There's a sucker born everyday...

...good thing today's wasn't me. It almost was. Really, Clint and I almost did something foolish, but we didn't. We went to the car dealership to get a part and decided to go look at cars. I could probably end the story right there and you would know the rest. I will, however, continue.

A few years ago we had a perfect Ford Expedition that we loved. It was roomy and wonderful. When gas prices hit $5/gallon, we decided "wonderful" was no longer the appropriate adjective. It was killing us, sucking our bank account dry, costing us a fortune, and basically non-economical. We made the decision to trade it in for a crossover vehicle to save on gas. We bought a new car and it saved us a ton on gas. Mission accomplished. However, I don't really like my car. It's fine, but my kids fight when they sit that close, and we can't take extra people with us, so I have been rallying to get another Expedition for a year. It's silly, but it's true.

Today, there were 4 Expeditions on the lot. Our requirements were 1) Back-Up Sensors, 2)Entertainment System and 3) Leather Seats. None of the 4 on the lot had all three requirements, so we thanked our salesman and headed off. As we were walking to the car, he saw one glorious new arrival at the back of the lot. He said, "I haven't seen that one yet, but it looks like it has the back-up sensors, come with me and let's go check it out." We did. It hadn't been detailed yet, but it was perfect. 4 years old and 38,000 miles. We didn't want to spend a bunch of money because we knew we'd be selling it in a few years when we move overseas, so we went inside the office. After 2 hours of haggling, we realized we were in a sales office about to buy a car when all we went for was a part. I wanted to cry a little because, I really want a new car. The salesman was offering us a low payment, more than our trade-in was worth, and a great price on the new car. Adding 5 more years of car payments just didn't seem all that glorious. We had to steal our keys back from the car appraiser to get out of there, but we managed to do so.

So here we are, no new car, no new car payment. We're feeling ok about that...but I still really want that car, even though I don't need it.

Is that a rhetorical question?

Many times, I find that you leave me a comment (which I love) in the form of a question. I don't really know how to answer you because I have my doubts that you will come back to my blog, to that specific post and see if I've replied, so here you go. Answers:

• A few nights ago, I bribed ALL my kids (unsuccessfully) to go to sleep.
• Clint has just a few more weeks before full-time in WA.
• Yes, I have read "Eats, Shoots and Leaves." And, yes, I love it.
• Earl Anthony is a professional bowler, and no, I don't actually know him.
• The Academy of Dance.
• The glue held Carson's head together nicely and there is barely a scar.
• Yes, my brother was endorsing Spanglish.
• I did not major in English, however if I decide to go back to school, that will probably be my first choice.
• The Point 'N Paint is on clearance at Staples for $11 this week.
• Cambria's "beat down" Sunday was not a big deal, just pretty funny that the walk to primary was so heinous.

That's all the answers I have for you. My brain is tired. Keep the comments coming, I love 'em!

Check it off the list.

I know Clint loves being put right to work when he arrives, so I generally try to make him happy and just make the assignments. This week he really wanted to get the garage/workshop all set up, so he is building some shelves above the garage door. Just made a plan, bought the wood and got it done. He's what you might call a "select stud."

Bedtime compromises.

My kids have been quite a struggle during the bedtime hour lately. Just getting them to stay in their rooms has been its own monster challenge. I finally told them I didn't care where they slept, just as long as it was in their own room. I guess everyone decided Carson's bed was the best option. Whatever.

Delicious, but no flippin' way is it nutritious.

We picked up Clint from the airport today and went to lunch at Red Robin. I love that place. The seasoning salt for the fries is quite possibly made from actual bits of heaven. We saw a little ad on the table tent for a burger named the Mediterranean. It involved feta cheese, artichoke spinach dip, garlic mayo, tomato, lettuce and a big fat burger. A tasty situation indeed. I had to order just to see if it was any good. Well, let me tell you, it was. Each delectable bite complimented my heaven-seasoned fries like magic. I will clearly have to limit crazy calories tomorrow, but today was worth every single bite. Oh and next time, I'm trying this-

It's the new "Wise Guy Burger." Marinara, mozzarella sticks, banana peppers, tomato and pepperoni. It sounds so crazy that it might just be delicioso!

