Here's Mine

Your Five Factor Personality Profile Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue. The Five Factor Personality Test

Random Photo- Hubby's Dad and Mom

A picture of Hubby's parents, BL and NJ, in Germany, circa 1971. BL was stationed over there in the Army shortly after Hubby was born until shortly after his sister, JL was born- about two years. Though it was a short time, it was packed with many interesting stories. JL's birth, going to Amsterdam, Hubby's chin scar...

HL and the camera

What an Uncle JB kind of face! HL is rather elusive whenever my camera comes out. But he does like to pose his own shots and this is one he wanted. HL and AW were taking care of the baby for quite some time this evening. I kept trying to get shots of the two of them, but HL refused repeatedly. They started finding toys for the baby. Not just any toys, but baby-appropriate toys, under HL's guidance (and he chooses well, by the way). Once the baby was fully buried by the toys, HL posed is front of the pile and instructed me to take a picture. Then he decided I should get one of just him and the baby. Finally, I had to take a picture of the baby by itself- carefully posed by HL. And HL was proud of the baby's picture- said he was "smiling nicely". More shots from this evening.

EM at 6 months

Here's the latest photo of our oh-so-cool great-nephew, EM. What a cutie pie!!

Cal's personality test results......

Your Five Factor Personality Profile Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have high neuroticism. It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed. You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully. You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue. The Five Factor Personality Test

Mountains

Took a personal day off yesterday (because I was at a work conference all weekend) and spent it in the mountains with my sons, mom, and dad. The plan was to go to Estes Park, walk along the river, have a picnic, do a little shopping, and head home. Well, we enjoyed ourselves doing all that and were ready to head home when HL asked when we were going hiking. He said that when people go to the mountains, they go hiking- so naturally we should too. We changed directions and went into Rocky Mountain Natl Park for a hike. I stopped at the Alluvial fan- one of my favorite short hikes. Mom and I enjoyed the scenery while the three boys had a grand time throwing rocks in the river. What is it about throwing rocks into water that makes it so appealing?!? AW got his first look at the river in Estes Park and was forever hooked. He must have said "water" a million times yesterday and was so drawn to the river, he threw fits whenever the path veered away to cross the street. The combination of the fresh air, free time with my children, and beautiful scenery along with the lack of deadlines, ringing phones, and needy employees made for a perfect day! Just what I needed. Here are more photos.

The Boys

Here are some photos of the boys. That's from a while back, eh? Boy was he chubby.

March 25th

On this Date: Frodo casts the One ring into the fires of mount doom, ending the power of Sauron the dark lord. Here is a little bit from a website called The Shire-Reckoning. You can read the rest of the entry for March 25th here. In the year S.R. 1419 March 25 The Downfall of the Lord of the Rings. "...as Frodo in the Sammath Naur claims the Ring as his own, Gollum seizes the Ring and then in accordance with Frodo's curse falls backwards into the volcano and the Ring is melted and destroyed. Thus the Ring survived more than forty-eight hundred years since its forging, and more than three thousand years since Isildur cut it, still warm, from the hand of Sauron after the victory of the Last Alliance. The Dark Tower and its works fall into ruin as the Dark Lord passes away. While the hosts of the West press upon their enemies before the Morannon, Gandalf, knowing that the Ring-bearer will be trapped if he survived his errand, summons the great eagle Thorondor. At his direction the eagles Landroval and Meneldor rescue the Ring-bearer and his servant, fallen at the feet of Orodruin, and bear them to the healing hands of their King." It's a pretty neat site if you get into this kinda thing like I do. I'll link it over there in the side bar. The Shire-Reckoning. True aficionados will tell you this event actually happened nine days ago, as our calendar doesn't jive with Shire Reckoning. To me that's a lot of work. Besides, any calendar with days set aside associated with no month just to celebrate is good enough for me.... Oh, yeah, March 25th is also my sisters birthday. Happy birthday to my Sister The Muse. Who by the way has joined a roller derby league. I can't wait to go check out some live roller derby. Awesome!

Random photo- Mom and Grandpa

I named this photo "Mom and Grandpa" even though I never got a chance to meet my mother's father. To be honest, I don't even know what he went by to his grandkids. All the same, I have always had a strong affinity for this shot of my mom with her dad. Both of their faces are so transparent, I can almost feel the overflow of emotions both are feeling; excitement, adoration, anxiety, happiness, love.

