Fun Facts Friday... Copied From Erin, Who Stole It From Tess

* After a few weeks of warm(ish) weather- think around 38-40 degrees- because it's all relative yo- we are back to cold and snow. Yesterday, it was blizzarding AND thundering AND lightening (lightening-ing?).

* The snow is pretty. I am getting really sick of my fellow statesmen kvetching about "wanting it to be spring". Listen up folks- YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA. IT IS FEBRUARY. WE DON'T HAVE SPRING IN FEBRUARY IN MINNESOTA. *Ahem* But srsly.... why bitch about it when it's the same every year, and we all know it's going to be the same every year?

* My 2 year old handed me her paci recently and declared "It's bad fow my teef" and that was the end of it. Trueeffingstory.

* She also decided to sleep in her "big bed" the next day. So we took down the crib. And she's sleeping fine- without her paci AND her crib.

* After a semi-rough night wherein I had Kate hogging my pillow from 2-4am and then Marin hollering incoherently at 4:30 am, and wherein I finally climbed into bed with Marin because she could not be quieted (dreaming perhaps? dunno) and besides my pillow was being hogged in my own bed, and wherein I then felt promptly and blissfully asleep, I was suddenly roused by the swish swish swish of someone entering the room wearing snow pants. It was Joan. She said "Mom, Charlie is here. We're leaving. Have a good day."

* This was immediately followed by David staggering in, OBV just waking up himself.

* Yes, that's right. My 2 kindergartners got themselves completely ready for school while David, Marin, and I all slept peacefully. They dressed, ate breakfast, put their gym shoes in their backpacks, and put their coats, hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots on, and they were standing ready when their carpool arrived.

* Besides being hilarious on many levels, I now see NO REASON WHATSOEVER to get up and get them ready.

* I have fallen off the Picture a Day wagon... dead batteries, too many days sitting around in my dreary house, lack of motivation, ETC. However, I'm getting back in the saddle. Because it's almost March. And even though March, for all intents and purposes is still winter in this climate, she does tend to throw us a bone or two, in the form of spring-ish days.

* Also, I happen to love March snowstorms. I mean, FU Mother Nature. SNOW ALL YOU WANT. It won't last long now! BWAH, HHAHAHAHAHAH. Also, March snow is almost always good "snowman snow".

* And YES there is such thing as "snowman snow". Not all snow is suitable for making snowmen. ONLY Snowman Snow is. In order to craft a snow object, the snow needs to be heavy, wet, and melting. Also: Sticky. Snow in Jan/Feb is usually fine, powdery, and not sticky.

* Wordtwist (a Facebook app) is very addicting.

Happy Weekend!

Spurts

Blog, blog, blog, blog.... long space.... blog, blog.... shorter space... blog, blog... space.... blog, blog, blog, blog.... ETC.

I've discovered I go in spurts with many of things, not just blogging. There are friends that we see 5 times in one month, and then not again for 3 months. There are meals that I fix weekly or more for several months, only to forget about until the following year. I will read, read, read, and then not pick up a book for 2 weeks. I'm not sure if this is a personality quirk, a personality disorder, or WHAT, but there is definitely a trend.

Some milestones, as of late, and in no particular order: Joan lost another little tiny tooth, the girls turned 6 (S. I. X.) years old!, David and I celebrated the 10th anniversary of the day we met (our yearly tradition, instead of celebrating Valentine's Day), and ALL THREE girls stayed overnight at David's parents house.

I am still (trying) to take a photo every day. When I missed two days last week, the perfectionist-all-or-none side of me said Now you've ruined the project and you must quit but the rational, logical side said No way! Just post some older pictures that you've always loved.

So that's what I did, and that's my plan for any future missed days as well.

(Sometimes I really love that logical, rational voice.)

Hey, do you guys want a recipe for a Dee-VINE chocolate lava cake? You do? Ok:

Here it is.

My mom is visiting this weekend, and I'm planning on making it while she is here.

