Friday, January 30, 2009

This is my soapbox

OK, so you've all heard about the "amazing" woman who gave birth to 8 babies in 5 minutes. Whoop-tee-doo! She had a C-section, for crying out loud. What would you expect?

And other thing, she already had 6 kids? What? Who's taking care of them while she's in the hospital? Oh, yes! They all live with their grandmother. Why, you may ask? There is no father! Did you get that? NO FATHER!

Yes, there it is, folks, 14 children we are paying for--AND its being covered by national news as "amazing," and "wonderful."

Now, I found a nice little calculator online to see how much it costs to take care of 1 child in a single-parent household in the West (the babies were born in CA) and to send 1 child to a public college. This is not buying stylish clothes or cars or cell phones: $187,408! Now, lets multiply that by fourteen--$2,623,712! Two million, six-hundred twenty-three thousand, seven hundred and twelve dollars!

We will pay for all 14 of those babies, in addition to the debt of automakers and national banks!

How is it that we're all OK with this?

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

I gotta know...

I'm obsessed.

I'm one of those germ freaks when it comes to public places and runny noses and that sort of stuff. I use paper towels to turn the water off and open the door from the public bathroom; oh, and I flush with my foot, too.


I create quite the scene when Garrett has to go in the public bathroom with me, which involves him placing both hands on the cart, or stroller, or my knees and a lot of, "Don't touch anything" comments. I even turn both children's faces away from the toilet when I flush in case there is any "spray" that comes out with the "whoosh."


I normally always use the second stall of the public restroom when available, thinking that most people would use the first. But, it occured to me today: What if everyone else thinks that too? What if I'm using THE MOST CONTAMINATED STALL IN THE WHOLE ROOM?


So, here comes the curiosity: Which stall do you use? I'll be potty-training soon, and gotta know which one to take my son into. Are you a second-stall-user?


On the same note, I bought Garrett a travel potty today to keep in the van (with my free $25 gift card from USA Baby here ). Apparently, my OCD about germs has not rubbed off on him yet because this is what I found this afternoon:

Yes, that's the new travel potty!

So, for those of you who do not understand the concept of leaving a comment, just click on "comments" after this post and share your thoughts with me about your toileting habits!

Granola bars and pregnancy tests

This morning, I pulled some stuff out from under my bathroom counter and found an unused pregnancy test (pre-Charlotte). I set it out on the counter and Garrett picked up the package and said, "Granola Bar!"

Hmmm, not quite!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Time on my own

Now that Randy has returned to school 2 nights a week, I find myself with more than enough time on my hands to do the things I have wanted to do for a while. One such thing is photo stuff. If I had to choose a 2nd career, it would be photography. I am doing some self-study on the subject (which means that my poor kids have to endure endless flashes and fake smiles).

Anyway, here is the latest subject matter. Who can resist bubbles?



And those eyes? Daddy is gonna have a hard time telling this one "No!"


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Wuthering Wednesday

As you know by now, I have had quite a week--a few weeks, I should say. So, Monday night, I put the kiddos in bed and left Randy in charge.

I went to Books-A-Million and drank my faux caramel macchiato from Joe Muggs and walked around the bookstore with no make-up and glasses for an hour. I was making the decision to become scholarly again.

I've recently downloaded some great classical stuff from iTunes which took me back to my younger years of intellect. No more Kid's Bible Songs at our house--No, No! Its Debussy, Bach and Yo Yo Ma!

Along with this musical mind expansion goes the desire to read books of note. So, for now, I'm putting away my Twilight series (even the online "Midnight Sun" that I read during naptime) and I'm on to bigger and better things.

So, here it is: "Wuthering Heights." Its been quite sometime since I've read anything remotely described as "literature" so this should be a challenge for me. And with Randy returning to school 2 nights a week, I should have plenty of time on my hands.

So, for you folks who also have some time on your hands, I would love for you to join me on this quest for intellect--to expand our minds--to broaden our scopes--to read and discuss what some call "the greatest piece of fiction ever written": "Wuthering Heights."

Sunday, January 18, 2009

What's 'Up-Chuck'?

OK, so that's a terrible title...Whatever, I've been stuck in the house for a while!

So, you know that Chuck and I are friends now--we visited him again on Friday. He says that Charlotte doesn't have an ear infection and we should let her cold "just run its course."

Garrett on the other hand was feeling better yesterday, or so I thought. He went to a movie with Nana and Poppy and had M&Ms and popcorn. He came home and actually ate dinner (one of the few things he has eaten in a week)--spaghetti!

