Russell's Gone, Part 2

Leaving for St. Louis.

Or: the Week Full of Weekends

 

I had to work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The girls were off Monday because of the holiday (thankfully, Russell was off, too), and Tusday due to a teacher work day. They watched an obscene amount of Television. I think Alison and Kristen watched the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender. Or at least an entire whole season. 

 

We got them motivated to go to school on Wednesday, only to have a snowstorm blow in. Russell had an adventure getting off to St. Louis: he couldn’t rent the car because his driver’s license was expired. Seems we kind of forgot to get it renewed before the end of the year. Oops. So, the car rental place dropped him off at the DMV to get his license renewed. Which meant he left just as the first wave of theo storm got pretty heavy. He said it took them a half hour to go about 15 miles. I did my usual Wednesday stuff, driving a bit slower than usual, but it wasn’t anything I could handle. We got the girls from school – Alison and Kristen had a half day – and picked Caitlyn up from school so she didn’t have to walk home in the snow. I made it to Alison’s parent-teacher/student conference (she put together a very nice board with pictures and examples of what she did. It was very nice. 

 

So, wave two came through overnight Thursday morning. (I guess there was Thunder Snow, but I missed that part). I woke up around 6:20 (theyd’ canceled seminary), decided to see what had happened, opened the garage door and realized I wasn’t going anywhere before I shoveled. So. I did. Took about an hour and a half to shovel the 10 inches off the driveway. And then, I left Megan in charge (they’d canceled school the nighte before, and Caitlyn went to Merry’s house to sleep over), with instructions for if they went outside, and drove into work. I went the main roads, but not the highway, and it took me 45 minutes to get across town. Halfway through, I realized that I probably should have just called in. Too many people here just don’t know how to drive in snow. Anyway, it was a strange day at work: everyone who came in walked which means we were mostly dead. At one point, the one manager who was there and the other co-worker started moving around bookshelves in an attempt to make a better focal area of the store. They ended up closing the store at 2 p.m. (which meant I got to close. Whee!) just as wave 3 started, and so I made it home before the snow started falling really hard. 

 

In all, we’ve had 14 inches of snow, which doesn’t sound like a lot. But since we don’t get that much snow down here very often, it’s quite a bit for us. And they’re threatening more snow tonight/tomorrow. We’ll see, though.

 

So, Friday, when it cleared up, we declared it a snow day (well, it was, since they were off school again). You can read more about that here. The short version: everyone got along, we had a BLAST sledding, and the girls were very good when I had to go into work (yet again) on Friday night. 

 

We had a play day yesterday, as well. I did get to yoga and to the grocery store (Kristen is a very, very good helper) and then I took everyone to the movies so we could get out of the house. Megan and Caitlyn went to see Skyfall (they both thought it was just meh), and I went with Alison and Kristen to see Rise of the Guardians, which was fun. Not as good as Wreck It Ralph, but fun. And then we went sledding again. It wasn’t as fun as the first time, but it was still getting out of the house and expending some energy. We did manage to get chores done, and in bed at a decent hour. And Russell made it home in one piece. He says it wasn’t his most successful or enjoyable Model UN ever, but the students had an okay enough time. I am just glad to have him home. It feels like he’s been gone forever. So I asked him to skip out of his meetings this morning, and it was WONDERFUL to have a slow, lazy morning as a family. Sometimes, especially when we’re really, really busy, it’s nice to slow down and take a few deep breaths.

 

And today, we’re hoping there’s school in the morning. So far it’s looking positive, though I guess there’s another huge storm coming, so we’ll see how the rest of the week fares. 

 

One last thing: we finally put up our fundraiser site for Megan’s India trip, and have been pleasantly surprised about the response we’re getting. Check it out, if only to see the video she was coerced into making. 

 

Have a lovely week! (Next week’s March. Caitlyn’s already counting down to her birthday, which means she’s also counting down to Spring Break. Time goes so fast sometimes.)

Caitlyn Makes Dinner

To own up, I was looking through old posts, and found this one. Caitlyn saw and said, "If I make dinner, will you take a picture of it and put it up on the blog." "Of course," I replied.

