Chocolate Bar by Cooper

I went to the grocery store this afternoon and when I left my child was reasonably clean. When I returned about an hour later, that was not the case.

Jon and Cooper came out to help carry the groceries inside and Cooper was covered in something that I assumed was dirt.

I was wrong.

"What happened to you buddy? You're a mess."

"Oh, well, I tried to make a chocolate bar"

Huh???

When I walked into the kitchen it was a disaster.

Chocolate fingerprints were all over the counter, cabinets, microwave and fridge.

This was what I saw in the sink.

"Coop, what in the world???"

"Well Momma, I was hungry and really wanted a candy bar but we didn't have any. So, I took some chocolate chips, melted them in the microwave, poured them onto a plate and stuck them in the freezer. Then I tried to eat it."

"I see. How did that turn out for you?"

"Not good at all Momma"

I'll say.

I'll give him an A for creativity and resourcefulness.

Other than that? Epic FAIL.

Hope you're week gets an A for more than just creativity and resourcefulness!!

Brace yourself....

We've been waiting for this for years...braces.

We went for a consultation at the orthodontist today. It wasn't at all what I expected- which isn't a bad thing at all.

Our consultation lasted for 90 minutes and was a fantastic experience. Maybe I think that because at the end of the visit I didn't need to sign on the dotted line to begin treatment. Or, maybe it was a combination of really friendly people, a cheery office, a doctor with a sense of humor and a concierge who knew her stuff.

Regardless, we walked out with a plan. Oddly, the plan didn't include braces (I know- SHOCKING). Evidently our sweet kid doesn't have enough teeth to warrant any closing of the existing gaps and we're 2-3 years away from all heavy metal.

The plan does include some oral surgery. Eek.
Most people have 32 teeth. Our kid...has 33.
Technically a supernumerary left upper lateral incisor. And it must be extracted.

Here's the detail.....the original copy of this xray now functions as the front page of Cooper's notebook. He's all the rage in 5th grade!



Anywoooo....we've got an appointment for another consultation to discuss removal. Poor little thing. He's excited though- and will tell anyone who seems even vaguely interested all about "the extra tooth that needs to be yanked". If you see him, feel free to ask.

So, a few more years until braces but in the meantime we're clearing the path for the right teeth to come in and fill in that gummy/toothy grin.

Gotta love that kid!!!

search history

Tonight I used Google to research a feature on my stove.
Except that when I started typing, another recent search popped up before my eyes.

"how to talk to girls when you are 9"

I blinked, read it again and ran to find Jon.
All the while fighting back the tears.
As you might imagine, Jon was of no help.

This search happens to coincide with a request on the way home to stop and get some Sour Patch Kids for "Meghan".

Here is what I know about Meghan.

1) She's 9 too.
2) He's not sure whether she has any pets-
3) She has the glossiest brown hair and brown eyes.
4) Her favorite candy is Sour Patch Kids.

There are so many things running through my head....
The biggest one?

STOP GROWING UP SO FAST!!!!!



I need you to be little and snuggly like this pic from 3 years ago for a while longer (like maybe 20 more years!)

All things taken into account, it could be way worse......
Sigh.

SOLD

Today I left our house as its owner.
When I came home, I was a renter.


I don't have a recent picture....I need to take one.
This one makes me smile though...it was taken at Christmas in 2009.




There is no sold sign....there never was.
I got an e-mail from a friend asking whether I know of any houses in our neighborhood that might be on the market.

Well, maybe mine.
Jon and I talked, they drove by, liked what they saw, came for a visit and said "we love it- how much?"

Yup, that's the story. It was unexpected, completely random, almost never happens and is absolutely thrilling!

And so we went into high gear putting a plan into place- a plan to start a new chapter in our lives.

And although it's a huge change....and although Cooper is not thrilled...and although it means doing things VERY differently....

I can hardly wait.

Muffin News

I've got piles in various places around the house. I really need to get it under control...it's a constant battle.

