Old Jokes

I just went to the movies.  And for the sole reason of blogging it and providing a laugh for a dear old friend . . . I hid a water bottle down the sleeve of my coat.  Here's to you, Friend!  Hope it gives you a chuckle on this Friday evening!

Not dead but almost

I've been gone a bit, I know.  And I was gone a bit before my last post as well.  But don't worry, this hiatus was not near as fun as the last one.  Since I got back from my little over seas excursion until now we've had the flu, everyone except for Matthew.  It cycled slowly from person to person bringing a day of throw-up, a day of recuperation, a day of throw-up, a day of recup, a day of throw-up . . .  Even Daddy got it and had to suffer through another flight back to Amsterdam with a week tummy and achy body.  At least the rest of us were home.  It caught me by surprise, we rarely get sick.  Only one of the boys has ever been on antibiotics.  We get the usually runny noses and colds but that's about it.  I wasn't ready for this.  And I'm sure you all know babies have it the hardest.  The puke confuses and scares them, they don't now how to hold still and lean over a bucket, they can't tell you when it's coming, etc.  

I was secretly proud of my pioneer like physique.  I wouldn't characterize myself as some one with a "delicate constitution."  I'm pretty tuff.  But this put me out.  And in the middle of a snow storm.  I was able to haul myself off the couch long enough to shovel the drive way though.  Take that, Pioneers!  (But I did have on my super warm Lands End boots, and my super warm Columbia coat, and when I was done I went into my super warm house and had some super nice hot chocolate, so I guess I have nothing on them.)  But then I got dizzy and had to lay down.  

But things are looking up and we are on the mend.  The other excitement dealt with emergency room injuries--but more on that later.

Where in the world

I have returned from a glorious Valentines weekend with the husband.  All the traveling made for not as much sleep as I was hoping but it was well worth it.  So, where was I this weekend? Here are a few hints.  

We reached our destination at around 5:30 a.m. local time.  We went straight to the airport hotel where Chris took a shower, changed his clothes, and left for a meeting.  Poor him.  I changed my clothes, climbed into the bed, and slept for 5 hours.  Lucky me (although this would later come back to haunt me when I tried to go to sleep that night).  I woke up around noon, got myself cleaned up, checked out of that hotel, and took a taxi to another hotel down in the city (and paid for by the firm so I don't mind saying-- it was NICE).  I love traveling on expense.  After that I had several hours to myself so I grabbed my coat and headed outside to wander some streets that looked like this.

And cross over some lovely canals that looked like this.

And pass the window of a small shop selling men's shoes that looked like this.  You know, in case any of your men are in need of a pair.

This is a very, uh, friendly, city.

And every one here rides bikes.  Old picturesque bikes.  

They ride with friends sitting across the book holder bar over the back wheel, or babies in a small seat in front, or a small seat in back, or both.  Or bikes with little carts on the front to hold piles of stuff, or a dog, or a couple of toddlers, or all three.  It all looked very romantic. And cold. 

On Saturday we visited some art museums, then took in the diamond factory, and finished at the flower market. 

This is just one stall along a street overflowing with similar little shops.  All selling cut flowers, potted plants, dried flowers, and heaps and heaps of loose bulbs in any type you could wish for. Of course, if flowers aren't your thing they also have this.

Like I said, it's a very friendly city.  And if your concerned about packaging they also sell it in cans.

We decided against buying anything.  The exchange rate just kills you.

We finished up the day with more wandering down fascinating streets and a quiet dinner for two.  Thanks for a perfect Valentines, Honey!

It was a memorable trip to be sure.  Unfortunately, after such a whimsical weekend, reality thrust itself back into the spotlight as soon as our plane wheels hit U.S. soil.  But more on that later.  As for now, any guesses on our 2008 Valentines hot spot?!

Where have I been and where will I be

I know this is my first post in a week.  My apologies.  Chris has to go on a business trip this weekend and my valentines surprise was getting to accompany him.  He arranged to have his mother come watch the boys, a car to pick me up, and all the other important details.  I say this to explain where I have been.  It is a great surprise to be sure but I have only had a couple days to prepare my children life without me for a few days (they'll be fine), prepare myself for life without them for a few days (do I have any clothes that don't scream MOTHER OF THREE MONKEYS), and to prepare this house so someone else can run it for a few days.  And I'll admit it, I have issues leaving the children although I can't discuss it here for fear of jinxing myself. I'm sure everyone has their opinions but it is what it is.  I have issues.  So the past couple days I have vacillated between wild moments of productive mania and a stress induced catatonic state. Once I get on the plane I think I'll be fine and Grammy, if there is no clean underwear for the boys I'm sorry and if they are in the same clothes I left in them when I get back that's okay.  I'm just happy you are coming.  

So that's where I've been.  

Your job is to guess where I'll be tomorrow . . .clues will be coming shortly. . .

Ahh, and here I am blogging when there are toilets to clean.  Gotta go.

Lifted From the Depths

It too rainy to play outside.  Even if it wasn't raining it's too cold to go outside.  Joseph is too sick to take anywhere like the library or Target.  I'm stuck inside reading Pioneer Woman, wishing I lived on a cattle ranch, and saying things to the boys like, "Hey, let's not scratch our weenies with our toothbrushes, okay."  

Luckily Shelly just called.  Her husbands coming home early and she wants to grab a movie and bring it over here!  Thanks for saving my Wednesday!

A little something I forgot

Just in case I suddenly disappear never to be heard from again . . . it's Will's fault.  He keeps threatening to turn me into an English Muffin.

And if Matthew disappears it's because his fervent wish that Jesus will come down and turn him into a Gila Monster has been granted.

Review

Here's how my last week's list turned out:

new pajamas: check

Matthew/Will's drapes:  check

(thanks to Bob for tools and Ben for labor)

Joseph's valance:  check

unfortunately while I was working on this

Matthew was working on this

long live home improvement

 

Dry Cleaning:  check

Rebate cards:  check

Young Women's:  check

Will to Dr:  check

Milk:  got some

Blog:  your readin' it!

Laundry:  check, check, checking, checking . . .

The basement with it's food storage, shelving needs, and clutter will have to wait.

And the tile, well, what would I have hanging over me if not for the tile.  One last sealing and we'll be done.  Just.  You.  Wait!   (ha ha ha Henry Higgins)