Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Teddy Bear Picnic 2008

So I have a little work break thanks to Jessica. It's actually pretty funny now, just not when she has to go fix it. She wiped out a big table of fields and has to back them up. Yeah, doesn't sound too bad in the end, but it does remind me of the time I had just started NI and fully taken over this email database that housed all the emails for the customer support people. My mentor had left the building to go to Manufacturing and within the first week I had deleted all the DAQ e-mails and they were not really recoverable. I was stressing, trying not to cry in the stairwell when Crawford said, "Its really not that big of a deal." I totally thought it was firing, but then everyone has one of those stories. I'm really not giving the story justice because I want to get to the present, but turned out everyone was cool about it. Not the same attitude when Gil and I took down the entire North American Application Server though, but that's another time.

Froggy Goes to School

Yes, its a children's book, but today Dylan's Froggy got to go to the Teddy Bear Picnic. Each year the 2 1/2s get to bring their favorite stuffed friend to school and they have a big picnic. From what the teacher has told me, they eat pizza with the kids, get bounced on the parachute, write with sidewalk chalk, etc. There are the fun staples of balloons and bubbles, too. Each kid has made a t-shirt with the hand prints of all the other kids in the class on it. Way cute!

So Dylan sleeps with Froggy every night. Froggy technically is a bath, finger puppet, but has migrated to Dylan's bed to stay nice and dry. When Ms. Dawna mentioned this, Froggy was definitely the front runner. However, I was questioned today when I told Dylan we brought Froggy. "And Blue and Spunky?" Those are two of his dogs that must always keep watch over him on the left side. So Blue and Spunky must be jealous right now while they listen to Froggy's fun day. (Dylan is napping right now so Froggy gets to update the stuffed crowd now.).

When we got to the room, Froggy immediately got a "Dylan's Friend" tag tied on him. The tag was as big as Froggy. Froggy was the smallest friend by far. In fact, Adian brought the largest red teddy bear I've ever seen. Froggy can hold his own though!

So from there, I don't know exactly what went on and when I asked Dylan about Froggy and his day here are the responses...

K: Did Froggy have fun today?
D: Yes
K: What did ya'll do at the picnic?
D: These balloons popped.
K: Outside?
D: In the big room. They just popped. They were real loud.
-----
D: I'm hungry.
K: Did you eat pizza for lunch?
D: Yes.
K: How many pieces did you have?
D: 1, 2...3...4...5..6
K: 6 pieces. Wow you should definetly not be hungry now.
-----
D: Miss Drenda couldn't get the bubbles fixed.
K: The bubbles?
D: It was broken and Miss Drenda said she could fix it. It was broken.
K: A bubble machine?
D: Yes. Miss Drenda didn't fix it. Maybe tomorrow.
-----Conversation when picking him up
D: I didn't listen today.
K: What didn't you listen about?
D: ****No response****
Miss Dawna told me that he was swinging Froggy around and that she had to keep asking him to stop it. I'm thinking that is where the previous line came from.


So as you can tell, I don't get very much info out of Dylan except for balloon and bubble drama, and pizza numbers. I still believe that they had a fun time! I just can't get details.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

I'm back!

Yes, it has been quite awhile...almost a month, but I haven't forgotten my blog. I want to post, but have been super busy lately. As I told you in an earlier post, I have been doing some programming work for my friend, Jessica, and it has been taking up all my computer free time. 10 hours a week doesn't sound like a lot, but if your only free time is nap time or night time then its hard to get in. However, I am caught up right now. Well, kind of...I'm to a point that I can't go on until some assistance is received and Jessica and Marty are moving into their new house this weekend so she is in super crazy world which means I get to do some other things. Yippeee (for the move and the extra computer play time!)!


A Little Girl!

On Thursday, Greg and I went to our ultrasound. Yes, #3 is going to be a girl. How exciting! Dylan and Logan will be such good big brothers. Of course, I speak for the long run. I can't imagine a baby girl involved in tackle yet.

Mom came in town and watched the boys while we went in for our appointment. She and I went semi girl shopping on Friday and this morning. She already has 2 dresses, 2 bubbles (who knows what the real name for those are?), and a warm, long sleeve one piece. Needless to say, Greg is excited, but a little worried about this new clothing line item on the budget.

I think he also was a little relieved because he knew I wanted a girl. I could have handled the My 3 Sons thing, but I think that having a girl the 3rd time will make things a little more exciting. Dylan was exciting because he was the first. Logan, because I was so out of it with Dylan that I didn't remember a bunch of stuff. Plus, he has totally developed differently, physically and personality-wise.


