"Why would I go to Utah? I love Booze, caffeine, and monogamy!"
Homer J. Simpson
I go under the knife tomorrow
Blogged with Flock
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The first thing to make me smile
all freakin' day.
"Why would I go to Utah? I love Booze, caffeine, and monogamy!"
Homer J. Simpson
I go under the knife tomorrow
"Why would I go to Utah? I love Booze, caffeine, and monogamy!"
Homer J. Simpson
I go under the knife tomorrow
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Torture
by Grant
My wife is watching some cheerleading movie. I'm not sure why, but I'm confident that she's doing it to torture me.
Interesting things have been happening.
The company where I work has been hit hard by the slowdown of housing starts combined with the sub-prime loan scandal. So, they decided to trim their monthly operating expenses to put them more in line w/ expenses. Translation: layoffs. This is a public blog, so I won't make editorial comments on how well it was executed. Suffice it to say that a fair number (10% roughly) of people were let go. Pretty scary times. It was a *little* less scary when I realized that there was a definite pattern to who got let go. I didn't think I fit, but who can ever say, ya know? But, the one person in IT that got let go did get some sort of severance which is pretty fair. We probably would have lost more, but we did some housecleaning prior. Also, we had one person quit (to go to another job) the week of the layoffs. All told we lost four out of Operations. If they cut anybody else, stuff is going to break and nobody will have the expertise to fix it. Thankfully, our boss fully understands this.
I'm going in for Carpal Tunnel Surgery this Wednesday. Hopefully that goes well. If not, my wife is already planning what to do with the insurance money.
Rebekah has some videos of the girls that I will heckle her to upload so all may view.
I know that there's other stuff, but danged if I can remember it now.
My wife is watching some cheerleading movie. I'm not sure why, but I'm confident that she's doing it to torture me.
Interesting things have been happening.
The company where I work has been hit hard by the slowdown of housing starts combined with the sub-prime loan scandal. So, they decided to trim their monthly operating expenses to put them more in line w/ expenses. Translation: layoffs. This is a public blog, so I won't make editorial comments on how well it was executed. Suffice it to say that a fair number (10% roughly) of people were let go. Pretty scary times. It was a *little* less scary when I realized that there was a definite pattern to who got let go. I didn't think I fit, but who can ever say, ya know? But, the one person in IT that got let go did get some sort of severance which is pretty fair. We probably would have lost more, but we did some housecleaning prior. Also, we had one person quit (to go to another job) the week of the layoffs. All told we lost four out of Operations. If they cut anybody else, stuff is going to break and nobody will have the expertise to fix it. Thankfully, our boss fully understands this.
I'm going in for Carpal Tunnel Surgery this Wednesday. Hopefully that goes well. If not, my wife is already planning what to do with the insurance money.
Rebekah has some videos of the girls that I will heckle her to upload so all may view.
I know that there's other stuff, but danged if I can remember it now.
Blogged with Flock
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Ugh: Part 2
by Grant
It seems like I've already done an ugh, so thus the part 2. Rebekah and I are both sick with the flu. The girls (mostly Liberty) had it a few days ago. It's been pretty rough. But, that's life w/ kids. Definitely one part I hadn't really expected too much. But, lots of other people are sick too so I guess I can't just blame it on my pathetic immune system. But Wow was Liberty unhappy. The girls have been so good, that when they are fussy it's really hard to deal with it. But Liberty is flirting with me right now as I write this, so I guess she's back to her normal self.
Exciting news in the Ballard household: We bought a new TV. And as is customary, we bought the coolest one out there--a flat panel. Well, before you are too critical about the allocation of funds, let me tell you a couple of things. First, I have never ever purchased a TV before. The 20" model we've been using was purchased over ten years ago by Rebekah. Second, I was expecting no bonus at work due to the economy and I got a pretty good one. Third, my friend that was laid-off recently had purchased a TV right after Turkey Day and had never taken it out of the box. So, the good Samaritan that I am, I offered to take it off his hands. So, all the stars aligned to make this purchase happen. I was even able to get it while my wife and fam (except for the girls) were gone. One small problem: It didn't fit in the entertainment center. Solution: Power Saw! At least with a flat panel I only had to cut 5" out, but I knew my wife would probably be resistant, so I had to move fast. When she got home the TV was mounted and she was impressed. Thankfully, the cabinet was home-made out of 3/4" plywood so it's structurally sound.
My brother Tyler and his wife Amy are having a house warming this next weekend. It's a sight to behold that's for sure. My Dad took a house and drug it into town probably 20 years ago and converted it into a garage (he built it into such a large building that my Mom dubbed it, the "Monster"). Then 15 years later, he converted part of it into a small temporary "apartment" for Tyler and his wife. Then a couple years ago, they started expanding it into a decent size "house." I put house in " because it's still part of a larger structure, but hopefully it's large enough for a family now. It is a beautiful work of art, let me tell you. Tyler has spent countless hours on sanding and varnishing wood for the walls and Amy has used her interior designer intelligence to make it look like something you'd see on the H&G channel.
Last, but not least, it's my birthday! yes!
It seems like I've already done an ugh, so thus the part 2. Rebekah and I are both sick with the flu. The girls (mostly Liberty) had it a few days ago. It's been pretty rough. But, that's life w/ kids. Definitely one part I hadn't really expected too much. But, lots of other people are sick too so I guess I can't just blame it on my pathetic immune system. But Wow was Liberty unhappy. The girls have been so good, that when they are fussy it's really hard to deal with it. But Liberty is flirting with me right now as I write this, so I guess she's back to her normal self.