Over the past few weeks I've been working at it more than usual and came upon a recipe that I'd clipped from somewhere and wanted to try. Oddly enough, I had everything I needed to make it (the main ingredient is pancake mix!).

Banana Praline Muffins- YUM!

You can find the recipe here. It's really easy and would be perfect to make for a brunch or breakfast on the go (which was my intent).

I made them last week and was pretty impressed with myself.



Don't they look delicious?
I'm pretty sure they were....but the only one in our family who might be able to give a review cannot talk.



GYPSY ATE ALL OF THEM.
Crazy dog.
She loves a carb.
And evidently, a Banana Praline Muffin.

Let me know how yours turn out...if you're so inclined.

Vegetable Challenged

Cooper didn't have school today (but Jon did) so we spent the day together at the river. Our neighbor planted a fall garden in our field and there were some random crops still in various stages of growing and we were doing some exploring.

I found this-



And I promptly sent the picture to Jon with a message that said,
BEET IT!
I thought I was so funny.

Until tonight at dinner when I said, "Hey, didn't you think my beet message was so hilarious?"

And he said, "Yeah, especially because it was a radish!"

Oops, I'm beet red!!
(and I make myself laugh!!)

But really, does that look like a radish to you? It was white inside, and it did smell radish-y, but my word. It was enormous!

Here's hoping you ate some veggies today that were recognizable.

oh momma -look! i wanted you to see this....

those were words that cooper just said to me as we're snuggled up on the sofa to watch the world series.

what was he referring to you may wonder?

A GOUT COMMERCIAL.
What????

I said, "why in the world did you want me to see this?"
He said, "well, you said your foot was hurting, i thought you might have gout"

He's referring to the fact that I've been complaining about my heel hurting. I have plantar fasciitis....NOT GOUT.

My word.
That kid does make me laugh.

Did you mean- Glamour Shot?

I had my hair cut/highlighted today. Let me be clear and say that I adore my stylist and love my salon. I'm also a huge fan of a free service. So, when I saw a woman from the TIGI/Bed Head company doing complimentary make up....I figured why not. Besides, I didn't want to be rude and say no- I pride myself in being a valued client.

Sooo- she did my makeup- and everyone at the salon said wonderful things....but I just couldn't get past what I perceived as a TON of make up on my face. In fact, I described myself to friends as a 2 bit hooker- with amazing hair.

Anyway- they asked me- "do you think your husband will notice?"
And I said, "Ohhh, yeah, he'll notice."

When he walked in, he took one look at me and said, "Didju get your hair done today?"
My response, "Yes, you like?"
And he said- "What'd they do....GLOW SHOTS while you were there??"

Um- "you mean GLAMOUR SHOTS? And no....no shots- just free makeup"

His response?
"Well, your hair looks good"

And there you have it, if you can't say something nice.....

I think that's reason # 439 that I love the guy!

Two Word Wednesday

KEG STAND.


(love you Katie!!)

Swami Says

I was searching for jokes to send to Cooper at camp and found a website that allows you to ask a Swami a question and she looks in her crystal ball and gives you an answer.

I asked-

Is Cooper having fun at camp?

Her answer?

Don't count on it.

Oh dear!
See what the swami has for you...Swami site

Jet Setting (sort of)

I went to London for a week c/o my company. Awesome...yes. Stressful....yes.

Actually, as I look back, it was a total blur.



I stayed with these friends and had a blast. They were so kind to me- they opened their home, patiently translated Brit speak for me, organized my transport all over the city and shared many a funny story and even more glasses of wine.



And in between working and having fun.....well, there wasn't that much time for anything else. Especially sleep. My word, I was a complete zombie.

I could have planned a little better. My timing was off and sadly, I missed THE EVENT OF THE CENTURY.



The only remnant of this....


Was this...


No matter though. It was such a treat to see everything up close and in person.

Can you tell that I was at the Abbey?


No?
Come on- I was absolutely there!



What about this?


I almost didn't make it home after this one!

Biggest thrill?
It's a toss up.

Either this.....


Notice anything about this couple?

Look closely-


Yup, Louboutins!
Even the senior set is so stylish in London.

