I may not be a grandmother... :(

My twerp #2 has been talking about not having kids. It started slowly when she learned that you have to have a shot when you have a baby (blood drawn). I told her it wasn't a big deal and that it only happened once. Or more, but I didn't mention that to her. She asked if it hurts when you have a baby. I said, "Yes, but you forget about it after you're holding your baby." A few weeks later she asked if you had to be married to have children. A resounding YES came out of my mouth. A couple of months ago she said, "Mom, I'm not going to get married."

What! Why not? "Because then I'd have to have a baby. I'm not going to have babies. It hurts." I assured her that you don't have to have children if you get married. There are a lot of people that are married that don't have children. She reminded me that she doesn't have a friend yet that she would want to marry and since she can't pick her cousins...she'd rather not get married at all.

It took us a couple of weeks to convince her that she can get married...she can not have children...and she's not supposed to find her husband until after college. OK. Situation averted.

Until yesterday. She got her IV. She asked, "Mom, did you have to have one of these things in your hand when you were in the hospital to have a baby?" Ugh. Gulp. "Yes, I did, but remember, after you three kids were born, I forgot all about it!" "That's what I thought. Yeah, I most definitely am NOT having kids. I will never go through this again."

Bummer. I remember when I was in the hospital giving birth and after I was all done with the gross stuff and the baby had been wiped off, the first person I wanted to hold the baby besides Stephen was my mom. Not my mother-in-law. (No offense, Deanna.) I wanted my mom to come in the room and take the baby from me and coo and rock back and forth.

But is Twerp #2 isn't going to have a baby, then I'm going to the be Mother-In-Law. I won't be the first one in the room. Here's to hoping that her future "friend husband" can make her change her mind...because at the age of 5 1/2, she's not even close!

Trip to the ER

Before you scroll down, no, there is no picture today. Why? Because it would seem quite heartless to take any pictures in the ER...even if they weren't so bad. That was what I thought yesterday. Today, day after the incident, I wish that I had taken pictures...sigh.

All 3 of the kids got the flu on Sunday morning...about 1 am. The boys were home with us, but Twerp #2 went on a special overnight with her grandparents to Fresno. She was really excited about the trip until she started to puke at 2 am. Gross.

Si denote: I am NOT a throw up mom. Before I became a mom, I seriously thought about not having children simply because they would at one point hurl. I think it's disgusting and I usually get nauseous myself and it's not pretty. But, like any anal girl, I went over the pros and cons and decided that vomit didn't warrant not having children.

Anyways, the kids were done being sick on Sunday morning and we put the kids on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) all day. They ate and drank and watched TV all day. It was a good Sunday. Sunday night, about 11:30, Twerp #2 came home and fell asleep. The next day, the boys were great! They ran around and played and were active and it made me tired. However, Twerp #2 wasn't doing so well. I thought that maybe she was just being cautious so I didn't force her to eat too much. I gave her a solid white water bottle filled halfway with water and she ate two bites of rice and 5 saltine crackers. This isn't too varied from her diet...she likes anything that is white. But each time she'd eat something, her tummy started to hurt. And, being scared of vomit (see side note above), I didn't force her to eat.

Tuesday morning she slept in until 9:00 and then curled up into a ball on the couch. At 9:45 I fed her "breakfast" which included 2 bites of rice and 1/4" of water in a kids cup. It was then that I called the doctor. I brought her to her doctor and on the way, I asked her if she'd gone to the bathroom that morning. Nope. I asked how many times she went to the bathroom the day before. Nope again. I said very calmly, "when was the last time you went potty?" Her response..."at lunchtime when I was with Grandma and Papa." Whoops. How could I have missed that? Are parents supposed to check how often their 5 year old goes potty?

Needless to say, we saw the doctor, I told him what I'd learned about her bathroom habit as of late and he did some tests. "Mrs. Margala, Twerp #2's eyes are kinda sunken in and since she hasn't gone to the bathroom in a while and since her heart rate isn't where is should be and since the nail test isn't good either, I'm gonna send you to the emergency room. I'll fast track you through there and call ahead for you (did I tell you that I LOVE my pediatrician?!!? He's awesome!)." Apparently she was dehydrated. Duh.

To make a long story short, she has numbing cream put on her right hand and left inside elbow. She just thought it was lotion. The doctor that saw us checked her urine (which I squeezed out of her in the bathroom) and said that if it was his son, he would have had Twerp #2 in the hospital yesterday. She had already started to metabolize other proteins and was severely dehydrated. It took two nurses to hold her down and wrap her like a mummy with two sheets so they could get the IV in. It was sad. There was a LOT of screaming and the nurse laying on top of her so she wouldn't move said that he'd have to file for Workman's Comp...she was screaming that loud. They let over 1/2 a bag of saline drip into her little body. 600 ml. After the first 200 ml was in, she was ready to go home. A HUGE difference a little water makes to the body. After we got home, she was a new girl. She had a special teddy bear that she got at the hospital and a horrifying story to tell her friends! She got to watch 2 1/2 hours of cartoons and talk about how the "boys" weren't able to watch TV all day. She called it a "mother-daughter date." I guess she has low expectations.

Score another point for the loser mom. But it's only for this kid! She takes pain well. She doesn't complain when she should and does complain when she shouldn't! She's the girl who cried wolf. But at least it wasn't four days this time (see post when she broke her arm), only 1 1/2. I should have taken a picture of her IV stuck in her arm...something to scrapbook.

When we got home she wanted to earn extra money. She cleaned out and organized our cup drawer by size and color. She reorganized the silverware drawer and cleaned up the art section of the cabinet. She went to work...ate a big meal and is the little girl that I saw on Saturday afternoon.

Praise the Lord for good doctors. For doctors that know exactly what my girl needs and calls ahead to make sure we don't wait all day. If you're ever in the South Orange County area and are looking for a great pediatrician, I'll hook you up! Dr. Christopher Lin is awesome!

Happy New Years from the Margala Family

Christmas Day Visit

We always go to the cemetery as a family on Christmas Day. Sounds morbid, but it's not. It's actually the highlight of our Christmas celebration for Stephen and I. We bring the kids and take pictures. The Pederson family always meets us there. This year my parents, Maren, my uncle Gary, Aaron and Kristen and two of their kids, Eve and Gabriel met us there also. My Dad is there and he reads from 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Grace would have been 9 this Christmas. The first Christmas after she died, we went to the cemetery. Dad read scripture and we all cried. We cried a lot. I was pregnant with Isaiah and fear crept into my thinking again. I didn't want to go through another child's death. But now I have three healthy children. Last year, I saw a reflection of myself 8 years ago. We went to the cemetery and there was a couple celebrating Christmas with their family at the graveside of their child. It was so sad...it was so me 8 years ago. But now my children run through the cemetery and play hop scotch on the headstones. They talk about death like it's a natural thing. They blow the pinwheels in the ground and try to pick out the best teddy bear...they let me know which kid got the best flowers that year. They have life and they aren't afraid to show it!

Yes, it's sad to think of what life would have been like if Grace hadn't died. But I probably wouldn't have Twerp #1 if she had lived. Nor Twerps #2 and 3. My family would be different...I would be different. I'm a better mom and wife because she died. My values have changed and the things that I view important have changed. Christmas is better because she died. Jesus was born for her and for me. Grace has life because of His death and resurrection.

