My Dear DIL,
I know I don't say enough how I love and appreciate all you do for me!!
You know I say I'm sorry when I'm wrong, and boy was I wrong about stashing all that stuff that was stored in what is now Grandson's room and putting it in the family room while I was so selfishly distracted with Butterball's recent visit. It really makes it a family room to have all those pretty cardboard boxes and rubbermaid storage totes (and the box with the un-assembled book case) in there now. It makes the room look like it's straight out of Decorator's Digest!! Nice touch, too, with the overflow from Grandson's new room going into the living room. It sure makes it feel homey in there!
I've never told you this before, but you have the best taste in under garments. Thank you so much for leaving them in the bathroom piled high so I can admire them every time I take a potty break.
Thank you, too, for putting your coats on the dining room chairs! It makes it nice and toasty for those who wish to sit at the table. I hope you don't mind that I hang them off the backs of those chairs - I'd hate to see the wrinkles you worked so hard at fall out of them. Thank you, too, for covering the table in papers and junk mail. It sure keeps the table clean for us. Again, I hope you don't mind that I toss them in the garbage after we've used them as table clothes.
I just love using those cookie pans that you've so lovingly engraved with folk art. You're so creative! Who would have thought that a pizza cutter could make designs that would make Martha Stewart jealous? You sure are creative!
Thank you, so much Dear DIL for being you!! I don't know what I'd do without you around the house.
Love,
Mom
KUA
1/30/11
1/28/11
Friday and I survived ...
... having a toddler around the house.
Butterball was a little angel, actually. A very active angel. Emphasis on ACTIVE! Wore me right out. He never cried for his momma (except at bedtime the first two nights). He hogged my bed, even gave me a bloody nose one night when he planted his foot squarely on my nose. He ate constantly.
Butterball cried when I was out of his sight, which wasn't often (hey, even a Gramma has to take a potty break on occasion). He loved the game we made up "Put it Away". Yup, he helped me with some stuff I needed to do, but putting "it" away often included taking it right back out, throwing it across the room. We'll have to work on that part of the game! The leaving it where it goes, not the throwing part. He's got that part downpat.
We went up to the hospital to see Momma and JJ (Em, I re-nicknamed the baby for you - not really ... Grandson called him JJ, so that's the name I'll stick with. You're free to get Dallas out of your mind now). Butterball was good as gold, he was really interested in his new little brother, and wouldn't stop staring at him. It was just too cute!! When it was time to go (we didn't stay long - the Alien Momma was sleepy). I had anticipated Butterball screaming bloody murder when we left, but he didn't!! He kissed Momma and JJ (and the BF) and walked to the door like a Little Man.
I saw some things about the BF that I really have to wonder about. Red flags, really. His impatience with Butterball - who was only curious about the little bundle that BF wouldn't put down (so much for the bassinet, eh?). But the comment that really got me was when the BF asked me if I'd watch Butterball for the next month! That he needed time to bond with JJ. There were a few other (minor) things that really got to me ... and for once I HAD to speak my mind! I told them (mostly for his benefit) that they will have to be more patient with Butterball if they want to prevent sibling jealousy ... and by gawd, if Butterball is ignored for even a second they have ME to deal with. BF left the room shortly after to go grab a soda pop and Alien told me that she's had the same conversation with him. That he needs to be more tolerant of a one year old. Period. So ... we'll see what happens there.
Alien was released yesterday. We met up at the grocery store so I could get Butterball some milk and his favorite Cheerios cereal while they got supplies they needed. From there, we went back to their house. I unpacked Butterball's stuff from the car - with him screaming at the top of his lungs "Amma" the whole time. That bought tears to my eyes, I tell ya!!
Thankfully he got distracted by one of the dogs so I was able to make a quick break of it.
I talked to Alien on the phone just a little bit ago. Butterball loves just sitting there watching JJ. He helps with diapers (getting them and throwing them away). Sounds like it's going to be a smooth transition for them.
I won't go over until next week. Only because of the way Butterball screams when I leave. He needs a few days to adjust to being back home and to JJ before I come over.
