Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow

Crap!

2012-01-31T19:17:00.001-08:00

It all started in October. I had a bit of a stuffy nose; a bit of a stuffy nose that didn’t go away. Then I got a couple migraines. Annoying, but I’d had a stuffy nose before and I’d had migraines before, so I marched on. Everything was hunky dory, until my right elbow started killing me. Killing me! I had to go to the doctor to have it looked at. While there I asked her opinion about my stuffy nose. Was I using my Flonase? Yes. Taking my Zytec? Yes. Weird. She had a look see and diagnosed me with a sinus infection and Tennis Elbow. I would survive. Rah!

Finished up antibiotic, continued taking allergy stuff as always . . . no improvement, with the nose or the elbow. But seriously I couldn’t rest the elbow. This was leading up to Christmas my biggest sales of the year; I had to sew on. The nose, however, that should have been cured. So I get a second course of antibiotics, plus a steroid. Two months had passed. The stuffiness was still there and I decided this is obviously just the way my nose it going to be for awhile. Meanwhile, I’m terrified I’m allergic to our hypoallergenic dog. In fact, I had started wheezing.

Complete weirdness strikes on the 14th of December. I start getting this intense rhythmic pain behind my breastbone, that’s radiating across my chest. Of course I’m thinking heart attack, but really? Everything else was fine. I called the insurance companies nurse line and explain my symptoms and the nurse says, “You need to proceed to the nearest ER or call an ambulance.” We did neither, but went to the local urgent care clinic. They did a chest x-ray, ran an EKG, and I was given a breathing treatment. Everything came back clear and after the breathing treatment the wheezing stopped and eventually the chest pain. The doctor was convinced the pain I was experiencing was from airway constriction that was causing the wheezing. I was put on another around of antibiotics, breathing treatments (Albuterol) and oral steroids. She was sure I had a sinus infection and asthma. The tightness in my chest came back again and I wheezed, even on all the medications, pretty much daily.

Then something really exciting happened. I got undressed to take a shower one morning and I had a couple hive-y scratches on my torso. Weird. I took my shower and when I got out I was covered in hive-y scratches. It looked like I had been attacked by a leopard or tiger, with sort of dull claws. I assumed I had scratched myself with my soap puff thing. I avoided it the next day, and had scratches again. I showed them to Joe. He was worried I have an alien inside desperately trying to get out. I hoped not. Then I realized I could write on myself and whatever I wrote would develop into hives. They weren’t itchy for the first couple of days, but that changed also. They mainly happened on my core being, extending a bit up my arms and down my legs. Without scratching I would be covered in what appeared to be scratches all over my body.

We were headed out of town for Christmas weekend and I just had to ignore everything going on and make the best of it. The wheezing was pretty hard to ignore and I had to repeatedly do Albuterol treatments, which just about sent me off the deep end. My body felt completely out of control, shaky, miserable, hated it. But I could breathe after the treatment, so could I really complain? After Christmas I would go in and see my doctor again.

The hives were however, freaking me out. I’m thinking Lupus or some other horrible autoimmune problem. Finally after exhaustive internet searches I came across dermagraphia. Dermagraphia can be a reaction to antibiotics. I returned to my doctor right after Christmas and she sent to the allergist, a gastroenterologist, and off for a barium swallow, after she had a bit of fun writing on me.

I was sent to the allergist, because he’s a great diagnostician and hopeful he’d see a link she wasn’t. Unfortunately, he just thought I was a super interesting case, but hasn’t a clue what going on. He did do skin scratch tests for allergies. A skin scratch test is when the nurse or doctor scratches your skin with a little plastic device containing a specific allergen. The presence of a hive would indicate you have an allergy and the size can determine that severity of the allergy. I was worried everything was going to come back positive, because I got a hive if you touched me, let alone scratch me. Never the worry. The allergy scratches caused huge hives and the non-allergy scratches caused little hives. It was easy to distinguish the difference. The test showed that I was allergic to basically everything I already knew: every tree known to man, tomatoes, bananas, carrots, some grasses and some mold, but thank God above not dogs or roaches. Just the idea of the roaches grossed me out so much. Nothing new there. Nothing to explain the wheezing, stuffy nose or hives. Crap.

And I was also sent for a barium swallow, which everything was fine and to the gastroenterologist and maybe figure out what the chest pain was about. I met with him and his was positive it was classic heartburn and we scheduled a scope. He found I had a Schatzki Ring, a constriction in the esophagus, which he expanded and lo and behold I have scalloping in my duodenum. Which by the way, basically mean Celiac’s Disease. CELIAC’S DISEASE! Crappity, crap, crap!!! We waited a week for the results, but we knew what it would be . . . wait for it . . . um yeah. . . Celiac’s Disease. Crappity, crap, crap!!! It does explain a lot of other problems I’ve been having, but not everything.

Did I mention my boys had blood tests in the fall that indicated they may also have Celiac’s Disease? They will be scoped in the next few weeks. Should be a blast.

The last week has been working on our gluten-free diet (GFD). Thank the powers that be for the internet, because it’s been and excellent source of information. It can take several months to totally rid your body of gluten, so I’m hoping to see improvement in the next few months. Is the wheezing, stuffy nose and hives related to the Celiac’s? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I have to admit I’m pretty sad. I’m hoping I’ll feel so much better that never having a warm slice of French bread again and the like, won’t bother me. I see commercials for certain foods and get a little bummed out and sigh. Joe says, “Oh Honey.” It helps a bit.

The whole time I've been feeling awful. I truly just wanted to sleep. The pain in my chest was pretty debilitating. The hives have been controlled pretty well with Zyrtec, but I have breakthrough and I'm itching all over and hot. I get hot flashes when I "flare" up with hives. And my ears get hot and feel thick inside, which drives me insane. Then there's the wheezing and shortness of breath. It's all sort of miserable. I seem to have good and bad days. Today was bad. About an hour after eating some yogurt for breakfast, I feel like a golf ball is headed down my esophagus. The pain was so bad it sort of knocked me out. I had to go lie down. I woke up an hour later and the pain was gone, but I was still exhausted. It's all just so strange.

2011-11-15T13:37:00.001-08:00

We're all going to do a really good job pretending like I haven't stopped blogging and there have been regular updates. Got it!

I've been sewing up a storm in preparation for the Christmas rush. A lot of that sewing takes place in the evening while watching T.V.. with Joe. There's always a little pile of strings left on the end table, and I've been know to lose NEEDLES! So, I created this little armrest trashcan, pin cushion thingy. I'm also going to add a little elastic strap for my scissors. Unfortunately, I only had black elastic, so I'll have to wait until I get to the store.

It's simply a fabric basket attached to a 5 1/2" by 14" length of fabric. At the opposite end of the basket is a pocket filled it with poly pellets for weight. I also added a little pin cushion stuffed with polyfil.

Cards, Cards, Cards!!!

2011-01-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

My Etsy shop has been overrun with cards for Valentine's day. Unfortunately my supplier for "flesh" fabric for My Dollies ran out of the wonderful stuff and I was put on an immediate hiatus. I came pretty close actually cleaning the house and doing the laundry, but instead I got crafty with my Stampin' Up supplies.

I've recently become a demostrator, after years of buying the stuff. So I have a new found need to get crafty and create, everyday.

Here's a few things I've made. They are all available at www.bitsofme.etsy.com.

I would just like to mention I'm very proud of these pictures. I spent a few minutes late one night and actually learned how to use my camera. A few adjustments here and there and voila, magic.

Christmas Card Organizer

2011-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Every year we get all these great photo Christmas Cards. I've been keeping an album for about five years, when I thought it would be more fun to make little books instead. I now gather up all the Christmas Cards, waiting until the New Year to make sure all the stranglers are in, and make a book. Here's this years.

I'll be offering these at my Etsy shop, so come over and check it out: www.bitsofme.etsy.com.

A Nooky Little Post

2010-12-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Santa brought a Nook and I've loving it. I just had to make it a cover. Luckily our world is so super cool I could order one from Etsy. Check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdifulStitches.

Here's the cover I made from Birdiful Stitches pattern. I'm all about initals right now, so I had to add a "K". I'm not the greatest at sewing, but didn't have a problem following this pattern. Turned out great!

2010-12-12T08:49:00.001-08:00

With only 13 days left until Christmas I'm having a blast keeping up with demand.

Zines, Mags!

2010-11-29T07:01:00.001-08:00

I'll openly attempt at least two months of this year were passed at the pool soaking up the rays (best money I've ever spent)and reading magazines. I'm completely up on fashion, cooking and the goings on of celebrities. I have an addiction to magazines. My mailbox confirms this once or twice a week. Each promises to solve all your life's problems. I don't think they, the mass media, nailed it yet. I still can't get my fussy eater to touch, let alone eat a veggie, and my week nights are still hectic even with the greatest 30-minute meals. But with each article I stuff my brain full of more information. Some of it is useless (pretty anything from US; a subscription I share with a friend). However some makes me into a complete geek(I know things no 40ish suburban mom should know, directly from Wired). Most the information I receive from these zines is stuffed into the little corners of my mind to pop out at gatherings with friends, leaving them with more evidence that I'm quite nuts.

A couple of years ago my magazines started to guilt me out. How can I spent money on this? The US weekly issue ISSUE was solved when I started sharing a subscription with a friend. Seriously I can not spend $70 dollars on something that offers me no usable information. US is purely entertainment and I can get that for TV. Oh but the "Who Wore It Best" section calls to me like the Sirens called to the Sailors. I rarely resist and therefore I was saving money by getting a subscription. A-Ha! They got me.

Magazines have become so discounted, I had to buy a subscriptions to any magazines I picked up one or twice a year, because the subscription price was around the price of two at newsstand prices. Again saving money. I have a recycling center near me and all my mags go out the door to new owners or to be recycled. Luckily, I will not have to have the production crew of Hoarders over anytime soon and the guilt is dissipating.

