tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38017909112799670902024-02-20T13:53:03.932-05:00A Family is ForeverKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-7089593400986403312017-03-16T10:08:00.000-04:002017-03-16T10:08:03.476-04:00Amazon delivers......Y'all know how much I love Amazon. Even being across the world, Amazon is my friend. No, I don't know what I pay for shipping. And I don't care. I do know that I am a member of Amazon Smiles and am supporting Abby's Angels Foundation with every purchase. Therefore, the more Amazon I buy, the better.<br />
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Today, Katie sent me a text saying she used my Amazon account to purchase an item for a China friend. Said gift was being mailed to NY for another China buddy to retrieve during spring break and take back to Shanghai.<br />
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No problem. As long as you are using your own credit card, I don't care if you use my account.<br />
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Well, within reason.<br />
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Email from Amazon received. And this is what I saw:<br />
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You see what I saw, right? She was shipping kettle bell weights to NY to be carried back to China.<br />
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What the heck? That's insane.<br />
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Sent a text back. "Heavy gift to bring back."<br />
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Reply: "It's a charm. Pretty light. Can't tell if you are joking or not."<br />
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Me: "Oh, all I saw in the preview was 3D kettle bell."<br />
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Foiled once again by Amazon and it's ability to shorten the names of items shipped.<br />
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I"m not sure Katie has stopped laughing at me yet.<br />
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She did say that was the best thing she heard all day.<br />
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Glad I could oblige. Geesh.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-11721158521360775052016-09-16T04:55:00.001-04:002016-09-16T04:59:14.013-04:00The Quest for Black PantsWhen one finds out on Wednesday that a pair of dress black pants is needed for chorus in one week, the quest for the aforementioned pants begins.<br />
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Let's follow the trek to the city, shall we?<br />
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Exit the apartment complex via taxi to the nearest MTR station. </div>
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Pay the necessary 70HKD fare, keeping in mind it's really only $9 USD. </div>
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(This money thing is taking time to get used to, let me just say.)</div>
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Enter the station via escalator. (Note: to the right is the street where we were dropped off. To the left is a small mall.)</div>
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Once inside the MT R station, pull out your handy dandy Octopus card.</div>
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This card has money loaded on it for use on the MTR, city buses, school lunches, Starbucks, 7-11, McDonald's, and more. In other words, don't lose it or you lose your money. </div>
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Guess who lost their Octopus card first? Me. Yep. Somewhere at the high school. But, I digress.</div>
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Scan the Octopus card, find your necessary train, and board. If you are lucky, you will find a seat. </div>
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Sit back and enjoy the ride for a bit. Our journey today does not involve changing to a different line but does involve traveling past nine different stations. </div>
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Finally arrive at your stop. </div>
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As you exit the station, scan your Octopus card one more time for the fare to be deducted. Today's fare was about 9HKD.</div>
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Before walking too far, search the walls for the nearest maps. Locate your destination and the appropriate exit.</div>
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Exit A it is. Now, according to the map, Times Square Mall is a short distance from the station. But like most stations and malls in Hong Kong, they are connected by underground walkways. </div>
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So as you follow the signs to Exit A, you will end up directly in the mall. </div>
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If you enter from the street, this is what you'd see.</div>
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Destination reached. Thus begins the search for the elusive black pants. </div>
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All possible stores on 13 floors are searched but to no avail. Seriously. </div>
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As grumpiness ensues, it's best to stop for food. </div>
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Once nourishment has occurred, it's time to continue the search. </div>
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Head outdoors to find the next possible mall. After all, they are located everywhere. </div>
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And google is an awesome thing, let me just say. </div>
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Or, if you are sick of the whole adventure, just find the street of taxis and abort your mission. </div>
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But, alas, that is not a choice for you today. </div>
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Next mall located just up the street. Pants found and purchased. Guess where?</div>
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Yep, The Gap. Good grief. </div>
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But, due to the mid-Autumn holiday today, they were on sale for only 170HKD.</div>
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In other words, $22USD. </div>
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Mission accomplished. Now, figure out how to go home. </div>
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Enter the closest MTR station scanning your Octopus card once again. </div>
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Find the blue Island line with the train heading to your destination. </div>
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Board the train, stand through several stops until seats become available, and eventually end up back where you started. </div>
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To complete the trip home, choose between your personal driver via the red taxi or the crazy man driving the public mini-bus. </div>
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Today's journey included the crazy man and the mini-bus. Oh heavens. </div>
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Board the bus for the short ride home. When approaching your stop, yell at the driver.</div>
