A Year of Change

That’s right, it’s 4am and I’m up. I had a bit of a headache last night and didn’t sleep that well. I’d tell you all how beautiful the colors are outside (as my wife does so eloquently) but it’s just black. The misses and I are cutting back on coffee from our usual 6+ cups a day to 1! I think this is the reason for my aching head, caffeine is a powerful drug.

My backs getting better every morning but I can still feel it a bit when I move a certain way. Mom’s friends arrive from Idaho today. I think there are 5 of them! Husband and wife, a 9 year old girl and 5  year old twin boys. Thankfully they will be staying close by at the Marriott and not here. I need to ship some wine (and go pick some up) today but might put it off again as I have to get this back back to normal. Mom took both boys to Walmart for 2 pair of jeans each as the oldest doesn’t have any that don’t have holes in the knees. When she got home she noticed they didn’t charge her for one pair. (apparently she dropped one on the way to the register and told the girl to charge her as she’d go back and pick them up but the girl didn’t charge her!) We called Walmart and asked for the manager and told him what had happened and he was in a state of shock that we actually called saying we didn’t get charged and owe them for a pair of jeans. His comment was something like, “no one has ever called and said we forgot to charge them for something”. Anyhow we’ll go back today and do the right thing.

The youngest ended up in our bed again and joined me downstairs at about 4:45. I made a couple of eggs for me and he’s had his first breakfast (he’s usually good for at least two, maybe three) of the morning. It’s nearing the end of the month again which means we’re ending the bottom of the bank account. Time to break out the pasta again. Spring Break starts this Friday at 2:45 sharp and runs for the next 9 days! Mom works all weekend (again) but does have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off. I’ll need to coordinate my week to be able to keep the boys occupied next Thursday and Friday. We’re planning out our tree house in the backyard so if my backs all better, maybe we can get started on that. We’re headed to California in a few weeks for the big 80th birthday bash for the wife’s Mom. From what I understand, it’s 3 days of consecutive parties. 80 is a pretty big deal, good for her.

Most of you really don’t respond to the blog so it’s hard for us to tell who’s reading or not. Maybe I should tell you all the wife is pregnant, let’s see if that’ll get any response! God help us if that’s true, as we’re busy enough. By the way to leave a comment, just scroll down to the end of the days post and fill in the information where it says “leave a reply”. Let’s see who can do this! There might be some kind of prize or major award for one of you randomly chosen from all entries, good luck, you could win an empty cereal box or a worn out pair of jeans or tennis shoes, you could bronze them! (all applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner)

Take care and God Bless,

Can’t take it anymore, I’m finally going to the doctor this morning for my back. I really hate to go as all they do is charge me $35 and then tell me to take Advil or something. Yesterday morning the misses and I went to Boulder as I needed her help moving some boxes of wine. The drive was painful enough. Anyhow enough about me, I’ll bounce back in a day or so. Mom’s already at work and off at 2:30. I’m sure there will be a mad rush to clean the house this afternoon as her friends from Idaho arrive tomorrow. Have to run the kids to school now and then to the doc and will finish later.

Well, I’m back from the doctor with a bottle of Aleve and 20 10mg Valium. I’m so spasmed that I actually am leaning to one side. (guess we’re back to me!) I’ve been instructed to stay down on a heating pad and rest. Of course before I can do this, I have to clean up the morning mess, I just can’t stand it. I stopped at the misses work to say hi and pick up some tea as I didn’t want to go home, get in the house, and then have to go back to the Pharmacy 20 minutes later. I’m going to try to lay low until I have to get the kids from school at 2:45.

It’s a bit cooler today and the oldest has soccer practice at 5:15. Thankfully Mom will be able to drop him off. I’d write more but the medication is kicking in. I’ll try to get the wife to write tomorrow as I enjoy reading her posts more than mine. I never really noticed all the colors in the morning until she pointed it out. Wow, they really are there!

Hope all’s well and that everyone is safe and happy, God Bless, Oh and I guess it’s our 11th Anniversary coming up in 3 days, time sure goes by fast, doesn’t it.