Exciting news in the Ballard household: We bought a new TV. And as is customary, we bought the coolest one out there--a flat panel. Well, before you are too critical about the allocation of funds, let me tell you a couple of things. First, I have never ever purchased a TV before. The 20" model we've been using was purchased over ten years ago by Rebekah. Second, I was expecting no bonus at work due to the economy and I got a pretty good one. Third, my friend that was laid-off recently had purchased a TV right after Turkey Day and had never taken it out of the box. So, the good Samaritan that I am, I offered to take it off his hands. So, all the stars aligned to make this purchase happen. I was even able to get it while my wife and fam (except for the girls) were gone. One small problem: It didn't fit in the entertainment center. Solution: Power Saw! At least with a flat panel I only had to cut 5" out, but I knew my wife would probably be resistant, so I had to move fast. When she got home the TV was mounted and she was impressed. Thankfully, the cabinet was home-made out of 3/4" plywood so it's structurally sound.
My brother Tyler and his wife Amy are having a house warming this next weekend. It's a sight to behold that's for sure. My Dad took a house and drug it into town probably 20 years ago and converted it into a garage (he built it into such a large building that my Mom dubbed it, the "Monster"). Then 15 years later, he converted part of it into a small temporary "apartment" for Tyler and his wife. Then a couple years ago, they started expanding it into a decent size "house." I put house in " because it's still part of a larger structure, but hopefully it's large enough for a family now. It is a beautiful work of art, let me tell you. Tyler has spent countless hours on sanding and varnishing wood for the walls and Amy has used her interior designer intelligence to make it look like something you'd see on the H&G channel.
Last, but not least, it's my birthday! yes!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Nicknames
by Grant
I've called my kids lots of things over the years and most of them are printable. I was thinking that it might be amusing to jot some of these down for posterity (in Internet years, that would be about 2 minutes).
Forrest:
Titus:
Liberty:
I'm sure there are others and maybe I can get Rebekah to add to the list.
I've called my kids lots of things over the years and most of them are printable. I was thinking that it might be amusing to jot some of these down for posterity (in Internet years, that would be about 2 minutes).
Forrest:
- Velociraptor: Yes, it's a mouthful. But when he was first walking, he moved quickly on his tiptoes with this hands out in front of him just like those little nasty dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.
- il Duche: When Forrest was younger I called him that because he was so bossy. For those of you weak on History, il Duche was Mussolini's title and it means the leader.
Titus:
- Ti-Ti (prounounced Tie-Tie): I think this one needs no explanation
- Tow (Tube Launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided Missile) Head: Ok, towhead means a really blond headed kid. and TOW is a missile used by the military so I just blended the two.
- Scarface: Very recent because he got a nasty scratch that curved around his cheek.
Liberty:
- L-dawg: Short for Liberty Dawg ala Snoop Dawg
- Libs: Occasionally I do shorten her name in the conventional method, but I try to avoid Libby.
- Any Guesses? Yep, S-dawg.
- Rebekah calls her "Renny"
- Bill the Cat. This is from a comic strip (now deceased) called Bloom County. The cat would go "Ack!" and stick out it's tongue. Serenity does the same :)
I'm sure there are others and maybe I can get Rebekah to add to the list.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The nice thing about an old House
by Grant
I came down with a cold this last week. No biggie. I got up thursday morning feeling really rotten and trying to stop myself from wimping out of work. So, I took a shower. Well, most of a shower. Two Thirds of the way through the water quit. Yeah, just quit. So, I hopped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and proceeded to confirm my worst fears... aliens had landed. No! Uhm, yeah, there was no water.
<sigh>
So, I go and wake up my wife and then climb down into my pump house with a heat gun. Three hours later, after calling my Dad and a friend at work I finally concede defeat. Of course, I'm not the only one with this problem. My contact for this has five calls already (dang, I should've called earlier). I call my friend Mark and he pulls some strings and gets his brother out there (who owns Leon's Pumps in Payette) in 15 minutes. A few minutes later he thaws out the area on the pump that tells it when to kick on (pressure sensor). Argh! One of those things that you know what the problem is but not quite sure how to fix it. So, we're pretty good to go. Of course, when the pressure tank goes dry then there turns out to be a lot of sediment. Dirt. black stuff. Forrest got really freaked out when the kitchen faucet came on spurting and spitting and ran into the bathroom where the tub was on full blast. Yeah, he didn't handle it well as the tub was even scarier.I came back into the house to be greeted by a screaming kiddo. The pressure was low but that evened out. The only problem was my bathroom faucet. It still seemed frozen as we could get nothing but a drip drip out of it. I eventually figured out that it wasn't frozen at all but plugged full of sediment. So, about a hundred bucks and several frozen appendages later (did I mention it was cold outside?) we're back to normal. So, one more task that I have in front of me is insulating the pump house and putting some sort of heating light down there.
Life... in the fast lane.
I came down with a cold this last week. No biggie. I got up thursday morning feeling really rotten and trying to stop myself from wimping out of work. So, I took a shower. Well, most of a shower. Two Thirds of the way through the water quit. Yeah, just quit. So, I hopped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and proceeded to confirm my worst fears... aliens had landed. No! Uhm, yeah, there was no water.