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He will stop at your complex where you walk the short distance up the hill to your building. </div>
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And just like that, the expedition for the black pants has come to an end. </div>
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<i>(by the way, if you take multiple pictures of things in public, your children will accuse you of acting like a tourist)</i></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-16010065568143275922016-08-30T04:07:00.000-04:002016-08-30T05:22:17.768-04:00A Trip to the Grocery StoreBuying groceries around here can be a daily experience, which is ever so much fun.<br />
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Let me walk you through a typical visit. </div>
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Since we have not bitten the bullet to buy a car, much less drive one, we rely on public or apartment provided transportation. </div>
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To begin my journey, I hop aboard the apartment shuttle bus to our neighboring town of Stanley, carrying my empty bags to be reloaded with groceries. </div>
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The nice bus driver man greets everyone as we settle in to enjoy our five minute drive. </div>
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He makes two stops, the final being <a href="http://www.stanleyplaza.com/StanleyPlaza/Pages/The_new_stanley_plaza.aspx">Stanley Plaza</a> where the grocery store is located. </div>
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Exit at the top of the complex, and take three escalators down to the second floor. Yep, escalators. </div>
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Unless I need money. Then I'll stop on the third floor at the ATM. </div>
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Folks, we aren't in Newnan anymore!</div>
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On the second floor, I have my choice of two places. We shall start our tour at A & M today. </div>
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A & M is an American grocery store that only sells items in bulk. And only dry goods. Evidently, they buy shipping containers of items from Costco. So, what you found there one time, you may not find the next time. Just depends on what was on the container. </div>
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I stopped there today for paper towels, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, and a few other comfort items from home. You know, like a big bag of M & M's. </div>
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And, best thing, they box it all up and deliver it to me. After all, I can't carry home a package of 16 rolls of paper towels. </div>
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Well, maybe I could but why bother?</div>
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Across the floor from A & M is the main grocery store. </div>
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This is Taste. It carries everything you need. Plus things you don't need.</div>
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Personally, I don't need to buy a fully intact, albeit dead, fish. Blech. But, they are available at the meat counter if you feel a great desire to imbibe. Just don't invite me over. </div>
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At Taste, I take a grocery cart (where all four wheels go in their own direction), and head down the aisles for produce, meat, frozen items, bread, wine, and more. </div>
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Keeping in mind, of course, that whatever I buy, I have to carry home. Alone. </div>
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Which means, I have to pick and choose the items I buy. And also explains why I am there so often. </div>
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Stores don't like you to take pictures of their items but I did sneak this one of the cookie aisle. You know I don't skip that section. </div>
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After waiting in line with a few Western moms and a bunch of Asian helpers (nanny/maid), I exit the store with my bags in tow. If you forget bags, you may purchase plastic ones at the checkout for fifty HK cents, which is the equivalent of about seven US cents. </div>
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I haul my trusty bags up three escalators and await my chariot home. </div>
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My ride home could be the shuttle bus if I'm timed my visit correctly. You see, he makes the trip to Stanley every thirty minutes. So, if I miss a pick up, I have to wait another thirty minutes for the next trip. </div>
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Or, I could take the handy dandy red taxi. </div>
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The shuttle bus man or the handy dandy taxi man drops me off at our building. </div>
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The doorman rushes to open the door for me, pushes the elevator button for our floor, and sends me on my way. </div>
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Elevator door opens on Floor 3 and I am greeted by my door. </div>
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Groceries unpacked and new list started for another day. </div>
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Likely that day will be tomorrow. </div>
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Welcome to Hong Kong!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-84078072300651088112016-08-11T09:12:00.000-04:002016-08-11T09:12:21.799-04:00The Pictures I Didn't TakeWe've had a week of all six of us under one roof. For the first time in years. Even at home, we didn't have all of us for that long. So, you'd think I'd have documentation of this extraordinary experience. <div>
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Nope. I have two pictures. One of all four kids when Alex arrived. And one at Disney. That's it. </div>
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I had good intentions though. </div>
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If I'd been a better mom, we would have shots to include:</div>
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*two big kids holding hands with two little kids while out and about</div>
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*smiles and giggles from four kiddos</div>
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*people taking pictures of the big ones in public (yep, for real---they are celebrities)</div>
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*four kids playing games together</div>
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*little ones cuddles up with big ones on the couch</div>
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*hanging on for dear life on taxi rides</div>
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*Alex playing drums on girls' heads</div>
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*strolling the mall in search of Dave's birthday gift and Anna's birthday cake</div>
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*my face on Space Mountain (well, it's Hyperspace Mountain here)</div>