So, yesterday, when she had suggested chicken for dinner, she asked if she could make it. She did a bit of research, came up with a recipe, and cooked this:

Chicken, seasoned with rosemary and thyme and salt, sauteed in butter.

It was delicious.

Another One Bites the Dust

This one has the distinction of coming out in the middle of the night. She's quite proud to have no front teeth right now.

Diary of a Snow Day

We haven't had snow in two years. In fact, we haven't had much moisture at all in 2 years. So, we were really taken by surprise when it started snowing on Wednesday, and continued all through Thursday. It also meant that the girls -- due to a holiday Monday, teacher inservice on Tuesday -- only had one day (and for Alison and Kristen, a half day at that!) of school this week.

Thursday morning

They did get out of the house for a little on Thursday to climb the pile from shoveling the driveway.

So what do you do when you're cooped up at home for two days straight?

Megan does this:

Caitlyn gets ambitious and builds a blanket fort for Alison, Kristen, and Alison's friend Sophia:

We have pizza for lunch, because I had to go to work Friday night and the event that I was going to send the kids to for dinner got canceled. And because that's the way I roll when Russell's out of town.

And then you go sledding!!

Where, you may ask, since Kansas is flat? Why, here:

Yes, that is an embankment next to the freeway exit.

Caitlyn made the green hat at an activity on Monday. I'm impressed.

But it was lots of fun!

Update on India

In case you were wondering, here's the low-down on where we are.

As soon as this snow mess gets better, I will run the doctors' papers around. Then we can turn in her official application. They'll send that to the Rotary in New Delhi and match her with one or two families. She's raised about $1900 with the Rotary here, and has saved nearly $500 (that includes a couple of generous gifts already). And we've started raising the last bit of money she needs. (Yes, she is planning on getting a job this summer, as soon as her coursework allows her to breathe. She'll probably start looking the end of April. She's graduating on May 13th.)

We put together a little fundraising site, and would love it if you'd be inclined to help her out.



It's looking like maybe her dream will become a reality.

Or: it must be February, because our calendar has gotten crazy again.

Russell got invited to go out to Utah Valley University for some Mormon thing (I really should take the time to find out, if only to show that I care... even if I don’t...) and managed to squeeze it into his week. 

He left Tuesday late and got home Thursday after dinner. And had a great time. It didn’t go to badly here at home, either. It’s nice that they’re old enough to make things easier.

I worked. Which is no surprise. The girls went to school. Megan had All-City Band, and the other girls all had lessons. I stayed up Wednesday night doing a Heart Attack by myself for the girls. Alison’s Valentine’s box won Best Box in her class, but only got a mechanical pencil as a prize. Even I had to admit that’s a lousy prize. I’ve promised to get her a real ribbon, but have yet to deliver on that. I will.  Soon.

Yesterday Russell and I had a High Priest social/meeting, which was okay. We caught up with some people we haven’t talked to in the 6 months since they split the wards, which was nice. The meeting was... well... a meeting. I’m sorry, but I don’t get inspired to be better by talk about how wicked, evil, and awful the “world” is. It just makes me go AAAAAAAAAHHHH, which is the sound my anxiety makes. I keep those pesky fears under control most days by pretending that the Big Bad Wolf is Far Away in the Forest and that my friends, work, neighbors, children’s school, and husband’s commute is a Shiny Happy Place. It doesn’t help me AT ALL to bring the Big Bad Wolf and park him in my back yard. *sigh*

And today, well, was a day. Russell’s still gone to church doing Meeting Stuff. But other than that, it was okay. We even had a decent turn out for the choir, which we’ve been asked to attempt to have for Easter. And then Ward Conference. Which is a good thing. *trying to stay positive*

Oh, and Caitlyn and I watched Benny and Joon last night. It's still as adorably cute as it was the me I saw it. For the record: this is the best scene.

That's about it. Have a happy week.

Heart Attack 2013

The scene:
Russell is out of town. It's 9:20 p.m. and I am feeling tired and lazy. I have no ideas.

Caitlyn wanders in.