Also, would you like to see a picture of my sticky-faced kid? You do? Wow, you guys are too nice:

Oh! And I read Dave Ramey's Total Money Makeover, and now David is reading it, and then we are going to follow his plan. I loved the book, found it to be an easy read and a solid plan, and I'm excited to get out of debt. I don't usually like to talk about money, but I am really interested in what other people think of Davey. Any input?

So, Marin and I are off to the library, to further annoy the silently-crabby librarian. Good times...

Happy Day(s)

So I have to say that things have been pritty cheerful in the Green household. Which is to say that _I've_ been cheerful, which (unfairly) makes everyone else more cheerful. (What is that- that inability of a Mom to have a bad day without EVERY OTHER FAMILY MEMBER following suit?)

Anyway, if you are at all familiar with my political leanings, then you know that the inauguration day was a exciting one. Friends came over. Kids made noise. Moms shushed them. But all in all, good day. Also: oddly refreshing to sit in front of the tv for the day. (Must try that more.) (Oddly different that sitting around on the internet all day.)

But watching Obama take oath (and trying not to lick the tv screen because his skin looks So! Soft!) is not the only happy news around here. My bff, known on this blog as East Coast Anne, have birth to a sweet baby girl on Monday. Anne is my sister in every sense of the word except for the fact that we each have our own set of (somewhat crazy) parents. So I essentially have a new niece!

Also noteworthy about this delivery: 1) Anne delivered her first daughter at around 32 weeks, but THIS baby wasn't born until 39 weeks (WOOT WOOT), 2) this baby was stubbornly breech so Anne (after trying to get the baby to turn) had a c-section, and 3) Anne lives in the DC area, so was a TINY BIT afraid about getting to the hospital with, you know, an extra 4 million people in the area, a breech baby, and a cervix that was already 4cm. I am so happy that things went smoothly for her.

This baby, whom we will call Mary, is THE most beautiful, smart, and advanced newborn you will ever see! The cheeks! The sticky-upy hair! Her amazing ability to poop and pee and nurse and sleep! She is so precocious! This girl is going places, is what I'm saying. I cannot wait to meet her in person, to say "I knew her when..."

So: things are good. It's above zero, and- I kid you not- feels warmish after enduring the wind chills of last week. There is magic happening in DC, and January suddenly feels do-able.

Also? My brother shot a mountian lion. Near his home. In South Dakota. It was 130 lbs and 7 feet from nose to tail. CAH-razy! (Yes, legal- he had a license.)

The One About The Cold

So, for those of you playing along at home, I'll give you a cheat sheet of our Arctic Week, all typed out neat-like, for easy reference:

Monday: School let out at 10 AM for blizzard

Tuesday: School started 2 hours late due to cold

Wednesday: School all day, as scheduled

Thursday: School canceled due to cold

Friday: School started 2 hours late due to cold

Now don't get me wrong, Wednesday wasn't exactly balmy- in fact while I was walking through a parking lot with Marin, head down, her face pressed into my chest, the tears in my eyes were freezing on my eyelashes as they formed.

Also, I'm not complaining about this cold snap. In Minnesota, when it gets cold, we talk about it. A Lot. We say things like "Stay Warm!" instead of "Bye!"; we reminisce about that time it was so cold the Governor canceled everything statewide; we make comparisons like: "Did you know it's colder here than in Alaska right now?" (True story- Not one but two people said those exact words to me yesterday.) We like to talk (and talk) about how cold it is. That's the way it is.

(Another thing we Minnesotans like: PROOF of how cold it is.)

You would think that having air temperatures* at -25 would keep people in, that the whole town would shut down. But no. People are still put-put-putting around town in their minivans. People are still going to the library without hat or mittens. (True Effing Story). The school districts tend to be responsible about not encouraging people to go out- canceling extra curricular activities and meetings and such. But instead of staying in, everyone gleefully heads on over to the Pizza Ranch to shuffle their snouts through the buffet line.

