The Great Snow Bank Escape

Leave it to a man to think like a dog.

When we arrived home from Norfolk last weekend, there were huge snowbanks in the yard form the holiday snowfall. We pulled in to the driveway and Colby said, "Five bucks says Mo climbs that snow bank out of the yard." Of course, he did nothing about the situation, as usual. The snow bank remained in all its glory just waiting to be discovered for what it was: the stairway to freedom.



The dogs were outside several times without incident. Then, around 11 am I had a feeling, as I usually do when the dogs are about to escape, that I should look outside. Sure enough, there was Mo just getting up and over the fence. There were no practice runs. No footsteps of hesitation. Just one set of paw prints up and over the fence. Damn. I sent Dade on the dog hunt and called Jefferson in the house to prevent his escape. Dade returned with Mo, and Colby returned from the store with a snowbank waiting to be vanquished. The conquered snowbank made a great fort for the boys.

Latest Book: Handle With Care

I fell into the Jodi Picoult trap again and wasted my time on another lame story. I just finished Handle With Care which is Picoult's latest book, I think. I've already read her book My Sister's Keeper, so I should've known I'd feel somehow robbed at the end of the story.

I understand the appeal of Picoult's books. I thought I'd like them because they have strained family relationships, court battles, and not-so-happy endings. I can't even put my finger on what it is I don't like. I just get to the end of the book feeling like I didn't like it.

Handle With Care is the story of a family struggling with their daughter's brittle bone disease. The mom decides to sue the OB/GYN (who also happens to be her best friend) for wrongful birth arguing that the doctor should've caught the disease in utero before 18 weeks gestation. Mom could've had an abortion if she chose at this point. Instead, the family is riddled with debt and the strains of raising a severely physically (though not mentally) disabled child. Chaos ensues.

The one part of this book that I found appealing was its confrontation of a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. Questions arise: Should a woman be able to terminate a pregnancy just because the child isn't perfect or is she forced into motherhood no matter what? Is one quality of life more valuable than another? Should we love our children absolutely, no matter what? What about fathers - do they have a say even though primary care of the disabled child falls onto the mother?

Most of you know how I feel, and Picoult's book does a decent job of handling this very delicate subject with care.

Christmas With the Siebrandts

On Sunday the roads were finally clear enough to head back to Lincoln. After four nights at Colby's parents we were ready to go home. They were gracious and wonderful hosts, but I wouldn't blame them for wanting to see us gone. Seriously, four kids are always hungry, always messy, and always talking. It made for an interesting 4 days of seclusion.



We headed over the river and through the woods to Seward to my dad and stepmom's house through white and drifted snow. Oh. The highways were actually quite clear thanks to the men and women of the Nebraska department of roads. I can't imagine what kind of crappy holiday they all had.



At the Siebrandt home we ate a lovely meal, had some pie with our Cool Whip, played Rock Band, and opened gifts. I got Uggs boots (YAY!!) which I decided I could now have since my feet are done growing. The kids wanted to stay overnight with their aunts and uncles, but after days of no naps and late nights we thought it best they come home. Plus, both girls have colds again. Evelyn crashed on the 20 minute ride home.



So thus ends our holiday adventure. We braved bad weather, in-laws, and the worst apple pie ever (not yours Julie), but we made it home safe with all but one of our gifts crammed into the Vescapades van. Next year perhaps we could have a little less snow, but I don't think we could have any more fun. We love all of you out there in the Vescapades family!

And Dad, no I'm not going to call you. Just read my blog and stop saying that if I really wanted to tell you something I'd just call you. That's the whole purpose of the damn blog, Dad! Welcome to the 2000's, duh.

Christmas Day a Day Late

Because of the horrible weather, the Christmas celebration with my mom and stepdad was postponed until the day after Christmas. Unfortunately, my step brother and his family couldn't make it because of the snow. My stepdad wasn't there either because he had to go scoop out his shop so his trucks could get out on the road. We had a lovely time anyway eating candy and opening gifts. Christmas and Halloween are about the only two holidays that we allow massive, unbridled candy consumption. For the kids at least.



