Rat Pack

Arguably the only thing I like more than a good old beatles tune is a GREAT old Dean Martin one! I LOVE the Rat Pack. A&E is showing a wonderful biography of the Rat Pack, and its pretty interesting. About Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Lawford, & Bishop, as well as Curtis, Marilyn, Reagan, and the Kennedy's. It's Las Vegas, its California & Hollywood. Its Washington. Again I am showing my love of the 50s (oh and the early sixties), but wow. What a crew. LONG LIVE THE RAT PACK!!

He's A Keeper!

Perhaps it is pride.

But i believe it is well founded pride.

I just have handsome babies.

Google Blog Search

Check out www.blogsearch.google.com
finally, a search engine that showcases us bloggers!
Thanks Google!!

More info

I have never posted a picture of Dakota in his Tae Kwon Do stuff before (see post below). That's a BLACK belt he is wearing! He earned it last summer. I am very proud of him for being dedicated enough to achieve it! Anyways, it has Gold embroidery, with his name and then some Korean writing which he says he doesn't know what means. I keep asking. I don't know if its specific to him, or if all black belts say the same thing? (anyone know? ) So, I just had to point out that BLACK belt! If anyone knows what a Tae Kwon Do black belt says on it (if it isn't individual specific... Or if it is tell me it is) I would love to know!

(edit: I tried to make the word black , well, black. It didn't work, so red will have to do!)

Little Bit Early

So, We talked it over, and Dakota got to come down and get the expensive part of his birthday gift today. We were going to give him guild wars, but David gave it to him, so we got him the new PS2 game, Flatout. We had his try it out here, so we could check it out, too! Indiana has a couple of small gifts for Dakota, but those he has to wait until his birthday. Dakota also told us that due to scheduling conflicts his birthday will be on the 25th this year. I think I will still let him have the rest of his gifts on the 21st. After all, that is his real birthday.

That "move it" Disease

I couldn't help it.

I wonder if there is a twelve step program?

I get possessed sometimes.

I have no excuse.

I moved all the furniture around in the nursery. It looked fine before. But I couldn't help myself. Its like obsessive compulsive, I swear. I cant change the living room anymore, all our crap only comfortably fits one way, so when I change it, its a crowded mess, ditto our bedroom. Poor Indy, his room becomes the object of my compulsions. When I was done, I walked in there with him (and mind you I did this at 1030pm); he looked at his bed (in its new spot) and his saucer (which didn't get moved) and just kept looking back and forth. I think he was confused. I am a terrible mother.

umm...

Chris and I went to dinner at Applebees (all you can eat riblets and fries are only $12.99). Donkey kept Indiana and gave Chris and I a chance to be a couple for an hour or so. Sadly, we actually couldn't think of anything to say that wasn't the usual stuff that we say to each other. You know the routine... "How was work?"..."Fine, how was the baby today?"..."Fine, what do you want for dinner?"..."I don't know". That's about it. The most interesting thing going on for us today was that Chris's cartoons weren't on when they were supposed to be, so he didn't get to see Yu-Gi-Oh or Dragonball Z. I mean yeah we have the regular problems of a family that is living paycheck to paycheck, but really if the worst thing in a persons day is missing a cartoon program on the telly, then life isn't all that bad.

In Memoriam

It has been four years. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news. I remember the phone call, and the disbelief as I sat and watched. My sons will never live in the safe world that I envision for them. I often comment that I wish I had been raised in the fifties. I want that innocence. I want to live in a world where you can leave your doors unlocked, where you can trust your neighbor, and believe in our president! I wish for my children a better world than what they have received from us. We cant hide our heads, we can not live in fear. Where are all the good people in the world, and why aren't they standing together in outrage? We must FIGHT back for our children. Yes, for all children, but for MY children. I guess the real hope now is that our kids do a better job taking care of the world, and each other than we have done.

Surprise Guests

Today we went to see Melody's new house. It's nice!! When we got home there was a knock at the door and three welcome smiling faces. Macy and Kenny brought Dakota by! Dakota and Indiana played together in Indy's room for a while, and Kenny taunted macy with baby throw up. I think this is the first time Indy didn't share his food with her. It was a nice visit. Dakota actually told me how school was going, and what is coming up for him. Getting him to talk can be hard. But, his birthday is in just 10 days, so maybe he is trying to score points. Anyways, Later still we went over to Jessica's to visit. She has tomorrow off work, so will be coming over again. She is looking forward to the weekend when we go to the coast with Daniel.

Six months

Its been six months since we married, and neither of us regret it yet!

Jessica Smooching!

