Goals Set, Ready to Take Action

Okay, Our trip to S.D. is over, I have splurged
on road food, and am now ready to start climbing
down that mountain of weight. Or to be puny,
"Scaling" to lower heights. Thanks for all the
encouragement! I sure do have great friends!
I got all my job stuff in on time and believe I
made it through the resume review. Hopefully
I will get called in for an interview this week
and have this whole thing done soon. My boss,
who is doing the hiring, cannot discuss any
details with me, for obvious reasons, but I am
feeling confident.
Ella is having fun with her new blog.
If you have not had the chance to check
it out, go here.
I am going to take her to work with me today
just because I can. Ron is working the election
polls all day. From 6am to 10pm. He packed a
big bag of snacks and left before sun rise.
He just loves election stuff. What a weirdo.
Here are some pictures of our trip:
Ella enjoying some fanastic licorice

Ella in her sexy new swim suit. Complete with
tattoos on forearm










The rest are from the Science pavilion.
Ella excavated some dinosaur bones, played
Astronaut and had fun with tornadoes.
We did lots of other stuff there, too, but I am
out of room and out of time. We also went to see
the Curious George movie.
It's not on my list of recommendations.

Report to the General, or, Holy Cow!

We have so much snow! And more is falling! My report for the day is "no discernible weight changes". I think I need a weight loss coach to come and kick me in the ass! How is the General doing? We are supposed to go to S.D. tomorrow morning, but may cancel if the snow is drifting too much. Back to work...

The start of a busy week

Well, we did not get to go to the movies on Sunday because I didn't get my resume done in time. Boo Hoo. But the good news is that I get to turn it in today! I will hopefully pass the first application inspection, and be called for an interview. Application deadline is Wednesday, so maybe I'll hear from them by Monday?
Tomorrow is Valentines day and I got a cute little present for Ella. It's two pink monkeys hugging, made by Ty. This morning I am going to pick up a book to go along with it. Let's hope she is pleased.
We head out to S.D. early Friday morning for a conference in Sioux Falls. I looked up the info there and found an aquarium, a theater that has the Curious George movie, and a family arcade type pizza joint. I figure it will be enough fun to keep us busy. And I hope that Ron joins in on some of it. It's going to be cold.... I am dreading getting into my swimsuit, but look forward to swimming with Ella in the hotel pool.
My Friday Report to the General will be on Thursday and I am hoping to be -2. You'll just have to check in and see if I make it. Think good thoughts for me!

Sunday

This afternoon Ron and I are going to the movies! We're gonna go to the gay cowboy movie while Ella spends some time with Clio. They play so great together, and I think it helps that they don't spend all week together at the YMCA anymore. On Friday Clio was here while HER parents went to the movies (cowboys, again) and it was big fun. We went to the Planetarium, had hot chocolate, took a big bubble bath, and watched a movie. While in the bath the girls covered themselves in bubbles and said they were "snow monsters".
Also, by the end of the day, may resume and cover letter will be ready to turn in. If I don't get this job then I am seriously going to have to re-think my value in the world. It would be crushing and would suck a lot.
On to other things... Ella's new blog is about to hit the streets. Ron is hooking it up to the babblemur site. She's calling it "Sparkle Pockets" and it will include photos, letters to friends and family, stories, funny parts of her conversations, and whatever else she tells us to type. She has really been into telling us stories while we type them out and then saving them to read later. Sometimes she draws pictures for them. It's cool and funny.

Tranzliate this Shiznit to Jive!

Thanks to askthegnome I got the Jive! See sidebar and click da Spinn'n rim.

Report to the General

General de Cline: holding steady. I think it's due to the "womanlies" this week.
Ms. Jojopeeko claims she is not getting on a scale today. How's everyone else?

Knitting 2

I have started knitting a sweater for Ella. This is the first 7 inches of the back side, but I can't go on because the pattern calls for me to start casting off for the sleeves and I don't know how. I'll post more pictures of my progress when I make some. I should get a book on how to decipher a pattern. It's all in a strange and wonderful code.