Seventeen was my first subscription and I felt like such a seventeen year old when I read it at fourteen. At around seventeen I stopped getting Seventeen of course and started with Glamour. I have had a subscription to Glamour for twenty-four years. Can you believe it? Out in the world I'm sure there's someone very impressed by their 75 year anniversary with National Geographic, I assume they are better person for it. But I have really been through a lot with Glamour. At seventeen I cut out pictures of my favorite fashions and I made a scrapbook. It's funny to see that most of the stuff I choose you could walk down the street with on today and not be laughed at. O.k. there's a few neon pieces that might get a few stares, but no laughing. Fortunately, I didn't like shoulder pads, so that spares a lot of ridicule.

But Glamour was with me during the college years, dating, getting my first job, marriage, first baby, second and third.Over the years my interests have changed and so have my concerns, but I assume I'll always getting Glamour. The covers didn't embarrass me until I was around 37. My dad was over and a Glamour was lying on the table with a teaser on the front cover in giant letters that read something like "Have even bigger and better orgasms." From that point on they was relegated to my bedroom or bathroom. There's nothing better than hanging out in the tub with a new magazine.

When I was around thirty I went through a period where I was going to get smart about the world and finances. Time, Money and Newsweek showed up in my mailbox and I tried. I mean I really tried. They couldn't keep my interest. With a new baby in the house, Parenting and Parenthood magazines were more fitting and they kept me up-to-date on everything to freak out about. Then came Family Fun, and I must admit it was really fun.

There was "O"prah. Paaahh! I couldn't be that deep every month. I've had a ton of "A-ha! Moments," but they never amounted to much.

I am crafty and I do get several scrapbooking magazines, my favorite of which went belly up, Simple Scrapbooks. Creating Keepsakes just expired and I will let it go . . . I haven't scrapbooked in a year. If I get my butt in gear to scrap, I'll probably get a new subscription.

Martha Stewart's Living and Everyday food are loved along with a new edition Food Network Magazine. I get Rachel Ray's Everyday but I will not be renewing. I will never ever make Lamb Chops with Pomegranate Sauce and Saffron Pilaf. That ain't happening here.

When Real Simple hit the newstands I knew I'd found my match. Organizing, life stories, great recipes, little crafty things it was a match made in heaven. They seriously do have ways to make your life simpler. I use lots of little time savers from Real Simple and they work.

That just reminded me . . . .what happened to Hallmark magazine. That was so pretty.

For the good and the bad of it, I love magazines.

Now the real reason I sat down here was to show you what I have going on at my Etsy shop Bitsofme. I've been cooking up monsters and dolls. Santa's little workshop, right in my shop.

I'm running a Cyber Monday sale 10% the entire shop with the coupon code CYBERMON used at checkout.

2010-08-26T14:53:00.001-07:00

Playing around with ideas for the office, that I've decided I hate. Did I mention I also hate our whole house. . . . well, not the bedrooms, just everything else.

home office design

contemporary home office design by san francisco general contractor Harrell Remodeling

traditional home office design by seattle architect Bosworth Hoedemaker

modern home office design

eclectic home office design

2010-08-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Playing around with ideas for the office, that I've decided I hate. Did I mention I also hate our whole house. . . . well, not the bedrooms, just everything else.

home office design

2010-08-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Strawberries!

2010-06-24T19:56:00.001-07:00

Forgive me followers, for I have not blogged. But today I will.

We had a great day. Off to the berry patch at 10 after a couple rainstorms with Julie, Andrea and respective kids. The skies cleared just as we headed off to the fields on our wagon. The morning ended up being 72ish and breezy. Perfect!

No pics of the picking. But I've got three GREAT helpers. They picked and picked without a single compliant. Griffin picked and ate, picked and ate.

Lost my phone in the strawberry patch and had to get a ride back to look for it. The damn thing was on vibrate, so it had to be seen to be saved. Thanks to Andrea for spotting it.

We all had lunch together on a very windy deck and were fortunate to see a deer milling about. After parting ways, we headed to the pool. Loving it. Headed home for jam making.

Enjoy your boiling bath!

Two hundred and sixteen ounces later I think we have enough for the year and a few Christmas gifts.

I can't until breakfast; I'm having an english muffin and jam. Yum!

Oh Rainy day!

2010-05-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to? Taking the Wilton Cake Decorating class. Here's my first project.

And here's what happened to it after dinner.

What to Write About!

2010-04-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while and I do feel an obligation to keep this going. If not for my audience, at least I should keep up for me. I do love to look back and see what I've been up and such.

Today I logged in and realized it'd been way past a month since my last entry, so I need to change that fact quickly. But what to blog about: Eyjafjallajokull volcano, the economy, my crafty stuff? Then suddenly the topic presents itself. How's about I blog about a 7 year old boy?

This seven year old boy.

Well, I'm writing about the left half, not the right half. I think it's the right half that causes me all the trouble. The left half is quite possibility the most confident person I know.

A couple of weeks ago his school had spring pictures taken. (Spring pictures Pfft!) They came back last week and they are horrible, as you can see. I hesitated to even include this picture because it's so awful.

Oh, but Griffin LOVED it. I assume he thought he looked fantastic because he has on his favorite shirt and that come hither stare. BLAH! I had to explain he's a much better looking boy than this picture shows. He still loved it, but I was NOT going to buy any. So, a week passed and Griffin asked to see his fall pictures. Now these were cute. I got them out and he asked to have one cut out. I asked why and he said he'd show me. I cut it out and he did this with the picture.

He's a good looking guy and he I guess he wanted to remember that.

He really is pretty amazing. I don't think I had the capacity to realize at six that I was in the wrong school and that my hearing loss did not need to hold me back. Griffin did. He had a hard time figuring out how to let us know. Mostly he threw a fit every day before school. Then one day he said< “I hate my school, because Will’s school is the best. I need to be at Will’s school.” I’m not one to just give in to the kids, but there was something very special about how he said this. He was determined to make me understand he absolutely meant what he was saying. Much to my surprise later that day his teacher told me he rarely used sign in the classroom. He was trying to buck the system he was in. He is his best advocate. He is so much happier mainstreamed.

I don’t know if it will stay that way forever, but he’s learned to stand up for myself and that I hope lasts a lifetime. Hopefully if he’s uncomfortable again, he’ll let us know. . . .without the fits.

He is also very in touch with his feminine side. Don't get me wrong he's ALL boy, but he can be all boy with flowers on his Crocs, holding a pink balloon. He has never cared what Gus and Will have said about his color choices, because has he's said, "I just like pink."

Meanwhile, there's one pink thing he loves more than all the others, Princess Peach, from the Nintendo games. He found a picture of Princess Peach in a book Gus had from the library. He asked me to copy it, which I did. A couple days later I was putting stuff away in the hall closet and I heard Griffin talking to someone. He had the picture of Princess Peach. He was looking at her longing and saying, "I love you Princess Peach," he kissed her and said, "Good Night." He put the picture on his shelf and cuddled down into his blankets.

Now let's talk a bit about the other half, the right side. Oy! This kid has ideas. He's always got some huge plan, some half baked plot. I wouldn't call them schemes, because that seems so negative. These plans are for the enjoyment of everyone, only I end up cleaning up. Case in point:

Yep, that there's a fresh squeezed glass of OJ. I was folding laundry thinking about what to blog while all this happened. I walked out, found this and found my blog topic. He cleaned up the table and I got the sticky floor.

Here he is leaping into another adventure.

Fly little dude, fly.

2010-03-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hey, Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow has been nominated for a Sunshine Award by Little Bears Mom! How cool to know I'm not just typing to myself. Please take a minute and check out the blogs I've nominated.

Here's the rules for those I'm nominating:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here's my Beloved Blogs --

1-Bakerella
2-All Sorts
3-Melinda 2 Mindy
4-A Year of Slow Cooking
5-Inking Idaho
6-My First Dictionary
7-Ponder and Stitch
8-Hideous Dreadful Stinky
9-Rik Rak Studio
10-The CHERISHED Life of Heather Leigh
11-Life is Good
12-Nie Nie Dialogues

O.k. there you go. They are in no particular order. Thanks again to Little Bears Mom.

My Stamps Free and I'm Happy as Can Be

2010-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

I completed my stamp unmounting project last week. Yippeee!!! I can' believe how great they work and how much more organized I feel.

Freedom. The best part is all my stamps are right at my desk. I can quickly locate them and flip through them if I'm just looking for ideas.

I did get rid of a lot of sets I have just never used. You can see them all by clicking here ---> STAMPS FOR SALE! My seller name is kid_curry1. Check them out. Great prices!

Set Your Stamps Free

2010-03-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

If you are a stamper there’s a good chance you have tons of stamps. Unlike our digital photos that take up a lot of virtual space, our stamps take up a lot of actual space.

There are several solutions for this.

One solution is to use acrylic stamps with acrylic block. Probably the premiere company for acrylic stamps is Close to My Heart (CTMH). Below is a photo of one of their stamp sets and a few acrylic blocks.

You can see there’s a few acrylic stamps stuck on a plastic sheet. You peel these off and stick them on an acrylic block. Great theory, but here’s the problem, acrylic does not hold ink very well. I’ve never gotten the quality images I got from rubber stamps. I know there are people that love them, but I don’t. There are advantages to the acrylic stamps though. Space is the obvious one. Another pro acrylic is they are clear, so you really know exactly where your stamped image will be going. Awesome. Also you can place several stamps on the same block and stamp many images at the same time. Wonderful.

Well, there’s a way to get all those benefits from your rubber stamps. Release them from their wooden blocks and set them free. This is not a project for the faint of heart. It's very time consuming. I’m going to show you how to do that today.