The kids got some great gifts, especially the girls. They got the dolls that poop and pee and the Littlest Pet Shop toys that they really, really wanted. Side note: those f-ing Littlest Pet Shop toys have far too many itty bitty rubber bands holding them in place in the packaging. Seriously, I'd pay more for them just to be piled in the box without all the crap holding them in.



We couldn't stay long because we wanted to be back on the road before dark. We were lucky enough to have my father-in-law's four wheel drive pick-up or we probably wouldn't have gone anywhere at all.

Snowed in With the Vescapades Family

By golly, we got that white Christmas we've been dreamin' about. Way too much white and not enough Christmas, as a matter of fact. Knowing that a blizzard (the worst Christmas snow on record) was headed our way, we left for Norfolk Wednesday night in freezing rain and snow. The trip really wasn't so bad, and we even got to go shopping a little on Christmas Eve. The weather was all downhill from there. I will be breaking my Christmas blogs into three separate installments. First, Colby's parents.

We spent Christmas Eve as we always do: with Colby's parents. Our tradition is to open gifts one at a time from youngest to oldest. Now that there are 5 grandkids, we've adjusted a little and let the kids open their gifts before supper and the grown-ups open theirs after supper. The kids got great gifts. Grandpa Dean built the girls a doll high chair, and the boys played with their new games. I got two aprons (a darling, frilly one from Colby and a handmade, more practical one from Colby's Grandma).



Of course, lots of cards were played and lots of beers were consumed. What Vesely holiday would be complete without beer and euchre? Dean made us breakfast every morning, which meant lots of bacon and sausage. I think I gained 10 lbs. just from sitting inside and eating.



We also got to have a lovely visit with our friend Chris who lives in Chicago and supplements his love of photography (nightengalephotography.com) with a job moving expensive art. The things he has seen and handled are works of art we could only dream of touching.

Christmas #1

Saturday was a busy day for the Vescapades family. It started with dance class at 9am, where I met Sara at the coffee shop/book store for some chit chat while Evie danced. After that, we all headed to Seward for Christmas with my stepmom's family. We haven't been to the Bennett Christmas for years, so it was nice to get together with everyone (even if I heard some of the relatives call Obama a Socialist. Seriously?? I guess those people really are out there.).

Later in the evening, the kids stayed at Grandma's while Colby and I headed to Crete for a party at his boss's house. It seemed like it would be a great time until 10 or 12 people started smoking in the house. That was our cue to leave. I didn't want to be rude, but I cannot physically handle the smoke. We left Crete and headed back to Lincoln for a little shopping.

Sunday morning Colby and I slept in and had a wonderful brunch at Green Gateau. Then we headed out for a little more shopping. We went to Seward to pick up the kids, came home and cleaned, and then spent the rest of the evening playing with the huge slot car track Colby bought for himself. It takes up the entire free floor space in the boys' room, and I'm sure it will be the cause of many disputes this week during daycare. Soren is addicted to it because she can drive the cars herself. The boys will probably break the track during one of their ninja battles. Good thing I saved the receipt.

Amanda and Heath's Wedding

Friday night was wedding #3 for my good friend Amanda. After a whirlwind courtship, Amanda married the ying to her yang, Heath. She makes a mess, he cleans it up. She's high maintenance, he's a laid-back skateboarder. She's loud, he's soft spoken. She never cries, and he cries at sappy movies.

They had a lovely little ceremony and open house at her parents' house here in Lincoln. Colby and I got all dressed up, and Carrie came from Norfolk to watch the kids. When we arrived about an hour early for the ceremony to help Amanda out, we discovered that the house was less than ready. Decorations were not done. Food and drink was not ready. Bride's mother was not ready. We spent a frantic hour washing platters for food, making punch, chilling champagne, lighting candles, putting out silverware and cups, and calming down the nervous mom of the bride.