Tired, very tired

So, I'm still working on reorganizing the entire hospital where I work, as well as managing all their finances, collecting data for taxes, supervising the front-end staff, and ordering and putting away all supplies. As though I don't have enough junk in my head right now, I can't stop thinking about the monstrous tasks that still lie ahead of me such as assigning codes, entering every single item in the computer, creating a system to track the untrackable supplies, etc. Jer, meanwhile, is trying to keep his own head above water with attending college in the evenings, working from home 20-25 hours a week, and watching two youngsters. We're a little tired right now, to say the least. The blessing of all this is the fact that Jeremy and I are not fighting or blaming each other in any way like we used to when we were new parents. We've really become a well-functioning team that I am rather proud of. In fact, I've never been happier in our relationship than I am currently. Hubby has been working very hard to help me through this stressful time at my work and I thoroughly appreciate it. He has kept our house livable, cares for the kids (even though they scream for mommy), washes my clothes, and has been my sounding board and counselor, among other things. I married a good man. Thank you Hubby!

Flush!

In the interest of conserving water, we haven't been making HL flush the toilet after peeing- he pees such a small amount, after all. In fact, he never flushes after peeing. Until this morning. While I was showering right next to the toilet. Ugh! Gotta love kids, eh?

Prayer

"Dear superheroes, Please fight for joy and keep our city safe. Amen" -HL, 3 1/2 years

Baby Mateo

You're looking at the long-awaited, early-arriving Mateo Lloyd- first child of our good friends Wendi and Marcelo. It took some time for Wendi to conceive, and apparently Mateo was anxious to make up for lost time; he was born at just 33 gestational weeks, aka 7 weeks early. He was only 4 lbs 10 oz at birth. Even so, he did not require any oxygen and was allowed to leave the hospital a mere week later. At his last doctor visit, he weighed in at an impressive 10 lbs 11oz. What a champ! Because he was premie and not allowed an RSV vaccine, friends and even extended family had to wait until just recently to visit the little guy. He's quite beautiful and I can't wait to watch him as he grows into a handsome young man. I'm also looking forward to watching Wendi and Marcelo as they experience the joy of being parents. You ask Marcelo now what he thinks of being a dad and all you get is a nonchalant "about what I expected". But just wait until Mateo is elated to see his daddy walk in the door, says "love you, daddy" or plants a slobbery kiss on his cheek- what will his response be then? I'm guessing he won't be so nonchalant... Congratulations Wendi and Marcelo!!

Ever tried the stairs? Try the stairs... Two thumbs way up!

To My Hubby

Well babe, I loved your post about our anniversary- thank you. But you left quite a bit out- about how I had a crush on you from way back in 8th grade. How I took you to a Sadie Hawkins dance even though you were currently attached. How we had little flirtatious encounters here and there for the next three years until I finally got you. And now that I have you, I will never let go.

Anniversaries

Today is the anniversary of the day Cal and I got together as a couple. It was a spring break party week, of that much I am sure. If you want more details of the event, you'll have to speak with my wife. (Like I said, spring break party week...) So why is our dating anniversary so important? Well, it took me eight years to work up the courage to commit to marriage. That's a pretty long time... I can say I've been married for eight years, not real impressive. But if I go all the way back to the day we started dating, today makes seventeen years. Little more significant, eh? That's seventeen uninterrupted years. Should have just said I do way back then... If I had only known. This anniversary is even a little more special. With seventeen years together, Cal & I have spent half our lives together. Wow! Love ya gal, happy anniversary!

Yep, like the do.

St Patrick's Day Party

Got a chance to spend time with our much-missed Denver circle of friends Saturday evening. Several of us hooked up in high school and have remained friends this whole time. We've added many spouses and other members, creating a nice big group. The problems Jer and I have are the fact that they all live over an hour away, and we have two little ones to find sitting for now. So, we don't get to see them nearly as often as we'd like. The nice part about it is that we're close enough friends that it doesn't create an issue- we still fit right in as though we had seen each other just last week. We both had a great time seeing everyone! Here are some other pics.

Baby Megan

This weekend was full of babies for me and the boys. We got to meet two brand new babies with in just two days. On Saturday, we met Megan- the second daughter of my friends NR and Chris. This is a picture of both their girls; IR (3years) and MG (7 weeks)- both beautiful and very sweet! The boys and I spent the morning at NR's and the three older kids (I don't get to call AW an "older kid" very often!) played together nicely, allowing NR and I to chat. They played doctor (as seen here), had a tea party, built with tools, and fixed lots of McDonalds meals for us. At one point, IRwanted to dress up but all she has is girly stuff so NRe and I figured HL would snub the idea. Instead, he picked a dress with stars and moons and made himself into a wizard. A pair of "magic wings" and a crown complete his outfit. I get great happiness from watching my son build friendships. It is a tad bittersweet, though, knowing that he's growing up so quickly...

