Valentine's Day is coming. I didn't realize it until this past weekend when I noticed an advertisement in a store window. I LOVE Valentine's Day. It is one of my all-time favorite holidays and it goes without saying that it is going to be decidedly less festive this year for the obvious reason that it is the first year in 19 years that I will have no one to celebrate with. I know, I know . . . I have my kids, but it's not the same.
I walked past a vast Valentine's card display in the store today and stopped out of habit to look at the cards before I thought, "why am I reading these?" As I started to feel sorry for myself for being robbed of one of my favorite holidays, I saw among all the cards marked "to husband" and "to wife" and "from Sweetheart" and "from Mother" a card that said: "from Cat." It was then and there that I realized things could be a lot worse . . . and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I started feeling sorry for whoever bought or received that card. Hopefully, that special brand of desperation is a long way off for me.
In the meantime, I was complaining to my sister about how Valentine's Day is going to be no fun this year and she suggested that I should just stop complaining and go on eHarmony or something and find a Valentine. And then, as if to prove the absurdity of her own idea, she e-mailed me a "personal ad" that she wrote about me. I thought about reprinting the text of it here, but some things are better left to the imagination. However, it was truly hilarious, noting, for example, my peculiar love of coconut, my "big, gigantic, clown eyes," the suggestion that any neat-freak reading the ad should move along because that role is already filled by none other than Finn Patrick; that I hate letting my bare feet touch the ground; that I have a uniquely absurd sense of humor; the list went on and on. And to think--these are only my good qualities!
Now despite her ad, I like to think I have many redeeming characteristics. For example, I can do a David Lee Roth-style high kick like nobody's business. Of course, due to my advanced age it usually requires multiple attempts and ibuprofin. And don't forget--I'm a divorce lawyer. I'm sure this career ranks very high on the list of desireable job choices for a potential partner. Ha! Of course, I'm kidding and my sister sent me the "ad" all in fun to cheer me up. (Which it did considerably). But, you'll never find me on eHarmony. Especially because I have already chosen my next husband: Morrissey. He's playing a concert in Milwaukee on April 3rd. I always thought it would be great to see him in concert and now I have my big chance. Rumor has it, he, um, doesn't like girls, but no matter-- I think I have what it takes to swing him in the other direction. Ha!
My other future husbands, the Killers, were too expensive for my tastes. They are also playing in Milwaukee at the end of April and I tried to get tickets to their concert for Aubrey's birthday. The venue sold out in only a couple of hours, so I called a ticket broker. They claimed to have only four tickets left--for $114.00 EACH. I've been listening to their music so much lately that I had almost brainwashed myself into buying them, but fortunately I was brought back to reality by a radio ad announcing that Billy Joel and Elton John will be playing a joint-show in Madison in May and the tickets are only $55.00. So if Billy Joel and Elton John TOGETHER can only command $55.00, then there's no freaking way I'm paying $114.00 to see the Killers. OK. Actually I might. In a moment of weakness, I might actually go for it. I will try to fight it, I promise. I will do my best to resist it, but it's going to be hard because those sexy Mormon boys know how to ROCK!
So, now Aubrey has her heart set on seeing Fall Out Boy with Metro Station-- who are coming to town in May. I'm not nearly as excited about seeing them. In fact, I'm not excited at all. Likewise, she won't go see Morrissey with me because he's "old." Oh well.
So, that's my mindless and boring update. In other news, I taught Regan the difference between a "hippie" and a "hobo" tonight. Don't ask. Just know that these are the kinds of conversations that make having kids totally worth it.
Nighty-night!
Kelly
a note from aubrey: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give in and get those Killers tickets mommy!!!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Weekend Update
First, let me say I'm tired so this is going to be short. However, I do have some newsworthy updates, so I wanted to make sure I posted them tonight.