Ask our children who had the best Christmas this year...they'll say that Grace did. She gets to celebrate Christmas with the Birthday Boy Himself! The first Christmas without her she celebrated with her Savior, Great-Grandpa Pederson and her Grandpa Margala. A few years later she was joined by her Great-Grandma Pederson and then her Great-Grandpa Margala. In the blink of an eye, she will celebrate with her Great Grandma Eikum and Great Grandpa Eikum...her Grandpa Pederson and then her Grandma Pederson. In many years (I hope) I will finally get to celebrate the birth of my Savior with her too.

Going to the cemetery is not a sad occasion for me anymore. Sure, it makes me a little teary every once in a while, but I am filled with JOY every time I go there. Watching the kids run around, laugh, chase each other and play reinforces the attitude that I should have about my life and my family.

OH...and there's always the chance that you'll catch your 4 1/2 year old trying to be an angel. That makes it all worthwhile! (See picture below). Merry Christmas. Hold your family close and treasure the time you get to spend with them. I love you!

Michal

House Cleaning

I woke up this morning and looked at the dog hair slowly wafting over the wood floor. I looked at cookie crumbs and dried mac n' cheese on the table. I saw socks that the dog had dragged from the laundry pile on the floor in the TV room. Our house was a mess and adding another kid this afternoon was going to put in in the pig-sty category. So I told the Twerps that in order to pick up their cousin from Grammy's house to stay the night, the house would have to be clean.

Note: Twerp #1 LOVES having his cousin over. They are the same age by a month and play so well together...they have ever since they could crawl.

I had barely gotten the words "the house would have to be clean" out of my mouth before Twerp #1 was cleaning. He cleaned the bedroom. Then he went in the TV room and picked up that just before he picked up the living room. He put toys away, socks in the laundry basket, blankets back inside the coffee table, and anything else he saw. He set up the wood nativity on the fireplace. Then he started unloading the dishwasher. Then he rinsed the breakfast dishes from the counter and the kitchen table and put those in the empty dishwasher. Then (now this is something not even his father does) he washed down the kitchen counter tops. Twerp #2 meanwhile put the shoes away and started to wash the kitchen table and chairs. This is one of her favorite chores. Twerp #1 proceeded to get out the big vacuum and start vacuuming the wood floors and Twerp #2 got out the small vacuum and started to vacuum up the crumbs under the kitchen table. Between the two of them, there shouldn't be that much to vacuum later!

I took my shower and got dressed and am just sitting her watching all this unfold. I think we'll have to have Eve over every day!

Merry Christmas!

PS. I bet you're wondering what Twerp #3 did. Nothing. He sat on the couch watching TV the entire time. Actually, he got out some toys to play in his room and left them on the floor...which bugged Twerp #1 because he'd already cleaned up that room. So...Twerp #1 had to go back into the bedroom and put that toy away again. Yeah, I've got a lazy Twerp #3. Something else to work on...

Rehab...

I was talking to a girlfriend of mine today and she's exhausted. I'm exhausted too! Being that we both live near Hollywood, we're going to take our cues from all those famous people and check ourselves into rehab for exhaustion. Doesn't it sound just perfect? Sleep for 8 hours - no interruptions. Have meals made for you and then cleaned up after you. Get your bed made for you in the morning just to peel back the covers at 2:00 for an afternoon nap...again, no interruptions. Have a quiet meal for dinner...no one whining about the choice of food that is on their plates...green foods might even be in abundance! It would be glorious. Yeah, I need to go to rehab for exhaustion. I believe it's called The SPA! (Stephen, if you're reading this, it's not too late to get another gift certificate!)

I think I'll just go to my room and dream for a little while!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

It's been a long time since I've written a post...but things have been crazy! I had to explain to Stephen that we lost a week's time this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas in comparison to last year. I haven't gotten my Christmas cards out yet...and won't be able to until after Christmas. So...some of you might receive this twice, but this is the only way I can get out any Christmas greeting until next week. I was "dared" by a friend to write a "non-glowing" Christmas letter so here it is!







Well, it’s the week between Christmas and New Years and I have yet to send out my Christmas card. Better late than never...right? Isn’t that the motto of a mom with three children? So...I thought that instead of telling you how wonderful and perfect our children are, I would tell you how wonderful and perfect the parents are. Let me show you examples of the wonderful parenting style that Stephen and I have adopted by giving you some examples in our children...because we all know that our children behave how the parents behave, right?

Twerp #3 (4 1/2) started school this year. It is his first year of preschool because we didn’t get the whole “potty training” thing down until a couple months shy of his 4th birthday. One hot fall afternoon, the kids were playing out on the playground. One little girl in his class was “hot and sweaty” and Twerp #3 proceeded to cool her off by pouring a pitcher of water over her head. One day he was pushed from behind while standing in line to go to chapel. So...as the line leader...he turned around and pushed the little boy who first pushed him. That little boy fell backwards and like a line of dominoes, all the children in the class fell on their bottoms. What have Stephen and I been teaching him? We’ve taught him to look out for others when they’re not feeling well and to try to make them feel better. We’ve also taught him to treat others as he’s been treated.

Twerp #2 ( 5 1/2) is in Kindergarten. She LOVES school and can’t wait to go to school each day from 11:10—2:30. Twerp #2 loves to sing. She loves it so much that she sings while she’s working on her class work. Lately she’s been singing Away in the Manger for all to hear. One little boy said, “Twerp #2, could you please stop singing, you’re annoying me.” Twerp #2 turned around and said, “I’m singing a nice song and it’s not annoying and I won’t stop singing. You’ll just have to go to another room.” (I was the parent helper in class that day.) During her parent/teacher conference, Mrs. Call told Stephen and I that Twerp #2 talks a lot in class and interrupts others work. What have Stephen and I been teaching her? We’ve taught her to enjoy the arts and to not worry about what others think of her. We’ve also taught her to make friends.

Twerp #1 (7 1/2) is in 2nd grade. He is really enjoying this year and is in a class that does lots of science and writing. At his parent/teacher conference, we learned that he’s been talking a lot in class and he loses a lot of classroom tickets each week—he only keeps enough to be the one to get out first at the end of the week. We also learned that his handwriting is not very good...atrocious to some. We need to work on his printing so that it’s easier to read—something Stephen could work on too! What have Stephen and I been teaching him? We’ve taught him that school is the place to make some of your best friends and that communication is important in a good friendship. We’ve also taught him that computers are commonplace and that if Daddy could get by with his printing, then Twerp #1 can get by until he starts bringing a laptop to school.

So...how are Stephen and I doing? Think we need a parenting class? Maybe. But, we’re all alive. The Friday before Christmas was crazy. We had three class parties. I had to bring food items to each party. I also had to wrap 5 teacher gifts, write on 6 teacher cards, make sure that the kids each had their gifts in their bags, food in their bags, I had to bring two brunch casseroles to our last MOPS meeting, 20 muffins to MOPS and somehow take a shower. At this point, I’m really looking forward to Jr. High when the kids don’t have all these parties and gifts to bring.