Intelligence

Went to Starbucks yesterday and ordered my drinks. Since the employee was moving slow, the 40-something manager came to check me out. When I responded that I didn't want anything else, she asked "you don't want no pastries or nothin?" Huh. The manager. Leading employees. How's that for a boost of confidence in the intelligence level of the average person?

Shhh...

So, I have a little secret.... my mom and I are closet Chuck E. Cheese fans. We've gone twice in the last week with my dad and the boys and we want more. My mom is hilarious- she's getting addicted to winning tickets. Here's the scene: dad sits at the table, using the excuse of guarding our things; mom and I take turns playing a game with HL and following AW as he bounces from one game to the next, pressing any buttons within his reach. Whenever we can, mom and I sneak in a game of our very own to see how long of a trail of tickets we can produce. There are worse vices out there, you know. At least we're all enjoying ourselves (especially the boys), no one's health is endangered, and it's perfectly legal- albeit a little embarrassing. We went just this evening and HL got a streak of 229 tickets! I thought he was going to pop a gasket, he was so excited! :) AW put a token in the pinball game then insisted on me holding him so he could he see. I must have looked quite interesting- standing on only my right foot, my left foot resting up on my right knee with AW up on my thigh; all this while using both hands to stop a stupid little metal ball from disappearing from view. Now there's some good leg building exercise for you! Oh, and did I mention that AW had snuck a second token in there, forcing me to do this for two games! Little stinker.

New 'Dos!

HL and I got new 'dos! HL's, of course, is much the same as it always is immediately post-cut except that Sara used pomade and made his hair stand straight up. HL thought that was pretty cool. I, on the other hand, went a little more drastic. I now have potentially regrettable bangs again. I was just so tired of my old style, I needed a change. The problem is, that I haven't had bangs for so long, and I'm feeling rather clueless right now. Not to mention the fact that my forehead has been spoiled by the lack of anything bothering it that I'm going a bit crazy now. Okay, are you getting the feeling that I'm not particularly happy with my cut? That's not entirely true. I do think I look younger and Hubby confirmed it when he first saw me and exclaimed "wow, you look ten years younger! That makes me look like I'm married to a 25 year old. Excellent!" Gotta love him, eh? Anyway, happy, but very much still in shock...... Here are photos of me fighting with HL for a smile.

HL goes to the Dentist

Here's another first for our family: HL went to see the dentist! He had never been and was learning about dental care in preschool, so we decided the time was right. We told him about his upcoming appointment about a week in advance and he was terribly excited. Almost every day he told me what the dentist was going to do, what cavities are, and how he brushes not only his teeth but his tongue and gums too. HL was very brave and did an exceptional job of laying still and holding his mouth open for the hygienist. Hubby and I were very proud of him. The Dr said all of his teeth look great. There are a couple chips in some upper teeth, but that's no problem. The trip wasn't all roses, however. We will be using a different dentist from now on. I chose this Dr off a reliable reference, but was sorely disappointed. First of all, we were at the dentist's office for OVER 90 minutes total. We waited in the waiting room, we waited for the hygienist, and we waited for the dentist- and 21 month old toddlers do NOT like to wait. In fact, there's nothing they detest more. So, that part was interesting. Then, we paid $44 dollars for a hygienist to spend 5 minutes with him, and the Dr to spend only 2 minutes with us! HL's mouth was minty fresh when we left there, but Hubby and I were left with a bad taste in ours.

On the Ice

Two weeks ago, we went by an outdoor ice rink that HL really wanted to try. Because we couldn't skate that day, we promised to take him a week later. Since we should keep our word to our kids, we took HL for his first skating venture last Saturday. While it was great fun, it was also quite a struggle. They did not have double bladed skates for HL to start out on, so we had to use hockey skates. To make matters worse, the skates were as dull as could be, I actually took my skates back for a sharper pair. Well anyway, we got our skates on and headed to the ice. HL was very excited... I knew we would have to keep a hold of him the whole time, but I did not realize the effort involved in keeping yourself and a three and a half year old balanced on dull skates. Whew! AW watched form the sidelines. Frustrated? Whose frustrated? Do I look frustrated? Well, I'm not... More skating pictures posted here.

Oh, What a Lucky Man I Am

Stumbled across this picture a bit ago. What do you think? Pretty hot eh. Everything you'd like in a bride...

