Sunday, May 30, 2010

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

We started Sunday off by actually sleeping in until almost 9am. All four(4) of us! I was amazed. Then, we had a leisurley(sp) breakfast and I went outside to clean out the garage. While I cleaned the garage, the kids played in the inflatable pool I put out for them.


That's basically how we spent most of the afternoon. Me cleaning the garage, and the kids playing either in the pool or the sandbox. We had to run to Wal*Mart and I saw a sign for fireworks. So I took the kids to a parking lot nearby and we set up to wait for the sun to go down so we could watch the fireworks.
Emali waiting on the sun to go down.
Erin waiting on the sun to go down.
Alvin just being Alvin. He wouldnt lay the other way to get a normal right side up picture.
Watching the fireworks. Alvin just loved them.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Our Vegetable Garden - Week One

So we planted our vegetable garden today. We planted sweet corn, sunflowers, snap peas, broccoli, two kinds of tomatoes and pumpkins. Here is to hoping the garden grows. The girls are excited. We are going to take pictures every week to compare the growth (or lack thereof). After we got it all planted, I watered it. Somehow, me watering it turned into the kids getting soaking wet.


Emali and Erin planting the broccoli
The broccoli and the peas

The girls playing in the hose spray

Alvin wanted to get in on the action.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

WBW - 2005

Just a random picture of Erin taken back in 2005. She was around 18 months old in this picture.

Amazing how much they change looks as they get older.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Erin's Kindergarten Concert







Field Day -Emali

So, today was Emali's turn to finally have field day. She competed in the marathon, the soccer ball kick and the 3-legged race. She came in 7th (no ribbon) in the marathon, second in the soccer kick. I had to leave shortly after the soccer kick because Alvin sprung a 102 degree fever on me. We were going to try to stick it if her last event would have been soon, but the 3 legged race is the last event. There was no way for Alvin to last 2.5 more hours in the sun. But, Emali understood and said she was glad we at least got to be there to see her get second in the soccer kick.

Em before field day.
Soccer kick!

And, just because I can, I'm going to share some pictures I took of Alvin and Erin last night.

Can you believe she is only 6???!!!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Boom! CRASH! Lightning flash....

and now I have no water. I think the thunderstorms yesterday fried our well pump. We (the kids and I) saw a strike of lightning hit a tree across the street, then we lost power. Shortly thereafter, I started losing water pressure. I just figured I needed to change the house filter again and didnt give it a second thought. Then, at 10pm, the girls tried to get a drink of water and nada. We didnt have water. So, I get to wait til tomorrow morning and call the well drilling people to come have a look at the well, and get to make a call into our homeowner's insurance to see if this sort of thing is covered.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Field Day 2010 -Erin

Today Erin finally got to have her first ever Field Day. She competed in 4 different events: The Softball Toss, The Sack Race, The Balloon Toss and the 3-Legged Race. She had a wonderful time. I apologize in advance, this is a pic heavy post.


Erin before Field Day began
The Softball Toss
The Sack Race
The Balloon Toss
The 3-legged race
Erin and her ribbons:
3rd place in the Softball Toss
1st Place in the Sack Race
1st Place in the Balloon Toss
And just for good measure, a pick of "The Boy" at field day.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Landscaping - Finale

So, as you will see below, I finally finished the flower beds in the front of the house. I think they look pretty good for low budget beds. If I had unlimited money, they'd be raised beds with a nice block retaining wall, but hey, I can dream! Hope you guys like this as much as I do.


The bed to the left of the front stoop.
The bed to the right of the front stoop.

Some of the various plants I planted.
And, for a sneak peak. The before and after colors in the master bedroom. The gold is the Before. U-G-L-Y!



Wednesday, May 19, 2010

WBW- Easter 2004

Welcome to WayBackWednesday. This will hopefully be a new feature here at (Wild) Rice for All Seasons. The rules are simple, pick a picture that is at least 2 years old. Post it and explain it!


