graduation!

It's over ~sniff, sniff~ Dylan graduated kindergarten. The older boys will be home in 2 1/2 hours. Summer is here. Work will slow to a crawl. Maybe a dragging, lurching, sluggish, forward movement is more accurate.

Dylan was magnificent as a dog in The Little Red Hen performed at the ceremony. He did forget one of his lines but he was bold and unapologetic. We used Dad's new video camera to record Dylan's first theatrical adventure.

The camera will be busy this week recording baseball games and Tyler's final gymnastic class of the year. We've recorded the last class each of the previous years. It always amazes me the progress he makes from year to year.

Alex is sad about school getting out. He LOVES his teachers and is not ready to move on. Not just on, on to a new school where he will be at the bottom of the totem pole again... 4th grade.

Zach is just glad to get his partner in crime back for the summer.

I think Jeff had a good Father's Day. You'll have to ask him. He taped the first local Golf Open in the backyard. Very amusing.

Off to make lunch and convince the kids to let me nap. 2 hours of sleep at night is NOT enough.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I'd like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. Mine in particular. My husband too. He is a great Dad and as the card I gave him this morning said, brave to come home from work every night.

Now I must go and prepare for a Dad's Day lunch. It is also time to get ready for the last day of school and kindergarten graduation. Yes, it's true. Tomorrow is it. So now I'm off to bake MORE COOKIES!

More Pictures

Zach the T-Rex

Another of the T-Rex

Zach blowing out his Scooby-Doo candle

...another flower picture

Enjoy!

One Day Left...

One day left of school... ~sniff, sniff~ Actually, Dylan graduates on Monday and we bring him home with us. So this is it... Whaaa!

Weather here is drab and foggy. Not the best time for that. Dylan has the annual kindergarten zoo field trip and Alex was suppose to have a play outside day - something about tennis and a sprinkler.

CONGRATULATIONS to Dave and Jen!

They had a beautiful baby boy on June 16th. Can't wait to see him. Think they'll let me hold him? I've had a terrible case of baby lust lately. This would be a great way to get past it.

CONGRATULATIONS to Denise Ortakales, my newest crit buddy and the reason for the new Critmunks group I belong to. She just found out her book The Legend Of The Old Man Of The Mountain will be featured on the cover of the NEBA Holiday Catalog. YAY! (NEBA = New England Booksellers Association)The book will be out in September 2004.

Off to actually work!

Good Morning!

I feel a bit like the weather - overcast and humid. The running around for the week is over and now down to things like baking (yes, again), card making, and writing. Ah, to write in my jammies. I love it!

The party went well. The kids seemed to have fun. I'm glad I didn't plan much as the kids pretty much ignored the adults and ran in and out of the house playing. They all got along and not one cried. I think it's a record.

Zach now has plenty of things to keep him occupied and he is sharing with his brothers. They have all been very busy. Dylan didn't want to go to school because he was too busy playing. I also have a dinosaur running around off and on throught the day now. Yes, Grammy got him a new dinosaur outfit which he has wanted since he outgrew the old one. So YAY Grammy! I am trying to convince him not to wear the mask all the time though.

The only disappointment was no puppy.

"When am I getting my puppy?" Zach asked yesterday.

"Not any time soon sweetie," was my reply. "Where are your kid k'nex?"

"Ohhh, in here." He then ran off and played.

I'm not sure how long the distraction techniques will work.

Party Time!

Today Zach is 4! 

The party starts at noon. I'm a little worried about them overthrowing me. Actually, 5 four-year-olds isn't too bad. They will be making pizzas, eating cake (something Zach insists we must not forget), and presents (again, something Zach insists we must not forget). The rest of the time they are going to play. Play what you ask? Just play. There are hordes of toys to chose from and if the weather holds - looking a bit overcast this a.m. - running like maniacs outside.

When I asked Zach if he wanted to play any games he said, "no, we're just going to play and eat cake." 

"Crafts?" I asked.

"No eat cake and open presents," was his reply.

So, that's that. I did cover the dining room table with paper so if they want to draw they can. I was hoping to move the eating outside but it doesn't look like that will happen.

Off to frost the cake...

Pictures of the Boys

Here is what you have been waiting for. Well, not the ones I promised, but others. Alex at bat in the 1st game of his double header on Saturday

Alex on the bench

 Alex at the Fishing Derby on Sunday

Tyler holding a stuffed egg (don't ask)

 And finally, last but definitely not least - SCAR...

Yes, the scar is the dent in his right cheek.

 Good night!

What's My Pirate Name?

This is what it told me.

Your pirate name is:

Captain Bess Bonney

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Just A Quick Note

Things here are crazy. No time for anything. Zach's birthday party is tomorrow. I haven't even planned anything more than making pizza with the kids for lunch.

To Do List:

• Buy teacher presents
• Buy party stuff
• Mail Father's Day/Birthday gift (yes Dad, yours)
• Make cake
• Exterminate dust bunnies
• Zach's 4 year check-up
• ACK! Who has time for this???

Must get going. Forget the list...

Oh NO! I don't even have a present for him!!!!