So now I've written an entire post about The Cold, which officially fulfills my duty as a Minnesotan for today.

Additionally, thank you for the winter survival tips- I'm thinking of printing them off, laminating them, and sticking them throughout the house. Because as Erin pointed out, it's not how deep the water is, but how LONG you are in the deep water. WOOOORD.

I've also taken it upon myself to test out Baking as a Cold Weather Technique. FOR YOU GUYS, of course:

Cornbread Muffins

(Ala the 49 cent Jiffy box- cheapest pleasure available to [hu]man)

Bran muffins

(Using the recipe from the Grapenuts box, but subbing All-Bran cereal for Grapenuts.)

(And omitting the raisins.)

(And adding flax seed and chocolate chips.)

*For those of you that need a crash course in proper Cold Weather Terminology: do not let "air" temperature and "wind chill" temperature get mixed up when speaking to a Minnesotan. They will correct you. Also, they will point out that even a slight breeze can make -25 degrees SEEM like -40 degrees. And then they start reciting how fast skin freezes and how their car wouldn't start and how long their furnace runs at any given stretch, and your eyes will glaze over and you will stop listening. UNLESS you yourself are a Minnesotan, because WE never tire of talking of such things.

Winter Survival

If all my readers in California would excuse me for a minute, I need to discuss Winter Survival with my fellow Midwesterners.

Yesterday the we had a blizzard (sorta) and the kids got out of school at 10am. Today, the actual air temperature outside is NEGATIVE 19.2, and the kids started school 2 hours late.

But that's beside the point, because I like to think of cold weather sort of like I think about deep water- once the water is over your head, it doesn't matter how far over your head, ya know? Same with winter weather- once it's too cold to be outside, it doesn't matter how much colder it gets.

Honestly, I'm not feeling desperate YET- so far I'm able to embrace this good old fashioned Laura Ingalls Wilder winter we are having. But waiting until desperation sets in doesn't seem prudent.

So! *Sitting up straighter* Here's some things that I do when winter starts to beat me down:

1. Rearrange- doesn't matter if it's furniture or toys or pictures or those cute little wooden chicks you picked up on clearance at Target. Just move stuff around in your house. This will freshen up your rooms, make it feel like you have new things without having to buy new things, and thus make you feel better. Also, I've discovered that moving toys into different locations makes them seem "new" again, which can help keep the kids busy.

2. Get a hair cut. Or brow wax. Or just simply shave your legs if it's been awhile. (AHEM.)

3. Dance. Make the kids dance too. It'll burn some steam and put everyone in a better mood.

4. Clean out closets. What better time? During the warmer months, I don't like being stuck indoors with silly closet-type projects. But in the winter, getting rid of stuff AND having less cluttered spaces has a double feel-good effect. Which leads nicely to:

5. Host a Naked Lady party. I think this idea was born on the west coast, but I've just recently heard of it. You invite a bunch of friends to bring all of their unwanted clothing, hats, scarves, belts, shoes, jewelry to one location and everyone can "shop" and find some "new" things. It's free for everyone, and everyone gets to get rid stuff and gets new stuff. Win-win! The more people you invite, the better- there will be more sizes and styles to choose from.

(You could also include household items, baby clothes, maternity clothes, Christmas decorations, etc, etc, etc.)

6. Join Facebook. You will get sucked in and never have a reason to leave the house. Ever. Again. Especially if you start playing WordTwist. Heh.

7. Spend a weekday at the mall. But not to shop. Just walk a couple of loops and let your children walk/run too. Around here, malls are fairly deserted on weekdays (especially COLD weekdays), so no one cares [MUCH] if my toddler is careening down the mallway. Plus, being part of civilization just feels good, even if I don't spend time doing actual browsing or buying.

8. Get together with people. Having other adult humans around is very, VERY important for _my_ sanity, especially when it's too cold to get fresh air.