God has been good to our family this year. We are all healthy, happy and enjoy our family life a lot. We are involved in MOPS, cub scouts, park dates, dates with the kids, dates as a couple, baking together, reading books together, playing lots of board games and having fun. I love staying home with the kids. I love making a home for Stephen. Stephen, by the way, started a new job after 12 years at his last company and is loving it. Our adoption is still going and we hope that we’ll be able to travel in just over a year to pick up our daughter. Please keep her in your prayers.

Merry Christmas to you all! Happy New Year! Love, The Margala Family.

Milestones

It's odd that some milestones I expect. I expected my children to walk. I expected them to use a fork, learn to wash their own hands, use a napkin...well, some things we're still working on in the Margala household...but there are milestones that I KNOW are coming.

There are others that I never thought of. Like doing laundry this afternoon. I've always folded the kids pants together (so there is one long leg) and then in half. They have been folded like this for a long time. They have been able to be placed in the drawer like this and they fit...many pairs across the width of the drawer.

Today, we hit a milestone. Currently, I have to fold Twerp #1's pants in half and then in half again. Two folds. sigh. When did I get a boy that needs two folds to fit the pants in the drawer? He's growing up. His teeth are coming in and soon he won't look like a gopher anymore. sigh. I'm getting old.

Halloween...

Isn't there a rule that as long as you post pictures within a month of the event, it's OK? I realized that I have yet to share Halloween pictures with ya'll and thought I should get that done before Thanksgiving next week. Here you are:


Twerp #1 was an army guy. Twerp #2 was a cow. Twerp #3 was the Cat in the Hat.


Twerp #1 isn't too into costumes. He refused to wear the "combat helmet" and didn't want to wear the camo bandanna either. Hmmmm. He could have just gone as a Twerp. Maybe we'll do that next year.


Twerp #2 was a cow. For those of you who saw the pictures last year...yes, she was the same thing. However, it was too cold to wear the ballerina costume that she wanted to be. I'm sorry for those of you that live in cooler climates. It wasn't really that cold...about 70 and muggy when we were out getting candy at 5:30 at night. But when you don't have any fat on your body, 70 and muggy is cold - at least for Twerp #2.


Had to add this one in because I love her blue eyes!

Yeah, the diameter of the hat was just a tad bigger than the diameter of Twerp #3's head. It kept on falling down and causing much "grief!" He wore the hat for the pictures...but then it went in the car for the rest of the night.


We went to a friends house and Trick-or-Treated with a bunch of friends. We were a large group and even caused one old(er) lady to close her door. They had a lot of fun though.

From the Mouth of my Twerp...

My three twerps were watching TV this afternoon while I was doing laundry. They all had the day off of school for Veterans Day and were watching a Disney show...it was about a girl who had her dream diary stolen by her brother. Yeah, cheesy...but it had been a long day and I decided to go with it.

Anyways, Twerp #3 ran into my room and was telling me all about it. This is what he said: "Mom, sometimes I have scary dreams at night and then when I wake up I don't fall asleep anymore. But there is a book where you can write down your dreams and then they go to the scary place so you don't have to be scared anymore. Do you know what it's called? It's called a Dream Diarrhea.

!!! What!!! There were just a few things wrong with what he just said! Let's take them in order...

1. When he wakes up from a scary dream, he doesn't stay awake all night...he DOES go back to sleep.

2. He can't even write his name, much less write down his scary dreams in a diary!

3. It's a DIARY! Not, I repeat, NOT diarrhea!!!

Ugh, the things that kids hear and then repeat. I pray that this doesn't get repeated in Sunday School this weekend. I can just hear the snickering behind my back as I walk through the church campus..."did you hear that the youngest Margala kid writes in a dream diarrhea...psst...did you hear about the Margalas and their diarrhea problem...hey...did you hear that the Margala Twerps had diarrhea in Sunday School this morning..."

I didn't even laugh. I didn't want him to know what he said was funny. To be honest, it was more shocking and gross than funny. Yuck.

My kids in a nutshell

Can I just say that I love my sister! And no, this is not a bid to get a better Christmas present this year!!! I really do love her. It's because she sees things and thinks of me. Or because she'll call me and leave weird messages on my answering machine. Or, she'll teach my children how to use the inside of their shirt collar as a napkin. OK, I guess occasionally she does things and doesn't really think of me too much...

Anyways...today I got an email from her that said, "thought of you two" in the subject line. The two that she was referring to was myself and my sister-in-law Kristen. My brother and his wife have 4 kids between the ages of 2 and 7. They're busy too. If you ever want to check out their busy life, you can see their blog at http://picklesandpancakes.blogspot.com.

OK, back to the email. There was a quote in the email. That's it. One quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I don't know who that is, but he's brilliant. It describes my children in a nutshell. Have I got you all primed yet? OK. Here it is. You may need to sit back and re-read it a couple of times to get the full "quote experience."

"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good, huh? No. It's great. And it's so true for my life...especially if you know Twerp #3.

Friday after Thanksgiving…

Why does it seem like Thanksgiving goes by in a blur, but the Friday after Thanksgiving is the longest day of the year? Could it be that I get up at the darkest point of the day to get ready to shop?!?

I’m thinking about Christmas gifts now…what to get people, what to make for others…. I’m looking at our budget and seeing that we don’t have a ton of money to spend on the various gifts that we still have to buy. I HATE shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I’d rather spend the day with my family, lounging and eating leftovers, playing at the park and possibly taking a nap…but I know how much I save when I brave the lines at Target. I know that I can get most of my Christmas shopping done when I get up early and wait in countless lines. I’ve made my pros and cons list and although the cons outweigh the pros in numbers, the financial balance sheet outweighs most of the cons and I end up shopping.

I am thankful. I am thankful that we can spend the 4 day weekend together as a family. I am thankful that last year, my 6 year old son wanted to go shopping with me early in the morning to get a special gift for his dad. It was really nice to have the company. I am thankful that by noon, I’ll be done and that my husband will let me have a nap. But mostly, I’m thankful for Lowes and Home Depot. For the past couple of years, I’ve gotten Stephen his gift at one of these two stores. People, there is no one in line! It’s me and about 15 other men who are walking around the hardware store while their wife is down the street at Wal Mart! Plus, the brilliant thing is that you can find something for everyone at Lowes…or Home Depot. There is no waiting in line…no trying to find a parking spot…they’re not “out” of what you went specifically to get…it’s just a beautiful shopping experience – even if it is in the dark early morning hours.

So yes, I’ll probably be one of those crazy ladies out on “Black Friday.” And family, if you have any Home Depot or Lowes requests, let me know! Bring on Thanksgiving! (and bring on the shopping the day after).

Where do they learn these things?!?

This morning, Twerp #3 - my 4 year old, was asking if he could play with a specific toy that we have in the garage. This is what he said: "Mom, could we play with that, you know, that toy that has long brown ones and medium yellow ones and short red ones, and, you know, they are like pool noodles and are bendy and you can, you know, put them together and, you know, build human habitats and stuff?"

I was trying to follow his request. I really, really was. But then when he throws in all the "you knows" like I'm supposed to be understanding what he's saying, it kinda throws me off a little bit. But Human Habitats?!? That was the one phrase that actually put together all of the nonsense that he'd said before. He wanted his Fort Building Kit! Of course, human habitats! But where did he learn the phrase human habitat and not fort builder? I just love that kid!!!