Hard work

I've been wondering lately if everyone thinks I'm just bragging about my kids. I hope you don't. We certainly have our share of trials and tribulations in this house. I just choose to focus on the good. Hubby and I are working very hard to raise conscientious, moral children and it is just so rewarding when we witness the fruits of our labors come to fruition. So, I have to share with all of you, too. I was talking to Hubby last night how I sometimes feel I'm losing myself because I'm so busy setting a good example for my children. But this won't last forever- my belief is that if we are focused and clear in our expectations at this young age, we will create a solid moral base. Then, we can begin to get a little more lax in our discipline. Violence, for example. I am strict about my kids seeing any violence right now. It's not that I will never let them watch it, but I want them to know in their very soul that violence is wrong first. Then, when they see it, we can discuss it. I'm afraid that if they see much of it now, they will be getting mixed messages and may not truly learn that it is wrong. Now, don't get me wrong- we still have tons of fun together. I just have to more proper than I care to be sometimes.

Ah, a splendid morning this time

I open my eyes and look at the clock- 7:53 am. Can that be right? Our boys slept in until almost 8?!? Splendid! But wait, it gets better. We hear HL get up and go potty; then he comes in our room, grabs a toy and takes it to his brother. "Taint too" (aka "thank you"- for those not versed in toddlerese) we hear AW tell his brother. HL comes back and tells us "AW told me thank you" with a big smile on his face... Yep, this is definitely what life is all about. Stress? What stress? Life is good.

AAUUUGGGHHHH!!!!!

Whoa. Terribly overwhelmed right now by all my work duties. I have just taken over management of inventory at the hospital. Inventory, in and of itself, would not be all bad. However, the way the hospital is set up, the inventory has to be kept in several separate places and it has not had any rhyme or reason to it in the past. Counting inventory required checking the whole hospital- not fun. Since I started there, we've gone through 7 Inventory Managers b/c it's so stressful. So, the challenge (and I LOVE challenges, darnit!) is to reorganize and revamp the whole system. I have already come up with a new system and started the process of implementing it, but the entire hospital still has to be completely reorganized before it can really be put to use. So, the next several weeks are going to be hellish, but once done, inventory should be no problem. I do have to admit, though, that I do truly enjoy organizing so this is a fitting responsibility. The thing I hate most about being this stressed is that I am so tightly wound by the time I get home from work at 6 pm. Add to that the whining and arguing of a toddler learning to talk and a preschooler who has just given up naps and you have a recipe for disaster. Luckily I have a husband who not only helps with all the housework, but steps in with the kids and also reminds me that we will get through it. We've gotten through much worse together, this is trivial. So, life goes on, I try to sit back, breathe deep and enjoy my children. That's what life is truly about anyway. Phew. I feel much better since venting. Thanks for listening!

Good blessed morning

"Mommy!...Mommmmyyy!" Is the sound we wake to this morning. HL wants me to come close his bedroom door. "No, you can do it yourself." But HL refuses. He keeps yelling the same question, I keep answering in different forms of "NO". After a while, he shows up at my bedside, still wanting me to close his door. Three year-olds just don't make sense sometimes- he walked through the door that was too far away for him to close! Argh. Anyway, I told him I wasn't listening anymore. He persisted. Daddy starts the timeout countdown, ...1...2...3. HL is sent to his room. Major battle of the wills ensues. Daddy wins, but HL is throwing a gold-medal tantrum behind his door. Then silence. The door opens. HL comes out with his brother's coveted blanket and gives it to him. Then back to his room to continue his tantrum. Silly, just plain silly. Good morning everyone. It's gonna be a good day, I can tell.....

Broccoli

So we've always served our children cooked vegetables vs. raw. Why? I'm not really sure- just have. And neither one of them ever eats them (unless we disguise them as we usually do). But a while ago, AW came across some raw broccoli and actually ate it. At the store today, Hubby thought it might be worth a try to buy some raw veggies for once. When I got home just before dinnertime, AW ran excitedly to show me the bowls of veggies on the table, pointing and asking for "help". I turned my back to help HL with something and when I turned back, AW was leaning against the couch munching some broccoli. I didn't think much about it until Hubby said that he did not give it to him. I then left the room for a moment, and came back to find AW ON the table stealing broccoli from the bowl! Of course, being the strict mom that I am, I ran for the camera instead of correcting him! But he was too quick and I got no shot (darnit!). So anyway, we apparently have at least one boy that will eat vegetables- yea!

My li'l adult

HL has been using the cutest expressions lately- he's been acting just like a little mini adult. A couple days ago he and his brother were playing and Asher was yelling. When I asked "what's going on down there?" HL replied "Mommy, AW is frustrating me!" Then last night I was reading my e-mails and apparently HL was talking to me, but I didn't hear him. All of a sudden HL's face pops up right in front of mine and he says "Mommy, you are not paying attention." Busted. He was right, I wasn't. It was quite a switch from the usual "mommy" at ever-increasing volumes- and a pleasant switch at that! And another incident just happened tonight at the dinner table. I asked him to eat some of his roasted chicken and he told me "I'm not a fan of that kind of chicken." Too funny! He just blows me away sometimes....