We're getting excited for our vacation this weekend. We're making an extended weekend visit to Minneapolis/ St. Paul. Plans include staying in a hotel with a pool and continental breakfast (entertainment and meals covered!), visiting the Children's Museum, LegoLand in the Mall of America ("mecca" for a certain 7-year-old boy), and either a waterpark or the zoo, depending on the weather.
We're looking forward to 5 days without Matt having to work, that we can just spend together as a family. What a treat!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Funny pictures
I have to share these pictures.
The kids are pretending to be kitties. This is how they snuggle:
The kids are pretending to be kitties. This is how they snuggle:
We went swimming last week and must have really worn Maia out. She was hungry, so sat down at the table to await her meal, but didn't make it until dinner was ready.
In this picture, she is sleeping hard- snoring, drooling, sweating- the whole bit. She fell asleep at 6:30 and slept through the whole night! (Not at the table. I moved her to her bed.)
Unexpected Blessing
So we bought our new TV last week, right? (see previous post) Well, this week, we found it in a Shopko ad for $100 less, so I took the ad and my receipt back to Best Buy and they refunded me the $100 plus 10%! Not a bad deal!
Getting Comfortable Here
We're really starting to get settled in our new home. We don't have anything hung on the walls yet, and we still have a lot of boxes of books to unpack, but we're starting to find a place for everything. I'm done painting all the rooms that I have paint purchased for. I still have to do all 3 bathrooms and the master bedroom. Child's play compared to what's already been done!
Here's a brief virtual tour:
The kitchen/ dining area:
The storage closet between the kitchen and garage (laundry's behind me as I took this picture):
The piano room (view from stairs):
The stairs (we have "one long staircase just going up, and one even longer going down"- Fiddler on the Roof)
Upstairs living space:
Wow, this really needs some work!
Master bedroom (still needs new bedding and paint on the walls):
Master bathroom (the walls will be a light mocha color):
double sink- one of which I fixed this morning...
Master closet (one of my favorite features! because of the size, not the huge picture of me):
Downstairs common area for the kids (I changed that wall sconce out myself...):
Maia's room (her headboard will eventually be painted white):
Xander's room:
Kids' bathroom - I think I'm going to paint the walls a tangerine orange in here:
So now you've had the nickel tour. Like I said, we're feeling like it's home, but I've still got a lot of work to do!
The storage closet between the kitchen and garage (laundry's behind me as I took this picture):
The piano room (view from stairs):
The stairs (we have "one long staircase just going up, and one even longer going down"- Fiddler on the Roof)
Upstairs living space:
Wow, this really needs some work!
Master bedroom (still needs new bedding and paint on the walls):
Master bathroom (the walls will be a light mocha color):
double sink- one of which I fixed this morning...
Master closet (one of my favorite features! because of the size, not the huge picture of me):
Downstairs common area for the kids (I changed that wall sconce out myself...):
Maia's room (her headboard will eventually be painted white):
Xander's room:
Kids' bathroom - I think I'm going to paint the walls a tangerine orange in here:
So now you've had the nickel tour. Like I said, we're feeling like it's home, but I've still got a lot of work to do! Reutrn of the Missionaries
I got a phone call from Mom when they arrived in the Washington DC airport yesterday afternoon, they flew from Odessa (Ukraine) to Vienna (Austria) to Washington DC, to Chicago, to Omaha. I don't know if they're home yet as of this morning, there was a good chance of an overnight delay in Chicago. At least they stayed in a hotel with soft beds and -very important- air conditioning last night, whether in Chicago or Omaha.
Mom told me some of the low-lights of the trip included temperatures of 115 on average every day they were there, and of course, NO A/C. Also Jim had a little mishap and wound up needing stitches in his head, so they got to visit a Ukrainian hospital emergency room, which was an interesting adventure.
I didn't get much about the rest of their trip, but I'm sure that will come. The positives are bound to come out eventually, right?
We're glad they're home, and in one piece- even if the piece is sewn back together.
Mom told me some of the low-lights of the trip included temperatures of 115 on average every day they were there, and of course, NO A/C. Also Jim had a little mishap and wound up needing stitches in his head, so they got to visit a Ukrainian hospital emergency room, which was an interesting adventure.
I didn't get much about the rest of their trip, but I'm sure that will come. The positives are bound to come out eventually, right?
We're glad they're home, and in one piece- even if the piece is sewn back together.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Ukraine Mission Team
My mom and step-dad are in the Ukraine (somewhere near Odessa, if that means anything to anyone else) on their first- ever missions trip.
They left from Omaha Thursday morning, and I got an email from them Sunday afternoon that they had arrived and BLESSINGS! Their host family just built a new house with an AMERICAN TOILET! No squatty potties! Mom seemed especially thrilled about that because of her bad knees.
I don't know any more than that, but you can join me in praying for them. They'll return on the 25th or 26th (just about the time we'll leave for vacation) and their primary mission involves running a day camp (like a morning VBS) for kids. Jim's supposed to be helping put in a new boiler too.
They left from Omaha Thursday morning, and I got an email from them Sunday afternoon that they had arrived and BLESSINGS! Their host family just built a new house with an AMERICAN TOILET! No squatty potties! Mom seemed especially thrilled about that because of her bad knees.
I don't know any more than that, but you can join me in praying for them. They'll return on the 25th or 26th (just about the time we'll leave for vacation) and their primary mission involves running a day camp (like a morning VBS) for kids. Jim's supposed to be helping put in a new boiler too.
New TV
As of today, we are the proud new members of a 26" LCD flat screen HDTV.
We have been selling off a lot of stuff during the course of our move, and saving the money for this TV exchange. Our old 19" TV is starting to do funky things, it doesn't always agree with the VCR/DVD player, and sometimes it just fades out to black.