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*Anna Grace navigating the Metro station (going the wrong way)</div>
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*six faces dripping with sweat in 90 degree weather but feels like 110</div>
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*taxi buddies--Abby said, "I love my taxi buddies (Alex and Dave). </div>
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*Alex nailing a Chinese guy on bumper cars after the dude took his picture</div>
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*our furniture arriving and rental furniture leaving at the same time. Oh my. </div>
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*Katie doing funky hair styles on short girls</div>
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*dinner on the waterfront</div>
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*riding the cable car over the mountain while at Ocean Park (think HK Sea World)-----I faced the floor the whole time</div>
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*the fish counter at the grocery store (alive and dead----yuck!!!)</div>
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*all the obvious stares from Chinese people upon seeing our family </div>
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*the last hugs when Alex walked out the door this morning</div>
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Our next visit will be at Christmas time. Don't know where we will meet but it will happen. </div>
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Until then, I'm going to pretend we moved to Hawaii. </div>
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Because that's not as far from Georgia as Hong Kong. </div>
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Still can't get home quickly but it makes it seem like we are closer. </div>
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Go with it.......</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-52838162917867234962016-07-25T05:38:00.001-04:002016-07-25T05:58:03.760-04:00First Week ObservationsAnd in no particular order......<br />
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**City streets are labeled with the appropriate "look left" or "look right" for those of us who fail to remember that cars drive on the left side of the road here. Nice of the city to not cause a game of "flatten the American" as we are out and about.<br />
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**Within the city center, there are indoor malls with the same stores seemingly on every corner. I mean really, how do they all stay in business?<br />
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**People here love their cell phones. I thought the US was bad. But, nope. Folks walk around FaceTiming each other, watching movies, watching tv, or just reading. And, I mean walk around the crowded streets, the mall, and the MTR (subway). Not just sitting on the train or a taxi. Craziness.<br />
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**Speaking of cell phones, trying to get service set up involves having to give up your first born kid. Sorry, Katie. But seriously, it was annoying and full of paperwork. Process made even more fun when the US bank freezes your account, even though they know we are here, which made our cards not work. Happened more than one time.....ugh.<br />
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**From the city to our apartment complex involves taking a taxi along curvy, narrow roads over the mountain. Gee, my favorite kind of driving. I can't even ride rollercoasters without feeling nauseous. Geesh. Toss in taxi drivers who are trying to make a NASCAR team, and I'll be popping lots of Dramamine.<br />
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**The hot water heater for each bathroom (kitchen) is a separate switch you must turn on before using. To make it more fun, the switch is located in the hallway outside the bathroom door. I've heard many calls for "can someone turn on the hot water?" from wet people in showers. One of these days, I'm <i>not</i> <i>going to hear that cry for help</i>.......fair warning.<br />
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**The bathroom does not have an outlet to plug in a hair dryer. But it does have a wall of mirrors right by the toilet. Awesome. I just love the idea of watching myself taking care of business. Oh, there is an outlet in the closet. Maybe I'll just stand in the closet with my dryer. Good grief.<br />
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** The washer and dryer can each do one small load at a time. Takes 60 minutes to wash and 80 minutes to dry. I'll be doing laundry Every. Single. Day.<br />
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**Groceries here are sold in smaller packages than at home, unless you find US brands. Loaves of bread have about 10 pieces, crackers have one sleeve, meat is sold in half pound packages, ice cream cartons are half the size. Which means you are likely at the grocery store daily. Whoo hoo.<br />
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**Getting home with groceries involves hauling bags into a taxi or the apartment complex shuttle bus. If you are only carrying a few small things, it's easy. But, if you are like us crazy Americans, you are hauling multiple bottles of wine, beer, dry goods, and fresh foods. But, we had an Australian guy check out our groceries versus his....he wanted to come home with us. Ha!<br />
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**A plus to grocery shopping that I've discovered is that all the stores deliver or offer online shopping. One store already knows us by name and account number. Yep. It's a really small version of Sam's Club. Sells their things in bulk which, of course, makes carrying it with you rather challenging. I mean, have you tried to carry home a 35 pack of water, 12 pack of paper towels. and a 24 pack of toilet paper? All by taxi?<br />
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**Very thankful that at the end of the day, we are in a quiet "suburb" of the city, only a mile from the girls school (can't walk...no sidewalks), ten minute walk to the beach or grocery store, (or a 3 minute drive). and with an awesome view out our living room window.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-57554108591956048712013-04-07T20:38:00.000-04:002013-04-07T20:38:10.829-04:00Disney Adventures.....the conclusionYes, I realize I have a post labeled "Disney Adventures....the beginning" and now the "ending" but no middle. Oh well. We've been a tad busy.<br />
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Here are a few highlights from our week.......<br />
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*Convincing the girls that the rides and shows have fake people yet the Animal Safari has real animals<br />
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*Watching Anna Grace freak out when a "ghost" joined her on the Haunted Mansion<br />
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*Watching Alex and Anna Grace "space walk" and skip through Tomorrowland hand-in-hand<br />
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*Listening to Abby scream on Rock 'n Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios (it never ended)....or so I'm told.<br />
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*Seeing Katie light up when she saw Beaker from the Muppets (her favorite! and yes, we bought it.)<br />