After all was said and done, everything went great. Amanda and Heath got married and everyone had plenty of food and drink. One little girl broke her nose running up and down the steps, and Colby came to her rescue. Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen so much blood pour out of someone. We met some great new people, and we wish the best for Amanda and Heath as they enter the land of wedded bliss.

A Mess??

As I was making lunch on Friday, my daycare kiddo Gavin came into the kitchen and said, "I made a mess in Soren's room. Don't go in there." Soren's room is always a mess, so I found it odd that he would tell me not to go in there. I walked in to this. With grilled cheese cooking in the pan. And Reese had a poopy pull up. Yes, that's every single book laying on the floor. Every. Single. Book.

Latest Book: The Widow of the South

I just "finished" the historical fiction novel The Widow of the South". I didn't really finish it though. I skipped to the far back of the book and looked at the questions in the reader's guide that basically clued me in to the end of the story. The story is based on the McGavcock family's plantation during the final months of the Civil War. The plantation becomes a hospital for the wounded and dying and eventually became a cemetery that still exists today. The main characters and events are based on actual accounts and people, but there is some exaggeration of plot events to make it more exciting.

I heard good things about this book, but I just couldn't get into it. It was written for the perspectives of many different central characters which meant a lot of jumping from place to place and person to person. I think that's what really turned me off. I got tired of having to figure out who's perspective I was reading.

In the end, I'd recommend this book for people that really love to read and don't need to be held in the grips of mystery and excitement at every turn. I can see why this is a good book, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Cabin Fever

Countless inches of snow followed by below zero wind chills has made for a less than exciting week for us. The daycare kids are now totally wired with no outlet for the energy. Evie is beyond bossy and bratty. Gavin is a tantrum machine. Soren is a whiner, and Reese is entirely over-dramatic. They are right now and have been for the last few hours chasing each other up and down the hallway playing variations of Zombie and Police Chase. They are in desperate need of some type of exercise, but sadly about all I can offer them is a game of Simon Says and a little hall chase. They seem to be enjoying it, so I guess I'll just let them go until someone gets plowed over.

And no the little girls never wear their pants. That's how they roll.

Trivial Pursuit

I'm not one to play many card games or board games simply because I do not like to lose. I am, in fact, a very sore loser and have been known to throw things and cry. For real. Pretty much the only board game I play is Trivial Pursuit, and Colby and I make a it point to play at least twice a week in the winter. Last night our friend Cody came over for supper. He made strawberry shortcake Paula Deen style which almost put me into a diabetic coma. Evie had two helpings, and I'm not sure how she did.

I digress. After dessert the boys went off to play, and the grown ups started a game of Trivial Pursuit with a little help from our little girl cheerleaders. Unfortunately, Cody is not only a good friend but he is really good at Trivial Pursuit. He came into my house, MY HOUSE, and beat me at Trivial Pursuit. It really came down to the wire though, as all three of us had all the pieces of pie and were just waiting to get to the middle to strike the winning blow. Cody was just lucky enough to be the winner. REMATCH! REMATCH! REMATCH!

Three Snow Days?? Shut Your Mouth!

I think we have a experienced a phenomenon unheard of for as long as I can remember: three snow days in a row. I honestly can't remember having so many snow days. Ever.

The roads were so bad yesterday that even Colby couldn't go to work. Mr. I Can Drive In Anything couldn't get past the driveway. The plows finally came this afternoon, but until then we were prisoners in our little teal homestead. The kids played outside despite the bitter wind. The boys played Wii and toys and read. The girls watched The Little Mermaid a hundred times. Did you realize Ariel gets called a Tramp by Ursula?? This is Disney, people!! Colby introduced the boys to one of his favorite childhood games, Hero Quest, a game similar to Dungeons and Dragons. It took them hours, but they had a great time.



Of course the kids still woke up at 6 am. So much for sleeping in. Ever.