We decided it was time to make the change to HDTV and since we're using Matt's old wardrobe as our entertainment center now (because of the huge closet in the master bedroom), we needed something less than 18" deep.
Matt spent the evening fiddling with it, and drooling over the picture quality. Mind you, we don't have cable, but anything that is broadcast in HD comes to us as clear as a bell. We have a few fuzzy stations (which we couldn't even get before), but most things come in so clearly it's mind boggling. Matt spent most of the evening watching a special on Les Paul on Public TV, and enjoyed the nature broadcasts that followed because of the clarity of the picture.
Exciting times in the Morrison house, I tell ya!
We have been selling off a lot of stuff during the course of our move, and saving the money for this TV exchange. Our old 19" TV is starting to do funky things, it doesn't always agree with the VCR/DVD player, and sometimes it just fades out to black.
We decided it was time to make the change to HDTV and since we're using Matt's old wardrobe as our entertainment center now (because of the huge closet in the master bedroom), we needed something less than 18" deep.
Matt spent the evening fiddling with it, and drooling over the picture quality. Mind you, we don't have cable, but anything that is broadcast in HD comes to us as clear as a bell. We have a few fuzzy stations (which we couldn't even get before), but most things come in so clearly it's mind boggling. Matt spent most of the evening watching a special on Les Paul on Public TV, and enjoyed the nature broadcasts that followed because of the clarity of the picture.
Exciting times in the Morrison house, I tell ya!
The "Not Yet Famous" Bassoon Band
I have joined a very interesting and exclusive club. I now play 9th bassoon in the "Not Yet Famous" Bassoon Band. Here we are, with our own sign!
I think I am the only person in this group who did not major in bassoon performance or music education with bassoon as primary instrument. This is indeed an interesting (and extremely nerdy) group of folks! The fact that I'm playing 9th out of 11 just means that the lowest parts were probably too hard for me. The middle of the instrument is much easier to play. I got pretty good for a while in college, but I haven't played regularly in years.
We had our first "gig" as street musicians Saturday evening in downtown Sioux Falls.
We were notified and invited to join this bizarre corps of musicians (and they're all EXCELLENT musicians) by my former bassoon teacher, Lorrie Thomas from Vermillion. That's Lorrie in the front row on the right.
I love the lady walking by in the upper right-hand corner of that shot... "what on earth?"
Apparently, we all thought it would be fun, because we have members of our little band from as far away as Waverly, IA (way over on the east side of Iowa), and some others from Sioux City and the surrounding areas. I was actually the only member from Sioux Falls, but that's because Mindi, who's the principal in the SD Symphony just had carpal tunnel surgery and can't play for a while. She came and supported us, however!
We played all kinds of fun music, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Since not many things are arranged for 11 bassoons, we played a lot of duets, trios, quartets and sextets. But one of our members did some fun arrangements just for us, including "Buglers' Holiday" which of course, became "Bassoonie's Holiday" and "Sleigh Ride" for a little touch of Christmas in the hazy days of summer. My bassoon has a stocking cap and scarf for just such occasions, and doesn't get to wear it often.
One thing we didn't really count on, was that for some reason, the Downtown Sioux Falls people scheduled us the same evening as "Hot Harley Nights," a Make a Wish Foundation fundraiser. As far as I can figure, they must invite every person in the US who owns a Harley to come to Sioux Falls and ride down main street. I believe someone said there were an estimated 5,000 bikes there.
They had a parade.
Yeah.
We couldn't really play during that, so we put a pause in our program for 45 minutes while 5,000 Harleys rode past. It was a rapid parade, but 5,000 bikes take a long time to go by. Amazing how fast a parade can go when you don't have to wait for a marching band. Not much variety, however. Just a lot of motorcyles going past really LOUDLY. I can't figure out why anyone might want to go see such a parade.
Once the "parade" was over, we were able to play. But we were frequently interrupted by loud motors. It was difficult to stay together outside and with so much background noise. We're supposed to go play again in August (the 18th in front of Minerva's if anyone wants to witness such an amazing event), but we may need to get a conductor, because phasing was a big issue for us.
The idea of being a street musician appeals to your bohemian side, and we were even encouraged to open our cases for donations- putting a sign out with a clever remark.
Here's mine:
If you can't read it, it says, "CELEBRATE MEDIOCRATY Support the 9th Bassoonist!"
(Just as I suspected, Mediocraty is not a real word. I didn't have a spell-checker!) In this wonderful world of slackers, I made $4.68 and a button for 2 hours' work. I think I'll stick to teaching lessons!
I think I am the only person in this group who did not major in bassoon performance or music education with bassoon as primary instrument. This is indeed an interesting (and extremely nerdy) group of folks! The fact that I'm playing 9th out of 11 just means that the lowest parts were probably too hard for me. The middle of the instrument is much easier to play. I got pretty good for a while in college, but I haven't played regularly in years.
We had our first "gig" as street musicians Saturday evening in downtown Sioux Falls.
We were notified and invited to join this bizarre corps of musicians (and they're all EXCELLENT musicians) by my former bassoon teacher, Lorrie Thomas from Vermillion. That's Lorrie in the front row on the right.
I love the lady walking by in the upper right-hand corner of that shot... "what on earth?"Apparently, we all thought it would be fun, because we have members of our little band from as far away as Waverly, IA (way over on the east side of Iowa), and some others from Sioux City and the surrounding areas. I was actually the only member from Sioux Falls, but that's because Mindi, who's the principal in the SD Symphony just had carpal tunnel surgery and can't play for a while. She came and supported us, however!
We played all kinds of fun music, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Since not many things are arranged for 11 bassoons, we played a lot of duets, trios, quartets and sextets. But one of our members did some fun arrangements just for us, including "Buglers' Holiday" which of course, became "Bassoonie's Holiday" and "Sleigh Ride" for a little touch of Christmas in the hazy days of summer. My bassoon has a stocking cap and scarf for just such occasions, and doesn't get to wear it often.
