Last Day??

There are many questions still in the air.  One of the bigger ones is if I'll be working next year again or not.  It's about a 90% chance that I won't be here again next year.  If we move to KC, I'll be a stay-at-home Mom.  It seems weird to not be technically employed, however we ALL know that being a stay-at-home parent does not equal not having a job. 

Anyways, today may very well be my last academic day with kids.  SO WEIRD.  I'm getting kind of emotional.  It's like the last day of high school - when everyone was whooping it up and getting excited about the last day and I was bawling my head off.  I just have a little bit trouble with change.  I look forward to new experienes but get sad about leaving what I'm used to. 

I wish I knew for sure.  That would help a lot as the school year comes to an end.  I feel in my heart that we'll be gone so I'd like to help someone transition into my job so that it's easier for them and for the kids. 

This waiting deal.  Not fun. 

But exciting!  YAY!  JJ is going to be a doctor!  I may get to be a stay at home mom!  : ) 

Hi-ho, Hi-ho

It's off to packing I go!  

We've decided to start packing whether we go to KCUMB or not.  We're moving to a new place regardless and have a storage unit to ease the whole process.  In preparation I've been starting to pack here and there.  When I get something in my head I want to go for it full guns.  I don't like a little bit here and a little bit there.  But we will still be here for at least the whole month of June, so I can't pack ALL of our stuff just yet.  Saturday we took one FULL vanload to our storage unit.  I was all excited to haul stuff OUTTA here... and guess what?  Guess what I noticed?  That a vanfull does NOT even put a dent in our STUFF.  We have SO much stinkin' stuff all over. 

I'm trying to be very choosy.  It just so happens that our youth group at Church is gearing up for a rummage sale.  I'm trying to put LOTS of stuff in that pile.  Two more trips and I'm starting to at least notice a difference - we're taking steps in the right direction!  JJ has been very helpful and has even taken time to sort through his stuff, too, for rummage sale items.  But, he knows this is my deal.  I don't mind packing... it's the unpacking that is not generally my favorite overall part.  Although, of course, the excitement of a new place and new organization systems and decorating ideas take over there too. 

This is a new experience - it'll be our first move with a kiddo.  MVJ tries to be ever so helpful, but for some reason almost all of the packing has occurred after her bedtime!  : )

Do you have any tips with packing?    

Some news...

I have been reluctant to write about JJ's med. school process because we just have so many unanswered questions, BUT, we do know for sure he'll be in med. school next year!  Woohoo!  He was accepted to KCUMB for the fall.  We are still holding out, for the time being, for our local university to pull through.  We got some disappointing news last week. 

Some background knowledge:  everyone who was accepted to multiple med. schools had to decide by May 15th.  JJ is on the waiting list and we figured there'd be some big moves on the list with the May 15th deadline.  As of our letter this week, there were only two spots that had shifted.  In other words, we're feeling like we'll be moving.  Of course, we keep hearing to not lose faith because people were told much later in the summer that they were accepted.  That just seems weird to me: if someone is accepted to a med. school, why would they choose not to go?  A fantastic job comes along?  They get accepted to another school - but why the shift so late?  It has just been JJ's huge dream that it doesn't make sense to not seize the opportunity.   There are some people needing to finish up classes, and if for some reason, they do not pass those classes they would also not be allowed in.  So, I guess there could be some other extenuating circumstances.

I don't want to sound like this is in any way a bummer note.  JJ IS ACCEPTED TO MED SCHOOL.  HE IS GOING TO BE A DOCTOR!  We are superexcited to begin this chapter of our lives.  It will be an adventure to say the least.  There are so many plusses and minuses to both moving to KC and staying here.  We are just wondering what God has planned for us.  Waiting has never been an easy thing for me... maybe that's why God keeps trying to help me out in this area!  : )

G is for

Giveaway and that's good enough for me!

Check out these cute frames!  Or don't... better chance for me!  hehe

What about this bamboo stuff?  Neat-o!

Can kids clothes be cuter?  (and spendier?!)

