The Family That Shreds Together

Disclaimer:  It should be noted that with the shredder turned off and unplugged, I made sure there was no way chubby little fingers could get stuck in the mechanism, and aside from taking the picture, my hands were right next to theirs.

They thought what I was doing was so fun they wanted to join in.  If only I thought shredding 1000 pieces of paper was as fun as they seemed to think.  Silly, silly little boys.

In random news (which I'm so GOOD at), I have Chitty Chitty Bang Bang songs stuck in my head:  P-O-S-H-posh, the traveling life for me.

My Manic Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday

Hehe, I have the best pictures, but I have a rotten, kind of violent feeling cold and am too tired to go to my room and get my camera, so I hope to share the pics and the great little story that belongs with them tomorrow.  Today, as it has been single digits and cold for way too many days/nights for way too long, and it is really showing in the kids hyper level, I did what many moms have done before but what i have never been inclined to do.  I took them to an indoor play place called Planet Kid, and it wasn't too bad.  I did find out I am super uptight about other moms not making sure their kids are following the rules.  Like, no I'm not okay with your 8-year-old being in the toddler ball pit and throwing all the balls out so that the worker has to go to  the outside of the enclosure to get them while you chat away with your friends about conspiracy theories.  See, lame pet peeve, but it is mine and I will own it.  My kids had a great time, and were absolutely exhausted afterwards...for about an hour.  Then, they started with the too hyper because it's too cold and we want to eat lots because it's too cold thing again.  That's ok though.  They are alive and healthy and cute and way better at following rules than a lot of kids and adults I know, so I love them lots.  Pics tomorrow as naughty, naughty The Hulk has been at it again....

Tooth Fairy Tales-3

Tooth Fairy Times-2

I've often thought of the Tooth Fairy as a very busy woman.  Actually, my kids did inquire whether the Tooth Fairy was a boy or girl, and I can't recall the answer, but anyway, I think of s/he as a busy person, all night, every night, go, go, go.  Due to this fact, I'm pretty sure s/he dreads coming to our house where usually a very detailed and inquisitive letter awaits.  Our home, the great time waster.  Poor, poor TF.

Wacky Wellness Wednesday

I know many people who are believers that taste testing food as you're preparing it, including that nice spoonful of cookie dough, doesn't count calorie wise but...

Have you ever told yourself that a certain sugar/fat laden cake or bread was healthy because it has fruit in it?

Have you ever told yourself that it is your moral obligation to eat the rest of that bag of chocolates/chips/candy because once they are finally out of this house, via your digestive tract, then you can finally eat healthy?

Have you ever told yourself you would finally eat healthy, go out and buy all the items to do so, and then let them sit neglected as you go about participating merrily in your old habits?

Have you ever let a good number on the scale give you permission to do some celebratory eating, and conversely, have you ever let a bad number on the scale cause you to do some depressed eating?

See what I have had to put up with all these years of living with me?  Oh, the lies, the lies!!!  Make them stop!

My being more healthy plans this year are starting out simple, and my only concrete measure of success will be fitting into this pair of shorts I picked up at Ross last summer.  I can squeeze into them now, but they are meant to be relaxed fit, awesome outdoors' babe style, so that's the goal.

That Kind of Day

Today was that kind of day.  Best laid plans fell apart.  To illustrate, the highlights of my day were Downton Abbey while folding laundry and the fact that our Franz Bread outlet has awesome customer service.  I am thankful for a new beginning every day.  I suppose the day wasn't a total loss in that I learned that my chicken pot pie is delish with curry powder.  Who would have guessed?  Also, when I had to call our HelpDesk after having a software issue when I was supposed to be working, my lovely service representative, Mohamed, and I had a fab conversation about United States snow and other such fascinating topics.  Nobody from India customer service has ever engaged me in conversation before-I am used to awkward conversation while the computer restarts, etc., but, no, today it was more pleasant than usual.  Back tomorrow with a tooth fairy tale.  Hooray for chocolate and bed!