Random Sea World Sunday


Last Sunday as I woke up at 7:15 (ugh), I thought to myself. We should do a day trip to Sea World today. It would be a good test for Disney World in May. I told Greg my idea and his immediate response was, "Huh? Uh...no." After 30 minutes, my excitement wore off (or wore down) on him and he went to wake Dylan up. We got the boys dressed and ourselves organized and were out on the road by 8:45. It took us 2 hours to get to the park and then the fun began.

First things first, snack time! The boys got a snacky lunch of popcorn and watermelon while Greg and I got a burger. After that it was dolphin show time. We went to Viva! and I have to say it was excellent. I think it was my favorite thing of the day. They had cool divers, acrobat stuff and dolphins. Dylan liked it too as he munched on his HUGE bucket of popcorn that had a lid. I suggest it for anyone. Logan really enjoyed the popcorn also. It kept both of them focused at the show when they weren't as interested.

Next we went to Shamu's Happy Harbor and played in the little water park there. They had a blast. It was Logan's favorite thing by far! Dylan was old enough this year to ride the kiddie rides. He even waited 30 minutes for one of them. We were shocked. His favorite ride was the paint cans. Next we went to see the sharks and dolphins. Then we had snack time again at the Ice cream shack. Dylan chose frozen lemonade over the double scoop soft serve covered in strawberries Greg and I got.

Next was the Sea Lion show and then the real water park for a bit. Logan was exhausted by the time a 5 o'clock dinner came. He had fallen asleep for about 30-45 minutes in the stroller around 3pm, but a bumpy road to the water park woke the poor baby up.

We drove home and we thought for sure the boys would fall asleep on the way home as Dylan is a consistent napper, but both of them stayed awake. Logan "talked" about the first 1/2 of the way home.

When we asked Dylan what his favorite thing was he said, "EVERYTHING!" Needless to say we will be going back for another day trip as we got the "exciting" Silver Pass. My parents are coming in next Friday morning so since we will be down south we may hit up Sea World again. Also, we as a family will be going again later on in May or June.

Being able to take fun day trips is one of the great things about living in Austin. Sea World is only 2 hours as is Fiesta Texas. New Braunfels and Gruene are less than that. The boys like to visit there also. Lastly, there are so many fun lake restaurants around Austin that we go do that on a Saturday or Sunday. I think Hula Hut is tomorrow after church. Yummy! Plus, Dylan and Logan love the lake. In fact we went to Iguana Grill out towards Lakeway yesterday with Grandmommy. Ahh....Spring is great!


Random Thoughts

I have to put a plug in for Launchcast radio. I used to listen to it when I worked at NI, but obviously I haven't had a reason to listen until this working thing at home. Its pretty fun.

Also, I got to read a book this week. It was pretty good. I'm an easy reader when I'm doing it for fun. There is a publisher called Heart Quest that I've started to like. They are romance, but have a lot of faith based stuff involved. The characters are usually somewhat religious. I have to say I like them as they tend to have better storylines. Of course, they are usually set back in the early 1900's if not earlier.


Follow up to Last Post

Easter went off well. I ended up feeling guilty that I hadn't gotten the eggs out so I dug through the closet and moved a bunch of stuff and got the eggs out and stuffed them. Of course, when Greg came home he had to put the closet back together, but at least the Easter Bunny was prepared.

We actually didn't hunt until after Church and Lunch because my boys get up at like 8am. Church is at 9:30 so by the time we get dressed and breakfasted there isn't anytime. Our Easter Bunny likes to come during church. I know that won't last forever, but, hey, niether will the Fruit Loop egg filling!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

What will Easter Morning at the Duffey Household be like Tomorrow?

That is an excellent question. Its 10 o'clock at night and I have to admit that the Easter Baskets and eggs have not been taken out of the spare closet yet. In fact, it has not been verified that they are actually located there. Greg has to unload that closet after he gets back home from a March Madness extravaganza at our friend's house.

But don't just blame him. We didn't even dye eggs this year. I forgot to buy a dye kit at the store and I just thought as I was writing this that maybe I could find a home recipe on the internet. Oops. Of course, the eggs would have to be boiled and we only have 7 or 8 eggs in the house and we didn't get around to thinking about that until 7pm tonight so I never boiled them. Who needs to if you don't have egg dye??? It was too beautiful outside so we played all day.

Last, but not least, I'm not sure what my kids are wearing to church tomorrow. We didn't get big Easter outfits this year as I was lazy. Plus, it just came up too fast on me.

At least the kids are too young to remember if this is a bust. In fact, I told Dylan that the Easter Bunny would come after church tomorrow and we would hunt eggs. He replied, "We already played the Easter Bunny game." He was talking about his egg hunt at school. I didn't want to pump the whole Easter morning thing up too much as he tends to get excited and wakes up in the middle of the night.