You’ll need:

-A Stamp Set – I suggest one you’re willing to experiment with
-Double Sided Sticky Sheet (Stampin Up has 12 x 12 sheets)
-Aleene’s Tack-It Over & Over
-Empty CD Cases – I used Memorex

You’ll be removing the rubber stamp from the foam backer and the wooden block. It's a terrifying thought. I was afraid of doing this, but the stamped image is fine without the foam.

Here's the process--

1 - Remove the stamp from the foam and wooden block
2 - Apply double sided tape to back of rubber stamp
3 - Remove stamp image sticker from rubber block
4 - Apply stamp sticker to back of stamp
5 - Apply Aleene's Tack-It Over and Over

With the stamp removed you'll now apply double stick tape. I recommend very good Sticky Strip Sheet tape. You can do this project without this applying the image sticker on the rubber stamp, but I wanted to be able to see what the image is.

Applying the Sticky Strip/Double Sided Tape.

Cut the double sided tape close to the stamp.

Remove the backing.

Peel the image sticker off the wooden block.

Now apply a thin layer of Aleen's Tack-It Over and Over, then let it dry until clear. It will be very tacky. If it's too tacky and won't release from the acrylic stamps easily when you're using them, you can "blot" it a couple of times on a piece of cloth to pick up some lint.

It can get pretty crazy and mixed up when I'm really getting crafty, so I figured I would want to have something to record what stamps went with what set. I stamped the images on a paper cut to the portions of the inside of the cd case and I printed the set name inside using my printer. Here's what I ended up with.

Here's sort of a before and after. The "before" is the crazy mess behind.

There you have it.

Now in cleaning out my stamp sets I came across a few I don't want to keep. I'll listing them on eBay. Come have a look. There few there now and more to follow. I tried to insert a link here, but it wouldn't work . . . .here's the address:
http://shop.ebay.com/kid_curry1/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

It's Pretzel Time Somewhere and They are 100% Better than Mine

2010-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

I think it’s strange that I had an uncontrollable urge to make soft pretzel and Martha Stewart was making them on her show. Unfortunately, I wasn’t watching so I didn’t get to use her fabulous recipe. Instead I used one I found in one of my recipe books. They are still quite edible, but nothing like I have hoped.

I only had unbleached whole white flour. Perfect. This will help my people to get more fiber.

My mom bought me a huge package of yeast. Oh, the lovely gifts she gives. I'm used to the little packets that contain a pre-measured amount. This mystery amount is not in the recipe, it called for a packet. So I had to look this up and a packet contained 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast. Just so you know. Look at the lovely yeast proofing.

So the dough gets to rise for and hour and some. Great project, because you have time to clean up the kitchen before you completely trash it again.

A beautiful dough appears ready to be made into pretzels. (Paparazzi didn't get pictures of this.) Then they get a boiling bath.

Next they are glazed with a bit of egg white and toppings added and then baked. I made salt, poppyseed and garlic. Personally I think they look like casual old men sitting around with their legs crossed.

I will be trying Martha's recipe, because I wasn't smitten with this one. But they are a nice fiber rich treat for the kiddos after school

Olympic Hopefuls, This Way

2010-02-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

This has been the first year the boys have really gotten into the Olympic spirit. The last time it came around; Gus and Griffin had just turned 7 and 3 respectfully and Will was 5. They weren’t that interested. However now, every night we’ve watched whatever we can before bedtime and several nights we’ve watched well after bedtime. With the time change in Sochi for the 2014 Olympics it will be interesting how that plays out for viewing. By then the kids will be 15, 13 and 11 and hopefully even more involved and hyped up then now.

They are, of course, in love with Shaun White, Bode Miller and Apollo Ohno. I love listening to them talk about how fantastic they are going to be when they’re in the Olympics. Please note they do not skate or ski. They do sled . . . bobsled maybe? Who knows. I will not reserve a room in Korea, French or Germany for the 2018 Olympics just yet.

I do remember dreaming of standing on the podium to receive my gold medal as I built snowmen and igloos in our backyard as a kid, just as I practice my acceptance speech all the time for an Oscar or Emmy or Tony or whatever. One must be prepared. But there weren’t any snowmen or igloo events. Alas, my Olympic dreams were squashed before they could really take flight.

In an attempt to keep our little brood’s dreams flying high we took them skating.

I love how Joe's holding them up.

Gus has been inline skating and it really helped. He was able to hit the ice and take off. But he got a hold of a little “walker” thing and used that to speed skate all over the place. He’s decided to make a new sport with the “walker.”

Griffin was less fortunate and a wall clinger. Joe was able to get him out onto the ice, but he was very wary and wouldn’t straighten up. The walker did help him, but he was determined to skate without it, having used it before. He wanted to skate like a pro, but found that doesn’t come from pure determination, but actual practice is needed.

Meanwhile, Will . . . oh Will. Will was not going to skate. He had no interest and didn’t even want to try. The whole morning before we went he kept telling, I’m not skating. Fine. He’s the kind of kid I was. Hang back, watch the crowd, see if they die, if not, join in. Luckily no one died and he joined in. And he had a blast. Will expects to know how to do everything perfectly the first time and tends to flip out if he doesn’t. Maybe he's growing up a little, because he didn't flip out, in fact, he fell and got up and kept going.

This is a picture Will requested of him going really fast.

We enjoyed the fact that there was no flipping out, no tears. There were kids crying and carrying on all over the ice, but our guys just went out there and had a good time. So did Joe. Here's a lovely fuzzy picture of Joe skating.

I do love skating. But, with Joe going on the business trip we decided I didn’t need to risk any major damage and I enjoying watching. Next time I’ll be able to participate.

Gifts of TP

2010-02-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

I finished a series of Bradley Method® Childbirth classes last night and one of my couples was so sweet and brought a gift. A lovely gift of toilet paper, because the mom had used sooo much of ours. Griffin thought this was a great gift and wanted to make sure we save it forever. So he made a sign for it to keep it safe.

And here's what happened . . .

2010-02-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

And here's what happened . . .

The week ended up a little weird and awkward, but I believe the issue is put to rest for now.

On Wednesday when everyone returned to school after break, the principal talked to the two boys involved with the playground incident and deciphered their tales and Gus'. He believes Gus was definitely telling the truth and I'm happy to hear that. I was worried he was getting overly upset.

Boy (B) did see the accused (A) flip my son and drop him on his head. Unfortunately B is also afraid for A. He told the principal he's been tried to not be friends with A, but he hasn't been able to. B ended up being a great resource for our little case, because he was really scared by the way Gus was being treated and wanted to tell, but wasn't brave enough.

On Friday the principal had everyone get together for a little summit. A, B, and Gus talked about what had happened. Before school Gus was concerned B would change his story in front of A and then things would get much worst. Yet he was still determined. B didn't cave. He stuck by Gus. Gus said a very adult thing later, "I'm really surprised by B. I thought he'd change his story, but he didn't. He really showed me what kind of guy he is."

So they all left the meeting knowing the fierce play was over. "A" lost playground priviledges for a week. They all understand any retaliation will be swiftly and painfully dealt with, expulsion. The principal stressed with them that Gus did the right thing and I hope they realize that and don't beat the crap out of him. I wish Gus could have done it without a screaming flipping out fit at 10:30 on the night before a five day break from school. But that's just me.

I'm really proud of Gus. I don't think I could have done what he did, stand up to bullies. It's not just that he told, but he had to sit down with them. Facing your enemies is a very, very brave thing to do.

It's Bullysh*t

2010-02-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday night I the whole family vegged. With no school the next day, the kids and I caught up on some Idol and Joe poked around on the computer. Around 9 the boys wandered upstairs to watch something else and apparently slam bedroom doors. Joe dealt with the door issue and came back down. A couple minutes later Griffin appeared to let me know Gus was hanging from our canopy bed. This is a capital offense. Joe I believe took the stairs two at a time and pulled the plug saying, "That's it!" Everyone was going to bed. Typical kid responses ensued. But it was Gus that stood out of the crowd.

The kid completely lost it. Screaming bloody murder and throwing himself around, it was a full-fledged fit. A conniption fit. A conniption fit of grand proportions. I have been privy to these before, but this even shocked me. A good portion was used to inflict great harm upon Griffin by screaming, "I hate you!" Griffin was thoroughly and completely devastated. Meanwhile I must note Will, brushed his teeth, put on his pajamas and got in bed, no questions asked.

We were able to get Gus calmed down to a snivelling, quaking, pile of boy in the fetal position in his bed. I knew this had nothing to do with the bed or Griffin tattling on him. We made him apologize to his brother who was still crying and saying, "Gus broke my heart." Just the saddest thing. With Griffin accepting the apology and feeling a little better he was taken to bed by Joe and I attended to Gus who was now bawling on my shoulder. I told him all the things you're suppose to tell someone who's freaking out and he started to talk. The first words out of his mouth really got my attention if everything else hadn't already. Through his tears he said "Do you realize I was tombstoned like five times today?"

O.k. sidebar if you aren't sure what tombstoning is, here's a video.

We freaked. If you had seen Gus' you would have joined us in our freaking. He was terrified. Gus is a little kid. He's more the size of a third grader, than a fifth grader. The kid that he is accusing is 3-4 inches taller and bigger "all over" Gus said.

We asked, where were the recess ladies? They were all gathered together talking by the building. He said the kid tackled him and wouldn't let him go and how was he supposed to get help if he couldn't get up. Meanwhile if he did tell, he would be a "baby" for the rest of his life. All of this was told to us through tears and sobs. Then came the worst part, when he said, "What am I going to do if those kids come to school with knives?" What? What kids? I thought it was only the one. Well, actually he's been having major trouble with a group of four boys. He listed them all off and I have to say he's had trouble in the past with these guys. One of the kids caused us major problems in kindergarten.