This morning we planned to get up at 6, but I needed 5 more minutes….it turned into 40 and now we really need to get moving. We have an appointment about 50 minutes away and have to make it back in time for me to get to work on time.Dad’s back is a bit better this morning, but I’m afraid the drive may set him back.

Yesterday morning was another gorgeous Colorado morning.  The air was crisp, the birds were chirping and the moon was still vaguely visible.  Did anyone happen to see the “Super Moon” the night before? The moon passes that close to the earth only once every 18 years. Truly awesome to behold.

I went to L.O.L’s and her uninspiring son has returned to his home in the North West. She was so upset by the things he had said to her…”She’s getting old”, “She can’t do the things she used to”, “Why does she bother with that old dog?”He is sooo lucky he never said anything derogatory in my presence…..I think I may have lost my manners at that point.  L.O.L. changed her sheets…on her own…and since the top sheet didn’t match the fitted sheet..S.S.(Silly Son) let her know that he didn’t think that she was thinking clearly.Ugggg!!!! I think L.O.L is doing very well to be able to change her sheets at the young age of 89…soon to be 90 in June. I just reminded her of all the things she does do well…she walks her dog everyday..(Weather permitting)…she makes her meals, does her hair, applies her make-up(Without missing) drives, carries on an enjoyable conversation and remembers many stories of her youth. I hope to remember half the things she does when I’m 89.  I hope to remember half the things my Mom and Mother-in-law do when I am their ages as well.  Anyway, I am obviously annoyed with S.S.(Really I have another name in mind, but I don’t think God would approve)L.O.L. did tell him that it takes her weeks to recover from the negative statements he has to offer..and S.S. did call to apologize to his Mother for upsetting her…hopefully he won’t do it again.

I made it to flag football….what fun to watch. The kids had a blast running and learning plays. They started at 1:30 and finished up at 4:00.  I got there a bit after 2:30, W.Foods asked if I wouldn’t mind going home earlier than scheduled…I of course was thrilled and told them of the upcoming 1st Flag Football day and that I was happy not to miss one of my 9yr old’s firsts.  Yea!!

We had another “Taco night” the boys both ate one taco, a few giant strawberries, milk, and a leftover piece of pizza. Of course they were hungry again in 30 minutes. Poor Dad with his back had to eat almost lying down…sitting is the worst thing for an inflamed back…too much pressure and irritation on the nerves.  Dad is still in a lot of pain and getting up or rolling over is almost unbearable…

Bob…the fish is not looking well..I will do my best to keep him hanging on….clean his bowl add some fish medicine, put him near the heater(he may just be cold)Say afish prayer.

I am still amazed by the resolve and compassion the people of Japan are showing one another. They are an inspiring culture..one man whose house was destroyed owns a restaurant in Osaka that wasn’t touched, so he is feeding anyone that is hungry for free until the food runs out. I wonder if we would be that thoughtful?

Littlest monkey just came downstairs and I have to get him fed and jump in the shower…

God Bless,

LLF

It’s 7am and Mom’s already gone to work. The boys are still sleeping and I’m on the heating pad trying to kick this back thing. Both boys had their first soccer games yesterday. The oldest at 9am and then the younger at noon. They both played great! You can see their natural athletic ability when comparing them to other kids their age. The oldest is really really fast and his coordination is catching up with his height. He played goalie the second half and while the other team scored twice, he stopped about a dozen other shots on goal. The coach and a bunch of other parents came up to him and me after the game praising him for his exemplary play. Now the younger one is still at the age where they just run and kick it as hard as they can which he too did well.

The oldest has flag football this afternoon from 2 till 4pm. I managed to get the house semi clean yesterday (and was yelled at by the misses for doing so with my back) but I just can’t stand it when it’s a mess. The oldest really helped me out with the afternoon cleaning. We should go to church today but no way can I make it. I think my backs set back a bit in the healing department because I had to go to two soccer games yesterday, I really need to rest it this morning before football. If any of you go, say a prayer for us!