The biggest news of the weekend is that Regan cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. She's been growing it for ages and she had to have a ponytail at least 10 inches long before she could donate it. She achieved her goal quite some time ago, but didn't want her hair to be too short after she cut it, so she grew it out beyond the 10-inch requirement. She now has a very cute chin-length bob, but is still indignant about how short it is. She has complained incessantly for the past two days saying that (a) she looks like a boy; (b) she looks like Willy Wonka (the Johnny Depp version); and (c) she still looks like a boy. I told her I didn't know why she was so upset-- it could always be worse . . . she could look like the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka. She didn't think I was very funny. So, I tried to reassure her that it isn't so much that she looks like a boy, but that Johnny Depp looks like a girl. She was, again, unmoved. In all seriousness, her haircut is super cute and I will try to post a picture of it here so you can all comment and tell her the same thing because obviously I have no credibility with her.
Regan still plays basketball and had a game on Saturday morning immediately after her haircut. She's energetic and aggressive on the court, so it's fun to watch her. Unfortunately, I spend most of her games either in the girls' locker room or out in the hallway with Finn because he tries to exercise dominion over any basketball within a 10-mile radius of him (you should see him try to pick up two regulation-size basketballs at the same time). He also has no respect for the boundaries of the court; the authority of referees; or the momentum of a herd of 60-pound 9 year-olds.
And while I'm still somewhat on the subject of Regan, I should let you know that she has started asking me to adopt a baby. Shortly after Jeff died, she came to the stark realization that we would never have another baby and she was bothered by it. So, she has now decided that adoption is a viable solution. She really started putting the screws to me yesterday--wanting me to commit to it; wanting to know how much it costs and what the process is; wanting to know how long it would take, etc. Now one of two things has happened here: either she's lost her flippin' mind, or she has become a very shrewd negotiator. She probably figures that by asking for a baby, I will now happily acquiesce to a dog. It's the ole' bait and switch--she comes at me for a dog and I am steadfast in my refusal, but when she comes at me for a baby, she knows that a dog is going to sound better and better. So, I think I've got her figured out . . .
Aubrey, however, isn't taking any chances. She told me that I better not go around adopting anyone because I have four wonderful kids "and that should be enough . . . anymore is just one more person for me to babysit." I reminded her of all the times I have thanked her personally for babysitting and that my gratitude should be ample reward for her labors and, besides, Regan had already promised to take care of it so Aubrey wouldn't have to, but she didn't appreciate my flair for sarcastic humor. So, I reminded her, it could always be worse . . . she could look like the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka.
We rounded out the weekend with a Pizza Party at our friend's house after he took Aubrey and Regan bowling. Jack did not want to go and chose, instead, to take his shirt off and watch Nickelodean. (???) Meanwhile, Finn commandeered our friend's rocking horse and spent the afternoon alternately riding it and defending it from his two baby friends who were also trying to ride it. He was finally distracted by (what else?) . . . a basketball.
Well, it's late and I'm tired--I was out late last night and have a busy day at work tomorrow. Last night, my band played another show. We had a nice crowd and I was very grateful to the many friends who came out just to watch me perform. Thank you, thank you! It really was so nice to see all of you there!
Until next time,
Kelly
The biggest news of the weekend is that Regan cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. She's been growing it for ages and she had to have a ponytail at least 10 inches long before she could donate it. She achieved her goal quite some time ago, but didn't want her hair to be too short after she cut it, so she grew it out beyond the 10-inch requirement. She now has a very cute chin-length bob, but is still indignant about how short it is. She has complained incessantly for the past two days saying that (a) she looks like a boy; (b) she looks like Willy Wonka (the Johnny Depp version); and (c) she still looks like a boy. I told her I didn't know why she was so upset-- it could always be worse . . . she could look like the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka. She didn't think I was very funny. So, I tried to reassure her that it isn't so much that she looks like a boy, but that Johnny Depp looks like a girl. She was, again, unmoved. In all seriousness, her haircut is super cute and I will try to post a picture of it here so you can all comment and tell her the same thing because obviously I have no credibility with her.