Mom's Manic Monday

Many of you know what it's like to get immersed into the world of Harry Potter.  Well this young man is certainly in that state of mind right now:

Sorry about the faux-mo.  He wanted it and his barber was accommodating.  He is in the fourth Harry Potter book currently.  He asked me this past week if in the spring he could plant a tree.  I am always flattered when the kids appear to take up my interest in plants and gardening.  "What kind of a tree do you want to plant?" I asked him.  "It just has to be big and strong so I can make things out of it, like a broom and a wand."   O-kaaay.

How many of you have had this problem, reckless destruction of your landscaping for the assembly of witchcraft paraphernalia?  Should I be worried?

The other kids:

Judy Moody has a crush, and listening to her about it, I try to just keep calm.  If I freak out or interrogate her, she will never confide in me again.  It all sounds harmless enough-hands accidentally brushing against each other while playing a math game, smiling at each other across the lunch table.  I would be very disturbed with a third grader telling me they quietly gazed into each others' eyes for what felt like minutes, but then I was reminded of my young love.  Ah, Devin from second grade.  I thought he was great to play with at recess.  We had these awesome toy guns we earned in class that we played with at recess (my. how times have changed), and he was THE BEST.  I really knew it was serious on my part at our end of year talent show.  Devin dressed up as Elvis, including dying his blonde hair black, and sang "Heartbreak Hotel".  Something about his skillful use of Elvis pelvis caused my heart to flutter, so as long as it is just a crush I think I can handle JM liking boys...only crushes though, because I will put the kibosh on all that going steady, etc., etc, in a hurry if that comes about.  Incidentally, Devin moved to Colorado after that school year, but I have never forgotten Elvis the Pelvis's third grade comeback.

The Quiet Man-He has managed to say one word very clearly in prayers which is "gateful", which means grateful, so we have to say lots of thankful prayers to encourage his words coming along.  He has a best buddy in church (which he hasn't really paid much attention to any kids besides bros and sis before, so yesterday I was actually a little proud when he was distracted from paying attention because he was goofing with his friend.  I consider it a good sign.  He was so sick last week and really seemed to decide to live life to the fullest after getting over it.  I've never seen him so happy, and hugging and kissing.  What a fun kid!

The Hulk-Is being characteristically hulky.  He can successfully climb the bar stools with ease.  I thought I was being clever, in a desperate attempt to cook in peace, by gating off the kitchen entry, but TH was on the counter in no time and probably ready to jump off the other side, just to prove to me there is no stopping him.  I am becoming a believer.

Toothfairy Times-1

In my cartoons this week, I put before you actual things my kids have said/done/lied about, etc., regarding the tooth fairy.  When I was little, I just collected the goods and was grateful, but my children, yes my little ones, expect SO-MUCH-MORE!!!

In which our resident genius tries to swindle the poor dear:

Simple Truth Saturday

I'll be brief today.  Our work platforms were down all of yesterday which is apparently "unprecedented" so I have to be working all day until dinner time, but I wanted to share a little thought.  I "get" to speak in church tomorrow, and being the anti-public speaking type that I am, I am VERY nervous but at least I get to choose my topic.  I chose what I've been thinking about for a long time, which is being a more christian Christian, being a true follower of Christ.

If I really think about what that means, treating others as Christ would treat them, I have miles to go.  When I am thinking about this, suddenly I want to lower my voice, gently place my kids in their car seats and talking nicely as I buckle them, rather than yelling Hurry! Hurry! as I plunk them in.  I had an experience which I think is amazing about 2 weeks ago:

-Preface:  I'm a cheapo and have no problem with hair experimentation because A:  It grows back and B: I've never had a haircut I was desperately in love with that I had to have reciprocated or I would die.

