Filanthropy Friday

Some Friday's I feel like a broken record - there's a disaster, somewhere and so I give to the area hurt by the disaster.

Today is no exception. 

I do LOVE the American Red Cross, but wanted to give somewhere different today to help people in Louisiana.

I found the Foundation for Louisiana.  They support the building of stronger communities in Louisiana so that recovery from disasters (like Hurricane Isaac) is easier.  I donated $20 to their efforts.

Mormor & Dadoo Visit

Mormor and Dadoo are here for a visit.

Here are Cub and Mormor playing in the pool.

Wordless Wednesday

A Little Running

It has been a while since I've written about running - but believe it or not - I've actually been able to run (a little).  My feet are still tingly, but have greatly improved to a less annoying condition.   When I say a little running - I do mean only a little.  As an example, this last Saturday I walked/jogged for 4.5 miles and jogged about 2.5 of those miles.  I 'm pleased with this improvement.  

Here are Cash and Buttin today trying to squirt me with the hose.  They're both pretty freaking adorable. 

In other news, we're having a dog run built in our back yard this week and so last week the gas and electric company have come out to put flags where there are wires or lines or whatever underground.  Cub is fascinated by the flags and loves pulling them out all of the ground (thankfully they also mark all the areas with spray paint) and starting imaginary races.  He says, "On your mark, get set - GO!".  I'm not sure where he learned this phrase - but maybe Nascar or the flag core is in his future (oh goodie!).

Misfit Monday

I think we finally figured out our booth for this year's trade show - it only took about three months of discussions and negotiations.   This year - we actually have TWO trade shows - one in Austin and the other in San Antonio.  It's going to be a busy September.

The San Antonio trade show theme is something about Rome not being built in a day so I think our misfits attending will be going as statues.  Buttin thinks we should put our misfits' faces on the "Creation of Adam" painting and use that as a banner - or just use it to decorate our office walls. 

The Austin trade show theme is "Let the Games Begin!" - I really, really, really wanted us all to be Hungry, Hungry Hippos, but I'm still pretty excited about going as the game Operation.  It should be fun (and more importantly embarrassing for the misfits).

Cash went to a birthday party for a couple of his school friends yesterday and discovered the JUICE BOX.  I don't think he's ever had much juice before yesterday, but now he's addicted.  However, in typical Cashman behavior - he's found his own creative way to  drink it (or make a mess with it). 

Birthday Party at the Splash Pad

This morning we went to a birthday party for some of Cub's school friends.

I love how much he enjoys running in the water.  

Naked Saturday

This morning Cash had no interest in putting on clothes or a diaper - and not just for a few minutes - for about four hours. He didn't want to go to the park, he didn't want to go to the pool and didn't want to go outside - he just wanted to play downstairs, naked. 

There were a few minutes when he did wear a helmet, but it didn't last long.

I thought I would take this naked opportunity to work on toilet training.

Here was the score - 

In the Toilet - 2 times

One the Floor - 3 times

On ME! - 1 time

Yup, he was sitting on me and just started peeing - it was warm (and not fun).

I'm not sure if this score is good or bad.  I'm sure we'll try again soon, hopefully with less pee on me next time.   

Filanthropy Friday

It seems like women's issues have been in the news a lot lately. 

I really like this picture:

Today I donated $20 to SafePlace - they have various services for women who have been sexually or domestically abused.  Recently they had a large portion of their United Way of Central Texas funding cut, so their food pantry is looking very sparse. 

Chicken Update

Today I went to see (as my friend's husband calls her), Dr. Bubbles for my 23 (or so) week appointment for Chicken.

It's kind of funny because when I was pregnant with Cub, I knew exactly how pregnant I was - like down to the hour.  

Nothing very eventful at this check up - I heard Chicken's heartbeat, I gained 4 lbs since my last appointment and Dr. Bubbles and I talked about my "unique injury" that occurred when I had Cub.  If you don't remember my injury - it rhymes with - habial lematoma.  She told me that lightening rarely strikes twice so that I should be OK - even though I didn't feel it when it happened last time, so I'm not that concerned.  

At my next appointment I have to drink the disgusting glucose test stuff - yuck.

Here's Cub today getting excited about seeing a train - he loves trains.

No Thanks

Cash's new favorite thing to say is - No Thanks (sometimes No Thanks, Mama).

Here are some examples:

Me:  It's time to go take a bath.  

Cash:  No thanks, mama.

Me:  Cash, it's time to change your diaper.

Cash:  No thanks.  

Me:  Walk, please.

Cash:  No thanks, mama.

Me:  Cash, please get that beetle out of our your mouth.

Cash:  (muffled) No thanks.