Gingerbread House

While grocery shopping at Target, Colby spotted a gingerbread house. To my surprise instead of saying, "Don't let the kids see that," he said, "Can we get one of these?" What? Who are you and what have you done with my husband? My hubby may be a loving and fun dad, but he is anything but patient or crafty. Why then would he want to make a gingerbread house with the kids? Hmmm...

The construction of the house was simple and without incident. Of course the kids were much more interested in the little candy pieces used to decorate the house than the house itself. They wanted to sample all the "delicious" gum drops, sweet tarts, and jawbreakers. Colby was not having it. I believe his words were, "Leave that candy alone or I'll spank your butt!" So being the eager to please mom and underhanded wife that I am, I snuck each child multiple decorations.



In the end the kids lost interest in the house, and Colby finished it himself. With a little help from his Old Gingerbread Lady.

A Mom's Letter to Santa

I found this online and had to share it.

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother", because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pak, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the In-law's house seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours always.....Mom

PS: One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

Star City Parade

On this brisk (by brisk I mean freezing ass cold) morning, the Vescapades family loaded up and headed downtown for the annual Star City Parade. We've never attended before, but today was special because Evelyn was dancing during the pre-parade festivities. The Starstruck Dance Academy dancers performed, with Evie's group dancing to "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" by Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was very cute, and we all survived without losing any fingers or toes. We decided not to stick around for the parade. We instead headed to Panera Bread for soup.

I spent the rest of the afternoon wedding stuff shopping with my friend Amanda. Despite the fact that her wedding is in 13 days, she has nothing done including the invitations, her dress, and the decorations. Can we say procrastinator?

Push

I just finished reading the novel Push by Sapphire. It's a short book, one that I started last night and finished today. What it lacks in pages in more than makes up for. This is the story of Ms. Precious Jones. It is a story so horrifying and heroic that you can't turn away. I want you all to read this story. I must caution you, though, that it is absolutely brutal and relentless. Push reads like a work of poetic nonfiction, but it is a fictional account of a forgotten girl saved by her GED teacher and alternative school. After working in two GED programs, one of which was at an alternative high school, I know how so many young people are discarded. But NOTHING I could imagine compares to the struggles Ms. Precious Jones endures.

My Grandma's Coffee Cups

My grandmother passed away in September after a long battle with cancer. Cancer was a part of my grandmother's life for years, but she didn't let it slow her down. I can't imagine how terrifying it would be to hear the words, "You have cancer," but I saw how strong and brave my grandmother was. She helped and supported others with cancer while fighting her own battles. She cared for my aunt who is disabled while dealing with her own decreasing abilities.

My grandma was known for her multitude of Christmas decorations. Her farm's yard was filled with lights and a manger scene. The inside of the house had every imaginable snoring Santa or singing elf. I, however, will always remember a different set of decorations. In her small dining room she had some shelves on which she placed a collection of coffee cups. The one I remember most is a striped Garfield cup. I also purchased one for her on a trip to Chicago many years ago. While beginning the overwhelming task of cleaning out my grandma's house, I asked my mom if she could save those two coffee cups for me. Sure enough, she brought them to me this weekend.

I haven't really found a home for them yet, so in the meantime they're sitting on a shelf in the aforementioned multipurpose room. I spend a lot of time there, and the cups will be a nice reminder of a happy childhood at my grandma's farm.

Multipurpose Room

Every school seems to have one. Churches have them, too. I'd wager that most homes in America have at least one of these: a multipurpose room. In our house the den has become our ultimate multipurpose room. It is our computer room and library. It is my preschool and scrapbooking room. The closet holds cat food, photo albums, and Christmas presents. Dade does his homework here, and I do my online shopping. The cat eats, and I pay bills. Sure, it needs new carpet and paint really badly. It's a little small and crowded, but it's ours. We spruce it up with little crafts we make during preschool like paper chains and ice cream cones. It's a room with many jobs.

