Dear Raquel~
That Dad and I appreciated your phone call this morning at 6:30. Unfortunately, Jennifer does not live here. She has never lived here. We have had this phone number for almost 7 years. You have called here before, and we have told you in the past that Jennifer doesn't live here. Since you identified yourself as "Raquel from Stanley Security", you were clearly calling for business purposes. Can you not make notes in Jennifer's file that the number is incorrect?
That Dad is especially appreciative of your phone call, as he had just fallen back to sleep after not being able to sleep most of the night.
With every yawn we stifle and cup of coffee we drink today, we'll think of you!!
Your Sleepy Friend,
That Mama
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
His memory boggles my mind...
That Kid...really. Almost six hours ago we went to Blockbuster, because we saw a sign that they had 5 previously viewed DVDs for $20. Did we need 5 DVDs? Not really...but we like to get cheap, obscure scary movies.
They also had a bin of $3.99 movies. I found an Oswald movie in the box with 8 episodes and tried to get That Kid to get it, but he wanted the $3.99 helicopter lollypop instead. Since he was being good, we let him chose that. As we were getting ready to check out, That Kid made a new friend. He gave HER the helicopter lollypop, and her mother put it away because she didn't know we were buying it for That Kid. By that time, That Kid had decided he didn't want the Helicopter lollypop anymore, he wanted an ice cream cone. I really didn't want to buy him ice cream at Blockbuster (because I wasn't about to let him eat it in the car) so we told him he could get the Helicopter lollypop, but not ice cream.
He cried. For an hour. Once we got home he tried to run away three times. Once to the park, and twice to Blockbuster. He cried for his "Papa Coco Brown House" and "Papa Coco big hugs!" sadly, he could have neither.
Just a little bit ago he looked at me and said, "Where my 'copter? It gone! Where it go?" That was over six hours ago, and he still remembers the helicopter. Apparently That Kid is taking after his Mama in more ways than one. His memory is just one of the ways...
They also had a bin of $3.99 movies. I found an Oswald movie in the box with 8 episodes and tried to get That Kid to get it, but he wanted the $3.99 helicopter lollypop instead. Since he was being good, we let him chose that. As we were getting ready to check out, That Kid made a new friend. He gave HER the helicopter lollypop, and her mother put it away because she didn't know we were buying it for That Kid. By that time, That Kid had decided he didn't want the Helicopter lollypop anymore, he wanted an ice cream cone. I really didn't want to buy him ice cream at Blockbuster (because I wasn't about to let him eat it in the car) so we told him he could get the Helicopter lollypop, but not ice cream.
He cried. For an hour. Once we got home he tried to run away three times. Once to the park, and twice to Blockbuster. He cried for his "Papa Coco Brown House" and "Papa Coco big hugs!" sadly, he could have neither.
Just a little bit ago he looked at me and said, "Where my 'copter? It gone! Where it go?" That was over six hours ago, and he still remembers the helicopter. Apparently That Kid is taking after his Mama in more ways than one. His memory is just one of the ways...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
That Mama, the greatest softball player, EVER!
After Michael Jordan left Basketball a gazillion years ago, he tried to be a Baseball player. My brother had a shirt that said, "Michael Jordan, the GREATEST BASEBALL PLAYER EVER!" on the front and "No...but he's trying!" on the back. I loved that shirt. It's my favorite shirt...aside from my "I Beat Anorexia" t-shirt from That Onna (The only place I wear that shirt, besides around the house, is to the gym. :) ).
Our Church is starting a co-ed softball team. I want to join. I think it would be fun, and good exercise, and would get me involved in with more people from Church. I told That Onna I wanted to join, and she said, "You can't run!" and because I hang around a three and a half year old with quick and witty comebacks I said, "No, YOU can't run!"
Am I the greatest ever? No. But, do I want to try? Sure do. And in preparation for trying, and to prove to myself that I CAN run, I've been doing sprints at the gym. Run for 20 seconds, rest for 20 seconds. I did eight last night. :) This officially makes me the best sprint runner ever...that lives in our house.
Our Church is starting a co-ed softball team. I want to join. I think it would be fun, and good exercise, and would get me involved in with more people from Church. I told That Onna I wanted to join, and she said, "You can't run!" and because I hang around a three and a half year old with quick and witty comebacks I said, "No, YOU can't run!"
