I guess I had this coming...

As I was writing the Everything Meme below... Zoey did this, which perfectly illustrates my answer to #41:




Why I am not a fan of markers yet...

Everything Meme

A funny story before I start... yesterday I was mowing the lawn and the kids were outside with me. The yard is big and we only water and mow a small part so the kids stay away so that I can mow. Anyway, Max all of a sudden wanted to help so he walked behind me, pushing my butt for three or four lengths of the lawn. I wish I could have seen it. It was really cute.

I don't normally do these, but I guess people do this on blogs as well as e-mail and thought I would share, you can cut and paste into your blog so I can read it or send in an e-mail, too. I always like to read others...

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:50 am

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.

3. What was the last film you saw at the theater? you, me and Dupree, I don't get to the movies too often!!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy
5. What did you have for breakfast? Wheat toast

6. What is your middle name? Marie

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Well, I do love food. If I had to choose one, it would be Asian, which i guess isn't choosing one. I love Korean, Sushi, Thai and chinese, so I just broad categorized it.

8. What foods do you dislike? gizzards and other internal organs
9. What are your favorite chips? BBQ

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Well, since i am so hip with my iPod, I will list a couple of my latest songs...colorful by Rocco DeLuca, Nothing left to lose by mat kearney, the fray, corinne bailey rae, a norah jones song, sexyback by justin timberlake (I know, really? I think it is fun to dance and work out to)

11. What kind of car do you drive? Dark grey jeep grand cherokee

12. Favorite sandwich? Like lots of different kinds, depends on the mood...

13. What are characteristics you can't stand? people who think they are way better than others

14. What are your favorite clothes? nice casual... jeans and nice top

15. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would you go? tropical paradise... I would like to go to australia, but don't want to travel forever to get there. I think there is a lot of America I want to see. I grew up in Germany, so I would love to take Ross to Europe and share some memories.

16. One random fact about myself: I lived in my birthplace for under two months and have yet to return

17. Where would you want to retire? Southern Calif
18. Favorite time of day? Mid morning, or during summer I like evening before the sun sets

19. Where were you born? Kokomo, Indiana

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Hockey live

21. Coke or Pepsi? If I had to choose, Coke. But i am not that picky

22. Beavers or ducks? If this has to do with Oregon, I go with ducks... My sister and BIL gave me a Ducks sweatshirt once that was one of my favs... i wore it to threads

23. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning

24. Pedicure or manicure? I would love both! It's been years.

25. What did you want to be when you were little? I remember doctor and teacher... I tried the teacher thing and don't think it was for me, I may look into nursing later. For now, I am thankful for my vocation.

26. What is your best childhood memory? I really couldn't say just one... I love the traditions that my family had, no matter where we lived, we could count on the same things, many I hope to continue with my own mobile family.

27. Ever been to Africa? Yes, 10th grade school trip to Tunisia. Not the "Africa" many people think, but a very interesting experience

28. Ever been toilet papering? No

29. Been in a car accident? yes, only minor ones thank goodness

30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

31. Favorite restaurant? don't have a favorite right now.

32. Favorite flower? Jasmine for the smell

33. Favorite ice-cream? right now, I love vanilla or coffee flavored frozen yogurt with snickers from a Yogurt place down the road
34. Favorite fast food restaurant? In N Out burger or Chipotle

35. How many times did you fail your driver's test? once

36. From whom did you get your last e-mail? I haven't checked today and I can't remember

37. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Probably Target for the most variety

38. Last person you went to dinner with? My Dad and Zoey, McCormick and Schmicks, it was very nice:) Thanks again Mom

39. What are you listening to right now? nothing

40. What is your favorite color? I don't have one right now... I am in between season's I guess

41. How many tattoos do you have? None. My daughter however, has three fake ones... I think it is a sign of what's to come... she has always loved tattoos, stickers and band-aids and drawing on herself!!

42. How many people are you sending this to? I can't say exactly.
43. What time did you finish this blog entry? 4:16 pm

44. Favorite magazine: I like a lot of different ones.

45. Coffee or tea? Tea usually
46. Do you tan easily or burn easily? Tan.

47. Do you color your hair? sometimes, not lately

48. What was the first car you ever purchased without the help of your parents? the car I have now, jeep grand cherokee...
49. What is your most dreaded household chore? cleaning the bathrooms or dusting

Just for fun, hope you have a nice day!!

Doctor Visit

Here is a recap of things that happened in February concerning our health and well-being-- A couple of sneezy sneezes and I think I had a bad headache one day

Here is what has happened in March, since Ross has been gone-- Hives, bee stings, a couple of fevers, and an ear infection...

Doesn't it always just work out that way?? I am really bad when it comes to this stuff, sickness and all... I worry too much and don't sleep well when the kids are sick, and it multiplies when I am alone... but the latest, at least, comes with a funny story:

So we had to go to the doctor today because I suspected Zoey had an ear infection and poor thing just wasn't herself. Anytime Zoey would rather lay on the couch and watch TV over anything else, tells me something is wrong. So we had an appointment this morning. I already had to bribe Zoey to get in the car to go. They both start crying as we enter the building (we've had some traumatic medical experiences), so they are crying as the tech calls us in to get Zoey's blood pressure and temperature. Zoey is crying because she feels bad and doesn't want to do this, Max is crying because he doesn't want to be there and he is upset that they are messing with Zoey. He was being very brotherly in trying to protect her. Everyone walking by was trying to help and stop them from crying, of course only making it worse, and me, I am just smiling as we go along (none of this is new to me). I just wear extra deodorant because the wrestling with the kids and trying to calm them just makes me sweaty... Anyway, we make it into the exam room... and zoey is okay now. The Doc is good with her and makes her laugh and very quickly checks her out and confirms the ear infection. MEANWHILE, Max, in his stroller, falls over!! So I am startled and go to pick him up, but the handle on the stroller somehow gets tangled in the leg of a chair and Max is crying trying to get out, while I am trying to lift him and the stroller up and untangle the mess.... The doctor, seeing us all tangled, probably thinking, this lady is crazy, is just trying to get in there to help me pick them up, Zoey is laughing at Max.... Aghhhh.... all the while, the Doc is continuing to tell me about the medicine and when to give it and how long to take it for..... it was a crazy couple of minutes. We made an impression on the whole hall, because all these tech/nurses came to give zoey a stuffed animal and Max a football and stickers... So it all ended well enough, and Zoey is feeling a little better already. Max is enjoying Zoey's sickness because he gets extra TV time. Me, after our dentist visit earlier this month and today, I just need more deodorant.

Chugging Along...

We are doing just that... chugging along. I thought I would put some pictures on here just for fun...

First here is Zoey with the pizza she helped me make for dinner last night!!



She proudly chose the square shape, helped make and eat it!!

Zoey cannot wait for Easter either. So we made some Easter cookies a little early... Here is Max and Zoey making the cutouts:



And here is Max putting on the sprinkles:



And here is a couple of them enjoying the treats:








Here they are in the sweatshirts that Ross bought them:) Neither of them wanted to pose for the picture, but I wanted Ross to see them...

That's all for now...

Thankful Thursday

I know sometimes I get caught up in things and forget to stop and remember and give thanks and praise for the gifts I have. What I am thankful for today:

- for Max and Zoey chasing each other around the house... showing their laughter, and love for each other and reminding me that they are healthy and active and my great blessings

- for my cell phone... Normally I wouldn't think of this, but during this separation from Ross, it is nice to be able to be reached, no matter where I am, so that we can chat a minute when he has free time throughout the day

- for downloadable music... I love that I can just buy one song instead of a whole CD... I really love all kinds of music and having it around, playing in the house, as a soft background or something fun to get dancing to and show my kids my awesome dance moves:) Anyway, buying just one song makes it affordable to have the variety that I like

- for all of Zoey's crafts, some I even get to wear proudly, like a paper bracelet or pink bead necklace!!

- and especially for hugs... Both of them willingly give hugs and say "ohhhh" while doing it, and they also let me hold them for as long as I need, which these days, really helps!!

What I am not thankful for however... TEXAS A&M losing b-ball tonight, but they made it to the sweet 16, which is pretty much unheard of for my football loving alma mater... until next year!! WHOOP!

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is both Ross and my dad's birthday. We got to spend the day with Papa, so that is nice. Poor Daddy (Ross) is alone. We love you Daddy. Here is a birthday message from Zoey:


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Wishing you lots of love.

Paper Dolls

So we survived our first week and are slowly moving along. Poor Zoey got her first bee sting today at the park!! I am very thankful she is doing okay. I was a little freaked out about what to do because I was all alone and I am not sure I have ever been stung before. But she is doing fine.

Auntie Bree sent us a package of crafts and stuff (thank you again) and there was a kit to make paper dolls. Here is Zoey next to a bunch of the ones we have made:



She really enjoyed making them. And she taped them to the wall herself, too, just the way she wanted them. I tried to move one and there would be none of that. We still have more to make.

And here is a video clip of Max counting with me the way the numbers do in his favorite show, "Math Circus"


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Tomorrow we head to the dentist for both kiddos!! I am not sure Max will even open his mouth!! Should be interesting.

Zoey's Kite

Saturday has been very long for us, or me at least. It isn't even 4pm yet! Oh well. We went to the Farmer's Market this morning and then we just have been playing out in the yard most of the afternoon. Zoey did something really cool... She made a kite for Max. She cut a diamond out and then strips of construction paper taped together for the "string". I was outside with Max and she came running out to fly the kite. It is really good. I took some videos of it...


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Here is Max with it:


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Have a nice rest of the weekend.

Zoey's Art Work

Zoey goes to a little art class on Friday's sometimes. Here is her work from today, i know you will enjoy my singing;):


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Video of Max with Zoey's Frog

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Our Smiley Countdown

I always have to come up with craft projects for Zoey and I am not too creative. Here is a picture of our latest. It is a smiley countdown. She gets to take off a smiley face every morning until Daddy comes home. Some I made on the computer and we colored and some she made on her own.

And here is Max playing in his PJs this morning, still with bedhead!



I think my computer is possessed and may die soon. It is making lots of weird noises. My connection with the world may soon end....

A Generation Gap- Already?

Just a little update... We are doing okay. Just going about our normal business. Trying to keep more busy than not. Poor Max has been having some hives I think, so I may have to take him to the doctor tomorrow if I can. The kids are definitely starting to get a little irritable. This is usual if Ross is TDY. But in the past, he would be home soon enough. Zoey will talk to Ross on the phone sometimes, but Max won't. He becomes quiet when I put the phone near him. Whenever Zoey or I mention "Daddy" he says, "Daddy" and looks around. Max is talking in his sleep. Last night I was awoken by an "Oh no, oh no" so i ran into the room and he was fast asleep. This isn't the first time. I wonder what his little dreams are about!! So that is all with us, now unto my random thoughts for today...

I was sitting at a stoplight today near a more affluent part of town, where it is not uncommon to see kids driving a Lexus or BMW. I looked over and saw some kids in a Jeep just like mine, only much nicer, newer and with band stickers all over, so it was probably theirs. It was four young high school aged boys. They were all stylish in their funny crooked hats and one guy had his leg up so I could see he was wearing those super tight skinny jeans (that is a whole other thing I don't get- boys wearing girl jeans). Anyway, my first thought in my head was, "punks!" Now- take this all with a grain of salt and a little humor, but remember where I am coming from... I stay at home with two small kids and I don't want them to get older than 8 right now! I have a neice and nephew who are older and awesome and really good kids, but besides them, I don't like any middle or high school kids because I don't want my kids to be that age!! I also don't work in a high school like my sister or MIL, where I am actually getting to know these kids as the people that I know they are... so this is just generally speaking and stereotyping!! Anyway, as I said that in my head, I thought, "that is what I used to hear my dad say about some kids!" Whoa!! When did this happen??? And it is true, I realized I have been saying this about all kids I see lately... I drive by a high school a couple times a week to pick up Zoey and these thoughts go through my head. So I quickly broke it down in my head, and this is the time line I have come up with on how I am now a generation gap away from high schoolers!!