Regan still plays basketball and had a game on Saturday morning immediately after her haircut. She's energetic and aggressive on the court, so it's fun to watch her. Unfortunately, I spend most of her games either in the girls' locker room or out in the hallway with Finn because he tries to exercise dominion over any basketball within a 10-mile radius of him (you should see him try to pick up two regulation-size basketballs at the same time). He also has no respect for the boundaries of the court; the authority of referees; or the momentum of a herd of 60-pound 9 year-olds.
And while I'm still somewhat on the subject of Regan, I should let you know that she has started asking me to adopt a baby. Shortly after Jeff died, she came to the stark realization that we would never have another baby and she was bothered by it. So, she has now decided that adoption is a viable solution. She really started putting the screws to me yesterday--wanting me to commit to it; wanting to know how much it costs and what the process is; wanting to know how long it would take, etc. Now one of two things has happened here: either she's lost her flippin' mind, or she has become a very shrewd negotiator. She probably figures that by asking for a baby, I will now happily acquiesce to a dog. It's the ole' bait and switch--she comes at me for a dog and I am steadfast in my refusal, but when she comes at me for a baby, she knows that a dog is going to sound better and better. So, I think I've got her figured out . . .
Aubrey, however, isn't taking any chances. She told me that I better not go around adopting anyone because I have four wonderful kids "and that should be enough . . . anymore is just one more person for me to babysit." I reminded her of all the times I have thanked her personally for babysitting and that my gratitude should be ample reward for her labors and, besides, Regan had already promised to take care of it so Aubrey wouldn't have to, but she didn't appreciate my flair for sarcastic humor. So, I reminded her, it could always be worse . . . she could look like the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka.
We rounded out the weekend with a Pizza Party at our friend's house after he took Aubrey and Regan bowling. Jack did not want to go and chose, instead, to take his shirt off and watch Nickelodean. (???) Meanwhile, Finn commandeered our friend's rocking horse and spent the afternoon alternately riding it and defending it from his two baby friends who were also trying to ride it. He was finally distracted by (what else?) . . . a basketball.
Well, it's late and I'm tired--I was out late last night and have a busy day at work tomorrow. Last night, my band played another show. We had a nice crowd and I was very grateful to the many friends who came out just to watch me perform. Thank you, thank you! It really was so nice to see all of you there!
Until next time,
Kelly
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
finally something more exciting than nothing!!
Hey everybody :) It's Aubrey once more. My mom would write this post but she is too busy watching the movie "Beerfest" to focus on blogging. Yes, "Beerfest." Apparently, her friends and my uncle Jim say it's a really funny movie, but personally I think that's just her excuse for really wanting to watch it. So anyway, let me tell you a short, sweet summary of tonight's events while my mom watches her movie :P
Tonight, my mother surprised us by taking us to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner! It was Finn's first time there and before we even got inside he was pointing at the windows, smiling, and saying "yay!" It was absolutely ADORABLE!! As soon as we got inside he ran to a ride and started climbing on before we even had a chance to take his coat off. Throughout the night he managed to go through 15 Chuck-E-Cheese Tokens and went on a bunch of free "baby" rides. And of course his favorite game was the one with the basketballs. He stole a ball from it and refused to set it down for the beginning of the night. So while some poor kid got jypped out of points in the game because he had one too few balls, Finn had the time of his life :D but I don't think anybody noticed he had one of the balls, so it was okay ;) By the end of the night we had eaten one large pizza, a bunch of cokes, a couple of salads and of course Jack and Regan left with prizes galore. I think everybody would say that it was a wonderful evening!
Alright, that's all and I have to get going, but I'll talk more later!
love,
aubrey kate
Editor's Note: I, Kelly, just finished watching my movie. For the record, I don't even like beer. I'm high on life! . . . but, the movie was pretty funny.