Could I Be Any Prouder?

This will be a short post...not much need for an elaborate explanation. Twerp #1 has found a new talent. It started out as making "farting" noises by laying on his back with his hand behind his knee and then pulling his knee down. Great. He then "graduated" to making the same noise with his hand under his armpit and pulling his arm down in a rapid motion. Tonight, I'm proud. He just came up to me and said: "Mom, I can make that same noise with my neck!" He put his hand under his neck and quickly made a hard nod. Sure enough, that special noise came forth. Boys and 2nd grade. Disgusting. I have to try really hard not to laugh...don't want to encourage this "stage of life."

Are these for real?!?

I just got my Bed Bath and Beyond coupon in the mail. On the inside of the sale catalog they sent, were these Slipper Genie Micro Fiber Cleaning Slippers! Do you think they'd really work? If they did, they would be a gift sent to me from the Slipper Genies!

Do you all know my love of slippers? Do you know the number of times I've arrived at Preschool in my slippers to drop off and then pick up the same kid? I go to the grocery store in my slippers. I go to the bank, the neighbors, the elementary school, MOPS meetings, PTA meetings...you name it and I've probably been there in slippers. You see, I get dressed and ready in the morning. But, as I walk out to the kitchen to make breakfasts and lunches, my feet are cold. So...I slip on my slippers. Who wants to take the time to put on socks and shoes when you're still going to be home for awhile?!? My feet are so cozy and happy that when it's time to leave the house, I don't think twice about it. All of a sudden, I'm at bible study and people look at me and say "nice shoes!" That's when it hits me...they're my fuzzy red slippers!

Anyways...back to the point. If I could wear my favorite shoes in the world and clean my house at the same time, it would be a miracle. Do you think you just spray some floor cleaner and let loose on the wood floor? Turn the music up and dance, walk or drag your kid to a time out all in the name of a clean floor?

I do have a 20% off coupon and the $10 slippers would now be $8. Seems like it would be worth it to try. Now that I think about it, Twerp #'s 1, 2 and 3 would probably like a pair too...then I wouldn't have to mop my floors all the time...ahhh...something to think about.

Cheers!

Where were you 12 years ago? 12 years ago it was 1996. 12 years ago, I was 22. 12 years ago, I was in my senior year of college. 12 years ago I didn't have kids, stretch marks or utter the words, "because I said so!" 12 years ago I drove a black truck and went on weekend trips with my friends. 12 years ago, I was single. That's me.

12.5 years ago, Stephen started a new job at Abbasoft Technologies. Then, in 1998, Stephen and I started dating. In 1999 we got married. Still, Stephen is working at Abbasoft. Then, we proceed to have kids...he takes time off of work for the birth of Twerp #1 in 2001. In 2003, Twerp #2 is born. Finally, he gets another week off for the birth of Twerp #3 in 2004. Still, he works at Abbasoft.

Fast forward 12 years. I've graduated college...but don't work. I'm not 22 anymore, although I was carded last July for buying beer. My mode of transportation is a white minivan that seats 8! I have 3 kids and don't go on weekend trips on the spur of the moment...it takes a long time to get away for the night. But I love the changes that have come with the last 12 years!

On October 16th, 2008, Stephen started a new job! It has been 12 years since his last job change - and although he didn't beat my Grandpa's record at job longevity (1 job his entire life!!!), he has surpassed almost anyone I know our age. He is still programming, but in Irvine. He is learning something new and seems to enjoy it. Here's to a good changes in life. Cheers!

The Tooth Fairy Has Struck Again!

The Tooth fairy Has Struck Again! Last night, Twerp #1 came home from school with a tooth in a baggy. Lucky me, I was blessed by not having to watch the "wrenching of the tooth" again. I'm not sure why, but when there is a wiggly tooth, my stomach just churns in knots and I get a little queasy.

However, there was another wiggly tooth on the bottom. Twerp #1 was sure that he could get it out before bedtime. He wiggled and wiggled. He pulled and twisted. And sure enough, just before bedtime, out it came. Two teeth in one day. That has to be a record, don't you think? Well, I washed his tooth off and put it under his pillow.

This morning, no money was found under his pillow. What!?! How could that be?!? I had him look again and sure enough, there was a $5 bill between his mattress and the headboard! It must have slipped down there during the night. An entire 5 bucks? My tooth fairy was NEVER that generous! I usually got a bunch of change in an old sock...not to say that I wasn't grateful, but it never amounted to $5. It was usually the same amount that was in the bottom of the tooth fairy's purse. I have to chalk it up to losing two teeth on the same day. Maybe if that had happened to me, I would have gotten $5 too. Maybe. Or, maybe not. I guess I shouldn't dwell on it too much since I'm not in the teeth losing stage anymore. Hmmmmmm.

Thought I'd post a picture of the toothless pumpkin at our house.

I'd say we need to get on the brushing bandwagon!

Twerp #3 just had to get in the last picture. He's sure that his teeth will start to fall out soon too!

Boy to Man in 3 years flat!?!!!

I've heard that boys and girls are remarkably alike until just before they hit puberty. For example, when my 7-year old cries because he's frustrated, that's normal. Granted, boys will be more involved with sports and legos and other "boy stuff" but as far as emotions go, they are very similar to girls until the pre-teens.

OK. That's good. I understand that I should expect my boys to be like my girl for a while longer. I was used to that. I had it down. I can deal with the tears and frustration and whining.

But then comes "nuthin'." What did you do at school today? "Nuthin'." Where do you want to go this afternoon? "I dunno." What do you want for dinner? "(silence)." If I gave you a million dollars, would you answer my question about school? "you don't have a million dollars...so, no."

I thought that boys were supposed to talk to their moms. I thought that boys didn't turn into quiet, non-answering men until the pre-teen years. Who gave me this false impression about my boys?!? I have three more years until Twerp #3 becomes just like Twerp #1 and then I'll have three people that don't talk in the house and it'll just be Twerp #2 and I conversing at dinner. She'll tell me about her afternoon. She'll tell me about who's nice at school and who talks too much in class and who she shared her lunch with. It's not about pulling teeth with Twerp #2, it's just about getting in our conversation. Ahhhhh...the life of a girl.

Sorry, Gary!

When I started my blog, I didn't know if anyone would actually care that I was writing...I just wanted to get down in print the funny things that my kids say...the places that we go.... People always say, "are you writing these things down?" No, I usually don't write things down, but now I am. My children will have a legacy! My children will have memories! Yeah, right. What they'll have will be things we can tease them about ad infinitum until they get married. But when they have children of their own, we can tease them again and again and again...

Anyways, to get back to the point. I knew that I would forget to tell my grandparents some of the funny things that happened during the week. So, when I started my blog, I put my grandparents and Stephen's grandma as two of the people that would get my blog emailed to them when there is a new post. Then, I added my dad's cousins in South Dakota. (To be honest, I thought that they had nothing better to do than read my ramblings...especially in the winter and when they're watching an auction of cows. We love you Melvin and Beverly!) Then, I added my aunt Lori and she emailed me and asked me to add her daughter, Jill. Ahhhh, but alas, I forgot to add my uncle, Gary! He called and sounded so pitiful and sad.