This picture was taken for Easter in 2004. Emali was just over 3 years old and Erin was 2 months old. Hard to believe that they were that small!

I've come to realize...

Stole this from Andrea @ My Chihiuahua Bites. It's a MeMe, and I figured it might give people slightly more insight into my mind.

I've come to realize that my body is a disaster area. I used to be so proud of it, but now I'm overweight and have the dreaded mommy pooch.

I've come to realize that my job is never ending. No, I dont have a -real- job, but I am the SAHM mom of 3 children.

I've come to realize that when I'm driving I zone out. It's like a little bit of zen. I just tune everything out but the radio and drive.

I've come to realize that I need a housekeeper. I just cant keep up with the housework by myself. I try to keep it tidy, but I fail miserably. 3 kids, 2 dogs, 3 cats alone is too much.

I've come to realize that I hate it when things dont go as planned. I have these ideas in my head and when they dont go how I plan it, I get all frustrated. Plans, vacations, leave, housework, landscaping, anything. If it doesnt go how I envisioned, I get upset.

I've come to realize that if I'm drunk that it probably only took 1 beer. I dont drink often at all.

I've come to realize that money is a commodity that I never have. We did this geobach to save money (which we are doing) but Eric losing sub/sea/pro pay is really hurting our financial outlook.

I've come to realize that certain people are better left in the gutter where they belong. They seem to thrive on drama and discontent. I will never understand the need to make people feel like crap or the need to have drama. Please, get over yourself. We all know you're just a drama llama. (I know you read this blog too, and yes, I'm talking to you.)

I've come to realize that I'll always remember my grandfather. I miss him terribly even to this day. I miss our walks. I miss his songs. I just miss him. I sometimes wonder if things in my life would be better had he lived longer. I wish he could have been there to see me graduate. I wish he could have been there to see my children come into this world. I wish that he could have been there to see me marry Eric. I know Grandpa would be proud of me today. I just wish I could see him.

I've come to realize that my sibling(s) is a drug addict who is never going to get better. He's been through several different rehabs and is still addicted. I know that I'm probably going to bury him before I bury my parents and that thought scares me.

I've come to realize that my mom is the same as my brother. She is a drug addict who is never going to get better. She lives her life working various jobs just long enough to get unemployment saved up. Then leaves and drinks all her money away. After her last delusion, I wrote her out of my life.

I've come to realize that my cell phone is my lifeline. I panic when I misplace it. I am nothing without my phone. It's how I talk to people. It's my calendar, my schedule. It's my life for the most part.

I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning I was alone. That I will be alone for a long time to come. Yes, Eric comes to visit just about every month, but 98% of the time, I am alone. I hate it. Especially because there is no end in sight for this geobach.

I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep I didnt get everything done I wanted to do and because of that, I wouldnt sleep well.

I've come to realize that right now I am thinking that I hate this geobach. I hate the Navy for keeping us in limbo for going on 8 months. I hate the economy for keeping a buyer from purchasing my house. I hate Ohio. I miss Connecticut. I miss my friends.

I've come to realize that my dad did the best he could with what he had. I hated him for the longest time because all his time was spent on Russell. I understand now why.

I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook I spend the first 5 minutes trying to get it to update my newsfeed correctly. I hate it when they change crap on there.

I've come to realize that today will hopefully be better than yesterday. Yesterday was an overall bad day. I spent most all day yelling at Emali.

I've come to realize that tonight will be spent alone again. Yes, I have my children, but a woman can only listen to so much kidspeak before she goes insane.

I've come to realize that tomorrow might be a good day. The sun is supposed to shine! Tomorrow I want to paint the master bedroom and I need warmth to do it!

I've come to realize that I really want to win the lottery. But, I havent played it, so it's hard to win if you dont play. I just want to win enough to pay the bank off for this house so I can live with my husband again. Is that too much to ask???