<sigh>
So, I go and wake up my wife and then climb down into my pump house with a heat gun. Three hours later, after calling my Dad and a friend at work I finally concede defeat. Of course, I'm not the only one with this problem. My contact for this has five calls already (dang, I should've called earlier). I call my friend Mark and he pulls some strings and gets his brother out there (who owns Leon's Pumps in Payette) in 15 minutes. A few minutes later he thaws out the area on the pump that tells it when to kick on (pressure sensor). Argh! One of those things that you know what the problem is but not quite sure how to fix it. So, we're pretty good to go. Of course, when the pressure tank goes dry then there turns out to be a lot of sediment. Dirt. black stuff. Forrest got really freaked out when the kitchen faucet came on spurting and spitting and ran into the bathroom where the tub was on full blast. Yeah, he didn't handle it well as the tub was even scarier.I came back into the house to be greeted by a screaming kiddo. The pressure was low but that evened out. The only problem was my bathroom faucet. It still seemed frozen as we could get nothing but a drip drip out of it. I eventually figured out that it wasn't frozen at all but plugged full of sediment. So, about a hundred bucks and several frozen appendages later (did I mention it was cold outside?) we're back to normal. So, one more task that I have in front of me is insulating the pump house and putting some sort of heating light down there.
Life... in the fast lane.
Blogged with Flock
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday - By Rebekah
Just some minor news for the day. :-)
This morning when I went up to give the girls their bottle, I found
Serenity sitting up facing Liberty, with Liberty laying down. But they
were holding hands and talking. It was very cute! Unfortunately, I
didn't have the camera with me (cause I had the bottles) and they
wouldn't have held still while I went downstairs anyway...as soon as
they see their bottles, they go nuts!
I have been potty training Titus for 2 weeks now, but most of the time
he does nothing. He has had occasional accidents but today he actually
told me BEFORE he had to go and he MOSTLY made it. :-)
As most of you probably know, Forrest has been unofficially in preschool
this year, with me as his teacher. Unofficially because we don't do it
every day...we do it whenever we have time. So far he knows all his
letters, upper and lower case, and can write his numbers 1-10. We also
work on drawing shapes and this morning after he drew I heart, I told
him that the heart shape also stands for love. So then I wrote "Mom -
heart - Forrest & Titus" and told him that meant that I love him and
Titus. He then wrote "Dad" and said that I loved Daddy too. :-)
Oh, the other thing the girls have been doing is pulling themselves up
to everything. (they just started crawling after Christmas) Their legs
aren't strong enough to be standing much yet so they get up to something
and then start wobbling like crazy, and cry because they know they're
going to fall. They're so stubborn...just like their dad! haha!!!
That's all for now...have a great day!
Blogged with Flock
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Pictures (late 2007)
More pictures (some boring, some not) can be found @
http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p168/gcballard/December%202007/
Choose "view all" to see them all.
Serenity, showing her flexibility
Liberty, having a grand old time
Christmas (at my parents)!
Forrest "helping" titus
The Fam.
L to R
Amy, Axel, Reagan, Tyler
Beka, Serenity, Grant, Liberty, Titus
(I have no idea where Forrest is)
The "Gallery of Forrest"
Doing a pretty hard puzzle. If you look closely, you can see it's of my truck. Forrest did 2/3rds of it easily.
The Last Piece
Admiring his work
The inspring picture (My dad takes pictures and turns them in to puzzles)
http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p168/gcballard/December%202007/
Choose "view all" to see them all.
Serenity, showing her flexibility
Liberty, having a grand old time
Christmas (at my parents)!
Forrest "helping" titus
The Fam.
L to R
Amy, Axel, Reagan, Tyler
Beka, Serenity, Grant, Liberty, Titus
(I have no idea where Forrest is)
The "Gallery of Forrest"
Doing a pretty hard puzzle. If you look closely, you can see it's of my truck. Forrest did 2/3rds of it easily.
The Last Piece
Admiring his work
The inspring picture (My dad takes pictures and turns them in to puzzles)
Blogged with Flock
Sunday, January 6, 2008
vocab 101
by Grant
Learned from the Simpsons this week: Eponymous and Masthead. Eponymous has to do with something being named after a person. So, Rome is an eponym for Romulus the founder. JimBob Payette was the eponymous explorer of Payette county (I made up his first name.I think it's actually something frenchy french).
Masthead is the portion in a newspaper or magazine that nobody reads because it has the names of the important people that own or run said media item.
Oh, and instead of just randomly memorizing words. I credit a large part of my vocabulary to my high school English teacher, Mrs. Brackenbury (or Mrs. B. for short). She had us memorize latin roots (greek too? not sure, it's been a long time). I should have known epi (upon) but I did know nym which is name. So, literally -> Name Upon. See the logic? If that doesn't make much sense I'll try to figure out some more obvious examples.... Circumspect means look (or see) and around (like a circle). So, if you are being circumspect you are being cautious which means you're looking around.
Any Questions?
Learned from the Simpsons this week: Eponymous and Masthead. Eponymous has to do with something being named after a person. So, Rome is an eponym for Romulus the founder. JimBob Payette was the eponymous explorer of Payette county (I made up his first name.I think it's actually something frenchy french).
Masthead is the portion in a newspaper or magazine that nobody reads because it has the names of the important people that own or run said media item.
Oh, and instead of just randomly memorizing words. I credit a large part of my vocabulary to my high school English teacher, Mrs. Brackenbury (or Mrs. B. for short). She had us memorize latin roots (greek too? not sure, it's been a long time). I should have known epi (upon) but I did know nym which is name. So, literally -> Name Upon. See the logic? If that doesn't make much sense I'll try to figure out some more obvious examples.... Circumspect means look (or see) and around (like a circle). So, if you are being circumspect you are being cautious which means you're looking around.