This....


Are you kidding me?? Who couldn't use fake grass?

Or this....



A Basil Mint Martini from an amazing terrace bar overlooking the Thames.

Sigh.

Thanks to my favorite expats for making my trip so great!
Can't wait to see you when you're stateside.

The Bees

Jon can't be still, or rest, or slow down or be stagnant. EVER.
It's super admirable especially since I'm close to his polar opposite.
Sometimes it drives me insane, and sometimes I have to step in and call a stop to the madness. Most times I just sit back, accept it, laugh at it and be amazed by it. Sometimes, I even get caught up in the busy.

Spring, Summer and Fall are easy for him to be busy- but Winter is TOUGH. So each year he latches on to something to pass the time.

Last year it was his obsession with RV's, the year before that it was finding THE perfect boat, the year before that it was buying a tractor.

This year? Becoming a beekeeper.
He spent all winter reading books, researching on line and talking about how awesome it would be to have bees. He even offered the honey from his bees to Wade & Sarah to use as wedding favors.

"Honey by Jon"
I told you, obsessed.

On Thursday night his obsession became a reality.
Wade came over and we were outside waiting for them to arrive.



I got a text that said, "Bee ETA 5 minutes"



So exciting.

In these pictures, the opening to the hive is covered so there isn't any danger.

See?


That one bee must have been late getting home because he was stuck outside the hive. He drove for 2 hours in the back of the truck clinging to the screen so that he wouldn't lose his family.

Jon got them all set up on their special "skunk proof" blocks. I wasn't aware that we had a skunk problem, but by all means....let's be on the safe side.



After they were all set up, it was time to remove the safety screening. That meant putting on the bee suit. This picture makes me laugh- clearly bee keeping is very serious business!



Day 1- nobody got stung. Not bad!

Although I have forbidden Cooper to go near the bees until we're more comfortable with them he couldn't' wait to try on the suit.



I'll admit it's pretty interesting, totally green and makes a great story. What's not to love?

Stay tuned for more bee adventures.

Car -1 Garage- 0 (or, how to spend $1K without even trying)

Wednesday morning was cloudy, cold and rainy. The perfect day for sleeping in.
So I did.

Until a little voice said, "hey momma, can you check the clock?"
So I did.

8:01
Cooper needs to be at school between 8:05 and 8:20.

&$^#^$@&@#$%@!

I've never been more efficient...I barked orders, threw lunch into his lunchbox and grabbed the keys.

We were in the car by 8:12
And then I heard a noise I've not heard before.

Yup, I backed out of the garage prior to the door being all the way up.
UGHHHHHH. So. NOT. GOOD.

My car suffered no damage at all (yay).
The door however suffered a different fate.





At first the door was stuck open- at least I was able to exit the garage and get Cooper to school. But a stuck door wasn't going to be ok.

I sent Jon a message and within 20 minutes, he was home. I've never known him to leave school in the middle of the day for any reason. Evidently your wife driving into the garage door hit a new level of emergency.

He was able to get the door down and called someone to come and assess the damage.
I can think of soooo many other ways I would have rather used $1K. Sadly, we had no choice as the door was not able to be saved.



I'm now being VERY careful upon entering and exiting the garage.
No need for a re-match.

My advice for you....always look before you leave.
Hope your week was better than mine!

where does he get this stuff?

we're going through some changes in our kitchen right now- and on the list to purchase is new kitchen hardware.

seems simple- right?
i've had in my head what i want for weeks...and jon and i went shopping together.

that could have been my first mistake.

have you ever picked out hardware for your cabinets? it's overwhelming- a great big wall with knobs and pulls in all different sizes, shapes, colors and price points.

but i think i'm ahead of the game- since i know exactly what i want for the drawers.

these (or something similar).



but jon isn't on board.
in fact, he flat out refuses to even consider the cup pull.
this from a man who really has relatively few hard core ideas about decorating decisions.

so i ask him why he's so opposed to cup pulls......because i really love them.

his answer??
and i quote-

"it feels like spiders could hide inside the cups and i can't live in fear"

i'm not even joking a little bit.
for the record, i'd like to add that we've never had an episode where spiders have been found lurking near our cabinets...or our drawers.

evidently, one can't be too sure.
and really, how can you argue with that? if the guy is going to put himself out there with a real life fear of spiders........well, who am i to argue.

and so the search for kitchen hardware continues....and one thing is for sure- there will be no cup pulls.

sign- i LOVE a cup pull.