MVJ's 15 month check up!

MVJ is 15 months... sigh... SO NOT a baby anymore.  We went to the doctor on Friday armed with a list of questions for our doc.  I was never in the habit of doing this until I realized I would forget to ask half of the questions I had when I got in there.  I'm sure most pediatricians (oh, and JJ!) would cringe at my list, but I always think it doesn't hurt to ask.  I ask people's opinions all the time - why not?  It's good to get another perspective or in any case become more solid in my own beliefs, right?  And why would I NOT consult an expert for my very questions?  

MVJ was a squirmy wormy.  JJ announced, "She's tired and she's hungry."  Grrrreat.  I mean, no matter what time you plan the appointments, it's going to fall at a bad spot.  We purposefully planned the appointment for later in the day- after her afternoon nap and before supper so that she would be, in fact, neither tired nor hungry.  However, being the stinker she is, she decided to NOT take an afternoon nap and refused to eat snack before they left.

Anyways, the first nurse we had, the one that weighed and measured the Little Miss was quite abrupt.  I'm sure she means well, AND c'mon... 3:30 on a Friday is probably NOT the ideal time to catch a kiddo nurse at her best.  Of course her measurements are out in our van... but she was 25th percentile for both weight and height.... and 75th for head circumference.  What can we say?  She has a J head.  : )  Update: found the slip!  29 7/8 inches for height, 21 lbs. 8.3 oz. for weight, and 18 1/2 inches for head!

We were brought into a temporary room (apparently things are movin' and shakin' late Friday), where MVJ tried every trick in the book to escape said room.  She also stuffed her face with animal crackers at this point (good thing they weighed her first... jeez...).  Then a little while later we headed into one of our doc's regular rooms.  MVJ was (thankfully) attracted to the sealife portrayed on the walls and we could keep her distracted for the time it took Dr. Z to bop into our room.

Basically, she's good to go.  Our biggest concern was her frenulum -- her upper lip frenulum (you know - that cord you feel when you put your tongue way up on the outside of your front teeth) -- well, hers is attached right below her gums between her front two teeth.  We never noticed; we figured her gap was a classic Grandpa J trait (that JJ had removed through braces!).  Other people (well, two in our family) have mentioned that we should probably have it snipped.  If that were the case, I wanted it done much sooner than later!  Anyways, Dr. Z wasn't concerned in the least.  She even suggested it had been moving upward.  In any case, she said a dentist would decide later -- and dentists in our area won't take kids under 2.  So, I guess we'll have to wait that one out.

But all in all, MVJ is a good eater, a good sleeper, a good walker, starting to be a little talker.  Basically, we're waiting for the other shoe to drop (is that the saying? the other foot to fall?  Something like that??) when she hits... duh duh duuuuuuh TODDLER years.  Yipes!

Our Doppelgangers...

Dop·pel·gäng·er

 /ˈdɒpəlˌgæŋər; Ger. ˈdɔpəlˌgɛŋər/ Show Spelled[dop-uhl-gang-er; Ger. daw-puhl-geng-er] 

–noun
a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person

I caught Oprah the other day (which never happens because I usually don't make it out of work right at 4:00), and she was talking about this guy who decided to research a person with his very same name.  Person A was this decorated military man who was successful in his career, had a wonderful family and was grounded in his faith.  Reading the newspaper one day, he was started to see his own name in headlines about a man (with his same name) who murdered a cop.  Person A became really interested in his story and began following it.  He found out the kid had grown up in his same neighborhood but their lives were totally different.

There were other, smaller stories about people researching other people with their same names and it made me stop and think about JJ and my own doppelgangers.  Strangely we each have people that we know have the exact same names as us.  JJ's is his cousin and mine is some distant relative also (who has the same name as me, with my maiden name).  Anyways.  JJ's is a kid messed up with drugs, stealing cars and just general naughtiness.  I found out about mine because some friends called me inquiring about a DUI.  DUI?!  No way, I don't drink and would never drink and drive.  My same-name twin apparently had gotten a DUI in the western part of the state.  The weird thing is that later we moved there and I found out I worked for the same school district!