Am I the greatest ever? No. But, do I want to try? Sure do. And in preparation for trying, and to prove to myself that I CAN run, I've been doing sprints at the gym. Run for 20 seconds, rest for 20 seconds. I did eight last night. :) This officially makes me the best sprint runner ever...that lives in our house.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Forgiving Others
It's hard to forgive others. You know why they wronged you, they know why they wronged you, yet we're still supposed to forgive. I do not think we're supposed to pretend the wronging never happened, because some of us were made with memories that do not forget. I am one of those people. I remember random, stupid things that no one else remembers.
Today in Church, at the end of the service, That Pastor said he was feeling called by the Spirit to pray for healing. He asked all that needed healing to come forward. That Pastor wanted to pray for physical healing, and healing for relationships. He then asked for people who believe and have Faith that God is the divine healer to come forward. As I went forward, I wanted to stand near Crunchy Mama and support her (Baby Crunchy is on oxygen and the doctors don't know why), but ended up behind Those Renters, who had come up to ask for prayer. After they saw me this morning as I took That Kid to the toddler room, and didn't even speak to me, and went as far as to look the other way, that was the LAST place I wanted to be standing. But, as others were filling in around me, there was no where else for me to go.
That Pastor prayed for each person there, and at the end he told us to hug someone. I hugged the woman next to me, and took my seat. Everyone filed up the aisle, and the last person up the aisle was Renter Dad. My body and my mind were two separate things as I jumped out of my seat and grabbed him and hugged him. I told him I am praying for him and Renter Mom, and he cried and said, "I love you." Then, as I was leaving the sanctuary, I saw Renter Mom. I went over and hugged her, too. I told her that I loved her, and was praying for them. She said, "That means a lot. Thank you, so much."
Have I forgotten what happened between us? I don't think I'll ever forget. I remember that in 1995 when one of my BFFs was leaving for college and I went to tell her goodbye, she was wearing a shirt with a troll on it. I hugged her and got lipstick on her shirt. I was listening to Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable, with Love" album. And, I remember the sun was shining. There are very few things I forget.
So, no, I won't forget...but I do forgive. That's all I can do. And by me forgiving them, I hope it will be an example to That Dad to forgive them, too.
Today in Church, at the end of the service, That Pastor said he was feeling called by the Spirit to pray for healing. He asked all that needed healing to come forward. That Pastor wanted to pray for physical healing, and healing for relationships. He then asked for people who believe and have Faith that God is the divine healer to come forward. As I went forward, I wanted to stand near Crunchy Mama and support her (Baby Crunchy is on oxygen and the doctors don't know why), but ended up behind Those Renters, who had come up to ask for prayer. After they saw me this morning as I took That Kid to the toddler room, and didn't even speak to me, and went as far as to look the other way, that was the LAST place I wanted to be standing. But, as others were filling in around me, there was no where else for me to go.
That Pastor prayed for each person there, and at the end he told us to hug someone. I hugged the woman next to me, and took my seat. Everyone filed up the aisle, and the last person up the aisle was Renter Dad. My body and my mind were two separate things as I jumped out of my seat and grabbed him and hugged him. I told him I am praying for him and Renter Mom, and he cried and said, "I love you." Then, as I was leaving the sanctuary, I saw Renter Mom. I went over and hugged her, too. I told her that I loved her, and was praying for them. She said, "That means a lot. Thank you, so much."
Have I forgotten what happened between us? I don't think I'll ever forget. I remember that in 1995 when one of my BFFs was leaving for college and I went to tell her goodbye, she was wearing a shirt with a troll on it. I hugged her and got lipstick on her shirt. I was listening to Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable, with Love" album. And, I remember the sun was shining. There are very few things I forget.
So, no, I won't forget...but I do forgive. That's all I can do. And by me forgiving them, I hope it will be an example to That Dad to forgive them, too.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Things that suck...
1. Traffic. This week, it seems every moron with a license in the Mile High City has been driving...where I want to go.
2. That Papa being in the Mile High City for 1 hour, sitting at the airport on his way East and I couldn't go see him (yes, I know I just saw him last month...so NOT the point).
3. Our Foster to Adopt system. This week I have seen stupid things occur in the Foster to Adopt system. Crunchy Mama had to give up custody of her foster baby, the one she's been raising since the day she came home from the hospital 5 months ago, the one she sat up with while the baby was coming off crystal meth, the one her biological children bonded with...because bio Mom finally gave up some names of family members. Bio Mom didn't want the baby, the Crunchy family DID. But, Baby S was taken from Crunchy Mama on Thursday, and given to her biological Uncle and Aunt. Sure, they'll have to deal with Baby S's Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but what about the things that Crunchy Mama saw her through? What about the love Crunchy Mama and the little Crunchies gave to Baby S? Yes, yes, I know that Baby S is lucky to be with family, and I pray that this is it for her and her biological family treats her well and doesn't think that it's too difficult to raise her (and their five other kids), and they don't try to give her back at some point. Baby S is a beautiful, happy baby who needs lots and lots of love.