We’ve decided to try our hand at making bread from bulk whole wheat as it’ll bring the cost down to under a buck a loaf instead of the $5 a loaf the store charges these days. This involves grinding the whole wheat kernels into flour ourselves. I think I’m opting for a manual grinder as it’ll wear the boys out and teach them they have to work for their food! We’ll keep you posted on this one, it should be an adventure. (wish my grandma was still around as one of my fondest memories as a kid was her baking bread, I can still smell it to this day!)What we really need are some milk cows, I can’t believe we now go through a gallon a day around here, and that’s with the misses and I only using a splash in our morning coffee! If you add it up, that’s about $2000 a year just on milk. Mom brought a pizza home for the boys and made some tostada’s for us for dinner. I think we’ll cook up leftovers for dinner this evening.

The littlest one just came down and politely asked if he could watch a kid show. Funny that they’ve now discovered things like Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird that we watched as kids and actually prefer those to the newer shows on in the am. Both boys sure are precious little kids in the morning when they’re still half asleep. Don’t get me wrong, they’re always great kids, it’s just in the morning they’re too tired to fight over anything.

I think it’s going to be a nice day and heard it’ll be 75 tomorrow, Spring is fast approaching. Our 10th anniversary is coming up on the 25th. Instead of spending money we don’t have on some kind of gift for each other, I think we’ll just have a nice family dinner. If any of you grandmothers have some family heirloom (this is slang for jewelry) send it to me and I’ll give it to the misses taking full credit myself. (just kidding, I’d somehow mention your name!) I know you’re all hoarding a dozen or more rings than you have fingers! Personally I don’t need anything as I have all I need (my wife and kids) but you women know how you girls like your bling!

Mom woke the L.O.L. down the street at 6:45 to give the dog his morning shot. I guess she (the L.O.L.) was a bit groggy as she forgot to use her oxygen last night. What a good girl my wife is to do this EVERY morning and night. It’s a real commitment on her part.

The oldest is now up and I need to find something for them for breakfast. I’m tempted to take them out to eat so I don’t have to stand in the kitchen (with my back) but don’t really want to spend the cash. Speaking of cash, you all should turn some dollars into physical gold and silver as they’re both going way up and the dollar is going way down. I told my Mom to buy gold less than 3 months ago when it was $1030 an ounce and it’s now about $1420. Silver was $20 and ounce and now is $35, both pretty amazing returns. One word of caution, if you do heed my advice, take physical possession of your gold and silver, do not leave it in the hands of some firm or Company. There are many places where you can go and buy these for a few dollars over spot price (the current market price). If interested, go to www.kitco.com to see current quotes. Mark my words, gold will be $2000 an ounce or more by the end of the year and silver well over $50! Some respected analysts have gold going into the thousands and silver to $100 to $150 an ounce. (there’s already physical shortages on silver) Now we don’t have the money to buy this but if we did, that’s what we (and you) should do now! I know, go out and buy us an ounce of gold and for our anniversary, there’s a good idea! Anyhow, ever changing times we live in, be prepared as it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out no one is going to take care of you but you. Not being pessimistic, but just look at Japan, those poor poor people.

Ok, I’ll stop for now as breakfast is needed, have a great day and God Bless,

Man my back is killing me. At least I’m limping now instead of crawling. Both boys have learned a bunch of new profanities as even the slightest movement can cause a spontaneous outburst (from me) of some forbidden word. It hurts so bad, I’m even coming up with words that I’ve never heard. Oh well, life doesn’t seem to be stopping so I just need to tough it out. Both boys have soccer games this morning, one at 9am and the other at noon. Mom works at 8:15 so I’ll be heading out in about an hour, hope I can walk to the field (from the car) before the first half is over! I guess Mom was up about 5 times last night with the big dog who clearly wanted outside to chase the raccoon or whatever creature seems to get him going. I (on valium and motrin) slept through the whole thing.

School was good for both boys. The youngest went straight to a friends until 4:30 while the oldest went down to Uncle T and Aunt B’s house. It’s good he likes visiting with them. When they both arrived home, they continued playing outside until dinner was ready. Mom made a great vegetarian lentil soup. I ate so much laying on the couch all day that I think I need to fast today. I probably should eat something though as my stomach will get upset if I take motrin with no food. I feel sick right now as it is.