Butterball was a little angel, actually. A very active angel. Emphasis on ACTIVE! Wore me right out. He never cried for his momma (except at bedtime the first two nights). He hogged my bed, even gave me a bloody nose one night when he planted his foot squarely on my nose. He ate constantly.
Butterball cried when I was out of his sight, which wasn't often (hey, even a Gramma has to take a potty break on occasion). He loved the game we made up "Put it Away". Yup, he helped me with some stuff I needed to do, but putting "it" away often included taking it right back out, throwing it across the room. We'll have to work on that part of the game! The leaving it where it goes, not the throwing part. He's got that part downpat.
We went up to the hospital to see Momma and JJ (Em, I re-nicknamed the baby for you - not really ... Grandson called him JJ, so that's the name I'll stick with. You're free to get Dallas out of your mind now). Butterball was good as gold, he was really interested in his new little brother, and wouldn't stop staring at him. It was just too cute!! When it was time to go (we didn't stay long - the Alien Momma was sleepy). I had anticipated Butterball screaming bloody murder when we left, but he didn't!! He kissed Momma and JJ (and the BF) and walked to the door like a Little Man.
I saw some things about the BF that I really have to wonder about. Red flags, really. His impatience with Butterball - who was only curious about the little bundle that BF wouldn't put down (so much for the bassinet, eh?). But the comment that really got me was when the BF asked me if I'd watch Butterball for the next month! That he needed time to bond with JJ. There were a few other (minor) things that really got to me ... and for once I HAD to speak my mind! I told them (mostly for his benefit) that they will have to be more patient with Butterball if they want to prevent sibling jealousy ... and by gawd, if Butterball is ignored for even a second they have ME to deal with. BF left the room shortly after to go grab a soda pop and Alien told me that she's had the same conversation with him. That he needs to be more tolerant of a one year old. Period. So ... we'll see what happens there.
Alien was released yesterday. We met up at the grocery store so I could get Butterball some milk and his favorite Cheerios cereal while they got supplies they needed. From there, we went back to their house. I unpacked Butterball's stuff from the car - with him screaming at the top of his lungs "Amma" the whole time. That bought tears to my eyes, I tell ya!!
Thankfully he got distracted by one of the dogs so I was able to make a quick break of it.
I talked to Alien on the phone just a little bit ago. Butterball loves just sitting there watching JJ. He helps with diapers (getting them and throwing them away). Sounds like it's going to be a smooth transition for them.
I won't go over until next week. Only because of the way Butterball screams when I leave. He needs a few days to adjust to being back home and to JJ before I come over.
1/25/11
Monday ...
a day late anyway. Just pretend it's still Monday please? I'm just way too exhausted to even think about Tuesday. LOL
Alien had the baby by c-section before 9 AM today. He came into the world weighing 8 lbs, 5 oz. He's 21 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great. She's even called me three or four times since surgery today. She sounds good. She misses Butterball something fierce, though. He's allowed to go up to visit, but I'm really wondering if that's the best idea. With the fit that we'd have to go through leaving Mommy behind, I'm hesitant.
This is JR's first picture. He's barely a few hours old here. Not too bad of a pic, but I really need to teach the Alien's BF how to take better cell phone pics! Ah well, he gets an A for effort!
For the most part Butterball's been a joy. He's definitely a Gramma's boy! However, bedtime for the last two nights he's been here has proved to be a challenge. He wants his mommy and there's no persuading him otherwise. It's only after he cries himself to sleep am I getting my sleep. Then, he's a bed hog (no place for him except in my bed - grrrrrrr) ... I can't tell you how many kicks and punches I took last night. Tonight he seems to be a little less hoggish, so I may get more than two hours of sleep. At least I can hope, LOL.
Married Son and I also went out today to buy a new hot water heater. DILs dad will install it after he gets off work tomorrow. Oh, I have a correction, too ... he IS a licensed electrician so there's no worries there. Ended up, too, that I didn't need a large appliance permit. Seems I was misinformed, it's only commercial properties that need it out here. Whew!!