A Poem

Today was filled with so much fun, I'm sure you won't believe;

Cambo went to preschool and didn't want to leave.

I had to make a quick return up to the Kitsap Mall;

I didn't buy a single thing, nothing large nor small.

I cleaned the car, I cleaned the sink, I made lunches for the kids;

I walked the dog, I changed the sheets, I promise, I really did.

Now I'm off to do laundry, my favorite chore of all;

Clothes were so much more fun to fold when my kids were small.

You see, my days are not so thrilling and are not always fun;

However, I don't mind so much, I know it's got to be done.

My husband arrives in the morning to spend a week at home;

A nice break for him and also for me, it's been hard here on my own.

So this is what I blog about when there's nothing to report;

A little of this, a little of that, random thoughts of a random sort.

Enjoy your weekend, blogstalkers, I don't know what I'll have to share;

But trust me on this, I promise to post something about which you might care.

More Pomp and Circumstance

Tomorrow marks Navy graduation number 4 for Clint. Who knew you could graduate that many times after college? He's a smartypants, that husband of mine, and I'm proud of him!

OCS - Pensacola, FL

SWOS - Newport, RI

Nuclear Power School -

Goose Creek, SC

I don't have a picture for tomorrow's Postgraduate School festivities, but I imagine he'll look something like the following picture. And, yes, I plan on wearing my same outfit too. Here, at home, while I watch Oprah and eat BonBons. I love you Clint, congratulations on your graduation, wish we could be there!

Oh no she didn't!

Yes...I did. Turns out I am one of those moms.


Tonight was the Raingutter Regatta for Cub Scouts. Gavin and I worked hard on making his boat cool and sea-worthy. He got a chance to race his boat 5 times and he won every time. That's right, our boat...I mean, his boat was undefeated. Applaud for us, we need the recognition. Flash forward to awards.

I knew that Gavin's boat was undefeated so I was holding the camera steady for his First Place ribbon. He got Second. Wait, what? Second? How can you get Second Place without losing? I don't know what kind of elimination the judges used, but it clearly wasn't the right kind, because Gavin never raced the first place winner. I kept my cool, because frankly, there is no need to make a scene (a large one, anyway). Although, being that I am from competitive genes, I had to make things right. I piped up, "Gavin why don't you go race your boat against the first place winner, you never raced him." Not obnoxious, but loud enough that the "judges" could hear me. Those boys raced and my boy won. Thank you very much. I will be heading over to the Scout shop in the morning to get my kid his first place ribbon.

I'm on it.

Cambria asked me for a napkin today, so I handed her one. I watched what she was doing with it because she had no food or drink, nor did she have a runny nose. She walked over to the door, bent down, and smooshed a spider. Highly impressed, I asked, "Did you just kill a spider?" She said, "Yeah, I got it." She's a girly girl, but she can certainly hang with the boys!

Did the dew

Mom: Carson, what happened to your elbow?

Carson: I was ridin' the mountain dew and I fell.

Mom: Where?

Carson: [indignantly] At. The. Mountain. Dew.

Mom: Oh, um, ok, just checking.

Another spray paint opportunity; or maybe a crow bar.

What I now want to know is this: Who is Floor and what is her inc? Perhaps I should go inside that establishment and I will find the answers.

Move over, Earl Anthony

That's right, my friends, it's bowling season! The boys are all signed up on their league to perfect their bowling prowess. Today was just practice, but watch out next week, they will school you if you come their way!

experimenting without direction

Cambria needed a little bag to put her dance stuff in. I didn't want to buy one because I am feeling very crafty this week, so I decided to make one. I went to the fabric store to scope out a cute pattern to make my inexpensive bag. I then discovered that said pattern would be $14.95. Hello, how is that an inexpensive route to go? I scrapped that idea and just went to buy fabric and decided to wing it, sans pattern. It worked out swimmingly and the bag was so cute, I made another one today! Love it!