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*Asking Anna Grace if she was still with us on Space Mountain after a sharp turn (yep, I asked)<br />
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*Watching Katie and Alex be silly taking a Star Wars picture at Epcot<br />
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*Nine o'clock dinners and midnight bedtimes (oh my!)<br />
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*Searching for ice cream right before fireworks at Magic Kingdom (not recommended!)<br />
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*Being attacked by a killer stroller driven by an apologetic dad<br />
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*Spending four hours walking around Epcot...in the rain<br />
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*Not taking time to take pictures<br />
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*Buying the little girls charm bracelets and Alex.....a bow and (suction) arrow set<br />
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*Watching the girls feed the sea lions dead fish.....yuck!<br />
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*Riding the Mexican Small World (also known as the Mexico ride at Epcot)<br />
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*Watching Abby and Anna Grace drive (crash) their siblings on the Speedway<br />
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*After riding the Star Wars Tour at Hollywood Studios, Alex commenting, "There were so many things chronologically wrong with that, I don't even know where to start."<br />
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*Having my cousin Ryan join us for a day of fun.....brave man<br />
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*No tears and no meltdowns<br />
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*Meeting a dad at Magic Kingdom with the same double stroller we used to have and relishing in the fact we did not need it this trip......unlike our trip five years ago<br />
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*But the best thing, was having all four kids together for at least a few days. I know those days are coming to an end so we cherished every moment.....<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-69808630596311259302013-04-02T08:03:00.000-04:002013-04-02T08:03:02.795-04:00Disney Adventures...the beginningAre we there yet? Which way are we going, north or south? Is it almost lunch time? Are we there yet? Is this Orlando? Where is Disney? I can't see it. Are we there yet?<br />
<br />
Nope, that's not the funniest thing that happened today. <br />
<br />
Waiting in line for the Ariel Under the Sea ride only to find out we waited in line to meet Ariel.<br />
<br />
Nope, that's not the funniest thing that happened today. <br />
<br />
Hearing Anna Grace freak out when I told her a ghost had joined her on the Haunted Mansion.<br />
<br />
Nope, that's not the funniest thing that happened today. <br />
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Sitting in a Tomorrowland restaurant and having a lady ask me if I was a teacher. When I replied yes, she said, "I knew it when I saw your girls sit so nicely and pull out books to read while they waited for their dinner. You set a good example outside the classroom."<br />
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Within seconds of this nice lady leaving the area, one of my lovely children ditched her book and began dancing around the terrace, looking for ducks, and chattering on about the castle changing colors. <br />
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All I could do is shake my head and think, "Lady, you have no idea!"<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-54741787802798647722013-03-12T21:14:00.000-04:002013-03-12T21:40:21.227-04:00It's only Tuesday?Oh my. Where to begin?<br />
<br />
Do I start with the fact that Katie's car suddenly stopped working while she was driving? And despite the fact it was towed to a great garage, no one can figure out why it died or how to fix it?<br />
<br />
Or, do I talk about Anna Grace finding an old, supposedly dead, i-pod that she managed to salvage and revive? And on that previously uncooperative i-pod, she found many, many songs that she likes to sing very loudly? Especially the songs from "A Chorus Line"?<br />
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Oh, I know. I'll share that it took Dave three hours to get home from work today.....when it should take forty-five minutes. Ah, lovely Atlanta traffic.<br />
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No, no, no. How about the fact that I rounded up my small children to head to soccer practice only to find out we were the only ones there. Turns out the fields were closed due to muddy fields. But I didn't get off scot-free.....Abby's coach and most of the team showed up. Yep. We had soccer practice in the mud. Mud which then got brought to my car and home to my house. And, I had to listen to the whining of the child who really needed to be running but her coach followed directions and did not show up.<br />
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Or how about this? After sending the girls to play after school while I prepared for tomorrow, I was greeted with silence. Silence is bad. Trust me. Then I heard whispers. Whispering is worse than silence. That means they are conspiring about something.<br />
<br />
Nah, here is the icing on the cake for today.<br />
<br />
Anna Grace piped up with the fact that we could hear God if we listened carefully and were quiet. I said, "He's saying that you need to obey your mother." Whereupon she said, "Nope, He's saying that Anna Grace gets to do whatever she wants."<br />
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Oh hold on. Let's add some candles to that cake.<br />
<br />
Dave mentioned today that he may need to be in Tokyo on Monday.<br />
<br />
Yay me.<br />
<br />
Yep, it's only Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to see what happens the rest of this week.<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-45672698646939112942013-02-21T20:59:00.000-05:002013-02-22T10:56:25.146-05:00And the dust settles......Imagine my surprise this morning when I came downstairs after my shower to find Anna Grace sweeping the kitchen.<br />
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I could say, "Oh, how sweet. She's trying to help." But this is Anna Grace I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
That should have been my first clue.<br />
<br />
I was a little befuddled by the amount of dirt she was sweeping into the dustpan. After all, I had just swept yesterday. As far as I know, we had not tracked in inches of dust and dirt in just 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, I let it go, got the girls, and headed out the door to meet my adoption friend <a href="http://www.theresalwaysroomforonemore.com/">Denise</a> for lunch. My mind was totally focused on meeting a long time friend in person, in real life, after almost ten years of online communication.<br />
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Dust and dirt? Not so much.<br />
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When we arrived back home, I walked in the house and almost slipped.<br />
<br />
Why was my floor so slick?<br />
<br />
Katie, home for the afternoon, then asked the all important question.....<br />
