happy birthday to... hubby?

Bear's 3rd birthday is tomorrow. I sent hubby out to pick up her gift from us. While he was at it, he found a new car for himself.

My mazda 626 which we bought right after we got married is going bye-bye. It's been an idiot magnet, plus I had one accident that was my fault, so I am only slightly sorry to see it go.... just over 9 years later.

Not looking forward to having a car payment again, but I don't want the transmission to leave either of us stranded, and we were offered a decent trade in value.

He owes me. A new bike and new car all in one year. Yes, he really owes me. ;)

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

He's officially out of his 20's. Maybe Tech Mom can post about the adventures of having a baby 7 weeks ahead of her due date, since she hasn't posted in ages. (not so subtle hint.) We went to a cookout with some friends from his work (and a couple of my blogging buddies, the co-workers wives) last night. This morning I actually made him eggs and toast for breakfast and Hannah and I gave him his cards and gifts. One of which we ended up returning, but my feelings are not hurt. It was more of a symbolic gift, as I didn't want to just say "here, go buy this." So Bear and I found something somewhat similar to what we knew hubby wanted and bought it anyway. Shockingly, it didn't quite work, but since hubby has my "approval", he has found a couple of contender's for his motorcycle jacket birthday gift picked out online. (I do have to say that Bear was smitten by the Kayak's and bikes at the store where we found the jacket that didn't quite work. It was adorable.)

This afternoon, our next door neighbor's had a cookout for their son's 1sst birthday, and this evening another neighbor and friend had a cookout for her 30th birthday, which is actually tomorrow. Hubby didn't seem to mind having the spotlight off him.

For this week's Tackle It Tuesday meme, I'm bragging on my hubby. When he got his bike (motorcycle) a few weeks ago, he was also bit by the "organize the garage" bug. We began by throwing out a bunch of junk that had accumulated on the floor. Now, considering my parents' garage is 25' by 25' and at best has room for one car in it, ours was in pretty decent shape. But after almost 5 years of living here, it was past time for a little TLC. Here's an "in process" photo:



A lot of the junk was old flower pots, some of which were broken Then we went to Lowe's and priced out shelving and hooks. Our goal was to safely get as much up off the floor as possible without spending a lot of money. While Bear doesn't play in the garage, she does wander in there from time to time. While his Dad was here with the trailer this weekend, they went back to Lowe's and bought a couple of shelves and brackets to haul back to the house. Hubby had discovered that our drill battery does not seem to hold its charge, so Tech Dad brought his drill along, too. Together, they found the studs, made sure they were level, etc...


I went to take a picture of the "completed" tackle (to this point), and my camera batteries are dead. So after the charger does a tackle of its own, I'll post the "after" pic...

Maybe Caslon can post a pic of the jimmy-rigging Tech Dad did on our counter, or e-mail it to me... that was another tackle in itself.

As for my own personal tackles... I am trying to not let Mt. Laundry pile up and to be more conscienscious about gradual pick-up so I don't get overwhelmed. (I seem to live in a perpetual state of either overwhelmed-ness or denial of chores.) I managed to fold 3 loads last night IMMEDIATELY after washing them.

And I moved a mum plant because it was in the middle of the calla lillies which have begun to poke through. (scroll down a few days to see the spikes if you are so inclined.) Now it's at the very end of my flower bed, where it has room to spread out a bit. That entailed transplanting one of my purple salvia flowers, too. Hubby dumped compost into my big pots and I planted the basil plant in the pot with my perennial herbs (thyme and oregano). I also planted some green beans that I started from seed into one of the other pots. They were at least 2 inches tall and needed more space than the little 6" pot they were in could offer. Let's hope the HOA doesn't deny my retroactive "yard ornament/landscaping" approval request that I submitted for the pots.

If you would like to see other tackles, click on the Meme tag at the top of the post. You can also get the code for your own "Tackle It Tuesday" label from 5 minutes for Mom.


Update: After Pics

I am so glad to know the poisonous chemicals are out of our daughter's reach! But in hubby's zeal for cleaning up, he took a raft (that pink blob)out of a box that it needed to be stored in in order to protect it from punctures. Oh, well, I'll find another box for it.

milestone for hubby

He drove his new ride to work today. He dropped his laptop and things off at the office on his way back into town last night after working "out west" (within state). I knew this beautiful weather had to be making him antsy.