Knitting

Yesterday was the first meeting of our Stitch-N-Bitch group and it was nice. I really didn't get to learn anything new, but I had fun taking Ella along. I got her these really cute kids needles that she seems to enjoy. Unfortunately she really isn't quite ready to learn how to knit. I am going to see if Ron can pick her up next Wednesday so that I can have the chance to work on my skills.
Ella is feeling much better. I think she is just about done with all her icky sickies, and I am thankful that I did not have to suffer through getting sick. It's so easy to catch her crud because she uses me as a tissue and needs all kinds of snuggles and love when she is under the weather. Any mom will know how this goes...
This weekend I am going to put all the finishing touches on my resume and cover letter for my job. It's weird because I really don't know what so say or write. I am sure that when I sit down to do it all will come together nicely, but for right now I am a little stressed out. L.A., you are so smart, maybe you could proof it for me if I e-mail it to you? I am looking forward to this being done! My boss is interviewing in Madison tomorrow and I just know she is going to get her job and leave. It's really quite sad because my boss is totally great. But, because she is so great she needs to move on to a great new job. I really hope she gets it.
Next weekend we are going to a conference in South Dakota with a student group from campus. Will Ella be well behaved? Will I do enough pre-planning for her to have a successful car trip? Let's keep our fingers crossed. The conference is Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning. I hope the Curious George movie is playing there so I can take E to a matinee. I am going on-line to look up fun kids things to do in the area. Being stuck at a hotel is no fun for either of us, but I am looking forward to taking her swimming at the pool. Do I have a swim suit that I can stuff myself into? Hmmm... I hope so because I am not going to buy one.
I made a promise to myself to focus on weight loss goals this month and have let myself down. Not terribly, but I am just not doing the job very well. I know it can be simple, I proved that to myself in October-December, but I seem to be at a stand still. I can blame it on the frigid weather and desire for warm cozy foods, but really it's lack of will power and sheer laziness. And these damn womanly cycles. I shall just give myself a pep talk and persevere for the remaining three weeks of February. And no more excuses!
Time for coffee

TuTuTuTuesday

I am done with winter. Done, I say. Finished. I want it over right now. I am sick of being cold all the freakin' time. If I had any money at all I would spend it all on insulating my damn cold drafty house. Brrr. And I need some more new windows for the main floor of the place. Basement windows would be swell, too. As crazy as it is, I am going to get another lottery ticket. I know my odds are piss poor, but is there any other conceivable way to get 50K? No.
Driving to work today in my Nissan reminded me that we really need to start budgeting for a car. I might be able to get a few more years out of that one, but it's over 12 years old and is due for brakes, some clutch work, and a tune up and oil change. I can barely afford to put the gas in it so am not sure when all this work will get done, but at least I know I need to do it, right? It still runs great and I want to keep it working well.
Oh, I need to have all my stuff together this week for my job. If yer sending a reference please get it in the mail tomorrow! I have to have everything turned in Friday. Thanks again to everyone who is helping. It's going to be a relief to be done and hired for real.
Besides winter, the other thing I am done with is my period. I am so sick if doing this every three weeks! I should just get pregnant again to take a menstrual vacation. I'll get a babysitter on the 20th and 21st and see what Ron and I can achieve.
Blah, back to work. I am sleepy and cold and want to crawl into a cozy bed.

Report to the General

General Ma'am: I am down again! My total since September 27 is Minus 18. How's your progress? What about you, Chris? And Ms. Jojopeeko? Come join in the Friday fun of reporting! And, LA, you can play, too, since you have joined the "cult" as you say.

Where are you, Phil?

Is it Ground Hog Day? Did Phil see his shadow? I have not heard a thing about it today...

Birthday Season

It's birthday season on the friend front... So to LA, JFish, and Johnny Boy we would like to send official Best Birthday Wishes and hopes for many good things to come!

We love you all so very much!

Reference?

I need some references to get permanent job status. Any one who is not a family memeber is eligable... Any one want to help me out?

POW!