One thing we didn't really count on, was that for some reason, the Downtown Sioux Falls people scheduled us the same evening as "Hot Harley Nights," a Make a Wish Foundation fundraiser. As far as I can figure, they must invite every person in the US who owns a Harley to come to Sioux Falls and ride down main street. I believe someone said there were an estimated 5,000 bikes there.
They had a parade.
Yeah.
We couldn't really play during that, so we put a pause in our program for 45 minutes while 5,000 Harleys rode past. It was a rapid parade, but 5,000 bikes take a long time to go by. Amazing how fast a parade can go when you don't have to wait for a marching band. Not much variety, however. Just a lot of motorcyles going past really LOUDLY. I can't figure out why anyone might want to go see such a parade.
Once the "parade" was over, we were able to play. But we were frequently interrupted by loud motors. It was difficult to stay together outside and with so much background noise. We're supposed to go play again in August (the 18th in front of Minerva's if anyone wants to witness such an amazing event), but we may need to get a conductor, because phasing was a big issue for us.
The idea of being a street musician appeals to your bohemian side, and we were even encouraged to open our cases for donations- putting a sign out with a clever remark.
Here's mine:
If you can't read it, it says, "CELEBRATE MEDIOCRATY Support the 9th Bassoonist!"(Just as I suspected, Mediocraty is not a real word. I didn't have a spell-checker!) In this wonderful world of slackers, I made $4.68 and a button for 2 hours' work. I think I'll stick to teaching lessons!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
We're In!
My blogging has suffered from neglect the last week or so, because we've been moving. I am happy to report that we are in our new place!!!
I will take some pictures when we get things a little more organized. We had a great work day with Mom & Jim and Bruce & George (Matt's folks) on the 4th of July. Bruce took some pictures of that, so here's some of the progress...
The stairway (won't this be beautiful all decorated for Christmas?)
The piano area- view from upstairs. George is climbing a ladder right by the front door:
Martha came over and helped me with the yellow paint on Tuesday. The parents helped with the kids' rooms (really fun colors) and the upstairs living space. I don't have pictures of those yet. I still have a lot more yellow paint to go before I'm done, have to do both the up and down stairways and there's kind of a common area for the kids at the bottom of the steps. Our bedroom and master bath have not even been started yet. I have a vision for both, just ran out of money and energy at the same time. Dead in the water!
Our internet got reconnected yesterday, so we're finally able to email again. Whew! Xander was starving to play his favorite online games, so he spent most of the day on the computer yesterday... He's hovering right now, so I'm expecting that's how he thinks he should spend his day again today... He is agreeing.
Poor Matt! He's been dying to read race results from the Tour de France, which started on Saturday. He finally got to get all caught up last night and this morning. He works 9-5 shifts the next 3 days, then is off for the weekend, so we'll have him with us a lot more over the next few days. We're counting down the days to vacation! 15 days left!
I'll post more pictures once I take them and once I get the computer back from the boys.
I will take some pictures when we get things a little more organized. We had a great work day with Mom & Jim and Bruce & George (Matt's folks) on the 4th of July. Bruce took some pictures of that, so here's some of the progress...
The kitchen area:
The stairway (won't this be beautiful all decorated for Christmas?)
The piano area- view from upstairs. George is climbing a ladder right by the front door:
Martha came over and helped me with the yellow paint on Tuesday. The parents helped with the kids' rooms (really fun colors) and the upstairs living space. I don't have pictures of those yet. I still have a lot more yellow paint to go before I'm done, have to do both the up and down stairways and there's kind of a common area for the kids at the bottom of the steps. Our bedroom and master bath have not even been started yet. I have a vision for both, just ran out of money and energy at the same time. Dead in the water!Our internet got reconnected yesterday, so we're finally able to email again. Whew! Xander was starving to play his favorite online games, so he spent most of the day on the computer yesterday... He's hovering right now, so I'm expecting that's how he thinks he should spend his day again today... He is agreeing.
Poor Matt! He's been dying to read race results from the Tour de France, which started on Saturday. He finally got to get all caught up last night and this morning. He works 9-5 shifts the next 3 days, then is off for the weekend, so we'll have him with us a lot more over the next few days. We're counting down the days to vacation! 15 days left!
I'll post more pictures once I take them and once I get the computer back from the boys.
Friday, June 29, 2007
I Should Be Working
We're getting down to the wire. Moving day is less than a week away, and I would like to spend 3 out of the next 6 days painting in the new apartment.
Of course, I have to get access to the new apartment first, but that's another issue.
The main issue is that I should be working, not blogging. Hey, I just got up. Give me a break.
It is a beautiful Friday here, the sun is shining, it's going to be a very mild day in the low 80's, not quite hot enough to go swimming, which I promised to the kids, but maybe they'll forget? (Fat chance)
So this is what I've been up to lately.
Not blogging (obviously)
Packing- Nobody wants to hear about it, nobody wants to do it.
Painting Furniture- I sanded down and refinished two dressers, one for each of the kids' rooms. They both look really nice, however, I'm concerned about keeping the tops free of scratches. One actually already has a scratch, leading me to believe there might be a rodent in our garage, which would be horrible because I have our two new couches sitting out there waiting to move into the new location.
Buying Couches- I wrote about this already, I think. When we went to pick up the couches last weekend, I found a coffee table too. It's going to look so classy!
Selling Off Stuff- I put an ad in last week's free circular and so far I have sold a refrigerator, 3 air conditioners, a table saw, porch swing, and Matt's old mountain bike. I'm trying to get rid of our blue sofas and a stove yet. We may have a lot more living space in the new place, but there will be much less room for storage. We've been using the whole basement here for storage, but the basement at the new place is finished and full of bedrooms and a bathroom and stuff.