The Clampetts???

It's Spring....time for cleaning up and clearing out.
I left today and these were Jon's parting words to me-

"I'm going to work on making sure that our yard doesn't look like the Clampetts."

And I think...."super, see you later!"

When I got home, I saw this....



Ok, this feels good...progress has been made and things are looking spiffy & we're clearing out things that should have been dealt with already (like the tree house that Jon and Cooper built years ago while I was near death with strep throat- the tree house that's actually NOT on our property. sigh).

Until I notice this.


What in the world??
He doesn't see anything wrong with hanging aluminum equipment randomly from trees.

Evidently, Jon and I didn't watch the same version of the Beverly Hillbillies.
This simply won't do.

Here's hoping that your spring cleaning is going better than mine!

what is this, asparagus??

We had turkey burgers last night and I stopped on my way home to pick up the ingredients. Ground turkey, an egg, mustard powder and green onions.

I was in the check out line and the cashier picked up my green onions and said,
"what is this....asparagus?"

Sigh.
Kids these days.

I've officially turned 80.

Just to be sure, I said to Cooper....
"Hey buddy, what are these?"



His answer?
"Um, tiny green onions"


Whew- my faith is restored!!
Happy Hump Day-

*since I didn't have any asparagus pictures handy, I visited this site and took advantage of their stock photos- neat!

Early Morning Exchange (or, Men are from Mars)

I've debated on whether to post this....I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea about my sweet hubs...and it does sort of call into question his humanitarian qualities. He really does have lots of them.

But, if you can instead focus on the difference between how men and women communicate and think about things, it may shed some light on questions that roll around in your head on any given day. I know it did for me.

And, it made me laugh for a good 10 hours.

I was ironing my clothes when I got this message.

From: Jon
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 06:51 AM
To: Carolyn
Subject: (none)

a strange car pulled into the house next door with the old woman....he appeared quickly, got out of the car and headed towards her house.
have you seen any activity?

WHAT???
I responded back with this-

From: Carolyn
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 06:53 AM
To: Jon
Subject: (none)

It was the paper man. He delivers to her door.

And then I read the message again.
And again.
And I started to laugh.
I read it again...and kept laughing.
And it dawned on me that we were speaking two different languages (again).
And so I send this message to him.

From: Carolyn
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 7:21 AM
To: Jon
Subject: Re: (none)

Honey- do you find anything mildly hilarious about your message?? I cannot stop laughing!


And this is what I got back-

From: Jon
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 7:54 AM
To: Carolyn
Subject: RE: (none)

uh not off the top of my head....I thought she might be dead



Are you kidding me?? You thought she might be dead???
For the love...
My reply-

From: Carolyn
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 8:38 AM
To: Jon
Subject: RE: (non)

honey- do you mean that you thought she have already died and the man in the strange car was coming to check on her??

because the way I read it was....

hey- i saw a strange car and a man outside of her house and I'm hoping that he hasn't gone in and killed her....and I noticed it but I was in a hurry to get to work and didn't have time to stop so I'm checking with you to see what the status is......hopefully he didn't come next door and get you and coop too.

I do LOVE YOU!


From: Jon
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 08:43 AM
To: Carolyn
Subject: RE: (none)

Now that is funny....as I re-read it that is the way it sounded!


From: Carolyn
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 8:46 AM
To: Jon
Subject: Re: (none)

Seriously- you are a riot.
I am snorting.


And the very next message I got.....

From: Jon
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 9:04 AM
To: Carolyn
Subject: RE: (none)

Is anyone you know there a notary? We need to have that form notarized and send it back in.