I went to a beauty college to get my hair cut on a whim and the receptionist had be wait for a guy.  I realized as I was waiting that a man has never cut my hair before, funny.  Anyway, he introduced himself and shook my hand.  Now, this young man had sort of turquoise and blond hair, a bandanna headband tied around making it stand up on end.  He had those rivet-like earrings which look painful to me, and a lip piercing, arms covered in tattoos.  His clothing wasn't exactly professional, but, above all, he was super nice.  He proceeded to be friendly, not too chatty which too chatty makes me nervous so that was perfect.  He was really excited about what he was doing, beauty college.  He said he likes to help people.  He had gone to trade school and learned HVAC, electrical, drywalling, etc., but wanted to try this now instead for more face to face interaction.  He taught me about the proper way to shampoo and condition and was WAY excited about giving me a shampoo and scalp massage (not in a disturbing way BTW).  Now, as he was a student, it took him A LONG TIME to cut my hair, but he worked hard at it and made me feel comfortable and relaxed, so I didn't mind.  As I was chatting with him during the haircut, I thought about my first impression of him:  This dude is messed up, looks a little wild, probably does drugs.  Then I thought about how I was wanting to be more like Christ and that all of that wouldn't matter 1 wit to Him.  Suddenly, I felt these feelings for this young man that had to have been a portion of what the Savior felt for him.  I knew this boy was loved very much by Jesus.  I knew that Christ knew this boy had a good heart and that he had probably been treated crappy by a lot of people for being different.  I knew that a boy like this wasn't a bad person at all and that he needed friendship and love.  Above all, though, I just felt he was very loved.  I didn't mention anything to the guy, because who wants to creep out a nice person, but I can't forget those feelings, and it was an honor to feel a little of what the Savior felt for him.  I wonder how often that would happen and how differently I would think and act if paused, took a breath and remembered to look at people as the Savior would more often.  Just as I've been studying and trying to do it a little bit, I am reminded every so often of what He would be doing versus what I am doing, and I would love for those 2 things to line up a lot more and not be so in congruent.  One day at I time, I have faith if I try I can get there.

Is there something you can do to be more like Christ this week?  As a friend, a neighbor, a mother, a father, a son or daughter, a passerby?

Fine Food Fridays

I made one of my husband's favorite desserts last week, as I said no to having it added on New Year's Eve to our cornucopia of 7-layer dip (actually 6 layers at our house because a couple people have a little avocado hangup), sherbet floats, etc., etc.  Hey, he was angling for Chinese food that night too, and I have to put my foot down somewhere.  So we made what to some people is known as Irish Cheesecake.  Now, my MIL and SIL and husband called it Lizzard Gizzard Pie, so that's typically what I call it.  

Kids like the sound of it. :)

Obligatory most of the ingredients pics

 Adding hot water to the lime jello, thus recreating the innards of a lizard

 This is where you put it when you want the jello to set, in case you don't know what a fridge looks like.

Meanwhile, crush graham crackers.  If you don't have a food processor, do this:

It's totally sanitary!!!

This is the speedy way of making the graham cracker crust-in the 9 x 13. 

Meanwhile, The Hulk started grabbing graham crackers and stomping them on the floor without the ziploc bag around them.  Before he got too far, he sat down for a break...luckily. 

 Next, you get to use the blender.  No fancy Blendtec or Vitamix here yet...or probably ever.  For those of you not familiar with blender usage, safety tip.  Do not add non-food items to the blender.  It's never as cool as they make it look on TV.

BAD IDEA

GOOD IDEA

An aerial view into the eye of the storm.  You can't pay for this kind of excitement!

 Approval from The Quiet Man

 Approval from the husband.

 YUM!!!

Irish Cheesecake (Lizard Gizzard Pie)
1 small pkg lime jello
1 cup hot water
12 oz can evaporated milk
1 pkg + 4 graham crackers crushed
1 stick margarine/butter melted
1 cup + 2 TB sugar
8 oz cream cheese, chunked
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 TB lemon juice

Chill can of evaporated milk in refrigerator.  Thoroughly mix lime jello and hot water and let set in fridge.  Don't let it get to set or you will have green chunks in your final product (which really do look like lizard gizzard).

Prepare crust by mixing crushed graham crackers, 2 TB sugar and butter and pressing into bottom of 9 x 13 pan, leaving enough to sprinkle over the top of cheesecake.

Whip 1 cup canned milk and then add and whip 1 cup sugar, cream cheese chunks, vanilla, lemon juice, and set jello.  Pour over crust and refrigerate until set.