Any Questions?
Blogged with Flock
Saturday, January 5, 2008
One long short week
by Grant
This week was supposed to be easy. I worked Monday, had Tuesday off, and so it should've felt like a pretty short and easy week.
Yeah. Right. (ooozing oodles and oodles of sarcasm).
Lots of stress. Lots of problems at work. I can't even recall most of them. The stuff that sticks in my mind is two layoffs. One of my best friends that had been at the company for 7 years got taken out. Really hard to see that.
But I tell you one thing, the fear of losing your job sure makes you thankful. For me I mean. I'm very grateful that I wasn't the one getting a last cigarette before the firing squad takes aim.
Baby/Life Update
Serenity got really sick. Another $60 out of our pocket. She had a double ear infection. Liberty still looks a bit peaked, but doesn't have any major symptoms. Forrest and Titus seem to be doing pretty well. Still a bit of coughing. Rebekah is probably the sickest with Serenity. For myself, while I'm not 100% I'm not complaining (much). This is probably the best I've felt in months. I just hope I continue to improve or at least maintain status quo ya know? (hehehe, that rhymes).
But, Serenity is getting the crawling thingy down good. (or is it well?)
Liberty is a closet crawler--meaning she doesn't like to crawl when we are watching. But Rebekah couldn't find her one time and found she had used some method of forward locomotion to change her geographic location.
I still wrestle with spending time with the girls. It's hard to know who to pick up when you've got two excited smiling sweeties so happy to see me. I usually pick them both up, or don't do either. I figure, I don't want to be blamed for playing favorites when I'm older, so I'll just neglect them both equally. Pretty strategic thinking huh?
This week was supposed to be easy. I worked Monday, had Tuesday off, and so it should've felt like a pretty short and easy week.
Yeah. Right. (ooozing oodles and oodles of sarcasm).
Lots of stress. Lots of problems at work. I can't even recall most of them. The stuff that sticks in my mind is two layoffs. One of my best friends that had been at the company for 7 years got taken out. Really hard to see that.
But I tell you one thing, the fear of losing your job sure makes you thankful. For me I mean. I'm very grateful that I wasn't the one getting a last cigarette before the firing squad takes aim.
Baby/Life Update
Serenity got really sick. Another $60 out of our pocket. She had a double ear infection. Liberty still looks a bit peaked, but doesn't have any major symptoms. Forrest and Titus seem to be doing pretty well. Still a bit of coughing. Rebekah is probably the sickest with Serenity. For myself, while I'm not 100% I'm not complaining (much). This is probably the best I've felt in months. I just hope I continue to improve or at least maintain status quo ya know? (hehehe, that rhymes).
But, Serenity is getting the crawling thingy down good. (or is it well?)
Liberty is a closet crawler--meaning she doesn't like to crawl when we are watching. But Rebekah couldn't find her one time and found she had used some method of forward locomotion to change her geographic location.
I still wrestle with spending time with the girls. It's hard to know who to pick up when you've got two excited smiling sweeties so happy to see me. I usually pick them both up, or don't do either. I figure, I don't want to be blamed for playing favorites when I'm older, so I'll just neglect them both equally. Pretty strategic thinking huh?
Blogged with Flock
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
They're Crawling
by Grant
Well, sort of. Serenity has some forward mobility and Liberty is very quick to mimic.
Health update:
Titus appears better. I'm holding my breath that he will stay better. Forrest relapsed around Christmas, but he seems stronger. All he has is a cough. That's the persistent issue that we have. The girls are doing better. Serenity got sick quickly followed by Liberty but Serenity pulled out of it quickly. Liberty is still under the weather, but she's cutting teeth (or at least was) so that could have been part of it. Rebekah is fairly miserable with lots of congestion that she can't get rid of. I'm not quite sure how I am to be quite honest. Some stays I feel pretty good and then next day I feel pretty sick. Is that everybody? I'm trying to get an appoint with an ENT doc, but the only one in Ontario is booked solid for two weeks. Maybe by some miracle neither I, nor any of my immediate family will need one in two weeks.
In other news, it's cold! Not compared to Fairfield, but it sure feels that way in my old house.
In other other news, Christmas went well.
Well, sort of. Serenity has some forward mobility and Liberty is very quick to mimic.
Health update:
Titus appears better. I'm holding my breath that he will stay better. Forrest relapsed around Christmas, but he seems stronger. All he has is a cough. That's the persistent issue that we have. The girls are doing better. Serenity got sick quickly followed by Liberty but Serenity pulled out of it quickly. Liberty is still under the weather, but she's cutting teeth (or at least was) so that could have been part of it. Rebekah is fairly miserable with lots of congestion that she can't get rid of. I'm not quite sure how I am to be quite honest. Some stays I feel pretty good and then next day I feel pretty sick. Is that everybody? I'm trying to get an appoint with an ENT doc, but the only one in Ontario is booked solid for two weeks. Maybe by some miracle neither I, nor any of my immediate family will need one in two weeks.
In other news, it's cold! Not compared to Fairfield, but it sure feels that way in my old house.
In other other news, Christmas went well.