Crazy, crazy... it's amazing how different upbringings and psychological dispositions (JJ's fancy words for personality!) can make a huge difference in a person's future.  Oprah mentioned education as a huge factor as well, and I have to agree.


And.... another giveaway!  : )

Seriously, stinkin' cute headbands and hats! 
And vinyl lettering signs!

And did you see?  Did you see?  I won my first giveaway! 

Cause for pause...

If you're not quite sure where in the world I live, you'll get some major clues with this post!  The other day I was at Walmart and was startled to see a woman in a full burka (even the screen part over her eyes).  It just startled me and made me think about the reasons why someone would want to cover her entire body.  I just immediately jump to an overbearing, demanding husband.  Someone who wants to control every part of his wife's actions.  Leaving the woman with little to now identity of her own. 

But, then JJ reminded me of the opposite.  What about these chickies running around scantily clad?  This woman definitely was the opposite of that, possibly making a statement to rebel against the changing fashions and a society that considers these things acceptable.  

Was it a social statement?  A religious obligation?  A requirement passed down from a strict husband or family?

Whatever it was, it sure made me stop and think.

My daily timer...

All of our clocks are all so off in our house.  My bedroom alarm clock is definitely the most "ahead".  Then I think the one in the bathroom, followed by the kitchen clock.  The one on our computer is definitely the most "behind" (which could possibly be the one that is actually right, but I swear it's even a minute or two behind my cell phone).  The one in my car is behind my bedroom alarm clock but ahead of everything else.  And the ones at school are a few minutes ahead of the "normal" time, but even there the one in my office is a little behind the one in the team hallway.  SO I can never be quite sure if I'll make it to school on time or not.  BUT the one way I know how I'm doing on my way daily commute is by the "Lighten Up" with KD spot on the radio station I listen to.  It's a moment to "brighten your day as you listen to author, speaker, and comedian KD" brought by WS, president of Compassion International, who brings it on behalf of children everywhere.  Yeah.... only heard the radio spot almost every week day morning for the past four years. . .  They play it *about* 7:50 every morning.  If I'm at my last corner before work, I'm doing pretty well; that's my goal.  However, it has played at the corner leaving campus... and even leaving my parking lot!  Yikes!  Some days It's playing as I leave my car and very, very special days I miss it because I'm already working hard at my desk! 

Bro's Grad...

I said I'd tell more about my brother's graduation, so here it goes! 

We headed for the Bizzo mid Friday afternoon (my boss let me out of our professional development a little early).  Friday evening we spent at my grandparents' house.  My aunt and uncle from AZ were there, ready to shower MVJ with a super cute outfit!  JJ was put to work grilling the steaks my Grandpa had bought special just for my brother's graduation/birthday on Saturday.  My parents and brother met us there and everyone ooohed and aaahed at MVJ's newest developments.  (The walking, the picking everything up, the increased social nature, the kissing herself in the full length mirror...)  : )  After a delicious meal, we headed home while pretty much everyone else stayed to play cards.  At my parents' house, we put MVJ to bed, started laundry, watched some TV and went to bed before my parents even got home -- those partiers!  : )  I felt really badly because my Dad stayed up practically all night finishing our laundry!  He said he couldn't sleep he was so excited about the next day's activities, but I still didn't feel right having my Dad do all of our laundry (including folding!). 

Saturday was full of excitement and activities!  MVJ was running around (a little slip sliding around) the laminate floors... with our split level house, she had many chances to practice stairs, one of her new favorite activities.  We tried to help where we could, but really my parents had everything covered.  We found out that my brother's girlfriend, SH, was awarded the prestigious honor of "Student of the Year" at the University of Mary.  Woot!  Woot!  My parents picked up a huge bouquet of balloons and MVJ began extending her vocabulary with REAL words (since the start of "Momma" and "Daddy"): whenever she saw the balloons she would say, "BALL!"  We even got to take one home with us and that is what we frequently heard in the car... 