Me: I need a place to put the heart attack.
Caitlyn: How about the kitchen.
Me: Nah, we did that two years ago.
Caitlyn: The hall?
Me: Nah.
Caitlyn: Downstairs?
Me: Ugh... (I'm slowly melting off the couch by this point. I'm totally channeling Jabba the Hutt.)
Caitlyn: Well, do it in the bathroom!
Me: (perks up) Hmmm..... That's an idea.

And a good, one, too!

(It was very funny hearing everyone's reactions when they went to the restroom half awake the next morning. The explosion of hearts certainly woke them up!)

Cupcakes, Take 2!

We've tried a couple more cupcake recipes.

First up were Mint Chocolate Chip cupcakes. They sounded good, and even turned out okay:

But, in the end, they weren't minty enough and the cupcake was too dry. So I don't think we'll be making this one again.

The second one we tried was a knockoff Hostess cupcake cupcake.

(I didn't do the trademark swirls. Too much work.)

Initially, the reaction was mixed: the ganache on top was bitter (because I didn't use the corn syrup it called for), and the cream in the middle was weird. But, the next day, the ganache mellowed out, and most people (all but Caitlyn and Kristen) liked the overall effect. Maybe I'll mess with the cream filling (it is kind of weird), and see if we can come up with something else. But, these might be a keeper.

A Mad-Libs Kind of Week

So, I bought these Mad-Lib Valentines for Alison a while back, but she decided they were too lovey. So, Caitlyn took them over and is giving them to a few friends. We were doing them this morning before church, and Caitlyn said, "Hey! You should do your weekly letter as a mad-lib." Brilliant. Have fun.


(verb ending in ing) backwards: church was (adjective). Really (adjective). Russell was in charge, the theme was on families, and he asked Caitlyn and a couple of (plural noun) from (adjective) families to talk about strengthening families. Caitlyn did a (adjective) job, as did the other people. It was so nice not to be (verb ending in –ed) about what we should be doing, but to listen to (plural noun) bear testimony about things that have worked for them, even if it wasn't the (adjevctive) way. And Primary was even (adjective). I'll spare you my (adjective) complaint about the other (noun) complaining we don't (verb) enough leaders for Activity Days. Like we have (plural noun). Puh-lease.


Yesterday was spent (verb ending in –ing) out at home. The girls had (noun) over to play for a few hours, and (because (name of person) wanted them) we ran across town to get (noun). But the big (noun) was working on Alison's and Kristen's (plural noun). (You can see the finished (noun) at the blog) We (verb ending in –ed) for a few (noun) on them last night and a bit more this morning, but they're done. Bring on (possessive noun) day.


The rest of the week was a bit of a (noun). I picked up my new (noun) on Wednesday as well as Alison's (noun), which she really (verb). Megan did (noun) and went out to All-City (noun) practices. Russell read and (verb ending in –ed) papers. Caitlyn had a Girl Scout (noun) in which she organized big boxes of cookies at a giant warehouse and (verb) she doesn't like Chipotle's.

Russell, Alison, Kristen and I went to the chili (noun) at Friends. We haven’t (verb) for a couple of (plural noun), mostly because Russell is usually (verb) to Model UN (it's late this year, and they (verb ending in –ed) the chili cook off up). The Government/History (noun) had a booth, and they (verb) my chili recipe (having the (noun) to add (adjective) degrees of hot sauce). I make (adjective) chili, if I do say so myself. That said, they didn't (verb) (the (noun) did), and their decorations were (adjective). Russell says it's because their club lacks (plural noun).


OH! And on Wednesday, Caitlyn came home from (noun) with a (noun). She (verb) her iPod Touch about four months ago – it (verb ending in –ed) out of her (noun) at school, and even though she kept (verb ending in –ing) it'd be turned in, we'd (adverb) given up hope. Well, she got (verb) into the office on Tuesday, and (exclamation): her iPod was turned in. I guess it showed up in the (adjective) yard of a house (adjective) Wilbur and (noun), after asking her (noun) if it was his (but then she turned it on; Audrey Hepburn as a (noun) kind of made it (adjective) it wasn't his), she turned it in to the (noun). And the office lady (verb ending in –ed) that Caitlyn was looking for hers. (Exclamation)! (Adjective), it leaves me with no ideas about what to get Caitlyn for her (noun)...