<br />
What is up with the dust on the counters?<br />
<br />
I stopped, looked, stopped and looked again, and said....<br />
<br />
Huh. I have no idea.<br />
<br />
Every counter top in my kitchen was covered with a thick layer of dust.<br />
<br />
I checked the ceiling to make sure nothing had exploded.<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
Checked for any other possible clue.<br />
<br />
Nada. Nothing.<br />
<br />
And then I looked at two short children.<br />
<br />
When eye contact was made, Abby piped up and said, "It was Anna."<br />
<br />
Really? Why am I not shocked?<br />
<br />
Turns out Anna Grace decided to dust with the feather duster and then proceed to shake the duster.....all....over.....the.....kitchen.<br />
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Deep sigh.<br />
<br />
Why am I not surprised?<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-45589517715689340902013-01-31T20:40:00.000-05:002013-02-07T11:48:44.066-05:00Daddy's Advice<i>(cough, cough)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> Yep, I just blew the dust off my keyboard. I hope you appreciate the effort it took. After all, there was over four months of build-up from lack of use.<br />
<br />
Today was just another one of "those" days. Busy, crazy, hectic, and filled with a contrary attitude from a certain 9 year old someone.<br />
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I'd had enough by dinner and ever-so-politely stated......<br />
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"Stop, you are getting on my ever-lasting nerve."<br />
<br />
Where I got that phrase, I have no idea. After all, an ever-lasting nerve would be horrible. Can you imagine? Constant annoyance, constant pain, constant something.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, the words came out of my mouth which then prompted.....<br />
<br />
Daddy: Yeah, you don't want to get on Mom's ever-lasting nerve.<br />
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Anna Grace: Where is it?<br />
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Daddy: I can't tell you or you may find it. Then you'd always be there.<br />
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Oh heavens.<br />
<br />
Please don't tell my children where they can locate my ever-lasting nerve.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-47421680739587979472012-09-18T20:22:00.000-04:002013-03-12T21:18:32.891-04:00Katieland.....So I asked both big kids for ideas for Christmas gifts. Yes, in September.<br />
<br />
After giving me a virtual head shake, I did get some answers from one kid.<br />
<br />
Katie told me she wants a gun.<br />
<br />
Yep, a gun.<br />
<br />
Now, this non-gun toting mom was none too pleased to hear this.<br />
<br />
K: "But mom, I <i>need</i> one. Dad will buy it for me."<br />
<br />
Me: "Ah, but I buy the presents."<br />
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K: "He'll do it if I ask".<br />
<br />
Me: "If I give him the money. Which I won't."<br />
<br />
K: "It's a law here in town that you have to have a gun if you live alone."<br />
<br />
<i>side note: she does not live alone!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And the hypothetical situations began.....<br />
<br />
K: "What if someone tried to break in and I was home alone? If I had a gun, I would be okay and not kidnapped or worse."<br />
<br />
Me: "No one is going to break into a third floor apartment."<br />
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K: "Sure they will. It's easy to pick a lock."<br />
<br />
<i>Sigh.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Me: "I am not buying you a gun."<br />
<br />
K: "Fine, then I want a ceiling fan."<br />
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Me: "Sounds good. That I can do."<br />
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K: "You know though, if the fan started to fall from the ceiling and I had a gun, I could shoot it and save myself."<br />
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I can't win........<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-23182730005391212352012-08-09T21:09:00.000-04:002013-03-12T21:19:43.061-04:00Birthday Number NineTurning nine takes a village, let me tell you. Especially when that birthday falls within the first week of school.<br />
<br />
Villager number one took her shopping last week for a special gift complete with spending the night in a cool, college apartment with awesome sorority roommates.<br />
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Villager number two spent time at Target buying gifts while on the phone with mom who was at work.<br />
<br />
"Pink legos? Really? I have to buy Barbie clothes? Community helpers, Fashionista, or Beach? What color hula hoop? Barbie coloring book? What kind? People are going to think something is wrong with me."<br />
<br />
Sob stories aside, gifts were purchased and wrapped all while I was working.<br />
<br />
Yep, he earned his keep.<br />
<br />
Villager number three ran across the street tonight when I realized we had no matches to light the candles on the birthday cake.<br />
<br />
Villager number four told me repeatedly that I was Face Timing Katie backwards. All she could see were the cabinets....not the birthday girl.<br />
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The best villager, though, came from Kroger.<br />
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She offered to personalize the birthday girl's cake of choice.....a cookie cake.<br />
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The old grandma bakery worker (according to Anna Grace) was the icing on the cake.....<br />
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I'm thinking spelling needs to be added to the Kroger training sessions.......<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-21112593821152351372012-07-19T21:53:00.001-04:002012-07-19T21:53:28.574-04:00A Slight Mishap<br />
Yesterday found us at the public library, searching for that elusive best book to read......well, at least something to keep certain people occupied and quiet. Whatever floats your boat.<br />
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As I was scanning the shelves, I looked up and saw something amazing. Something I truly have never seen with my eyes before, yet have heard about. <br />
<br />
What was it?<br />
<br />
Toilet paper hanging out of the back of a skirt.<br />
<br />
Yep.<br />
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You know, the kind of people you see on random Wal-Mart photos, Facebook pics, people you can giggle at and say, "Whew, glad that's not me."<br />
<br />
Wait, hold on here.....<br />
<br />
Upon further reflection, I realized the skirt looked familiar. Uh oh.<br />
<br />
The skirt looked familiar because I've washed it before. Many times.<br />
<br />
Oh heavens.<br />
<br />
The toilet paper dangling from the skirt belonged to my own child.<br />
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And the sad thing is, I hadn't noticed until this point.<br />
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And it was 4pm.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-36353965885510435612012-07-14T18:07:00.000-04:002012-07-14T21:17:54.066-04:00Boogers.....<br />
Today found us driving an hour north, in the early morning, with no air conditioning, in off and on rain, to help Katie move into her new apartment. Just how I want to spend a hot Saturday......but, we have to be nice parents sometimes, you know.<br />