Gary, you don't look pitiful in this picture with Mara (my niece at 10 months). I love you Gary! Soooooo much. I'm sorry you were left off my blog email list. Now you're on it and will never be taken off. However, if you're out of town and want to check in with the margala family, just go to alagram.blogspot.com. Please forgive me for all the hurt feelings I've caused in your blogging life these last few months. And, the next time we see each other, I need to get a picture of you with MY kids...I don't seem to be able to find one. :)

Wordle

I came across this cool web program called Wordle. You go to http://wordle.net/ and then you can create your own wordle. You can input any web address and after you click on submit, you will get a wordle created from that website. The program takes the words that are found most often on the website and makes those words larger. You can change the colors of the text, the direction of the words and randomize your wordle. This is the wordle made from my blog. Enjoy making your own wordles...





PS. Would wordle be found in the dictionary?!? I think not since it was the only word that was found "incorrect" when the spell checking was done.

Always and Never

Always and Never are a source of irritation in me. They are used too frequently in my household and it's starting to bug me more and more often. Here are some examples:

Twerp #1: I always have to do more around the house than my sister and brother! (Um, no.)

Twerp #2: I never get to play what I want. (OK, then I'll just donate all your dolls and games to goodwill.)

Twerp #2: We never get to go swimming. (yeah, those swimsuits are just for decoration...)

Twerp #3: I always have time outs! (well, that one just might be true...NO, It's NOT!)

Twerp #1: I never get to watch what I want on TV. (yeah, then I'll just turn it off FOREVER!)

Twerp #2: I always have to eat stuff I don't like. (well then, don't be so darn picky!)

Twerp #3: I never get what I want when I want. (it's called life, buddy. Learn to like it.)

The problem with the always and the nevers is that I'm starting to get very immune to the whining. It's like they have "good time amnesia." They can only remember the things that they don't like or the things that they don't get to do. They can't remember the good times and say thank you for them...just take them for granted.

Tomorrow is a day off of school. The kids and I will be at home all day long. Sure, we'll probably go to the beach (since it's darn hot this week), but they won't remember it by dinner time. When Daddy comes home and asks what they did, they'll say, "Nothing...it was boring today." I'm sure it's the sign that they'll eventually end up with dementia and Alzheimer's. I'll be sure to let their future spouse know of their forgetful tendencies...just so they know what they're signing up for...

So...IF I remember, I'll post what we DIDN'T do tomorrow. It'll just be another boring day...with a lot of NEVER's and ALWAY's thrown in for good measure.

The Logic of a 4 Year Old...

4 year old logic isn't always correct! (duh) Yesterday, Twerp #3 went to my girlfriends house for a "mom swap." I had watched her 3-year old in the morning and she would watch the Twerp in the afternoon until school got out. Seemed like a good idea. However, when she dropped him off she told me the following story:

"I was downstairs emailing a friend when I heard the Twerp go to the bathroom. I heard the toilet flush and then I heard the sink water running. Good for him. Well, all of a sudden I heard that there was water running onto the ceiling above me. I ran upstairs to find the Twerp dumping cups of water into the Polly Pocket Swimming Pool. The water had run down the wall, behind the baseboard and onto the ceiling of the office. When I asked the Twerp why he was putting water in the swimming pool, he replied, "Sorry, Michele. But I saw this swimming pool on a commercial and there is supposed to be water in it for the dolls to have fun. It's a hot day. I'm sorry, Michele."

She told me that he kept on repeating that he saw it on a commercial...I'm as thankful for ads on TV as I am that there is candy in the checkout line at the grocery store.

Today, at preschool, I was kept after class for an announcement from Mrs. May. It seems that out on the playground, Twerp #3 heard his new classmate say that she was hot. He proceeded to dump a pitcher of water right over her head. I see the logic that he had...because we talked about it in length after we got home: "Mom, she was hot. It was at least a million degrees today and she already had little drops of sweat water on her face. When I get sweat water on my face then I like to get my head wet. I was trying to be helpful...you know how helpful I can be!" Yes, Twerp #3, I definitely know how helpful you are. (wink, wink) And it was hot...98 when I picked him up at school today.

Water has been a problem for me the last couple of days. I better give him more bath time and let him get his "water issues" out of his system. I'll go start the bath now...

Another blog...

I've been catching up on my brother's family through the blog that his wife writes. You have got to see them in action! (And I do mean action). If your're interested, you can go to picklesandpancakes.blogspot.com. You'll get a dose of what 4 kids is like...something we're looking forward to in a year or so...

An Art Project.

The kids' school has an annual art project called Reflections. It's a contest across the USA through the PTA of elementary schools. There are several different categories you can enter: visual arts, dance, music, photography and creative writing. Twerp #1 wants to do all 5. His 2nd grade teacher told him that when he enters, he'll get a big ribbon (a horse sized ribbon) for each entry. What she failed to explain was that they had to know how to enter these categories. For example, to enter in the dance category, you have to choreograph your own dance and then video 3-5 people perform your dance (you can also be one of the dancers). Twerp #1 only knows how to flip around on the floor and wiggle. Not exactly what they're looking to see...

I think I've convinced him to do a visual art project and a photography project. There's a lot of work to be done before Friday! And it's not going to be my work...I hate it when a child turns in a project and you can tell that the parents did most of it. My philosophy is that when a 2nd grade teacher asks for an art project, she wants it to be done by a second grader!

It turns out that Twerp #2 also wants to enter a project. So...last night we got out the chalk pastels and are trying to make something great. I'll take a picture of them and post the results at the end of the week. Be assured, you will not see my children "dancing" or "banging on the piano." Good luck to all the mom's that get to see their children through their own project.

Big words are hard

Last night we were having dinner. Twerp #1 had finished his meal and wanted seconds. Along with seconds comes a second glass of juice. He went to the fridge and poured himself 1/2 a glass. I got him some more food out of the crock pot. After we had both sat back down, I noticed that his glass was full - almost to the top. As my eyebrows went up, he said:

Twerp #1: "Dad, do you know why my glass is full of juice?"

Dad: "No, that's a lot of juice..."

Twerp #1: "It's because I polluted it."

Dad and I laughing: "I think you mean diluted..."

Twerp #1 laughing: "Oh yeah. Polluted is when you put smoke and stuff into the water."

Me: "Yep, that's right."

Hopefully I don't end up "polluting" dinner from now on.

Is it possible to be speechless?!?

Is it possible to be speechless? Yes. Is it possible for ME to be speechless? Not usually. However, today I just don't have words to adequately describe the experience Twerp #2 and I had together.

My girlfriend had 50 girls between the ages of 2-13 come over for a "glitter girls party." A friend of hers is starting up this new business where they'll come to your kids birthday party and do hair, makeup and nails for the girls. Sounds like fun. Today was a trial run and a chance to hire the girls that were going to do the makeup.

So...the Twerp and I went to Michele's house and got ready to get gorgeous. Well, some of the girls ended up looking like cute 5 year olds that were playing with makeup. Some of the girls ended up looking like...I believe the politically correct term is "street walker." Twerp #2, believe it or not, was somewhere right in between. I've never seen my 5 year old look so old before.

Is that a black eye? It kinda looks like a black eye...

