Interplanet Janet and Her Galaxy Girls

2009-04-11T17:25:00.001-04:00

For my sister and other math geeks (I do not apply as I understand none of this). Renee and Carol eat your heart out!

2009-02-12T14:08:00.003-05:00

It is hopeless--Emma will be a fun-loving nerd out to save the planet. She got 2 Harry Potter books and a Dragonology book for her birthday. She was sad we wouldn't take her to a State Radio concert on Friday. And she's currently trying to raise money for CAPS, a group she's in at school. CAPS stands for Children Actively Promoting Social Change. It is hopeless.

2009-01-28T20:34:00.002-05:00

You should not play leap frog on the couch. As adults we know this, but as children, we apparently need to learn the hard way. Unfortunately, that usually involves a trip to the ER and some sort of external means of holding your head together. Why do the young not learn from the wisdom of the old?

Esther opened her head for the second time in her short life by making a course change after colliding mid-air with her much larger sister. This one required staples as opposed to stitches and much less blood (Esther's), sweat (mine), and tears. If you are ever fortunate enough to visit the ER late at night with a busted up child, please be aware that it usually requires the following things:

1. No pants--Despite having a fully clothed upper body including a fleece pullover, the lower half is mysteriously disrobed

2. Blood stains on the newest, often expensive, clothing they own

3. A guilty (looking?) sibling

4. Some sort of doctoring on your part--such as hold this topical anesthetic on her wound or hold her down while we wrap her in this straight jacket and stitch her not quite numb head

5. Ruining a perfectly good evening of watching movies before a Monday holiday

2009-01-14T10:03:00.003-05:00

If you'd like to support a great cause and possibly win a great prize, then buy a raffle ticket to support Everybody Wins! Atlanta. All donations are tax deductible and support our literacy programs designed to give children the skills they need to succeed in life. Click on "Raffle" on the website to show your support!

2008-12-20T21:15:00.002-05:00

It is that time of year to catch everyone up on our annual happenings. Not being Christmas letter people, I thought I would let Shaun sum up our year in his favorite form of expression:

Two Thousand and Eight
A bunch of stuff happened here
Still just 2 kids. Phew!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!

2008-12-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

It is Christmas time, and many of us feel the tug to give back at this time of year. One of the easiest ways to do this is by dropping some spare change in one of the Salvation Army's Red Kettles. Yes, you might be annoyed by the bell every year, but in 2007 that bell raised $118 million dollars to help feed and clothe those in need. Pretty powerful with just your pocket change.

If you are really feeling generous, pick up an extra hot chocolate on your next Starbucks run and give it to the Bell Ringer. All are volunteers helping to make a difference--often in the very cold weather. Happy Holidays!

2008-12-01T13:05:00.002-05:00

Things I am thankful for:
My husband who has as much a bleeding heart as I do and agreed to help my dad move my demented grandfather 400 miles to a new home;
My children who actually paid attention long enough in church to want to do something to help children in Africa (we're still working on the what);
My mom who listened to me complain about my washer/dryer breaking even though someone had just plowed into their car parked in front of their house;
My dad who deserves a medal for all the crap he's had to deal with lately;
My sister who picks up my kid at school when she misses the bus;
My other sister who reminds me why we work so hard for other people's children;
My brother who makes me laugh--even though sometimes I don't think he means for me to;
My friends who expect nothing more from me than to hang out in their kitchen (or my couch or wherever) drinking and cracking jokes;
My coworkers who challenge me to be better everyday;
The many people I meet randomly who remind me that everyone has a story and can teach me something.

Better late than never--Happy Thanksgiving to all!

2008-11-10T11:19:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I took a new job with a non-profit called Everybody Wins! Atlanta. I have worked for them for 2 years in the position of School Coordinator and now move into Program Coordinator. Real office, real hours, real work. Very excting!

This is a great organization working to bridge the literacy gap for low-income students. As with any non-profit, you can get involved by giving a donation (much needed in this economy!) or give your time volunteering to read to students once-a-week. We need both so check it out!

2008-07-21T19:28:00.003-04:00

I'm going to Scottsdale, AZ. I've never been and I'm excited. Anyone know anything to do? This trip is free--I won a sort of "employee of the month/quarter" at West Elm called Catch the Spirit. Believe me, the cheerleading jokes were numerous (many coming from Shaun of course) and there were spirit-fingers all around. But honestly, it is really cool because I am one of only 4 West Elm employees chosen nationwide and much of my time will be free to hang by the pool and visit the spa.

So, again I ask, anyone have recommendations for Scottsdale in August?

2008-07-16T21:16:00.002-04:00

Back to school! And finally at the same school!

2007-10-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

I have been working really hard on getting an event together for a new foundation board that I am on--the Centennial Place School Foundation. We recently had to reschedule the event--which means prolonging the work. If you are interested in seeing what it is all about or reading more about the foundation go to:

www.cpschoolfoundation.org

Warning: the website is early in its development.