Well, the dinner went well. She likes him, and he must like her a little because he agreed to another outing! This time to the beach with Jessica, Chris, Indy, Zach and I next weekend! Jessica got in some smooching, but it was all with Indiana! Jessica is Indiana's number one girl! I know I had a nice time. Chris's chili was as good as always, and the company was great. Jessica was so quiet, and shy acting, it was so cute. I noticed that they were doing the subtle "looking at each other when they aren't looking" and trying not to get caught at it. He tells Chris he likes her, too. So, we are going to continue to do things together so they can get to know each other, and see what happens! I have my fingers crossed for them.

Dinner companions

Today: Chris works with a fellow named Daniel. He is coming to dinner this evening. (Chris made chili... He started it at 6am) Daniel seems to be a nice guy, has a decent job and is on the above average side of nice looking. So, we invited Jessica to come, too. It sounds like they are both nervous, but I keep saying it isn't a blind date. Its just dinner at our house. Jessica was upset that I had no pictures of Daniel to show her. I guess I will have to take one tonight. hehe better late than never! An update on how Chris's Cupid bit works later tonight.

Comment Spammers SUCK

I apologize to everyone, but I turned on word verification on comments. I know that its an extra step, and kind of a pain in the butt, however about 15 minutes ago I posted a new picture and got two spam comments on it in less than 10 minutes. So, from now on you all will have to take that extra step. Some people just suck.

Smile, or not.

I have heard it said that every crow thinks his own is the blackest. Too true. I think Indiana is just a doll. Both of my sons are exceedingly good looking. (Dakota just doesnt tend to give me pictures of himself to share)

Melody

So, Melody hasnt been over in a while and i have been dying to show off my new wolf to her. So, here it is. Jerry bought it for Chris and I in Sisters. I figure I have a better chance of her seeing it here than in person. (Hey Mel, this is my subtle way to say come over more, just in case you didnt get the hint!) I know I am a bad friend, I havent seen her new house yet and its only like 1/2 mile from here. So, come visit, see my new wolf. take me to your house. Chris can stay home with Indy!

Is It Christmas?

Finally it is starting to look like fall! Jeans and long sleeves are a must today. Everything looks overcast and grey. No rain yet, but we are hoping that follows soon! With fall here, that means we have birthdays coming up! Geneva on the 19th. Dakota on the 21st! Nihm on the 29th. And then Donkey on the 10th of next month. As soon as we are done buying birthday gifts it is time to start CHRISTMAS shopping! Because of the way we budget it, we have to start in October so that we have enough money to shop for everyone. Besides, if I don't get started on my cards near Halloween I don't get them out on time. I like to send them out on thanksgiving weekend (that gives everyone lots of time to send return cards... We love receiving Christmas cards, they hang on the front door until after new years!) Gee, the first fall looking day and I'm already thinking of champagne and finding a new years babysitter. Crazy!

Two favorite things

Indiana has two favorite things.
One: he likes to be nekkie on the living room floor.
Two: He loves to be outside on my lap or in his saucer on the porch.

Put the two favorite things together, and WOW... Indiana Heaven!

My mom called yesterday and invited us over to her house to help her get her yard ready for the newspaper to come photograph it. The local paper is going to feature her garden in the Sunday paper, and she needed a little help doing fall clean-up. So, Indiana got to play in the backyard. He was a little fussy in his saucer, so we pulled him out of it, stripped him naked, and laid him in the grass. He liked it so much I almost didn't want to bring him home! He ate grass, and rolled around, and talked to the plants, and stared entranced as the weeping willow blew its fronds overhead.

Nice Blog

Every now and then I run across a blog that I enjoy so much that I feel like I should just tell someone! This is one of those blogs. I do not know her but her blog has beautiful pictures, and soothing words, I enjoyed very much my visit there. I encourage everyone to check her out!

http://stateofmind1977.blogspot.com/

Lovin' the Boppy

He is loving the boppy pillow. Now he is able to sit up on his own (supervised of course). He was sitting up on the bed watching television and gave me this look when I stepped between him and his sesame street!

Danged bugs

So, we have Norton system works, with all the bells and whistles; Plus we use adorons fire wall. We still got some funky bug.
I wandered out blearily this morning to make a bottle and passing the computer I noticed down in the tool bar (NO JOKE) Microsoft internet explorer (73)! SEVENTY THREE pop-ups during the night, when no one was actually using the computer (in about a 3 hour time span). And now I have one of those danged "tool bar thingies" that add themselves on uninvited!
GRRRR. I don't know where it came from, and I don't know why all our security measures suddenly don't work.
I ran ad-aware, I ran Microsoft spyware, I ran Norton antivirus. I'm ready to run area 51 (the disc that restores the computer back to factory specs, completely wiping everything ). I hate bugs, cyber ones suck worse than the crawly real ones.