We will get the joyous celebration at Church and Sunday School which is the most important part, but I will update you on the egg hunting/hiding and if we ever find the Easter baskets.

Hope you are more organized than I am!

Happy Easter! He is risen!

Weekend Water, Painting, and Bidding

This weekend was lots of fun so far. There was some "bad" parenting as the boys played in the sprinkler on Friday afternoon. I admit, it was hot when we were just playing, but once you were wet it was pretty chilly. 76 isn't really hot enough to bust out the water, but the boys had a blast and didn't seem to mind. I'll have to post a picture of them.

Our remodeling is almost done. The painter is here today. He's been here since like 9am. The closet shelves are being painted today. After that is done, only a few little things have to be done. I can't wait till my closet is dry. Next weekend, I'm re-organizing all of my closets and my pantry. How exciting! I really don't think I'm nesting yet, but I could be wrong.

Today I did the most fun thing! The model homes next to us were holding an auction of all the furishings. Wow! It is so fun and totally addicting. I didn't bid too much, but did come home with some greenery for $10, decorative boxes for $10, and 3 framed baseball/sport prints for $25 each. I have to say I got a good deal. I was concerned that I wouldn't get the pictures as I really wanted those. They are always so expensive if you buy them and then get them framed. I was surprised at what some people bought, but, hey, I almost bought some wacky stuff too, but got out bid. I highly suggest going to one of these things. I even got to hold up my little number, 968, when I bid and now I understand auctioneer speak!

I'm off to go relax on the couch!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Smiling

Goal of the week: Smile more.

Where did I get this?

Reader's Digest: While in Midland, I read 3 back issues. When I go there, its my catch up time on RD. I love that magazine. Its so varied and well, a digest. Not too much on one subject like Better Homes and Gardens or Parents both of which I will not be renewing. Remind me to tell you of my Readers Digest purchase from a door to door salesman that I still have not received at least 3 months later. I think I should follow up on that one.

Why?
Supposedly, happier people are healthier is the bottom line of the article.

Moments that Made me Smile or Really Needed a Smile to Make it Better this Week
  • Ride back from Midland - Logan sometimes gets carsick. This was one of those times or should I say 3 times in one trip. At least my mom was riding with me. The worst part was on Highway 29 with no shoulder. We had to stop there and it was pretty scary. Trust me, traveling in a pukey minivan really requires some forced smiles!
  • Felt #3 kick for the first time - Pretty cool as always, but now this baby is felt all the time since Tuesday. Its really in there!
  • Monday Night Basketball Game - Usually the boys are crazy when we go see Daddy's basketball game, but on Monday they had a blast, stayed off the court, went on a nature walk around the NI campus, and didn't get in trouble at all. It was an easy Monday night for all AND we got to go to Rudy's for dinner.
  • Car Jumping - We are all ready buckled in the car for school on Tuesday when the car won't start. It took 3 men, none of who had jumper cables in their car to help out. Luckily, I found ours myself after calling Greg whose answer really wasn't too helpful. We were about 30 minutes late to Dylan's school. At least it wasn't Easter egg hunt day.
  • Wednesday from sun up to naptime - It was just a great day. I had more patience due to the more smiling and seeing things in a positive light theory. The boys really appreciated it, also.
  • Chocolate Donuts with Butter - I LOVE these things. You have to try it even though it sounds gross. Mrs. Baird's little chocolate donuts on the go with just a little butter on them. Microwave for 21 seconds on 70% power and "Yum!" You have the best snack ever.
  • Asking Dylan "Where is the new baby?" - "He's growing up in your tummy, Mom."
  • My comedy's are back on TV - Big Bang Theory and How I met Your Mother
  • Making a new cookie recipe with the boys - Since I've been prego, I really have not been interested in baking which for me is rare. I was feeling up to it tonight to try out an Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookie recipe. They are baking and cooling right now. Okay, I just went and got one. The cookie is better than the dough which is a huge compliment from me!
I highly suggest this positive outlook and smile thing. My week has been much better than usual. I can really only think of one low point and that has to do with March Madness and my not understanding the importance of it. I'm working on it though!

Have a great week!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Worst Pizza Hut EVER

We picked Granddaddy up for lunch around noon and he suggested Pizza Hut for lunch so ultimately this was his fault. :) At the time, we thought it was a great idea. When we got there we ordered 4 personal pans even through there was a buffet going on. It was cheaper than the buffet and just the amount of food we all needed. The boys got a hamburger PPP (personal pan pizza), Granddaddy and I a pepperoni, and Grandmommy a mushroom. For drinks, GD - water w/ a lemon, me - water, GM- Dr. Pepper, Dylan - fruit punch, Logan - water.