My Special Heart

I had a miscarriage the day after Thanksgiving 2006. Even though I already had three children (one of whom was still in diapers), it was the single most devastating thing that has ever happened to me. More jolting than my husband losing his job twice. More heart-breaking than losing people I loved who actually lived and breathed. A child I never knew, a child that was never even a child anywhere other than my mind, was gone.

Our holiday traditions include buying a Christmas ornament every year for the tree. That year we all picked ornaments, and I chose a special one for the baby that never was. It is two hearts joined together.

As I pulled the ornament out of the box tonight, I recoiled and hid it from the kids and from Colby, tucked in my hands. I remembered how in 2006 as we put up our Christmas tree as we do every year the day after Thanksgiving, my baby was slowly leaving me. More painful than any labor, the depth of my sadness was excruciating. I started to cry tonight when I saw that ornament as I am while I type this. I finally got the courage to show the ornament to Colby, half worried that he wouldn't remember why we bought it. He remembered. And I will never forget.

The hearts sit at the top of our tree reminding me every day during the holiday season that I have a special little heart, one that probably never beat, but one that still means so much to me.

Thanksgiving

We spent a lovely Thanksgiving day at my parents' house in Seward. Their house is sufficiently large to hold the six members of our family and the six members of theirs. I prepared green bean casserole, strawberry margarita dessert, and pumpkin and cherry pies. I hate pumpkin pie, but I bake a really good one.



After our lovely lunch which included a large hunk of beef, punch, and lots of potatoes, we all sat around and played Guitar Hero and Trivial Pursuit. We were obligated to go around the table and say for what we are thankful, and Evelyn dutifully replied, "Kitties and puppies." My kids decided they wanted to stay overnight, so we traded: our four kids for my "little" brother Alex. Alex came home with Colby and I to hang out and do a little Black Friday shopping.

We had a really nice time, especially since we only had to travel about 20 minutes.

On a side note, Colby spent Thanksgiving morning taking a needy family in Crete a turkey dinner. Although I missed having him with us for the first part of our celebration, I am very proud of him for volunteering to do a good deed on Thanksgiving.

My Husband, the King of the Claw Machine

The Vesely family has many fabulous genes that have passed from one generation to the next. My favorite just happens to be an innate ability to defeat those carnival claw machines that are now found in just about every restaurant and discount store in town. They may be filled with jinky stuffed animals, but they seem like fantastic treasures to little kids looking through the glass. Who doesn't want a kung-fu chipmunk or Brian from Family Guy dressed in a banana suit?

At our Saturday afternoon lunch at Old Chicago, Colby won both a stuffed monster truck and a frog on only 2 tries of the claw machine each. The prizes are hardly worth the $2 spent to win them, but the girls have been carrying them around like precious cargo.

I can only hope that this gift is passed down to my children so that they too can win stuffed Hannah Montana boots and knock-off Care Bears for their offspring.

Photos for today's blog are courtesy of Evelyn.

Husker Football Spectacular

Last night was the Big 12 North championship game between the Huskers and Kansas State. As part of our game day tradition, we fed the kids junk food and drank some alcohol.

Who knew margaritas came in a box? The box says it contains 15 margaritas, but I suppose it's all relative to the size of your glass. Since our fancy glasses are packed up in boxes and waiting in the garage until the kids move some of their crap out of the house, I drank about 5 margaritas from a wine glass.



Now, feast your eyes on our delicious smokies: two ways.



Finally, Evelyn decided to take some photos last night of our festivities. The following is a pretty good one of yours truly, margarita in hand.



The Huskers won the game last night, but win or lose our family football game nights are always a success thanks to chili/Velveeta dip.

The Status of Christmas Shopping

I like to get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. Why? Because I can't tolerate people very well. I hate busy stores. I hate it when someone ahead of me writes a damn check. Who writes checks at the store anymore?? I hate after-Thanksgiving bargains. I love giving gifts and want to purchase them at reasonable prices, but there is a line in the sand that I will no longer cross. No more 5 am trips to the store. If it's not on sale and I really want it or know someone else who would love it then I'll just buy it before it goes on sale and sells out.