The History of My Chest in 6 Parts

Part 4-The fun taken out of functional

Part 5-In Mourning

Part 6-The last stage of grief is acceptance

Thoroughly Thankful Thursday

I was just thinking last week about my MIL.  She's busy and not a phonaholic.  I'm busy and not a phonaholic...plus I've got that painfully shy factor with my phone-phobia, so we don't get to talk too often.  When I think about her since I've know her, though, I am so thankful for who she is.  She made me feel completely welcomed and as comfortable as she could from the moment I first met her.  This would probable seem like nothing except that she does this with everyone.  When she walks into a room, she will go and introduce herself to people, and if she sees someone looking painfully uncomfortable, she tries her best to make them feel comfortable and included.  I don't think it's easy for her.  Maybe part of her is shy like me.  She is indeed not a naturally super outgoing, chatty person, but she does it because she cares about people, and knows how they might be feeling, and wants them to just be able to relax and enjoy themselves.

Another thing I love about my MIL is her generosity.  She flipping flew me to Missouri to meet a bunch of family before my husband went on his mission.  She takes care of her family!!!  She makes Christmas magical for the kids and fun/silly too.  When we do get to see her in person (which ends up being not often enough) she sings the best songs to the kids, and I will always have the picture in my mind of her holding each of her little grand babies, especially when she would find just the right cellphone ring to make them happy and stop crying.  So sweet and funny and cute and loving all at once.

Inevitably, when I think of my MIL, I think of what a friend she was when we were both missing my husband while he was on his mission.  AND, I think about our wedding.  We were just, um, desperate to get married, full of lots of love and hormones, and not necessarily thinking straight about the details.  When I read about how the average wedding costs $27,000 now, I almost LOL because we would have been happy with overalls and hay bales I'm sure.  We.just.wanted.to.be.married in the right place, and that's about as far as we had gotten.  She explained to the youthful containers of hormones that we would want some special stuff, some decorations, to actually feed people at our reception.  Yes, we I (I can only speak for me, I suppose) was just clueless because I was so focused on the end result and not the journey.  She made us a beautiful wedding cake and freaked out about color coordination and centerpieces and such for me, because I just didn't care-too in love to care.  I thought it all looked great and felt very loved by all she did.  Looking back, I sound pretty flaky (which I'm not generally a flake but love makes me flaky maybe?), but regardless, she loved us and wanted us to have good memories, so she arranged for lots of things.  It was a super simple wedding and reception, but it was so much more than I could have ever hoped, just perfect for us.  We have a ton of pics (free I might add), and we had nice receptions and got to have a romantic first dance all by ourselves under some lovely twinkling lights and the beautiful night sky in Nevada.  I am thankful for my MIL-for her protecting and teaching and keeping my husband alive and relatively disciplined until we got married, for her friendship and support in our whirlwind romance, and for all she has done for us since then.  We don't talk a lot, but I know she is there, and I love who she is and what she has taught me and the fun little memories I have because of knowing her.

The History of My Chest in 6 Parts

Part 3-A weird spring break conversation.

Wacky Wellness Wednesday

Sometimes, people make eating healthy so complicated.  It's not.  Here's a simple lesson that can improve your health dramatically.                            

GOOD

BETTER

BEST

Tipsy Tutorial Tuesday

Today, we will focus on the fine art of bribery.  Many children's psychology experts will tell you that bribery is a horrible way to teach a child correct principles.  I disagree...vehemently.  Bribery is positive reinforcement, if done correctly and applied intermittently so that it is never expected but always appreciated.   Bribery is such a beautiful thing, in the right place, at the right time, with the right person/people.

Step 1-Here we have a boy who desperately wants to play with his brother's Christmas toys while said brother is away at school.  I have so many things to do and he is so sweetly persistent (very, very persistent) that I give in.  Surely he will clean them up or I will help him clean them up when I am done working.  I fall for this scenario or a similar 1 every afternoon, just so you know.

Step 2-The easy part where the boy plays happily for a couple of hours while I get much accomplished.  We are both feeling productive and satisfied at this point, thus how I let this happen every day.  But then...