His refusal to do something is so polite - I almost want to give into him (almost).  I think I'm going to apply his "No Thanks" technique to my life:

Misfit:  Can I have tomorrow off? 

Me:  No thanks, misfit.

Customer:  I'm disappointed with the service you provided and want a refund.

Me:  No thanks.

Misfits:  I don't want to do that job.

Me:  No thanks. 

"No" sounds a lot better when followed by a thanks - even if the response (No thanks) doesn't even apply to what the person just said. 

Here's Cash playing  today.  It was a blissful, cloudy 90 degree day - and I actually enjoyed being outside. 

Misfit Monday

It's almost the end of an era.

Barbie will be leaving us (kind of) in about a week and a half.

She's going to stay at home to spend more time with her daughter (during these all so important pre-teen and teen years) and she's going to help out Tubby-Tub (her husband and fellow misfit) with some of his computer work. 

It is impossible to replace Barbie, but we did find someone to fill her position and she'll be starting later this week.  We've had a bunch of misfits come and go during the past four years (yes, it's been four years since Buttin and I became small business owners), but never anyone in the "back office".  It feels so strange.  Like someone that you're used to seeing everyday - just isn't there anymore.

I will miss Barbie, but completely understand her reasoning for leaving and I look forward to getting to know a new misfit.  I think I'll call her Bambie (I'm sure she'll hate that name).  

Here is Cub today getting ready for a bike ride.  We never actually went on a bike ride because I told him he had to change his diaper and try going to the bathroom.  He got to the taking off his diaper part, but then just decided he wanted to be naked and even I don't think it' safe to bike ride naked. 

Sunday Movie Reviews

The Expendables 2

You can't really give this movie a cookie review.   It was very action-y and pretty entertaining (especially in the laughable way), but the dialogue and plot was um . . . pretty crappy. 

The Imposter

 

One of the best documentaries  - EVER.  I highly recommend this movie and also recommend reading as little as possible about the movie before viewing.  It has twists and turns and two of the most fascinating documentary characters I've ever seen.

ParaNorman

 

Great animated movie - but it's pretty much a horror movie.  Not really at all for children.

This afternoon it was only like 95 outside and in the shade with a little breeze, it was actually pretty nice.  Here are Cash and Buttin playing in the dirt.

Park For All

**Caution - picture heavy post**

This morning Cub and I went to a new park that all my baby mama friends love.

It's called the Park for All because it's meant for children of all abilities.  All the equipment is low with wide areas to allow for wheel chair accessibility.  There are about seven different areas in the park and Cub had fun in all of them.  As a great bonus, the entire place is entirely fenced in and it has double gates at the two exits/entrances - this means no Cubbie running for the street. 

Here's the music area.

Here's the sand pit.

Here's the huge playscape.

Here are the monkey bars.

Here's this cute little main street/little city area of the park.

Here's the library in the little city.

Here's Cub eating sand in the library.  

Here's Cub's favorite part of the park - watching the trains pass.

Filanthropy Friday

Outer Space (specifically Mars) has been in the news a lot during the last couple of weeks.

I know going into Space costs a metric-butt-ton of money, but I actually kind of like that we do it.  It's exciting and inspiring and different.  

When I was little girl - I LOVED the movie Space Camp - so much so that I got the Space Camp "based on the movie" book and did a book report on it in the 2nd grade.  It may have been a cheat - I'm not sure if I even read the book (seeing as it was "based on the movie" - I figured, what's the point?).  Even with my book report cheating, I still loved the idea of being an astronaut.  I really loved science and planets and all that fun kid stuff, but then I found out that to become an astronaut -  I'd probably have to go into the Air Force and be really, really smart and really, really good at doing dangerous stuff and then decided otherwise.  

I never stopped finding Space interesting - even if I'm not smart or dangerous enough to go there (until Newt Gingrich builds a colony on the Moon).  

This week, I donated $20 to the Space Camp General Scholarship Fund.  Kids should feel inspired by science (even though I've heard they just do a lot of running at Space Camp - apparently you also have to be in pretty good shape to be an astronaut) and they should all get the opportunity to be exposed to something that's as awesome as Space. 

Parent/Teacher Conference

Yesterday Buttin and I had a parent/teacher conference with the lead teacher of his classroom and the head of the school.  Sadly, he is way behind in physics and calculus (we have failed aunt Liz). 

The focus of our discussion was on transitioning from offering the toilet to mandating it as part of our daily routine - even if he doesn't do anything productive.  We also have to help encourage him to do more things on his own and start relying on us less.  They said this will be great for his self-confidence, especially when chicken arrives.  This is sometimes easier said than done.  I told Buttin that I'm the "lazy parent" - because instead of forcing Cash to get frustrated (a little) by his own limitations (like putting on socks, for example) - I just do it for him.  