I've come to realize that the person most likely to repost this is unknown to me. I really have no idea who will repost this.

I've come to realize that life is a journey. I love my life with my husband. I love that we got to pick up and move to Connecticut. That we might get to move to Texas, or Florida, or California or anywhere else because of his job.

I've come to realize that this weekend will be busy. I have TONS of projects planned. I just hope the kids cooperate and let me work on them!

I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset are things like Metallica, Disturbed, Lady Gaga, etc. Anything that is either upbeat enough to get me dancing, or po'd enough to allow me to vent my feelings.

I've come to realize that my friends are wonderful! Whether you are a real life friend, a Facebook friend, a blog friend, or a Darkwind friend, you are awesome. You guys keep me going when I get down and I think that's great. Keep it up!

I've come to realize that this year isnt going to be the best year of my life. I'm ok with that though. I have many more years ahead of me.

I've come to realize that my husband isnt a robot. He just needs to be online and 600 miles away to express emotion. I still love him death though. He's funny, he's slightly offbeat, and he's all mine.

I've come to realize that maybe I should take better care of myself. I drink a lot of Pepsi. I eat out A LOT. I excersize (hello! P90x!) about 3 or 4 days a week, but I need to be healthier. I'm 30, not 20. My kids need me.

I've come to realize that I love plants. I love landscape design. I love getting dirty. I love digging the hole, planting the flower, spreading the mulch. I just absolutely LOVE IT. I am actually considering going back and getting a degree in horticulture.

I've come to realize that I dont understand why Eric's family is the way they are. I dont understand how my MIL could never take a chance to get to know me. I dont understand how things with Sammi went so horridly wrong. I dont understand WHY some of them have chosen one brother/son over another. I dont understand how a family that was so close can be so far apart now.

I've come to realize that my past is my past. It made me stronger. It made me who I am today.

I've come to realize that parties arent a party of my life. Never will be. I dont like most people enough to have them and I dont drink so I dont go to most ones where it's a 'kegger'.

I've come to realize that MY life is just that: mine.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

TatT: Eric's Spaghetti Sauce

I'm participatin in Tuesdays at the Table (TatT) this week. I had Eric make me his famous spaghetti sauce while he was home! I was able to freeze 3 more servings of it too! Yummo!



Ingredients:

1 lb of ground beef
1 pound of sasuage (we used Sweet Italian)
1 large oinion (we used a sweet oinion)
4 cloves of garlic
4 various color bell peppers
1 large jar of spaghetti sauce ( the biggest one they sell!)
1 package of fresh mushrooms, or 1 large portabella



Step One: Dice the oinion and sautee it , over low heat, in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. While it starts to sautee, dice the garlic and add it to the pan.


Step Two: While the oinion and garlic sautee, dice up the peppers and mushrooms



Step Three: Add the ground beef and sausage to the garlic/oinion in the frying pan. Heat over medium heat until browned. Do not drain.



Step Four: Add it all into a large stock pot with the jar of sauce. Simmer for 1 hour stirring frequently.





Step 5: Boil your choice of noodles or rice, and serve! Garnish with shredded cheese if wanted. Yum!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

What we've been up to!

Since Eric came home (on leave) Tuesday, we've been insanely busy. Busy, busy, busy. We had a great time though. Almost an entire week on leave. Wow. I cant believe it. The time went so fast. I dont want him to go, but go he must. Thought you all might enjoy some collages on what we've been doing.

Eric got really busy on Wednesday/Thursday doing the tilling for the flower beds and the vegetable garden we are putting in. He didnt get it all tilled, so I'll have to finish it in the next few days.

Top from the left: Eric playing around in the garden; Alvin helping with the garden; Charley laying in the garden.
Bottom from left: Eric tilling the flower beds; Eric tilling the garden; A double of Eric playing around in the garden


Then, on Friday night, we took the kids to Hilltop Drive In in Chester, WV. It was Alvin's first time at the drive in. He loved it! He stayed awake til about halfway through the second movie. How to Train Your Dragons was a GREAT movie. Iron Man 2 was so-so. Eric liked it, but it's not the best super hero movie I've ever seen.