Tonight, my mother surprised us by taking us to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner! It was Finn's first time there and before we even got inside he was pointing at the windows, smiling, and saying "yay!" It was absolutely ADORABLE!! As soon as we got inside he ran to a ride and started climbing on before we even had a chance to take his coat off. Throughout the night he managed to go through 15 Chuck-E-Cheese Tokens and went on a bunch of free "baby" rides. And of course his favorite game was the one with the basketballs. He stole a ball from it and refused to set it down for the beginning of the night. So while some poor kid got jypped out of points in the game because he had one too few balls, Finn had the time of his life :D but I don't think anybody noticed he had one of the balls, so it was okay ;) By the end of the night we had eaten one large pizza, a bunch of cokes, a couple of salads and of course Jack and Regan left with prizes galore. I think everybody would say that it was a wonderful evening!
Alright, that's all and I have to get going, but I'll talk more later!
love,
aubrey kate
Editor's Note: I, Kelly, just finished watching my movie. For the record, I don't even like beer. I'm high on life! . . . but, the movie was pretty funny.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another Boring Post
January's been a slow month for news at our house. However, things are starting to get a little more exciting: after a four-month hiatus, I returned to the stage with the Rabid Aardvarks this past weekend. We played to a packed crowd at a venue in Brookfield, Wisconsin (a neighboring suburb). It was a lot of fun. I didn't realize how much I missed it.
Meanwhile, I've been very busy at work and the kids are enjoying school and their many activities. This past week, Aubrey attended high school orientation and received her registration materials. (I can't believe that I will have a high-schooler next year!) In other news, it appears that Finn is left-handed! He now consistently eats and throws (and hits and punches . . .) with his left hand. He still loves to clean. In fact, earlier this week, he was in the middle of a meltdown (the Terrible Twos are arriving right on schedule . . .) and he got the bottle of 409 and sprayed the front of the refrigerator and wiped it clean until he calmed down. It cracked me up that he knew how to soothe himself (even if his modus operandi is a little unorthodox).
Regan has been occupied with constant playdates recently. She had two sleep-overs and a separate play date this past weekend. She is currently selling Girl Scout cookies to raise money for Girl Scout camp this summer. Jack is in Boy Scouts and plays constantly with the neighbor boys. He has learned to read and can now read almost anything. He has adopted Aubrey and Regan's nightly habit of reading until he falls asleep. Finn has also become interested in books recently and can actually say the word "book." Finn has acquired another peculiar habit: he likes to take his clothes off every evening after dinner. You know when Finn starts stripping down to his diaper that it's time to get the party started!
As for me, all is well. I've been very happy and at peace and surrounded by friends who help me in every possible way. I love my job and my coworkers. My kids are happy and healthy and thriving. I really couldn't ask for more. I'm eager for all the new and exciting opportunities the new year will bring for us and will continue to report here as it all unfolds.
So, hopefully, I'll have something juicy to write about soon. In the meantime, you'll just have to settle for my mindless little missives about nothing and be reassured that no news is good news.
Until next time. . .
Kelly
Meanwhile, I've been very busy at work and the kids are enjoying school and their many activities. This past week, Aubrey attended high school orientation and received her registration materials. (I can't believe that I will have a high-schooler next year!) In other news, it appears that Finn is left-handed! He now consistently eats and throws (and hits and punches . . .) with his left hand. He still loves to clean. In fact, earlier this week, he was in the middle of a meltdown (the Terrible Twos are arriving right on schedule . . .) and he got the bottle of 409 and sprayed the front of the refrigerator and wiped it clean until he calmed down. It cracked me up that he knew how to soothe himself (even if his modus operandi is a little unorthodox).
Regan has been occupied with constant playdates recently. She had two sleep-overs and a separate play date this past weekend. She is currently selling Girl Scout cookies to raise money for Girl Scout camp this summer. Jack is in Boy Scouts and plays constantly with the neighbor boys. He has learned to read and can now read almost anything. He has adopted Aubrey and Regan's nightly habit of reading until he falls asleep. Finn has also become interested in books recently and can actually say the word "book." Finn has acquired another peculiar habit: he likes to take his clothes off every evening after dinner. You know when Finn starts stripping down to his diaper that it's time to get the party started!
As for me, all is well. I've been very happy and at peace and surrounded by friends who help me in every possible way. I love my job and my coworkers. My kids are happy and healthy and thriving. I really couldn't ask for more. I'm eager for all the new and exciting opportunities the new year will bring for us and will continue to report here as it all unfolds.