Dogs, Puppies & Brothers

The barrage has begun. The boys have started nagging me for a dog. Zach is the worst. He keeps telling me we must go and get one NOW. They want a poodle. It seems Dylan is not allergic to them. Our neighbor has a black toy poodle. Too cute! Dad is opposed. I'm secretly (guess not so secret now) agreeing with the kids. I'm ready for a dog! I never thought the day would come.

I've also been wanting another child. Yes, stop laughing. Seems four isn't enough. The boys have been lobbying for another brother. I think the dog is a better choice at this time.

Must run errands. 5 days left of school and 2 until Zach's birthday. Only 6 until Father's Day. I'M NOT READY!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Wanted to wish you a happy birthday Dad. You gift is coming. The post office was closed Friday and I can never seem to make it there on Saturdays. So it will hopefully be there by Father's Day.

Alex & Tyler are with Jeff (their Dad) at a cub scout fishing derby at the local DEC. Looks like rain but hoping it holds off.

I still need to mow the lawn before the weeds take over and the cupboards are bare again. Must get to the store if for nothing else than milk and more tissues. The good news is, my red nose is less conspicuous now with the sun burn. It all blends together.

In case you were wondering if I really did do any work on my WIP (work-in-progress, for the person asking)... the answer is no. Jeff put in a movie last night and I ended up watching it. That is the trouble with having the computer in the same room. Okay, I admit it, as I said last night, I was using paper and pencil. I could have gone somewhere else - but I didn't. I can't tell which movie because it is one of his Father's Day presents and he isn't suppose to get it until next week. Shhh....

PS- Should be more pictures to post tomorrow.

PPS- Does anyone know what to do when your kids start nagging for a dog?

Ahhh, the Sun

My first sunburn of the season. It's not a bad one, just on one arm. I think all the sunshine did me good. Seems to have dried up my sinuses a bit too.

Alex did great in today's games. He even got a homerun. The scores were 1-3 (only the 2nd time Alex's team has lost) and 10-6. They actually had to stop the first inning because his team got so many homeruns. I think the limit per inning is 8. Not bad considering they are all 9-12 years old.

Afterwards, we went to Nana's and swam. The kids had a blast. She even made us dinner. What a great day! Not home to do work and didn't even have to cook. No dishes either. It has been a long time since we spent a day just playing.

Must get to work now. Haven't worked on my WIP since Wednesday. Ack! I was on such a roll. Must get back on that horse...

...wait, I don't ride horses. Must get on the stick. hmmm... do they mean a pogo stick? How about just pick back up the pencil. (and yes, I do use a pencil)

Quick note

Yes, I'm procrastinating again.

I just updated my links page on my website. I've added some of my fellow Hamsters' website links. Now you can meet some of them.

Blah...

That is how I feel. Head colds stink!

I have managed to finish the laundry and do the dishes for a change. Even did a few other household chores. I really should start writing now that the house is less of a disaster. Maybe after lunch...

I am feeling sorry for myself. A bunch of my fellow Hamsters (writing friends) are having a camping smooze this weekend. I want to go! Unfortunately, with school ending, birthdays, and everything else that is going on - no time to travel to Maine. ~sigh~

The event is taking place at the lovely Poland Spring Campground in where else but Poland Spring, Maine. Check out there site. I'm thinking of planning a trip out next summer to go camping with the family.

Must go make lunch, check the mailbox for rejection letters and take a nap (Yeah, right. Like that might happen.)

Only a minor affliction...

The rash is fifths disease. No big deal, it just looks like we slapped the poor boy on the cheeks really hard and when he runs around his face gets a bit lumpy looking. It isn't bothering him a bit.

I remembered that we WILL be at the doctors next week... it is Zach's 4 year check up. Yes, his birthday is on the 16th. Hard to believe the "baby" is turning 4. Goodness that is cliche! Why do people say that??? I suppose because it is true. I am making a vow to try to never say such things again. (Yes, I know I'll probably say it again before the weekend is out.)

Must get to bed. A head cold attacked me this afternoon and I need SLEEP!

PS- For everyone asking...the gorilla is Zach.

Rash...

No, I have not made any rash decisions lately. Dylan has a rash and we can't figure out why. I had to pick him up from school today and we have an appointment with the Dr. this afternoon.

For those of you who don't know the way it works in this family - we spend weeks at the Dr's then nothing for months. As you can guess, we are coming off a long healthy period. Now to make up for it we will be visiting the doctor every week for about 1 1/2 months. At least that has been the trend in the past. I figure we are in week 4 - past the 1/2 way point. YAY!

May you all stay rash free...

Frustration!

I just noticed my new header isn't showing the photo AND my "home" button is not showing. I've been trying to figure out how to fix this and can't. Arg!

Here is a photo of a gorilla blowing bubbles...

 

and another for you to enjoy...

 

I did have some of the other boys but the computer isn't cooperating. Maybe tomorrow.

Teeth, Ceremony & Shopping

Today we begin our journey into the land of orthodontics. Alex has his first appointment today. I'll pick the kids up early from school and off we go. I'm hoping we can put off the rest of the journey for a bit longer but we know it is just a matter of time. They will all need braces. Doomed I say!