No cops have come to my door to express condolences, so I'm assuming he made it safely.
***
I had to laugh to myself as one of our non-motorcycle riding guy friends tried to pick Hubby's brain about the appeal of bikes. Apparently the bug has never really bit him like it bites other men/boys.

Of course, when the exterminator sales guys were making their rounds, I got to come across as the cool wife as they drooled over hubby's toy while interrupting me from bringing in groceries. (They did offer to help, but do I look stupid? I don't let strange men into my house.) Still, I told them he found it on craigslist. But in my mind, they were younger college-age guys who haven't earned their bikes yet. Hubby waited a long time for his.

hubby and his new toy

last night

today

random tidbits & news

tidbits:
The Memory Keeper's Daughter is going to be on TV April 12th. Too bad I have no way of watching it at home! If you have not read the book, it is a MUST read.

We are supposed to have 2-3 days break from the Spring rains. While I'm thankful God has been watering my garden for me, I'm looking forward to spending some time outside.

news:
Hubby's new "baby" is here! A work buddy offered to help him transport it with his truck and trailer, and they retrieved it last night. I think I scared Bear a little when I warned her not to touch it unless Daddy sets her on top and holds her, but the last thing I want is a motorcycle crushing my precious daughter. She's pretty perceptive, I think she connects the fact that something that's so loud can also be dangerous. (And it's quieter than a Harley.)

This means it's time for me to shop for the new car seats and stroller, right? I think the Graco Nautilus looks good for Bear and the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller or Baby Trend Elite Sit n' Stand look good for both kiddos.... the Graco Quattro Tour Duo I'm still debating whether the higher price on the Joovy is worth it... we'll have to check them out in person side-by-side, if possible.) And then to find an infant carrier that is compatible with the new stroller. And lightweight. Consumer Reports seems pretty worthless in this shopping research, as they lack variety in their reviews, especially for 2-kid strollers.

The wives of hubby's coworkers are going to want to kill me

We put down a deposit on a new toy for hubby today. And yes, I plan to ride on the back of it.
It looks something like this:
I think it's a very pretty bike. I trust him to choose a bike he can handle, good quality, and all that, but I insisted on going along for the shopping experience. He's been itching to get one of his own for as long as I can remember, especially since his Dad and brother got their bikes a couple of years ago. We looked at another one earlier this week, but the one we are purchasing has not had as rough of a life. Hubby said he likes the contrast of the black with the silver on the one we're getting, too. And his new red helmet looks good with it, too.

It didn't hurt that I really liked the woman we are buying it from. We drove a decent distance to look at it, but it was worth the drive.

home from our "valentine's" weekend

we made it home safely. while baby bear partied with her cousin j, hubby and i spent a relaxing weekend in asheville. we went out to eat and ate too much (well, he ate too much, i ate for two, LOL), picked up some yummy ice cream and kept it in our freezer to snack on whenever we wanted, and visited the biltmore. "america's largest house" is simultaneously mind boggling, fascinating, and disturbing. the fact that a tiny village pretty much revolved around one family disturbs me. the architecture and sprawling gardens (which were obviously not blooming) fascinates me. i'm not quite sure if i'm more fascinated or disturbed my such excessive wall coverings such as 22K gold-plated burlap and pressed leather, but the library was definitely impressive. it was something like i would imagine the library in the beast's castle from a favorite Disney movie. i must admit, i was jealous of the floral design rooms (both of them) in the basement. and the bowling alley and indoor swimming pool. i am thankful that i wasn't raised in a society with so many rules and expectations. we think "keeping up with the jones'" is a problem today... try keeping up with the equivalent of American's royalty. hubby and i declared that we would be content in the servants' quarters (they were bigger than baby bear's bedroom). the audio tour was very informative, and made the 2 hour stroll through the mansion so much more interesting.

the best part of the weekend was spending time with my beloved, just the two of us. of course, we were ready to see our little girl again and checked out an hour before we had to this morning. throughout the weekend we thought of things she would have said if she had been there. the second best part was knowing she was spending quality time with her cousin, aunt and uncle.