My parents and I headed to the hooding early so we could save spots -- while my aunt, uncle and grandparents headed to the actual ceremony early so they could hold spots there.  My aunt and uncle eventually headed over to the hooding ceremony so they could take it all in --- and we had a whole photography/videography scheme going --- I took multishots, my mom took still photos and my aunt took video!  Viola!  Together we got everything taken care of! 

My grandparents were left in the Civic Center where some rude mc rudersons tried to take the spots they were saving.  One lady actually just plopped herself down, claiming, "There's no such thing as saving spots."  Thankfully at that time, my aunt and uncle were just heading in so she knew there were actual people sitting there.  Jerk.

Will brought MVJ into the building for his hooding (he was dropped off by JJ because it was SO COLD that day).  I missed his call, so he said he felt way embarrassed with all of his classmates, and all of these guests AND a screaming MVJ!  1.  She does not like crowds.  2.  She does not like new places.  3.  She does NOT like being without her Mommy and Daddy.  We got it all straightened out and MVJ wowed the crowd with her new squeak shoes!  They squeak whenever she walks.

On these shoes (in Fargo the next weekend):  Uncle A said, "I would take a knife and stab it right into that squeaker."  Cousin L (birthday girl) said to one of her 6 year old partygoers: "They get annoying.  Like right now, they are VERY annoying."

I LOVE them - especially out in public.  Maybe the confined space of a house would get annoying... maybe...  : )  Anyways!  My brother and his classmates were hooded.  It was funny, the speakerlady (head of the PT dept.) told them to do some sort of PT move, and one by one as they came up, they did this squat thing.  Like she said, "Come up here and show them you've learned something!"  It was also neat - they said their PT oath together and one of the instructors, my brother's mentor, read a PT prayer.  I thought the hooding ceremony was great because it was more intimate and the head of the department really went into the symbolism of their colors, the tam, the fact that they were the ONLY doctorates that the U of Mary graduates, etc.

Then we had the actual ceremony where we could be a little more silly and laid back.  Except that when his name was called, I forgot to clap and acknowledge him; I was too busy taking pictures of the big screen!  : )  I made up for it clapping for the next two people announced.  : )

Then we headed home to start the partay.  It was great to have friends and family members come for the special occasion.  MVJ wanted to go down for the night about 5:00.  This spelled doom for us, so we let her sleep about 45 minutes, then JJ went in to wake her up.  This spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e.  She screamed at him (and then me, and then everyone else) for quite some time before finally calming down.

Sunday we all kind of lazed around, had my grandparents over for brunch and then headed to the mall for a little light shopping.  I was on a mission for new shoes because mine finally broke on our way to the Bizzo on Friday.  We headed out of town around 2:00ish and MVJ (and I) took very nice naps. 

Phew!  The end! 

Recipes

Since I am SUCH an accomplished chef, I thought I'd share some recent recipe favs!  These are for you, TH -- you can do it!!  You know if I can, anyone can!  : )

Amazing Meat Loaf
1/2 c. ketchup, divided
2 lbs. ground beef
2 eggs
2/3 c. dry quick oats
1 envelope dry onion soup mix

1.  Reserve 2 TBSP. ketchup.  Combine ground beef, eggs, dry oats, soup mix, and remaining ketchup.  Shape into loaf.  Place in slow cooker.
2. Top with 2 TBSP ketchup.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 2-4 hours.


Apricot-Glazed Carrots
2 lbs. baby carrots
1 onion, chopped (I put a few onion flakes in, but skipped this part)
1/2 c. water (I put WAY more in!)
1/3 c. honey
1/3 c. apricot preserves
2 TBSP. chopped fresh parsley

1. Place carrots and onions in slow cooker.  Add water.
2. Cover and cook on Low 9 hours.
3. Drain liquid from slow cooker.  (Oops... I didn't do this!  Unless JJ did.... maybe that's why they seemed water logged!)
4.In a small bowl, mix honey and preserves together.  Pour over carrots.
5. Cover and cook on high 10-15 mins.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.