It's Cambria week

This week has been all about Cambria. I guess it's because the boys are gone all day and I have nothing else to take pictures of. I promise there will be more pictures and such about the boys soon. But these are too sweet to pass up. I learned how to make a crazy fluffy tutu this week and had to give it a try. I adore it.

creepy little things

These little fellas are everywhere in our yard. Tiniest frogs I've ever seen and they just seem to hippity hop wherever they please. I have included the following picture as a reference for their actual size. That's my finger, just in case you didn't know.

Cambria's favorite pasttime is collecting them in water bottles, or bubble bottles, or her hands, or in her pockets...well, you get the idea. It's not my favorite thing at all. Thanks Aunt Katie, she's totally your niece.

our little dancer

Finally!

Cambria had a great first day of school. She wanted to strike a pose for her special first day picture.

worst headache ever

I'll blog tomorrow.

sunshine day, everybody's smilin'

Today was absolutely glorious as we drove home from church. We'll take whatever sun we can get over here. I said, "Why don't we pack up a lunch and have a picnic somewhere?" The kids thought that sounded great and began rattling off all the parks we could go to. Since they all involved some sort of swim attire and/or purchase of meals, we opted to just go across the street to the little park. We had a nice impromptu picnic and basked in the radiance of the sun. Lovely!

It hurts my feelings...

...not because the shop owner couldn't spell. Not because they hung it up. But because someone, who obviously works for a reputable sign printing company, let this catastrophe go out the door. I may have to get out my can of red spray paint tonight. Do you think I would get arrested for taking charge of this situation? I, as a self-proclaimed grammar policeman, don't think they would arrest a fellow officer of the law.

I am proud.

September 11, 2001

I am proud of everyone who stood up for something that horrible day.

I am proud of those who flew their flags at their homes, work, on a pin, on their desktop, everywhere, in support.

I am proud of everyone who wasn't trying to be a hero that day, but just did their jobs and became a hero anyway.

I am proud of those who weren't "just doing their jobs," but stood up to be heros.

I am proud to be an American and I am proud of those who fight for our freedoms.

But wait, there's more...

Clint and I have never bought into the whole "as seen on TV" circuit. That is, until Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan got their own show on the Discovery channel. Once we actually got sucked in and saw the testing they do for products, we figured, "Hey, maybe that isn't a complete piece of junk." Before we moved out here, I saw a product at Kohl's called the Point 'n Paint. It looked like a great idea, but I wasn't sure it would really work. Since I knew I was going to be painting this house like a crazy person, I decided to purchase the item (secretly of course, because I didn't want to admit that I bought ASOTV stuff). After a complete mess in the first room, I discovered its secret and decided it is amazing. It requires you to do no taping, no masking off, no cutting in. It's phenomenal and I love it. I haven't painted anything since we've had the furniture in, but I really wanted more paint on the walls, so I dragged it out again today. Still amazing. This is how well it does against the baseboards. We're talkin' no tape here at all.

Yep, I love it. I also love my Hot Chocolate wall. I think I see more walls this color coming in the near future, it's lovely.

Preschool

Cambria got to meet her new preschool teachers tonight when we dropped off the huge amount of school supplies at Open House. The kids made a placemat for snack time and just played around for a bit. She is excited to start on Monday, but we'll see if that changes when Monday actually arrives. Don't call me on Monday, I'll be having a morning of peace and I don't need to be woken u....er, I mean, any interruptions.

back to school

The boys made it through their first day of school. They had a great day and both kids liked their teachers. A few more days for just Cambria and me at home and then she'll be off to preschool. These kids are growing up!

Last day of the summer.