I was going to possibly go to the hospital tomorrow to meet JR and to see Alien for a bit, but I'm not sure now. Besides the obvious fit I'd have to deal with if I do take Butterball, DILs dad won't be over until tomorrow around three to install the water heater. Four hours to do that and a furnace cleaning (I'm liking this ... all this work, for the price of a steak dinner!!) and it'll be too late to get up to the hospital to visit her.
Ah well, time to figure this out tomorrow. Tonight, Gramma's looking to sneak into bed without waking Butterball.
Alien had the baby by c-section before 9 AM today. He came into the world weighing 8 lbs, 5 oz. He's 21 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great. She's even called me three or four times since surgery today. She sounds good. She misses Butterball something fierce, though. He's allowed to go up to visit, but I'm really wondering if that's the best idea. With the fit that we'd have to go through leaving Mommy behind, I'm hesitant.
This is JR's first picture. He's barely a few hours old here. Not too bad of a pic, but I really need to teach the Alien's BF how to take better cell phone pics! Ah well, he gets an A for effort!
For the most part Butterball's been a joy. He's definitely a Gramma's boy! However, bedtime for the last two nights he's been here has proved to be a challenge. He wants his mommy and there's no persuading him otherwise. It's only after he cries himself to sleep am I getting my sleep. Then, he's a bed hog (no place for him except in my bed - grrrrrrr) ... I can't tell you how many kicks and punches I took last night. Tonight he seems to be a little less hoggish, so I may get more than two hours of sleep. At least I can hope, LOL.
*****
Married Son and I also went out today to buy a new hot water heater. DILs dad will install it after he gets off work tomorrow. Oh, I have a correction, too ... he IS a licensed electrician so there's no worries there. Ended up, too, that I didn't need a large appliance permit. Seems I was misinformed, it's only commercial properties that need it out here. Whew!!
I was going to possibly go to the hospital tomorrow to meet JR and to see Alien for a bit, but I'm not sure now. Besides the obvious fit I'd have to deal with if I do take Butterball, DILs dad won't be over until tomorrow around three to install the water heater. Four hours to do that and a furnace cleaning (I'm liking this ... all this work, for the price of a steak dinner!!) and it'll be too late to get up to the hospital to visit her.
Ah well, time to figure this out tomorrow. Tonight, Gramma's looking to sneak into bed without waking Butterball.
1/21/11
Wish I Were In Hot Water ...
a hot bath or shower that is. That's right, still no water here. Not that hot water heaters cost a lot (two hundred or so) but it's that here we need a permit to install a new hot water heater, which means a licensed pro has to do the installation. Hell, the store won't even sell it unless you have your permit in hand! Which means yet more moola! So in the meantime, DILs father has been trying different things. He knows what he's doing, but isn't licensed ... see, he words for a local city as a maintenance man and they cover him under their license ... where if he sets foot in a private home, he needs to be independently licensed.
Just another way for the township to make money if you ask me.
I've been going to Alien's to shower. The rest of the time I just boil a few pots of water and dump them into a quarter of a tub of cold water. It works.
Speaking of the Alien ... we have a date for her c-section! Next Monday!! I'll have Butterball for a few days while she and the baby ... and the boyfriend ... are in the hospital.
Yes, boyfriend. What's with these kids these days that they can't go into the hospital for a few days without "packing" their boy/girlfriend?
DIL did it when Grandson was born - Married Son never left her side at the hospital.
Alien had the Loser there the entire time she was in having Butterball. And now the boyfriend will be there the entire time with her. And he's not even the baby's daddy (Jerry Springer topic here!)
So a couple of days with a one-year old in the house. Should be interesting!! I haven't had a one-year old that I've been responsible for in about eighteen years. Grandson doesn't count, we know my policy on watching kids that live with me ... not gonna happen. I provide their roof I'm not a live in babysitter.
I'm sure I'll be blogging about the experience, providing Butterball lets me! He loves computers, I may have to hide mine! LOL.
After weeks of procrastinating, DIL is almost done with the spare room for Grandson to move into. Now it's my turn to procrastinate ... some of what she needs to sort is my stuff. I'm a little pissed off at her at the moment, so I'm taking my sweet ol' time getting around to it.