About 30 minutes after dinner, he starts with one of his coughing spells. So, being the good mother I am, I pick him up to comfort him. About the time he gets in my arms, he begins throwing up! Yes, all down the front of me. Now, I can dissect human cadavers and clean up old people poo, but vomit? I can't handle vomit! Not only does he throw up on me once, it happens about 3 more times. So we are both covered in puke full of M&Ms and, yes, spaghetti! Its in my hair even!

Thankfully, Nana and Poppy were still here to help care for Charlotte while Garrett got cleaned up in the tub and I removed spaghetti from my hair!

Oh, the joys of motherhood!

Friday, January 16, 2009

"You can call me Chuck"

I have seen Dr. Moss so much this year, we are on a first name basis!



This afternoon, we are on our way for yet another visit to BCC for Sappling #2.



Sappling #1's diagnosis is an ear infection, a sinus infection, and a nasty cough which warrents an antibiotic and cough meds.



Sappling #2 now has a runny stuffy nose, a nasty cough, a fever, and a possible ear infection.



I fear that the good folks at Target have forgotten who I am! Its been so long since I've seen them all!



I love winter!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Its a Sick Day! (still)

Garrett has been sick off and on since Christmas. Yesterday and today have been the worst. We'll be visiting Dr. Moss this afternoon!

The best part of being sick is jammies all day and endless DVDs on the couch! Mom even throws in a popsicle every now and then!


Monday, January 12, 2009

Is 20 year old Play-Doh toxic?

We went to visit my Mama in Indiana for New Year's this year. While she was getting Christmas decorations out of the attic before Christmas, she found this:



This would be my old suitcase! I immediately remembered what was inside and was excited at the prospect! I did not open it there, but waited until yesterday as we were cleaning house. I sat Garrett down with me as I opened the case. We were both excited to find out what was inside. This is what we found:

Yes, that is 20 year old Play-Doh and all the accessories to make pizzas, pies, cakes, and more! Unfortunately, the Play-Doh itself was full of really nasty moldy-looking stuff, so that got thrown out; but the accessories were a hit! Garrett and I had a great time making macaroni and spaghetti all afternoon!

It pays to be a pack-rat!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Charlotte's Fashion Show

As promised, this blog is devoted to how cute my kids are. And today's blog is no exception!

Charlotte and Garrett received so many cute new digs for Christmas, that I can't wait to show them all off! Mostly Charlotte, though. Its so much fun to dress up little girls! However, when big brother is a little ham, he will no doubt get his cover shots in as well! Take a look!
She's done this before! Look at that smile! Don't mind the orange nose--she just really likes squash!
Doesn't she look like she should be shopping in Paris?
Daddy seems to think that it is irrational to wear your furry vest in the house, but Mommy knows better!

Oh, yes, and Garrett had to get in on the action with his new Lightening McQueen robe!

Charlotte is wearing an original hairbow designed by Mommy (call for details) as well as a cute little green dress!
"Move over, Brother, this is my show!"
Dazzling in denim!
How sad is it when your 7 month old is better dressed than you?

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Frustrated with Blogger

So, I'm trying to change the face of my blog for the new year, and I keep getting error messages.

I can't even view the blogs I like to read!

So, stay tuned--I'm working out the kinks!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Is is too late for the Sapp Christmas Recap?

We have been so busy this Christmas season, but finally wrapped it up (no pun intended) this weekend in Indiana with my family.


I'm gonna steal my friend Sumer's idea here and recap it all in a slide show--otherwise there would be not time to do it all! (Thanks, Sumer!)


Well, for Christmas Eve, we headed to Nana and Poppy's for some early Christmas presents. Garrett's favorite things included a huge Mr. Potato Head and, of course, Buzz Lightyear. Charlotte raked it in with some babies.


Christmas day, Granny, Papa, Nana, Poppy, and Aunt Dana joined us for the reading of the Christmas story at 6:30 in the morning! This was quickly followed by the customary run to the tree to see what Santa left. This year, Santa brought a kitchen for two, dinosaurs for one, and a baby stroller for the other. The kitchen was a big hit--Thanks, Santa! Daddy also had to throw in some power tools to balance out the kitchen.


New Year's Day, we were in Indiana with my Mama. She always delivers big and this year was no exception. Garrett got an art desk for the new playroom, along with so many trucks and dinosaurs I lost count. Charlotte got more babies, all the musical toys Fisher-Price and Play School made this year, and cutsie clothes that, no doubt, will be the feature of another blog to come!


Here's the Recap: