Sunday, December 30, 2007

They say...

that if you can deal with them as toddlers, you can deal with them as teenagers. I think I'm in for a very rough ride during Quin's teenage years.

He knows how to push all my buttons right now, and it's all I can do to not break down and yell at my child for part, if not most, of many days. Take today. Q and I were up before the kids; when they decided to grace us with their presence, Quin was in a good mood. Then I had the temerity to ask him to get into undies (and out of his dirty diaper) before eating breakfast. That started the whining. Then I told him he couldn't have animal crackers, goldfish, or cookies for breakfast. But he could have Cheerios. That made him marginally happier. Then I asked him to get dressed. Five times. The whining was pretty bad, and the tantrums started after about request #3. "No, Mama do it, Mama help me." I told him that if he was too little to get dressed by himself, that he was too little to go sledding, and that he had to put his own clothes on if he wanted to go sledding. Then the tantrums started in earnest. So. 1.5 hours after he woke up, we were finally in the car and on our way to the park. Quin played on the slides for a bit before he decided he was ready to sled. He went down a couple of times, then decided that he wanted to pull me down the hill ("Puuulllll!!" "Quin you might want to wait until you're a little bigger to pull me." "Puuullllll!!!!"). He finally wanted to ride in the sled again, and had a great time. We went back to the house, and as soon as we pulled into the garage, the whining started again. Oh, and the tantrums. We returned at 11:30, and had lunch at 12:00. In between we had two time outs, several "go ask Dada to help you," and many "you may not hit or kick your sister!"

On the plus side, he was happy to go potty before and after sledding, even if he did ask to use the "little potty" - the one that's a glorified chamber pot.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Peanut gallery

Is this better? I played a bit with the colors, and I'm not sure if I made it too monochromatic - still debating that one. It's the same look, and the reason I went with the other template was for something different. Kinda like trying a new eyeliner color - just a bit of a change. I wasn't sure about the other one, and didn't really like how it was all pushed over to the edge, but it was different, which is what I needed. I'll stop rambling now, and "save" Q and Quin from a crying Gretchen.

Friday, December 7, 2007

The "What if?" Game

What if I had stayed together with Jeff (the guy who I dated for a year, then went to Texas for exchange the year I met Q)? Would I have stayed in geology? Would I have had the guts to try for my engineering degree? Would I now have three kids? (Not that they could be nearly as wonderful as my two!) Jeff was a TV couch potato, not a bookworm (or a computer geek); how would that have influenced our relationship? Would I be divorced by now because he couldn't accept that I was (book) smarter than him? That I wasn't his ideal (short, blonde, big chested - one out of three ain't bad, right?)?

What if I had decided to go to Washington State University? I wouldn't have met Q at all. I probably would have majored in forestry (my first major was natural resources management, then it switched to geology, then I added geological engineering), and I probably would have stayed in better contact with friends from high school. BUT then I would have been closer to John the stalker. The guy who wouldn't take no for an answer, and who I should have filed a restraining order against. The guy who was convinced that I would marry him, not mind that he liked to hit the wall next to my head (OK, so he only did it once, but that's once too often for me), and have his babies (the first would be a boy, and would never even think about being gay; the next would be a girl, who could be a lesbian, but he would rather she wasn't - it's strange the things I remember). However, I would have been physically closer to my cousins, who went to WSU, as well as physically closer to my family. Would I have stayed with one of my high school boy friends?

What if I was still working full time? Would I be a better parent? Would I be floundering in guilt that I wasn't able to raise my children? Would I look forward to the kids' bedtimes as much as I currently do? I don't know if I'd be more patient - Mondays are hard for me already, and I only work about 6 hours (a long lunch break for nursing Gretchen). Would I instead be pulling my hair out and crying every night?

What if Q hadn't looked at me twice? I was fortunate that he was at the end of a souring relationship when I met him. Oh, and I was dating Jeff, who was on exchange in Texas, who would only call me when he was drunk (we had both just turned 21). But if Q's girl friend hadn't been a flake, or if they'd had a better relationship, would I have had a chance of winning his affection?

Lots of "what if's" out there. How different would our nation - heck, our world! - be if Bush hadn't been elected president? Either election. What if most Americans bothered to think for themselves instead of what was spoon fed to them through their church and the media? What if the Romans hadn't turned Christian? Would we have a space station on Mars by now if technology and science hadn't been heresy?

I'm feeling contemplative tonight. Toki's diary post started me thinking about the decisions I have made (or ignored) through my adult life. Most of my adult life has been spent with Q as a partner. (Scary, isn't it?) He's my best friend - I can talk to him about any thing, although there are certain (mostly female) subjects that he really doesn't care to listen to. Yes, I often make him listen anyways.

What in your life makes you go "huh?"

Friday, November 23, 2007

Flop

Yup. That last one was a flop. Oh well; sometimes you hit the target, and sometimes you fail spectacularly! Ideas on posting... how my son is repeating that he doesn't like his sister; or how my son likes to throw tantrums over the smallest, most trivial point; or maybe how my husband is teaching my son to sing odd songs ("chickens in my underwear, chickens in my magic newt" is currently being sung - don't ask me what the tune is, ask Q!)?