Ella received a wonderful package in the mail containing a very special POW! T-shirt. Thanks John and Christine. It has an attached cape... SUPER!
Here's our girl getting ready to hit the street.

Sorry, Not a Winner

I did not win the lottery. It's a bummer and all, but I guess it is kind of impossible odds. There has got to be some way to get $50K given to us, right?

yeah, I am a little nutty

I bought Baubau one of those fancy water dishes today that runs like a fountain. I think it's called a "freshwell". I am just so darn tired of him jumping into the sink every time I am brushing my teeth. Or trying to get in to Ella's bath, or my sink full of dishes, or the toilet when I flush... And he leaves little muddy footprints all over the house from spilling his water dish. He paws at the dish until the water starts to slosh around and then he drinks. So the fresh well thing cost $41 bucks with tax, but I think it will be worth it. And Baubau needs a little pampering sometimes.
I also bought a lottery ticket. It would be nice to be able to get myself a "freshwell". Or some property with a beautiful view, a vegetable garden, hot tub, green house, fire pit, nature trails, privacy, fresh air... I can go on and on. Also, my super friend Jenny has a birthday coming up and a couple thousand bucks would make a nice gift. And maybe I could take her out for lunch and a day at a spa.

I have a cold

Sniff, sniff, snniiiiffff, cough ,cough, sigh.

What a World

I was browsing around on http://www.babblemur.com/ and read the article Radical Professor Watch List. It is so wrong, and mind boggling, that I really can't properly describe how I feel about it. But offended and appalled both come to mind.

Report to the General

Minus 1, and exercising every day. How about you?

What is the Deal?

I have been pretty good this week with my health and fitness, but for some reason my scale is not being very encouraging. Perhaps it's because I have been getting more exercise? I am going to make an appointment with my doctor or something. I think my insurance might cover a referral to a dietician or something, also I absolutely have to quit smoking. Smoking is totally gross, always has been, and I would like my daughter to have a healthier set of parents. Can you imagine all the crap she will have to deal with as an adult when both of her parents are on oxygen tanks, living in a nursing home, and dying of emphysema? Sucky, sucky, sucky. I really want to avoid that.

JOB?

Hopefully I will know today if anyone else will get my job. I have a little feeling of dread... But the sun is shining, and it is almost (3 months) spring, so perhaps I can work on my house in all the free time I might have? Or go get another job... Or go back to EduCare. Of course, we wont be able to turn on the heat or buy any food, so maybe I should polish up the old resume? I would just like to keep the job I have. I really like it. I'll let you all know how it goes later in the day.

Post Party Post

Ella had a very fun time at her birthday party! Here she is sitting between Friend Henry and the Divine Miss Clio. Behind them are Clio's most awesome parents, Michelle and Jeff. Here is a pic of Ella before the party. She's so cute!
Now, these are odd pics, but Ella loves to play doctor. She is such a fine little actress that her "sick patient" routine is quite convincing. I was the doctor, Ron was the nurse, and Ella needed a lot of "care".
"I need a wet cloth for my head" She says...
To all who may be concerned: She was not actually ill. Just very good at playing the part. Also, she has only shown interest in playing "doctor" in the parent sanctioned way. When/if she starts playing the other kind of "doctor" she will be locked in a high, high, tower or sent to an all-girl Catholic school.

Sorry I don't have more party pics to post. So far four has been a ton of fun. Ella got four dollars from her aunt Sally and picked out a cute little gray kitty named Fluff. She got tons of art supplies and books and a few games. She got a fairy doll. She got some walkie-talkies and we play hide and seek in the house with them. She got a beautiful new jewelry box... And a ton of other stuff that I can't remember right now. So thanks to everyone!!!

Report to the General

General de Cline, Ma'am: I am in the same spot... I guess that's just fine for now, but I am a bit behind on my goals. Maybe it's all the birthday cake? How are you doing?

Changes

I felt like changing my template today... What do you think?

Happy Birthday, Ella!!!!

Ella is already to start her day as a Four Year Old Girl!
Yummy, yummy 4!