4. Katie Stevens getting the boot on AI. REALLY??? Really, America? Tim Urban needs to go. He's not cute, he's not a good singer, and he has ugly stupid hair just like that stupid Justin Bieber (who, BTW, has amazingly ugly teeth...they're too fake looking!!).
5. Finally, people who come knocking on my door trying to sell me stuff. Our porch has a NO SOLICITING sign up. I know I'm not required to answer the door, but they come knock or ring the bell when That Dad is napping (he has to get up at 2 for work...), and that sets That Dog off barking, and so the only way to get her to STOP barking is to get the people to go away (they always come up while I'm working out in the living room and see me through the HUGE window...guess I should start working out with the curtains closed). I have actually had people ring the bell, and when I didn't answer they have knocked two or three times. Not only are they illiterate, they are also pushy. I made a sign that said "Because you missed the sign on your way up the porch...NO SOLICITING!" with a list of things that are solicitations and why I don't want to talk to them. That Dad is afraid of retaliation, so I didn't put it up.
Vent over, for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else that irritates me soon...
2. That Papa being in the Mile High City for 1 hour, sitting at the airport on his way East and I couldn't go see him (yes, I know I just saw him last month...so NOT the point).
3. Our Foster to Adopt system. This week I have seen stupid things occur in the Foster to Adopt system. Crunchy Mama had to give up custody of her foster baby, the one she's been raising since the day she came home from the hospital 5 months ago, the one she sat up with while the baby was coming off crystal meth, the one her biological children bonded with...because bio Mom finally gave up some names of family members. Bio Mom didn't want the baby, the Crunchy family DID. But, Baby S was taken from Crunchy Mama on Thursday, and given to her biological Uncle and Aunt. Sure, they'll have to deal with Baby S's Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but what about the things that Crunchy Mama saw her through? What about the love Crunchy Mama and the little Crunchies gave to Baby S? Yes, yes, I know that Baby S is lucky to be with family, and I pray that this is it for her and her biological family treats her well and doesn't think that it's too difficult to raise her (and their five other kids), and they don't try to give her back at some point. Baby S is a beautiful, happy baby who needs lots and lots of love.
4. Katie Stevens getting the boot on AI. REALLY??? Really, America? Tim Urban needs to go. He's not cute, he's not a good singer, and he has ugly stupid hair just like that stupid Justin Bieber (who, BTW, has amazingly ugly teeth...they're too fake looking!!).
5. Finally, people who come knocking on my door trying to sell me stuff. Our porch has a NO SOLICITING sign up. I know I'm not required to answer the door, but they come knock or ring the bell when That Dad is napping (he has to get up at 2 for work...), and that sets That Dog off barking, and so the only way to get her to STOP barking is to get the people to go away (they always come up while I'm working out in the living room and see me through the HUGE window...guess I should start working out with the curtains closed). I have actually had people ring the bell, and when I didn't answer they have knocked two or three times. Not only are they illiterate, they are also pushy. I made a sign that said "Because you missed the sign on your way up the porch...NO SOLICITING!" with a list of things that are solicitations and why I don't want to talk to them. That Dad is afraid of retaliation, so I didn't put it up.
Vent over, for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else that irritates me soon...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Starting a trend
This morning, it was my Sunday to work with the toddlers/preschoolers at Church.
When I arrived, they were eating goldfish crackers. Everyone ate goldfish until they were full, then we sat down to sing.
I took requests. This was my first mistake. That Kid shouts out, "O Christmas Tree!" I told him it was April, and we were NOT singing Christmas songs in April. Instead we sang "Deep and Wide", "This Little Light of Mine", "Jesus Loves the Little Children", "Jesus Loves Me", and then That Kid (who had been trying to decide which pretty girl to sit by the whole time...) says, "O Christmas Tree!! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese?" and he put his hands together and folded them under his chin. I said, "Fine, we'll sing O Christmas Tree!" and That Kid didn't even sing a word of his beloved "O Christmas Tree". And then another kid pipes up with, "I wanna sing Jingle Bells!" so we sang "Jingle Bells". And then, before anyone else yelled out a Christmas song, I told them we would not be singing any more Christmas songs until at least November. :)
When I arrived, they were eating goldfish crackers. Everyone ate goldfish until they were full, then we sat down to sing.
