Thursday, March 31, 2005

Pop (beer) Star

The other night Jason and I had a beer with dinner. We are sitting at the table and Piper is in her high chair and she wants Jason's empty bottle. It was empty, I swear.

He hands her the bottle and she's putting her mouth all over it and then it happens:

She started singing "Jesus Loves Me," into the beer bottle and it is echoing into the bottle and she's laughing and singing and Jason and I just give each other the look like,

"Already she is a rock star with a substance abuse problem. At least it is 'Jesus Loves Me'."

Tuesday, March 29, 2005


piper in her easter dress Posted by Hello

mama bug and baby bug Posted by Hello

help!...help! Posted by Hello

sandy cheeks Posted by Hello

at the beach Posted by Hello

5 seconds after she got in her carseat after the soo...out for the count Posted by Hello

to have a child is to forever have your heart walking outside of your body Posted by Hello

piper's new elephant pool Posted by Hello

it was a beautiful day Posted by Hello

playin in the pool in the front yard Posted by Hello

The Brut Incident

On Sunday afternoons our family treks over to the grocery store to do our weekly food shopping. We go together because me taking the two gremlins on my own is not my idea of a good time and I always end up forgetting the vast majority of the things I needed. So, it's family time.

On this particular Sunday, we were acting a little bit silly...when is Jason not acting silly? We came to the aisle that has all the personal hygiene items like shampoo, toothpaste, lotions, and cologne..."Brut" being one of the selections. So Jason says to me,

"There was this guy I used to work with in the warehouse that always wore this stuff and it was so gross. He smelled so disgusting. Smell this, honey, smell this."

Now, when Jason is like this there is no other way to appease him but to go along with whatever he wants or he will bug me about it the rest of the day.

He opens the bottle of "Brut" and takes it over to Piper for her to smell it. He squeezes it a little to get the whiff of air to come out the top for full affect.

Then, it's my turn.

"Come on, honey, smell it. Come here, smell this" on and on and on...

He squeezes it again, but this time he is a little over zealous (I'm sure he was high or something from the fumes) and this time when he squeezes it it shoots out of the top.

UP. MY. NOSE.

IN. MY EYES.

DOWN. MY. SHIRT.

IN. MY. HAIR.

Did I get angry? Did I yell? No, but only because I was busy gagging and almost throwing up all over the pretty displays. My eyes were burning, my throat was burning, my nose was burning, but most of all...I STANK.

What did Jason do? He laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more.

"Are (ha ha ha) you ok? (ha ha ha) honey? (ha ha ha) I'm (ha ha ha) sorry (ha ha ha)."

The sad part about it is that when I tried to nurse Finn at my parents house a little while later (before I had gone home and scrubbed my body clean of the stench) she totally freaked out. I mean screaming and yelling. She couldn't smell me for all the stink I had all over me.

We got home, I scrubbed and changed (burnt the clothes) and she was fine and there was no permanent damage.

Monday, March 28, 2005

My New Favorite Song

"Constellations"

Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams

The light was leaving in the west it was blue
The children's laughter sang
Skipping just like the stones they threw
Theor voices echoed across the waves
It's getting late

It was just another night
With a sunset and a moonrise
Not so far behind
To give us just enough light
To lay down underneath the stars
We listened to Papa's translations
Of the stories across the sky
We drew our own constellations

The wes winds often last too long
And when they calm down
Nothing ever feels the same
Sheltered under the Kamani tree
Waiting for the passing rain
Clouds keep moving to uncover the sea
Of stars up above us chasing the day away
A way to find the stories that we sometimes need
Listen close enough and all else fades
Fades away

It was just another night
With a sunset and a moonrise
Not so far behind
To give us just enough light
To lay down underneath the stars
Listen to all the translations
Of the stories across the sky
We drew our own constellations

Easter By the Numbers

3 = Number of Easter egg hunts that Piper participated in
3 = Number of Easter baskets that the Easter bunny brought Piper and Finley (each girl)
20 = Minutes of a nap time Piper had
2 = a pair of matching Easter dresses
2 = number of bags of M&Ms Piper had for breakfast
1 = number of times that Piper went all the way under the water in the pool
0 = number of meltdowns from anyone
4 = number of helpings of jello salad at dinner that Piper ate
Too numerous to count = amount of candy consumed by a crazy 2 year old

1 = Risen Savior who died on a cross to save all of us from ourselves and each other. I hope you know that joy and if you don't...ask me, I'll tell you all about it!

Pictures

So I now have a flickr account that I am uploading pictures to and you can go check them out.