So, hopefully, I'll have something juicy to write about soon. In the meantime, you'll just have to settle for my mindless little missives about nothing and be reassured that no news is good news.
Until next time. . .
Kelly
Monday, January 12, 2009
it's aubrey!!
hey everybody !
this blog may end up being really random, but i felt like writing one, so i'm just going to keep typing and see what happens :-)
first of all, cheerleading is over for me (for this year atleast...) and the musical should be starting soon. if im correct, auditions start in february--YAYY! but for now i'm just taking a break from extracurriculars. i might re-start guitar lessons soon though, which would be fun :-D
i guess other than that i haven't been doing that much lately. this weekend i went to the mall with some friends and next weekend i will probably go see a movie with my 2 best friends... (at the mall.... AGAIN) but who knows. my plans change a lot :-P
as far as school goes, i have a project due soon for history and a couple algebra exams coming up, but nothing very exciting.
alright, well, Scrubs will be on soon, so i gotta go!
love you all!
aubrey kate
p.s. i know, i lead such a riveting life. it must be so thrilling to read about all the huge and exciting things that happen to me on a regualr basis!! jk :P lol!
this blog may end up being really random, but i felt like writing one, so i'm just going to keep typing and see what happens :-)
first of all, cheerleading is over for me (for this year atleast...) and the musical should be starting soon. if im correct, auditions start in february--YAYY! but for now i'm just taking a break from extracurriculars. i might re-start guitar lessons soon though, which would be fun :-D
i guess other than that i haven't been doing that much lately. this weekend i went to the mall with some friends and next weekend i will probably go see a movie with my 2 best friends... (at the mall.... AGAIN) but who knows. my plans change a lot :-P
as far as school goes, i have a project due soon for history and a couple algebra exams coming up, but nothing very exciting.
alright, well, Scrubs will be on soon, so i gotta go!
love you all!
aubrey kate
p.s. i know, i lead such a riveting life. it must be so thrilling to read about all the huge and exciting things that happen to me on a regualr basis!! jk :P lol!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I'll say right up front, that I have nothing interesting to report. So, unless you're in the mood for some mindless ramblings, I recommend you keep moving and check again later. But, if you're a glutton for punishment, settle in . . .
Today is the two year anniversary of the day we found out just how bad Jeff's cancer was. Unfortunately, I am like Rain Man when it comes to remembering dates--birthdays, anniversaries, etc.--even those of obscure friends or people linked to me only through a few random degrees of separation (my nanny's little sister; the oldest daughter of my college friend; etc.). Likewise, I cannot forget the significant dates of Jeff's illness: his diagnosis, his brain surgery, the day he entered hospice, etc.
My own birthday is November 11th (11/11). Therefore, "eleven" has always been my lucky number. "Eleven" has served me well and has cropped up in uncanny ways from time to time, so I held out hope that January 11th was a lucky day for a diagnosis. I thought that maybe Eleven would come through and instead of hearing that Jeff had Stage IV melanoma that had metastasized to his liver and kidneys and various other places, we would be told that but for the two little subcutaneous bumps he had found, his scans were clear-the tumors could be removed and he'd be back on the road to good health. Of course, this was before I had obtained my internet medical degree and while I was too naive to know that the little subcutaneous bumps, in and of themselves, were Stage IV melanoma and that any appreciable survival of Stage IV melanoma was almost unprecedented.
When the doctor gave Jeff the news--he started with the "good news"--"It isn't in your brain"--but did not soft sell the bad news--"it is in your liver and kidney." Jeff's first question was whether an organ transplant was an option. At that point the doctor made sure our expectations were realistic. He said, "the cancer is incurable and inoperable."