So what do you do to keep busy and warm while stuck indoors? Please add to the list. It's only January 13th! (Hold me.)

Evidence That Time Goes Too Fast

Why is it that I keep getting side-swiped by these children and their race to grow up and leave me? I mean, that is the whole point of parenting, correct? That we will raise happy, productive members of society, and the only way to measure our success is if they leave us and function well on their own?


But when Joan lost a tooth right after Christmas, I felt like I had been nad-punched. The fact that these babies of mine are indeed growing up brings me to my knees at the most unexpected times. Her tooth had been loose for over a month, for christssake. And yet, when it fell out, and she smiled at me with that tiny little gap in her grin, I felt as if I'd lost some part of her.





Putting that tiny tooth in an envelope marked "Joan, tooth #1, Dec 26, 08" was so hard. I looked at that tooth and thought about how excited (and also sad) I was when I first felt it poking through her baby gums. She was getting a tooth! How fun! Oh, but how I will miss her sweet gummy smile!

And now that first tooth has been replaced by a PERMANENT tooth- one that she will (God willing) still have in her mouth the day she gets married. Or the first time she gets pulled over. Or when she performs in the high school musical. (In reverse order, please, God, please.)



So now we are entering the age of Chicklet filled mouths. (And also the age of pleading with God a lot, apparently.) This summer I had the girls' picture taken, and many of the photos show off their tiny baby teeth. I'm so glad we did that. This is the end of the innocence, I guess.

(Hello! Melodrama much?)

In case you are wondering, Kate still does not have any loose teeth. This surprises us a tiny bit because their teeth came IN within days of each other. They've always reached these milestones so close together. Actually, I'm sorta glad- we really need to remember that they are, indeed, two different people, with two different bodies that do things at two different rates.


Also, in case you were wondering, the tooth fairy brought her TWO dollars. With swift explanations that the FIRST tooth you loose is worth more than the subsequent teeth. Because, holy shit, $2 times about 100 kazillion baby teeth equals... well, you do the math.

Also-also, in case you were wondering, that wallpaper? IT HAS TO GO. When this house is finally wallpaper-free, you will hear whoops of celebration as well as see fireworks and smoke signals of joy.

Also-also-also, I love this new way of doing "also". Thanks Swistle.

[Edited to add: I guess I need to take a remedial course on how to use loose and lose. I honestly am confounded by those two words. And while I'm at it, I should probably learn to spell nauseous.(I had to use spell check, and I had it wrong AGAIN!)]

6 Random Things Meme

Blacksheeped tagged me for a meme, and since I love her so much, and I also love talking about myself, and I also don't have anything better to write about today, I'm going to play along!

6 Random Things About Me (that I hope I haven't already told you more than twice):

1. I have terrible heartburn, and I sleep with my bed at an incline 24-7. My grandma, dad, and brother also suffer. We all developed it exactly the same time in life- the year we turned 18. Huh.

2. I'm not sure when the last time was that I went an entire day without having at least a tiny bit of chocolate.

3. Whenever I get into the car, I start it and then race to get my seat belt on before the 5 seat-belt-reminder-dings are over.

4. I have a huge aversion to going to the post office. Perhaps even a diagnosable, life-crippling problem. I. Just. Hate. It.

5. I love words. I tried to think of a random thing that would involve using the word "sum-bitch" because that's the word that's on my mind today. Well, look at that! I thought of a random thing that used the word "sum-bitch"!

6. I find it very satisfying to remove cradle cap with some oil and a little comb. VERY SATISFYING.

Wow, I'm leaving you with the thought of me picking away at some poor baby's scalp. Meh. Oh, well.

That was fun Kara- thanks!

Photo a Day Project

I wanted to talk to you guys about how I didn't like Hannah Montana- specifically about how I didn't think she was appropriate for my kindergartners. About how I didn't think that at age 5 they needed a rock star idol. That I didn't appreciate Disney marketing teenaged-themed programs to little kids.