Blogged with Flock
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Twas the Saturday...
by Grant
...Before Christmas. The girls got sick just the other day but they both look much better now. Titus and Forrest still have some lingering issues. Rebekah is still coughing. I am on the strongest antibiotics but am feeling better. I guess this is just one of those trials families go through. It seems like a universal issue is 1. money and 2. health. But, since I have zero, zip, zilch, nada, naught ability to heal my family I guess I can rest in putting these burdens on the great Physician. I always used to say, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger... unless, that is, it results in a weakened immune system which then allows a common cold to turn into double pneumonia and cause a slow linger death." Ok, that's the long version, but it's basically in spirit of my attitude in times past. Nowadays, I try to be a little more positive about things although I freely acknowledge failing quite often.
Thick skin: My Dad has one. I remember people saying some horrible things to my father when I was growing up and it never phased him. He always used to say that it was like water off a duck's back. I seem to recall that duck feathers have some oil or some such in them so that they don't get saturated with H2O. I personally prefer the concept of developing a "thick skin" as I personally have no feathers and wouldn't know how to infuse them with oil even if I did. I've found that by realizing that I have a "thin skin" I can take various offenses in stride and chalk it up to toughening me up--callous if you will. My Dad has such thick callous from all the work he's done that he can pick up really hot pieces of metal that would burn a mortal man. So, I'm trying to get some callous on my feelings. Both work and personal life have given me great opportunities to do so recently. Focus is really important in issues such as this. If I focus on the fact that I was wronged, I am hurt and possibly embittered. However, if I focus on the fact that God (or Life/Karma etc. if you're a heathen) is trying to teach me something, it tends to be a much easier (or less jagged if you like Alanis Morisette) little pill to swallow.
The Simpsons!
I finally saw the movie. It was very entertaining. "Spider Pig, Spider Pig"
...Before Christmas. The girls got sick just the other day but they both look much better now. Titus and Forrest still have some lingering issues. Rebekah is still coughing. I am on the strongest antibiotics but am feeling better. I guess this is just one of those trials families go through. It seems like a universal issue is 1. money and 2. health. But, since I have zero, zip, zilch, nada, naught ability to heal my family I guess I can rest in putting these burdens on the great Physician. I always used to say, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger... unless, that is, it results in a weakened immune system which then allows a common cold to turn into double pneumonia and cause a slow linger death." Ok, that's the long version, but it's basically in spirit of my attitude in times past. Nowadays, I try to be a little more positive about things although I freely acknowledge failing quite often.
Thick skin: My Dad has one. I remember people saying some horrible things to my father when I was growing up and it never phased him. He always used to say that it was like water off a duck's back. I seem to recall that duck feathers have some oil or some such in them so that they don't get saturated with H2O. I personally prefer the concept of developing a "thick skin" as I personally have no feathers and wouldn't know how to infuse them with oil even if I did. I've found that by realizing that I have a "thin skin" I can take various offenses in stride and chalk it up to toughening me up--callous if you will. My Dad has such thick callous from all the work he's done that he can pick up really hot pieces of metal that would burn a mortal man. So, I'm trying to get some callous on my feelings. Both work and personal life have given me great opportunities to do so recently. Focus is really important in issues such as this. If I focus on the fact that I was wronged, I am hurt and possibly embittered. However, if I focus on the fact that God (or Life/Karma etc. if you're a heathen) is trying to teach me something, it tends to be a much easier (or less jagged if you like Alanis Morisette) little pill to swallow.
The Simpsons!
I finally saw the movie. It was very entertaining. "Spider Pig, Spider Pig"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Tis the Season
by Grant
Well, this time of the year is frustrating for me. I'm such an oblivious person (I've cultivated that quality) that I have a hard time really enjoying the time of year like I want to. Christmas sneaks up on me. Last year it was especially difficult because Rebekah had to go into the hospital and we had guests living with us. Ever celebrate Christmas in the hospital? Yeah, it was as rotten as it sounds. Poor Forrest was so upset about not being with us that it was breaking my heart. Last year sickness had visited me pretty hard and I was even so bad that my Dad (or was it my Mom) insisted that I go to the ER. After an hour or so there waiting, I finally decided that if they didn't consider it a true emergency then it probably wasn't so I went home. So, with all that in mind I could either enjoy the simple fact that all had turned out well and this year we were all home, or I could be frustrated that I couldn't celebrate Christmas like I wanted due to financial reasons. I chose the latter. Yeah, yeah, I'm working on it. There is so much to truly be thankful for and as I've learned from both the Grinch and Charlie Brown, Christmas isn't about the gifts. Oh, I'm not overly frustrated about me getting gifts. I've gotten little for the past ten years. I'm frustrated that I can't get my wife some nice things. The kids will get stuff regardless. But I can't afford to buy gifts for the family members that I will be around this year. It makes me feel pretty cheap to say to family "Don't buy us anything, cause we're not buying you anything." But, I guess that's something I just have to get over. I am very thankful for my family--even my extended family. No, our health isn't what we'd like it to be but that's life. Our girls are pretty healthy and happy and even if the rest of us are still afflicted in some way, we are pretty happy too. I have been praying fervently for health for my family and I would appreciate your prayers as well. A large part of our current financial struggle has been with medical expenses for this health trial our family is going through. Both Rebekah and Titus definitely need antibiotics again, but we have already spent about $200 just this month on Dr. visits and meds. Pray for wisdom and grace for the physicians that we will need to see. We need correct diagnosis (what's the plural of that?) and kindness in giving us new prescriptions over the phone instead of requiring a visit with a copay.