Going to Plays in the Park- You can't JUST work! There's a theatre company that does children's plays in the park every week. We can walk down there, getting a little exercise, then sit and watch a play and sing silly songs and just act goofy. It's lots of fun. At first, Maia didn't really get it, but she's starting to enjoy it more and more. Xander loves them. So far, we've seen, "Puss In Boots," "The Jungle Book," "Star Ship I" and the babysitter took the kids to see a company called Page to Stage that does storybook adaptations. Yesterday, Matt took the kids to the library to see the Zoo Man, who had a couple of snakes and a lizard and some other creepy things. Next week, Cinderella Goes Disco!
Getting Ready For The Weekend- This weekend, there's a big art festival at Falls Park called Art Falls. I think I've written about this before. Mercy church is manning the water/pop booths for the events in exchange for the opportunity to slap a sticky note with info about the church on each bottle we sell. We also get to do our church service there Sunday morning, but to our great chagrin, cannot find a drummer to play for us. We probably tried 8-10 drummers and everyone is out of town this weekend! Grrr. SO, we're going "unplugged." We'll have 3 acoustic guitars, a hand drum (yes, I'll be our drummer- scary!), bass and my little Irish flutes. We practiced last night with 3 out of the 5 members and I think it'll be nice. Very soothing and hippie.
Getting Roped Into Playing/ Singing for a Wedding- Yes, as if I did not have enough to do, I'm going to help out Pastor Shel by playing piano and singing with him for a wedding tomorrow, which meant a rehearsal yesterday and the wedding rehearsal this evening. I just couldn't help it, they really needed some guidance, which was all I planned to offer, but Shel must have really made the other girl singer mad, because she quit. The poor bride was up in arms and ready to kill her groom because, after all, this was the ONE THING that he was responsible for and it was a disaster! Then Shel gave her a little crap and she ripped him a new one (I can't say I blame her), so now he just refers to her as "Bridezilla." I'm just trying to help this poor young lady (whom I've never met) have a beautiful wedding day. If I can act as a buffer for Shel, all the better! :)
Swimming at the Wading Pool: We still have not used our swimming passes, which we got a good deal on, but so far, we've paid $25 for our family to go to the free wading pool 4 times. I tried to get the kids signed up for swimming lessons Tuesday morning, but apparently I was not fast enough. Registration opened up Monday evening and that's when I should have gone, because by the time I got there on Tuesday morning, all the classes I needed for the kids were full. So... we're "home schooling" swim lessons this year. Water readiness for Maia and some stroke basics for Xander. So far, we've worked on flutter kicking and a little bit on diving. We should probably get into a bigger pool before we focus on diving much more!
So we've had a lot going on, but mostly good summery stuff. It just seems like moving, Art Falls and now this wedding are creating the perfect storm for this weekend.
Breathe.....
Of course, I have to get access to the new apartment first, but that's another issue.
The main issue is that I should be working, not blogging. Hey, I just got up. Give me a break.
It is a beautiful Friday here, the sun is shining, it's going to be a very mild day in the low 80's, not quite hot enough to go swimming, which I promised to the kids, but maybe they'll forget? (Fat chance)
So this is what I've been up to lately.
Not blogging (obviously)
Packing- Nobody wants to hear about it, nobody wants to do it.
Painting Furniture- I sanded down and refinished two dressers, one for each of the kids' rooms. They both look really nice, however, I'm concerned about keeping the tops free of scratches. One actually already has a scratch, leading me to believe there might be a rodent in our garage, which would be horrible because I have our two new couches sitting out there waiting to move into the new location.
Buying Couches- I wrote about this already, I think. When we went to pick up the couches last weekend, I found a coffee table too. It's going to look so classy!
Selling Off Stuff- I put an ad in last week's free circular and so far I have sold a refrigerator, 3 air conditioners, a table saw, porch swing, and Matt's old mountain bike. I'm trying to get rid of our blue sofas and a stove yet. We may have a lot more living space in the new place, but there will be much less room for storage. We've been using the whole basement here for storage, but the basement at the new place is finished and full of bedrooms and a bathroom and stuff.
Going to Plays in the Park- You can't JUST work! There's a theatre company that does children's plays in the park every week. We can walk down there, getting a little exercise, then sit and watch a play and sing silly songs and just act goofy. It's lots of fun. At first, Maia didn't really get it, but she's starting to enjoy it more and more. Xander loves them. So far, we've seen, "Puss In Boots," "The Jungle Book," "Star Ship I" and the babysitter took the kids to see a company called Page to Stage that does storybook adaptations. Yesterday, Matt took the kids to the library to see the Zoo Man, who had a couple of snakes and a lizard and some other creepy things. Next week, Cinderella Goes Disco!
Getting Ready For The Weekend- This weekend, there's a big art festival at Falls Park called Art Falls. I think I've written about this before. Mercy church is manning the water/pop booths for the events in exchange for the opportunity to slap a sticky note with info about the church on each bottle we sell. We also get to do our church service there Sunday morning, but to our great chagrin, cannot find a drummer to play for us. We probably tried 8-10 drummers and everyone is out of town this weekend! Grrr. SO, we're going "unplugged." We'll have 3 acoustic guitars, a hand drum (yes, I'll be our drummer- scary!), bass and my little Irish flutes. We practiced last night with 3 out of the 5 members and I think it'll be nice. Very soothing and hippie.