Disclaimer: I am not and have never claimed to be any sort of photographer.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

In Appreciation

I would just like to take a moment to thank some people for their kindness and generosity. First, let me tell you that I registered for gifts for my birthday at Crate and Barrel as a joke between me and my family. They all know how present-obsessed I am, more so on the giving end...Anyway, it was a joke and a funny one at that.

What I didn't know was that my husband was going to link to that registry on his blog. How embarrassing, right? It was a sweet post about my birthday and I love him, but I know that like 2679834298346 people read his blog and I couldn't believe he put that in there!

So, some of his friends were kind enough to actually purchase things from my registry for my birthday.

To Michael Yang at become.com...thank you so much for the dishes. Now you just have to fly on over to the other coast so we can make you dinner and use them.

And to Rob Thrasher at activSoftware.com...thank you for all the doo-dads for the kitchen. I already used the sandwich cutters to make Piper a sandwich to take with her to Mom's Day Out.

Again, I appreciate your kindness! Happy Birthday to ME!

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

lists, lists, lists

on my list of things to blog about...you vote and I'll post in order of popularity:

  • the "Brut" incident at the grocery store
  • the art show we attended with pictures
  • piper singing into the beer bottle
  • jobs and computers
  • my wierd SAT dream
  • crate and barrel

there you go...vote away and if I don't get any votes, I'll just do them in any order I want.

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Now Showing

Finley. Rolled. Over.

next...world peace, a lofty goal, I know, but anybody who can roll from their tummy to their back can surely solve a global issue?

Friday, March 18, 2005

New Music

so, I remember that I asked you for help figuring out what I should be listening to, and now that I am driving the Jetta I feel like it would be a crime to play lousy music in it so I went out and got some new music. One that I have already fell in love with is the the Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams. Here is a song from the album:

"Better Together"

There is no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard
And no song that I could sing but I can try for your heart
And our dreams and they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs with sepia-toned loving
Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart
Why are we here? And where do we go? And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together

It's always better when we're together
We'll look at the stars when we're together
It's always better when we're together
It's always better when we're together

And all of these moments just might find their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they'll be gone when the morning light sings
Or brings new things for tomorrow night you see
That they'll be gone too, too many thing I have to do
But if all of these dreams might find their way into my day to day scene
I'd be under the impression I was somewhere in between
With only two, just me and you, not so many things we got to do
Or places we go to be we'll sit beneath the mango tress now

It's always better when we're together
We're somewhere in between together
It's always better when we're together
It's always better when we're together

I believe in memories they look so pretty when I sleep
And when I wake up you look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time
And there is no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will tell you one thing
We're better together

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Happy St. Paddy's Day

some irish jokes for you:

Two drunks coming home, stumbled up the country road in the dark. "Faith, Mike, we've stumbled into the graveyard and here's the stone of a man lived to the age of 103!" "Glory be, Patrick and was it anybody we knew?" "No, 'twas someone named 'Miles from Dublin'!"


Why did God invent whiskey? So the Irish would never rule the world.

We've got our own recipe for Irish stew: Get some meat, some potatoes and a lot of Guinness Stout. Drink all of the stout. Forget about the stew.

and some irish blessings:

Christ be with me, Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in dangerChrist in hearts of all that love me Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
FROM THE BREASTPLATE OF SAINT PATRICK


Deep peace of the running waves to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you.Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you. Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
AN OLD GAELIC PRAYER


May the roads rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rain fall soft upon your fields And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A GAELIC BLESSING


Like the warmth of the sun And the light of the day, May the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Mr. Romance

So I fell asleep last night while Jason was watching 24. It is a good show but I haven't been following it so I wasn't interested and I was exhausted. This morning after the girls both ended up in our bed from waking up at the god-awful time of 6:30am, I turned on the tv so I could find out what the weather was going to be like today.

To my surprise the tv was on the "oxygen" channel from being left on it last night. I turn to Jason and ask him what he was watching before he went to bed? He hesitates and mumbles, "Mr. Romance." This is a new reality show that we saw previews for and had made fun of the night before. The goal of the show is to "find" the next "Mr. Romance," like Fabio. So, there are all these over-tanned, orange, long haired beef-cake like men competing for the cover of a romance novel.

We saw this preview on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night we went out to dinner with some friends, my best friend from high school. She is a newlywed and they don't have any kids yet but are expecting to begin the process in the next year. Her husband and my husband were talking and it went something like this:

Scene: Waiting area of restaurant where Jason has just received his beer.

