For Kirsten

In response to your post, and your request on my sports blog, here are the pictures of our Sharks table. Not exactly a perma-decoration, but cool none the less. I was trying to find the pictures of Jenn painting it, but they were no where to be found. If I find them I'll post them, but in the meantime, here are some recent photos of our kitchen table turned scrapbook table.

Jenn will kill me for alowing you all to see the clutter,



A little closer.


Not bad, eh?



While we're on the subject of Sharks art, Lil wood burned this piece for me as a Christmas present, pretty cool if I must say so myself.




So that's my response to your perma-decoration. It's not hung on a speaker wire, but it's still cool. I have an awesome wife, that's willing to paint our kitchen table, that is seen by everyone, with the logo of my all time favorite team.
Lil also did an incredible job, guess I married into the right family.

Go Sharks!!!

Camping while Pregnant

Since there were multiple comments regarding sleeping while camping while pregnant, I decided I should tell you all exactly how my night went. You'll feel much better, I'm sure.

Just so you know this is the 3rd or 4th time we've camped while I've been pregnant. (If we waited for me not to be, we'd be pretty hard put to find a good time for it...) So, I know to take an air mattress. Also, we upgraded our tent (and are ready to do it again), so that we have space for all of us. However, an air mattress still has its problems -- like Derek outweighs me (thankfully), so it feels a bit like sleeping on the ground, but without the rocks/sticks issues. Anyway, it wasn't especially comfortable, but I was tired, so I did fall asleep.

Staying asleep was a whole different issue. It was really windy and tents are really loud when the wind is whipping them around, so I kept finding myself jolted awake. It's very disconcerting to awaken in an unfamiliar place, so I would have to come all the way awake, figure out where I was, then try to go back to sleep.

After a few awakenings, I realized that I couldn't breathe very well. I thought it was all in my head, then woke up enough to recognize an asthma attack. I had to go to the car and find an inhaler (lucky for me, Derek is also asthmatic, so he had one stashed in the glove box). Shortly after I was settled back in, DJ decided to wake up and wake me up, of course, so I had to put him back to sleep.

By this time I couldn't stand being in that cramped space with all the breathing, snoring, wiggling, and wind, so I decided to get out. This presented a new problem. I wanted to sleep, but wasn't about to try sleeping on the ground, so I grabbed two camp chairs, filled them with blankets, pillows and sleeping bag, and actually fell into a decent sleep. The wind was only annoying when I would move around enough that it could hit me in the face -- then it was cold. The chairs were not comfortable, but I found them livable, or at least sleepable.

Except for Michael waking and yelling for me (Derek thoughtfully slept soundly through at least 5 minutes of that), I slept pretty well the rest of the night. I will admit that I was not sad to see the night end, and I was very glad that we were only planning on staying one night.

So, now you can all stop thinking that I'm some crazy woodsperson, who endures and even embraces the great outdoors while six months pregnant. (Oh, as far as the bathroom breaks went, I got incredibly lucky and didn't have to go all night -- I don't think that has happened more than that one night in the last several months...) I hope you all feel much better. As I said in the last post -- we do these things for our kids. Their absolute love of the whole event was well worth it and I would (and probably even will) do it again. Then I shall come home with a whole new appreciation for my bed, my shower and my children's room!

Spring Break

This week was spring break here in Norman (for the elementary, as well as the college students in our family) and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. We may live to regret that when we are exhausted next week (and Derek is cramming for his test on Monday), but it has been so much fun. Believe it or not, I also got to sleep in twice until nearly noon (it's been years) thanks to my sweetheart. Of course it was interrupted sleep, but sleep nonetheless.

Monday we went up to the Air Force base and had our taxes done. It was nice to get that taken care of, though it was a long day for our kids. They were incredibly patient as we waited and waited for the really, really slow computers to do their work. They made sticker pictures and then we wandered the building. That was actually a bit interesting as it appears to be some kind of old storage building/warehouse turned into an office building. We pretended it was a maze and had quite an adventure!

Wednesday we went the Seminole children's museum. We went earlier this year and Nina just recently noted that we hadn't been there in a long time, so when friends called and invited us to go, we jumped at the chance. The kids, of course, love going! We enjoy going with another family, so we can get a little grownup conversation out of it.