Obviously, we're was going to the principal, (and we have) but I wanted to know what Gus wanted to happen. It's a very delicate thing. As a 5th grader you tell on some kids you may just make matters worse. He wants the kids to lose recess for a week, I'm thinking if there's any witnesses, which he gave me a couple names . . . it's gonna be more than recess. But I was impressed that even after I told him I'm not sure the principal can keep his name out of it and these kids are going to know he told, he still wanted me to talk to the principal. It's bad enough to take that risk.

As a parent that always assumes my kid is guilty, before proven innocent I'm so worried he is embellishing. I don't want anyone to get in trouble that shouldn't be, but at the same, if this continues we could have a much bigger situation. Joe took away from Gus' raw emotion and what he said, that he's totally scared.

After hearing everything that happened we got Gus calmed down and I started thinking. How long has this been going on? I know he's been getting comments about his height the last couple of years. We given him strategies to deal with it, but who knows if he used them. But the insomnia since before Christmas break, the mood swings, the falling grades . . . aren't they all signs of emotional distress? Oy! We've been talking about it, but he's never brought this up before.

It's going to be an interested week. I was able to get in to see the principal on Friday . . .were on break until Wednesday, so nothing can be done until then. He's bringing the boys in one at a time and seeing what they have to say. I hope there's a kid in there that caves! Oh it would make it sooo much easier for us.

Meanwhile Gus had a good weekend. I think it helped to get everything off his chest. He knows we're gunning for him and his grandparents are too.

One more thing . . . .Have I mentioned how much I hate WWE? I hope those assholes visit all the kids they unintentionally paralyze.

He's Done!

2010-02-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Parts and No Stuffing

2010-02-10T07:40:00.001-08:00

Snow day for the kids, but I'm missing some white stuff so my new doll lays on the craft table incomplete. I think when I get to the store I will purchase two bags and keep one in reserve for days just like this.

This doll was supposed to be completed and ready for listing last weekend, but I'm having fear of failure issues. Sometimes it's hard to got the mojo going for fear it will all be for nothing. Oh the horror! I should remember that in every failure there's a lesson to be learned. Sometimes that lesson is, don't do that again. I feel like the guy in Field of Dreams. What if I build it and no one comes? Eggy Babies look on in delight.

Photograhic Study

2010-01-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest in my photographic study entitled Foods That Like Being Eaten.

It's a jungle around here!

2010-01-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Here's the birthday boy. He's posing. Call GQ or Ralph . . . he's ready for his close-up.

Whew! The party's over. My house still looks like a jungle, but the monkeys are all gone.

Griffin turned 7 on the 22nd and he requested a house party. I would just like to confirm that a house party is more expensive than an out of the house party. Oy! But we did have a blast. I hired a friend's sister to do face painting and she does a beautiful job, so the kids looked great and I believe they had fun. A tear was not shed.

Now here's the cake. We're referring to this snake as the Great American Cheese Snake. I made this before for Gus' birthday, but I used icing for the diamonds. This time I thought I would just use fondant. Gus was helping me very late at night . . . when I do my best work. Ugh! After we had all the diamonds on, we sat back and I said, "Those look like cheese slices, don't they?" We cracked up. It was especially funny to us, because Griffin claims he's afraid of cheese. No know milk allergy and all.

Here's some of Lauren's work from An Affair to Remember did a great job. Look at these adorable and scary kids.

Glad it's over, but wish I had done a better job with the whole family planning thing, because now I have to do something for Gus in two weeks . . . and Joe.

Eggy Baby Invasion, No Retreat in Sight

2010-01-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

I've been making these little Eggy Babies for a month now. They are going to start taking over my workshop if I don't start moving these suckers outta here pronto. The first batch I posted sold in 2 hours. I wasn't expecting anything like that when I posted the next group, but I thought by now some would have gone.

I'm preparing for spring craft shows, so I will continue to create Eggies, but I feel sort of insane. I guess that's how people to put themselves out there have to feel sometimes. Oddly, I don't have the money to do market research before I create something. If I were a mom of a toddler and saw these I would probably buy them. . . .so I assume other moms will too. . . . or grandmothers or aunts, cousins, friends, neighbor ladies . . .DEAR GOD SOMEBODY BUY THESE. :0) I need to remember how many dolls I sold over Christmas and be happy and wait. Make them and buyers will come.

Meanwhile, doesn't the one below just seem to know he's getting picked up? Doesn't he look happy about it? Aren't I losting my mind?

A Little Thesis by Gus

2010-01-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

Gus had to write about something he was passionate about.

I always see 3rd and 4th graders at school acting like high schoolers. They are mean and rude. They lazy slobes and usally they are out in the halls for like 10 minutes. While their class are going on! Last year at extra recess we were playing soccer with 3rd grader, 4th vs 3rd. So once I took the ball from one with a earring on his left ear. He yelled at me. Then he elbowed me. God that was so stupid. Here are some more lesons.

• I see them walk through the halls like fools. (if it was not rude to laugh at people out loud. I so would laugh at them)! They walk with hods on, long panst etc. Sometimes I see them with earring of chains on their belt loop. I’m really not impressed of what they wear I tell you.

• At the end of school and while schools still going I see 4th and 3rd graders have cellphones and iPods! They would only use they cell phone for playing games on (If the phone can play games) The iPods are are even worst. They stick the head phones in the ears and just stand and if someone was telling them something they would never hear! The probely use like a billion minutes on their phones. Oh P.S. I don’t trust these years 3rd and 4th graders with cell phones or iPods.

• I think they act like this because they probely watch family guy! (Stupid Show). And they probely play call of duty (fun game) and grand theft auto (also fun). They probely also watch R rated movies or PG-13 rated movies like Termanator, Wanted, Transformers, Street Fighter, Twilight (movie or book) ect. Maby they should just stick with G or PG movies only. I all ways hear them talking about family guy or the Simpsons or robot chicken the halls of OES.

What I find so interesting here is in the past week Gus has been campaigning HARD to see "R" movies and play teen games. Also Gus does have a phone and oddly enough only plays games on it. Those in glass houses . . . .

Happy Puking New Year's!!!

2010-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

There are times not having a photo to back up a blog post is a good thing. This is one of those times.

After having a fun dinner with the Roman's we headed for to the Cates' for a New Year's Eve party. Shelley is such a gracious host. She made a banquet for both the adults and kids. It was quite lovely. She's so gracious she even invited Tucker, our dog. God forbid he would have to spend New Year's Eve alone.

So the evening is progressing nicely. No crying or screaming. Everyone is having a fine time and Tucker wanders over to the corner and pukes. Nice. Thank goodness Darin noticed it and I swiftly remove the offending matter and the party resumed.

Around 11:45, I heard Griffin coughing while playing on the stairs with Max. I must describe the stairs here. They are Dutch stairs, very steep. I'm sitting where I can almost see the entire staircase, but not quite. The adults are all talking and I'm half-mindedly watching the steps. The boys are wrestling around when suddenly Max jumps off Griffin and Griffin falls down the stairs. He only went down 4-5 steps, but it was all head first. I run over and Max says, "Griffin puked." Or something to that effect. Sure enough puke on the stairs. Griff has a bump on his forehead so I usher him into the kitchen to get a better look and tell Joe to get the puke cleaned up . . .I mean I already cleaned up puke once this evening.

In the kitchen we go, where Shelley is pouring champagne. We've got 8 minutes or so before the ball drops. Griffin doesn't look right and I ask him if he's o.k. at which point he hurls all over the kitchen floor. He stops and looks at me, and Shelley says, "Are you o.k." and he starts hurling again. This little routine goes on for at least 2 more sessions. Long enough for Shelley to wondering if she's making him throw up by asking him if he's o.k. Then someone runs in with a bucket and Griffin pukes some more in there. We were awe struck. Personally I didn't know a six-year could hold that much food. Shelley said she was waiting for a foot to pop out. It did seems he was turning himself inside out.

At this point we're moments away from the New Year. Thank goodness, because if this had happened just after the New Year, like at 12:02 am, I would have taken it as a bad omen. We miraculously we were able to hose the kitchen down, get Griff in a change of clothes and hustle upstairs to witness the ball drop and the kids got to bang pots and pans for the upstairs porch.

We come back down and prepare to hear home when Meatball, the Cates' dog, wanders through the living room and pukes. I'm a little worried about that as an omen, but she was able to just urp a bit and then get herself outside to finish the job. She's such a lady.

Happy New Year!!!!

What have I been up to?

2009-12-15T04:37:00.000-08:00

My back is killing me from sitting at my sewing machine, but that's basically what I've been up to. I came up with a idea for a doll in November . . .wish it had been August. . . and I've been sewing like crazy since. The My Dolly series has three dolls, Lolly, Molly and Holly.

Each doll comes with a little bag containing a change of outfit and a nightie. I used interchangeable fabrics so little girls can mix and match.

I've also been making some Squishy Babies. Griffin named them, because according to him, they are squishy. They are loosely filled with polyfil for a soft huggable feel. Griff commandeered one and oh he loves it. So I think they have a wide appeal, if a 6 almost 7 year old can fall in love.

And of course as always making the little wee guys, which I've dubbed Wee Whimsies. Lot of different styles, from Halloween to Christmas to Doll House Families.

We have the happiest Toast!

2009-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Look

2009-09-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

I have a blog. I should write something here someday.

Postponed

2009-07-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

I keep walking past the boys' backpacks thinking, man I need to go through those. But I keep putting it off. I did ask them to make sure there wasn't any food items in them, but they've hung from their hooks patiently waiting. Today I had the moment. They have been emptied. Ninety-seven percent of the contents have been disposed of, but look what I found!

We so rarely get colorful works of art here. Normally it's dragons killing things, and battles. So I was delighted to find this hidden gem.

The Backs of Doors

2009-07-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have this horrible wrapping paper holder. It's huge, doesn't really comfortably fit anywhere and it falls over. It's been taking up the bottom of my coat closet and it's a huge hassle to get the paper out. The thing sucks. But, if you want you can come to my garage sale and buy it.