And while I was at it, I was going to lump in the High School Musical movies. And how, yes, those movies are fairly squeaky clean, content wise, but how I didn't need my 5 year olds learning about cliques and popular kids and teenage romance/angst and how to mouth off/be sassy to your mother.


But after I wrote it all out, it seemed like a bitch-fest. And I was worried that I might send the wrong idea to anyone who read it, especially if they have Hannah Montana fans in the household.

I didn't want anyone to feel defensive. Or hurt. Or offended.

Because I'm not really upset with the parents... I'm upset with the marketers.

So I scratched the whole long-winded, mostly unintelligible post, and decided to tell you about my new project instead.

I'm going to try to take (at least) one photo a day, every day, in 2009. I started at the first of the year, and so far (5 days down, only 360 to go!) have not missed a day.


Before you head on over to my Flickr group, however, I have to warn you that I am in no way a photographer. I also have never used photoshop. I did get my very own copy of PS Elements for Christmas, so now I just have to obscure a Elements for Dummies-type book and I'll be all set.


Well, actually, not really. Because I also just have a very basic point-and-shoot camera (Kodak EasyShare Z650, if you're curious), and no knowledge of even beginner photography, beyond the snapshots I've taken of my kids over the years.

My hope is that I'll start seeing the world with a photographer's eye, that I'll learn a few basic tricks for PS Elements, and that I'll be able to see some improvement in how I take pictures as the year goes on.


I'd love to score a nicer camera, but that's probably not realistic. Even so, I think I can learn a few things by using my Kodak. At least I have some fairy beautiful subject (if I do say so) to practice on.

(I'm still learning how to use Flickr. Here's the link. Or, I think if you click on the slide show over there on the side bar, you will be routed to my photostream.)

Boinga, boinga, boinga

My dad got us a trampoline for Christmas.

It's 12 x 12.

Our yard is approx. 14 x 15.

We don't want a trampoline.

But he was really excited about giving it to us. He couldn't resist buying it because he thought our girls would *love* it.

And it's true. They will love it.

But I don't want a trampoline.

We can't return it (don't know where he bought it), and besides that would hurt his feelings and disappoint the kids.

But it'll take up my whole yard! And kill what little grass we have! And look stupid in such a small space!

Besides the fact that I'm being supremely ungrateful and rude, and besides the fact that the kids _will_ love it... WHAT DO I DO??

What do you do when you receive a big, expensive gift that you a) don't want and b) don't want to make space for? But the gift was thoughtfully purchased (well, thoughtfully with the kids in mind, but not the parents!) and excitedly given.

Help.

Also, HAI! We are back at home from SD, after driving all day yesterday. We had a good trip but being away makes coming home all the sweeter. Finding room for all the new stuff is a bit... laborous, but it sure is fun to have some new things! (I don't mean to sound like a spoiled baby. Christmas was lovely. We were blessed with quality family time and awesome gifts, even the unexpected ones.) Anyhoosers, our plan for the evening is to ignore the post holiday detris and watch Bucket List. And then maybe make our own bucket list? Maybe.

Year End Redux, Via Sundry

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

I spent 7 hours a day, every day, away from my twin daughters. I learned how to use Ebay. I started using reusable shopping bags for EVERY shopping trip.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make resolutions last year, that I can recall... but I intend to this year. I think the main ones will be a) getting out of debt and b) getting into shape. David and I are considering trying out the ol' Dave Ramsey plan... input anyone? Also, I'd like to learn how to use Photoshop Elements.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes- I've officially moved out of the "everyone's getting married" phase and am fully entrenched in "everyone's growing their family" phase. (What's next? "Everyone's going broke over braces"? or perhaps "Everyone's putting their daughters on the pill"?)

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Blessedly, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Errrummm, NONE. Pathetic.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Financial health, physical health, a few more wall-paper-free rooms, a new camera and some photography skillz.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

November 4th my heart burst with joy and relief.