Getting Roped Into Playing/ Singing for a Wedding- Yes, as if I did not have enough to do, I'm going to help out Pastor Shel by playing piano and singing with him for a wedding tomorrow, which meant a rehearsal yesterday and the wedding rehearsal this evening. I just couldn't help it, they really needed some guidance, which was all I planned to offer, but Shel must have really made the other girl singer mad, because she quit. The poor bride was up in arms and ready to kill her groom because, after all, this was the ONE THING that he was responsible for and it was a disaster! Then Shel gave her a little crap and she ripped him a new one (I can't say I blame her), so now he just refers to her as "Bridezilla." I'm just trying to help this poor young lady (whom I've never met) have a beautiful wedding day. If I can act as a buffer for Shel, all the better! :)
Swimming at the Wading Pool: We still have not used our swimming passes, which we got a good deal on, but so far, we've paid $25 for our family to go to the free wading pool 4 times. I tried to get the kids signed up for swimming lessons Tuesday morning, but apparently I was not fast enough. Registration opened up Monday evening and that's when I should have gone, because by the time I got there on Tuesday morning, all the classes I needed for the kids were full. So... we're "home schooling" swim lessons this year. Water readiness for Maia and some stroke basics for Xander. So far, we've worked on flutter kicking and a little bit on diving. We should probably get into a bigger pool before we focus on diving much more!
So we've had a lot going on, but mostly good summery stuff. It just seems like moving, Art Falls and now this wedding are creating the perfect storm for this weekend.
Breathe.....
Friday, June 22, 2007
Spa Experience
Yesterday, I cashed in on my Mothers Day gift certificate to Spa 2000.
Fancy!
I have never experienced anything like this, so it was all so fun. I was ushered into a waiting area (way in the back of the center, not out by the front windows), and given a warm buckwheat pillow/ pad to put on my neck while I filled out my paperwork. And I enjoyed a cookie.
My first "event" was a "Contour Body Wrap." I have been calling it an herbal body wrap all along, thinking I'd be made into a salad, but no leaves or poultices were involved. I was ushered into this dimly lit room (gorgeous colors in my palate) with serene music and a water fountain bubbling in the background. I was rubbed down with a skin exfoliant from my ankles up to mid-torso, then that got brushed off (the least pleasant part of the experience). Next she took measurements at various places around my calves, thighs, hips, and waist so we could take measurements again after to see the difference. Next, she put this cellulite cream on that's supposed to eat away your fat while you chill out for a while. I was completely mummified in Saran Wrap (well, from mid-torso down), and had to maneuver myself onto this little "hydro-therapy bed," a mini-waterbed with jets inside it. The bed was heated, the cream heated up on my skin, and they put a nice soft blanket over me, then left me there to marinate for 45 minutes. Mom, you would have burst into flame! I enjoyed the experience, it was very relaxing and I did fall asleep for a little bit. Mostly, I tried to figure out how to decorate our bedroom (I'm singularly focused these days).
I had fallen asleep when I startled awake because I was sure I heard Maia screaming from another room. It was a false alarm, of course, no kids are even allowed in Spa 2000. What I heard was the faint music under them noise of the water jets in the bed. A wooden flute was playing one particular motif that - in all the other noise- sounded like Maia screaming from another room. Very calming. :)
After the timer on my bed shut off, the lady (Katie- mother of 4, grandmother of 2) came back in and cut me out of my bonds. I felt like jello must feel when it gets out of the mold. I stood up and toweled most of the rest of the cream off (it's a kind of lotion that absorbs into the skin and doesn't have to be washed off), then she took my "after" measurements. I responded really well to the cream and lost a total of 8 1/2 inches. Usually a half-inch to 2 inches at any given measurement. I thought maybe it would all just bounce back by nightfall, but last night, I noticed that my squishy mom belly is looking a lot less squishy. Might have to get some of that cream!
I ordered my lunch, had a glass of cold water, then went in for my facial. My facial lady (Jamie) was much less chatty, so I didn't get any personal info out of her. She came in and did her job- and she did it well. I laid down in what looked kind of like a dentists' chair, but it was way more comfortable. I was completely flat, and she sat behind my head and pulled my hair into a towel and massaged my face, and applied cleaners, exfoliants, lotions, did a massage, and then put on a mask that sat for 20 minutes while a steamer blew right on my face (like 2 inches away), and finally a toner. I have a glowy face now.
I had my light lunch next, a turkey cucumber sandwich with a light lettuce and what must have been a lemon-horseradish spread. Had a little zing to it! Very delicious.
Next, I was off to my Swedish Massage with Mickey. (Katie, Jamie, Mickey... did I have the Mickey Mouse club working with me?) She put me on a nice heated massage table, covered with a sheet, and she worked me over. The masseurs must be the strong ones of the bunch. I had to ask her to lighten up a couple of times. Particularly in the area of my lower legs, where I stress-fractured 20 years ago. And on my left thigh where I have a big bruise from running into the bathroom vanity about a month ago.
I was hoping for my headache to be relieved, but it was pretty much the same when I left as when I went in. But the rest of me felt great!!!
The only thing left on me that needs attention is my feet, so I'm going to give myself a pedicure this morning (before I begin the painting project listed below). Might as well get everything all shaped up at once, right?
What a nice Mothers Day gift. This would be a great experience in the winter too, so anyone who wants to give me another gift certificate there would win the best gift award for my birthday or Christmas! :)
Fancy!
I have never experienced anything like this, so it was all so fun. I was ushered into a waiting area (way in the back of the center, not out by the front windows), and given a warm buckwheat pillow/ pad to put on my neck while I filled out my paperwork. And I enjoyed a cookie.
My first "event" was a "Contour Body Wrap." I have been calling it an herbal body wrap all along, thinking I'd be made into a salad, but no leaves or poultices were involved. I was ushered into this dimly lit room (gorgeous colors in my palate) with serene music and a water fountain bubbling in the background. I was rubbed down with a skin exfoliant from my ankles up to mid-torso, then that got brushed off (the least pleasant part of the experience). Next she took measurements at various places around my calves, thighs, hips, and waist so we could take measurements again after to see the difference. Next, she put this cellulite cream on that's supposed to eat away your fat while you chill out for a while. I was completely mummified in Saran Wrap (well, from mid-torso down), and had to maneuver myself onto this little "hydro-therapy bed," a mini-waterbed with jets inside it. The bed was heated, the cream heated up on my skin, and they put a nice soft blanket over me, then left me there to marinate for 45 minutes. Mom, you would have burst into flame! I enjoyed the experience, it was very relaxing and I did fall asleep for a little bit. Mostly, I tried to figure out how to decorate our bedroom (I'm singularly focused these days).