It’s supposed to be around 70 today which will be good as the boys can then play outside after their games. I need to cut this short today as it’ll take me 30 minutes to find some jeans and then get them on and I’m quickly running out of time. Hope everyone is doing well, have a great weekend.

best,

There is nothing more pristine than the early morning after a spring snow. The snow is glistening on the wet tree branches with a backdrop of turquoise and baby blue. It was so peaceful on my jog down to Bunkie’s…just birds chirping and mist rising up from the snow blanketed yards.  Beautiful!

My hubby has boxed and shipped 1 too many cases of vino.  After he picked the boys up from school he was picking up a piece of paper from the floor and Wham…there went his back.  He almost had to crawl to the car to get the critters from the groomer (The dogs are gorgeous). He texted me at work to fill me in and when I called you could literally hear the pain in his voice. Luckily the boys have friends on both soccer teams, so transportation to and from practice was handled. Dad rested his back to no avail. When I got home he couldn’t get up without help.  I have so much sympathy for anyone with back pain…it truly sucks! Anyway, we got him upstairs…iced his back…administered motrin…and got the boys into bed(I’m not sure if they brushed). He is a bit better this morning…bent 1/4 of the way forward and twisted a 1/4turn to his side…it hurts to watch him move.

He has an important account to see in Boulder this morning, so we will try and manage to do that without inflicting more injury.

I am off today…so my plan is to get our house in shape…with the dryer out we are looking like “Hoarders”. We have too much stuff and not enough storage…I’m sure most of you can feel my pain. Also, I am admittedly a procrastinator these days and need outside motivation to get my “House” in order. We are expecting company next week..a friend, her husband, their 9 year old daughter…and their 5yr old twins.  That should be my motivation….Let’s hope so.

The repairman is here and the verdict is…the motor went out on our LG(Life’s Good)dryer. Really????

Two soccer games tomorrow and I am working….hopefully Dad’s back will be better. The boys are bummed that I will be working since it is the first of the season and I have never missed a game. I am sad as well…We may have to enlist Uncle T. and Aunt Blondie to cheer from the sidelines. We have to cheer for both teams and can not rip on the refs at the risk of being asked to leave the game.  That is a bit tough for fans like us…

I am off to get the heating pad, take a shower and attack this house!

More prayers for Japan and all that are in need..

God Bless,

LLF

Today is St. Patricks Day, hope you’re all wearing green. If you lived in our house, it’s a must as the boys are looking to pinch anyone not in the color of the day. What a day yesterday. After school we had every kid in the neighborhood outside playing baseball, football, riding bikes and skateboards. Thankfully I decided to throw the youngest’s bike in the truck and get his tire fixed on a run to Fed Ex to ship more wine. He hopped right on it when he arrived home and was up and down the street countless times. Our oldest had dinner with Uncle T and Aunt B although I don’t think he ate much except a ton of guacamole.

Mom still has a headache, sinus infection we think. We had a Z Pak called into the pharmacy but haven’t made the trip up the street to get it. She works from 10 to 7 today so she’ll need to get it this morning. Both boys have soccer practice this afternoon so I’ll need to plan out my day getting everything done earlier in the day. I think I’ll get some corn beef today although we usually pass on this as it’s so salty. We’ll see how the day goes. Looks like my missing wine shipment arrived at the distributor instead of our house so I’ll need to make the drive across town to retrieve them this morning. The mud room is still clean, some kind of record around here as we’re going on 2 days now! (I’ve secretly kept it locked so no one can mess it up) Both dogs go to the groomers this morning. This is an extra expense but they’re starting to smell and their nails are getting pretty long.

No rants this morning on Japan, Libya, governments or politics, aren’t you glad? All I ask is that you be aware of what’s going on in our World, for your own safety and that of those you care about. Enough said.

OK, time to get moving as we have a lot going on around here this morning. The big dog is in as that f&%k!n@ raccoon or something is in the back yard. I really might have to shoot that sucker!

Hope all’s well with everyone, give us a call and take care.