Step 3-Darkness ensues as more and more toys are added to the mess, and by the time I am done working and see the disaster area, it is time to go get the other kids.  Timing is everything with bribery, so I make sure they are fresh home from school, nice and starving for some food, maybe a little cranky.  Then I say, "Children, I will give you candy if you pick up your little brother's mess."  Luckily, at least this time, they readily agreed.

Step 4-The Hulk (TH) must be temporarily corralled as he is a firm practicing member of the I Only Make Messes, I Don't Clean Them Up Sweetheart Religion.  He is also bribed with candy to keep the screaming at bay during the process.

Step 5-The Dog always tries to help.  He probably thinks food is involved too.  Silly, silly puppy.  It is a good idea not to contain the dog at this point anyway as he will clean up any chunks of candy that fall from the baby's high chair or the eager wee ones' mouths.

Step 6-Here they are with their candy (probably mostly consumed with those voracious appetites).  Bribery only works if you follow through.  Otherwise, you are known as a filthy liar instead of an effective parent, and rumors spread fast around these parts.  Deliver the goods stat and all is well.  The children are satisfied.  You are satisfied.  The house is clean for The Husband's arrival.  Repeat intermittently as deemed necessary.  Easy enough!

The History of My Chest in 6 Parts

Update:  My husband read this and asked if it was my mom sitting next to the me on the swing.  No, it was a guy who actually gave me the time of day in high school, though obviously I probably shouldn't have given him the time of day. :)



Part 2-This Ain't Sweet Valley High

Mom's Manic Monday

Now that we got the awkwardness out of the way for today, I want to introduce you to the cast of characters who plod, prance, somersault, stomp, and light saber fight their way across the stage of my life each and every blessed day.

This wonderful creature is my Judy Moody, and though she is moody at times, JM is worth all my children's weights combined in gold.  In this picture, the tall little lady is cleaning the snow off our sidewalk while in temperatures in the teens.  Yes, money was involved, but she did it in freezing cold weather right after school when she would normally be trying to scarf down massive amounts of food.  She works hard when she feels like and does a lot of  child coordination efforts around here.  She can be bossy but then so am I.

Ah, young Obi Wan.  He is a bookworm, an imagineer (note no capitals), a super smart kid.  He stays up late reading at night.  He has a sensitive side which can be detrimental in a rough and tumble household, but most of the time he holds is own or can scream loud enough to compensate at the least.  Hi was very Star Wars, then very Angry Birds, and now that he is in the thick of the Harry Potter series, he is trying to convince me to let him start using his sheet as an Invisibility Cloak.

This is The Quiet Man.  He has the most lovely blue eyes which I could literally stare at forever.  His Christmas camera has brought him lots of enjoyment and has saved me from jammy fingerprints all over my cellphone which he used to take the most fascinating pics.  Even though his speech is taking awhile to come along, looking at what he takes pics of with his camera is amazing-fine art in some circumstances...if you can call closeups of our vent covers and a series of his cookie being eaten bite by bite art, which I totally can.

And last, but certainly not least, we have The Hulk.  Yes, I realize this picture is blurry, but that is the story of TH's life.  He is constantly "rearranging" the entire house, trying to climb and sit on stools, and striking terror (in smallish doses) in the hearts of his comrades (brothers).  He is a mean little guy, but I think he sees it as his means to survival and living life to the fullest.  He is starting to have timeouts now, so I think his world is about to change.  Meanwhile, there's nothing he loves more than taking something you need, running as fast as he can away from you, and smiling as he hears the unhappy cries.

Ok, one clear picture of him just to demonstrate his other love besides Hulk smash and all that jazz:

There you have it, a complete lover of chocolate and all things candy like and not worried a smidge about devouring it neatly.  Thank goodness for baths because if we were out on the prairie living old school, he would be set out to get licked by coyotes every night right after dinner.






Well, here are the little joys of my life.  I believe that in a woman's life there are many stages and phases, and I will get to do all the important things my heart desires when the time is right.  For now, my heart desires to be leader of this pack!

The History of My Chest in 6 Parts:

Part 1-Tales of a Fourth Grade Too Much

Nod to Bobo

Warning-I am not an artist, not in any sense that could be appreciated greatly by others.  Plus I am getting used to drawing on my iPad, so improvement should be seen over time.  Truly, though, this sketch is meant to be childish looking.  There IS a story.