2007-10-11T09:06:00.000-04:00

We finally got our new car! Actually we've had it for a month, but I've been too busy to post. Yes, it is red--really, really primary red. Interesting since we said specifically--NOT red. But we waited 7 weeks for it--no going back. At least you can't miss us!

2007-09-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs an Andrea...

2007-08-30T19:15:00.000-04:00

It's so hot--even the squirrels don't know what to do...

It's hard to see but the squirrel is stretched out between two limbs in the tree trying to cool off in the shade. The heat wave finally broke--it is now only around 90 after spending several weeks around 100. I mean I know this is the south but come on already!

2007-07-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

Emma broke her elbow.

She says Esther did it.

2007-06-27T00:08:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be very hard watching my kids play sports. I lived in fear of becoming one of those crazed, screaming sideline parents. I had this fear because I am incredibly competitive. Lucky for me, this competition seems to be all self-directed and doesn't seem to be exercised on my kids. Too much.

Emma is not competitive. She wants everyone to be happy and friendly. She wants to hug everyone after a game/race/etc. She wants to stop and smell the roses while everyone else is trampling them to be line leader. Then she started swim team. It is her first direct competition with another person. And she has been finishing last--not so last as to be pitiful or out of her league. She just misses it a little each time. But tonight she finally beat someone--from her own team--and she feels good. Maybe a little too good...

2007-06-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

This is about cars and babies.

These things might not seem to really go together. But they are two things that have been on my mind lately and continue to come up--sometimes in the same context: we have been looking for a new car. For those of you who have been around us, you know that this can not happen too soon as our car is slowly dying (and in fact did yesterday though Shaun is working right now to resurrect it). This week we test drove and looked over the car that we will be getting. As Shaun is looking it over and seeing the various features, he says "And it has the latches for a car seat." My response: "For the baby we will be having?". "No," he says quickly, "in case we have to take Benjamin anywhere." Benjamin is our friends' third child. Why we would be taking him around in our car and not his two sisters who are friends of Esther's, I do not know. Shaun is sending me mixed messages. He knows I want another baby and he says things like this to me!

Does anyone sympathize with my plight!?!

2007-06-22T00:07:00.001-04:00

It is summer break. And even though ours is short, or maybe because it is, we are taking it easy. The absolute best thing about being a stay at home mom is summer vacation. I'm like a kid again when I think about going to the pool and eating ice cream bought from a truck! The house is a mess, we always have towels draped over the front railings, we lay around half naked because of the heat. I wouldn't have it any other way!

2007-06-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

We are back from vacation in Williamsburg, VA. If Virginia is for lovers, than Williamsburg is designed to entertain the children they produce.

Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation!

2007-05-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

Things that make me happy right now:

1. That Esther got into pre-K! It meant Shaun had to camp out for 16 hours but we got in. This means no more paying for preschool which leads to #2:

2. We are finally buying a new car. While this doesn't really make me happy (more like angry), I'm glad we have made a decision especially since I keep thinking I'm going to leave the front half of my car behind every time I go anywhere.

3. That Publix now has store-brand organic milk. I buy lots of organic products, belong to a CSA, and generally consider myself an environmentalist however I couldn't really afford organic milk since we go through a gallon every 2-3 days and it costs $6/gallon. But the store brand changes everything. Plus I tend to be a store brand sort of person because I have a hard time knowing my money is going into vast marketing tools of necessities and development of more corn-based products.

4. In the same vein, Kroger now offers a much more extensive store line of organics. Go us!

5. That I am going camping with the girl scouts this weekend! I remember my first campout and I am eager to spread the love to girls who live in the city.

2007-03-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Us! Happy Birthday to Us!

The birthday marathon is officially over. After 3 birthdays in 4 weeks, I'm beat. But we had fun:
Emma is 7. She had a circus party!
Esther is 4. She had (another) princess party!
Shaun is 33. He drank heavily and lamented his passing years!

2007-02-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! After many weeks of cold weather--with no snow I might add--it looks like Spring is finally going to arrive in Georgia. Remember--we can usually count on it being around 60 this time of year.

I took a walk, we went to the park, we are going again tomorrow. I must say that if it wasn't for the springs, I probably wouldn't still be in the ATL.

2007-02-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

Everyone has to admit that they are still a little in awe of firemen even as an adult. It is still cool to watch them and they have a certain aura (of course now I can talk to them and find out they are normal people--as with many things, maybe we should just view from afar).

So we had an enjoyable day recently when the fire department came to do some training next door. The two houses next door to us were purchased and slated for demolition. The developer donated the houses to the fire department for training. The first day they came and did a few little things like cutting holes in roofs and chopping out windows. "That was cool", I thought and went about my business. Emma took pictures.