I took requests. This was my first mistake. That Kid shouts out, "O Christmas Tree!" I told him it was April, and we were NOT singing Christmas songs in April. Instead we sang "Deep and Wide", "This Little Light of Mine", "Jesus Loves the Little Children", "Jesus Loves Me", and then That Kid (who had been trying to decide which pretty girl to sit by the whole time...) says, "O Christmas Tree!! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese?" and he put his hands together and folded them under his chin. I said, "Fine, we'll sing O Christmas Tree!" and That Kid didn't even sing a word of his beloved "O Christmas Tree". And then another kid pipes up with, "I wanna sing Jingle Bells!" so we sang "Jingle Bells". And then, before anyone else yelled out a Christmas song, I told them we would not be singing any more Christmas songs until at least November. :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
I should have "Tweet"ed this, I suppose...
But, I'm one of the 10 Americans that doesn't have a Twitter account, so instead I'll post a tribute to That Freaking Bird here.
Yesterday, That Dad was checking on That Freaking Bird and noticed he was on the bottom of the cage. He said it best when he said, "I talked a lot of s*it about you, but I don't like seeing you on the bottom of the cage!" And That Kid has yet to notice That Freaking Bird is gone. I guess he didn't love him as much as I thought he did.
So, we bid you adieu, That Freaking Bird. You were filthy, and a pain in the tuchas, but you made me smile a couple of times...like when I said, "You damn bird!" after you spread more feathers and seed around 30 seconds after I cleaned up and That Kid walked around the house saying "Damn bird! Damn bird!" I'm sorry I didn't give you more jalapenos. I know you liked them.
Yesterday, That Dad was checking on That Freaking Bird and noticed he was on the bottom of the cage. He said it best when he said, "I talked a lot of s*it about you, but I don't like seeing you on the bottom of the cage!" And That Kid has yet to notice That Freaking Bird is gone. I guess he didn't love him as much as I thought he did.
So, we bid you adieu, That Freaking Bird. You were filthy, and a pain in the tuchas, but you made me smile a couple of times...like when I said, "You damn bird!" after you spread more feathers and seed around 30 seconds after I cleaned up and That Kid walked around the house saying "Damn bird! Damn bird!" I'm sorry I didn't give you more jalapenos. I know you liked them.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The technological generation
That Kid belongs to the technological generation if ever there was one. A couple nights ago, he proved this to That Dad and me.
He had a Backyardigans book, and we read it the other night. After we were done, he flipped it over and discovered small pictures of the other Backyardigans books. It took me a few minutes to figure out what he was doing, BUT, he was pushing the "button" of the book he wanted to read. He would push the picture, and flip the book over to check the cover. :) When it was the same he would say, "Not yet!" and keep trying. Technological and persistent...that's him! And I think those are good qualities to have!!
He had a Backyardigans book, and we read it the other night. After we were done, he flipped it over and discovered small pictures of the other Backyardigans books. It took me a few minutes to figure out what he was doing, BUT, he was pushing the "button" of the book he wanted to read. He would push the picture, and flip the book over to check the cover. :) When it was the same he would say, "Not yet!" and keep trying. Technological and persistent...that's him! And I think those are good qualities to have!!
Resurrection Rolls...I was right.
That Kid didn't get it. I knew he wouldn't, but I didn't expect our lesson to be so humorous. Am I supposed to laugh hysterically while making Resurrection rolls?
I first told That Kid, in very simple terms, the story of the Crucifixion. Veeery simple terms. Then, I asked him if he knew where Jesus lives, and he said, "Hay-en!" which impressed me, because he didn't say Jesus lived in the Blue House, or Brown House, or Green House (which is what he says when you ask him where people live). Then was discussed how Jesus also lives in our hearts, and went through the list of people we love. "Jesus lives in Coco's heart, and Papa's heart, and Gramma's heart, and Pappy's heart..." I said. To which he replied, "Happy Gramma's Blue House heart?" (He calls his grandmothers Happy Gramma and Papa Coco; my Daddy is just Papa, and That Dad's step-father is "Happy" instead of Pappy) That's where I giggled for the first time.
I went and got the marshmallows out of the pantry. I brought them over, and I told him the marshmallows were Jesus. Then I said, "These marshmallows are......" (trying to get him to tell me Jesus) and he said, "YUMMY!" That's where I started giggling harder.
But, I lost it when I held up a marshmallow and said, "This marshmallow is Jesus." and That Kid grabbed it out of my hand, and with a glare on his face said, "NO! IT THAT KID'S MALLOW!" and ate it.
The Resurrection rolls were tasty, but made a huge mess in my oven. And, That Dad did bring up a very valid point...he said, "When That Kid takes communion for the first time you know he's going to say, 'This isn't the body of Christ! Where's my marshmallow?'"...and then I laughed again.