Yeah, it's hard to take a "serious" picture when your child is purple. Almost like Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: "Violet, you're turning violet, Violet!" Oompa Loompa...

Well, it's 9:00 pm and the purple has since washed away. She had fun and she'll be my normal kindergartner who has to wear blue tomorrow. It's blue day! At least purple isn't for a few more days...I'm not sure if I could do purple tomorrow quite yet.

First Day Pictures

So here are my big kids on the first day of school. I have a "tradition" (can you call it a tradition if you've only done it for 3 years?!?) to take a picture with the kids in front of the sign at the front of the school. It's amazing to see how much they grow every year.

Here's a picture of Twerp #1 loaded down with his HUGE backpack. On the way to school I was afraid that he would fall over backwards. It was filled with his school supplies plus the stuff the teacher wanted...paper towels, wipes, Kleenex...that stuff takes up a lot of room. Oh yeah, the earthquake kit (yes, we have to have them here in California...), the earthquake kit weighed a ton. He was a much lighter boy on the way home.

Here's a picture of Twerp #2. Boy was she excited. Not only did she have a backpack that went from her shoulder to her knees, but she had on a real skirt. For those of you that don't have girls between the ages of 1 and 5, a "toddler skirt" has shorts on underneath. That way, if you don't sit like a lady, your diaper/underwear won't show. Twerp #2 had on a REAL skirt...her legs aren't crossed, everyone gets to see the "princesses" on her underwear. Plus, when she goes to the bathroom, she doesn't have to pull down her skirt...SHE CAN PULL IT UP! The excitement that this brought to my Twerp couldn't be adequately described on this blog. She was one happy girl.

And I'm proud to say that yes, she can sit nicely in a skirt...

And lastly, Twerp #3 on his first day of preschool. Here he is with the wonderful, patient and lovely Mrs. May. I could tell she was a little "concerned" the first day of school...when he wouldn't stop talking...wouldn't stop moving...yeah, her concerns were valid. But after his first full day of school yesterday (as full as three hours can be), she said that he was really good and that they were going to have a good year together.

I've been praying for Mrs. May for 2 years. Ever since I knew how much of a talker Twerp #3 is, I've been praying for his preschool teacher. I know that the preschool my kids have gone to has been lucky. They've had Twerp #1 and #2 to deal with. Those were good kids. Good listeners. Good attitudes. Good with following directions. I knew that when Twerp #3 came onto the scene, they'd think, "Is this a Margala kid? It couldn't be?!!?" So...I started praying. Praying for my Twerp and praying for his teacher. Now, I know who I've been praying for. God has answered my prayers in the form on Mrs. May. She is a gift to our Twerp and a blessing to our family.

School's Started!!!!!

Holy Smokes! Today is the first day of school for all three kids. Thought I'd clue you in on my plans for the day. I've already sent Twerp #1off to school with lunch. Won't see him until 2:30. Twerp #2 will eat lunch at 10:45 and then will be off to school with a snack from 11:10 until 2:30. Twerp #1 will pick her up and then they'll walk home together. Yea me! I can just wait for them on the couch listening for the front gate to squeak open! Twerp #3 has his first full day of preschool today - complete with outside playground! I take him at 12:30 and then will pick him up at 3:15.

So what will I do for 2 whole hours by myself! Here's the plan. Before I drop off Twerp #3, I'm going to put on a Depends. I'm pretty sure that after I am childless for the first time in 7.5 years that I'll pee myself...thus, the Depends. After I clean up any mess that I may make...I'm off to the grocery store for quiet shopping. I'm pretty sure the clerks won't recognize me. I won't be saying: "We're not getting that, put it away." "Don't run your hands along the bottles! You're going to knock them all off the shelf and we don't have money to pay for all of them!!!" "No matter how good you are today in the store, we are definitely not getting that to drink. You can't have that until you're 21!" "No." "NO, NO, NO." (and then just loud enough for the manager to hear as we exit the checkout line...) "We're not getting any candy today. I don't know why store managers insist on putting candy in the checkout line so we have even more to deal with!"

I realize it won't take me 2 hours to do my grocery shopping, but if I want it to, it can! I have to finish cleaning and do some laundry. Doesn't sound too fun, but I'll be able to get three times as much done today without kids around. It's not that I don't love the little Twerps, but having a little quiet is going to be BEAUTIFUL! Two full hours without hearing, "Mom??? Mom??? Moooooooommmmmm??? MOM!" It'll be blissful. I get a full 6 hours a week like this. Well, actually it'll be 4 hours because two of them will be spent in Twerp #2's class volunteering.

Enjoy your Monday people! I sure will!

99 more days left...

Well, we've officially gone under the 100 mark. I looked at the website that keeps us "in the know" with our China adoption and China has sent out referrals for those families who had their papers logged in on or before February 9th, 2006. That means that there are 99 more days to go until we receive our referral. Those 99 days are going to go slowly. I anticipate that it'll be another 18 months before they get through those 99 days, but at least we've made it past the 100 mark. When we started the process there were 423 days left...so they have made some progress. Here's to hoping they start to speed up!

My Happy Feet

My feet are happy. These are the best shoes ever. Chacos. They are usually $95 at REI or any other place that sells these puppies. But last spring, when I was on a date with Stephen, we stopped in at REI, I found this pair...this perfect pair...on sale for $24.95! They were on clearance and I was the lucky girl that they fit. I felt like Cinderella with the glass slipper. They are so comfortable...so perfect...

But alas, they will be my only pair ever. Because they're $100 after taxes! Stephen will never buy me another pair ever. Did I mention ever? The whole, "But they won't match everything I have and I should really have another pair in a different color..." argument won't fly with Stephen. My only chance is to stalk REI for another great "Cinderella Deal." Here's to hoping...

The Redwoods...

As Stephen and I were walking through the Redwoods, we couldn't help but be amazed at the beauty of God's creation. I know, sounds corny. BUT, we were looking at trees that were around at the time of Christ! Even the kids thought it was great fun to run and climb and be in awe of the greatness of these giants. Twerp #3 used the word "awesome" many times this day. (I think it's a throwback to the 80's. I must be doing my job!)

I firmly believe that this is where they should have shot "Land of the Lost." Anyone out there remember that show? (I know, another late 70's early 80's reference.) This would have been the perfect set for those slee-stacks. Grrrrr.

OK. Nothing more needs to be said. Enjoy the pictures...

We're Home...

We just got back from a 10 day trip to Oregon and Washington. It was beautiful. I'll give you a couple of highlights and then post later about the details of our trip.

We were able to visit the house that we bought 5 years ago in Oregon. We've never actually seen the house and have had renters the entire time...Stephen's uncle takes care of the place for us. It was really nice.

It even had a Tee Pee (any way I spell that, it just doesn't look right) in the back yard that was made from the fallen branches on our property. It came complete with a foyer too! The kids loved it and wanted to move in just for the backyard. I must admit, having an acre of land would be fun for the kids to play on.

We visited Smith Rock State Park. It was like a "Mini Grand Canyon." There were lots of rock climbers in the area and the Crooked River ran through the middle of the canyon. It was beautiful. However, Twerp #1 read the sign that warned of Rattlesnakes in the area...kind of freaked him out. We didn't hike off the trail and we didn't hike too far down the canyon. If we had, we would have heard about it from Twerp #2 forEVER.