Top from left: Eric and Alvin at the Drive In; Emali and Alvin; Alvin watching Dragons
Bottom from left: The kids playing; Erin; Emali

Saturday, we drove the Lima, OH for the 25th Annual 4 Wheel Jamboree. Alvin just LOVES monster trucks, so we had to take him. The 4.5 hour drive was rough, but it was all worth it when we saw his face as he saw the trucks.

Top from left: Alvin in Bigfoot's tire; Alvin watching the monster trucks; Eric and the kids standing in front (under) Bigfoot
Bottom from left: Eric with Raminator; Alvin passed out on the way home; Bigfoot

Today, we took the kids to the Cleveland Zoo. We had a blast there. I am definitely going to be taking the kids back there. Even though it's a 1.5 hour drive, it's well worth the drive. We got to see the rare Titan Arum (corpse flower) bloom. So, that was cool. They also have an animatronic dinosaur exhibit that the kids just loved.

Top from left: Alvin playing on a slide, Titan Arum (corpse flower), Eric and I on the train
Bottom from left: Baby Koala; the girls on the train; Red Panda

Friday, May 14, 2010

Miss Attitude

Emali was backtalking her Daddy something fierce, so he told her to go sit and think about the amount of backtalking she was doing. Mind you, this meant she had to stop playing. I think I captured the full nature of the 'look' that was directed her Daddy's way.

Just for good nature, I am throwing in a picture of our Great Protector. Toby stood and watched as the girls got off the bus yesterday. Everyday he waits for them.
Heart dog butt. *grin*

Friday, May 7, 2010

Master Bathroom Sneak Peak


No, I havent lost my mind. I am fully well aware that I didnt paint the whole wall. The parts that have remained gold (the most ugly gold I have ever seen) will be covered by white wainscoting. The blue isnt quite as intense in normal light as it appears in this picture. Look for the Before and After photos sometime in the near future!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Landscaping, Part Trois

So, I finally managed to actually get some work done on these flower beds. I got one of them completely degrassed and ready to have some plants planted and mulch dropped. This bed is much bigger than it looks. This is the entire one side of the front of my house, so, 10 feet I want to say. Perhaps more. That bush is my spicebush. It's coming back in nicely this year. The whitish dirt to the upper right corner is where Charley dug. Anyone know of a good repellent to keep the dogs out of the flower beds????


And because I'm such a busy momma, I also took Alvin back to the zoo yesterday too. Yes, 4 hours at the zoo and then I came home and worked in the yard for a couple of hours. I am a glutton for punishment.

In the polar bear tunnel. They were actually in the water this time.

Alvin and a penguin

Monday, May 3, 2010

HLC Outlet Tent Sale

I have been waiting for this announcement! June Tent Sale

The Homer Laughlin China Retail Outlet Tent Sale dates are:
June 24th, 25th, and 26th
Time: 10am to 7pm
Tickets will start being given out at 7am.




I cant wait! I have a whole list of things to get this go around! Bowls, pitchers, rammikins, square plates, etc! Bring on the fun!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

So, the kids and I went to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. We had a blast. The weather cooperated, and the zoo wasnt overly crowded. We bought a membership, so we'll definitely be going back. Especially since I have since found out that both Cleveland and Akron zoos are reciprocal memberships. Woo!


He was gorgeous. He started roaring right as we were getting ready to leave. Lions are LOUD!
This elephant was blowing bubbles in the water. Then it would suck up some water and spray it on the others.

I got to pet a ray! They feel like wet sandpaper. This one was so friendly too.


Sand tiger shark in the shark tunnel. Emali wanted to spend all day in the tunnel.


Alvin passed out before we even left the parking lot.