Recently I needed to wrap a gift. I struggled to get the paper, knocked the thing over toppling all the ribbon from the top of it and generally make a giant flipping mess. Ugh! This problem must be dealt with.

As I stood giving the coat closet and mess on the floor the stink-eye, I glanced at the open basement door. Pristine. Nothing to do. The back of the door was the answer. A few scraps of material from the box in the basement and Voila!

I'm just tickled pink.

Awwwww . . .

2009-06-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

Tucker

2009-06-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a dog. I had investigated breeds. I'd researched websites, visited the humane society, here and there and visited the local animal rescue. I'd contemplated puppies and considered older dogs. I'd watched my friends with their dogs and I'd thought of what would be acceptable behavior in the Shenfeld house. I'd reflected on how I would encourage behaviors I would like and discourage the other ones. I'd watched shows about dog training, all varies.

I feel of my research had me prepared for when I visited the K-9 Rescue League in Oxford about a month ago. I knew for a fact a Parsons Jack Russell Terrier was not for us. Also known as Jack Russell Terrorists, these little guys are a force to be reckoned with, contained in a ball of energy. For our first dog as a family this was not the way to go.

As I walked up to the rescue center there was an adorable scruffy dog sitting with an employee. She introduced me to Tucker she he was a wirehair Jack Russell and I petted his cute little body and walked past. Another employee and I went out into the kennels, the madness of 50 dogs barking at the same time to see who was available for adoption. It was deafening and intimidating. Do I really want one of these in my house?

The center had mostly large breed dogs and we were looking for something midsized. You know a nice sedan size, not a compact and not an SUV. That someone was not there. As I walked back through the building, there was Tucker again. So mellow sitting in his cage. I stopped and talked to him. But I knew I didn't want a Jack Russell, we just couldn't handle it.

A few weeks passed and I knew the K-9 Rescue League was having a fundraiser in our local park. Will and I had a hair appointment and we decided to wander over just to see. There was Tucker. . . his cute little self, but I did not want a Jack Russell. We saw Chloe, a chihuahua mix, and they let us get her out of the cage and take her for a walk. She was very timid. We asked the Rescue League volunteer about her and told her about our family and she did not think Chloe was a good match. She's afraid of men and needed a quiet home. Our house is anything but quiet. I also don't want to limit my vistiors because of a dog.

She than suggested Tucker. "Oh oh, nooooo. We don't want a Jack Russell." She said we should visit with him, because he's just the sweetest thing and would be the perfect match for us. I thought fine, we'll walk him. We walked him around a bit and he was sweet, not crazy. He walked on the leash, some pulling, manageable. Then we sat on the park's gazebo steps. That's where the love started.

What a loveable little guy. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes, didn't lick my face (something I can't stand) and I was sold. Hook, line and stinker. Will and I rode home on our bikes as fast as possible to get the other boys and Joe.

So, now I have a Jack Russell Terrier. He came pre-trained. He can be a crazy manic if called upon, or cuddle and be calm, calm, calm. He doesn't get wrapped into the boys' craziness, when they're being nuts. We have a couple issues, I assumed there would be many more, he attacks the t.v. when a dog comes on. That problem is already getting worked out, with the command "leave it." Now, he runs in, but doesn't attack. (Big step.) He didn't appear to know "sit" or hadn't used it in awhile, but he's getting much better at that. He comes to his name. Handles the crate. Walks well on the leash. Is great at ball, drops it right at your feet, ready for more. We're walking him rather than letting him freely poop in the yard and I've LOVED getting up early in the morning 6-7am to go for a walk. Will's gone with me several times. It's nice to have the alone time with him. Both Gus and Will have picked up his poo, and either of them died.

That's Tucker. I'm sure in a few months after the doggymoon has past I'll be here complaining about him. But c'est la vie.

Daisy and Iris

2009-06-02T15:46:00.001-07:00

The Lighthouse

2009-05-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

To all that love tiny things!

2009-05-11T07:05:00.002-07:00

2009-05-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT5MFdAB7fI

Who Looks Like Me

2009-05-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

This is me.

Here's Gus.

Here's Will.

Here's Griffin.

Here's a picture of Griffin that just cracks me up.

Here's another one of Griffin from 2006, entitled, Where's my Paci? Stuck to your shirt, sleepy head. Ha!

The "Brother" Page to Challenge 13

2009-05-06T06:13:00.001-07:00

I'm having a perspective issue with this photo. Trust everything is perfectly straight. :)

Challenge 13

2009-05-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here's Challenge 13.

Challenge 11 and Challenge 11b

2009-05-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to finally be scrapbooking again.

I just happened to have loved 11b before these challenges ever began and used it for a gift album for my dad about his mother. Oh the tears! Yipe, I mean for that to happen.

Here it is:

I had to make it into a two page layout. I really like how it turned out.

On a Roll!!! Challenge 10 Wrapped Up

2009-05-01T15:23:00.001-07:00

Woo Hoo!!!! I can't believe I used this very sophisicated color scheme for a Cub Scout layout, but I loved how the colors worked together.

In this layout I especially love the very last picture.

Woo Hoo I'm Scrapping

2009-05-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

I finally got another page done. I've been doing so many things other than scrapbooking. This was great because I did an exact copy, no thinking involved. Whee, I needed that.

Obviously I didn't have the exact paper, but I had fun stamping the "easter" letters to add a little umph.

I'm a bad scrapper

2009-04-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how far I've gotten off the beaten path on the Scrap Sistas. I was so busy moving Griffin from one school to the next and prepare for my little "open house," scrapbooking has been put on the back burner. Maybe I'll get to it next week. I still have an album to complete about our Germany trip and oh yeah, the last year. Oy! I refuse to get stessed about it, because it's all for fun . . .right Tina. :) But, I do have several things I'd like to scrap. I keep looking at the challenges, loving them and then end up making a doll or something.

Great segway . . . here's Petal.

Bud's Here

2009-04-19T10:37:00.001-07:00

Spring has arrived and Bud is ready for a new year. I've created this little guy with the first days of Spring in mind. He comes in his own sweet little box, but the best part is he's detachable via the magic of magnets.

Bud measures a staggering 2 ¾ “ tall and his little home is 4 ½ x 3 x 1 ¾. There’s a little magnet in his clothes and one on the box to hold him in place, when it’s time to chill out.

You purchase Bud at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23890464

Impending Relaxation

2009-04-08T19:37:00.001-07:00

My parents . . .Yes, my fabulous, wonderful, incredible, parents are taking my three little boys for 4 nights. I can not believe it. I have dreamed about being alone in the house with Joe for years and it's actually going to happen.

Now I know what you're thinking. But I'm thinking alone in the house with Joe to clean, organize, donate toys (lots of them). I can clean all day the it won't be trashed by 4:30. I might actually get a leg up. --Who came up with that saying? Leg up on what?-- Anyway, it's just darned exciting.

They are mutliplying like . . . Rabbits!

2009-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great how my creativity kicks in at the last moment? Basically a week before Easter I come up with this cute little bunny design. Well, I'm trying to make a warren of rabbits to sell on Etsy before Easter. I figure even if they don't sell now some collector of rabbits will find them.

You can find them and my other products at www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5289864

Major Changes in the Air

2009-03-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Griffin has expressed that he “hates schools.” This attitude started at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year and has increased exponentially. Over the pass four months he has starting crying in the morning about school and throwing temper tantrums, if school is mentioned on Sunday evening. He walks down the driveway every morning head hanging, shoulders slumped, and feet dragging. As they say down on the farm, "Somethin' ain't right wit that boy."

To our surprise Griffin requested something we'd not really considered. He said we wanted to go to Will's school, our local elementary. Because he's hard-of-hearing (HH) he's attended another school system since pre-school. That's all about to change.

Joe and I decided it was time to mainstream this little guy . . . at least for a couple months. As of this morning the IEP (Individual Education Plan) states he will indeed attend Will's school. Such a huge change I can't wait to tell him tonight. I hope he's excited!

Challenge 8

2009-03-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the colors I used in this, but I think they work well. I wanted this page to work well with the page next to it.

Nothing too special here.

The blue papers come from a huge pack I purchased from QVC. I rarely buy things from QVC. But this was honestly, one of my best scrapbooking purchases ever.

-Title made with Cricut - All Mixed Up Cartridge
-Stampin' Up dotty circle - Think Happy Thoughts Set
-I hand cut the swirls. Not happy with them . . . is there a swirl cartridge for the Cricut.
-I used the scallop punch for the left edge on the journalling, then punched the holes with the greatest punch ever, Martha Stewart's. Check it out. I got mine from Michael's with a 50% coupon. I can't get the link option to work, so you'll have to cut and paste . . . but that's what scrappers love to do, right?http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.F04937.desc.Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Screw-Punch-Tool

Just What We Need!

2009-03-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Griffin is now a sex offender. I've been told on Wednesday he grabbed Tammy the interpreter's boob at school. I believe he truly meant it as a joke, he's mortified it wasn't funny and his joke bombed. After school he got off the bus walking the walk of death up the driveway, dum-dum-dumdum-dum-dumdum-dum-dum-dum-dum (cartoon death music). "Did Rheaume (counselor at school) call you?" He was so sad. "Yes, she called me. Show me what you did using my elbow." I was assuming it was a honk-honk kind of grab. He says "Not there", grabs my boob and shakes the crap out of it. We obviously had a talk about personal space and appropriate touching.

It's an Etsy Thing

2009-03-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

The following is why I'm totally behind on my scrapbook challenges and why we had pancakes and sausage for dinner. I'm selling these and many more things to come on www.etsy.com.

The Milk Carton

2009-03-07T08:11:00.001-08:00

This goes out to Cheryl.