The real action happened a few days later when a huge crew came back for the real fun. After planting several dummies in the houses, they carefully collapsed the houses around them and then sent the trainees in to find the dummies.

The neighbors couldn't figure out what was going on. The news crews hovered over trying to determine if anything news-worthy was going on. Fun was had by all (including the firemen)!

Of course now we just need the developer to come clean up the mess. . .

Good work boys!

2007-01-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

A new year. A new me.
New Year's Resolutions abound. Most people resolve to lose weight or get organized (I asked for that for Christmas, so I am ahead of the game). I resolve to blog more! The fall was too busy and I got out of the habit! So Happy New Year. Here is 2006 in review for all those visiting for the first time or who have no idea what is happening in our lives:

As for any year, 2006 had highlights and lowlights but was a normal year if you can call anything normal around here! (Quite of bit of this is covered in the archives--including pics!)

Esther started out the year on a high note by falling and busting her head open on our hearth tile. So on my first kid visit to the ER, I got to hold her down while they stitched her up. Now all her self-portraits include a slash across her forehead for her boo-boo. We also started what has turned out to the be the very long process of trying to get her into speech therapy. Still working on it, but she is making great progress. This year included her 3rd birthday at the park, the continuation of gymnastics classes, the beginning of dance classes, and her start at a formal preschool. She goes twice a week to preschool immediately next door to Emma's elementary school and goes once a week to our neighborhood co-op. Although she is still a bit quiet, she loves school and everyone loves her (who wouldn't!). She is a wiz at letters, writing, and anything requiring fine motor skills. Her speech has improved dramatically! She also has her first loose tooth--only because she got hit in the mouth--but thinks it is great! Now she is eagerly anticipating yet another princess birthday party and finally being 4. Apparently, when you turn 4 you magically like spinach, don't like carrots, and get to go to school every day. Who knew that 4 was SO grown up!

Emma started her year in kindergarten and ended it in 1st grade going on high school. Kindergarten went well--she loved her teachers and had a wonderful year-end "graduation" including singing, dancing, and dressing up! February saw a "Narnia" birthday party complete with costumes and treasure hunt to Narnia as well as the first tooth lost. By the end of the year, she had lost 4 and had another 3 threatening to jump any day now. She has grown at least 3 inches in the last year. I will lament further on the growing up of my baby--she can't decide whether she wants to watch Dragon Tales or The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. She owns both "High School Musical" and "Molly: An American Girl Movie". Emma enjoyed the summer--both zoo camp (again) and swimming (her favorite sport). She played soccer both spring and fall. Undefeated in spring, almost completely defeated in fall. She loves 1st grade and has her first "crush". She finished off the year trying out and getting a spot in our school's production of the musical "The Wiz" and losing the coveted spot of Mary in the church pagent. She was a wise man which turned out to be way better--a sparkly costume and crown, a pretty box to carry, and the last kid in which meant a prime spot up front.

Shaun is still hard at work with the neighborhood. He escaped being pulled back into the presidency and is still Vice President. It does not seem to have affected his workload but takes him out of the direct crossfire. He will soon unveil the neighborhood's latest project--the 14th Street Streetscape plan. 14th Street is a major thoroughfare (and state highway) that cuts through the heart of our neighborhood. Speaking of our neighborhood--it continues to change. Atlantic Station has introduced a new element, midtown is changing dramatically around us, the west side is beginning to make its mark--we will see how it all plays out! Shaun also continues to take on new and exciting projects at work. He had a number of new express bus lines open around the metro area. All seem to be very popular with suburban commuters looking for ways to get our of their cars! He is also working on the outer perimeter project (a big deal in metro ATL). He loves his work (how GREAT is that!) and continues to bike to work. He also volunteers at church as a kindergarten Sunday school teacher and does presentations at Emma's school about pedestrian safety.

As for me, this year has brought a lot of changes and 2007 poses many more. After staying home for years, I now receive paychecks from 3 different places. Last year, I began working "for the holidays" at a furniture store called West Elm owned by Williams-Sonoma. I am still there and will be as long as I enjoy it. So, if you get gifts from Pottery Barn, W-S, or WE you'll know why--I get a great discount. I also started working part-time at Emma's school as a Parent Volunteer Coordinator. This led to another opportunity to coordinate a reading program called Everybody Wins! at the school. Volunteers from surrounding businesses come to read to "at risk" students during their lunch time. This all meshes with my other volunteer efforts at the school as PTA Fundraising Chair (I have raised over $35,000 to date) and Parent Rep to the Local School Council (an elected 2-year term). This year will probably see another change in my employment status or at least more juggling what I do now--I say "Bring it On!!"