So far, a big chunk of my shopping has been done on Etsy.com. I've paid a good chunk of shipping this way, but I've got some unique items that weren't made in China. I also caught a couple of good post-Halloween sale toys, as well as a great early sale at Toys R Us. I LOVE to shop, but I HATE shoppers. I want a nice quiet shopping experience (Then why am I shopping from home?? It's never quiet.).

So, as Christmas approaches I guess I will see less and less of my favorite stores. I've decided to get my consumerism out of the way so I can enjoy what the holidays are really about: family, charity, love, and giving. And that feels good.

From the Mouths of Babes

Evie (overheard from the backseat of the van): That's what family does. They just stand there.

Gavin (my daycare kiddo): I had jelly at a restaurant named Wono. It was made by a big robot that I kicked in the nuts.

Evie (while watching GI Joe): If that guy ever attacked me, I'd kick him right in the balls.

Yes, like an episode of America's Funniest Home Videos my kiddos are obsessed with male gonads.

Teammates Gala

Last night we had the honor of being invited to a gala fundraiser for the Teammates charity. Teammates is a mentoring program founded by Tom Osborn and his wife. Colby's employer is actively involved in this program and always gets a table at the fundraiser. The assistant plant manager invited Colby to attend, and of course we were anxious to get a night out away from the kids.

The evening didn't start out on a great note. Our babysitter had a dead battery in her car and arrived late. We still made it to the gala in time for drinks. I should've had more drinks. Although Colby's coworkers are great and the food was good, the event was moving along really slowly. When we left over two hours after we'd arrived, they hadn't done any of the guest speakers or magic show yet. We decided we'd make it home by 9:30 pm to relieve the babysitter and put the kiddos to bed.

It was nice to get all dressed up and look hot with my husband. Thank you to Evie for taking a photo of us before we left.

To Snip or Not to Snip. . . That is the Question

This time of year brings many things: holidays, changing leaves, and enrollment for benefits at Colby's work. One thing we are considering this year is how much to put in the Flex account, you know that little account that takes out money pretax for medical expenses.

We have been discussing for months whether or not to have Colby get a vasectomy (I know, too much info. Sorry.) We have 4 great kids, a small house, and no spare time, all of which are great reasons to tie the knot, so to speak. The problem here is the permanency. I could never have another baby. Ever. That thought is very frightening to me for some reason. I knew when Soren was born that this would probably be the last time I heard my newborn baby cry for the first time. Colby is pretty set on getting the surgery, but at the same time mentions often how nice it would be to have a baby in the house.

Part of the problem is that Soren is growing up so quickly, and this is the first time in a long time that we've had only a toddler in the house and not either a baby on the way or a baby already here. When we see babies at the store we get all googley eyed and say, "Awwww!". Then I remember getting up at all hours to nurse, sore nipples, and the sounds of a crying baby two seconds after you lay down. Then I remember the soft "kuh kuh" of a baby nursing while she looks into your eyes, the quiet times rocking a baby in the dark of the night, and the sound of my baby saying Mama for the first time.

Our problem is so much more than one of the pocketbook. It's a conflict of the heart, the sadness that comes along when your children grow up.

Who Needs a Bucket List? I've Finished ER

It's official: I have now seen every single episode of ER from start to finish. I know, I know. My goal could've been losing 10 lbs. or spending more time volunteering, but, alas, I am an ER junkie. I DVR it every day and watch it during naptime. I noticed sometime last week that the episodes are getting very familiar, and sure enough I've seen them. That means I have been surprised by Nurse Hathaway's attempted suicide, cried when Dr. Greene died, and gotten angry when Abby started drinking again and cheated on Dr. Kovac. I watched the first episode and the last episode. The characters seem like friends almost, and I'll miss having new adventures with the patients and drama with the doctors.

Go ahead, quiz me. I think I'd do pretty well.