I had fallen asleep when I startled awake because I was sure I heard Maia screaming from another room. It was a false alarm, of course, no kids are even allowed in Spa 2000. What I heard was the faint music under them noise of the water jets in the bed. A wooden flute was playing one particular motif that - in all the other noise- sounded like Maia screaming from another room. Very calming. :)
After the timer on my bed shut off, the lady (Katie- mother of 4, grandmother of 2) came back in and cut me out of my bonds. I felt like jello must feel when it gets out of the mold. I stood up and toweled most of the rest of the cream off (it's a kind of lotion that absorbs into the skin and doesn't have to be washed off), then she took my "after" measurements. I responded really well to the cream and lost a total of 8 1/2 inches. Usually a half-inch to 2 inches at any given measurement. I thought maybe it would all just bounce back by nightfall, but last night, I noticed that my squishy mom belly is looking a lot less squishy. Might have to get some of that cream!
I ordered my lunch, had a glass of cold water, then went in for my facial. My facial lady (Jamie) was much less chatty, so I didn't get any personal info out of her. She came in and did her job- and she did it well. I laid down in what looked kind of like a dentists' chair, but it was way more comfortable. I was completely flat, and she sat behind my head and pulled my hair into a towel and massaged my face, and applied cleaners, exfoliants, lotions, did a massage, and then put on a mask that sat for 20 minutes while a steamer blew right on my face (like 2 inches away), and finally a toner. I have a glowy face now.
I had my light lunch next, a turkey cucumber sandwich with a light lettuce and what must have been a lemon-horseradish spread. Had a little zing to it! Very delicious.
Next, I was off to my Swedish Massage with Mickey. (Katie, Jamie, Mickey... did I have the Mickey Mouse club working with me?) She put me on a nice heated massage table, covered with a sheet, and she worked me over. The masseurs must be the strong ones of the bunch. I had to ask her to lighten up a couple of times. Particularly in the area of my lower legs, where I stress-fractured 20 years ago. And on my left thigh where I have a big bruise from running into the bathroom vanity about a month ago.
I was hoping for my headache to be relieved, but it was pretty much the same when I left as when I went in. But the rest of me felt great!!!
The only thing left on me that needs attention is my feet, so I'm going to give myself a pedicure this morning (before I begin the painting project listed below). Might as well get everything all shaped up at once, right?
What a nice Mothers Day gift. This would be a great experience in the winter too, so anyone who wants to give me another gift certificate there would win the best gift award for my birthday or Christmas! :)
Painting Furniture
I got tired of packing. I started thinking about the kids' rooms, and decided that we can make do with the furniture we have for them, but some face-lifting needs to happen.
Maia's going to have a princess room (surprise!). Her walls will be a light pink, and her furniture will be white. I am putting an old dresser of mine in her room, and this week, I sanded and painted it all white, and it looks like a completely new creation. I'm also thinking I'll move her into the full-sized bed that we have (out of the toddler bed she's ignoring in favor of Xander's top bunk), and paint the headboard for that white as well. She's got enough stuff to fill up the rest of the room, so I think she's set.
Xander wants a bright lime green color called, "Zippidy-doo-dah" in his room. I think the walls will be a little less intense than that, but we'll accent with bedding for him (this poor kid has had this cool bunk bed for years now, but not so much as even a bed spread to put on it). And all his furniture will be black. We've got some black and pewter-looking shelves, and I'm planning on painting his dresser black.
I'm going to start that project today. I can't figure out how to get the drawers out of the dresser, which seems odd. Maybe it's because it was actually purchased at a furniture store (not by me- I was a hand-me-down from some classy friends), it seems quite solidly built.
We'll see how today goes, trying to keep the kids out of the black paint.
Maia's going to have a princess room (surprise!). Her walls will be a light pink, and her furniture will be white. I am putting an old dresser of mine in her room, and this week, I sanded and painted it all white, and it looks like a completely new creation. I'm also thinking I'll move her into the full-sized bed that we have (out of the toddler bed she's ignoring in favor of Xander's top bunk), and paint the headboard for that white as well. She's got enough stuff to fill up the rest of the room, so I think she's set.
Xander wants a bright lime green color called, "Zippidy-doo-dah" in his room. I think the walls will be a little less intense than that, but we'll accent with bedding for him (this poor kid has had this cool bunk bed for years now, but not so much as even a bed spread to put on it). And all his furniture will be black. We've got some black and pewter-looking shelves, and I'm planning on painting his dresser black.
I'm going to start that project today. I can't figure out how to get the drawers out of the dresser, which seems odd. Maybe it's because it was actually purchased at a furniture store (not by me- I was a hand-me-down from some classy friends), it seems quite solidly built.
We'll see how today goes, trying to keep the kids out of the black paint.
The Big Move is Approaching
I bought a sofa set this week.
Real furniture, that you don't have to take out of a box and assemble.
I feel so grown-up!
Let's back up a bit. When we move, we are going to be able to decorate in our new apartment/ house- including the use of INTERIOR WALL PAINT!!! If you ever saw my house in Indiana, you know that I love to paint and decorate inside. I'm a little scattered when it comes to decorating, however, because I kind of focus on each room separately and not on the total flow aspect.
Because of this, my mom was a bit apprehensive about letting me paint in the new place, which they own and we will rent. Jim said, "beige walls, white ceiling. That's it." Yeah right!