Nightmares and christening

I think I am going to have Indiana christened. This may sound superstitious to some, but he has horrible nightmares. At just 4 1/2 months he wakes up screaming and almost inconsolable, and I wonder if this might help. Cant hurt anyways. For those who believe in original sin, its about time I remedy his soul. Being a good parent and all. Chris says that he will respect whatever I decide to do. I appreciate that. I want to go and get him a nice rose and onyx rosary, but they are pretty spendy, so a standard little kid plastic one will have to do for now. I will try hanging it over his bed, almost like a dream catcher. I wish I knew what happened to my grandma hammond's. I don't think she was catholic, but I remember her having an old rosary. It was smooth and warm, and smelled like cigarettes. Weird what one remembers after all these years.

In 1989 some freak homeless slime ball had dinner in the St Mary's soup kitchen, then later that night burnt the beautiful old 19th century church to the ground. They let him out of jail a few years ago. Someone tried to burn his house down with him in it. It wasn't me. So the new church is pretty I guess, but it isn't the same. Chris and I went at Christmas last year. I know everyone says how beautiful etc the new place is. It will always just be the new place, even though they rebuilt this new church in 1990. But I want to take him there. I suppose in the morning I will call down to the new church.

Boppy Pillow

Jessica loaned us her Boppy Pillow for Indiana to try out! He likes it enough that it looks like we are going to have to buy him one of his own. It really helps him sit up without someone sitting behind him holding him up! Just one more thing to help him feel independent.

Finally!

The city of Albany in their timely manner has finally come to fix the water leak in the middle of the street. Both my neighbor and I reported this leak on our corner over 10 days ago! The city came out and painted it, and then let it leak for ten more days before they came out to do anything about it. The stagnant water pooling in the gutters drew flies, and smelled pretty bad, and made me nervous about mosquitoes, considering that west Nile virus has broken out just one county over! So, at 9 am this morning they started with the jackhammer. Good thing Indy and I were already up. I am beginning to think there is a conspiracy going on to keep me from getting a good nights sleep!

Remodeling

I am currently working on remodeling the blog. I will still be using a standard template, because frankly i don't know how to use anything else. But i will be revamping the title bit, and the sidebar, so if things seem freakish for a while, please bear with me!

Puremood

Eddited:

This picture swiped from http://justpuremood.com/
She has a great blog !
I encourage you to visit!

(She actually has alot of interesting content,

including several pictures and buttons for Katrina related support. )

Family resemblance

We keep looking at Indiana and doing the age-old parent thing of "this looks like aunt so and so, this looks like daddy and this bit looks like uncle whoever and i don't know where that nose came from". Well, Indiana looks like Dakota a little, and like Chris a lot, and sometimes i see a hint of me. One big frown and the accompanying scream even reminded me of Uncle Nihm! Then i was sent this picture. The little boy in this picture is a straight ringer for our Indiana. The facial features are so similar. The flatter wider bridge of his nose. That bit had been confusing me because it matched NO ONE!

This is my maternal grandfather (my grandpa McGarry). Gone now these twelve years, on the 17th (just 4 days before Dakota's first birthday). I do not know how old he was in this photo, but i would guess two-ish or less. He would be 79 now. I miss him every day. I wish my sons had gotten to know him. He was a spectacular grandpa! Every kid should have one like him.

YUMMY

This place is just three blocks up and one block over from us. It isn't a long enough walk to burn off the calories, but MAN... Its worth it. The service is great, the food is awesome, the menu is varied, and the prices are reasonable. What more can you ask for??

Dragonball Z

Indiana likes television. I know, I am a bad mom. Just four months old and already loving the tube. It's his dad's fault. Really. It is "Dragonball Z". Yeah, sure, i turn on the PBS sesame street, Mr Rogers; but that is GOOD TV. But the baby, he likes "Dragonball Z". Him and his dad sit and drool at it. i just don't understand it. I guess you have to be male.

Taking a weekend off

Labor Day Weekend! That means Chris has a three day weekend! That also means he is HOME for those three days. So...Instead of surfing for fun links, or posting new baby pictures, or even digging up old pictures of Dakota i feel like something soothing. Something to relax me, while my wonderful husband is home for three full days.

All of these were taken last week here in our beautiful Oregon. (in order: Foster Lake, Pacific Ocean from devil's punch bowl, and the santiam river about 20 miles above Foster dam)

41-14

OK, so the beavers christened thier newly remodeled reser stadium by beating the socks off of out of conference Portland State University. Its a nice looking addition. The ducks won thier opener as well. Go DUCKS!! (oh and gratz Beavers on the only game you all are going to win this year, LMAO)

More Shots

Today was the big day for shots, and shots really tucker a little fellow right out!