Jeff did not ask for a prognosis. (He never wanted to be assigned an expiration date and only hesitantly asked for one at the very end, right before he entered hospice when the doctors told us there was nothing more to do and that his time was "very short.") However, I learned that the median life expectancy of people with Jeff's diagnosis and sites of metastases was approximately 5-7 months. Which meant he was statistically scheduled to die right around the time Finn was due to be born in May, 2007. I began to think of all the possibilities--I was pregnant with Jeff's son, who was due to be born the day after Jeff's own birthday. I thought, for sure, Jeff would die before then only for the poetic irony that I would then deliver his son on his birthday (which was also our wedding anniversary), all in some ethereal and cosmic illustration of the circle of life. Ugh!
During Jeff's first cycle of biochemo in Houston he commented on how he felt too good to be so sick and marveled at how he could have such a severe and unrelenting cancer with no symptoms or side effects whatsoever. It chilled me when he said it, but then he said, "I figure I have at least a year or two left." Sadly, he was precisely accurate: He lived only 20 months after that.
I've often thought about how glad I am that Jeff didn't ask for a prognosis any sooner than he did. Jeff was a very compliant patient. He followed his doctors' orders to the letter and did everything he could, and then some, to follow their advice. Because Jeff was, by nature, always regimented and obedient I was concerned that if he was ever given a specific prognosis, he would not want to disappoint his doctors and would dutifully fulfill it.
In fact, when the doctors told Jeff on September 1, 2008 that his time was "very short," it was only then that Jeff asked "how long is 'very short?'" The doctor replied "a few weeks to a few months." Jeff lived for three weeks and three days after that.
So, what does all this mean and what have I learned in the two years since January 11, 2007? Not much--except that I think I'm done with "lucky."
P.S. And please don't think after reading this that I placed all my hope in some hokey superstition about the number eleven or that I ever thought for a even a second that "eleven" could do what God could not . It's just a slow night, so I'm having to find material where I can . . .
Much love,
Kelly
Today is the two year anniversary of the day we found out just how bad Jeff's cancer was. Unfortunately, I am like Rain Man when it comes to remembering dates--birthdays, anniversaries, etc.--even those of obscure friends or people linked to me only through a few random degrees of separation (my nanny's little sister; the oldest daughter of my college friend; etc.). Likewise, I cannot forget the significant dates of Jeff's illness: his diagnosis, his brain surgery, the day he entered hospice, etc.
My own birthday is November 11th (11/11). Therefore, "eleven" has always been my lucky number. "Eleven" has served me well and has cropped up in uncanny ways from time to time, so I held out hope that January 11th was a lucky day for a diagnosis. I thought that maybe Eleven would come through and instead of hearing that Jeff had Stage IV melanoma that had metastasized to his liver and kidneys and various other places, we would be told that but for the two little subcutaneous bumps he had found, his scans were clear-the tumors could be removed and he'd be back on the road to good health. Of course, this was before I had obtained my internet medical degree and while I was too naive to know that the little subcutaneous bumps, in and of themselves, were Stage IV melanoma and that any appreciable survival of Stage IV melanoma was almost unprecedented.
When the doctor gave Jeff the news--he started with the "good news"--"It isn't in your brain"--but did not soft sell the bad news--"it is in your liver and kidney." Jeff's first question was whether an organ transplant was an option. At that point the doctor made sure our expectations were realistic. He said, "the cancer is incurable and inoperable."
Jeff did not ask for a prognosis. (He never wanted to be assigned an expiration date and only hesitantly asked for one at the very end, right before he entered hospice when the doctors told us there was nothing more to do and that his time was "very short.") However, I learned that the median life expectancy of people with Jeff's diagnosis and sites of metastases was approximately 5-7 months. Which meant he was statistically scheduled to die right around the time Finn was due to be born in May, 2007. I began to think of all the possibilities--I was pregnant with Jeff's son, who was due to be born the day after Jeff's own birthday. I thought, for sure, Jeff would die before then only for the poetic irony that I would then deliver his son on his birthday (which was also our wedding anniversary), all in some ethereal and cosmic illustration of the circle of life. Ugh!
During Jeff's first cycle of biochemo in Houston he commented on how he felt too good to be so sick and marveled at how he could have such a severe and unrelenting cancer with no symptoms or side effects whatsoever. It chilled me when he said it, but then he said, "I figure I have at least a year or two left." Sadly, he was precisely accurate: He lived only 20 months after that.
