DDA Chapter 13

[Tammi67]

Jake loves to "entertain" us on the commute.

You're a nicer mom than I am then. He wanted to take it out in the van but I told him no playing until we get home.

 

[tmfranlk]

Well, it's never too early to plan a party! I can't get my boys to decide on one for Dec. and Jan., much less knowing what they want in two years!

She does plan ahead. She's already wondering what to be for Halloween next year and what the birthday after these two will be. I try to suggest she wait and see what she likes then, but she'll have none of it. Her preplanning really gives me no excuse for my doing things last minute though, doesn't she know she's ruining my procrastination skills. :

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Morning everyone--I still have no voice so im planning a low key day, i hope at least...i have a bit of work to do, but it wont take me long at all..so i am not even going to think about it yet!

 

[tmfranlk]

Any ideas on how you will do that?

Absolutley none!

I had been thinking the edible designs, but just had an idea that might need some thought. I remembered the barbie "dress" cakes where the doll stands in the bundt cake hole. Maybe I could do something similar by cutting a hole in a stacked rectangle and saran wrapping the top half of a stuffed Donald? Or may do the top half sticking out kind of like the one hanging in the store with notes and instruments around him.

As for the party part, I guess just musical games and character things. Good think there probably won't be many guests cause none of them would get the theme.

 

[tmfranlk]

Morning everyone--I still have no voice so im planning a low key day, i hope at least...i have a bit of work to do, but it wont take me long at all..so i am not even going to think about it yet!

Feel better!!!!

 

[tmfranlk]

Well, we're off to MOPS and some errands. Guess I need to remember what the 2nd stop I needed to make was. hmmm.....

 

[my3princes]

http://www.cruisinthecoast.com/

This is an annual event that we have here each year, Deb, I think Chris would really enjoy all the cars, I hear there are around 4000 here this year

I'm sure he would love to go. I emailed him the link

DD and Brandon are here to spend the night. My SIL is working in Houston and they were home alone. There was a carjacking in New Orleans, well they ended up here, the car was found at the community center with a dead body and an injured person inside. They captured three of the four people but the fourth escaped into the woods, the woods that surround their house, I told her just to bring Brandon and stay here.

That is scary. I'm glad that they came over

I lost my voice today, too.

I've had a bad day in the baking department. Earlier this afternoon, I cracked a rectangular cake, because it hadn't cooled long enough in the pan.

And tonight, I decided to try my hand at homemade blueberry muffins for my MOPS meeting tomorrow. My brain is officially fried, because I used a mixer rather than hand-blending the ingredients, and wow, are these muffins purple!

Kevin claims they taste fine and I should serve them anyway with a sign that says, "Boo-berry muffins!"

There is no doubt that I would serve the muffins. They won't taste any different and my guess is that most people won't even notice or they may think that they are a cool new recipe

And now that I finally got to post some of my responsed (I know I multi-quoted more than that, but I think I lost my window sometime this morning and lost those too), I am going to get to bed. Soooo tired! Plus, with Mom and Dad gone I have to be up with Rachel at 6. Though with the approaching holiday season Phil has to be at work earlier too so I'd have to be up not much later than that anyway. Oh well. At least I'm going to bed with visions of a somewhat tentative ticker dancing in my head. :

Night all!

Nice Ticket

I actually believe a lot of woman secretly wish they had a wife.

I don't (and I live in VT where that could happen ) I wouldn't be willing to give up the control. Yep, I thrive on control. My poor boys. Thankfully they take after Daddy and like to have everything done/planned for them

Yesterday Emma had her field trip to the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Luckily, Eric and I were able to ride on the bus. But I was correct that the chaperons picked to ride on the bus were the 3 I suspected. They always pick new chaperons for each trip, sure!! But what mattered is that we had a really nice time. Emma loved the museum. We were only there an hour so she is insistent we go back. The museum holds the largest collection of Matisse. 2 sisters from Baltimore collected them along with some Picasso's and Van Gogh's.

The concert at the symphony was really enjoyable. It was all about fairy tales and we heard Sleeping Beauty and Under the Sea. Emma was smiling the whole time. I loved going to the symphony when I was young so it was so nice to see her enjoy it just as much.