The kids' birthdays are always slow-motion, savor the child, reflect on how they've grown type of days. The twins celebrate their arrival on Jan. 23rd, and Marin joined us on Sept 25th. They turned 5 and 2, respectively, this year.

The first day of kindergarten was A Pretty Big Deal for all of us. We became Parents of Grade School Aged Children. But do I remember the DATE? No.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I sat in a dentists' chair without running out of the office and barfing in the parking lot.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting healthy.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Our whole family was much healthier this year than last. 2007 was a very hard year for our family, health-wise, so this was v. v. appreciated.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New living room furniture- it changed how we lived in our home.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I enjoyed watching the execution of the Obama campaign- it was done with integrity and focus and respect.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I am so sick of my parents' "getting a divorce"- it's been over 2 years since they started the process. I also am depressed about how they spend and handle their money, and I worry about their ability to sustain themselves in the future.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Besides being "house-poor", we tried to get aggressive about paying off our medical debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The election. My daughter loosing her first tooth. Adapting our lifestyle to be more earth friendly.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Can't tell you, or you'll laugh.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? I am more content with life this year than last year. This is probably partially because we were all much healthier this year. I've really embraced life in Tiny Town, and I can now say that I LIKE living here.

b) thinner or fatter? About the same

c) richer or poorer? About the same... but in theory we've paid down some debt...

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Spending time savoring my girls, playing with them, letting time slip away, ignoring chores and schedules and to do lists and just being with them. Talking to my husband more. Talking/visiting to some far-flung friends more often.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Saying negative things. Indulging in negative thoughts and feelings and/or being judgemental. Worrying. Being crabby to the kids when they were just being kids.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We were home as a family for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Christmas Day was with David's side. Christmas the third was with my mom on the 29th. Christmas the fourth is on the 31st at my dad's house.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Yes, with ragdoll cats. If that's not the most embarrassing part of this whole questionnaire... Jebus. CATS.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I really got into LOST this year. I still love Grey's, Daily Show, and Brothers and Sisters. Also, Oprah. SHUT IT.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I spent some (wasted, pathetic) time hating (or at least strongly disliking) someone this year, but I've since gotten over it, somewhat, which is much healthier for me.

24. What was the best book you read?

Hmmmm, I really loved Water for Elephants.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

You mean there are artists out there besides the Indigo Girls?

26. What did you want and get?

A laptop, a kitten (actually didn't know I wanted one until I WANTED ONE, if you know what I mean), the old chairs from my Grandma's house, a skillet WITH A LID, new couches, community with friends old and new, and more time to read.

27. What did you want and not get?

A SLR digital camera. East Coast Anne to move in next door, a 2009 calendar (YET), the ability to STOP napping. Le Sigh.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I loved Once and Lars and the Real Girl.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 33 (I think) (I was born in '75... so that makes me 33, right?), but I can't for the life of me remember what we did. (Sorry David).

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not having so much GD debt.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Fashion WHA? Ok, well this year, I wore my favorite gray hat alot (until I lost it), along with jeans, my red clogs, and various sweatshirts/hoodies/sweaters. In the summer, I loved turning my jeans into capris and sloshing around in flip-flops.

32. What kept you sane?

Hanging out with other moms, the ladies at work, blogging and reading blogs, ZOLOFT.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I had full on crushes on Barack Obama and TINA FEY. The end.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

D) ALL OF THE ABOVE

35. Who did you miss?

East Coast Anne. Viscerally. It really sucks that we can't really raise our kids together. My college friends Christy and Anne- isn't it about time to hit Olive Garden, girls? Tammy.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Annie and family.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That being in the know about our finances is rewarding and not scary. Spending less is satisfying. There is a big difference between what we "need" and what we think we need. There is much excess in these tough times, and we are very VERY blessed- in many ways- but specifically in the material ways. Especially compared to most of our human brothers and sisters living on this planet.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Pass.

Happy New Year, friends. Be safe. Drink merrily. See you next year.