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Well, within ten minutes of leaving home, all we heard was, "How much longer?", "Are we there yet?" even though certain little girls have been to see Katie before and know about the drive. I mean heavens, it's only an hour.<br />
<br />
So Daddy told them about a wonderful new game called Boogers. Yep, you read that right.<br />
<br />
How does one play, you may ask?<br />
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Stare intently out your window at all the passing vehicles. Find the people inside said vehicle. Look to see if their fingers are anywhere near their nose, in the nose, etc. If the fingers are near a nose, you get to yell, "Boogers!" and claim points.<br />
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One point for kids, five points for dads, and ten points for moms. After all, moms don't do that kind of thing.<br />
<br />
Guess what I heard for the next forty minutes?<br />
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Yep, "Boogers!" over and over again.<br />
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I never knew so many people in Atlanta picked their noses.<br />
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Geesh.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-43278922678349981612012-03-09T21:23:00.003-05:002012-03-09T22:03:14.888-05:00Oil, Cars, and Boys....Oh My!A short eleven months ago, we bought a fourth vehicle to accommodate our fourth driver. Thankfully, we did not spend a lot on it as we soon discovered the car had a drinking problem. <br /><br />Uh oh. <br /><br />Yep, we had purchased an oil junkie. <br /><br />Awesome. <br /><br />Must explain why the price on the car was so cheap, but I digress....<br /><br />We stressed the importance of checking the oil to The Boy but what 17 year old kid does that faithfully? After all, that's what the lights on the dashboard are for, right?<br /><br />Guess not. <br /><br />Two weeks ago, the car croaked. Dead. On. Arrival. <br /><br />Teen Boy, no oil, on the highway, car shuddering, and lights blinking equal a dead car. <br /><br />At an ungodly hour, but I won't go there. <br /><br />End result? Fried engine. <br /><br />Can't tell you how excited I was to learn this information. <br /><br />A perfectly nice car got hauled off to the salvage yard. Sigh. <br /><br />Let me just tell you, visiting a salvage yard is an interesting experience. <br /><br />Two guys (with just a few teeth between them) asked me about the car, commiserated about its demise, and offered advice for the future all while the girls played happily in the dirt digging up lost nuts and bolts. <br /><br />We got to watch the Dead Car get picked up by a forklift, hauled off to be weighed, and taken off to parts unknown. <br /><br />Poor car. <br /><br />For our contribution to the salvage yard, we were awarded a check for $294. <br /><br />Yay. <br /><br />Would much rather have the car. Sigh. <br /><br />But according to the girls, we are now rich!<br /><br />Ah, to be 8 again.....<br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-18497663981127186242012-01-14T17:10:00.003-05:002012-01-14T17:28:19.150-05:00Grandma's Gone Missing"Mom, I lost Grandma."<br /><br />What?<br /><br />Alex and Grandma headed out to Wal-Mart this morning for a few errands. <br /><br />Didn't think he'd lose her. <br /><br />Or, maybe she lost him. <br /><br />Evidently, she told Alex to go get her a camera card. So he did. <br /><br />When he came back to where he left her, she was gone. <br /><br />Phone rang.<br /><br />"Mom, what did Grandma come to buy here?"<br /><br />Hmm, well, I don't know. Maybe clothes?<br /><br />I sent him to the women's section to scan shoppers. After all, how many lost Grandma's could possibly be in Wal-Mart. <br /><br />Phone rang again. <br /><br />"She's not here."<br /><br />Are you in the women's section, or misses, or juniors?<br /><br />"There's a difference?"<br /><br />Geesh. <br /><br />A few minutes later, I got a text. <br /><br />"I found her."<br /><br />Well, where was she?<br /><br />"By the birthday cards....like that was obvious."<br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-12486143191700910782012-01-07T21:11:00.003-05:002012-01-07T21:44:04.955-05:00The Bad FairyA lost tooth only means one thing. <br /><br />A visit from the Tooth Fairy with money to share is close at hand. <br /><br />Abby lost a tooth at school. She was so excited! Anna Grace spread the excitement with texts to Katie, Alex, and Daddy to share the news. <br /><br />The tooth was lovingly placed under the pillow last night in anticipation of the arrival of the awesome Tooth Fairy. <br /><br />The Tooth Fairy placed a dollar bill by her sink as a reminder to herself....and.... promptly forgot. <br /><br />I was awoken this morning by two little girls who said....<br /><br />"She forgot to come."<br /><br />Huh? What on earth are you talking about?<br /><br />"The Tooth Fairy forgot to come get Abby's tooth."<br /><br />Oh my. The Tooth Fairy messed up. <br /><br />Big time. <br /><br />How do I remedy this situation? <br /><br />After lunch and errands, I snuck into the girls room, swiped the tooth, and left the money. <br /><br />Abby, for some unknown reason, checked under her pillow only ten minutes later. <br /><br />Shrieks of excitement filled the air.<br /><br />"Mom!! The Tooth Fairy came when we were getting your car at the garage!! I didn't know she could come in the day time!"<br /><br />And Alex burst out laughing........<br /><br />Teenagers. <br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-49128685947468120512011-12-17T20:31:00.002-05:002011-12-17T21:42:35.825-05:00Etiquette at the BalletDespite being completely fascinated by the dancers, my child was the wiggly non whispering one in seat 27, row H at The Nutcracker Ballet today. <br /><br />While I am quite certain she only distracted me, I do feel obliged to point out a few issues I noticed today. <br /><br />And yes, I witnessed all of these. Sad but true. <br /><br />1. The ballet is not the movies. Please refrain from eating crunching chips, munching popcorn, and rattling your candy bag during the show. <br /><br />2. It is not proper to slurp soup from a thermos while watching the Sugar Plum Fairy.<br /><br />3. If your child cannot make it through the performance without playing Angry Birds on your iPhone, perhaps your child should not be in attendance. <br /><br />4. Oh, and if your child is a babe or toddler in arms, chances are pretty good that he would be better off left at home. <br /><br />5. When showing appreciation for a great performance at the ballet, clapping is quite acceptable. Whistling....not so much. Even for Georgia. <br /><br />If you are going to dress your little darling in their Sunday finest, please teach them to act the same. <br /><br />Thank you from all future theater and ballet attendees. <br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-73660501257090916352011-12-04T16:44:00.003-05:002011-12-04T16:59:28.052-05:00Christmas Traditions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_PVGpVoliJB2hAEUFy7JmxTONRzaU0cNftBEVaYEDyWJPsqeo0lLWIoQbzZATzSCtWybiBVZz41jHZC2vkUSBOTJWkcu8tg3hxZWqfAwElTGzVse0uEOolWiZjixmO3GpAZzA0cLpVHW/s1600/DSC04357.