Today the girls are off school and we are headed to the farm for some apple picking with Dana and her girls. Should be a lot of fun.

Lucy had her doctor appointment on Tuesday. She weighs 20.6lbs (14th percentile) fully clothed! And she is 29.5" (21st percentile)tall. I've never had such a tiny kid. All is well though.

I was thinking that was big. Of course Nick and Hunter were below the growth charts until about 4 years. Hunter barely hits the 10th percentile now. She looks just perfect to me

I'm glad that you get a day to rest!

We have school today, but we're off Friday and Monday. I don't teach Fridays or Mondays, so it doesn't do me much good. The kids need a day to sleep in, though, so they are happy for Friday. Monday they still have cross country practice and then we're heading to Syracuse to look at schools.

I looked at Syracuse. I clearly remember going to check it out and having to park in a lower parking lot on a steep hill, then walking up that hill to the University. I also remember thinking the surrounding homes were pretty dumpy and scarey looking to a girl that grew up in a small Vermont Town.

I'm glad DH liked his present. The important question -- how was the cake?



I'm glad Matthew is okay.



I like it, but it looks like way too much work for me to be able to do something like that.



I hope you feel better today.



That is really cool that they worked together. I hope you feel better today.



Jake loves to "entertain" us on the commute.



Feel better and enjoy your day.



I consider it a huge accomplishment if they taste good. Baked items looking good -- well, that's just a bonus if I manage that.



Sounds like a wonderful day. Hooray for a good appt. for Lucy.



Congrats on a new ticker. I'd love to see pics from her party -- sounds like it will be really cute.

Randy couldn't get the shower fixed last night -- wrong size parts again. And he bought a bunch of things to try. I might just have to call the plumber. I did get a little more done on clean-out, but homework got in the way.

Have a good day everyone!

That Randy comes up with a plan to fix the shower or that the plumber can get there quickly

Well, it's never too early to plan a party! I can't get my boys to decide on one for Dec. and Jan., much less knowing what they want in two years!

I vote for taking them on a cruise and eliminating a party altogether You can even have their room on the ship decorated

Morning everyone--I still have no voice so im planning a low key day, i hope at least...i have a bit of work to do, but it wont take me long at all..so i am not even going to think about it yet!

My voice sounds awful and I still have a cough. I have to admit that it is a productive cough. I really feel fine though I've considered going to the doctors since this is now day 4, but I really don't think that they'd do anything for me.

 

[my3princes]

I need to get moving, but wanted to get some opinions. I received this email this morning from one of my cousins. This is all information about Obama that I don't remember hearing before. The email even lists exactly where all the info was obtained.

This election has me very worried. So many things to consider. About a year ago I would have voted for Obama. I have changed my mind three times since then. I watch all the news channels, jumping from one to another. I must say this drives my husband crazy. But, I feel if you view MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News, you might get some middle ground to work with. About six months ago, I started thinking 'where did the money come from for Obama'. I have four daughters who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We (including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans.
>
> I started looking into Obama's life.
>
> Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California. He is very open about his two years at Occidental, he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. 'Barry' (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan. During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a 'round the world' trip. Stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabad in India, three weeks in Karachi, Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate's family, then off to Africa to visit his father's family. My question - Where did he get the money for this trip? Nether I, nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they where in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York. It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia? It's not cheap! to say the least. Here did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia, he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000.00 a year. Why Chicago? Why not New York? He was already living in New York.
>
> By 'chance' he met Antoin 'Tony' Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria, and a real estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery this year. Rezko, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Decade' by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association'. About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School. Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard Law School? Where did he get the money for Law School? More student loans? After Law school, he went back to Chicago. Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what? They represented 'Rezar' which Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago. In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in p roviding Obama with 'seed money' for his U.S. Senate race. In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko.
>
> Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele
> Obama's boss. She is now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make
> any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz, Iran! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy?
>
> On May 10, 2008 The Times reported, Robert Malley advisor to Obama was
> 'sacked' after the press found out he was having regular contacts with
> 'Hamas', which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran. This past
> week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported
> that during Obama's visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do nothing
> about the war until after he is elected, and he will 'Take care of
> things'.
>
> Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that where born in
> Pakistan? They are in charge of all those 'small' Internet campaign
> contribution for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East?
>
> And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2008, The Washington Times posted a verbal slip that was made on 'This Week' with George Stephanapoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, 'My Muslim faith'. When questioned, 'he make a mistake'. Some mistake!
>
>
> All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it
> - Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: Daily Times
> - Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times - September 7, 2008; The Times May 10, 2008.
>
>
> Now the BIG question - If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven't all of our 'intelligent' members of the press been reporting
> this?
>
> A phrase that keeps ringing in my ear - 'Beware of the enemy from
> within'!!!