And what's with kids today? Can't clean up their homes (or in-laws homes) without having someone help? Alien says she can't clean when Butterball is awake, and DIL bribes her brother to come over and help her clean their messes!! OY!!
So ... why am I mad? She's back to the "not me" and "not mine" crap ... with avengeance! And the above mentioned can't clean for herself garbage!!
She bought some el-cheapo non-stick skillets as WalMart (the ones that come with the cancer-causing warning labels and are completely outlawed in California!!) and blames me yesterday when there's a small nick in one of them! I don't use them!! I don't like my food served with carcinogens, thank you! I have my own brand-new skillet ... no non-stick crap on it ... that I had to buy when she threw away my old skillet (without asking, no less).
Today's victim was my NEW cookie sheet (three uses since New Year's Eve) ... she not only used it (I have no problem with that) ... but she made and CUT pizza on it. My new cookie pan now has a 1/32nd of an inch deep eight-armed " * " smack dab in the middle of it! And she doesn't say a word to me about it!! I'm furious. I don't care it's a three dollar cheapo from the dollar discount store ... it's the principle of it at this point. You use it, you mess it up ... you own up!
Yes, I measured it!! I'll be having stars on the bottom of everything I bake on that cookie pan! At least she cut her damned pizza in almost perfect wedges ... if I have to look at it for the life of that pan, it's balanced at least (I'm anal with off balance eight point stars).
Now you know why I refuse to buy good things!! What's the point? It'll only get ruined.
I'll wait until the Wrecking Crew is gone. Or I run away. Whichever comes first!
Just another way for the township to make money if you ask me.
I've been going to Alien's to shower. The rest of the time I just boil a few pots of water and dump them into a quarter of a tub of cold water. It works.
*****
Speaking of the Alien ... we have a date for her c-section! Next Monday!! I'll have Butterball for a few days while she and the baby ... and the boyfriend ... are in the hospital.
Yes, boyfriend. What's with these kids these days that they can't go into the hospital for a few days without "packing" their boy/girlfriend?
DIL did it when Grandson was born - Married Son never left her side at the hospital.
Alien had the Loser there the entire time she was in having Butterball. And now the boyfriend will be there the entire time with her. And he's not even the baby's daddy (Jerry Springer topic here!)
*****
So a couple of days with a one-year old in the house. Should be interesting!! I haven't had a one-year old that I've been responsible for in about eighteen years. Grandson doesn't count, we know my policy on watching kids that live with me ... not gonna happen. I provide their roof I'm not a live in babysitter.
I'm sure I'll be blogging about the experience, providing Butterball lets me! He loves computers, I may have to hide mine! LOL.
*****
After weeks of procrastinating, DIL is almost done with the spare room for Grandson to move into. Now it's my turn to procrastinate ... some of what she needs to sort is my stuff. I'm a little pissed off at her at the moment, so I'm taking my sweet ol' time getting around to it.
And what's with kids today? Can't clean up their homes (or in-laws homes) without having someone help? Alien says she can't clean when Butterball is awake, and DIL bribes her brother to come over and help her clean their messes!! OY!!
So ... why am I mad? She's back to the "not me" and "not mine" crap ... with avengeance! And the above mentioned can't clean for herself garbage!!
She bought some el-cheapo non-stick skillets as WalMart (the ones that come with the cancer-causing warning labels and are completely outlawed in California!!) and blames me yesterday when there's a small nick in one of them! I don't use them!! I don't like my food served with carcinogens, thank you! I have my own brand-new skillet ... no non-stick crap on it ... that I had to buy when she threw away my old skillet (without asking, no less).
Today's victim was my NEW cookie sheet (three uses since New Year's Eve) ... she not only used it (I have no problem with that) ... but she made and CUT pizza on it. My new cookie pan now has a 1/32nd of an inch deep eight-armed " * " smack dab in the middle of it! And she doesn't say a word to me about it!! I'm furious. I don't care it's a three dollar cheapo from the dollar discount store ... it's the principle of it at this point. You use it, you mess it up ... you own up!