We went to Whidby Island in Washington where we visited with my brother and his family. Kristen took us up to Coupeville...such a cute seaside town where Twerp #3 proceeded to lose his flip flop when looking over the balcony railing.

So sad...he went the rest of the afternoon with one shoe on and one shoe off. (diddle diddle dumpling, my son John....)

On the land in which my brother lives, there is a HUGE tree swing. We took all 7 (yes, between Aaron and I, we have 7 kids) over to the swing and let them go for it. The swing hung between two tall trees and the went out over a cliff and swung over the road leading to their home. The kids had a blast being brave and all...

They were braver than I...I wouldn't go on that swing if I could eat anything I wanted and not gain a pound! Stephen did it though...twice!

After leaving Aaron and Kristen's, we went to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. It was beautiful. I took more pictures than I care to admit...most of them of really big trees and my family. It's good we have a digital camera. Otherwise, we'd have had to mortgage our home just for developing all the pictures I took. Here's a picture of Stephen with the three kids in our campground.

This is one of the "smaller" trees in our campground. I know, I know...everyone has taken a picture just like this when they go to the redwoods. Why break with tradition?!?

And here is my family again. Yes, in a tree. We are in the woods, afterall.

I'll post more on our trip later...in smaller chunks...we had a great time and I would do it again tomorrow if: 1) we had more cash to pay for the gas. 2) if I could get the same spot in the Redwoods again. 3) if we could borrow movies from my friends so the kids didn't have to watch the same ones again. 4) if we didn't have to stay in scary Fresno on the way home.

An Overheard Conversation...

I was sitting by the front door looking out at the new streets that are being put down in our neighborhood. I had just given the kids an apple muffin for breakfast. I had told Twerp #2 that even if she didn't like the chunks of apple in her muffin, she'd better eat it, she wasn't getting anything else for breakfast. So...I walk over to the door and overhear the following:


Twerp #3: "Yeah, you'd better eat that or you won't get anything else to eat!"


Twerp #2: "You're not my dad, you know. You can't tell me what to do."


Twerp #3: "I'm you dad. I am you know. I'm a dad if I want to be."


Twerp #2: "No. You're not. If you're a dad, then why do you go to bed at night instead of staying up to watch TV and the Olympics. If you're a dad, then why do you need a babysitter when you go out. If you're a dad, then why do you have to hold Mom's hand when you cross the street. See, you're not a dad."


Twerp #3: "Yes, I am a dad. I'm just a dad that needs lots of sleep and likes to be safe when crossing the street. I'm a safe and not tired dad."


Hmmmm...looks like Twerp #3 might just turn out to be a defense lawyer. I've got many years of this type of arguing up ahead of me. Hopefuly, he just doesn't argue with me all the time...

The 5 year mark.

Why do cars have a typical 60 month - 5 year - lease? I figured it out this morning. I was getting ready to get the tires rotated...got my sick kid in the car, the other two in the car and was heading out the garage door. I realized that my remote wasn't working. Hmmmm. So I used the key and opened the car that way. But then, the doors wouldn't open when I pressed the unlock button. Hmmmm. Not good before a trip, I'm thinking.

Then...the car wouldn't start. Dead battery. I called AAA and they sent out a guy to jump the battery. He did a diagnostic on the battery and I only had 2% life left in the battery. Go figure. We pay off the van 12 days ago...just got the pink slip...and the battery dies. In the deepest part of my heart I believe that Toyota times their battery to die just after you pay off the car. I really do believe that. When I got the tires rotated, the guy said that this would be the last rotation for the front two tires...they're going to need to be replaced.

Twerp #1 asked me when do we know it's time to get a new car. I told him that a battery and two new tires are still cheaper than one car payment, so it's a good idea to get the car fixed. It always seems like he's asking me questions like that...just when smoke is coming out of my ears due to frustration. Gotta love him for it.

The 5 year mark is a curse. For me and everyone I know. My sister just got a new car. I put it on my calendar to check in on her 5 years from two weeks ago (what kind of dating system is that!) and ask her what she now has to fix. I bet it'll be something not too expensive but annoying all the same.

Where did summer go?

Summer is flying by. In May, when my bible study ends, MOPS ends, we have to start chipping in for the teachers gifts...when all that stuff happens, I have really good intentions. I (in my pre-kids anal self) start to make a calendar of fun thing that we'll do together as a family. I make a chore chart (since I'll have all sorts of help around the house) and join up at the reading club at the library. I promise myself that I will take the kids to the beach/lake at least once a week. After all, we do live in Southern California, right?

But then Summer comes and my plans fly right out the window. I'm sitting here this morning wondering how I'm going to get the house cleaned, our clothes washed and packed and ready to go on our family vacation on Thursday. We have people coming to stay at our house and watch Darby...so the house can't look like our dirty clothes blew up all over. That, and the bathrooms need to be cleaned also. We're going to be gone for a week and a half and driving all over the West coast. I still need to get the tires checked, a wedding gift bought, borrow never seen movies for the kids on our drive...so many things to do.

What have we done this summer? We've played games at home. We have played in the sprinklers and gotten our wood floor slippery beyond hope. We have visited friends and seen friends move away. We have taken late night walks around the neighborhood and swam at friends pools. We (meaning me) have taken a weekend away from the family and hung out with friends (a MOPS retreat). We have spent hot afternoons in the Costco cooler trying to find the "right" bag of lettuce. We have watched movies and had our teeth cleaned at the dentist. We have read books, gone camping and washed a lot of laundry.

We have had a good summer. I realized that when we get back from our trip, we'll have two more weeks at home and then school starts up again. I need to get my priorities in order and spend those last two weeks doing FUN things with the kids. I still want to start teaching my girl to read...maybe we'll start that this summer in the car on the way to Washington. I haven't gotten too many things on my list done this summer, but we have had a great time. It's gone by quickly. Next summer, I'm not making a list of things to do...I'm just going to do what I want...

The Butler

Tonight Twerp #1 and I were at the park on a "date." On the way home, we had a very interesting conversation...actually, it was mostly him doing the talking. Here is our conversation:

Twerp #1: Mom, did you know that there is a yogurt company that is giving away $5,000? Why would they do that?

Me: I don't know. Maybe it's so they can get more people to buy their yogurt...

Twerp #1: Yeah, maybe. But they're also giving away a 3 night/4 day stay to New York City too. It even comes with a butler! Isn't that cool?

Me: Yeah, do you know what a butler is?

Twerp #1: No. What is a butler?

Me: A butler is a person that you can ask to do things for you...get you things...clean things for you.

Twerp #1: Oh, so they're a slave.

Me: (giggling). No, a slave doesn't get paid. You have to pay a butler to do things for you.

Twerp #1: Ohhhhh...that's why they're giving you $5,000...so you can pay a butler!

Me: (giggling more). Well, it probably comes as part of the prize. You can probably spend the $5,000 on other stuff...not the butler.

Twerp #1: OK. It sure would be nice if we could go and buy some yogurt, mom.

Me: Yeah, that'd be nice.

Can you believe that a 7 year old knows what a butler is, or not in this case...well, now he does. I don't think I knew what a butler was until I saw a bad episode of Matlock. My, how times change.