Once upon a time, there were 2 sisters,  One was fair and had long super curly hair but was a little insecure.   The other was a general pain the bum little sister who loved to tease her.  Fortunately, as long as said little sister wasn't a total meanie, said fair older sister would be a good sport.  Somehow, I took to calling my sister Bobo (meant as a name of affection but, Bobo?  I don't know what I was thinking, don't ask).  

Well, Bobo and Anna went to church every Sunday but as children sometimes do, I would get restless and one Sunday started coming up with these cartoons of Bobo and her life.  I drew the cartoon version not fair and curly haired and looking a little rough (twisted sense of humors come in all forms).  Bobo had many adventures and she made us laugh until we cried, although very quietly so as not to interrupted anyone else.  I had forgotten about this cartoon until a few years ago my sister pulled out a notebook.  I felt a bit sheepish, but to her those times fond memories, and though reading back I couldn't believe what a tease I was, it makes for a funny, weird, sense of humor bond between us.  Every cartoon had a story behind it-a boy we teased Bobo about, one of her insecurities being amped up-much territory was covered.

Incidentally, lately, when something absurd happens to me or something a little depressing, sometimes I see a cartoon pop up in my head, all laid out.  As I'm not an artist, they look amateur but they help me smile and laugh to myself about something that might otherwise make me eats lots of chocolate.  Therefore, I am going to try to put some of them down.  If Bobo can like the silly cartoons I drew to entertain her many years ago, maybe my children and/or I can find some of my and their adventures in my cartoon mind amusing some day.  

Coming up next week, an amateurish, scribbly cartoon every day to make me laugh.  Plus, don't miss out on:

      MOM'S MANIC MONDAY

      TIPSY TUTORIAL TUESDAY

      WACKY WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

      THOROUGHLY THANKFUL THURSDAY

      FINE DINING FRIDAY

      SIMPLE TRUTHS SATURDAY

Back to Reality

MY REALITY-  Light sabers on the floor.

                        Light sabers banging on my door.

                        Light sabers by the kitchen sink,

                        Every time I get a drink.

And a Millenium Falcon on our dog crate for good measure.  Everyone should have one...a Millenium Falcon that is.

SO, um, earth to Anna, Christmas is....over.  New Year's?  Also over.  Now there is a seriously long-term habit I have--All the time growing up, from my perspective, once school let out for Christmas break (it was never winter break back then), you did nothing but get hyped up about Christmas, enjoy Christmas, get hyped up about New Year's, be lazy, and eat food--for 2 weeks.  Oh, it was a thing of beauty.  I have never gotten over that.  I just feel like it's a time for hunkering down, going out as little as possible and just enjoying your family and recharging for the new year (and the rest of a long, cold winter).  As an adult, it has gotten tricky, but I still hang on to the desire to pull this off every year.  This year (having a 9 year old really helps) I pulled off a lot of sleeping in which is seriously unheard of for me.  I spent a lot of time enjoying (and at times hiding from) my children, and I didn't clean the house quite as much as I should have.  With 4 kids home 24/7 and a bunch of new toys, it's kind of self defeating IMO anyway.  I did have to work my part-time job this whole time (yes, even on the actual holidays-nature of my work), but that wasn't too killer.  This week I've spent half-heartedly trying to get back into the swing of things and really evaluating my personal goals and how I run my household, writing, writing, planning, and trying to simplify and plan baby steps so that I don't expect too much of myself and have mucho success instead, just a little at a time.

At last, though, after 2 insanely late nights working and then another night of sick boys causing me to feel like the Living Dead all week, I think if I have a laid back weekend, I am ready to start taking names and kicking some trash (how's that for an incognito way of saying lazy time is over-Resolutions Attack!)

Hehe, now my secret blogging weapon...more like what sets my blog apart from others I enjoy (aside from my randomness)--TOMORROW I AM BLOGGING.  I love several blogs, but the people don't blog on Saturday-making me a bit sad.  Well, I'm going to blog on Saturday so I have something to read, and I get to introduce the beloved, although haggard Bobo and my plans.  Nothing like putting it out there to the blogosphere, so tomorrow, here it comes.