I've often thought about how glad I am that Jeff didn't ask for a prognosis any sooner than he did. Jeff was a very compliant patient. He followed his doctors' orders to the letter and did everything he could, and then some, to follow their advice. Because Jeff was, by nature, always regimented and obedient I was concerned that if he was ever given a specific prognosis, he would not want to disappoint his doctors and would dutifully fulfill it.
In fact, when the doctors told Jeff on September 1, 2008 that his time was "very short," it was only then that Jeff asked "how long is 'very short?'" The doctor replied "a few weeks to a few months." Jeff lived for three weeks and three days after that.
So, what does all this mean and what have I learned in the two years since January 11, 2007? Not much--except that I think I'm done with "lucky."
P.S. And please don't think after reading this that I placed all my hope in some hokey superstition about the number eleven or that I ever thought for a even a second that "eleven" could do what God could not . It's just a slow night, so I'm having to find material where I can . . .
Much love,
Kelly
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
I recently asked the kids if they had made any New Year's Resolutions. Everyone except Aubrey looked confused. I explained to the little ones that a New Year's Resolution is kind of like a promise you make to yourself to either do something good for yourself or for others or to reach some goal that you set, etc. They were instantly inspired and I have to say that I'm pretty impressed with what they came up with. So, here is a list of their New Year's Resolutions:
Regan: Make good friends; Help the planet ("by keeping things clean and stuff"); Get a good education; Help around the house; Help friends; Help the poor.
Jack: Hug my Mom more; Do my homework; Eat healthy; Love my family.
Aubrey: Go to bed earlier.
Finn: Stop smoking and lose weight. (Oh wait--Aubrey just told me that's not actually what he said. Turns out he said "snowman." Hey--it's an honest mistake. He's kind of hard to understand when he talks . . .).
As for me, I operate on a fiscal year, so my New Year's Resolutions aren't due until July 1.
In other news, I single-handedly removed a dead squirrel from my driveway today. These are the kind of things you forget you'll have to do when you're widowed--until you actually have to do them. And no--I did not run over it. It fell out of a tree and died on impact. (Seriously).
Well, that's all I've got for tonight. (Better luck next time!) Until then, take care and stay tuned.
Kelly
Regan: Make good friends; Help the planet ("by keeping things clean and stuff"); Get a good education; Help around the house; Help friends; Help the poor.
Jack: Hug my Mom more; Do my homework; Eat healthy; Love my family.
Aubrey: Go to bed earlier.
Finn: Stop smoking and lose weight. (Oh wait--Aubrey just told me that's not actually what he said. Turns out he said "snowman." Hey--it's an honest mistake. He's kind of hard to understand when he talks . . .).
As for me, I operate on a fiscal year, so my New Year's Resolutions aren't due until July 1.
In other news, I single-handedly removed a dead squirrel from my driveway today. These are the kind of things you forget you'll have to do when you're widowed--until you actually have to do them. And no--I did not run over it. It fell out of a tree and died on impact. (Seriously).
Well, that's all I've got for tonight. (Better luck next time!) Until then, take care and stay tuned.
Kelly
Monday, January 5, 2009
We're Baaack
After a long hiatus, I am FINALLY updating the blog. Unfortunately, I don't have time to write a proper account of all the happenings since Christmas, so I'll give you the highlights and spare you the details until I have more time to elaborate . . .
The kids and I had a wonderful Christmas at home. Santa was very generous with the toys and electronics and less generous with the live animals. Hence, we remain dogless. I cooked Christmas dinner [insert joke here] and made a ribeye roast and all the fixings. I even made a birthday cake for my friend, Tony (and for Baby Jesus, of course . . .). Yes--I can actually pull-out some domestic and culinary skills when the occasion requires it.