Oh Clara, so much more than cooking!

2009-03-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

A Little Something New

2009-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

I need to try Griffin's again. Something not quite right, those are not his nose and lips.

Poof Bye-Bye Winnings

2009-03-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

Now, you'll be surprised to hear I still do not have my Bind-it-All. But this blog is not about that at all. I wanted to write about interesting things instead.

Yesterday, 9:30ish, right after we ate . . . actually we were still all at the table, Griffin walked over to me all hunched over, holding his left side, "It hurts, Mommy." He looked awful and he couldn't stand up right. But, he was kind of laughing about it. So, we thought maybe a nice warm bath would help; it didn't. He laid around on the couch for a couple hours playing DS. Then at 12:30 he came hobbling in the office in obvious pain. I was on the phone with my mom and it was apparent whatever the problem was, it was getting much worst. Everyone decided this kid needed to see the doctor. Joe's family as a history of hernia, and Griffin has that one non-functioning kidney. Who knows what could be wrong?

Griff and I headed off to the Beaumont Urgent Care in Lake Orion. The doctor came out to the lobby to see us, but he felt we really needed to go to the hospital. Off we went. Normally I do the runs to the hospital myself, but he was so miserable I just assumed something was really wrong and I had Joe come down too. He was about a 1/2 hour beyond us with Gus and Will.

As soon as we hit the road again Griffin started screaming and crying. I seriously worried I wasn't going to get this kid to the hospital in time; was something going to burst? I looked back at him and he was white as a sheet with a gray tinge and had black circles under his eyes. We arrived and they got us into tirage. He definitely seemed better once he was out of the car and laying in the fetal position. He was constantly repeating, I don't want a shot.

The doctor poked and prodded. Everytime she touched his left lower abdomen he winced. She was concerned there was a hernia, but there was no lump. Weird. But she believed something was definitely wrong. So, bloodwork, and x-rays were scheduled. Meanwhile, he was o.k. as long as he laid still.

When three nurses walked in he flipped out, because he knew a shot was coming. Well, instead of a shot they started a heplock, IV. That went over well. Screaming and kicking, it took three nurses to hold him down to start the thing.

The blood went off, the x-rays were taken. We sat around for a couple hours.

Everything came back great, except for the fact the kid was full of shit. He needed to poop. One enema and he was CURED! I'd feel like an idiot, but he had pooed just before breakfast. Obviously, he'd moved things into a bad position. If I had it all to do again I'd do it the exact same way . . . what if it had been a bowel obstruction?

Meanwhile, Joe and I had won $66.00 at the Chili Cook-off the night before. We handed $50.00 of it to Beaumont for our co-pay. Waaahh!!! I guess I'm happy it didn't come out of our bottom line. Pun intended.

Challenge 7a

2009-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my interpretation of Challenge 7a.

Cricut's Opposites Attract font, done in Stampin' Up (SU) Brillant Blue and Gable Green
Circles made out of Whisper White (SU)
Paper with Creative Memories Circle Punches
Lisa Bearson Chipboard elements
Some Lime green rivets . . . of which I wish I had two more.

Shrunken

2009-02-21T22:22:00.000-08:00

Googly eyes galore. Only two more layouts to go and I'm done with Chicago. Woo Hoo!

Challenge 6a

2009-02-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

This is my take on the challenge. I'm using this page as a title page for the Chicago album.

I printed the pictures out on the my printer, which believe it or not, there was no cussing involved. (I hate my printer, HP Officejet 6310 AIO. It won't accept photo paper half the time. A fourth of the time it gets jammed. The other fourth of the time the paper is somehow forced through and the pictures make it onto the page.)

-Cut photos to 2 1x2" squares
-Mounted them in a pleasing manner on a white piece of cardstock :)
-Cut Vellum to lay over the letter squares
-Cut out "CHICAGO" on the Cricut
-Cut out "2008" using the Cricut software to weld it together
-Stamps the arrows around the teal paper
-Mounted it all

Voila!

Scrapbook Wall

2009-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

So, I said we needed to post pictures of our scrapbook spaces, and our favorite organizational fix, and I haven’t done it. Well, finally I have.

I used to have half of the play room, but Griffin really needed a room of his own, because he kept the other boys awake. So, I tried to just put his little bed in the playroom and keep the scrap room. That absolutely did not work. One night I came in to check on him before we went to bed and he was sleeping on an x-acto knife. AAAHHHHH!!! The next day, the scrapbook room was moved down to the office. The scrapbook stuff inhibits half of the office.

Doesn't that just look like a ton of stuff? Why don't I always have what I need? I started my first scrapbook when I was 12. It's a Garfield scrapbook from Hallmark and let me tell you, I obviously really liked tape. I started avidly scrap booking when Joe and I got married. Those scrapbooks are a hoot. They are some of my favorite, though.

O.k. here's the other half of the room. Has this room ever been this clean before? Nope. I don't think so.

I have a couple organizational things I've done that I just love. I have some really weird quirks. For instance I can't stand seeing the spools from ribbon. These black boxes Amy give me really helped with that. I found the tin box at Target's dollar shop. I should have bought two but I wasn't sure they would fit. I went back to get more and they were all gone. Oh, boo hoo!

Ribbon not on spools goes on a clothespin or just into a glass jars, also from Target.

How do I organize paper you ask? I keep a very limited paper supply.

These are solids. I made a rack from the grid shelves at Target. --I see a theme with Target stuff developing.-- If you want more information about that email me and I'll send you directions. So all the 12 x 12 solids go there. Patterned 12 x 12 are in the a file like the one next to the solids, that white thing to the right, arranged in color order. If a 12 x 12 gets cut down it, goes to the accordion file below. I also house 8 1/2 x 11 here.

Bits and pieces go here-see below. I bought this at IKEA. It was really fun to put together too. Will helped me nail it all together. I've been going to paint or stain it for years. Maybe someday.

You can see what goes into the drawer below thanks to the labels. I used the Pea Jenny font, from 2 Peas in a Bucket.

I just completed one of my favorite stamp organizational things.

This is my book of stamp sets. Doesn't the title I put on sound like a ten year old? All MY Stamps, geez! Anyway the following boxes coordinate with the tabs on the stamp directory.

I've stamped all the images from each stamp set onto the cards. Now it's really easy to find stamps and also come up with what stamp to use. I wanted to get the Bind-it-all for this project, but no dice.

This little cabinet has my sewing stuff and other crafty things.

That's a trip around my creative space. I wish I could take over the whole room, but with the giant window and open floor plan, I'm kind of limited, for right now.

Zutter Confusion and Delay

2009-02-16T06:26:00.001-08:00

Anyone who's has a child addicted to Thomas the Tank Engine probably gets the title. It's one of Sir Topham Hat's favorite things to say. Well, without the Zutter, but utter.

Anyway, quite a long time ago I went to Maggie's and ordered a Zutter Bind-it-all, in hopes of binding it all. But unfortunately they were sold out, so I had to order it. Being the kind of person that wants stuff NOW, NOW NOW, like Veruca Salt, I was pretty bummed. But at 40% off and using my store credit, how can I complain. The order was going in that day, so I should have the thing within 3-5. I ordered it on the 4th of February and I'm still waiting. That's how I get to complain.

I writing this blog for one main reason. If I complain about something not happening, arriving, getting done, it tends to happen, arrive or get done that day. So, wish me luck. I have the calendar pages done for Joe's mom's present and I wanted to have it to her in February, but now I guess it will be a March-February calendar.

Scrapping up a Storm

2009-02-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

I went old school on this page and cut the title and chick feet out by hand. It just needed a down on the farm feeling. BTW, the pictures are straight on the pages, but I'm getting some "fisheye" with my camera, which is throwing off the prospective.

I finished the second page of this layout. I had to add some flower to pull it all together.

Museum of Science and Industry

2009-02-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

I could have done an album just from the pictures from the Museum of Science and Industry. We have tons.

This page was fun, because I cut into the paper and tucked the photos behind the images.

Challenge 5a

2009-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

I would have blown up the 2nd page to 12 x 12 but it wasn't the greatest shot . . . a bit fuzzy. I was happily surprised when I picked it up at Walgreen's and it wasn't just a blur.

Didn't do anything fancy here, just a bit of stitching.

Challenge 4a Completed, YAY!

2009-02-13T13:08:00.001-08:00

Ok this challenge . . . what should I say? I felt it had to be hard angles, because we're talking Legos here. Those are hard angles! Have you stepped on a Lego in the middle of the night or the middle of the heel? Anyway, it ended up very utilitarian looking. But it gets the job done.

Challenge 4a complete.

The only interesting element is the border. I used the Stampin' Up notebook edge punch (or whatever it's called) to make it. I punched along the paper, then cut it into a strip.

Rude!

2009-02-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

If I had money to just throw around here's what I do with it today. I would buy the front page of the Oxford Leader. The headline would read, "The Rudest Woman on Earth Appears at China House." The article would say something to this effect . . .

This goes out to the woman who entered China House Take-out Tuesday at 1pm. What under God's Green Earth gives you the impression everyone at China House was interested in listening to your obnoxious voice, your obnoxiously loud abrasive voice? You come bursting through the door, on your cell phone and begin pacing back and forth as you give your "cell friend" the details of your doctor's appointment. From the top of your bleach blonde Bozo styled hair along your leathery tanned body to the tips of your knee-high, black leather, four inch heel boots you are a beast!

Retirement!

2009-02-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

Grandma Shenfeld's Calendar

2009-02-03T14:06:00.001-08:00

Every year I do a calendar for Joe's mom for her birthday. I'm finally getting around it, and I thought I would use it as a learning project. OMG! My head's going to get so full of new stuff it's going to pop.

Challenge 3a

2009-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Not my favorite, but completed.