And Kristen (verb ending in –ed) a tooth. It's been (verb) for YEARS she, and she was quite (verb ending in –ed) that it came out! Ah, to be (adjective).

And that's about it for (plural noun). Here's to (month)!

(adverb),
Melissa

UnBEARable Cuteness

I couldn't think of a penguin pun.

I Love This Girl

I love all of my girls, of course. There's just something brilliantly batty about Alison. (Kind of like Maureen Johnson.)

Proof My Kids are More Creative than I Am

Yesterday was spent making valentines for the elementary school class parties on Thursday. Kristen came up with this idea, and actually did most of the work by herself!

Alison didn't want anything too lovey, so we got Pinterest for some inspiration and found a monster-inspired valentine. Caitlyn got in the act

and they came up with this:

Totally adorable. And Alison loves them.

But the big project was coming up with Alison's valentine box. She dug up a bunch of boxes from the basement, had a bit of inspiration, and eventually Caitlyn, I, and Kristen all got involved in decorating. This is what we came up with:

I wish you could see it in person; it's brilliant. But here's photos of the rest of it.

And a little detail from behind the red flap (it opens):

And behind the door is this:

Our favorite monsters? These two:

Much, much more creative than anything I could have ever come up with! They're brilliant, my girls.

It's the Little Things

That make life happy, right?

Like a brand-new, paid for by herself, backrest arm thingy:

Or a tooth that finally came out after weeks and weeks of wiggling.

Or a new pair of glasses.

It's been a good week.

Odds and Ends

Alison really wanted to write the letter this week. She got this much down:

So write the letter this week , since you know Megan and Caitlyn have, it’s my turn now! So you know Valentines Day is upon us, (worst day ever!) so you know all the gooshy things are happing ,1. Valentines every where (school too!) 2.It is just STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3.Mom hates it so I do to! 4.To many flowers!!!! (Fact: Boys giving you flowers is creepy (I have a deathly fear of boys in nice clothes) (Its not logical!) So that’s it.

And then she realized that writing a letter is 1) a lot harder than it sounds and 2) she’s really HUNGRY. So, she gave up.

 

It’s hard being nine.

 

Russell came up to me a few days ago and said that he needed to get a cell phone. *checks to make sure world didn’t end* *shock* So, yesterday, we set him up. He’s using an ANTIQUE phone (but he likes the BIG BUTTONS), and he still doesn’t see the need to pay the extra data charge so I can get a new toy, but he will actually be accessible when he goes on business trips. But don’t expect him to answer. I don’t think he quite knows how to use it yet.

 

We also picked up 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, which Caitlyn has (or, rather, we have) the next 6 weeks to get rid of sell. Let us know if you want any. Caitlyn has also been entertaining us for the last couple of weeks with songs from musicals as the choir gets ready for their spring concert.

Megan started rehearsals for All-City band, which means one more think on her plate. Speaking of her plate, we’ve set up a Go Fund Me site to help raise the rest of the money she needs for India. Right now, we’re just looking for feedback, and we’d appreciate it if you gave us your two cents.

 

I worked a bit more than usual last week because one of the other booksellers is in Dubai (tough life). They've been having me do a bit of the ordering (for cards and toys and kids books, at least) (which makes me feel TOTALLY responsible), and as I was doing so a week or so ago, I noticed that they had die-cut metal Mini Coopers. I ordered them specifically so I could buy one. And now I'm a proud owner of a (8x4 inch) Mini! And I've decided to branch out and start a book group for kids at work as well. It doesn't start until summer, but we'll see how that goes.

And Kristen has been trudging along. She has a super-wiggly tooth, which she wishes would just come out. Oh, and she completely lost it at the dentist this week because the TV that is usually on while she gets her teeth cleaned cut out in the middle of her show. It wasn't pretty.

In other news, it's no longer January, and we can all be thankful for that.