Another Wood Shop Moment

I have to add another fine quote from Dade:

Dade: I finished my foam house in wood shop today.

Me: Foam?? In wood shop?

Dade: Yes. It's actually industrial technology, a.k.a. wood shop.

Because apparently foam is the new wave in industrial technology. Seriously?

Happy 30th Birthday, Sara!

My BFF Sara turned 30 on Saturday. We've spent many birthdays together. I remember sitting at the bar the year her birthday was on election night and watching George W. Bush "win" the presidency. It was a historic election that I spent drunk with my friends. We've also gone to see Saw III, a movie too scary to see with my freaked-out hubby. We've done a lot to celebrate birthdays, and this year was no different.

We started by heading to Lazlo's for a delicious dinner and drinks. We then headed to Libations, a martini bar, for some tasty cocktails and Husker football. We had a really nice time, and Colby and I got to sleep in until 9:30 am this morning to sleep off my drinks (note: Colby was the designated driver, so I was sleeping off and he was sleeping in).

For her gift, I got her a giftcard to Target and a new, shiny vibrator to make sure she has 30 more years of happiness. Salud!

Watching T.V.

Despite my commitment to be an active and involved parent, my children (especially my sons) love to watch t.v. I don't blame them because I love t.v. also. My DVR is always full of episodes of House, America's Next Top Model, ER, Nip/Tuck, Queer as Folk, and others. But I digress. . .

The girls rarely sit down and watch television. They usually end up staying for a few minutes and then running off to play. Dade, on the other hand, could sit in front of the screen for endless hours, especially if Mythbusters or a shark program is on.

On Thursday the girls made a little bed in front of the television. I think Yo Gabba Gabba was on, and that's one of their favorite shows. Two very rare occurrences took place: the girls watched a whole 20 minute show and did it laying beside each other without fighting. I had to take a photo of this historic moment.

Family Photo Night

Once a year the whole family heads on over to the JC Penney portrait studio for photos. It's one of those love-hate things about having a large family: you love having the photos to remember how everyone looks, but you hate loading everyone up and posing for photos. It's really kind of a nightmare. First you have to wait your turn for photos and hope no one messes up their hair or gets their outfit dirty. Then you hope everyone keeps their eyes open for the photos. Sometimes you wish that everyone could smile and look at the camera, but then you realize that's a fantasy. Next you hope that your husband doesn't flip out on four bored youngsters, and you really hope that if he does no one calls the cops. Finally, when all is said and done, you just pray that there's one good photo for the wall. Just one.

Last night's photo session went really well, and we got at least two really good photos. Two good photos?? I'd call that a victory!!

A Conversation With Dade

Dade: I cut my finger in wood shop class today.

Me: Really? How did you do that?

Dade: I was digging in the marker box.

This is one of only many strange and hilarious conversations I've had with my first born son. Turns out there was a pair of scissors in said marker box, but I didn't expect a marker box to be the culprit in a wood shop injury.

The following photo is of Dade eating his favorite food is his signature way: fearlessly and without regret. Funny, though. I thought he ordered the large donut??

Halloween Weekend

With terrible colds dogging us this weekend, we engaged in all Halloween had to offer: pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and scary movie watching. Friday night we took the kids to the Halloween party at the local Shriner's Temple (?). Colby works with a bunch of Shriners, and they really know how to put on a great party for the kids. After leaving the shrine we headed to Indigo Bridge books for a Where the Wild Things Are storytime and wild rumpus. The kids made masks and ate cookies. We had to stop by Ivanna Cone since it's just next door.

Saturday we carved pumpkins with Scott, Amber, and Ethan. Carrie and Jacob stopped by. Sara, Travis, and the kids came for our kid-friendly supper of pigs-in-a-costume. We had quite a caravan of trick-or-treaters head out to collect their goods. The men took the kids out for candy, and the ladies stayed home to watch a scary movie and hand out candy. After two hours of trick-or-treating everyone was tired and cold. Brody said it was the best Halloween ever.