anyway, i would like to go back when the gardens are in bloom. that shouldn't surprise anyone.

two steps forward, one step back

both bathrooms have been scrubbed. i spilled cranberry-grape juice on the carpet as i carried 3 glasses down to the kitchen. thank the Lord i did not run out of my carpet cleaner until i had already doused the stains. i may just have to post pics for tackle it tuesday tomorrow. i want to vacuum the area after it dries to get a complete view, but i am not about to do that at this hour. baby bear is asleep, which is a very good thing.

hubby's going to go jogging. he poked his head back inside to say it's sprinkling outside, so it will be a short run. i'm impressed that he's going out at all. i wouldn't go out running in the stuff. puddle jumping with my daughter, perhaps. jogging, no way.

glimpses from paradise

baby bear's 1st steps on the sand

my man
(he never wears this shirt to the gym, like i thought he would when i helped his mom pick it out. but it makes a great sleep shirt and now beach shirt. he's hoping to even out the skin tones this week.)

this was growing right next to my towel.
it was far from the rest of the grasses. i thought it was neat.

looking west

a family history... of sorts


'Twas Autumn '07, the setting serene...

An upstanding young man arrived on the scene
Where his parents had attended some decades before.

He knew the rules of this tranquil estate.
Even his brother stayed 'til graduation date.

No pink or blue sidewalks as rumor suggests.
A fine Christian place, where "only good kids" are sent.

Stained glass windows abound.
Making prisms of light.

And this place where some have found love at first sight...

Unlike those secular schools, no making out here.
Not for this boy, (it was early in the year).

This young man and his friends had a "home away from home".
But rules would not allow them to roam.

Still, they obeyed, doing their best.
To appease the VanG's and all of the rest.

Demerits were slow as the semester began.
Examples needed to be made, of any young man
Who stepped out of the box, did something silly or rash.
With the Dean of Men he surely would clash.

One day there was horseplay in a dorm room.
No beer, cigars, nor rock n' roll tune.

Just some guys tossing around the "Stay-Puff marshmallow man";
Out the window it fell and on the sidewalk did land.

The young men were then told they were sinful and liars.
At semester's end one left, as of mind games he grew tired.

Home returned, and one night out with the friends,
He told me the story... and I believed him!

Several years later, we visited the site.
Where that boy and his buddies got in trouble that night.
Hubby wore shorts, our baby sniffed a flower.
We loitered on campus (with his parents) for over an hour.

Is her tuition pre-payed?
Oh, we don't know if to this college our children should go.

In the midst of the rules and strong academics,
lies a pandemic of the heart which may breed rebels and cynics.

We hope to follow the Word and let bygones pass...
only the Lord knows our children's paths.

still up...

bed's just not the same when hubby is out of town. Lord willing, he should be home tomorrow night.

if baby bear makes it to 7 a.m., it'll be an accomplishment, so i suppose i should go to sleep now.

It's been a good day.

Baby Bear woke us up at 6:15. That wasn't so good, but she was in a good mood, so things could have been worse. I was greeted at her door by a Mother's Day card containing a nail spa gift certificate for a a bit of pampering. I have had one professional pedicure in my life, and maybe one or two manicures. The certificate may even be enough for 2 visits. And of course, it includes free babysitting by hubby while I go by myself. Going to the nail spa with an 18 month old would hardly be relaxing. Hubby's card was very fitting, with a sweet note.

Hubby and I attempted to get some Mother's Day pictures of me and Bear in front of our flowers. I'll post the results on her blog sometime soon. The yellow day lilies are in full bloom, and the first pink calla lily bloom should open in the next couple of days.
Nursery was sparse his morning... we had just 2 in our room. We could have combined with the room next door, but didn't, and the calm was a nice change. We helped the kiddos make mother's day signs (we traced their hands, they scribbled). When Big Boy's Dad picked up his son, he exclaimed that his wife would be thrilled, because they have tons of crafts from their oldest, but not many from the younger boy.

We ate Chinese at the only Chinese place hubby really likes, Bear fell asleep in the car on the wy home, and all of us napped until 3 or so.