But hey, at least i know without a shadow of a doubt that I am going to heaven. And I am definitely grateful for that.
Well, this time of the year is frustrating for me. I'm such an oblivious person (I've cultivated that quality) that I have a hard time really enjoying the time of year like I want to. Christmas sneaks up on me. Last year it was especially difficult because Rebekah had to go into the hospital and we had guests living with us. Ever celebrate Christmas in the hospital? Yeah, it was as rotten as it sounds. Poor Forrest was so upset about not being with us that it was breaking my heart. Last year sickness had visited me pretty hard and I was even so bad that my Dad (or was it my Mom) insisted that I go to the ER. After an hour or so there waiting, I finally decided that if they didn't consider it a true emergency then it probably wasn't so I went home. So, with all that in mind I could either enjoy the simple fact that all had turned out well and this year we were all home, or I could be frustrated that I couldn't celebrate Christmas like I wanted due to financial reasons. I chose the latter. Yeah, yeah, I'm working on it. There is so much to truly be thankful for and as I've learned from both the Grinch and Charlie Brown, Christmas isn't about the gifts. Oh, I'm not overly frustrated about me getting gifts. I've gotten little for the past ten years. I'm frustrated that I can't get my wife some nice things. The kids will get stuff regardless. But I can't afford to buy gifts for the family members that I will be around this year. It makes me feel pretty cheap to say to family "Don't buy us anything, cause we're not buying you anything." But, I guess that's something I just have to get over. I am very thankful for my family--even my extended family. No, our health isn't what we'd like it to be but that's life. Our girls are pretty healthy and happy and even if the rest of us are still afflicted in some way, we are pretty happy too. I have been praying fervently for health for my family and I would appreciate your prayers as well. A large part of our current financial struggle has been with medical expenses for this health trial our family is going through. Both Rebekah and Titus definitely need antibiotics again, but we have already spent about $200 just this month on Dr. visits and meds. Pray for wisdom and grace for the physicians that we will need to see. We need correct diagnosis (what's the plural of that?) and kindness in giving us new prescriptions over the phone instead of requiring a visit with a copay.
But hey, at least i know without a shadow of a doubt that I am going to heaven. And I am definitely grateful for that.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wring that Sponge out!
by Grant
I recently was informed that Children are like sponges and that they absorb what they see and hear. This was counter to my argument that cartoons have negligible affect on the wee munchkins. Alas, in the heat of the exchange, my point was ill phrased and further stoked the fires of discontent (hey, you can have a winter of discontent, why not a fire?). Personal quarrels aside, I was forced to examine what my children see and hear to make sure that I am not warping them beyond a reasonable amount (basically I stop before it legally constitutes abuse). NO! My goal is not to warp my children, please! I am not that weird... or am I? No! I'm really not. Ok, well, the point is that I don't want to subject my children to the various and sundry evils of the world. So, let's say that I watch the Simpsons. My children are there and watch it with me. I am aware of this. I have a TV Guardian that effectively blocks over 90% of the naughty words (or at least, that I find objectionable to children and short relatives). As they watch the show, I tell them when something is "naughty" or they will ask me. If I find the subject matter unreasonable I will skip whole chunks or shut off the show entirely. Hmm... well, it's that or watch something "adult" such as CSI:Miami where they delve into shattered bodies in graphic detail (BTW, I like CSI:any city).
But I've decided that I'm keep doing what I'm doing. And when my kid picks up a word (whether from TV or his Uncle) I will squeeze him like a sponge until it's all out. Then, I'll stick him under a heat lamp until all traces are gone. Hmm... I'm not sure if I have a heat lamp big enough. Anybody know of a tanning bed for sale cheap?
I recently was informed that Children are like sponges and that they absorb what they see and hear. This was counter to my argument that cartoons have negligible affect on the wee munchkins. Alas, in the heat of the exchange, my point was ill phrased and further stoked the fires of discontent (hey, you can have a winter of discontent, why not a fire?). Personal quarrels aside, I was forced to examine what my children see and hear to make sure that I am not warping them beyond a reasonable amount (basically I stop before it legally constitutes abuse). NO! My goal is not to warp my children, please! I am not that weird... or am I? No! I'm really not. Ok, well, the point is that I don't want to subject my children to the various and sundry evils of the world. So, let's say that I watch the Simpsons. My children are there and watch it with me. I am aware of this. I have a TV Guardian that effectively blocks over 90% of the naughty words (or at least, that I find objectionable to children and short relatives). As they watch the show, I tell them when something is "naughty" or they will ask me. If I find the subject matter unreasonable I will skip whole chunks or shut off the show entirely. Hmm... well, it's that or watch something "adult" such as CSI:Miami where they delve into shattered bodies in graphic detail (BTW, I like CSI:any city).