Yesterday the same friends called us and asked if we wanted to go camping. So, with a group of seven adults (3 sets of parents and one aunt) and 10 children, ages 8, 6 (2), 5 (2), 4, 3 (2), 2, and 1 we set out to camp right next to a lake. While it may sound like a recipe for disaster, it turned out to be a lot of fun. We made (or attempted to supervise the making of) many mud cakes, pies, dams and other creations. Our children attempted to raise the level of the lake by filling it with dirt. We managed to consume 4 (or maybe 5) bags of marshmallows and oodles of hot dogs. We (the adults) then tried to reclaim all of our belongings (tents, clothing, chairs, etc.) from the evil marshmallow monster... Some of the children and a couple of the dads slept. The rest of us enjoyed (??) the beautiful fully moonlit night with its delightful Oklahoma wind. (Yes, I should be sleeping, but aren't you all glad I'm writing instead?) I do admit that we wondered if all the packing, unpacking, setting up, taking down, repacking, and putting away are really worth it, but we decided it was. Our kids were so happy! Michael told me that camping is his favorite! And, hey, it's a whole day in their lives without any argument over how much TV they watch.

Jon is happily wishing everyone a happy Spring! He has been looking forward to today for weeks. He is certain that now it will be warm and beautiful. I hope he's right. I'm ready for some consistent weather.

Speaking of the weather -- Derek and I felt we did an awesome job preparing for this camping trip (esp. since we pulled it all together in a few hours). We took plenty of blankets and did use them all, but also kept all of us warm. We had insect repellent, plenty of food, sufficient clothes (though we went through even the extra sets -- there was a lot of interaction with mud), wood, lighters, etc. We even thoroughly complimented ourselves for getting everything on our list. Then today it turned out to be summer (I think the weather control person here needs to check the calendar). One thing that we never considered in all our prepping -- sunscreen. And, yes, we were next to the water all day. We all came home baked, except Nina. We have no idea how she escaped -- she's the "fairest one of all." Interestingly, Derek and I came out far worse than the children, who were actually in the water.

Here's a slideshow of the museum and camping trip (yep, the same one that's on the sidebar)!

It has been done!

We cut it off! Hopefully it's an improvement...

More Michael Stories

Michael's combination of pessimism and imagination make him a very interesting (and amusing) child. I spent a lot of time with him today, because I took him grocery shopping with me. We went to the air force base, which is a 30 minute drive each way, so we got to talk -- or at least he did. He started as soon as we got in the car and only paused long enough for my responses (if I didn't respond correctly, I got a "Mom, I'm talking to you!"). I just wanted to share two especially funny parts of the conversation.

Michael: "Boys can grow up and be cowboys and leaders and dads."
Me: "How many kids are you going to have when you're a dad?"
Michael: "I'm not going to be a dad! I'm going to be a cowboy!"
Me: "Can't you be dad, too?"
Michael: "Cowboys don't have kids!"

I think Michael needs exposure to more than one cowboy. Or maybe he just needs to recognize that he knows several happily paternal cowboys...

I did then explain to Michael that Grandpa is a cowboy, too, though he doesn't do as much cowboy stuff as he used, which led to the next funny piece.

Michael: "The Grandpa with hair or without hair?"
Me: "Which Grandpa has hair?"
Michael: "One Grandpa has no hair."
Me: "Which one is that?"
Michael: "The one that goes with the Grandma with curly hair."

Earlier today I had great insight into Michael's views on parental roles, as well. He commented on the family proclamation, so I asked if he knew what our jobs were in our family. He said he did, so I asked what daddy's job was. He replied, "To fix stuff." What's mommy's job? According to Michael, "To wash the dishes." And the kids' job is "to play." Which just left me wondering why I have to be the only one with a lousy job. I think we need to revamp things a bit...

I forgot...

I had one other news story that I wanted to share. Since it's a good one, I decided I better put it on while I'm thinking of it.

Last Sunday we had a lot of wind (remember our tornado watch). Monday there was a Nascar flag in our front yard. Now, we really did have a lot of wind, but I don't know if we had that much wind, so I'm somewhat suspicious that we also had at least one neighborhood prankster. Anyway, we've seen the flags out on Sundays since we've been here, but since we know nothing about Nascar, we didn't remember where we had seen that particular flag, so it laid on our front sidewalk (where it had been thoughtfully placed by one of our neighbors) until yesterday.

On our way home from church we saw all of the flags out again and a brilliant solution came to me -- we stop at every house with flags and ask if they know of anyone who may have lost a flag. Well, by the time my thought had processed, we were past the first house, so we stopped at the second and met John. Wouldn't you know -- it was his flag. So we drove home (about four houses down), got the flag, and returned it. Now, I must say, we felt very happy about the whole situation -- good deed done, warm fuzzy feeling, good example for our children, and couldn't have been easier.

Well, you just can't do a good deed in Oklahoma. Later that afternoon we found an envelope with a note and a gift card to a local fast food/ice cream place in our mailbox. This is why we love it here. The people are absolutely fabulous! (excepting my OB) Of course, we wonder what our children are learning -- do what you should, with no expectation for reward and get reward??

A Few Updates and Other News/Complaints (with Pictures!)