Ella woke up in a super duper good mood, got herself all dresses and gussied up, and headed off to greet the world as a four year old. I am trying to get some streamers and balloons up so that when we get home we can have a family party. So far, four is pretty wonderful. And I love my baby more and more every single day. I am a lucky Mama.

Four years ago today

... I was in pain, but happily awaiting the birth of my daughter. At 12:36AM, January 11, she will officially be Four Years Old. Yeah!

Watch Yer Back, Charro

Ella just loves playing dress up in her purty Spanish Dress and Jewels. And I love watching her try to walk in heels with all those ruffles!

Report to the General

I am back at minus 15. The holiday damage has been neutralized. Happy Birthday! (I'll try and call ya tonight!)

Thank You Sophie

Ella loves all the cool clothes from Sophie, and so do I! We have not put them away yet because Ella just walks over to the box, picks out an outfit, and voila! She's ready to start her day. Sophie's 'ol clothes are the best! It's like playing dress up! Isn't this fuzzy coat fuzzy fun?

January 2006

Okay, here are the required Christmas pictures...

A lovely tea party with Grandma Andy and Grandpa Allen at their place in North Liberty, IA
At home with the doll house. It's cool 'cause it folds closed and locks so Baubau can't get all the little toys and knock 'em down the heat grates. Naughty Baubau.
Giving "Dandelion" a bath
"Fiddlesticks". Ella LOVES these. She builds all kinds of contraptions.
Awwww, what a cute little picnic basket. We are all set for a sunny warm day.

Ella got some other cool toys, but I just can't put up all the pictures... Or can I? We all had a jolly holiday. It was super good to see the family and friends in I.C. I think next time we go there we should all get hotel rooms that are connected, or surrounding a pool, like a "Holidome" or something. Then we wouldn't have to drive everywhere. I'll start saving my pennies. I sure miss those Levelwinds.

Christmas Past

Seasons Greetings!!! I am really looking forward to taking a ton of photos Sunday morning. And I will be sure to post some good ones for everyone to see, okay? Here is Ella in front ot our tree last year. Boy, her hair was so long! And here she is again. I can never get enough of looking at her. She's so absolutely great! Does every parent feel this way about their kid(s).
We are really looking forward to our trip to IC. And to having the whole week off! I doubt we get anything done around the house... It will really be like a vacation. Hey, if any of you are looking for some great holiday music, Babblemur has a choice recommendation.

A Report to the General

Uh, oops, was I supposed to be losing weight? I forgot. Maybe it was my womanly monthlies that took over my consumption, but I had a huge plate of Chinese food last night. I have not gone to a meeting because E has been working with me this week and she just does not do to well when she gets hustled around all day long. So I guess it's time to re-group, again, but after the holiday. How are YOU doing, dear General?

Cable

Perhaps I should re-consider getting cable... This is pretty f*cking halarious. (Crank up the volume for this jammin' rap)

Holiday Cheer

Ella has been enjoying the tree and other holiday decorations. She likes to play Santa by filling up all the stockings with her toys and then we all pretend it's Christmas morning. She could play that game all day long, but we get a little tired of the repetitiveness.

This year Ella was in charge of decorating the tree. She loved it so much that she takes things off of the tree every now and again so that she can re-decorate it. Last year my friend LA and I bought all the trimmings. We selected PLASTIC items just for this purpose. There may be a year when Ella can handle breakable things, but I am so glad we opted for the durable variety right now.

Oh, and did you notice that she has Hot Chocolate all over her face in all of these pictures? Boy, she loves Hot Chocolate. I make it at home with super good pure cocoa powder that my old boss at Educare gave me. Just add a little sugar and organic milk and voila! Perfection...

Post Party Post

Here's some bevies. Not very impressive, but some people brought beers too. You would think that a party at our house would have a super swank bar showing... I guess we are not high-class swingers after all. But, we sure can eat!!!
These are the yummy roasted veggies I prepared.
Ooh, goat cheese and black olive croustades. Delightful!
Warm and cheesy Fun-Do
Super Good Bruschette

It's not every day that everything I make turns out delicious, so I am super proud of this achievement. And all my food was gone super fast, so I think the guests liked it, too. Other people brought other yummy things, but I if I posted one of theirs then I would have to post them all, and I didn't want to do that. I will say that Michelle's spinach and mushroom enchiladas were super super tasty. And were even better for my breakfast on Saturday!