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_PVGpVoliJB2hAEUFy7JmxTONRzaU0cNftBEVaYEDyWJPsqeo0lLWIoQbzZATzSCtWybiBVZz41jHZC2vkUSBOTJWkcu8tg3hxZWqfAwElTGzVse0uEOolWiZjixmO3GpAZzA0cLpVHW/s320/DSC04357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682394643637717074" /></a>Ah, Christmas traditions. <br /><br />You know what I mean. <br /><br />We all have them.<br /><br />Maybe Elf on a Shelf.<br /><br />Or, Grandma's special potatoes. <br /><br />Maybe fancy outfits for church. <br /><br />Perhaps opening one gift Christmas Eve.<br /><br />Or, the dreaded fruitcake. <br /><br />Well, I can pretty much guarantee you don't share our tradition. <br /><br />You see, you know ours has to be quirky in some way or it just wouldn't be us. <br /><br />Every year while decorating the tree, everyone has certain ornaments that they get to hang up. And that holds true for Alex. <br /><br />His is this sweet little Santa that when placed "just so" on the tree, it would appear that Old Saint Nick is relieving himself on the branches. <br /><br />Yep, our tradition is Peeing Santa. <br /><br />We are so proud.<br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-85537605654255193522011-11-06T08:17:00.002-05:002011-11-06T08:28:12.687-05:00Someone Stole My Bonus Hour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuU6oiwFx-FY5YAzwmkK8IV1yxyCPLUabu0B6mIPM0wcAf8gIFqu40M2bl_FbT6bbva4-mMUgmY1tjLkrG5sZvzB3La7i3sWj3FI4lWv-xHFWJXoqw7iO5VdbxIAqjwCprs8edEgHdvNq/s1600/clock.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuU6oiwFx-FY5YAzwmkK8IV1yxyCPLUabu0B6mIPM0wcAf8gIFqu40M2bl_FbT6bbva4-mMUgmY1tjLkrG5sZvzB3La7i3sWj3FI4lWv-xHFWJXoqw7iO5VdbxIAqjwCprs8edEgHdvNq/s320/clock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671871664433612274" /></a>This weekend was the time to gain an hour and not wake up tired.....like usual. <br /><br />I was smart, turned my clocks back early, and went to bed by 10:45 (new time).<br /><br />From that point, the timeline looked somewhat like this.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">12:30</span> - Anna Grace showed up saying she couldn't sleep. Put her back to bed. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">12:35</span> - Noticed Alex was not in bed but all the lights were out. Turns out he fell asleep on the couch so Katie left him there. Lovely. Put him back in bed. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2:30</span> - Phone rings. Unknown name and number. I'm awake again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2:32</span> - Phone rings again. Awesome. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3:07</span> - Cell phone chirps alerting me of an email. Yep, I forgot to put it on silent. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3:59</span> - Another email arrives. I finally figured out how to make the phone silent. (new phone, owned for only a few hours)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5:30</span> - I am awake. <br /><br />Turns out Dave's phone unlocked itself and called me twice.....from China. The emails that arrived were from him saying, "I think my phone called you." <br /><br />Really?<br /><br />It's going to be a very long day. <br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-41654356141634236432011-10-30T19:45:00.002-04:002011-10-30T19:58:45.784-04:00Is Daddy Smooth?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pdDsIscwo_ELFINDfQwnowXvd-czCIg8pVjLJp7iIuJAt-cU6Z3uMZLLCioitzhME0HOYd79jJoMVLOkD9uU_87PNVZX2rWNQcFbE_H3pws1IejVIB5j0bOJv4M8wPrIOq6PNEsuBZzf/s1600/DSC05066.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pdDsIscwo_ELFINDfQwnowXvd-czCIg8pVjLJp7iIuJAt-cU6Z3uMZLLCioitzhME0HOYd79jJoMVLOkD9uU_87PNVZX2rWNQcFbE_H3pws1IejVIB5j0bOJv4M8wPrIOq6PNEsuBZzf/s320/DSC05066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669436040627925090" /></a> Abby brought home this picture she made at Art Club. She was so proud of the dragonfly, butterfly, and bird. <br /><br />(Use your imagination)<br /><br />Abby was especially pleased with her choice of smooth rocks to make her ground. Not rough rocks, but smooth. <br /><br />I guess that makes a difference.<br /><br />She was so excited to share with daddy......<br /><br />"Daddy, daddy! Look, I used smooth rocks to make my picture".<br /><br />Dave, being all so Joe Cool, said, "Smooth like me, right?"<br /><br />"No daddy. You are not smooth. You are wrinkly."<br /><br />I burst out laughing. <br /><br />And I did not apologize. <br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-63713044182237734272011-09-08T20:37:00.003-04:002011-09-08T20:54:05.485-04:00Too Comfortable at School??I'm thinking my child has become too comfortable at school. <br /><br />After all, the teachers are mommy's friends. Many hours are spent roaming the halls, visiting, getting updates from others, and hanging out. <br /><br />Today I learned something new which told me a certain little girl definitely feels comfortable in her surroundings. <br /><br />Evidently, her teacher asked her to hush several times. Shocking. Or maybe she was told to put away her mechanical pencil one too many times. I have forgotten now but neither one is surprising. <br /><br />In any case, after a funny comment from her teacher, the child in question stuck her tongue out at the aforementioned grown up. <br /><br />Uh oh. <br /><br />She quickly realized the error in her ways, covered her mouth in shock, and didn't say a word. <br /><br />A few minutes later, the child got up and gave her teacher a big hug. <br /><br />This reminded me of an episode just a few short years ago.<br /><br />The principal was visiting the classroom. My child, yes my child, chose this time to say.....<br /><br />"Can you please leave? You are too loud and I can't concentrate on my work." <br /><br />Yep, too comfortable. <br /><br />And it's only going to get worse. <br /><br />I'm scared. <br /><br />The fourth and fifth grade teachers at my school should be too.....<br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-81769189363983771622011-09-07T21:02:00.002-04:002011-09-07T21:20:01.028-04:00My HairI think my hair is trying to trick me. <br /><br />I baby it with soft brushing (kinda sorta). <br /><br />I make it look young over and over again (very frequently). <br /><br />I always use conditioner to keep the smoothness (but to no avail). <br /><br />True, I don't keep up with haircuts but....that's no reason to turn on me. <br /><br />You see, my hair has convinced the rest of my body that I'm old. <br /><br />No matter how often I adjust the color, the oldness still shines through. <br /><br />With gray. <br /><br />And with increased frequency. <br /><br />Toss in the creaky knees, the tired legs, the multiple blue veins, sore hips, plus a host of other ailments, and I blame my hair. <br /><br />After all, if my hair were cooperative, this may not be the case. <br /><br />If my hair was always a nice shade of brown without a tinge of gray, the rest of my body would work just fine. <br /><br />Right?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(go with me)</span><br /><br />I guess my next step is to invent a hair color that works forever AND cures all other ailments. <br /><br />No problem. <br /><br />I'm on it. <br /><p><br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" /><br /></p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-15680279736997527452011-08-28T19:58:00.005-04:002011-08-28T21:40:43.802-04:00Seriously?Those of you who have been around a while know my family. So you won't be surprised by these comments......