Out With the Old

Today has been a bit of one of those days.  For work I've had tech issues which the lovely tech guys didn't resolve and didn't resolve, and then, finally, today a blessed FEMALE tech person called and fixed the problem in a snap.  But then, then, I got a call from my supervisor.  I have to switch teams, and though I embrace some forms of change, a new baby, a road trip, change of seasons, I hate work changes.  I always end up adapting before too long, but the part where I feel like I am barely treading water (which coincidentally I haven't managed to figure out how to do) is really aggravating.  Therefore, I feel cranky.  I will have to learn the personality of a new boss, learn all the new protocols and keyboard commands for a different platform, and learn several new accounts, all while managing 2 busy little boys (4 kids on Saturday), and it makes me feel close to tears.  I've done each of those things several times before in this "career" of mine, but I've never had to do all of them at once, thus the crankiness.

In honor of celebrating the old before I embrace the new, just a few more random things to share.  You have no idea how much I am enjoying sharing random.  Too bad I plan on being orderly next week...not too orderly though-I truly excel at random. :)

This here (see how I can sound all intellectual even when I'm down in the dumps) is my 2000 Dodge Caravan.  When YW used to ride in it they marveled at no power windows, the sliding door on 1 side only, no remote entry, and no personal air/temperature controls.  It also has no power locks and no cruise control and a tape deck...oh, and no hubcap on the front passenger side in case you didn't notice.  This puppy has been with us since before The Eldest was born.  In fact, we purchased it because my little Pontiac Le Mans was not going to work as a family car.  It is not a thing of beauty but has been highly functional.  I always tell Luke I will be driving it until I run it into the ground which may be soon but I am dearly hoping a student loan or 2 can go bye-bye before we have to buy a newer car.

This is a new to us but EXTREMELY old piano.  It's had a rough life but can hold a tune, so hurrah for it.  The Eldest has started piano lessons, and I am so happy to have a piano in our home.

This lovely chest is perhaps not super old, but I hope it will stay in my family and become old and cherished by my kids and theirs.  My dad bought each of his kids one of these because a daughter or 2 was being very persistent about him making them a hope chest.  Instead, he saw these on the Oregon Coast, which is a place near and dear to us, and we each got a different 1.  I love it and have filled it with keepsakes.

Yes, an old dress, oldish, not antique, just about 14+ years old.  It was given to me by my sister who looked quite cute in it, but this dress is made for a smallish chested maiden (I very much fit that description), and so it has become mine for many years.  Whenever I am not with child or nursing said child, I like to wear this dress and feel slimmish.  I started to think it was getting too old when I wore it to my dad's wedding this last October, but then my uncle, who I hadn't seen since my wedding, told me, "Well, you've grown into a tall, willowy thing, haven't you?" while I was wearing this dress, so I'm probably keeping it forever because if it can make me (not willowy and only a little tall) look willowy and tall, then it's a keeper.  Best compliment ever!

China.  I'm old fashioned because I love the concept of having china.  It came to me in sad circumstances, but I have many happy memories involving it.  I love it very much and am taking good care of it.

Sad old bear.  This is probably the oldest thing I own, except for 1 or 2 books.  He is a mangy thing with nails or staples or something sticking out of him, obviously no fur left, and stuffed with what appears to be sawdust.  I think he is homemade, maybe by my great grandma.  I really have no idea.  When I was little, we would go visit my Great Uncle Doug, and 1 time I must have looked particularly uncomfortable sitting quietly while my mom visited with him because he went into the dark basement and found this for me to play with and told me to keep it.  When I got it, it looked just the same as now.  I can't get rid of it because it's this random link to the past/my Uncle Doug.  I always feel a little sad when I seem him, but he needs love, not a trip to the dump.

There you have it-my celebration of old stuff before I figure out all the new job stuff and go crazy for a couple of weeks.  There may be wailing and gnashing of teeth, but I will try to handle a load of new all at once with some degree of grace...and to not make my sweet family suffer too much just because I am.