As a family, we took a number of trips. First, our annual Spring Break trip to visit Rachel and Cheryl in PC bringing home lots of strawberries. I also got to make a special trip down again in May for a surprise 30th birthday party for Rachel--she was actually really surprised which is saying something if you know Rachel. We also headed up to Binghamton in June to see the Green family and have a little reunion for Shaun's cousin's graduation. On our way back, we headed through Pennsylvania (hello Hershey factory!) to Washington, DC for a few days. We stayed with my cousin Camille (and Jay and Isabele) in their lovely home. Despite their busy schedule, they made us feel very at home and we had a great time exploring the city with the girls. We also saw our great friends Mike and Shirin. From there we went home with some camping along the way. Summer included lots of swimming and then back to school in July (remember, Emma is year-round). In August, I got to go on my annual girls' trip--this time to Seattle and right before my birthday. During fall break, we headed to Aruba for the first time in several years. We came back very rested and fairly tan! Thanksgiving was here with Shaun's parents. Christmas here with my family--Santa was great and brought scooters for both girls (best gift ever!). New Year's in Boston!

So I was looking over last year's blog posts and came across one complaining about all my appliances falling apart right before Christmas. As it turned out, we did not have to replace those appliances. But I will continue to hold that the theory still stands. This year the car fell apart right before Christmas and required lots of money flying out the window just to make it driveable. I should make a note of it for next year--"Something will require large amounts of money right before Christmas. Plan!"

Hope the new year is treating you well so far. We look forward to seeing you soon. Love and kisses to all.

Oh, and by the way, it wouldn't be a normal year if we weren't adding a new pet at the holidays. We now have a new frog, actually a tadpole at this point, named Spots. I don't do frogs so we'll see how long this one lives!

Happy 2007!

2006-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

Wow! I haven't posted in a while and so much has happened.

Let me tell you the woes of being a PTA mom. I am the new Fundraising Chair this year. Fun right? Especially with the constant reminders that we don't have as much football parking (a BIG money generator for us) and that everyone's budget relies on what I bring in. No pressure.

What has happened since July 5:

1. Emma started school (July 17)
2. Emma lost 2 more teeth and has a large gap in the front of her face
3. Started work two days a week at CPE
4. Kicked off major Sally Foster fundraiser
5. Esther started preschool and loves it
6. Shaun left me alone for a week with the children--Esther got Roseola, Emma got a stomach virus (though Shaun was home for that--Thank God!)
7. Trying to wrap up above mentioned major fundraiser
8. STILL working on upstairs bathroom

That's about it--doesn't sound like much unless you live it. We will survive to fight another day!

2006-07-05T09:05:00.000-04:00

Best excuse ever for not going to sleep:

After being in bed for 1/2 an hour, my six year old appears at the top of the stairs and says:
"Daddy, you forgot to take off my socks."

2006-06-28T12:39:00.000-04:00

So, I won an award at work--I was named the "Catch the Spirit" award winner for June. Despite Shaun's many cheerleading-reference jokes (most are about spirit fingers), I am very excited about winning. I'm not really sure why I am so excited, but here I am hoping I win the District award and get sent to a conference with managers and execs. All for a part-time sales job that was only supposed to last through the holidays. Go figure...

Oh and I also got a pen!

2006-06-16T22:22:00.000-04:00

From the Office of Misleading Charts:

Shaun snapped this outside a California Representative's office in the Cannon Building in DC. Apparently, $665 is half of $736 and only 1/7 of $1176.

By the way, this is by no means a political statement on my part in support of Medicare Part D, the administration's poor attempt at reform to help seniors pay for drugs which has meant lots of headaches and loads of paperwork for said seniors (but this is). It is too bad that in trying to make a valid point, you loose all creditability through your reporting methods.

2006-06-02T07:21:00.000-04:00

It is over. Kindergarten graduation was yesterday--complete with singing, recitation of poems, and lots of parents with cameras. Emma won the citizenship medal for her class (citizenship is a big theme at our school) as well as the priviledge of becoming a first grader. I think it is all going a little too quickly!

2006-05-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

As we enter smog season:

Pounds of smog-forming volatile organic gases produced annually by flatulence from each of the San Joaquin Valley's 2.5 million dairy cows, the California region's single largest source of smog-forming emissions contributing to its new ranking by the American Lung Association as having the dirtiest air in the nation: 20

Compare that with the average pounds of VOCs per car produced annually: 16

Interesting. Of course, there is more to the equation than just VOCs. Learn more about air quality and what you can do to make a difference at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/

2006-04-18T16:14:00.000-04:00

Nothing says rockin' Spring Break like cows!

2006-04-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

No surprise...Emma likes an audience. When asked for audience volunteers to "act" in the Boston Children's Museum's production of "Arthur Builds A Treehouse", Emma's hand shot into the air. Quite proud of herself. And rather giggly.

2006-04-12T13:56:00.000-04:00

Something happened today that reminded me that there is a God. Don't worry--I'm not going to start preachin' or anything. Just an interesting chain of events to remind me that most everything happens for a reason.