Andes Mint Cookies
 Seriously... best I've had in a long time!  Recipe courtesy of my friend, CJ.  Mmmmm!

2 boxes of Devil's food cake

1 cup oil

4 eggs

2 pkg of Andes mints (you'll need about 1 1/2 packs)

*Also, with the mints, the Creme de menthe ones are better than the Parfait mints because the chocolate layers will melt better and they taste the same in the end.

Mix all items together. (This is the only instruction I got. I used a hand mixer until it was all consistently wet, it was a bit "grainy" looking)

Scoop onto cookie sheet. I used a cookie scoop to get uniform size and I got 44 cookies.

Cook at 350 F for 10-12 minutes.

Immediately after removing from oven place an andes mint on the cookie. After a few minutes spread it with the back of a spoon. Transfer to a cooling rack, (I have transferred them before adding the mint and it was okay, but this time when I tried, the cookies themselves were too soft and they just needed an extra minute on the cookie sheet, that's why I transferred them after adding the mint.)

Almond Cookies
*Yum-o! Recipe courtesy of my SIL, LJ.

1 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. baking cocoa
3 t. almond extract
1 t. vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 t. baking soda

In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugars, cocoa and extracts until creamy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to sugar mixture.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls two inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 for 7-9 mins. or until edges are firm.  Remove to wire racks to cool.   

Some more giveaways...

Please excuse me... I am just trying to up my chances at some giveaways!  But seriously, check these out - like my friend EE says, if it can't be me who wins, I'd love it if it were you!!

1.  Piggy Paint -- MVJ does get her nails done at the Daddy Salon, so I'm sure they would both appreciate this cool and safe paint.
2.  Punchbowl Productions -- Did you see the prints?  What about the t-shirts?  I love the, "Will Scream for Toy" shirt... maybe it's just too true... : )
 3.  Friendly Brown -- I love the cute iPod cover... I don't know if JJ would let me cover his in the cute purple cover, though!  : )
4.  Kinderglo -- This is funny because I just talked to my SIL about nightlights!  I think MVJ would love this nightlight... so cute!  And cuddly!
5.  Captured Imagination --These hats are ADORABLE.  If I could get MVJ to wear them, I'd buy three!  : )
6. Wishy-Watchy -- I thought there were some very pretty watches.  Maybe it'd make up for the time my brother lost mine at a carnival when he was too many to actually wear it... I've TOTALLY gotten over that... : )
7. Daisy Bags --  So cute!  So useful!
8. Kelly's Originals --  Again with the cute hats!
9. Eleven Collection -- SUPERcute shoes!  I'm all about the shoes... just ask MVJ and her already growing shoe collection!


Seriously... this could be a full time job! 

Yet ANOTHER lesson learned. . .

I'll try to post more about our big weekend - but right now I just want to tell one little {embarrassing} story.  My brother graduated with his PT doctorate and his girlyfriend, SH, graduated with a bachelor's degree in science.

MVJ had some yuck diaper rash this weekend --- her first ever.  We've used diaper cream because she appeared a little red, but now that I've seen it I know that she hasn't had it before.  It didn't go away right away, so by the time we got home Sunday night I was a little nervous.  I asked JJ what we should do and after throwing out a few ideas, we thought we'd let her run around for a little while without her diaper.  We got home, ate, played, and she had a poopy diaper.  After I cleaned her up I figured it would be a good time to let her go commando for a little while.  I was trying to unpack (yes, we are the kids who still bring our dirty laundry home -- heck I've even brought it to my SIL and BIL's house!) and noticed that MVJ was standing really still.  I looked around her and saw a poopy on the floor and one hanging from her bum!!  YIKES!!  The Poopetrator strikes again!!  I am NOT good in crisis mode, so I yelled for JJ and scared poor MVJ (into stepping back INTO the poopy).  YUCK!  We got it all cleaned up and a fresh diapey on the baby girl!  Note to self: this one year old is NOT potty trained yet.  Leave the diaper ON!  : )