I first told That Kid, in very simple terms, the story of the Crucifixion. Veeery simple terms. Then, I asked him if he knew where Jesus lives, and he said, "Hay-en!" which impressed me, because he didn't say Jesus lived in the Blue House, or Brown House, or Green House (which is what he says when you ask him where people live). Then was discussed how Jesus also lives in our hearts, and went through the list of people we love. "Jesus lives in Coco's heart, and Papa's heart, and Gramma's heart, and Pappy's heart..." I said. To which he replied, "Happy Gramma's Blue House heart?" (He calls his grandmothers Happy Gramma and Papa Coco; my Daddy is just Papa, and That Dad's step-father is "Happy" instead of Pappy) That's where I giggled for the first time.
I went and got the marshmallows out of the pantry. I brought them over, and I told him the marshmallows were Jesus. Then I said, "These marshmallows are......" (trying to get him to tell me Jesus) and he said, "YUMMY!" That's where I started giggling harder.
But, I lost it when I held up a marshmallow and said, "This marshmallow is Jesus." and That Kid grabbed it out of my hand, and with a glare on his face said, "NO! IT THAT KID'S MALLOW!" and ate it.
The Resurrection rolls were tasty, but made a huge mess in my oven. And, That Dad did bring up a very valid point...he said, "When That Kid takes communion for the first time you know he's going to say, 'This isn't the body of Christ! Where's my marshmallow?'"...and then I laughed again.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
It's been a while...
Sorry, my faithful readers!! I have neglected you since getting back from the Golden State!!
We had a lovely trip home. That Kid and I usually fly, which is good because it gets us to the Golden State in one day and we get more time with That Onna and That Papa, but it's bad, because we never get to explore. I did a lot of the driving home, because That Dad wasn't feeling well. Now I know I could do it, if I wanted to. I don't think I would drive alone with That Kid, because I need someone to keep me company (and That Kid isn't any good...he's too busy watching movies!), but maybe a friend would want to come with me or something.
We're getting prepared for Easter tomorrow. Yesterday we colored eggs, and I didn't take a single picture. That Mother-in-Law did, though...so I don't feel so bad. Tomorrow, That Kid is going to sit in the church service with me and watch the cantata. I'm hopeful he'll be good. I know he'll enjoy the music! He told me he wants to take his Easter bath tomorrow, so it's going to be a busy morning for me!! At least he'll be clean and smell nice! :) After Church, we're going to the in-law's for dinner.
Tonight, That Kid and I will make Resurrection Rolls ( http://www.dltk-kids.com/recipes/resurrection_rolls.htm ). I know he's not going to understand yet, but I want to get started teaching him the real meaning of Easter early. Yes, he gets presents on Easter, but they're not from the bunny, they're from Mama and Daddy. Yes, we colored eggs, but that's for fun. And yes, we're going to hide eggs, but we're not doing that until Tuesday. It will still be a fun day for him, but I want him to concentrate on the true meaning. The earlier I start, the better.
May you all have a blessed Easter! He is risen!
We had a lovely trip home. That Kid and I usually fly, which is good because it gets us to the Golden State in one day and we get more time with That Onna and That Papa, but it's bad, because we never get to explore. I did a lot of the driving home, because That Dad wasn't feeling well. Now I know I could do it, if I wanted to. I don't think I would drive alone with That Kid, because I need someone to keep me company (and That Kid isn't any good...he's too busy watching movies!), but maybe a friend would want to come with me or something.
We're getting prepared for Easter tomorrow. Yesterday we colored eggs, and I didn't take a single picture. That Mother-in-Law did, though...so I don't feel so bad. Tomorrow, That Kid is going to sit in the church service with me and watch the cantata. I'm hopeful he'll be good. I know he'll enjoy the music! He told me he wants to take his Easter bath tomorrow, so it's going to be a busy morning for me!! At least he'll be clean and smell nice! :) After Church, we're going to the in-law's for dinner.
Tonight, That Kid and I will make Resurrection Rolls ( http://www.dltk-kids.com/recipes/resurrection_rolls.htm ). I know he's not going to understand yet, but I want to get started teaching him the real meaning of Easter early. Yes, he gets presents on Easter, but they're not from the bunny, they're from Mama and Daddy. Yes, we colored eggs, but that's for fun. And yes, we're going to hide eggs, but we're not doing that until Tuesday. It will still be a fun day for him, but I want him to concentrate on the true meaning. The earlier I start, the better.
May you all have a blessed Easter! He is risen!
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