Now I'm sure that someone on McCain's payroll compiled all this info, since I don't think the average person would take the time, but it sure does put a new spin on things.

What do you guys think? I am completely up in the air over this election. I usually have a strong preferrence one way or the other, but this year I dislike both candidates I feel like we are voting for the lesser of two evils.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

You're a nicer mom than I am then. He wanted to take it out in the van but I told him no playing until we get home.

There is no way I could drive with a child playing a recorder in the car. I am so glad DS doesn't have a recorder!

Marci - The cake was good! I brought some over for my bosses, too, because there is no way the 3 of us can eat the whole thing. OK, maybe we could, but it wouldn't be a good idea!
Sorry the shower is still messed up.

Tia - The pediatrician says children are the "vector" for infecting adults with the flu. I get a shot some years, other years I skip it, but I always make sure the kids get them. Our insurance will pay 100% of the cost if I get one, but it is a pain to make an appointment and go get one. If I get one at the pharmacy it isn't covered.

We got this letter in the mail yesterday. I *think* (if I interpreted it correctly) it is some sort of pre-certification saying that DH's colonoscopy IS covered, even though it was diagnostic. If that's true, then that explains why the doctor's office had it in their computer as a covered procedure. So we MIGHT not owe anything other than the $125 we already paid. We shall see!

I forgot to call Mom last night. I like to talk to her the day before her chemo. Of course she isn't sure if she is having chemo or just a shot to boost her blood cells today. I guess I will call her this afternoon.

 

[PNO4TE]

I think I added it right after you posted your good nights.

I came home expecting Phil to discourage us from going for awhile. Instead, he calmed Terra's disappointment about being home by suggesting that she and I pick a date for the next one. I offered Christmas time next year or her birthday after that and she has decided on her birthday. She also says that she wants to do a Mickey's Philharmagic theme for her party that year and have a cake with Donald crashing through the wall on it.

I would say it's subject to change based on possible offers next year, etc, but I think she's pretty set on her birthday, so we'll plan for starting with her birthday and going into the next week to miss the New England winter break crowds.

Sounds just about perfect, Tia!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Deb - If you had a wife you would have to get rid of Chris. Civil unions are legal in VT, but polygamy is not!
I don't know what to tell you about the e-mail. There are so many political e-mails floating around right now it is impossible to wade through them. One's country of origin really doesn't automatically mean anything. True statements can be spun to be perceived as good or bad, depending on the intent of the spinner. The president by himself has no power, no matter WHO wins the election. I have no control over it, so I have decided not to stress over it.

It's kind of funny. DS told us they played this game "Left Wing, Right Wing" in his history class yesterday. They had to respond "true" or "false" to a series of statements to help determine their party affiliation. The statements were about gun control, abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, etc. I was SHOCKED that the teacher was brave enough to go down that path with 7th graders. I'm not displeased, I am just surprised. And of course the kids' beliefs mirror what they have been taught at home. Obviously DS's leanings are much more liberal than many of his classmates with conservative parents. The hilarious thing is that I know all of the other parents, so now we know for sure who believes what!

The little girl he has a crush on didn't come up in the conversation (she may not be in that class with him), but another little girl that he went to preschool with seems to have all the same beliefs that we do. I think he should maybe think about having a crush on her. She has very nice parents. Her dad is huge into photography. It could be a match made in heaven, with the most photographed wedding in history!

 

[PNO4TE]

Now I'm sure that someone on McCain's payroll compiled all this info, since I don't think the average person would take the time, but it sure does put a new spin on things.

What do you guys think? I am completely up in the air over this election. I usually have a strong preferrence one way or the other, but this year I dislike both candidates I feel like we are voting for the lesser of two evils.