<br />
<br />I came downstairs today dressed for church.......
<br />Anna Grace: Where are you going?
<br />Me: Church.
<br />Anna Grace: I don't want you to go.
<br />Me: Why? Because I make you behave?
<br />Anna Grace: Yep.
<br />(side note: daddy makes her behave too but mommy is stricter)
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Abby: Mom, sometimes we use our fingers to eat. Sometimes we use our forks.
<br />Me: What a profound statement.
<br />Abby: Huh?
<br />(Alex just chuckled)
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Went to our neighborhood pool today....
<br />If you've ever asked your child to spray your tattoos with sunscreen, you might be a redneck....
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Questioned Alex on what he and his friend did all afternoon....
<br />Alex: We tried to build a fort but didn't have enough money for wood.
<br />Me: Where were you going to build this?
<br />Alex: On the (public) nature trail.
<br />Awesome.
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Dave wondered while watching "Blue Collar": Has anyone ever gotten married and said,.... "Git 'r done" for their vows?
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Abby: How old were you when you got Katie?
<br />Mom: I HAD Katie when I was 24.
<br />Abby: (long pause, CPU light flashing)
<br />Mom: She was in my tummy, remember?
<br />Abby: (long pause, CPU light flashing)
<br />Mom: I'll tell you later when daddy is not here.
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />When cucumbers were put on Anna Grace's salad, she said.
<br />"I only like cucumbers when they are on my eyes at a spa."
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Katie spent the week wrapped up in Rush activities for new recruits. I spoke to her Saturday for the first time in a while. I mentioned the hurricane that was heading north via all our family on the east coast. Her comment?
<br />
<br />"There's a hurricane coming?"
<br />----------------------------------------------------
<br />Yep. This is my family.
<br />
<br />I am so proud.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Seriously though, they are a lot of fun and bring many chuckles....) </span>
<br /><p>
<br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" />
<br /></p>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801790911279967090.post-4054694153484876082011-08-21T18:23:00.001-04:002011-08-21T18:25:06.825-04:00Opposite WeekHave you experienced Opposite Day before? You know the kind of day that someone does the exact opposite of what you ask?
<br />
<br />Well, I’ve had a very long Opposite Week.
<br />
<br />Yep, a week. And still going strong.
<br />
<br />“Please walk” means to run.
<br />
<br />“Read quietly” means to sing as loudly as possible.
<br />
<br />“Please don’t touch” means touch everything around.
<br />
<br />“Chew with your mouth closed” means open wide.
<br />
<br />Do you get the picture?
<br />
<br />It’s been a Very. Very. Very. Long. Week.
<br />
<br />What made me thing going to church would be okay?
<br />
<br />The Opposite Child was just as contrary during Mass.
<br />
<br />“Kneel” means stand up.
<br />
<br />“Stand” means sit.
<br />
<br />“Don’t touch your sister” means do anything you can to touch.
<br />
<br />“Put down the paper” means shake it loudly for everyone to hear.
<br />
<br />Sigh.
<br />
<br />At one point, I had her locked between my knees to make her stand up.
<br />
<br />Yep, I did.
<br />
<br />The elderly couple behind us said, “Boy, she sure ate her Wheaties today, didn’t she?”
<br />
<br />Yep. Everyday.
<br />
<br />As Mass neared the end, Father Dan asked all the parents to stand for a special blessing. He prayed for strength and patience.
<br />
<br />I started giggling. Seriously.
<br />
<br />After all, my strength and patience were completely shot.
<br />
<br />During the prayer, the Opposite Child sat and goofed around.
<br />
<br />But I guess she was listening because just as the prayer ended and before the congregation responded, we heard…….
<br />
<br />A loud “Amen” from the aforementioned child.
<br />
<br />Guess she knows I need all the help I can get, huh?
<br /><p>
<br /><img style="border:0;" align="right" src="http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/dchrist5/signiture-1.jpg" />
<br /></p>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18256121948939552024noreply@blogger.com1