But I've decided that I'm keep doing what I'm doing. And when my kid picks up a word (whether from TV or his Uncle) I will squeeze him like a sponge until it's all out. Then, I'll stick him under a heat lamp until all traces are gone. Hmm... I'm not sure if I have a heat lamp big enough. Anybody know of a tanning bed for sale cheap?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Blog Editorial
by Grant
One day I hope to look back at this blog and find it to be something that I was glad I did. I originally started it to disseminate the information about the girls, but thankfully there hasn't been a lot of exciting news to post recently. At this point, Serenity makes the wackiest faces and Liberty says "Da-Da-Da." We've had some sickness that has been pretty discouraging as it seems to just come around and around (I have been sick for the better part of three months), but thankfully nothing too serious. I'm not sure if the blog is very useful for disseminating information anymore, especially since there's not a lot to talk about. After getting some feedback from a hoser friend, I've tried to focus more on just family stuff. No offense people, but writing about that is about as much fun as going to a Dentist with dull drill bits. If I can't inject comments about the Simpsons and my various opinions (useless, I agree) then blogging becomes a chore. I think that I'm probably talking to myself here as I know not many people read these blogs and those who do are primarily interested in pictures etc. That's cool. However, I must think that either the this blog will die a slow lingering death or I've got to do something more interesting. Positive feedback is always welcome and I'm always excited to see that there are blog comments (even if it's limited to two people usually). In fact, the blog comments are what keeps me doing the effort of double posting. Don't underestimate the amount of good you can do with positive comments. There is far too much criticism in the world and I think we should strive every day to put off the unhelpful comments that are burning to burst out and instead turn it into something positive. You never know when that one seemingly minor comment that you made will be the turning point in someone's day or possibly even their life.
"Rock on Wayne" - Garth
"Rock on Garth" - Wayne
One day I hope to look back at this blog and find it to be something that I was glad I did. I originally started it to disseminate the information about the girls, but thankfully there hasn't been a lot of exciting news to post recently. At this point, Serenity makes the wackiest faces and Liberty says "Da-Da-Da." We've had some sickness that has been pretty discouraging as it seems to just come around and around (I have been sick for the better part of three months), but thankfully nothing too serious. I'm not sure if the blog is very useful for disseminating information anymore, especially since there's not a lot to talk about. After getting some feedback from a hoser friend, I've tried to focus more on just family stuff. No offense people, but writing about that is about as much fun as going to a Dentist with dull drill bits. If I can't inject comments about the Simpsons and my various opinions (useless, I agree) then blogging becomes a chore. I think that I'm probably talking to myself here as I know not many people read these blogs and those who do are primarily interested in pictures etc. That's cool. However, I must think that either the this blog will die a slow lingering death or I've got to do something more interesting. Positive feedback is always welcome and I'm always excited to see that there are blog comments (even if it's limited to two people usually). In fact, the blog comments are what keeps me doing the effort of double posting. Don't underestimate the amount of good you can do with positive comments. There is far too much criticism in the world and I think we should strive every day to put off the unhelpful comments that are burning to burst out and instead turn it into something positive. You never know when that one seemingly minor comment that you made will be the turning point in someone's day or possibly even their life.
"Rock on Wayne" - Garth
"Rock on Garth" - Wayne
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Pictures and Things
by Grant
I need to update more often so I don't feel like I have to say everything in each blog post. The live-ins are still here but they do have an ejection date. December 4th.
After Turkey day, My family and my MIL (mother-in-law) will head to Fairfield for a day or so.
Probably nothing much to say so I'll post some pictures and stuff. My MIL has lots and lots that she has taken. I might get some of hers and post them as well.
Serenity Bouncing
Serenity gnawing on toy
Hitting the bottle
I need to update more often so I don't feel like I have to say everything in each blog post. The live-ins are still here but they do have an ejection date. December 4th.
After Turkey day, My family and my MIL (mother-in-law) will head to Fairfield for a day or so.
Probably nothing much to say so I'll post some pictures and stuff. My MIL has lots and lots that she has taken. I might get some of hers and post them as well.
Serenity Bouncing
Serenity gnawing on toy
Hitting the bottle
Blogged with Flock
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Late October update
by Grant
It's been busier than normal recently. Rebekah was getting ready for her Mother and Grandmother coming out. Then I obviously had my Grandmother's funeral. So, let's start there...
My Grandmother had suffered quite a bit recently as her body continued to deteriorate. As she required frequent care, she had migrated to various assisted living homes to a nursing home and finally to hospice. So, as much as one is sorry to see a loved one pass, it truly was her time. While I was at the funeral, I was very surprised to see the amount of socializing going on. But, it was actually a nice surprise. All of my siblings were able to make it back, although Forrest suffered a horrible trip being delayed and turning a 12 hour trip into something much closer to 24 hours. Because none of us from remote locations had been able to bring our spouses or children, we were actually able to spend a good amount of time in fellowship.
My Grandmother and Mother-in-law or MIL for short, have been here almost a week. They have been very pleasant visitors (so far the rule that visitors are like fish has not been applicable). Other than giving up our bedroom for their habitation, and sharing a bathroom, it's been nice. Rebekah and I have been sleeping on a fold out couch, but my #1 Dad just got us a bedroom set with a pillow top mattress for $150. Way to go Dad! He and Mom are even gonna bring it down on Sunday. Now, who could ask for better parents?
BTW, if you need a custom door made, then Sav-on in Payette will do it for a bargain. I'm used to patronizing Home Depot for my needs but a door through them was going to be in the neighborhood of $300-$400. At Sav-on in Payette, I can get the door for $145 + $25 for them to chop it down for me. What a bargain! :)
Oh, and I guess before I sign-off, the girls got sick last week. That was very rough as they ran high fevers and were very fussy. When we could get them to take meds they did fine, but if they were feverish then no way jose. I'm still trying to recover, Serenity is struggling (she lost her voice the poor thing) and titus is having a rough go. Do you think we can get a group discount at the Dr.'s office?
It's been busier than normal recently. Rebekah was getting ready for her Mother and Grandmother coming out. Then I obviously had my Grandmother's funeral. So, let's start there...