I'm sure both his teacher and the head of the school know all about Cash's good attributes, but our conference seemed to focus on his deficiencies (aside from physics and calculus).  For example, they said Cash is a pretty emotional child and that his zero to full blown dramatic crying is McLaren fast.  From what they described, other children usually go from zero to annoyed to verbalizing their frustration to physically showing frustration (like pushing or hitting) to all out crying.  They would like Cash to start talking about why he is upset.  This seems easier said than done. 

Here's my little drama queen:

Wordless Wednesday

How Hot Is It?

So hot that Cub has to lay on the tile floor to cool himself off (Riggs does this too).

Misfit Monday

All the misfits are surviving.

I think the worst (best) of the summer rush is finished. 

I anticipate a pretty busy week and some late nights, but hopefully nothing as crazy as last week.

Yesterday I took Cub to buy some little tractors (his friend Issac has a set and Cash always takes them away at the park) and now Cub takes them everywhere.  Of course, this afternoon (while it was 103) we had to play outside in the dirt with all the tractors. 

Sunday Movie Reviews

Even with all craziness, Buttin and I still managed to see three movies this weekend.

Bourne Something-Something

It's more of the same Bourne stuff, minus Matt Damon.  I like all the Bourne movies, so I found this one entertaining too.  In all fairness we didn't get to see the last 15 minutes because lightening (apparently) struck our theater and only broke our projector.  So the ending could have been horrible, but I'm sure it just set up a sequel. 

The Campaign

If politicians were this funny or honest, politics would be a ton more fun.  I thought this movie was hilarious.

The Queen of Versailles 

This is a fantastic documentary about some people are are filthy stinking rich and then become a little less filthy stinking rich.  It is possible to feel sympathetic for people who live in a 28K sq. ft. house (and who are building a 90K sq. ft. house).  

Here is Cub today playing outside (shocker).

Another Morning of Work for Buttin

So Cub and I met the baby mamas at the park.

We all had a great time.

Filanthropy Friday

This week all the misfits are really pitching in to help.

Lots of sales people are helping installers.  Buttin and a couple sales misfits pulled out pee soaked carpet all day yesterday and will probably do the same today.  We even had one sales misfit do an installation (and that takes quite a bit of skill) and another sales misfit help with carpet cleans.  

All this work (not by me) in homes (and lots of apartments) gave me the idea to donate to homeless services charity this week.

I selected ECHO - Ending Community Homelessness Coalition.  It's an Austin-based charity dedicated to ending local homelessness within 10 years (they started in 2010).  I wish them a lot of luck and donated $20.

Pooped

We're pooped.  Correction - Buttin, the misfits and I are pooped.  Cashman has a wondrous supply of energy.  It's our busiest week at work so we're all just trying to make it. 

Here's Cub after his hair cut today.

Wordless Wednesday

Dear Cash - 2.33 Years

Dear Cash,

I'm a little late with today's letter.

I was attempting to write a 2.25 letter, but instead, you'll get a 2.33 (plus one day) letter.

So much has changed since you turned two. I remember your first year of life and how every month there were huge changes - and I think that's still true - every day you're discovering new things and saying new words.

I'm now starting to understand why other parents incessantly talk about what their children say - it's pretty freaking hilarious.  You've turned into quite the jokester. 

Conversation from tonight (I'm trying to teach you to say where you live):

Me:  Where does Cash live?

You:  Tesas (Texas)

Me:  Where does Mommy live?

You:  At work

At least I hope you're joking.

Besides all the new vocabulary words (you repeat anything and everything that we say), you are pedaling on your tricycle.  Your father and I find this particular skill to be amazing - we're totally dorks for you.  We have really become those parents - oh look, he can run - oh look, he can talk - oh look, he can pedal - oh look, he can sit there and watch tv.  Like I said, we're dorks for you.

Sometimes I think I must be the first parent in the history of the world to love their child as much as I love you.  I know this isn't possible, but I don't know how it's not possible.  

Every night before bed you and I talk about Chicken.  Your preference is still for a "no" if asked if you want a brother or a sister - although sister is much more popular than brother.  I'm looking forward to meeting Chicken in a few months, but honestly I have a couple of fears. 

1.  Less time with you.  

I promise to make quality time for you, Cub, I do.  You've become so snugly these past couple of months (when you cry at night - you cry out "snuggle mama, snuggle daddy" and it breaks our hearts a little).  I promise, we will still have snuggle time - for as long as you want - although it might be a little weird when you're sixteen.