We took an afternoon stroll, which was mostly successful, although Bear fell and scraped her knee. She has been sitting on Daddy's lap for at least 30 minutes, snacking on life cereal and cheerios, and mimicking Daddy's version of NKOTB "oh, oh, oh, oh, oh... the right stuff."

Frozen pizza's on the dinner menu, and we're relaxing. Oh, and the a/c has been working all day. A nice, comfy 70 degrees. Yahoo!

shortest ER trip on record

around 3:30, hubby called. i expected him to say he was on his way home from the gym. instead, he told me he had fainted at the gym and was in the ER. the doctors were running tests, he didn't know anything yet, just that he had become really lightheaded and the trainers had a hard time getting him to come around. this was his first workout at a new gym, so it wasn't like there were any familiar faces around.

we already had plans to meet my family for dinner not far from the hospital, so i called my parents, let them know what was up, put together a bag of stuff for baby bear just in case she had to stay with her grandma and grandpa, and called family and a couple of friends on the way to ask them to pray.

all the tests they took came back normal, but the ER doc wrote a referral for him to a cardiologist just in case, and he was good to go by 5:45.

God gave me a peace through the afternoon. I knew that I had to be strong for Baby Bear, and while she looked at her father in his "crib" rather quizically and with concern. GranWendy and GranDaddy arrived shortly after we did, and they kept one another occupied while we waited for additional tests and finally, the doctor's clearance. we were able to have dinner with my parents, bec, brett & juliana after all. (both girls devoured their mexican rice and made big messes.)

Please pray that it was nothing serious that caused this, and that hubby will get some rest this weekend.

Wordless Wednesday

29 candles

For more Wordless Wednesday participants, visit the WW HQ or 5minutesformom.
I've also posted more photos at Hannah-Bear's Cave.

Thankful Thursday...

Today I celebrate my husband. He was born 29 years ago. He is a wonderful partner, friend and father. He made me laugh when I first met him, and while life often seems more serious these days, he still makes me laugh. God has given him a desire to protect and care for his family that many people never get. He works hard to provide for us, and the gift of his faithful companionship is something I cherish. Happy Birthday, Hubby! Te amo mas y mas!

hubbyism

hubby: "shphhhk!"
me: "huh?"
hubby: "i shot cat with my fake gun."

Are you sure it's only noon?

Baby Bear woke up early this morning. We tried to stall her by bringing her into our room and giving her a sippy full of milk. She guzzled that thing like a Titan guzzles gatorade on the sidelines. Hubby had to mow the yard, so I decided to use my new watering can and water my babies. (Can you tell I'm growing attached to my flowers?)

I've decided it's time to teach Baby Bear to walk around the flower beds, not through them. She stepped on a couple of spikes. One just bent, the other snapped. I'm sure they'll be ok, and they are rubbery spikes, not pokey spikes, so her foot is just fine. (I let her wander outside in her footed pj's. I knew we'd have to change whatever outfit she wore outside, so I just left her in her pj's.)

She LOVES watching hubby mow and weed-eat. This requires supervision by Mommy, but it's fun to watch her learn about life. While there are days we wish we had "people" to help with mundane chores, both of us want to teach our kids something we learned when we were young. Ownership requires work, and being part of a family requires teamwork. Now, I didn't necessarily realize that what my parents were teaching me when I had to mow the yard after big brother went off to college. With a push mower.

I grew up watching my parents garden, many times sighing at their requests for help in the yard. Now I wish I had paid closer attention to what they tried to teach me. They must chuckle to themselves whenever they hang up after another impromtu call where I have a "common sensical" question.

So, while I watered the flowerbed (baby bear successfull watered some, too- and her pj's.), my daughter pushed her walker around the driveway as if it were a lawnmower . She tried to follow Daddy on the grass (our lawnmower has a bagger), but it did not roll very well. It flipped forward, and she rolled on top of it.

Sure, the bottoms of the pj's feet are filthy. That's nothing a little laundry TLC can't fix. And if a little stain remains, I really don't care. At least my daughter wasn't stuck in front of the TV watching cartoons this beautiful Saturday morning. And she went down for a nap at 11:00. I'd better go rest before she wakes up.

Hubby comes home tomorrow night!

I will have to share the computer again.

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday Morning Snuggle-Bears

Saturday, April 14th, 2007