Yes, I measured it!! I'll be having stars on the bottom of everything I bake on that cookie pan! At least she cut her damned pizza in almost perfect wedges ... if I have to look at it for the life of that pan, it's balanced at least (I'm anal with off balance eight point stars).
Now you know why I refuse to buy good things!! What's the point? It'll only get ruined.
I'll wait until the Wrecking Crew is gone. Or I run away. Whichever comes first!
1/14/11
Late Night and I can't sleep ...
Gee, what is it with me announcing OLD news. I'm a night owl, I'm trying to re-learn day hour routines. It's not working.
Maybe I need to start looking for more third shift type jobs? Since I'm obviously not getting back into this day life crap.
How ya'll do it is beyond me.
We've been pretty lucky around these parts weather-wise. Temperatures, while cold, aren't unbearable. Mid-teens to mid-twenties most days. Snow hasn't hit us too hard either ... six or so inches on the ground after a few days worth of snow flurries.
You'd think it was worse, though, according to the morning traffic reports on the TV. So many accidents. You'd think people would learn to adjust their driving to the weather conditions, especially here in the snow-belt. Dummies.
The Gremlin has been sighted again. This time he's taken revenge on my hot water heater. I'm without hot water. Period. Both of the Sons have tried to figure out how to fix it without the proper tools. Can't do ... so DILs father will be coming over sometime in the next few days to chase the Gremlin away. This is his line of work ... and I like the fact he's not charging us for work done. Guess he realizes that as long as the heater isn't working his water bill goes up with the Wrecking Crew going there to shower.
Me, it's been boiling water on the stove and pot by pot (five pots worth) heat a half a tub of water. Works for me for now. Makes me appreciate hot water more later on.
Alien is due any day now. This is definitely a keep you posted situation, LOL.
K, I'm gonna either try to lay down and see if I can sleep ... or go watch a dvd or two of Keeping Up Appearances.
Maybe I need to start looking for more third shift type jobs? Since I'm obviously not getting back into this day life crap.
How ya'll do it is beyond me.
*****
We've been pretty lucky around these parts weather-wise. Temperatures, while cold, aren't unbearable. Mid-teens to mid-twenties most days. Snow hasn't hit us too hard either ... six or so inches on the ground after a few days worth of snow flurries.
You'd think it was worse, though, according to the morning traffic reports on the TV. So many accidents. You'd think people would learn to adjust their driving to the weather conditions, especially here in the snow-belt. Dummies.
*****
The Gremlin has been sighted again. This time he's taken revenge on my hot water heater. I'm without hot water. Period. Both of the Sons have tried to figure out how to fix it without the proper tools. Can't do ... so DILs father will be coming over sometime in the next few days to chase the Gremlin away. This is his line of work ... and I like the fact he's not charging us for work done. Guess he realizes that as long as the heater isn't working his water bill goes up with the Wrecking Crew going there to shower.
Me, it's been boiling water on the stove and pot by pot (five pots worth) heat a half a tub of water. Works for me for now. Makes me appreciate hot water more later on.
*****
Alien is due any day now. This is definitely a keep you posted situation, LOL.
*****
K, I'm gonna either try to lay down and see if I can sleep ... or go watch a dvd or two of Keeping Up Appearances.
1/9/11
I'm surrounded ...
by morons! But this is not news, is it?
Today Single Son came to me, holding his prized coffee mug with gold embossed Star Trek logo "Mom, don't put this mug in the microwave. It was a lightening storm!"
Doih really? Might this be why the microwave makers warn you to not put anything metal (or metal trimmed) in their products? Could be, could be!
Sadder yet, is DIL commented "if it had been varnished it would have been safe" ... they varnish beverage containers? I said "you mean glazed it?" ... "no, varnished". Remind me to never drink (or eat) off their dishes - well, once they FINALLY move out that is.
*****
So, DIL has had a bug up her behind about getting the spare room cleaned for Grandson to sleep in. Well, that bug lasted a day anyway. The last six days or so she's off socializing. Obviously her son sharing their bed (and disrupting her sleep) isn't too high of a priority.