Creativity Abounds

Last night, as I was reading Ella a bedtime story, Ella asked "who makes books?" I told her that all different kinds of people make books and that she can make one, too. Well, she woke up this morning calling out "Mamma, mamma, I am ready to make my book!" She told me the story and I wrote it out then she colored her pictures and I tried my best to bind the pages. I think it turned out pretty good. When I get home tonight I am going to scan the book into the old computer and try to post her book on my blog. She asked for help on some parts of the pics, but I only drew what she told me, I promise.

Have Yourself a Horrid Little Christmas

Check out these "Enemies of Christmas"...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/thespiritofhalloweenatchristmas
I think it is rather funny, but I am sure I would not want try and explain such displays to Ella.

It's Party Time!

Hey, anyone who wants to come over tonight is more than welcome... Our little shin-dig starts at 6 and will last until we kick people out, so, 6:30. Just kidding! It'll wrap up around 9. I know people wont care that I did not get the house cleaned up, but I care. I am just telling myself not to let it ruin my night. I decided to make four vegetarian hors d'ourves: fondue; bruschetta; black olive & goat cheese croustades; and roasted veggies. If the food sucks I shall be crushed. I wonder how many people will show up? We invited a lot of folks. I think this is the first time we have ever had a "real" party. All the other times people have come over they were relatives or such close friends they may as well be related. The people coming tonight are all new friends and/or Green Party members. And the Clio's, who are really quite wonderful.
I really wish all of our I.C. & Pella friends could come too. And our special friends who live far far away. But you guys will just have to read my blog this weekend to see how things turned out. Maybe I'll post some pics.
Have a great weekend!

Before the weekend

It's Thursday and I have a million things on my mind, and on my "to do" list, but procrastinating seems to be all I can accomplish.
Due to bureaucratic mumbo jumbo, my job cannot be posted yet. I am thankful because I don't have to worry about it over the holidays, but I really do think that this time of year was the best possible timing. I guess we can try again in the spring. Or, the next time I get a letter from the state about a job opening I can request an interview. But I really and truly like my job. It's a good fit. And my boss is super. I am sure I will write something more if any thing changes, but for now the "job file" is closed. Things remain the same.
It's snowing again. It's snowing at my folks house, too. I put up a little weather sticker for them. I am usually curious about how things are with them. But I think our weather stickers are out of sinc. The last time I looked at it I was one minute in the future... Or they were in the past.
I am going to make some yummy food tonight for our party tomorrow. I have been snacking today, too. I think I have a serious case of PMS because I am craving sweet things.
Gotta go...

Wednesday

"Today
Snow. 4 to 5 inches of accumulation expected. Blustery...with blowing and drifting snow. Highs in the lower 30s. Southeast wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 100 percent.
» ZIP Code Detail
Tonight
Snow during the evening...then light snow...drizzle or freezing drizzle likely after midnight. An additional 2 to 3 inches of accumulation expected...bringing totals to 6 to 8 inches. Blustery... with blowing and drifting snow. Lows in the upper 20s. Southeast wind 15 to 25 mph shifting to the south at 10 to 20 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 100 percent."
Now doesn't that seem like a beautiful forecast? I think it is appropriate for my mood...
As many of you know, I have a pretty good job at the U, and would like to keep it. It's kind of hard to get a foot in the door there, so I had to take a position as LTE (limited term employment), in hopes to get permanent status later. Well, my boss is resigning as Director at the end of spring semester so we decided to gamble and put my job up for permanent status. Being a state agency, this means that anyone who is currently permanent and has seniority may apply and get the position. Because it must be posted for 5 days my boss figured this was the best time to do so. It's the middle of winter, Christmas break is next week, and people have other things on their minds. And it's only 20 hours a week with some evenings and a comparatively low salary to most U jobs. So our big hope is that no one will apply. Then I get to have my job as a permanent position and all the rights of other Unionized Government Employees. If things don't go my way then I will be unemployed on January 3. It's risky and I am a bit nervous, but if I don't go for it now then I run a greater risk of losing my job with a new director at the end of spring semester when people are more likely to want a job change. So roll the dice because we're taking a gamble. And Ron and I could always sell the house and move into a shack, right?