Just like that, we're onto a new topic.

So, a few things about the above.

1) Our neighbor is quite elderly and rarely leaves her house. She's had a few incidents where the rescue squad has come to help her, but she seems to be doing well as of late.

2) If you're one of the two neighbors who does read my blog...I promise, if you needed help, Jon would be the 1st one to save the day (as long as it wouldn't make him late to school. In that case, you'd need to rely on me!)

3) This explains a ton about the differences in women and men- A TON. It reminds me that I shouldn't read so much into some of the things that Jon says- he's truly not thinking the same way that I do.

4) One of the things that I adore most about my hubs is that he does make me laugh SO MUCH. He can put a smile on my face for the entire day with a simple sentence.

5) If he thought that someone was really trying to hurt his family, he'd do anything and everything to keep us safe. This story wouldn't be nearly as funny if I didn't believe that with every ounce of my being.

Anywhoo- men are from Mars.
No doubt about it.

Happy Monday!

generation GAP

I got a message from Jon on Friday.....the subject was generation gap.
I seriously wasn't ready for what was inside-


Honey- Today each of my classes had to turn in the first part of a business plan. The plan included a cover page and my instructions told them to list all the contact information for the company including a fax number.

In all 3 classes different students asked....
"Hey Mr. N, what does a fax number look like? Is it just like a phone number?"

In the first class the kid who asked was an ESL kid, so I figured maybe he was just confused. But the next 2 classes were kids who were born here and have no language issues. They really didn't get it- like maybe a fax number was some special code or something.

Really??? You don't know what a FAX is??
Hilarious.


No honey- not hilarious. DEPRESSING.
We are getting old......how is it possible that something in our own lifetime arrived and is almost obsolete???

STOP the Insanity!!

Have a great week- whether you're faxing or not.

Why I shouldn't fish.....

for compliments.

This is the conversation that occurred just moments ago in my house.

Me- Hey honey, don't you think I look cute today?
Him- You do! Probably the cutest I've seen you look in a long time.

Long pause.....

Me- Really?? I look the cutest you've seen me look in a LONG TIME???
Him (realizing that perhaps he should re-think his statement)- Well, yeah, you know- since yesterday.

Nice recovery. (she said with sarcasm)
I'm sensing that this may be a loooong 3 day weekend.

Hope you're doing something fun!

Dolphin Dip 2011

While we were eating dinner on Thursday night, the subject of swimming in the ocean on New Years Day came up. I'm a bit cautious about ocean swimming in the blazing hot summer, so it NEVER occurred to me to take a dip in the middle of the winter.

But Jon- evidently it's on his bucket list.
It's also never occurred to me to have a bucket list, but that's for another day.

Jon asked the waitress whether there was a Polar Plunge type event and she laughed and said, "we call it the Dolphin Dip and it's a HUGE deal".

Can you tell where we're heading??

We made a quick trip to obtain the proper attire for the dip- stopping of course for a photo op that couldn't be passed up.


Cooper added some extra drama for good measure-


Fast forward to New Years Day- 1.1.11

The boys were ready (yes, Jon was a little more ready than Coop) and I nearly choked when I saw the muscle shirt....but they did say "come in costume".



And so, we arrived-



We weren't sure what to expect...


There were families in costumes,


kids dressed for the occasion,


dogs named Roscoe,


acrobats,


and more acrobats,


guys who hadn't stopped celebrating from the night before....


even a sword yielding belly dancer.


Yup, you can do it all at the Dolphin Dip!




Before long, there were thousands of people on the beach....and it was almost time.


They were off!!


At this point I started to panic a bit...although I could see Jon, I couldn't find Cooper.

I shouldn't have worried- he and Jon had the best time. The Star News Online did an article about the event and Jon and Cooper are in picture #23. They're on the far left side of the shot.

I started breathing again when I saw them coming out of the water-


I couldn't get towels on them fast enough!



I think 2011 is going to be a good year- these guys do too!


I am so proud of my boys- so brave, so spontaneous, so much fun!



Love you both!!