I don't usually get into political discussions but I agree that this year we are being bombarded with a lot of negativity. After having just put two kids through college I can practically guarantee that Obama had both academic and need-based scholarships for any schooling he received. McCain's education was paid for too! I also know that many of my friends and then subsequently their children were able to travel to Europe on a shoestring, so none of those comments hold any water with me.

I think that both candidates are intelligent, savvy men who have hired the best spin doctors out there. They can make anything from the past of the other party look horrible. They can also make the attacks on their own candidates look like it is a mortal wound that should not have been inflicted.

I am not looking at any more advertising and deleting all political emails and answering machine messages for the next month. I am basing my vote on the general beliefs of the man who is running. I am not picking a party. I am not looking at what happened to him 35 years ago. The moral character of the man is what will finally decide my vote. And guess what? I have not yet decided who I am going to vote for...

 

[babytrees]

I don't usually get into political discussions but I agree that this year we are being bombarded with a lot of negativity. After having just put two kids through college I can practically guarantee that Obama had both academic and need-based scholarships for any schooling he received. McCain's education was paid for too! I also know that many of my friends and then subsequently their children were able to travel to Europe on a shoestring, so none of those comments hold any water with me.

I think that both candidates are intelligent, savvy men who have hired the best spin doctors out there. They can make anything from the past of the other party look horrible. They can also make the attacks on their own candidates look like it is a mortal wound that should not have been inflicted.

I am not looking at any more advertising and deleting all political emails and answering machine messages for the next month. I am basing my vote on the general beliefs of the man who is running. I am not picking a party. I am not looking at what happened to him 35 years ago. The moral character of the man is what will finally decide my vote. And guess what? I have not yet decided who I am going to vote for...

Other than the last couple of sentences I agree whole heartedly with Elin. This is the first time I will be voting party instead of for the man/woman. I yelled at the tv this morning at both candidates campaign spokespeople...even they aren't answering the direct questions and are mud slinging. November 5th can not come soon enough.

Whoever wins has to definitively win because I don't think we could handle it if election day was so close again.

 

[PNO4TE]

Other than the last couple of sentences I agree whole heartedly with Elin. This is the first time I will be voting party instead of for the man/woman. I yelled at the tv this morning at both candidates campaign spokespeople...even they aren't answering the direct questions and are mud slinging. November 5th can not come soon enough.

Whoever wins has to definitively win because I don't think we could handle it if election day was so close again.

Amen, sister! But I do think that when all is said and done, it will be a definitive win.

 

[babytrees]

Good Morning DDA!

Nothing much on tap today...I gave Cassidy a mental health day...last night she was in a funk and nothing I said could get her out of it or her to tell me what it was about. I did finally deduce part of it was boy related...I am seriously happy that Abi shows no interest in boys!!

 

[KristineN]

For me, I am looking at my economic situation today compared to what it was 8 years ago...and since it is certainly NOT better (with no end in sight) today...I can not even remotely consider voting in the same party. (But that's just me)

ther than the last couple of sentences I agree whole heartedly with Elin. This is the first time I will be voting party instead of for the man/woman. I yelled at the tv this morning at both candidates campaign spokespeople...even they aren't answering the direct questions and are mud slinging. November 5th can not come soon enough.

Whoever wins has to definitively win because I don't think we could handle it if election day was so close again.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

For me, I am looking at my economic situation today compared to what it was 8 years ago...and since it is certainly NOT better (with no end in sight) today...I can not even remotely consider voting in the same party. (But that's just me)

Hey there! We have missed you!

 

[PNO4TE]

For me, I am looking at my economic situation today compared to what it was 8 years ago...and since it is certainly NOT better (with no end in sight) today...I can not even remotely consider voting in the same party. (But that's just me)

And I agree with you there too, Kristine. What is going on did not just happen last month! It is a very difficult time to be making electoral decisions.

 

[KristineN]

thanks

popping on for a minute

Bill's first heart test came back normal...1 to go. I will be so relieved when that is over with.

Other than that...still in a funk....but this economic situation has dominated my thoughts more. We have lost a ton in the market....he finally moved it out. makes me ill!

Hey there! We have missed you!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Crap.

Our airfare dropped $26 per ticket between last night and today. I could have saved $52 by waiting. Crap, crap, crap.