Anyway, I promised to get some advice from people with a decorating gift, so I talked to my friend, Anne, who is an artist. She said you should think about painting the inside of your house- all of it- as one decorating project. Pick a color palette and make sure that each room flows from one to the next, so that you don't have any sudden jarring experiences as you enter a room.
OK, so I went to the paint store and picked out some colors that I like, mostly in the "honeyed almond" category, and added in a nice deep orangey-red and a sage green and dark brown. Then I started comparing these colors to things that we already have and came to the conclusion that the blue couches must finally make their exit.
Our blue couches are really nice, they're La-Z-Boy brand, the loveseat is a double recliner, and the couch is a hide-a-bed. Of course, the couch didn't fit in our current place because we needed room for the piano, so it's sitting in our garage (our guest room). These are navy blue and were hand-me-downs from my mom and Jim. They have served their purpose well, but I don't like blue. So it's time to bid adieu to the old and make room for the new.
Monday, Matt had the day off from work, so we went furniture shopping after lessons. We took the color palette along and discovered that we could go either dark brown (leather or microfiber), red or gold. We looked at 4 different places- with the kids in tow, which got old in a hurry. Finally, at the last place we stopped, there was a place to dump the kids and let them watch a movie so we could shop in peace. We almost bought a couch there just because of that!
We waited before making the purchase, because there was another place we wanted to check out that is going out of business, but was not open on Mondays. I went back there on Tuesday, and discovered a really nice couch and loveseat- almost the same colors as one we we were really leaning toward the day before- for 60% off! I paid for them, but I'll have to pick them up myself, and unfortunately, I can't wait until we've got the moving truck (less that two weeks away), because the store won't exist anymore.
So we're borrowing the church's trailer, and my folks are going to come up tomorrow with their truck and we're going to load them up and put them in our garage, as they patiently wait to move into their new home. Matt is excited to finally meet them.
Real furniture, that you don't have to take out of a box and assemble.
I feel so grown-up!
Let's back up a bit. When we move, we are going to be able to decorate in our new apartment/ house- including the use of INTERIOR WALL PAINT!!! If you ever saw my house in Indiana, you know that I love to paint and decorate inside. I'm a little scattered when it comes to decorating, however, because I kind of focus on each room separately and not on the total flow aspect.
Because of this, my mom was a bit apprehensive about letting me paint in the new place, which they own and we will rent. Jim said, "beige walls, white ceiling. That's it." Yeah right!
Anyway, I promised to get some advice from people with a decorating gift, so I talked to my friend, Anne, who is an artist. She said you should think about painting the inside of your house- all of it- as one decorating project. Pick a color palette and make sure that each room flows from one to the next, so that you don't have any sudden jarring experiences as you enter a room.
OK, so I went to the paint store and picked out some colors that I like, mostly in the "honeyed almond" category, and added in a nice deep orangey-red and a sage green and dark brown. Then I started comparing these colors to things that we already have and came to the conclusion that the blue couches must finally make their exit.
Our blue couches are really nice, they're La-Z-Boy brand, the loveseat is a double recliner, and the couch is a hide-a-bed. Of course, the couch didn't fit in our current place because we needed room for the piano, so it's sitting in our garage (our guest room). These are navy blue and were hand-me-downs from my mom and Jim. They have served their purpose well, but I don't like blue. So it's time to bid adieu to the old and make room for the new.
Monday, Matt had the day off from work, so we went furniture shopping after lessons. We took the color palette along and discovered that we could go either dark brown (leather or microfiber), red or gold. We looked at 4 different places- with the kids in tow, which got old in a hurry. Finally, at the last place we stopped, there was a place to dump the kids and let them watch a movie so we could shop in peace. We almost bought a couch there just because of that!
We waited before making the purchase, because there was another place we wanted to check out that is going out of business, but was not open on Mondays. I went back there on Tuesday, and discovered a really nice couch and loveseat- almost the same colors as one we we were really leaning toward the day before- for 60% off! I paid for them, but I'll have to pick them up myself, and unfortunately, I can't wait until we've got the moving truck (less that two weeks away), because the store won't exist anymore.
So we're borrowing the church's trailer, and my folks are going to come up tomorrow with their truck and we're going to load them up and put them in our garage, as they patiently wait to move into their new home. Matt is excited to finally meet them.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Princess Overdose
I think Maia OD'd on princesses yesterday. She woke up puking this morning and has a slight fever. We will probably NOT be camping as a family for the Tour de Kota this evening. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
On the up-side, somebody FINALLY came to work on our A/C, though they haven't gotten it fixed yet. Hopefully by the end of the day, we can be back to a comfortable temperature.
I'm happy to report that most of my headache is gone, and I'm not feeling as awful as yesterday. Good thing... Have to run the infirmary here.
On the up-side, somebody FINALLY came to work on our A/C, though they haven't gotten it fixed yet. Hopefully by the end of the day, we can be back to a comfortable temperature.
I'm happy to report that most of my headache is gone, and I'm not feeling as awful as yesterday. Good thing... Have to run the infirmary here.
Happy Birthday to Maia
We celebrated Maia's 3rd birthday in a grand way this weekend.
Things started on Saturday when we had a Morrison family gathering at the park down the street. Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Georgie came over, so did Cassie & Lexi and Aunt Rena. Maia was excited to get new princess tennis shoes (let's begin the tally of Disney Princess things she got, shall we?... this is 1), a princess nightgown (2), some princess pencils (3), some hair pretties, a princess wall adhesive with removable princess stick-ons -like Colorforms (4), makeup, and a play vanity. That was just the gifts for day one! We had a little mini princess birthday cupcake for her (not official Disney, just some made-up goofy thing that I threw together). The rest of us had pink cupcakes and pink ice cream cones.