I’m tempted to turn on the sprinklers today but know that as soon as I do, it’ll snow. Springtime in the Rockies can fool you as one day it’ll be shorts and flip flops and the next, snow boots and coats. I was stuck at home most of the day yesterday waiting for a shipment of wine to arrive via Fed Ex from Italy that never showed. In addition to working downstairs, I made it my mission to clean up the mud room once and for all. This project took me most of the day. I found stuff going back to 1967, threw out a lot of old shoes and coats we don’t wear or that were worn out, and washed all the remaining hats, coats and gloves. With the dryer broken (still) I had to take a load down to Aunt Blondie’s (who always folds it for us) and hang the rest outside to air dry. I think we won’t tell Aunt Blondie when the dryer is fixed cause she does such a good job folding our clothes! The oldest had soccer practice at 5:15 and by the time we got home it was 6:45. I rushed to make dinner as Mom was off at 7pm.

A quick trip to Kohls (a great value department store) used up my $50 T Mobile rebate card on socks, a pair of flip flops for the youngest and a shirt for each boy. Even at this “value oriented” store (fancy name for cheap), $50 doesn’t go very far. We’re back on the new workout program today after 3 days off due to lack of time or poor scheduling. (plus our bodies needed the break as we were too sore to move!)

Today Mom is off and then back to work tomorrow. She also has Friday off and then has a stint of 4 days in a row. Looking at her schedule, she works this, and next weekend meaning I’ll be doing double duty with dueling soccer games in different locations. I think the only weekend she’ll get off is in early April when we go to her Mom’s 80th birthday party. Sure is a drag with her gone EVERY weekend but we need to do whatever we can do to bring in a little extra cash. I know she’d much rather be at home, but is doing what she can to help. True to who she is, she’s still a great worker and their lucky to have her.

Japan is still a nightmare and no matter what you hear on the news, we really don’t know the full truth of what’s going on. Turns out Tepco (Tokyo Electric & Power Co.) has a long history of under reporting the severity or flat out not telling the truth when it comes to radiation accidents at any of their plants. (see my earlier post stating just this!) I don’t know why anyone should be surprised by this as most large companies have a pattern of lying to the public for their own protection or gain. One thing that is remarkable is how well mannered the Japanese people are while standing in line for food or water. They seem almost too civilized but I suspect this will change a bit if things don’t get better soon. You’re already hearing dissent or mistrust of the government by people not believing they’re being told the whole truth. Anyhow we hope and pray for the people of Japan. Lost in all this is what’s still going on in the middle east. Protests continue and regimes are opening fire on their own people trying to stave off the surge of democracy by the people. It even looks like Gadhafi will probably survive in Libya. How sad that the people sacrifice their lives for freedom and the international community stands by and debates a “no fly zone” while he bombs his own people. OK, sorry for my world views, let’s get back to our little corner of the World.

We’re still juggling finances, not getting enough sleep, and constantly doing laundry and cleaning the house, some things never change. Lot’s of work to do today including more unpacking, re-packing and shipping of wine. Sure will be glad when this is over. Hope everyone has a good day, stay safe and live life to the fullest as who nows what tomorrow will bring.

God Bless,

Good Morning! We are still challenged by the time change and sleeping an hour later than we should. The extra sleep may not necessarily be the time change….our youngest came in three times last night to sleep with us.  I got up and walked him back to his bed twice and then had him crawl in bed with his brother all the while hoping any warm body would do for him to “Snuggle” with…not so…he came in a fourth time at 1:43 a.m. and I gave up and let him climb over me to the middle of our bed where he kicked and tossed in  his sleep the rest of the night. Our lab of course barked insistently to go out at 2:30 and my sweet, sweet husband got up to let her out..wait for her to do her business and come back in. He then returned to bed where I’m sure we both wish we still were.

We are missing our workout this morning to walk the dogs.  I am working this morning so our time is limited and we don’t have the extra hour for the workout.  I’m sure our furry friends will appreciate our sacrifice and we do get a walk out of it.

The boys played hard outside yesterday and last night and went to bed with a bit of fussing. Although the clock reads 7:30p.m. their bodies are telling them it is only 6:30p.m. and they just are not ready to quiet down. Tough on tired Moms and Dads but we need to step back and realize that there is a bit of an adjustment period for all of us.

The oldest has soccer practice tonight and one of the youngest’s best buddies is a little brother of a teammate, so he will have some good playtime tonight as well.