Two days after Christmas my basement flooded. We had been buried under snow and suffered frigid temperatures for most of the week preceding Christmas and then, inexplicably, in one day we were stricken with warm weather and rain (which melted all the snow right into my basement). This was easily the most impressive flood we've had in our basement. Therefore, I'm going to commemorate the occasion with new carpet and several thousand dollars worth of uninsured flood mitigation. Happy New Year to me!
While my basement was busy drying, I decided to take the kids to Nebraska for a few days. (This is the main reason there have been no recent blog entries--I don't like advertising the fact that my house is unoccupied on the internet . . .). We visited my sister and her family and their new baby, Bennet, who was born on December 29th. Aubrey and Regan have been appointed to be his Godmothers and are beside themselves with excitement.
We also visited several friends and one of Jeff's brothers in Lincoln. I was so happy to see friends that I haven't seen in so long and it was neat to see my kids and their kids playing together.
The kids behaved like perfect angels in the car--even Finn. I was so so proud of them. I like to think that traveling will get easier as Finn gets older. However, it looks like a convenience store exploded in my minivan there are so many candy wrappers and spilled sodas, and McDonald's cups, so, needless to say the van is getting detailed tomorrow. Maybe I'll have them put some flames on the doors while they're at it because I'm a Cool Mom.
It was, bar none, one of the best trips I've had to Nebraska and I'm so glad that when we had the chance, we took the opportunity to visit people that we don't see very often. Unfortunately, due to the constraints of school and work we won't likely take another trip any time soon. Which means you'll see more frequent blog updates! Yay!
Sorry, this is short, but I have more laundry to do and bills to pay and other "mom" things to do--poor Aubrey is sick and I really need to go check on her. Even though she's big, she's still my baby too. (I think I hear all her friends gagging right now . . .) Sorry, Aubrey. I didn't mean to embarrass you.
Until next time, take care and Happy New Year!
Kelly & Kids
The kids and I had a wonderful Christmas at home. Santa was very generous with the toys and electronics and less generous with the live animals. Hence, we remain dogless. I cooked Christmas dinner [insert joke here] and made a ribeye roast and all the fixings. I even made a birthday cake for my friend, Tony (and for Baby Jesus, of course . . .). Yes--I can actually pull-out some domestic and culinary skills when the occasion requires it.
Two days after Christmas my basement flooded. We had been buried under snow and suffered frigid temperatures for most of the week preceding Christmas and then, inexplicably, in one day we were stricken with warm weather and rain (which melted all the snow right into my basement). This was easily the most impressive flood we've had in our basement. Therefore, I'm going to commemorate the occasion with new carpet and several thousand dollars worth of uninsured flood mitigation. Happy New Year to me!
While my basement was busy drying, I decided to take the kids to Nebraska for a few days. (This is the main reason there have been no recent blog entries--I don't like advertising the fact that my house is unoccupied on the internet . . .). We visited my sister and her family and their new baby, Bennet, who was born on December 29th. Aubrey and Regan have been appointed to be his Godmothers and are beside themselves with excitement.
We also visited several friends and one of Jeff's brothers in Lincoln. I was so happy to see friends that I haven't seen in so long and it was neat to see my kids and their kids playing together.
The kids behaved like perfect angels in the car--even Finn. I was so so proud of them. I like to think that traveling will get easier as Finn gets older. However, it looks like a convenience store exploded in my minivan there are so many candy wrappers and spilled sodas, and McDonald's cups, so, needless to say the van is getting detailed tomorrow. Maybe I'll have them put some flames on the doors while they're at it because I'm a Cool Mom.
It was, bar none, one of the best trips I've had to Nebraska and I'm so glad that when we had the chance, we took the opportunity to visit people that we don't see very often. Unfortunately, due to the constraints of school and work we won't likely take another trip any time soon. Which means you'll see more frequent blog updates! Yay!
Sorry, this is short, but I have more laundry to do and bills to pay and other "mom" things to do--poor Aubrey is sick and I really need to go check on her. Even though she's big, she's still my baby too. (I think I hear all her friends gagging right now . . .) Sorry, Aubrey. I didn't mean to embarrass you.
Until next time, take care and Happy New Year!
Kelly & Kids
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