We had big plans today, BIG plans. We were going to drive down to the hands-on children's museum in Olympia and have a grand last day of the summer adventure. I quickly logged on to the internet to check the address and Carson stood on a stool next to me. I said, "Please get down or you're going to fall." He told me he wouldn't, and then he fell. He whacked the back of his head on the corner of the desk and bleeding was inevitable. I looked at it and said, "Guess we're going to the hospital instead." Thus and verily, plans changed. We spent the next 2 1/2 hours in the ER waiting for his head to be glued back together. With head sufficiently glued, and Italian Ice received, there was no longer time to drive to Olympia and make it back before piano lessons. Plans changed, once again.

The kids were miffed that we didn't get to go, so I conceded to do whatever they chose. Chuck E. Cheese (Carlos E. Queso to my husband and I). To say that I dislike this place gives it too much credit. I loathe that mouse. I avoid it at all costs, but my children LOVE it. Why? The food? No. The germs? Negative. The games? Nope. The junk they give away as "prizes?" Yep. Does anyone really want any of that garbage? I paid $20 for three tootsie roll pops, a plastic snake, a hair clip and a noise maker (my personal favorite). But I love my children and wanted them to have fun on their last day of freedom, so we went. We washed our hands more than anyone in the building, but fun was successful. I endured and am no worse for wear. They asked if we could go again next year. That's a bit too often for me, but I will reevaluate at a later date...much later.

Here comes the rain again.

"Boys, quick get your bikes, it's raining," mom called. "Cambria, don't leave your scooter out."

One of these things is not like the others.

When we come home from church, I expect a certain amount of wrinkles in the clothes, or cookie dropped on the shirt. When I picked Cambria up from her class today, however, she looked like she needed some love and possibly a home. What in the heck happened? The band-aid, hair all crazy and random ponytail were new additions to what I dropped her off looking like. I made no changes to her appearance before shooting these photos. Poor girl.

Who knew?

There are a lot of houses being built in our neighborhood and a hazard that is ever-present is random pieces of building debris scattered about. They do a pretty good job of cleaning things up, but there are still a few things hanging around. Gavin accidentally (says he) rode over a nail on his bike. It totally flattened out his tire and needed to be fixed. I meant to have Clint do it while he was here, but I forgot, so it didn't get done. Gavin really likes riding his bike, so I bought the materials and changed the flat. I didn't know I had it in me, but after a few excess items were purchased and a finger or two smooshed up, it was good as new. Now...on to the scooter I ran over with car.

Craftiness ensues

My friend is a sewing queen. She makes amazing things and I adore everything I have seen! She put out an invite on her blog to come make a cute little project at her house today. I can't resist craftiness in any capacity, so of course, I attended the soiree. I made these cute little money pouches to throw in my purse in an attempt to be a budgeting genius. Really, they could be for anything, but this is their new use for me. I love them. The fabrics she supplied brought me great joy and I will hopefully be making more of these because I love them.

Met the teacher

The boys got to go to their new school to meet their teachers today. Both super cute ladies who look like they will be great. I had a slight concern when I found out that Carson's teacher's name is Kathy Bates, (and if you've seen Misery, you understand my hesitation) but she is a cute, thin blond woman with a great smile, so I'll presume she's not in the business of stalking and breaking legs. Well, we'll cross our fingers anyway!

Pear Wednesday

This is it for me. No more fruit overload. After canning 12 jars of pears, I still had about half my pears left in the box. I had no more jars, so what to do with the rest of the pears. We ate a few. Then I remembered one of my favorite restaurant meals of all time has pears in it. Thus the creative re-creation kicked in. Here is my salute to the California Pizza Kitchen's Pear and Gorgonzola pizza. A little pear, a little gorgonzola, some caramelized onion and I even threw on some gouda for good measure. I baked it on a piece of Flat Out flat bread from costco (much better for my diet than pizza crust) and it was heavenly. I do believe I will be having that again tomorrow. I still have plenty of pears.

I also baked a pear cake that smells fantastic, but we will not be cutting into that until tomorrow. I have a delicious sounding recipe for a pear custard pie, so we'll give it a go tomorrow night. I don't think I better indulge in all these treats, but Gavin said, "They're made with pears, so they're healthy." Right-o, good man, right-o.