Report to the General

I was unable to make my meeting today because E had to have a physical. I will try to make it tomorrow. In the mean time, here is something for you to look at!

Ella's last birthday, January 11, 2005. Pink clothes, pink cake, pink eye! Long and luxurious hair... I really do not miss that dumpy old rental house.

Idle Mind

We don't know what we are doing for the holidays. G-Peg had to have a little heart surgery last week. She seems to be recovering well and is back at her apartment. Ron is a little less stressed. Ella is becoming such a girl. Almost all the little baby has grown out of her and I am amazed and a little sad. She'll be four in four weeks. As with most folks, I am taking stock of all the year's changes. And I am trying my hardest not to get the Holiday Blues. I did not get all the things done this weekend that I hoped I would, but progress was made.
I overindulged in food, and am trying not to be too mean to myself about it. Why oh why is it so hard (mentally & physically) to be my correct weight? And why do I feel the need to blog about it? I have been told that sharing all this info with friends and family creates a supportive community for me to reach my goals. It's also a little embarrassing. Oh well. A little humility never killed a person, right?
I have been missing my friends. Perhaps it's the season that makes me lonely for conversation and company. I wish I could see Jenny, but she has disappeared into the North Woods of Minnesota. LA is far away, too. And all those people I miss in Seattle are Very Far Away. I am dwelling on this and should probably get my butt in gear and do something productive this morning. Like get the cat littler and cat food, go to the bank, and get ready for work. Idleness is not my pal.

TGIF

I am really looking forward to this weekend. Maybe because I know we are going to get some things done around the house, we don't have any major plans (unless GPeg needs something), and my daughter is finished with the virus she's had all week that made her throw up a lot. I want to go grocery shoping tonight so that we don't HAVE to go anywhere. I wish our house were a little warmer, but if we all just snuggle up together we'll be toasty. We are having a small party next Friday so Ron and I are going to get some cleaning and organizing done this weekend. I am looking forward to the party and think I'll make fondue or something. This entry is definately not my best, but I am feeling scattered today. Maybe Ella will let me sleep in tomorrow morning then bring me breakfast in bed?

Report to the General

Good news, Ma'am: Minus 5.4 this week. My total de Cline is 15. I got a gold star from the nice lady today...

Baubau's Little Buddy

Baubau has made a special new friend! I know it's a little hard to see through the window plastic, but his new little friend is a squirrel! And boy does that squirrel like to tease Mr. B by sitting outside and shaking his fluffy tail right in front of Baubau's nose! What Fun!
Baubau just thinks about chasing and eating him.

Wisconsin Cold Causes Children to Climb Walls

Ella and her, buddy Janetta, had a fun evening together. They started off the night by climbing the walls!

Then we all settled into some arts and crafts. Magic Noodles.

Here is Janetta's Little Hula Dancer. Isn't it cute?!

We are looking forward to Janetta coming over again next week. She and Ella have tons of fun. They particularly enjoy "Dance Party Time". They crank up some rocking tunes then run and dance and play. It wears us all out! I think we'll have pizza, too.

Report to the General

General De Cline: I gained 2.2 pounds. That is the last time I hang out in the kitchen with you scarfing yummy leftovers! No More, I say!!! At least until Christmas... Can't wait to see you again. (Man, it was fun to eat all that food)

Thank Goodness

Thanksgiving is over, whew!
I know I ate too much, just like everyone else, but I did not eat as much as I would have if it weren't for WW. I have not had a chance to get on a scale since I got home, but have to weigh in Wednesday anyway... I plan on following every rule until then. And I am going to be so darn well behaved that by Christmas I plan to be 10 ponds lighter. I can do it, I can do it! Ella had a really good time. She played with Henry, her cousins, all the second and third cousins, and her grandparents. She FINALLY got to go fishing with Grandpa Al. She has been calling him about twice a week for the last two months asking him to take her.