For those of you who voted in the haircut poll, Jon has committed to a haircut this coming Saturday. I tried to talk him into it last weekend, but he said, "I said, 'Shouldn't the child decide?'" Yes, I let him vote and that was his selection. So we compromised. I told him he had to get it cut eventually, but I would let him decide when. The funny thing is, just this morning, when he saw his bed head in the mirror, he said, "Maybe I do need a haircut."

Since Derek bought his BB gun, we have seen no sign of that evil cat (or any other cat, for that matter), in our yard. I guess the word must have gotten out somehow. Derek feels somewhat deprived, but perhaps he'll get his chance to shoot some innocent (or not so innocent) animal yet.

Derek's ankle seems to be completely healed. He's spent the last two weeks on a no-running (or anything like unto it) order from his doctor. Now he gets to spend Spring break (next week!!) trying to get back into running shape. Lucky for him, the weather forecasts look good. Of course, one can hardly depend on the weather forecasts in Oklahoma...

I hate time changes! This is actually the first time since 2001 that we have had to endure the Spring change. Derek has begrudgingly admitted that Arizona's lack of time changes is one of two good things about the state. (The other: most Arizona drivers stay in the right lane, except to pass.) My already distressing sleep habits are only exacerbated by this lousy turn of events (or clocks, in this case).

I despise my OB. You may all be wondering why I continue seeing a doctor that I hate. Let me explain. There are lots of OB/GYNs in Norman, however, only a very small percentage take our insurance. Unfortunately for me, not one of those comes recommended by anyone I've talked to. So I am stuck with a lousy set of choices: stay with a doctor I know I hate, but who at least has been seeing me since I was 8 weeks pregnant, or go with a relative unknown, who may (by all reports) be just as bad, or, if it's possible, even worse. I am not loving my choices, but the fact that I've left half of my appointments in tears is just not a good sign that I should stay. (Just a note -- I may be pregnant, but I am still not that prone to public emotional outbursts.)

On a more positive note, last Friday was Dress for Success day at our elementary. Jon and Nina were both incredibly excited. I have pictures (yeah for me -- I finally remembered to take my camera somewhere!!):
Aren't they cute? I especially love Jon's pose. I figure it will make great blackmail in years to come...




I also thought I'd post a great picture of our up and coming hockey star! He outfitted himself for the occasion. We actually took some video of it, but I haven't braved trying to add that yet. Maybe someday...


And a couple of kid funnies:

The other day Jon asked me when we are moving to a new house -- not if, but when. I told him not for a whole year plus some. He seemed a bit disappointed.

One of DJ's favorite pastimes (besides skating) is calling Uncle Roy. The last couple of times that I've either told him Uncle Roy was unavailable or we weren't calling him again today, DJ has asked to call "Uncle Lil."

Our pediatrician is named Michael. When I told Michael that the doctor used to be a little boy named Michael, just like him, he seemed rather intrigued. I then asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, thinking he might just say "doctor." I should know better with that child. He looked at me and said, "A cowboy." I think he was rather put out that I even had to ask.

"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out"

Monday morning at about 4:00, Jenn and I were awaken, not by our children, but by a cat outside our window. This is not the first time that this cat has sat outside our window and meowed the worst sounding meow in order to wake all people within a 25 mile radius.
So I went to Wal-Mart to buy a BB gun. It was a little embarrassing I must admit. I know that Jenn's parents have one for the same purpose, so I figured it was OK.
You see, I am a gun owner. If I were to use my .45 on the cat, I think the neighbors would notice. I also have a .22 rifle, but Roy has it right now. I think the neighbors would notice that as well. Plus I don't want to kill the cat, I just want it to go away and never return.
I went to Wal-Mart with Michael and David, and the lady looked over the counter at Michael and said, "You know that these are recommended for ten year olds, right?" noting that the children I had with me couldn't possibly be ten yet.
Anyway, I got a Red Rider BB Gun, which reminded me of Christmas Story, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid". So far so good. I did take it to the back yard to ensure it worked and was pleasantly surprised by it's accuracy. The last time I shot one was at Cub Scout camp when I was nine. The one I shot there was the most inaccurate rifle ever. I was lucky to hit the paper, let alone the target. Or maybe I've gotten better at shooting fundamentals since technically I shoot M-16's for a living.
At the end of the day, I have a BB Gun and since the purchase, the cat hasn't come back. If it does I'll be ready. maybe the protective posture will prevent it from ever coming back. If that's the case, my sleep is more important to me than the $22.oo I spent on the rifle and BB's.

Skateland and other fun stuff...