I lost my keys this morning. I found this out at 7:45 when I was already a little late leaving to take Emma to school. Normally she rides the bus but this morning I needed to see some people at the school plus she got to bed later than usual. No keys though. None to be found anywhere. We tore the house apart for a few minutes while I cursed (the girls lost interest in searching very quickly). Finally I realized that it was a futile search--my caffeine-deprived mind wasn't working well and the keys were not in any normal locations. So we left to walk to school.

Along the way we almost literally ran into Veronica (my sister) who was out for a short morning run. She decided instead of running to walk with us to school. The girls were thrilled. I got to complain about losing the keys and then chat about other things. By the time we got to school, we were all in a much better mood. I had resigned myself to being tied to the house all day. I was reminded of all the things I needed to accomplish around here.

Later, after finishing some much needed chores, I suddenly remembered seeing Esther playing with the keys, checked her pants (which I didn't realize had pockets), and found the missing keys. Apparently someone was watching me this morning and decided: 1)I needed to be reminded to put my keys where my kids can't get to them; 2)I could use a walk to school with my kids and, along the way see my sister for good measure; 3)Take it easy with errand running and stick around the house for a change. I've had a great day so far. There is a God (and he works in mysterious ways).

2006-03-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

I am sad to report the passing of Otto von Fish.

Like most pets, he was a stray that came into our life unexpectantly but was welcomed and lived a long and happy (we hope) life with us. He lasted for 1 1/2 years--admirable for a little betta fish.

Safe journey into the afterlife. We wish you well, Otto von Fish.

2006-03-10T14:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Esther,
Happy Birthday to you!

Esther made it to 3 and to celebrate, we hit the local park with about 15 other kids for a combination of sugar and running them into the ground--and of course lots of princess finery. Mission accomplished!

2006-03-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

As Shelly recently noted, we have not yet acknowledged the newest member of our family. We introduced yet another animal to the mix on Christmas Eve--a gray tabby male kitten who we eventually named Cosmo (though Emma calls him Playful).

He has worked his destructive self into our family rather quickly and continues to drive us all crazy. He has picked up my nice couch slipcovers with his claws, sprayed a few times in the house before he was fixed, chews up the bills while I pay them (this might not be so bad), and is driving my husband absolutely crazy. Though our most successful gift to our children to date, it has also been the most divisive. We finally had to institute days for each child with one day off for rest (mostly for us parents). The cat wakes up our children during the night by attacking and biting their feet while they sleep. Esther likes sleeping with the cat while Emma does not--unfortunately the cat likes it the other way around. Shaun threatens the cat with deportation on a daily basis.

However, he is the perfect cat for kids. He likes sitting on laps and does not claw the kids as they drag him around the house or squeeze him just a little too hard. He is quite a wimp actually. On Wednesday, I attempted to take him outside for the first time. He ran up over my shoulder and made a bee-line for a small gap to the crawl space--not for the back door that stood open. After hanging half in/half out for 2 minutes, he decided that under the house was safer and disappeared. I finally had to crawl under the house that night and dislodge him from the top of a support column. He was covered in cobwebs and generally in a bad mood. Who knows if he will ever venture into the great unknown again.

So, introducing Cosmo:

2006-02-28T08:35:00.000-05:00

This should tell you something about the number of ear infections Esther has had. When she plays doctor and checks ears, she pretends to change the tip of the tool before looking in the ear.

2006-02-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Emma,
Happy Birthday to You!!!

Emma's Cronicles party was fantastic with lots of swords, princesses, a treasure hunt through Narnia, and a visit from Mr. Tumnus. Happy 6th Birthday Emma!

2006-02-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

The other day I went up to wake Esther from her nap. But I couldn't find her. Because the gates were up in both doors, I knew she had to be in the room somewhere. I checked under the covers in both her and her sister's bed. This is finally where I found her:

Of course I had to check under the bed a couple times since she was all the way in the corner and had stuffed animals piled around her. Trying to extract a sleeping child from a space where I barely fit without causing her to pop up and bump her head is not easy. And what kid actually seeks out the place where we all know monsters lurk?? Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with my children.

2006-02-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

A very exciting rite of passage! Emma lost her first tooth the other day. She wiggled it until it came out with very little blood and no pulling. The tooth fairy visited that night--she swears she remembers the fairy feeling under her pillow but I can promise that she didn't even roll over.

2006-01-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

It was with mixed emotions that I opened Emma's homework folder last week and found a paper in there marked with a letter grade. This was clearly something different from her usual homework which is usually graded with variations of smiley faces. Then I realized it was a spelling test. At first I was happy for her, as it was marked with an A and everything was correct. Then I thought: "Wait a minute. This is a test. What in the hell are they giving a test to kindergarteners for?" I asked her about it. Here's the exchange:

Me: (holding up the paper) What's this Emma?
Em: It's a spelling test.
Me: You did well--you got an A.
Em: Oh. What does that mean?
Me: It means you got them all right.
Em: Oh. I'll always get A's then.