R: "So how many more are you going to have?"
J: "Beers?"
R: "No, kids."
J: "Oh, Shannon wants to have 1 more and adopt 2, but I would be happy with just our 2 girls."
End scene.

Later that night we are in bed and Jason says to me,"So, when do you want to start trying for the next one?"

Now, I was somewhat taken by surprise because Jason doesn't really ever talk about stuff like that, especially with all the stress he has with work right now, but I was also a little bit like "You are so sexy right now because you are being so sensitive and sweet and cute."

So, I tell him that when he talks like that it is very romantic to me and I love it and love him and he says,"Well, isn't it funny that you think that is romantic and there is that show where they think all that gross stuff is romance."

True.

My Mr. Romance is sort of tall, skinny, losing his hair, smart, and is only competing for something he has already won...my heart.

Monday, March 14, 2005


jenn Posted by Hello

Jennifer Krug

I miss my friend Jenn. She had the kind of smile that was contagious and her spirit was alive and fresh. She died 5 years ago this month. 5 years. I have never to this day felt that kind of pain...the pain of lose.

When I started high school I transferred to a public school. It was my first year in a public school and my husband can tell you that I led a very sheltered life before that and even in the years to come. He often teases me about the gross jokes that I have never heard or events that are common in all other normal childhood that I did not experience, thankfully. Public school was a definite eye-opener for me. All of a sudden it seemed that nobody cared about you and the teachers didn't even know your name. There were definite "groups" that you either wouldn't be caught dead with or would sell your soul to be a part of.

I was a "good girl." My group of friends all went to church together and didn't do the "party" thing but we were still somewhat popular and we had fun. We were all very academic and had high expectations for our lives and many responsibilities. I loved high school after I made these friends. There was a core group of 5 of us that were pretty much glued together and Jenn was the center. She kept us together even after we all split and went away for college. She made the phone calls and wrote the emails and arranged for us to spend time together when we were home on break.

One of those times was Spring Break in 2000. I was packing up and getting ready to go home when I got a phone call from my mom.

"Shannon, there has been an accident and Jenn was involved but I don't have a lot of details...I was just watching the news and there was a breaking story...I don't know how bad it is."

My heart fell onto the floor. I couldn't think because my heart was pounding so hard in my head. I was going to throw up.

"I am leaving now," I said.

I think I made it home in about 4 hours whereas the trip usually took me about 5 hours. Thoughts were just swimming around in my head. I kept telling myself that she was fine, or she would be fine. Or this isn't happening.

During the drive home I received updates from my parents. I know that they weren't telling me everything because I was driving and they didn't want to upset me during the drive. They knew which hospital she had been taken to...by helicopter. When I heard that I knew it was not good, but still they wouldn't give me any more information.

When I got home, I immediately got in the car with my parents and Jason and we drove to Orlando to the hospital. I ran to the waiting room of the ICU.

Jenn had been jogging and wearing her headphones. She was hit from behind by a dumptruck overloaded with dirt. She never knew it was coming and she was gone instantly. The only thing keeping her alive were machines. She died in the early morning of March 5. I did get to see her before she died, but it wasn't her. To this day I can still she that scene in my mind and I regret that that is the last way that I saw her. It was a lot to take in for an almost 20 year old. My birthday was 3 days later.

I remember going home that morning and feeling numb. I took some sleeping pills and slept and cried and slept and cried. There are events in my life that I cannot put into words and the death of my dear friend is one of those times along with the birth of my two girls.

There was a funeral and I spoke of her along with others. It is not something that I ever want to do again. I was angry. Everyone around me is saying how Jenn's life and ultimate death would be a testimony to others and all I could think was that God took away my friend. Where is the love in that? She didn't do anything wrong. She was one of the good ones that you want to grow and live and have a productive life that contributes to society. I couldn't understand these people and I didn't want to be around them. It was one of those dark places that are scary and lonely.

Jenn was not in my wedding, she wasn't even alive when I got engaged. She will never know my children...she will never have children. We will not grow old as friends and go on vacations together. We will never sing together like we used to do when we were being goofy. I am a selfish person. I want her back every day. The hurt has not gone away and my heart still feels heavy when I think about her. I do know; however that I will see her again and she will be beautiful. I celebrate her life. I will tell my girls stories about her when they are older. She made me a better person and I strive to be just a little bit like her and make a difference as she did in her short amount of time here on earth. She was a dynamic woman and made great impact on all those who knew her. To know her was to love her.

I miss her so very much.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

They say it's your birthday...