The kids played at the park a while, then Grandpa took us all to McDonalds- where they changed the Happy Meal toys from those hideous burping Shrek dolls to nice quiet penguins. (Insert Mom happy dance here)
When we got home, we had a couple of hours to play, and Maia spent the entire time at her makeup mirror getting beautiful:
(Note the princess tennis shoes above)
Vaguely resembles war paint... if you were in a fairy princess glitter army.
Matt had to go to work at noon, so he missed out on McD's as well as worship team practice in the afternoon, however, his parents stuck around, did some shopping, then came and watched the kids at church while I rehearsed the band for Sunday. That was a BIG help, because lately Maia has discovered how much louder she can sing if she uses a microphone. So that's fun.
After practice, we wetn over to the fortress, and helped Mom & Jim with a work day. I re-laid a brick patio (leveled it out with gravel and sand, then put the unmortared bricks back down), Jim hung a storm door and changed out the front porch lights, and Mom painted trim. Like any project, they discovered that there's more to do than they originally thought, but the place is shaping up nicely. We got home at about 9:00, so I bathed both the kids quick and got them in bed before a busy Sunday morning.
Sunday (Maia's actual birthday), we got up early for church as usual, did 2 services, then loaded up all the band's gear and headed to Mitchell for "Rockin' on the Ridge" at Casey & Heidi's church. While we drove through a little storm system that included some hail on the way there, it was sunny, HOT and windy in Mitchell for our outdoor concert.
OK, when did I get to be such a whimp? I developed a migraine headache from the heat. This was a particularly vicious headache that hit me in about 3 waves and was unmoved by my attempts to medicate it with 4 Excedrin. I was a barrel of fun.
Our band did well, we were pleased with their performance, and glad that we brought some of our guys along to help out with the sound system set-up because Northridge's sound guy was at an absolute loss as to how to set up such an event. There were about 5 groups or solos that performed all together. Casey's group did a great job too, though I had to listen from inside with ice on my head because I couldn't stand the volume outdoors.
After the whole event was over and the stage was unloaded (about 8:00), we took a little time for cake and presents. Grandma Marilyn brought a princess birthday cake (5) with 4 princess dolls on top:
I cut and served the cake with a plastic spoon. The haul this time included: a dress-up crown with earrings and more makeup from Rylie (purchased by her mom & dad), tons of stuff for Maia's room from Grandma Marilyn including: a rotating carousel princess night light (6), a small princess pillow (7), a princess saucer chair (8), a reversible princess pillowcase with Belle on one side and Cinderella on the other (9), two princess curtains (10, 11), and a shelf with pastel knobs on it. Xander got Maia "Mary Poppins" which she calls "supercagifrasi...llkigveggiehalitosis" she loves that movie. We got it from the library last week and have a new favorite! After all that loot, Grandma Marilyn said, "Let's see if Grandma Marie can outdo that!" Which, of course, she did. (Grandma Marie has a special knack for always getting the right gift, which kind of irks Mom, but she's a good sport about it) Maia opened the last box to reveal a Cinderella dress (12) with glass slipper play shoes, a crown, wand, earrings and necklace and a Princess storybook with stickers (13). She had to don the costume right away for everyone, and though she was sweaty and grubby from the hot afternoon, she was transformed into our little princess. How sweet!
She didn't sleep all the way home, even though we didn't leave Mitchell until 8:30. She sang. She got to wear her costume home, and that's what princesses do- sing. Xander got immersed pretty deep in a chapter book that Mom gave him, so he read. I closed my eyes and tried to recover, and Matt drove. Whew! What a day!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Latest Pics
Here's some pictures from our recent adventures.
I've taken the kids swimming exactly once so far this summer. It's been cool and rainy or very windy most days but last week we snuck in a trip to the wading pool down the street, when the air was borderline warm enough to swim (78), but the water was VERY cold. I looked, but didn't see any slush floating in the pool. Luckily, the kids kind of played together for the first little bit until Maia got adjusted. I did spend a good portion of my time knee deep in the freezing water holding Maia's hand.
At the top of the little slide
Bottom of the slide (only about a 3 foot difference)
Strike a pose
Xander wound up walking around the outside of the pool for the last hour we were there.
This week, the kids decided to make their own fun, and one afternoon they put their Halloween costumes on and played in the front yard. Goofballs.
At some point, Xander took off his mask, so Maia had to give it a try. We then had a bionicle bunny on our hands!
I've taken the kids swimming exactly once so far this summer. It's been cool and rainy or very windy most days but last week we snuck in a trip to the wading pool down the street, when the air was borderline warm enough to swim (78), but the water was VERY cold. I looked, but didn't see any slush floating in the pool. Luckily, the kids kind of played together for the first little bit until Maia got adjusted. I did spend a good portion of my time knee deep in the freezing water holding Maia's hand.
Awww.... aren't they cute?
At the top of the little slide
Bottom of the slide (only about a 3 foot difference)
Strike a pose
Xander wound up walking around the outside of the pool for the last hour we were there.
This week, the kids decided to make their own fun, and one afternoon they put their Halloween costumes on and played in the front yard. Goofballs.
Our neighbor came home and mentioned that his hunting dog loves to chase rabbits... (even grubby grass-covered ones?)
At some point, Xander took off his mask, so Maia had to give it a try. We then had a bionicle bunny on our hands!
After a while, it was just more fun to play in our regular clothes, so the kids took off the costumes, but resumed the rough housing. What fun!
Awww.... what a pretty little maiden
Awww.... what a pretty little maiden
Nice pose, Xander.
Yesterday, while I was working at the church, Xander made this amazing creation:
And lastly, I've begun packing. We're getting pretty excited to move into our new digs. Xander & Maia packed themselves last night.
Yesterday, while I was working at the church, Xander made this amazing creation:
And lastly, I've begun packing. We're getting pretty excited to move into our new digs. Xander & Maia packed themselves last night. 
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