There are so many telling things about this whole exchange. She is still naive enough to have no idea what a test is or any of the implications that come with them. She is self-confident enough and naive enough to think she will always get A's. Put the bigger picture is more disturbing. We are testing our kindergarteners. Five year old children, who will soon be tested more than any person should, are being tested so they will get used to the process and understand what it means when a teacher announces a "test". Already we are introducing this concept that will bring tremendous joy and pain and anxiety in the years to come. I was hoping that this would wait a while. I guess that is my naivete.

I could get on my soap box about too much testing in school and the bass-ackwards way we in America have of approaching education. But I will save that for a later post. Right now I am just going to try to find a happy medium between pride and anger--wherever that is.

2006-01-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

What did you do last weekend?

This is what we did. . .

We made our inaugural visit to the emergency room on Saturday. After a difficult morning in which Esther had already fallen once and bruised her bottom, she raced across the living room, tripped on a stool, and dove head first into the tile in front of our fireplace. Even before we saw the blood, we knew it was bad. Then we saw the blood coming through Esther's fingers--head wounds bleed ALOT!

We packed Emma off to a neighbor's and headed to Piedmont Hospital--which I highly recommend for your average, non-life-threatening emergencies--for 3 hours of waiting, stitching, and signing of papers. Oh, and screaming. Already in a scary place, Esther had to be immobilized in a papoose-like contraption and her head stitched when it was not quite numb enough. But she was very brave and, by the time we got home, was fine and chasing the dog as usual. We even went to a kid's birthday party that evening.

And if you had any doubt that bad things happen in threes, on the way home from the party, we got rear ended. The car is fine but Shaun and I decided that we just needed to get home, put the kids to bed and proceed to drinking heavily.

2005-12-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas to all...

In this week between Christmas and New Year's, let's take a moment to pause and contemplate the wonders of the season. We have had fun so far. Where to begin? I suppose with Christmas Eve day as that is when our general Christmas festivities start. As I have mentioned before, it has become tradition to be part of the Children's Christmas Eve mass and pagent and Emma was to be a shepard. After attending all rehearsals and practicing her song (Away in a Manger) to excess (she is in that I-sing-so-well-that-everyone-surely-wants-to-hear phase) at home, she was ready for the show. We barely arrived at the church on time on Christmas Eve afternoon due to my tendancy to take on too many tasks at the last minute, but arrived more or less in one piece and were not the last ones to arrive--thank you very much! After depositing Emma downstairs to dress, I joined the other parents in the rush upstairs to secure prime locations for the service.

Here is what it looked like downstairs:
Note the girl in the very center of the picture dressed as the angel Gabriel. She has been eyeing this part for years and said that she did not want to be Mary because the costume was ugly--she was much more interested in the beautiful angel costume. She took her part very seriously.

Emma was ready to go:

Unfortunately, she did not get the stick she was desiring. I think they didn't have enough sticks for all the kids or maybe Emma just forgot hers when it was time to come upstairs--both are possibilities.

After the children came in during the gospel reading, the priest gave his homily and asked the kids various questions:

Though most of the kids started out VERY focused on their task, they were not warned that there would be a quiz and most of them gradually zoned out, moving closer to horizontal as the homily went on. And some of them answered questions but with answers that had nothing to do with the question. A few of the older kids redeemed them all with correct answers. All in all, the kids did a great job! It is definately a great way to usher in Christmas.

As for Emma next year, although the role of the angel Gabriel is the flashier role, I think she will want to be Mary as that is more likely to snag her the Oscar.

After mass, we headed to the Cincotta's house--long time family friends who we have been spending Christmas Eve with for maybe 20 years. We had great Italian food and the matriarchs took their grandchildren on a walk to find Santa. Alas, no Santa but there were pretty houses and they had a great time.

The Cincottas also gave me my best Christmas present--a stomach virus...

2005-12-17T16:18:00.000-05:00

Making Merry...

The drinks flowed

Antics ensued

And fun was had by all!

2005-12-13T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hold onto your hats, folks--two posts in two days!

Just wanted to say that I started my job at West Elm last night. After some frustration getting here, I have finally gotten in the door and I think I'm going to have fun. Come by and see me!

2005-12-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season when we are nearing our most hallowed of Christmas rituals--the children's pagent! For many parents, this remains the reason we send our children to Sunday school every week (that and taunting our beloved Shaun, who, as I have mentioned before, is a teacher). It is the time of year when we all get to lovingly look at our dolled up children and then laugh our asses off. We get to take blackmail-worthy pictures. And we get to witness grandparents curse other dolled up children for blocking their own lovely ones from view.