My Grandmother had suffered quite a bit recently as her body continued to deteriorate. As she required frequent care, she had migrated to various assisted living homes to a nursing home and finally to hospice. So, as much as one is sorry to see a loved one pass, it truly was her time. While I was at the funeral, I was very surprised to see the amount of socializing going on. But, it was actually a nice surprise. All of my siblings were able to make it back, although Forrest suffered a horrible trip being delayed and turning a 12 hour trip into something much closer to 24 hours. Because none of us from remote locations had been able to bring our spouses or children, we were actually able to spend a good amount of time in fellowship.
My Grandmother and Mother-in-law or MIL for short, have been here almost a week. They have been very pleasant visitors (so far the rule that visitors are like fish has not been applicable). Other than giving up our bedroom for their habitation, and sharing a bathroom, it's been nice. Rebekah and I have been sleeping on a fold out couch, but my #1 Dad just got us a bedroom set with a pillow top mattress for $150. Way to go Dad! He and Mom are even gonna bring it down on Sunday. Now, who could ask for better parents?
BTW, if you need a custom door made, then Sav-on in Payette will do it for a bargain. I'm used to patronizing Home Depot for my needs but a door through them was going to be in the neighborhood of $300-$400. At Sav-on in Payette, I can get the door for $145 + $25 for them to chop it down for me. What a bargain! :)
Oh, and I guess before I sign-off, the girls got sick last week. That was very rough as they ran high fevers and were very fussy. When we could get them to take meds they did fine, but if they were feverish then no way jose. I'm still trying to recover, Serenity is struggling (she lost her voice the poor thing) and titus is having a rough go. Do you think we can get a group discount at the Dr.'s office?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Please stand by...
by Grant
I have just spent over an hour getting pictures and videos uploaded, etc. I will try to take some more time very soon to post these but until then watch this dizzying video (literally)
I have just spent over an hour getting pictures and videos uploaded, etc. I will try to take some more time very soon to post these but until then watch this dizzying video (literally)
Please stand by...
by Grant
I have just spent over an hour getting pictures and videos uploaded, etc. I will try to take some more time very soon to post these but until then watch this dizzying video (literally)
I have just spent over an hour getting pictures and videos uploaded, etc. I will try to take some more time very soon to post these but until then watch this dizzying video (literally)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Nothing Clever
by Grant
My Grandmother died on Monday. Rebekah was going to go with me to the funeral but decided to stay home with the kids. Probably best. I contracted some illness on Monday night so I'll be making the trip solo and sick. Don't cry for me Argentina, I'm sure I'll be fine. Rebekah graciously offered to let me take Forrest so I wouldn't be lonely (a teeney tiny part of me questions her motives) but that's not a good idea as I can barely take care of myself when I'm not sick let alone when a contagion is battling my immune system for dominance.
I think that a death can spark some thoughts about the meaning of life. I know many people think it's tacky to "promote religion" at a funeral, but if you think of it bluntly, that's the most appropriate time. If you are a Christian, muslim, budhist, etc. you don't get a lot of benefits in this life. Frequently, you get persecuted for being the wrong religion. Jews, especially the jews. I think that doing a funeral service for a person that didn't know Christ would be extremely hard. I'm very grateful that my grandmother believed that Jesus died for her sins because she was a sinner (as are we all). I'm very grateful and joyful that she is with God now and no longer suffering. I think that it is perfectly natural to mourn her passing but with bitter sweet tears. She had suffered quite awhile and her health had deteriorated. My Mom called me Sunday to tell me the end was near, but we didn't know how near it truly was.
I'll miss my grandma; I loved her and I know that she loved me.
My Grandmother died on Monday. Rebekah was going to go with me to the funeral but decided to stay home with the kids. Probably best. I contracted some illness on Monday night so I'll be making the trip solo and sick. Don't cry for me Argentina, I'm sure I'll be fine. Rebekah graciously offered to let me take Forrest so I wouldn't be lonely (a teeney tiny part of me questions her motives) but that's not a good idea as I can barely take care of myself when I'm not sick let alone when a contagion is battling my immune system for dominance.
I think that a death can spark some thoughts about the meaning of life. I know many people think it's tacky to "promote religion" at a funeral, but if you think of it bluntly, that's the most appropriate time. If you are a Christian, muslim, budhist, etc. you don't get a lot of benefits in this life. Frequently, you get persecuted for being the wrong religion. Jews, especially the jews. I think that doing a funeral service for a person that didn't know Christ would be extremely hard. I'm very grateful that my grandmother believed that Jesus died for her sins because she was a sinner (as are we all). I'm very grateful and joyful that she is with God now and no longer suffering. I think that it is perfectly natural to mourn her passing but with bitter sweet tears. She had suffered quite awhile and her health had deteriorated. My Mom called me Sunday to tell me the end was near, but we didn't know how near it truly was.
I'll miss my grandma; I loved her and I know that she loved me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tautology
by Grant
Ha! to all those who never thought I'd use that information. My wife said "What's done is done" the other day. I made a comment about the tautology not being helpful (or something).
BTW, Rebekah SPRANG back quite well from her stair falling incident.
Also, Howard Carter found the tomb of King Tut (thank you Lisa Simpson).
Ha! to all those who never thought I'd use that information. My wife said "What's done is done" the other day. I made a comment about the tautology not being helpful (or something).
BTW, Rebekah SPRANG back quite well from her stair falling incident.
Also, Howard Carter found the tomb of King Tut (thank you Lisa Simpson).
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