At his pediatrician's visit Indiana now weighs 17 lbs 8 oz (so 17 1/2 pounds) and is 25 inches tall (an inch over 2 feet). His head measurement is 17 inches. He is now 4 months 2 weeks old, and his dad and i are still proud.

His dad held him while he recieved three vacinations for :

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

Hepatitis B

Pneumococcal Conjugate

Diptheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis

and Polio.

Katrina

I have said time and again that this blog is dedicated to LOCAL events that shape the lives of my sons. Indiana's father is southern. Central (swamp) Florida southern! When he got here he had that sexy slow drawl. His mother called yesterday. That in itself is not news, because Laura calls and visits nearly every day. She IS one of Indiana's favorite people. However, this call was different. I struggled for half a day about this post, then decided that as an American the hurricane is local. As a member of a large southern extended family (even though i am NOT from the south and have never been to the south) it has been brought home to the Pacific Northwest. Laura has let me know that somewhere along the line, down in the hurricane devastated bit of Louisiana are her relatives, and they are missing. Shirt-tail type relatives, but still relatives none the less. So, as we send up our prayers for the people in MS and LA we must add a special word for our own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=5u9Xx3Xv9G8

(this movie swiped from http://martiananthropologist.blogspot.com)

Support your local red cross. We as a nation assist many other nations when they have a disaster, please, support ours too!

Three Men in a Chair

This is the last picture we took before Jerry left. He should be somewhere in the sky over the south about now. He is due to be home in Florida sometime this evening. Chris saw his dad one last time this morning before he left for work. I think the visit went reasonably well. We are planning a trip back to Florida to visit him, and the rest of Chris's family still back there sometime next year.

Guild Wars

Dakota has started to play guild wars! Chris and I both play it. We gave up a 6 year everquest habit for it! He was playing Diablo, and guild wars is basically a combination of the two games. David sent Dakota his copy of the game since he isn't ready to kick the EQ habit. I guess all Dakota needs now is the strategy guide. It actually is pretty helpful. I use ours often.

Tree Hugger

Chris isn't really a tree hugger, he was just hanging around the tree at Foster lake in Sweet Home, Oregon, waiting for me to take a few pictures. Foster Lake is a man made lake behind Foster Dam, fed by the santiam river, and spill from the dam above it (Green Peter). Occasionally, when the water is low, you can see the old hwy and building foundations. It is about a 35 minute drive away from our home, and a wonderful place for recreational water activities on a hot summer day. They have a floating dock for water skiing, and a couple of boat ramps and camp grounds, as well as the viewpoint where this picture was taken.

Sisters, Oregon

What a beautiful day for a drive over the mountains. Today Chris, Jerry, Indy, and I all piled in the van and went to Sisters in sunny central Oregon! We stopped and took pictures here and there, even taking some out the windows as we drove by, and just enjoyed a lazy drive over the cascades. We had lunch and hit the shops and just had a good trip. I really enjoyed myself! As always, I try to be the one taking the pictures so as not to be in to many!

Newport

Chris looks so handsome and happy here that i couldn't resist sharing. He turned and smiled at me from the pier with the Newport, Yaquina Bay Bridge shrouded in mist and fog behind him. Even the seagull seems to be posed just for this shot.

Indy and Zach, Hangin'

Indiana and Zachary got to hang out a bit together this evening. Chris and I picked up our girl Jessica and took her and her son to Wal-Mart in Lebanon, then brought them over for a nice visit. Indy kept reaching over and touching Zach, at one point even trying to use Zach's hand as a teething ring! We caught him right before he popped Zach's hand into his mouth (he had reached over and grabbed a hand full of Zach's sleeper and dragged the whole arm over to be chewed on)! What's a little drool and gnawing between friends.

Hang Time

I haven't had a good "brother Duck" post in a while. This picture is from a couple of summers ago. Dakota has been playing organized basketball for six or seven years now. In third grade his dad even coached him. I am looking forward to getting Indy a little plastic hoop and letting Dakota show him how to shoot (or as little kids do, walk up and stuff it in the little hoop)! I still remember when Dakota was just a little thing and his dad would heave him up to the big hoop out front, for Dakota to drop the ball thru. It took several trys usually because the ball was so big compared to Dakota's hands that he would drop it before he got all the way up to the hoop! If you ask Jimmie he would probably say that Dakota still drops the ball on the way to the hoop, but no one listens to him anyways! Keep playing ball, Ducky, we love you.