2. How will I love Chicken as much as you?

Right now, I can't imagine loving anyone as much as I love you.  I don't know how it's possible.  I've talked to some of my baby mama friends (who have two children), so I know it can be done.  Just remember, you will always be my little sugar man.  

OK - so other cute things that you're doing:

1.  You point at my nose and say, "pick it"

2.  You get so excited at trains and firetrucks

3.  You are pretty fearless and will jump off of anything 

4.  You will use my hand to stroke your face if I'm not doing it while we are snuggling

5.  You love playing "wrassle" with your daddy

6.  If you notice I have a cut or something, you will "kiss it" and say "sorry mommy"

7.  You spontaneously say "love you daddy (and mommy)"

8.  You genuinely enjoy running (everywhere)

You're just so stinking perfect and cute and lovable (even when throwing an ape-shit sized tantrum, ok maybe not as much then).  How did I get so lucky?

Please be sweet to me and your dad and please don't grow up too quickly (please, please, please slow down).

Love,

Mom

Misfit Monday

We advertise our small business - perhaps you've seen our lovely commercial.

We also do some print advertising in monthly circulars.

Every month, my ad rep contacts me to ask what I'd like to feature in the that month's ad.  Most of the time, I just list a couple of products and then a theme (like, 4th of July or Springtime or Holiday).  It's a pretty basic format - nothing too exciting.

Well, last month - I just asked for something "summery". 

This is what I got:

I'm not sure what is my favorite part:

• The weird piece of "rustic" wood with Flooring Warehouse coming off the side.
• The snail climbing on the piece of wood
• The Christmas star in the upper left
• The disembodied hands coming out from behind the leaves
• The awesome screen saver on the computer
• The off centered copy at the bottom

It's all pretty awesome.  It proves that there are misfits everywhere - not just in our office.

Here is Cub today playing outside.  

No Nap Cub

Today, for the first time in a long time, Cub took no nap.

And it wasn't like we had a lazy morning - we went to HEB and spent 1.5 hours in the pool, but when it came time for a nap, Cash just wasn't sleeping.  

This afternoon Buttin took Cash to a bounce house (for over 3 hours) and I got to take a nap.  Buttin is good to me.  

Here is Cub playing at the pool. 

Four Miles

This morning I did a four mile job/walk/waddle.

In a great irony, now that my feet feel less tingly (although still tingly) and I'd like to try running more, my belly has gotten a little too big to run.  Maybe I need to buy one of those belly-support things, I'm someone must sell something supportive for pregnant women.

Today I took Cub to the park to meet baby mama friends.  This is the look that Cub frequently gives me when I suggest something that he doesn't really want to do (like, stop jumping off the high thing, walk please or let's go over here).

I think it took me until I was a teenager to perfect this look. 

Filanthropy Friday

Tomorrow a childhood friend of mine will be swimming in the Lake Michigan Open Water Swim for Swim Across America.  

All this Olympics watching has gotten me in the mood to swim again, but not so motivated I've actually done it.  Instead, I thought I'd do the next best thing and donate to my friend's fundraising page, it doesn't say on his page, but I'm quite sure he'll be doing the 3 mile (longest) distance. 

Swim Across America is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by making people swim crazy events (like in Lake Michigan - I hear there are sharks) so I donated $25 to help their mission.

Lack of Posting

My posts have been very scare this week, but I have good excuses.

Monday - we celebrated our friend Jonathan's birthday by eating at a yummy restaurant.

Tuesday - Cash was sick and he slept in bed with me and Buttin.  This means that I was in bed by 6:30 (only about an hour earlier than usual).  I took Cubbie to school on Tuesday morning (he had an "off" Monday afternoon - just tired and super snugly) and we were walking around the classroom and he took my hand, looked into my eyes and said tearfully, "mommy home".  I knew my little sugar man was not feeling right so I took him home where he pretty much snuggled with Miss Hannah all day long.  When I got home on Tuesday afternoon he just stayed in my lap - no outside time, no playing with trains, just snuggling. 

By Wednesday Cubbie was back to his playful self - must have been a little 24 hour bug or something.

Today, when I picked Cub up from school he was wearing an adorable hat (they share hats at school) and wanted to wear it home (his teacher said it was OK).

He looked so cute, I couldn't help but take a ton of pictures.

 

Here is Cub showing off his running form (future Olympian - hmm?)

 

Here he is with a "sleeping" butterfly that we HAD to take inside the house (after mama got all the ants off the butterfly).

 

Buttin asked me if I thought the school would mind if we didn't return the hat - I told him - don't worry as soon as Gigi reads this post she'll be online shopping for at least five hats for Cash. 

Wordless Wednesday