Q - what is a magic newt???!!!

Or, how about my current favorite: what causes all electronics near me to die?? I can't get my new Palm to even think about syncing with my computer, not to mention getting the stupid software to finish loading on my computer!

On a more positive note (I'm trying to improve my mood today, and having problems), my friend Lisa (a.k.a. Elle) is once again selling delicious truffles and caramels to raise money for adoption. So, if you want to enjoy some wonderful candy, get some holiday shopping done without any pain on your part, and help a good cause, go to http://lifeofelle.com/sweethope/Ordering.html (or use the link on the right).

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Let's Torture Toki!

I can't wait to see Q's graphics for this meme! (Which is why Toki will be tortured.)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Star Prius

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
peanut butter chocolate-squared chip

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
J-Wut

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Blue Horse

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Lee Olympia

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
Wut-Je

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Green Water

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Albert Edward

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy),
LavenderFudge

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Carol Ray

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Kressin Kirkland

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Tulip

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Mango Shirty

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Kashi Mountain Ash

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Quilting Rain Tour

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Molasses Cookies

From Cooking Light, date unknown

½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
¼ cup dark molasses
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
cooking spray

1. Spoon applesauce onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels; spread to ½ inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 5 minutes. Scrape into a bowl using a rubber spatula.

2. Combine applesauce, 1 cup sugar, and butter; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add molasses and egg; beat well.

3. Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine fours and next 5 ingredients (flours through cloves), stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture, beating until well blended. Cover and freeze dough 30 minutes or until firm.

4. Preheat oven to 375°.

5. With moist hands, shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in ¼ cup sugar. Place 3 inches apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks. Yield: 32 cookies (I usually get much more, even with 1" balls, although mine are usually smaller - easier for the toddler to eat!)

Nutrition info:
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 88 (25% from fat)
Fat: 2.4g (sat. 1.4g, mono 0.7g, poly 0.1g)
Protein: 1.2g
Carb: 16g
Fiber: 0.7g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Iron: 0.7g
Sodium: 141mg
Calcium: 16mg

Sunday, September 2, 2007

"Mama be a cow"

At first I thought I should be offended, but then it occurred to me that Quin is 2, he doesn't understand that asking someone to be a cow is potentially offensive. So instead I mooed. And then the animal requests came fast and furious.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

"Mama do it"

I loath those three words. That's all I hear these days: "Mama do it." I don't have an independent toddler; occasionally I will be told "Quin do it," but these are few and far between. He's currently in his room, whining and sniveling because I won't put his pants on. He knows how to put his own pants on. I even took mine off to demonstrate the technique. But he insisted that only I could put on his pants. I told him to let me know when his pants were on, then we'd go for a walk. He's still working on that concept, and the whining is rapidly turning into a tantrum.

His pants are on, so we're off for a walk.

Oh, and Q, some chocolate would be MUCH appreciated.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

HP7

I think the only thing worse than waiting for book 7 is reading book 7 two pages at a time. Humph.

Friday, July 13, 2007

"Due to insufficient information...

... we will no longer be communicating with you on the blog we deleted." Ok that wasn't quite what Blogger help said, but the nutshell version is so much more crass: FUCK YOU, Lirri. So, I now have a many hour date with my computer, recreating my blog so that the kids will still have those funny stories. My memory is not the strongest, and therefore I have to write stuff down (although I still can't look at cheesecake without remembering the easter I spent with Toki and Fizzie). I will be recreating the other blog, but I think it will wait a while longer, on the off chance Blogger help decides to be helpful. Until then, you'll just have to imagine what the kids look like. Hint: Gretchen looks almost exactly like Quin did at 3 months!

It's been a wonderful month.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Toki's tag

My roommate and I once: shared a boyfriend. An interesting experience I don't recommend!

Never in my life: have I tried drugs. (One of the few places I'm innocent!)

High school was:
Interesting. I was a band geek to the core, and was even a squad leader for our marching band!

When I'm nervous:
I talk more or am quiet, depending on the situation. With friends, I talk more, with strangers, I am more quiet.

My hair:
Is mouse brown. It matches my shit-colored eyes.

When I was 5:
I liked to pick fights and my older sister had to rescue me.

When I turn my head left:
I see the kitchen.

I should be:
Working.

By this time next year:
I will have a 3-year old and a 1-year old. I also hope to have found my sanity!!

My favorite aunt is:
My mom's sister, Wendy

I have a hard time understanding:
Why people do unethical things like cheating.

You know I like you if:
I tease you.

My ideal breakfast is:
Coffee cake, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and orange juice!

If you visit my home town:
you'll be in the capitol of Washington.

If you spend the night at my house:
you'll be sleeping on the couch!

My favorite blonde is:
I have no idea.

My favorite brunette is:
Robin Williams.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds:
is horses. I'm a romantic at heart!

I shouldn't have been:
frustrated with Quin earlier.

Last night I:
woke up every two hours between 3am and 9am to feed Gretchen.

A better name for me would be:
something without hard sounds.

If I could have any car, it would be:
my Honda Prius.