We had a safe trip and are very thankful to be home. I hope all of you had a great Holiday, too.

Report to the General

Alas, I am up .6. I think I just need to re-commit. Hunker down, get some new battle gear? Or perhaps this is what happens after two months. A minor set back and an opportunity to set new goals. Yes, I'll look on the bright side: I got to eat chex mix, Thai food, drink beer, and sit on my ass, and it only cost me .6 pounds! Now I shall get back on the old wagon and be diligent for another two months, at which time I can go out and enjoy MORE Thai food, beer, etc...

Loser

I am a little afraid of tomorrow. What a naughty week I had! Beer on Friday, Chex Mix on Sunday, Oh No! Maybe if I am very very good today it wont be so bad...

The Weather or Brrrr Again

Thanks to a few helpful hints from my Good Friend Michael I now have a weather sticker on my page! Yeah! Everyone can know exactly how cold it is in Oshkosh! And if you click on the sticker it will take you to The Weather Underground for more detailed information. How lovely.
We got some super sweet "school" photos of Ella and I am in the process of getting some frames for them to send out to the Grandparents. I need to find a three picture white frame for Grandma Esther and Grandpa Ron, a black three picture frame for Grandma Andy and Grandpa Al, G-Peg has hers all ready, I need a tasteful frame for Grandma Beth's picture, and I need a frame for mine, uh I mean Ours. Hopefully I can get them all in one store and pack them up to ship before December. I just hate last minute rushing around. After these pictures are framed and sent I am done with Christmas shopping. I may pick up something special for G-Peg, but Ron and I got each other windows for Christmas and Ella has more toys than she knows what to do with. I think we may have her fill one box with toys she no longer needs and she can donate them to a shelter or something. We did a clothes and book purge last month for a Hurricane Katrina family that moved here. So it's time for the toys. I wonder if that Family wants the toys, too. We should give them a call and see how they are doing.
Anyhoo, I am looking forward to next week. It will be good to see our family and friends again. Jenny and her gang will be back from Minnesota to pack all their belongings for the move. I'll miss having them in IC, but know they will be a happier clan in the wild. Ron and I have been looking more at tracts of land to purchase near Minnesota. It's a dream, but a fun one.

Report to the General

Minus 0.8, Ma'am. (I guess two nights of pizza is naughty)

Girrrl Party

Ella and Clio had a Girl Party...

They played dress up!

They told Funny Jokes!

They had a bath in the Big Tub!

And then they were so sleepy!

What wonderful girls.

Stripper

No, I have not become one, I have just been practicing. Stripping wall paper is so overrated! I think I should just move. I worked on the from stairs yesterday and gave up in frustration. There is just one too many layers and I don't have the endurance. I am very seriously thinking about the bead board paneling we used on the back stairs. It's pricey and I would need some help, but it is definitely easier and really looks good when finished. I either need to get my dad up here or borrow Dale for a weekend. And what am I going to do about that ceiling? Help! I know I need to put up new drywall. I bet I could get Dale... Hmmm. Maybe all the Levelwinds, since they seem to be in a state of flux at the moment.

Stitch -n- Bitch

I am really looking forward to next semester. We, The Women's Center, are going to host a knitting group for an hour once a week! Hurrah! I got out my needles and yard, along with my book that teaches kids to knit, and spent about 4 hours knitting 8 rows of 50. So slow, yet very rewarding. I have always wanted to be proficient at knitting and am hoping that this group will give me some skills. If I lived in Minne I could join the International Craft Conspiracy but I am much too far away. Maybe I should send them pics of Ella's Halloween costume? I think that is such a cool group of women.
I talked to LA yesterday and got all excited about painting my dining room again. Maybe I should just skip worrying about finishing those stairways and start in on the job? I don't think Ron would be too hip on that idea, but I think I could get it all done in a week, depending on the wallpaper situation. I really think stripping it is the right thing to do. I could make cushions for the bench seat! I could put some wonderful art work of Ella's on the walls! I have big dreams for that space. I wonder when my parents are going to visit again... If I could get Mom to hang out with E and Dad to help me do the job correctly... There I go again, off in dream land, imagining a perfect world.