Page 1

Using a white background, I laid down a torn piece of Scenic Route patterned paper
I put two photos together to make a big picture. It kind of cracks me up. It looks like a giant staircase with three sets of twins.
Wrote around the photos things we saw that day.
My great creation for this page was the word "them". I used the Cricut Monogram cartridge and cut the inside out with the X-acto knife.
Stuck on the tickets.

Page 2

This page was just all about cut and paste, jigsawing. Mounted on a 12 x 12 card stock.
Labels are layered paper

Going Digital

2009-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Since so many people had such good questions about the digital page I thought I would share what I've learned so far.

I am not using a packaged scrapbooking program. I thought it would be to limiting for me, but I think there are a great ideas for someone not really interesting in completely learning how to re-invent the wheel. Hallmark, Creating Keepsakes, HP and hundreds of other companies have scrapbooking software. If you want to just take it for a test run, without a lot of time investment package deals are probably the way to go, and pretty cheap. Here's a link to a review of Top Ten scrapbooking software: http://scrapbooking-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Our old computer had Corel Paint Shop Pro on it which I updated to Paint Shop Pro X. Our computer died and we got a new one, so I just finally re-loaded the software. In the download there was a download available for Lynda Tutorials. Thought "I really need to learn how to use this thing." So I downloaded them too. Very helped with the basics, this is where they hook ya, but I really wanted more, so headed to the tutorial, website at http://www.lynda.com/. Great website you can sign up for a year or just a month. I get the month package, it was $25.00. What I've learned so far is worth way more than $25.00, and I'm only a week into my subscription.

I'm using Paint Shop as my editor, art studio. It comes when a few scrapbookish thing, but I've been getting things from several different websites. Here's a few I like: http://www.littledreamerdesigns.com/ and http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/digital.asp. There's tons more, but right now I haven't needed to wander. They've had anything I needed. You purchase via download: papers, fonts, and elements (ribbon, brads, staples). There's packages for things that all work together. Imagine walking into your favorite scrapbook store and there's a bag full of everything you need to complete a page and everything matchs. Same thing, just digital. Now the fun part for me in Paint Shop is I can make the elements, fonts and papers. For instance the glittery dead fish at the top of the blog is actually a cardboard thing I bought from JoAnn's. I took a picture of it -- I could have scanned it too -- digital cut it out and altered it, changed the smile to a frown and drew "Xed" out his eyes and flipped him. Here's the original picture.

Of course I'm weird do I had a total blast doing all of this. My point is you can make anything an element for you scrapbook pages.

After completing hat last scrapbook page, "Beach Bum" I uploaded it to Costco and had it printing out in 12 x 12 ($2.99) and 8 x 8 ($1.49ish). I wasn't sure what this thing was going to look like. It looked better than I expected.

I created the new title and background paper the blog with Corel Paint Shop also. I needed to use an outside source to figure out how to do the background paper, www.cutestblogontheblock.com.

That's what I know so far. I'll update as I learn and grow. :)

Playing with HTML

2009-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm having a blast learning all the cool things I can do on my blog . . . so you're probably going to see some crazy things over the next few weeks. Hopefully, they'll be fun. Hang in there . . .who knows what I'll come up with next.

Like the new backgroud . . . I made it tonight . . . pretty girlie for me!

Addendum to "Tina's Created a Monster"

2009-01-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

Here's the completed set from last night. (I would like to point out the crookedness is photo related.)

I actually think about stuff like this . . .

2009-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

When we went to get Griffin's haircut, in the faux hawk, we took a picture of David Beckham in for an example. While cleaning out my purse this morning I found the photo. So I thought I should cut out the picture and keep that in my wallet for the next time Griffin gets his haircut. Then I thought, "What if I drop dead and there's a picture of David Beckham in my wallet? People will think I'm a freak" So, I cut out the picture, but I labeled it, " Griffin's haircut." Now I can sleep at night.

Tina's Created a Monster

2009-01-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

I just have to scrap chronologically. It's the way my mind works and it's my favorite way to tell a story. That said, I'm feverishly working through Chicago pictures. I have good set of pictures to use on Challenge 3a from our visit to The Field Museum. But I have to complete the pages that come before it. I'm weird but I must, work in order. I've been busting a move and here's a couple more pages.

Meanwhile, I can't decide which I like more: scrapbooking or taking pictures of scrapbook pages. I told Patty I'd be photographing all pages from here on out. God forbid something happens to the scrapbooks . . . I would still have a record.

How Inspiration Works

2009-01-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

I saw the page above in Creating Keepsakes and somehow, that design ended up the design below. Skipping down the path of inspiration.

Don't be alarmed!

2009-01-22T22:16:00.001-08:00

Don't freak out, but this is a digital scrapbook page. I've dabbled before, but I wanted to really learn now to do it. I can't imagine digital scrapbooking replacing my LOVE . . .MY OBSESSION with the real thing. I like how this turned out, but I didn't get to touch anything or play with my toys.

I used Corel Paint Shop software. Simple page for starters.

Give Blood

2009-01-22T04:21:00.000-08:00

Today is Griffin's 6th birthday and I've made it an annual event to ask for your blood.

Griffin was born 9 weeks premature on January 22, 2003. He had two lifesaving transfusions. Before any transfusion took place someone did something amazing, they donated a little time and a little of themselves. Please do the same. You can find a local donation site by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visiting http://www.redcross.org/.

We've come a long way from day one, because someone knew how important it was to give blood.

Yes, we let him get a faux hawk. It was an acceptable compromise from the mohawk, with the sides of his head painted red, he really wanted.

Challenge #2 Completed! Crazy!

2009-01-19T19:05:00.001-08:00

I just can't believe I already have Challenge #2 completed.

O.k. as others have stated--this is my interpretation of the challenge we were given.

I had a blast "jigsaw puzzling" the photos, cutting most down to a perfect size to fit together.
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of my favorite CTHM paper (it has fishes on it) to use in the layout and I wasn't about to go to the store. Embellishment improv! It was time to make some fish, to pull the whole thing together. I downloaded a fish template, blew it up to the right sizes, cut it out on Whisper White paper from SU!. Then using color pencils, I made them look like the other Trout, in the aquarium, in the middle shot. I also made some seaweed.
I stamped the title
The journaling is done on a piece of vellum. I hate journaling directly on the paper. I have dyslexia, so I'm apt to leave the most important word out of the sentence or switch words, so I pretty much always journal on a separate journal piece.

So there's the poop.

Challenge #1

2009-01-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

2008-12-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

Mommy Torture

2008-12-04T05:10:00.001-08:00

Gus desperately wants a Nintendo DS.

Yesterday all the fourth graders went to Lansing, and they were allowed to bring their DS's with them. Gus was devastated. "Everyone has a DS and I don't." he cried when he got in the car to head home.

I told him he may want to talk to Grandma and Grandpa about getting a DS for Christmas or maybe his birthday or think of ways to save up his money. He no longer believes, so Santa's out of the equation. I said, "They're $129.00. That's a lot of money Gus." and he started crying. I mean boo-hoo. Tearfully he said, "I feel totally left out. Everyone has one and I don't." Waaaah!!! I tried to make it all better, but what was I going to do. . . because he's getting one for Christmas, but I can't wreck the surprise. So, I guess I have to torture him for a few weeks.

Some Old Friends

2008-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Have I Ever Shown You My Tomatoes

2008-11-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well, here they are.

The Tramatized

2008-10-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

We had a small contained fire last night, right in the middle of our kitchen table. The lovely centerpiece of autumnal flowers, pinecones, pipe cleaner spiders and candles went up in a flash of glory, much to my dismay. Staring at the T.V., I was queuing up a video for my class, which was to begin momentarily. Without warning all of our smoke alarms went off. I spun around to see the center of my kitchen table ablaze. Flames licked at the Halloween paper lanterns I had hung from the light. I had to act fast. Believe I leapt from the family room to the kitchen, because I don’t remember my feet touching the floor. I grabbed a pitcher, filled it with water and doused the fire. Our house was filled with smoke and I’m sure I came off as a complete freak to my students who were presently arriving, but all’s well that ends well, right? Not necessarily so.

Every time something shiny catches my eye I have a tiny panic attack. Twice today I have heard noises off in the house that sounded like a crackling fire. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to actually lose your house to a fire. I only lost three candles, three pipe cleaner flowers, some flowers and two pinecones and my mind is running over the situation again and again. What if I’d gone upstairs? What if the lanterns had caught on fire? What if it had started my pre-disastered table on fire? What if? What if?

Even the smallest unexpected situation can send you for a loop. But none of this explains the Mick Jagger dream I had last night.

I'm a deaf person!

2008-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Griffin and I had a very interesting conversation tonight. He was very frustrated at the computer, because he couldn't make the program loud enough for him to hear. We were leaving the house anyway, so I told him we'd check it out in the morning.

In the car and he says. "I a deaf person. Dat's why I can't hear the pooter."

I respond that that is true, but because he can hear a little he's actually hard of hearing not deaf. He immediately comes back with, "No, all children are deaf."

O.k. this concerns me that he thinks every one's deaf, so I try to straighten him out. We end up in a battle of wills, me repeatedly saying, not all kids are deaf and him correcting me that all kids are indeed deaf. I say, "Most kids are hearing," and he shoots back, "No, all kids are deaf." I end the whole thing with, "O.k. we'll agree to disagree." If he wants to identify himself as deaf, I surely don't want to impose my views on that. Be deaf. No problem . . . but you're really hard of hearing.

We end up at Amy's and I'm telling her about the conversation we had. He overhears me, --make note of that, he overHEARD . . . deaf people don't do that -- and pipes in with an "I'm deaf, " statement.

After Amy's we head up to the local Chinese restaurant to grab dinner and we had to wait a bit. The owner's sevenish son hangs there when school's out. Griffin finds it fascinating that this kid is at this restaurant playing with a ball against the wall.

"Why he here?" He asks.