Hands Free Law!

We have a new law here in California. It's the Hands Free Law. That means that you can't talk on the cell phone while you're driving. You simply can't hold the phone up to your face. However, if you don't have a headset, you can just text someone the message. Can you believe that? How stupid! I can't believe that I can't call my friend to let her know that I'm late, but while driving down the 5 freeway I can text her to let her know. Dangerous? Yeah, I think so.


So a couple of weeks ago I went to AT&T Mobility to find something that would allow me to talk on the phone. I asked for one of those ear buds that has the microphone further down the wire and then plugs into your phone. I was told (by the punk behind the counter), "Mam, those are old technology. What you need is Bluetooth." First of all, Mam? Didn't like that one bit. Call my mother mam, but not me! Secondly, old technology? I don't think so. I said, "Typewriters are old technology. TV's without a remote are old technology. Cell phones with a wired headset...not so much. Can I see what you have?" Again, the punk behind the counter said, "Well, mam, we don't sell those old types of headsets. I have this Bluetooth to show you." I walked out.


That night we called Radioshack. Actually, I called 8 of them. None of the stores had the item I was looking for: "Mam, we have a Bluetooth..." Blah, blah, blah. The next day I looked at the Bluetooth things at Costco. It was cheaper than at AT&T Mobility...and since no one had the wired headsets...I forked over the money.


I hate Bluetooth. It needs to be charged. Ugh...something else to have fully charged before we get in the car. I have trouble just keeping my cell phone charged. Plus, with kids in the car, Bluetooth is hard to talk with. Let's say that I'm talking to my sister. We're having a nice chat, but then the kids start to argue about something. BB (before Bluetooth), I could have said, "hold on a second" and then put the phone face down on my leg before telling the kids to be quiet and stop fighting. But now, AB (after Bluetooth), I can only turn around and my sister gets to hear me yelling at my kids. Lovely. Just lovely.


AB (after Blutooth) I can barely talk on the phone because it's not always charged - the Bluetooth I mean. If it is charged, then my cell phone is not charged. If it is charged AND my cell is charged, then the people that I'm talking to get to hear my kids (and me getting after my kids) just as much as they get to hear me. Bluetoth sucks. I hate it. Thanks California for making me want to text rather than talk. But, I don't know how to text...yeah, old school. Sigh. I guess I'll just talk to my kids and husband in the car from now on.


BUT...a few days ago I got an email from my friend. It made me smile, people! Why didn't I think of this myself! I'm sure in my 80's box I have a wide headband somewhere! This guy is genius!!!

Engrish

With the Olympics starting in just a couple of weeks, China has started to remove all "English" signs since many times they aren't acurately translated. Here are some of my favorite pictures of labels that have been translated "not quite up to standard."

What in the world?!? I'm hoping this is a foot cream that removes tough skin on the bottom of the feet...
Holy Smokes! The rambling just goes on and on and on...where's the women's lip balm, by the way?
Handle with cake? That's something that I can totally do!

Why I am who I am...

I know that I'm different. I know that I'm not your typical Southern California Beach Babe. I know that I have different things that make me "tick" than my other girlfriends. I think it's because of where my parents came from...the midwest. They raised me on a midwest mentality. You know...come home for dinner and eat as a family...clean for 2 hours on a Saturday morning before you can play with your friends...watch The Cosby Show every week as a family...attend Sunday School, church and Wednesday night...go for picnics at the beach...camping in the summer...road trips...


Yeah, it's a midwest mentality. It's because of who my parents are. It's because of where they come from and why they didn't get sucked into the California lifestyle. It's because of extended family and frequent trips back to Minnesota. My Dad has a cousin who lives on a farm near Hendricks, MN. 3 summers ago, Stephen and I took the 3 Twerps out there for a long weekend. We spent the greatest vacation with them playing on the farm, going on tractor rides, playing in the creek, watching the kids play hide and go seek behind the large headstones in the country cemetery up the road.


Beverly occasionally sends me emails and pictures. They're almost always an Ole and Lena joke, one of the "you're my friend" emails that goes around the internet, or pictures from home. This morning, I got a picture from home and I thought I'd share it with you so you can maybe see why I am who I am.

This is the message that went out with her picture: "This is Melvin's newest old tractor - Melvins, grandson, Dan Lewis on tractor, and Gail are pictured. It's a 1941 John Deere B, and I thought I'd include you in the list to whom I sent the picture. They hauled it about 100 miles from Sisseton, South Dakota, where the previous owner had just used it in their local town parade and got 4th place in the "slow tractor" race."

How great is that? I love Melvin and Beverly for letting a friend use their tractor 100 miles away for the "slow tractor race!" If I had a tractor and my friends wanted to borrow it, I'd let them too! I guess it's that midwestern menatlity!

Pool

So, I was on one of my favorite blogs - scribbit.blogspot.com - when I came across this pool table made from three pieces of felt, 10 marbles, one shooter, a couple of straws and a pencil. Super cool. We went out and got some felt and made a pool table. It was one of the best mornings we had. After the pool table was made, the kids went into our spare room and played pool for at least an hour. Do you know what an hour of quiet, non-trouble, worry free time means to a girl like me? It heavenly. Pure bliss. My girl even looks like she's a hustler with that scrap of straw hanging out of her mouth like a cigarette. Here's our finished pool table. Just imagine the hours of play time I've gotten out of it in the last week or so...Ahhhh...I get happy just thinking about it. "Hey kids, who wants to play a game of pool?" Ooohhh, they're all running to the spare room right now...

And...her cast is off!

Twerp #2 and I went to the doctor yesterday to get her cast off. It has been a long time since I've had a cast taken off and it was fun to see how they "do it." Here are some pictures of Twerp #2 in the process...

Here we are before we go into the doctor's office.

Then, they put on ear muffs and take a saw to the cast. It was really loud, but Twerp #2 wasn't scared because she hardly heard anything.

Here are the cuts that the doctor made on each side of her cast. It was then pried apart (no pictures, they were blurry)...

Then the doctor cut through the waterproof underlining and the blue steel tape...and took the cast right off!

She was a little unsure if she could straighten out her arm yet. The doctor wiped off the dust and took her to get her arm x-ray'd.

She got her arm re x-ray'd and it was all healed.

This is as far as she could straighten her arm that day. We have a little bit of "playing" to do to get her arm straight again. It was stiff...but should only take a few days of swimming and park and fighting with her brothers to get all the kinks worked out.

My tough girl...
She was so happy! The smile didn't leave her face for the entire day. We took her cast home and tried it on the boys. Twerp #3 loved having a "broken arm" for awhile. However, Twerp #1 was too big and it didn't fit on his arm...not even close.

OK...I was just about to end this post when Twerp #3 came in the office with his underwear down on one side of his hiney. He was complaining that Twerp #1 bit him on the cheek! I could see a faint red circle. When asked why he bit his brother on the bottom he said: "Well, he always pinches me on the bottom and I've asked him to stop! He won't stop pinching me...so I decided to bite him. That'll get him to stop, won't it Mom?" I guess so. Hopefully. It's a method I haven't tried before. We'll see if it works and if it does?!? Who knows what'll be happening in the Margala household.