Friday Ramblings

Well, for the most part, I have nothing for you. I can't get photos to load this week. There were no catastrophic weather events. Just plain old family and work life. So instead here are some snippets and some thoughts from this week.

Ahren continues to pee in the potty regularly. He even poo-poo'd in it once this week. We cheer him on but don't push. He just wants to do what the other kids do and it's working. I would post the most adorable photo of him and Levi in boxers but there is that photo issue. Plus, pix of kids in their underwear on the net is kind of ....eeewwww!

Swimming lessons are going swimmingly! Ahren is loving them now and gets so excited to go every Thursday. He can float on his back with only slight support under his neck. The place we go is indoors, heated and totally caters to kids. They have separate classes for kids afraid of the water or not, by age and by skills. They also have lessons for kids with disabilities. Each class is very small. The mommy and me class is 6 max, then 2-4 kids depending on age, etc. They work very hard to teach safety above all else. Ahren is learning to jump off the side, swim back and climb out on his own. He is also learning to get back on his feet if he falls down in the water, to hold his breath when he goes under, and to flip on his back and float if he needs a breath. This is also the same place Katie is now working as an instructor and Levi has been taking lessons. It has been a terrific bonding experience with Ahren and a great confidence booster for Levi!

We bought a used Honda this week for me to commute with. Now Nanny has the mini-van, fully equipped with carseats, so she can run kids back and forth to school, etc. Yesterday was the first day I drove the new car to work. I got off at noon, picked up Levi and headed to the grocery store. When we came out, I couldn't find the car. I started to panic thinking someone had stolen it and then I remembered I drove the new car. Sometimes I am soo blonde!

I hate politics. So little of what the elections are about is what is good for the nation and good for us as it's people. Instead it is a giant Jr. High-ish he-said/she-said, whose friend are you kind of game. Don't get me wrong, I pay attention and will vote. I just don't like the games, the double-talk, and the non-answer answers. By the way, I did watch the VP debate last night and I have to say I have never laughed out loud at a debate before!

I am pretty much an open book. My life is out there for all to see. What you see is what you get. But, there are a few things I absolutely will not discuss with most people. Politics, religion and my marriage. I vote, I believe, and I love my husband with all my heart and soul. End of story.

I really enjoy cooking for my family. I really enjoy cooking period and having people to feed is just a bonus to me. After Hurricane Ike sent us into a tailspin (we came off of boil water restrictions last week and are still having difficulty finding cold/frozen foods) I decided that something had to give. I found a place called Mom's Secret Chef that makes home-made meals ready to pop in the oven. Nothing fancy-schmancy or ultra-gourmet, just down-home food cooked fresh. I went and got a couple of dinners and we tried them. The cost was amazingly low and the food was Yummy! Meatloaf and mashed potatos, chicken and bowtie pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, pork chops, etc etc. I went back and picked up some more and have them in the freezer ready to pop in the oven several nights a week. Talk about taking a load off of Mom! The only downside is they make better lasagna than I do.....but I can live with that!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!