This is our third Christmas pagent. This year Emma graduates from angel to shepard per the rules of order--preK are angels, kindergarteners are shepards. For the boys, this is wonderful. They have decided since turning the wise age of 5 that angel costumes are not for boys. Their are a few girls who are not so happy--in their wisdom, they have decided that shepards are definately boys and they would rather be angels. As for Emma, she is very happy. She wanted to be a shepard last year and was disappointed when she found out she had to be an angel again. Here's how the conversation went:

Emma: Mom, I don't want to be an angel again. I want to be a shepard (looks longingly towards the shepards).
Mom (Janet): But your in preK so you are an angel. Come try on this costume.
E: But I REALLY want to be a shepard.
M: But you look great in this costume. You get wings. (Pause) Why do you want to be a shepard?
E: Because they get sticks.

That's when I look over at the shepards and find that they do indeed have sticks with big hooks on the end with which they are hitting each other.

M: Next year babes.

So that is what the pagent is to a 5 year old--it is all about the weapons. This year is Emma's year! Stay tuned for pictures!

2005-12-08T14:40:00.000-05:00

We've all heard of Murphy's Law but what is the law that states that all appliances/electrical devices/etc will fall apart at the same time? Why does this happen and why at Christmas when my monetary resources are focused elsewhere.

Our washer and dryer are continually acting up with more regularity during the last year. Why? Because they are 10 years old and it should be expected. However, in my mind they are not that old. The latest--the washer motor needed new brushes (again) and when it still didn't work, we found a wire had worked its way loose so no power was getting to the motor--thankfully an easy fix. Actually the very latest is that I just noticed that the dryer had tripped the local switch--signaling several months of headaches to follow. This has happened before and the problem was never properly fixed since we never were able to really figure out why the dryer was continually tripping the breaker. It means that I have to run up and down the stairs to switch it back on every now and then. Pain in my ass!

The other day I went to get a CD out of the car radio and found that I couldn't. I had been able to about 30 minutes earlier but somehow during my driving, the radio had lost whatever it is that commands it to spit my CD out. This sucks especially since the CD that got stuck in there is a Christmas one--not a bad one but Christmas music gets old fast as well as that whole seasonal thing. At least the Barbie CD didn't get stuck in there. And now I have an excuse for not putting said CD into the player.

This isn't our only car issue. A couple months ago our car check engine light came on. We have had more problems with our damn car in the past year or so. We took it to the shop and found out it was a simple fix requiring an inexpensive part--a part on backorder that wouldn't be available for 90 days. But the car was running okay and the shop said it would slowly deteriorate. If slowly means fine for 2 months then within 24 hours going from fine to driving like you have the emergency brake on, then I guess it went slowly. Now I am the little lady on the highway who can't get the car going faster than 55. Don't curse at me if you come up behind me on the highway.

Two days ago Shaun came out of the bathroom and said simply "The water heater is leaking". If any of you know Shaun, you know that he doesn't usually say anything simply. He usually has a lengthy diatribe/joke/explanation/etc. It is also interesting that he even noticed in the first place. We haven't even had much time to determine if it is really leaking, if we have some condensation issues, or if the pressure valve is blowing.

This is only the latest in our bathroom saga. If you have seen our bathroom, you will say that we have lots of bathroom issues since it isn't even finished and we have Tyvec on the wall in the shower. But our hot water handle on the sink faucet finally gave out. We simply turned off the water supply but that was unacceptable for guests. So we replaced the faucet and, while doing that, the sink came off the wall and onto Shaun's head. He put it back on but then had to realign the drain which is a pain because it is old. We were having leaks there for a while and now it seems to be clogged. Fun!

There are of course other things including old kitchen appliances, Shaun's bike needed almost all new parts, and just the general whole-house-needing-to-be-finished thing. Can anyone tell me if it ever ends? And don't be pissed when you open your Christmas presents and find McDonald's gift cards!

2005-12-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

So I got a job at West Elm for the holidays. I haven't actually started yet--I go for training on Monday. The whole ordeal has already not gone as planned so we'll see how it turns out. After putting in an application like 3 weeks ago, I immediately (the next day) went in for an "interview". This consisted of the manager asking questions like "If a customer came in to buy a sofa, how would you approach the situation?". Having shopped extensively myself, I passed with flying colors. There was a training session the next evening but they still had to "process my application"--which meant they had to call my references to make sure I was all that I claimed to be and, you know, didn't drool or anything. No problem right? Wrong. Somehow it took them 2 more weeks to contact my references. They finally did, called to tell me to come to training. But the training was scheduled for a full week from that call. So now my holiday job that I had hoped to start before Thanksgiving will now start next week giving me only about 3 weeks of work until Christmas. Hardly seems worth the hassle!

However, I do get 40% off at all the Williams Sonoma owned stores! So, come visit me at West Elm in Atlantic Station and try to still act surprised when you open your presents.

2005-11-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

Home Park rules! I love my neighborhood!