Yesterday was my birthday. I am now 26 years old. Closer to 30 than 20.

It was an interesting day. I guess I am now realizing that your birthday as an adult is not the same as your birthday as a child. When you are an adult you can no longer use the threat of "I'm not inviting you to my birthday party," to get your way because most likely there is no birthday party besides what you do with your family. And the gifts, well, let me just say that I would rather have a good night's sleep, although my mother bought me a BEAUTIFUL bracelet that matched my wedding band and let me tell you it is just gorgeous.

Anyway, I spent all of today preparing my house for a lab school meeting that I very stupidly volunteered to host. This was before we knew that Jason was going to be traveling to Clearwater 2-3 days a week, EVERY WEEK, and he would not be home to help me or attend the meeting. Poor Piper just vegged out today because it is cold and rainy. What's going on? This is Florida and it is mid March, enough with the cold already.

The meeting was uneventful and I am exhausted. Why does it seem that life keeps going and going faster and faster and I feel like I am getting run over? I can't keep up and it is all just passing me by and then I feel guilty for missing opportunities to praise my children for their accomplishments or just be silly with them and get to know the people they are becoming, and on and on and on...

And my marriage is suffering the consequences of this speed demon life style as well. We do not have time to just sit and be. When will it slow down? Is this my life from now on? If so, I will not tolerate that and changes will be made.

I thank God that I have another year to figure all this out and love my girls and love my man. I am so blessed.

p.s. thanks to all the well wishes for my birthday...you don't know how much I appreciate your thoughts and kindness.

Monday, March 07, 2005

In other news

Piper has learned how to pick her nose (from watching her father I'm sure) and:

"get the bugger out."

The Deed is Done

Hip hip hooray! The Decrapi is gone...in its place is a blue beauty named Jetta. Well, that isn't her permanent name, I'm taking suggestions. She gets 34-46 mpg due to the fact that she is a diesel. We have already got the car seats in the back and now I have my own personal massager due to my daughters feet kicking my seat incessantly. We love it and we love the life that is being simplified as a direct result of this trade. It feels good to know that we no longer owe like $340000000 on a car that we hate. We weren't expecting to buy a car on Saturday, but the deal was good and the car was there. My savy husband negotiated a deal to get the car for $500 below invoice and we didn't have to pay anything to get out of "The Beast." They took the Decrapi as a trade in sight unseen. I have to say that God really worked His way through this, you know?

So , now you will see me riding around town all granola like and relaxed.

On another note, my birthday is tomorrow and it's weird how I feel about it. Usually, as anyone can tell you, I am over the top excited about my b-day, but this year it just seems kind of like a chore. Maybe it's that I'm getting older? I don't know. Maybe it's that when you get past college, you no longer really have a party? That is one thing I miss, although when you have kids you get to relive all that but it still isn't quite the same. Maybe I'll have a party next year.

We went to a crap...I mean craft...show yesterday. Enough said about that, although I think they should call is a junk show. Piper had fun at the park, and here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

before...the beast Posted by Hello

after Posted by Hello

my new ride, she needs a name, don't you think? Posted by Hello

doesn't it look like she's smiling at us? Posted by Hello

turbo diesel...34-46 mpg...Schweet Posted by Hello

could she be any cuter? Posted by Hello

improper use of baby bumbo seat Posted by Hello

warning: Do not use baby bumbo seat as a helmet as it will not protect your head Posted by Hello

proper use of the bumbo baby seat Posted by Hello

Finn  Posted by Hello

Piper was a little nervous about the water shooting out of the fountain at the park Posted by Hello

Daddy and bug at the fountain in Cocoa Village Posted by Hello

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Music to my ears

I was driving yesterday and decided I wanted to listen to a cd. In the Decrapi there is a 6 disc and single disc cd player so I went through what was already in there. I have to say I am a little embarrassed at what I found and immediately realized that I have let my musical knowledge lapse while being busy giving birth and what not.

In my cd player:
  1. Dashboard Confessional Unplugged...not bad
  2. Justin Timberlake...uhm, no comment
  3. Dashboard Confessional, A Mark, A mission, a brand, a scar...because one wasn't enough?
  4. 311...greatest hits, I think
  5. The Wiggles, Wiggle Bay
  6. The Wiggles, the one with Steve Irwin, croc hunter

And in the single disc was an old Counting Crows from high school...guess I was feeling nostalgic.

Very , very sad, I know. Give me little help...what are you listening to?


The Finnanator Posted by Hello

Our friend, The Pickle. (John Pickle) Posted by Hello