The first bad sign was that the maybe college kid serving us comes by and says they are out of lemons. So GD asks for limes instead. They don't have them. No big deal. We are over it.

So we wait, and wait, and wait. Finally, a PPP comes out. Not 4, but 1 mushroom PPP. Now in what restaurant do you bring out only one pizza while waiting for the other ones. Does that seem a bit weird? It did to us, especially since there are 2 kids at the table and the food you brought out isn't for them. I chalked it up to someone not having kids. There are a lot of things you just don't think about until after you have kids and then you think, "Hey bozo, why would you put a steaming hot plate in front of a 7 month old?" I've accepted that there is a kid clueless sector that I was once a part of so it was a small annoyance.

Now this is the best part, our kid waiter comes out and says, "We don't have any more personal pans out so we are going to make you a medium pepperoni. The hamburger ppp is coming out soon."

My response, "Have you started cooking the medium pizza yet?"

Kid says, "No, but you get charged for a ppp instead of a medium." Does he realize we have to wait another 15 minutes for the new medium to cook?

My Dad retorts, "Why did you wait until the other pizzas are almost out to tell us this?"

Kid says, "I just found out." Remember, its been like 15 minutes or more since we ordered and we already have 1/4 of our order.

So, this is where I get angry. This is pretty bad customer service. I can handle bad customer service, but this place seems full of idiots. Little did I know....I asked for the manager because kid waiter really looks a little scared and the whole restaurant is starting to stare. Serves us right for not eating buffet they are thinking.

Kid goes and tells manager that we need to talk to her. Manager can be heard in the background saying haughtily, "I'm doing something right now. I'll go out in a little bit." WHAT THE HELL???

When the manager does come out she is holding a medium. Problem solved you think? Nope.

Manager says something like this after we voice our problem with the pizza not being started and why we had the problem, but it turns out kid was confused so we are okay with it. "Well, here it is. It was started and you are giving my employees attitude. I am giving you the medium pizza for a ppp price."

WHAT??? You are giving my employees attitude. Aren't I the customer? This was were I was set off and I can usually shake things off. Needless to say, we didn't get her to listen to us. By the way, for the rest of the meal no one comes to check on us. I have to go up and ask for refills and a take out box.

As we check out, another guy who we have not dealt with, but saw the manager venting to comes to the cash register and asks, "How was your experience?" Needless to say, we repeated our dissatisfaction, my dad being very sarcastic and rude. I was a bit nicer and stated we wouldn't ever be coming back and we'd tell everyone else not to come back. Not that in the end Pizza Hut cares. That's the problem with things today. Too big. Mom and Pop places cared. Ahh the day.

Anyway, if anyone reading this (especially Darby since you live in Midland) ever eats at the Wadley Pizza Hut again, I will be very disappointed in you!

That made me feel better. Next time I'll have a bit more of interesting updates about good Midland things.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

What's going on...

Well we are in Midland. Usually, its very relaxing here. However, Logan is sick and he doesn't like to sleep in his Pack N' Play. Who would blame him? That thing is uncomfortable. Anyway, he is in a bed with me and for those of you who know me know that my kids NEVER sleep with me as I think both of us get better sleep alone. Now I can prove that one of us gets better sleep alone.

Plus the humidifier is in my room so I wake up all frog throat. Dylan also seems to have some runny nose starting and is so excited at Grandmommy's that he won't nap and wakes up at like 6am. At least I'm not the one getting up with him! ha!

So we got our Sleep Number bed delivered on Saturday. It is fantastic. Too bad I'm in Midland with my mattress from when I was a kid on. I think it will make the return even better.

Also, the construction started on our house. They did the framing and some electrical work last week. The original study doors were replaced with sheet rock and there is a new door. Also, the closet upstairs is HUGE! Its going to be great. You could fit a twin bed in there for sure. Anyway, this week they are doing the floating, texture, and painting the walls. From what I hear it is a good thing the boys and I are gone as everything is covered in plastic and has the white stuff everywhere. I'm hoping they will done by the time I get home. They have 3 more days and I think they can do it!

That's my update for the last week or so. Today we plan to take the boys to the Midland library. Dylan gets to go to big boy storytime with the 3 - 5 year olds. Also, last night we ate at Rosa's. Tomorrow = Luigi's! Friday = Jorge's! Saturday = Luigi's again!!! Eating is totally the best part of Midland! I'll let you know how many pounds I gain.

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