I have recently been re-smitten with my neighborhood. I have always loved it, but as with any long-term relationship, we had gotten into a rut and needed to add some spice. My neighbors have always been fantastic. For instance, they let me use their washer when mine breaks yet again (thanks Julie and Clark!) and let us jump on their trampolene (thanks Megan!). I have always enjoyed its central location and that I could get to most places within 10 minutes (in my car). But I was getting tired of waiting for promises to be fulfilled and my eyes were beginning to wander.

And then it finally happened! Atlantic Station has opened! Now I can walk to the grocery store. I can walk to shopping, restaurants, and eventually Target. I already walk all over the place--to Emma's school, the library, the park--and this just makes my life so much better! If they get a YMCA, I might never have to get in my car again!

Of course, you might be worried that you will never see me again. I will be a hermit within a 10 block area. But alas, have no fear. You too can visit Atlantic Station and understand why it is much better for you to come to me!

Proud to be a Homey!

2005-11-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Geez, I finally get around to doing this blog and all I get is lip from everyone. There's not enough information, where are the pictures, you have to post everyday. . . Come on people, give me a break!

So to satisfy all those who will never be satisfied, here is a bit to bring you up to speed. For many of you, this might be stuff you already know so bear with me. Much of this will also warrant further posts so you will just have to wait with bated breath until I get around to it.

What's up at 1209 Atl: We are STILL in the midst of our house renovation/addition. Since we are doing most of the work at this point, it will be many more years before it is really finished. At which point we will have to start redoing things. You see, I have this genetic disease that will not allow me to have my house remain the same for more than, like, 2 minutes.

Esther is 2 1/2 and a complete terror. She alternates between dressing in princess dresses singing songs to the CD she listens to through headphones on her personal CD player and crashing things into the dog and slugging her sister for no apparent reason. She really wants to go to school but has to settle for the Mother's Morning Out program we started in our neighborhood where she goes and plays with her friends--who all give her a run for her money on terrordom. She doesn't talk well (which leaves us guessing) and seems to use all her brain space finding ways to climb, run, jump, build things, and get a hold of things she isn't supposed to. She's not so bad to have around--she makes me laugh.

Emma is 5 1/2 and in kindergarten. She loves school, her teachers, following the rules, making new friends, etc. She is a bit spacey--and both us and her teachers regularly find her staring off into space or having an imaginery conversation. Her teachers love her and keep telling me so. Sometimes I want to say "Wait, what kid are you talking about?" but don't want them to be embarrassed that they might have the wrong kid. She takes ballet and is pretty good, if I do say so myself. However, having a teenage aunt has rubbed off on her and sometimes you would think she is 12 with the "whatevers" and eye rolling. We love her even if we want to give her to the first people to pass by sometimes.

Speaking of Veronica (the teenage aunt), she is currently in her freshman year at Georgia Tech and is also running on the cross country team. She's seems to be doing well but we don't get nearly the babysitting services we expected.

Shaun is busy with work, neighborhood, and church (yes, I said church). He has worked for GRTA for over 2 years and loves his work--he even gets giddy sometimes talking about the things he gets to do. For now he is president of Home Park, but will be giving up the reigns at the end of this year (whoopee!) but will remain on the board (booo!) so not much time difference but working towards exit. On to the church thing, Shaun is a Sunday School teacher at our church, Sacred Heart. OK, OK, pick yourself up off the floor and stop laughing--this is no joke. The NON-catholic member of our family has taught Sunday school to our daughter's class for 2 years. He adores the other teacher who is also a yankee (from NY) and many of the kids have known him since before they could walk. In his spare time, he works on the house, drinks beer while watching hockey, or yells at our kids who happily laugh at that crazy tall man--Oh, look Esther, he's at it again. Do you think his head might really explode this time? Let's see what it takes. . .

I (Janet) am busy with the kids of course. I am also volunteering with the church on the wedding guild and other miscellaneous things that they pull me into. I volunteer with the PTA and as a room parent at Emma's school, Centennial Place. We love the school and her teachers. They are one of the top schools in APS and have a lot of innovative things going on. And of course there is neighborhood stuff that keeps me busy.

So that brings most of you up to date. Although I give you crap, I actually really liked hearing from so many people that I haven't heard from in a while.

2005-11-04T12:48:00.000-05:00

So I decided to do this to appease Shelly. But I guess it would be a good way to keep our far flung family and friends up to date on our goings-on as well.

A disclaimer: our digital camera is dead (Christmas, hint, hint. . .) so I might be slow on the pics for a while.

Our current news for the week is that Emma has been chosen Student of the Month for her class. We are not sure how this happened since she would not be up for Family Member of the Month with the way she has been acting lately. But she is really excited because it means having her picture on the board in the cafeteria (remember, she is a bit of an exhibitionist) and, of course, cake. We are very proud, but as I said perplexed by the Jekyll/Hyde thing she pulls on the bus ride to and from school.

As for Esther, she's sick again which means she's grumpy and not sleeping well. Which of course means we are--well, you get the idea.