When I was in high school- of course I was beyond cool. No question, there.

When I went to college- high schoolers were pretty lame and naive and silly to think they were cool, for clearly now I was the epitome of cool, much more worldly and all (forget that I went to college in small town Texas)

After college- you read those e-mails that talk about "freshman in high school now are born in .... they never lived without a cordless phone, or a microwave" and you think, "whoa, I remember the year they were born, I must be getting old... nah, I am young, and hip, and oh so cool."

And then one day you are driving and look to see that the person driving next to you is just a KID!! And then you have kids and are just afraid of the youth today that you see walking around the mall because you see them trying to act so old and you know that they are still pretty young. And you don't care anymore about being cool... and anyone who seems older and a little "different" seems threatening to your young and innocent children and so they get labeled, "punks."

And so the generation gap begins!!
Coolness... it is all relative anyway, right?;) Well, luckily for me and much to the dismay of my future high school children, my really cool years haven't even begun!! Hee, hee:)

Video Message for Daddy!!

Mr Potatohead, Panties and the BEACH

I found this when I was cleaning up last night:

Zoey took the baby potatohead and put a foamie baseball outfit on him. She got the mitt and ball in the right spot and everything. He is also wearing a baseball cap, but it is hard to see... She does this kind of stuff all of the time. It makes me laugh.

And another funny story: We were going to the beach today and we walked by a bunch of flowers. I have a bad head cold, so my voice sounds funny. Zoey was pointing out all of the flowers and asked what one type was. I said "those are pansies!" She just gave me a weird face that looked like I was crazy and said, "PANTIES, what?"

Here is a picture of the dolphin Zoey saw and pointed out today all by herself:



And here is Zoey after she said, "Take a picture of me on the sandhill looking at the dolphin!"

Ross, the sandhill was pretty much still there, but Max gave me the orange bucket and instructed, "More sand, Mommy" I was tired!!
Max was too busy digging in the sand for dolphins and pictures. We survived our first day! Thanks for all the encouragement family, love you all.

Pics and My Little Sunshine...

Well, we took Ross to the airport...Sad Cloud:(
I was crying a little bit from being sad and also just feeling a little overwhelmed. Zoey could tell I was upset as we drove away and she wanted to ask me what was wrong...
Zoey: Mommy, what... what is it??
Me: Oh, Zoey, I am okay... Mommy is just a little sad that Daddy had to go away for a while.
Zoey: But I still love you.
Thank you very much my sweet girl!

Here are some recent pics:
Max with his cheesy grin...



Zoey smiling in the backyard:



And here are the kids eating "DADDY's FUN MIX" tonight:

Bye Bye Daddy!!

We are having a bittersweet weekend. Ross was able to take Thursday and Friday off to spend time and run errands before he leaves for a class. He will be gone for four weeks! I know that that is nothing compared to what Tina and her family are doing, but it is still going to be a challenge for all of us. We mentioned Daddy leaving to Zoey and she just kept asking why? Max doesn't get it and will probably be a little out of sorts for a couple of days. So if the tone of my posts change a little bit, it will be because I am thinking of sharing more little stuff with Ross along with the bigger things I remember to share with all of you. Probably even more random funnies and other small adventures the kids and I will be taking. Please post when you can, it will be nice to hear from you, and please pray for me and all of us. Any time in the past that Ross has had to go away for a while, we have gone with him. Now the kids are too involved in things to be gone for so long and to just hang out in a hotel. They both like their schools, and sunday schools and activites and I think now it is just better to keep them on their schedule. We will see, I may be calling my mom and dad to ask to come visit them before the first week is done!! We love you Daddy/Ross, and we will miss you lots and lots...XOXO