After my last whiny post, I thought I should quickly (at least for me) add a more positive one. This week has been a lot of fun (even though it's also been a bit busy). Monday was reading night at the school. My kids thought it was great! They love to hear stories and getting to eat cookies afterward was definitely an added bonus. I was glad that we went, though I did wonder beforehand if it would be worth it. I didn't lose any children and I had a great time visiting with my friends.

Tuesday we went skating. This was the third time we've gone since we've been here (it's a popular fund raiser for the schools around it) and the third time that I've forgotten to take pictures. I'll have to see if the principal will share some of his with me. He took a picture of all of us before we left, but I might get lucky and find some of my kids skating. They love it! Jonathan even plays all the games now -- he likes the hokey-pokey a lot. Nina attempts to skate around the entire rink without ever taking her hands off the wall. It's not especially effective, as skating technique goes, but she is a bit chicken (kind of like me--I don't even put on skates). Michael has been skating for years now, so he usually just gets out and goes with the big kids. Yesterday, he decided that he didn't want to skate, though, so we let DJ have his skates and helmet (yes, all of our children insist on wearing their helmets, just to be safe -- Jon also wears wrist guards -- you never know what might befall you...). DJ got training skates for Christmas, which he wears a lot (like a couple of hours a day), but he always gets on his knees and crawls across any hard floors in our house, so we didn't think he'd skate at a rink. Oh, how very wrong we were. Not only did he skate, but he did it without holding onto the wall, or anyone's hands and he went a full circle all by himself. I kept waiting for him to fall down, but he never did. It was the cutest thing ever. He was one of the smallest skaters there (there was a two-year-old girl out there looking pretty good). It's really too bad that I'm the only non-skater in my family, but it's way too late in life to take up potentially bone-breaking activities. (And, yes, I really am a chicken...)

The weather has been beautiful the last couple of days. Our tornado watch/snow advisory turned into 70 degree weather (I won't even try to tell you that I was broken hearted). Yesterday our children decided it was a perfect day for jumping on the trampoline. And, I must say, it really was nice, but the costumes they decided to wear left me a bit disturbed. Our trampoline is (not so surprisingly) located in our backyard. The children decided to wear their bathrobes. I looked out to see all of these flying bathrobes, several pairs of underwear and a diaper (with no flying bathrobe even attempting to cover it). It was rather amusing, but I must say, in Oklahoma people just do not let their kids run around in their underwear, so I made them put clothes on. They seemed rather despondent, so I'm afraid that I ruined their fun, but isn't that what moms are for...

Life

I don't very often just sit down and write about what is going on in our lives, but I decided I would tonight. Between my head and the weather, I've had quite a day. Let me explain:

My head is pounding. I am pregnant. Tylenol is weak. It takes the edge off, but never completely takes the pain away. I thought I must just have a headache from the nasty cold I've had, but yesterday I realized that I have a wisdom tooth growing in. (I know, some of you are thinking -- wait a minute, how old is she?) Last May I had a wisdom tooth pulled (it was a nightmarish ordeal) and was told that the other three were all impacted. They would need to be removed by surgery, but, since I found out I was pregnant a couple of weeks later, I was told there was no hurry. After all, they were impacted -- that's why they were still under the gums, where they would stay until they were removed. I wouldn't recommend Korean dentists, just for future reference... (that has as much to do with the tooth they pulled, as my current condition).

Anyway, I can't have anything done about this darned tooth until I am not pregnant. I hope it either grows in, or I can find something that I can take that actually helps. I have to call my OB tomorrow and see what he says.

Now, about the weather: we are currently experiencing our first tornado watch, since our arrival in OK. We are in the middle of a severe thunderstorm (we had hail a few minutes ago) with crazy winds (hence the tornado watch). We are supposed to have up to four inches of snow tomorrow. Today, we had 70 degree weather. Tomorrow our high is supposed to be just above freezing. As you might imagine, we are currently going through a very rapid drop in temperature. It's all just strange. Mostly, I'm getting used to it (the weather is very unpredictable here), but the tornado part is a bit scary. I know what we should do, but I'm really hoping we don't have to actually do it. We really don't have a very good house for tornadoes. We have one room with no windows. It's about 3 feet wide by maybe 5 feet long. Imagine six of us trying to take cover in there for an extended period. Not to mention, it's got a great big mirror in it, which doesn't bring me great comfort. Oh, well, we knew what we were getting into when we came here. Hopefully we survive it.

Other than that, life is quite nice right now. We are anxiously (ok, Jonathan is anxious) looking forward to Reading Night at school tomorrow. Jon was explaining to me why we can't miss it. "We get to go to the school and the after we go to the library and eat a cookie and do some activities!" Did anyone notice the lack of reading included in his description? He is very excited about the cookies, so we (meaning I, since Derek will be in class) are going to do our very best not to forget about it.