We have been reminded a few times in the last week that our oldest needs socks.  It sounds like an easy item to buy….but….if you have children like ours(I hear from friends that theirs are the same way about socks)the socks have to feel just right. If by chance the first 2 or 3 pairs you try on don’t feel right it only takes about 30 to 40 more times to find the right socks. Boy am I glad to be working today…I have total sympathy for Dad today. Maybe Aunt Blondie wants to try her hand at sock shopping…the oldest likes short socks and wears a size 5 shoe and the youngest likes socks to his calf and wears a 1 and 1/12 shoe. Good luck if you choose to take on this challenge!!!

A “Thank you” goes out to Aunt Blondie for drying 2 loads of our laundry in the past 2 days. I took 2 loads to Grandmas yesterday and turned the boys loose in the pasture.  They found some potato bugs, a huge slug and a few spiders. The slug slimed the oldest and he was a bit grossed out. Good times for little boys!!! They also played on a broken tree swing and had a great time with each other. They are now lobbying hard for a tire swing in the back yard. We’ll see.

I am off to walk the dogs…looks like Dad has a call.

Until tomorrow…more prayers for Japan…family,friends and those in need.

LLF

This morning the sunrise was beautiful. Deep blues, bright yellows, shades of pink and orange…gorgeous!! The boys are having a tough time “Springing forward”, as am I. They slept in until well after 7 and I still feel like going back to bed.  We had our morning breakfast together, but the youngest was tardy to the table due to the time change of course. We rushed to get dressed, brush teeth, tie shoes and head out the door. I didn’t realize until we got to school that the youngest’s face was wearing a lot of his breakfast. I immediately gave him the “Mom wash”. EWW!!! were his exact words. I dropped the kiddos at school and headed off to shoot up our four legged friend.  Dog and Lady are having difficulty springing forward as well.

Our youngest was back in his roller skates yesterday and came downstairs(Yes,in the skates) with a green mouth and tongue. He said he had found his brothers candy stash in their room and just could not resist eating it. I took a picture and quickly washed his face with a wash cloth this time, but the evidence was a lovely, green grin, stained around his lips. No one has spilled the beans to his brother…so let’s everyone keep it that way. Thank you all in advance for helping us avoid a meltdown. Anyway, after the oldest got home the youngest was off to a friends. The two big boys made a Costco run and a few other father son bonding errands. They enjoyed great conversations and a couple of yummy treats. (Don’t tell the little one). It is 3 times easier with our munchkins when it is one on one and there is no competition for a parent’s attention.  I know the math doesn’t make sense when there are only 2 kids, but believe me…definitely 3 times easier!

I worked until 8..oops…supposed to be 8:30 but I had it in my head that I was off at 8..so I shut down with my Supervisor’s approval. I stopped at SLOL’s and met her friend from Pueblo(Lovely gentleman) and her son from Seattle. Her son barely looked up from his computer to say “Hello”…Did I mention I had to ring the doorbell twice and LOL had to answer the door.. The son seemed annoyed to be there and had a snide comment about the dog needing a shot… I certainly hope I am reading the situation incorrectly. LOL is happy to have company and her friend will stay with her for four or five days.  She goes in for an “Outpatient” back surgery on the 25th…everyone please say a good health prayer. (Maybe a good son prayer as well).

Dad drove to the airport to pick up more wine to ship out for samples…built boxes, filled boxes and now has headed off to Fed Ex. I got up on the wrong side of the bed and I am having a difficult time shaking off my attitude. Maybe it is allergies. Maybe it is the angst and sadness I am feeling for all of the displaced and grieving people of Japan. What a horrific tragedy. The news is now reporting that the entire Island/coastline of Japan has shifted 13 feet. Amazing and terrifying…I pray that they can cool down the reactors before the double disaster(Earthquake and Tsunami) turn to a triple disaster for the people of Japan and those of us watching the unimaginable.

I am off to throw the ball and lose my attitude before my hubby returns from Fed Ex….Then off to Grandmas to dry laundry. Stupid dryer!!!

Side note: I am thankful for Grandmas, for Aunts and Uncles and Moms and Dads, for good friends, and children that make you laugh and of course for our pets that love us even when they don’t get a walk.

Take care and God bless,

LLF