Sleepless Nights Don't End

Ella had a bit of a tummy ache last night. She was up crying off and on all night long. Poor little thing! She seems pretty perky this morning, but I am keeping her with me today just in case she has some kind of virus. I don't want to get all those other kiddies sick.
I feel like I have a million things to do, but I just don't want to do any of them. We got a letter from the window people today and they will have the manufacturing done by the 21st, and install, I hope, before December. It was super windy yesterday and even with all the plastic on the windows this place was drafty and cold. Maybe it will prove to be impossible to get it "tight". But I'll keep trying. I know we have to get the attic insulated, but when? And how do we transport the rolls of insulation? What a pain in the ass. I wish I knew more about things, or was more capable of getting things done. Blah, I am just not in the best of moods today.
I want friends to come visit, or to go see them. I think I need a vacation that is all fun and no hassles. How does one plan such a thing?

New PJs

Ella got some extra cozy new pajamas this weekend in preparation for a chilly winter.
She REALLY, REALLY, REALLY likes them!
If anyone wants to contribute to her clothing fund it would be appreciated. She seems to be having quite a growth spurt these days.

A Report to the General

General de Cline:
Minus 3.4 and counting, Ma'am.

Forgot to post these!

I wanted to post these for Halloween, but time slipped by...

Here is Ella with the first pumpkin we carved. She picked out the pattern then traced it on to the squash. I did the cutting. She thought the goof was cold and slimy. And this is with candle in the dark. Oooh, Aahhh.

Friday

It's finally Friday! What a busy week. At times I thought of interesting things to write about here, but then lost the thoughts by the time I sat down at the computer... Sorry to leave you all with nothing from me. It's funny, I used to think no one read this, but if I forget or get too busy to write I get some funny phone calls "hey, why haven't you posted?". My only response is a shrug. Of course, the caller can't see my shrug, but it is a shrug nonetheless.
Points of interest:
I had a brief moment on Tuesday where LA was on-line at the same time as me! We shared about two sentences of IM and it was divine!
My parents are back from Florida with minimal damage. My Uncles and Aunts did not get off so lucky, but no one was injured. So it is good news.
Ella has been in the mood to push her boundaries. She's also been flexing her debating muscles. It is interesting to witness all the good and challenging personality traits of a wee person I love so much.
I still like my job. I like my boss. I am pretty content with things in general. Except the people who run this country...
I am thinking of giving my family a "challenge" game on Saturday. I want them to be more aware of just how much I clean up after them so I was thinking of having them pick up and throw away the little bits of garbage they see in the house and around the yard. If you see it, throw it away right away! Just one day of mess awareness, kind of like a Hardy family Earth day. I'll have to think of a prize... Any suggestions? Yesterday I was walking along with Ron and I was thinking about cleaning. Ron said something along the lines of 'You could be thinking about all kinds of other things, like the environment...' Well, our home is the environment, right? I think Ella will be better able to learn about nature conservation, clean air & water, and not littering if we practice what we preach in our home and yard.

A Report to the General

Dear General de Cline,
Tooper Hardy here with a WW Report: -1.2 and counting Ma'am.

It's November

I am sorry to disappoint the masses who read this, but I did not get any new pictures of Ella last night. We were just too busy trick or treating. We went to G-Pegs first, then headed off to Clio's. She lives near Washington street, which has the best trick or treating in town. The whole street was filled with people! This is one of those neighborhoods that gets all decked out for the holiday. Tons of decorations, people handing out the candy in scary costumes... Totally in the Halloween spirit. One house said they got enough candy for 800 and they ran out before 7pm. (The begging hours are from 5-7 in Oshkosh)
Ella was so pooped out that she fell asleep in the car on the way home, and it was not even 7:30.