"Well, his parents own this restaurant and he stays here with them when they're working." I respond with sign and speech.

"He live here?"

"No, he just comes here when his parents are working."

"Why they working?"

"They work here to make money, so they can have a house." I say.

Pondering look and question directed to the boy, "You live here?" O.k. not everything gets in the brain the first time. I understand that.

Now, the little boy saw me signing and had lots of questions, but didn't look at Griffin at all.

"What are you doing with him." He asked pointing at my hands.

"He's deaf and I'm using sign language to talk to him." Yes, I know I said "deaf", but most adults don't get what hard of hearing means so I won't expect the kid, I wasn't going to explain it now.

Griffin did this amazing thing. He engaged this kid in conversation. He said, "I like Bionicles. You?" I translated to the new friend and the conversation flew from there. They talked about a ton of different stuff: favorite games, school, how this little guy helps out around the restaurant, but he doesn't cook and on and on. Andrew . . .that's his name, needed me to translate for about 50% of what Griffin said, but the cool thing was he could understand the other 50%.

When they called my name I went up and paid and in the background I was listening to them and hardly able to make the change I needed I was so distracted. It was great that Griffin felt comfortable enough to have this dialogue. When I came back to the table Andrew had joined us at, they were discussing our trip to Chicago, where Griffin had seen a hammerhead shark. I told Griffin we had to go and he wrapped up the conversation saying, "I can't talk anymore. I have to go."

I know this probably doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but it's huge to me. We scheduled him this year for Deaf and Hard of Hearing program and Mainstreamed him in the afternoon. My main reason for the Mainstreaming was social. When we go to a friend's house Griffin hangs out with the parents or the family dog. We need to change that behavior, and exposure to hearing kids I assumed would help.

I was just so happy to see him going for it, with confidence in his voice. Even if it was so loud, I'm losing my hearing and so is poor Andrew.

Here Goes Halloween

2008-10-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Forgive Me Readers . . .

2008-10-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

for I have not blogged in many moons. What!?! I've been busy.

O.k. here's what I did today. Let's hear some oh and ahs. I saw these drawer organizers the on the Martha Stewart Show. I obviously had to have them, look at this drawer! I'm so happy.

I knew it was coming!

2008-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

My parents sold their house. It was obvious they were going to do that at some point, I mean the sign in the yard, all the people looking at it . . . .but, it's still a shock that it actually happened.

There's a couple good things coming of it, but ultimately it means my parents wouldn't be 17 minutes away anymore.

Weird, just weird.

Since I brought up the good things, it's a t.v. and a king size mattress.

Hey Ho!

2008-07-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'm here at the Traverse City library, working on the computer listening to a obnoxious kid. He probably wouldn't be half as annoying if he didn't have such an awful voice.

Anyway, the kids are at camp and we're headed off for another day of fun and shopping. Honestly, the shopping is getting a bit much, but we're probably covering 5 miles a day, so it's worth it.

The kids are having a BLAST at camp. They are completely wiped out at the end of the day and springing awake first thing in the morning to go. One of the counselors is studying Communications Disorders and American Sign Language at CMU or was in MSU, there was a "U" involved. Although she's not Griffin's couselor, I know if they needed an interpeter one's available. Whew!

We had some big excitement last night when a dog walked by our window while eating dinner and then wandered around looking horribly lost. We went out and give her some water worrying, she'd run away from home and gotten lost. Her coat was full of burrs making us think she'd been on the lamb for awhile. We called the neighborhood groundkeeper and he didn't know the dog, so we tied a rope on her and went for a walk going door to door. All the while we were wishing to never find the rightful owners, because she was so sweet. Unfortunately for us she belonged to a family a couple houses down. I had already built my life around this sweet little Wheaton terrier. WAH!!! More about the hilarity that insued when we returned "Abby" later.

Mom's done gotta go.

The Most Perfect Place on Earth

2008-07-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fishtown is the most perfect place on earth. I love eating at Rick's, next to the dam. My mom and I headed there today after dropping the kids off at camp. The temperature was perfect, I had a wonderful chicken sandwich and we just sat and talked. Perfect!

Surreal Experience

2008-07-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

This morning Griffin woke up just spazzing to use the VRS.

I said, "O.k. I'll call you."

Kind of crazy, but because it's through the computer and has a separate number I can call him and sat there with him. We got connected and I explained to the terp (that's short for interpreter) that we were practicing with a five year old. The call went through. I was sitting in the other room watching but out of Griffin's way and sightline. Here's our very little conversation.

"Hi, Griffin. What are you doing?"

"Mmmmmm, I'm looking out the window. It's very foggy and cloudy."

"Are you ready to go to camp?"

"Let me think . . . yes."

"O.k. let's go."

Here's where the surreal part kicks in. I talk to Griffin all day. Those who know him well, know he talks ALL day. Be it in sign or voice Griffin always has something to say. But it can be very difficult to understand exactly what he's saying. My signing is getting better, but he signs little kid sign. Just as hearing kids don't always say things correctly, deaf kids don't always sign things correctly. Through the terp we communicated. Neither of us had to say, "What?" or "Sign that again." We just had our very tiny conversation. Blew me away in a weird way.

By the way, if you don't know what I'm talking about check out yesterday's blog.

H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

2008-07-21T15:34:00.001-07:00

Why is it when all hell is breakin' loose, the rest of the hell breaks loose at the same time? Holy crap! What a frickin' crazy hour and a half. I had the whole evening planned. Dinner would be completed at 5:30, we'd eat and clean up the kitchen then I'd teach. The house is spotless and it's was going to stay that way, so the night would run smoothly. That's the great laid plans of mice and men. But at 4:30 a truck pulls up in the driveway. It's a guy from Sorenson VRS (Video Relay System/Service). About a week ago I put in a request for a video phone for Griffin, I had completely forgotten. I guess it was approved because here it is.

What does this thing actually do? Well, this is where new technology completely changes a deaf person's life. First off, two deaf or hard of hearing people can video phone each other and have a one-on-one signed conversation directly via the video. Or a hearing person can call a deaf person through the VRS (Video Relay Service) and speak normally and an interpreter will sign to the deaf person and then voice back to the hearing person the deaf person's response.

I really feel sorry for the interpreters that got the few practice calls we did today. Griffin was a little confused and will definitely need practice. Learning to use an interpreter is not automatic. Griffin was so confused when I said it's grandma calling. He looked at the interpreter with an obvious expression of "That's so not my grandma." Many explanations later, I think he understands. Practice will help and I can't wait for him to get to call Lexi, his true love.

Meanwhile, the house got trashed, dinner didn't get done and students arrive any minute.

Deaf Camp

2008-07-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Once a year for a magically week our family heads to Deaf Camp. This was our third year attending. What makes it so magical is Griffin can sign with everyone he runs into. He finds it amazing, can't wait to get there and cries every year when it's time to leave, "No Mommy! Stay long time, please." Honestly . . . six day is enough.

Each morning the kids go off with the counselers and the parents head off to lectures about deaf education, family relations, whatever the topic is that year. Well, the topic this year was sex education, something I like to consider myself an expert in. Now I'm even more of an expert, because I know all the sex act signs. Unfortunately, they are all very obvious, so I can't ever use them in public, but I'll teach you them, the next time we're together. *Snicker*

Check out the pictures below.

Deaf Camp 2008

2008-07-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

Out for Pizza!

2008-07-01T06:32:00.001-07:00

Baby on the Way

2008-06-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

My cousin Josh and his wife Crystal expecting their first baby this October. My cousin Nate and his Jodi are expecting baby number two in October the same week as Josh and Crystal. For a family, that reproduces so slowly, it's funny it's so close this time.

We travelled to Lake George, IN for a lovely baby shower. The weather was amazing when we arrived and while we had lunch on the screen in porch. --I want one of those -- Anyway, sat and talked while with a beautiful breeze blowing in, just the right temperature. The whole event was a little weird for Crystal. She's from Florida and the majority of the guests were people she'd never met before, but I she handled it beautifully.

Meanwhile I fell in love with my aunt's dog. What a cool dude! Uncle Jim and Aunt Ann have an a succession of West Highland Terrier's: Spooky, Woody and now Mac. Here's a lovely picture of my mom and Mac.

A few years ago my aunt and uncle flattened the original lake cottage and built their retirement home. Here's a shot looking from the lake to the house.

Then from the house to the lake.

Oh, the fun times I had there when I was a kid.

The Simplest Things

2008-06-22T09:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. For instance I just love this card I made for my cousin-in-law Crystal's baby shower.

All the Fun!

2008-06-19T18:43:00.001-07:00

Finally Recovered from the Weekend

2008-06-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Friday night found us headed down to Fort Wayne for a graduation party. Joe's cousin's daughter Danielle, our flower girl, graduated from high school. They had a really nice party for her on Saturday: family, friends, great food, and a jumping thing. My kids bounced their brains out.

We were heading out the door saying our goodbyes, when Griffin got a look at the Dustin's, Danielle's brother, girlfriend. She was sitting and had he legs crossed. Griffin just stared at her legs then looked up and her and signed the "I love you" sign, with a big goofy grin on his face. He was smitten. Unfortunately the romance was short, because it was time to go.

The big plans for the night were karaoke-ing with Joe's brothers, Andy and Josh and Frank, Josh's friend. They were hysterical. Josh sang "Going to the Country" by Canned heat. He did the whole thing in falsetto. I couldn't stop laughing. It was so creepy it was wonderful. I'd love to show you the video, but everytime I try to do anything with it my whole computer locks up.

Andy is a true performer and had the crowd of . . . 15 or so throughly entertained. His masterpiece was "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol. Joe even got into the fray with "Touch Me" by The Doors. He sounded great.

We stayed out until 3am. I was toast until probably Tuesday and I only had one shot. The one the karaoke guy bought us because we "Rocked!"