Could it be that my putting my foot down helped squish that bug? LOL .. she wanted to take the many boxes she has stored in there and put them in the family room ... I told her no way, I was not turning the family room into her storage room - or anyone's storage room for that matter. She wasn't happy that I would tell her no. Oh well ...
And I'm pleased to report, there have not been any boxes moved out of the spare room (storage room, junk room, "the black hole", DIL's dumping grounds ... etc). But then, there hasn't been any boxes sorted through lately either.
*****
Not only has there been an increase in Gremlin activity 'round here lately ... dishwasher flooding, toilet overflows, bathroom garbage can toppled, soap (or shampoo) spilled on floor to name but a few ... but I actually busted one little gremlin. Obviously they work in teams.
I was the one who actually caught the little Gremlin playing with the thermostat. Ah-hah!! Busted! Finally! And the rotten little Gremlin had the nerve to transform his appearance so he looked like Grandson - who of course tried to deny his involvement with said activity.
Needless to say after Gramma finished reprimanding him, the Big Bad DIL stepped in and the Gremlin was banished to DIL's room (for multiple "crimes" including lying to the Gramma)
Let's see now if the house stays at a reasonable temperature or if we end up feeling like that turkey does on Thanksgiving Day! In other words, cooked!
*****
Not much else going on, thankfully. Alien still has not had the baby ... but then he's not due to make his appearance for another three weeks. She's bigger than a house. I'm afraid if she sneezes the kid'll pop out.
*****
Ah, well ... I think that's it for now. Need to go to bed early. Single Son and I have a full list of errands we need to get accomplished tomorrow. We start early.
1/1/11
Happy New Year!
For years now I've preferred to celebrate most holidays alone, especially New Year's Eve where I like to reflect on the last year, think about the upcoming year, and think about how and where I feel changes need to be made to make the new year a much better year. Call it a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), LOL.
This year, for the first time since I can remember, I went out for New Years. Not only out, but all the way to Port Huron! Got to spend it not only in my favorite town, but with some really great folks, too - my fellow Trekkies. The out of towners were at a local hotel, where we reserved the conference room for the night.
And the entire event was streamed live over the internet for those unlucky souls who couldn't make it for one reason or the other. A dozen or so on and off all night long. They got to enjoy watching us eat, laugh ... even were privileged to see my big butt on their monitors after I grew accustomed to the cameras and totally forgot they were there (oops).
At midnight, after toasting the New Year in with a glass of non-alcoholic *made in michigan* spumanti (yum!!) we were witness to our "fearless" leader's swearing in as the new Commander of Starfleet. Single Son stood in for our previous Commander, as he had issues with his shuttle and was unable to attend the party.
And I have to say that Single Son did very well with his speech.
After the festivities we headed up to the visitor's hotel room to party a little more. Or more likely, being the geeks we are, we swapped digital photos from each others digital storage cards to our handy laptops.
We left after 2 AM sometime. Single Son and I had an hour and a half drive ahead of us yet. In the pouring rain no less. Hey, the car is clean now!!
He let it slip on the way home that I'm up for a promotion in rank in April. I know, I know ... ya'll are saying "oy, what a geek". Yup, and proud of it, too! So, I'll go from ensign to lieutenant (ya, the one I can't spell without spell-check)!
I also volunteered to help our new Commander with whatever he needs help with. Although I doubt I'll get many "assignments", he's got a full compliment of staff already. LOL. Including Single Son who is his Chief of Operations, third in command. And I'll be helping Single Son with odd jobs, too.
Now I really really have to find a uniform! The next three years (the length of their term) is going to definitely be Star Trek filled, more than I'm used to!
But, a great thing that may come out of all of this is the networking. There's a lot of Starfleet members ... all geeks, but more than a few are highly respected in the business world ... hell, the Scottish First Minister is a Starfleet member! Like I'd ever be so honored to meet the Right Honorable Mr. Alex Salmond but you never know who could be at that next StarFleet get-together.
Single Son giving his speech.
Chief of Operations (Single Son) and the Commander of Starfleet
First Lady and Commander of Starfleet
Happy New Year!!!
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