Papa and Indy

Taken outside passages of the deep at oregon coast aquarium. Wonderful damp day. I think Indy likes his papa Harley.

First time on the BEACH

Two handsome guys! Chris and Indy walked out onto the beach in Lincoln city, the sand was deep and soft. I took my sandals off and sunk my toes in. We didn't let Indy stand alone in the sand, or sit in it because he grabs and eats anything he can reach. I didn't think our sand would be very nutritious. It was a great trip, we went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport as well as the Undersea Garden, Wax Works and Ripleys Believe it or Not. Then on North on hwy 101 to Depoe Bay where we hit the shops, and spent way way too much on dinner. The food was alright, and the location was pretty good to. Jerry tried a local microbrew (Widmer Heffeveizen... a nice wheat beer) that I am not sure if he liked or not, but it is one of my favorites. Then on North 101 a little further to Lincoln City for a little beach access. Finally we took the round about way home, via hwys 18, 22, and 99. It really was a nice trip!

Three Generations of Men!

Indiana took his first trip to the beach today! Grandpa, Daddy, and Baby all enjoyed the windy, mist and fog filled day (Kathryn also was with us). This picture was taken at the "D" river state park in Lincoln City. There are some mighty fine looking men in this family, and today I had three with me!

Grandpa has arrived

Better LATE than never, i suppose, hehe. Papa Harley (that would be grandpa Jerry) missed his connecting flight in denver adn was 3 and a half hours late! Indiana was miserable, and yelled and he just wanted to be home! But now that he is here we are looking forward to a pleasant four days! Welcome to Oregon.

Haircut

Chris got a haircut.
It looks great!
Glenda Walling,
at Supercuts did it.

I went to Hi-School

with her kids!

Becoming Independent

Indiana is great about sleeping alone now. For the first 4 months he had to be rocked and sang to in order to get to sleep, and putting him down was a touchy affair, being careful not to wake him, or you would have to start the process over. Now, he likes to be put in his crib and put himself to sleep. Lay him down, he gets hold of his thumb and goes right down. Independence.

Jengibre

I had to share this. This is my mom's dog. Jengibre is a 9 year old Miniature Pinscher (min-pin). Fully grown she weighs just 4 1/2 pounds, when she isn't struggling with a weight problem from too much deli chicken, and McNuggets (she is exceptionally small, even for her breed). She loves fried chicken! She is a pretty snazzy dresser, too. My mom designs and makes all of her clothes, from this patriotic black leather jacket, to Halloween costumes and spangled feminine jackets, to collars with fancy bandanas for the hot summer days, even warm "snow suits". She is truly well dressed. Jengibre is not sure yet if she likes Indy. When he cries, she throws her little head back and howls! That makes Indy stop crying and look at her, trying to figure out what the noise is. Of course when he stops, she stops and that makes him start again. Kind of a vicious cycle!

Buy Me Toys

Toys are starting to be interesting! Indiana is starting to grab hold of things and clunk himself in the head with them on the way to putting them in his mouth. We had purchased so many things for him, and like most parents, were getting discouraged at his lack of appreciation for all our hard spent cash. Now, he is finally of an age to care about such things as rattles, stuffed animals and books! I suppose that means the buying frenzy will really begin!

Soundstage

I am a HUGE fan of public broadcasting. No, I don't watch the political bullcrap, but i think they have wonderful children's programming, and occasionally they have music programs. They have a show on called Soundstage. As i write this I am watching RINGO STARR!!!

Now, I am about the biggest beatles fan ever. I wasn't there when John Kennedy died, but i cried the day John Lennon died!(and i was only 6) When George Harrison died i was devastated. However, i always thought that Paul was my favorite, after all, Paul was the cute one (oh and he's talented too). Well, as i get older, and as they get older, i am starting to like Ringo way way way more. Ringo is cool. I never thought i would say that, but its true. It pains me, but it is the new reality. Ringo is my favorite beatle. Ringo is fun, and interesting. Paul seems too stuck on himself these days.

Cheap Entertainment

Indiana is teething. His mouth hurts. So, basically he is ALWAYS in a bad mood. I have to take my fun where i find it. Sometimes in things as silly as putting his duck pants on his head while changing a diaper. Yeah its a cheap thrill, but Daddy is working long hours again and i have to take what i can get!!

Brilliant!

Sometimes, i feel like im just running around in circles, never actually figuring things out. Every now and then a bolt of lightening gives me a brilliant idea, and sometimes, just sometimes it works. I finally figured out how to put a picture into the title box of this blog. It only took 4 months.