This a.m. is busy too. Certificate ceremonies at nursery school and the last day of volunteering in kindergarten for the year. This is it - no more time alone. What will I do?

I also have to squeeze grocery shopping in there somewhere. Unless I plan to feed the family whatever is in those cans in the back of the cupboard on the top shelf or Jello, I'd better get my act together. BTW, how do the boxes of Jello accumulate? I just found 10-12 boxes in the cupboard. Scary!

The Snowflake Method of Writing Novels

I have actually been WORKING on my current WIP all day. A writer friend was nice enough to send me some info on the Snowflake Method this morning. The odd part is - she didn't know I needed it AND I have it floating around the house somewhere and didn't look for it because I didn't realize I needed it.

If anyone would like to learn how to use this method for writing a novel, here is the link The Snowflake Method

It was just what I needed when I needed it. Now the children are home and I really must start caring for them and plan dinner...

A New Week

The cookie baking is done for another 2 weeks. YAY! Gives me time to lose the weight I gained from this last round.

Tomorrow is the unveiling. Unveiling of what you ask? Stitch's new scar. The steri-strips can come off tomorrow. From what we can see it looks good. Stitch is now doing death defying stunts on a regular basis in the hopes of getting more stitches.

Got my first feedback on my WIP. Looks good. Lots more work but it seems to be heading in the right direction. YAY!

The countdown is on... 10 days of school left.

Please Don't Faint

No, I did not stay up until 6 a.m. I actually got out of bed at 5:30 without anyone/thing waking me up. Odd, I know. Now that I'm even {gasp} showered I thought I would start on the cookies but alas, I forgot to buy butter and margarine. Since I'd rather not waste my quiet time running to the grocery that is open 24 hours I thought I'd get back to work on my current WIP. (I'm starting to think that's the title!) Will have to wait until the local grocery opens to bake.

Can you see me giddy about the fact I have another excuse not to bake? Coffee is ready...

Friday, ACK!

It's proven. Today I got up late and was still dragging children from bed at 8 a.m.

My WIP is going in a new direction (still not telling what direction that is). It's still moving along and I haven't lost interest yet. Always a good sign.

Errands to run today. I was a slacker on that front yesterday.

Stitch is no longer stitched. He is steri-stripped. Looks good so far. He was brave again. In 5 days we should be able to remove the band-aid and strips and check out the damage.

Must get my butt in gear. Not quite ready to face the weekend.

Why?

Why is it the one morning I get up early to work they all get up? I have been waking the troops around 7:45 lately but today they are all up by 6:45? I was looking forward to a quiet hour to organize the day - but no. I didn't even have time to make a cup of coffee before the neediness began.

Starting the rewrite on my WIP. It is in sad, sad shape. The thing is, I'm just happy to have it in any shape right now. Tyler snagged it and actually took it to bed last night, refusing to let me work on it because he was in the middle of reading it. I know, no one cares what your kids think. The thing is, I do. It is nice to know someone will enjoy it even if it is only my offspring.

Finally sunny here. A nice, productive day to all...

(but not too productive or I'll feel the slacker)

Busy, Busy

I may be quiet for the next couple of days. Things are crazy with Zach's birthday coming up. He is the line leader at school tomorrow and I need to make cupcakes for his class. Of course, I have to grocery shop first. Hard to make cupcakes with no cake mix.

I am also trying to pull the loose ends together for our nursery school teacher's retirement party. Luckily, I am just one of a few working on this.

Stitch is nervous about getting his stitches out tomorrow. I think I've reassured him it won't open up again. He seemed fine when he got on the bus. Off to the next excitement - they are studying dinosaurs at school this week. He found 2 books to bring for sharing. (Sharing is his favorite thing at school but it has to be relevant to the subject they are working on and no toys. He has trouble finding stuff he can show so today is a great day in his world.)

Rain here AGAIN. I don't mind so much but baseball season is suffering. Hopefully it will dry out by Friday. 

Must get on with the day...

A Rainy Memorial Day

Well, Alex & Tyler marched with the cub scouts in the Memorial Day parade. Alex presented a wreath at the memorial. I missed a picture because no one told me he would be doing it. The rain was nice enough to hold off until the parade ended. Not nice enough to end before Alex's baseball game. We are hoping things dry out by Friday.

Stitch is healing well and very proud of his bravery status. I made the appointment for the removal. He seemed to be feeling a little sad that he'd have nothing to show come Thursday evening so I reminded him of the cool new scar he will be sporting. All there is to do now is wait and see if he makes us call him scar. The bad news is I spoke to the school nurse. He's not allowed out to recess or gym until he gets a note from the doctor clearing him. He is NOT going to be happy when he gets home.

Watched The Princess Bride last night. It is still one of my all time favorite movies. I did notice Buttercup is completely helpless. I really wanted her to whack the R.O.U.S. with the club she was wielding in the fire swamp. But no. She never does help out Wesley - doesn't matter how many times I watch it and yell at the TV screen. I really must reread the novel.