XLE? Don't you mean, P.O.C.???

I would like to introduce you to someone. 

This is Sylvie.  Okay, this isn't ACTUALLY Sylvie, but it is her twin. 

And yes, we name our cars.  Who doesn't?

Sylvie's large girth joined our family in the spring of 2005.  She was 3 years old at the time, and from the start, she was full of life lessons for us.

Life lesson #1:  Car dealers are NOT your friends.

Life lesson #2:  If a repair guy tells you that work is going to take 5 days, what he REALLY means is that he won't even have the parts to fix it for 10 days, and the work won't be completed for 3 weeks. 

Despite these life lessons, Sylvie has been a good car.  A dependable car. 

Granted, she would have been a whole lot prettier if THIS had never happened.  (For those of you who don't want to click on the link, it's the time Sylvie's door handle got ripped off by an Elementary School aid)

Let's also not forget about how much Sylvie has taught Roon about CAR REPAIR.

Despite all of Sylvie's best intentions, her health has begun to decline.  The rate of which steadily increased once she was paid off a year ago.  To catalog a few of her ailments...

1. She needs a new water pump.
2. She doesn't like the cold, and will turn off without warning because of it.
3. 1 power door doesn't work, and won't open beyond halfway.
4. 1 door won't lock
5. A door handle is missing (still).

Recently, we have added to that list.

Last Saturday, Roon decided it was high time (because I'd nagged him enough) to take our paper recycling bin over to the elementary school to dump in the fundraising recycling dumpster.  When he returned, he walked in the house and said "we just hit another snag, with the van..."

My heart sunk.  What could be wrong now?  I drove the van a couple of blocks the other day, and it stalled 3 times.  I assumed it had to be something with the engine.  I asked him to expand.

"When I went to grab the bin out of the back of the van, something popped.  When I got home, I couldn't get the back door to open at all."

Well, yeah, sure.  Why not?  That sounds about right...

So, I asked him what his plan was now.  After all, we have been "making do" without a door handle for a year, and I've adjusted to that.  Our plan requires 1 more year without a car payment to pay off debt, before we can afford the van we want.  If he could find a way to "fix" the back door, so we could make do for one more year, I was fully willing to adjust.

That is, until he went out to the van with a screwdriver. 

"I'm gonna see if there's a way I can jimmy it open."

Oh, please no. 

He came in with a smile on his face, and an "I got it open!  It should work fine.  All we need to do is keep a screwdriver in the car!"

You can imagine how excited I was to hear the news.

Later that day, we had to venture out to do our grocery shopping.  First stop, Costco.

After completing our shopping there, we headed out to our beloved, Sylvie.  Roon automatically went to open her the conventional way. 

I graciously reminded him he better grab the screwdriver.

I loaded the kids into the van, while my husband, by all indications, tried to break into our van.

I came around to help load our purchases, at the precise moment some piece of the handle came off in Roon's hand.

There is no longer any way to jimmy it open.

When asked what his plan was now, Roon loaded the groceries into the van through the rear passenger door that only opens halfway, and scowled at me. 

"Overtime".  He said.  "Lots and lots of overtime".

Double Your Pleasure, Double the Fun

I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I grew up in a house with twins.  Twin BOYS to be exact. 

When you grow up with twins, it's completely natural for one of two things to happen.

1, you can begin to thoroughly despise all things double, or 2, you can become intrigued with the phenomenon.

My little sister, Boogs, and I chose the latter.

If, by some chance, somebody bought us matching outfits, we would go hog wild.  Not only would we wear the outfits, but we would do our hair the same, and go to great lengths to match as much as humanly possible.  One time, Boogs even insisted that I learn sign language, because my teeth were yellower than hers, and THAT would give us away. 

Yeah, because the 4-6 inches in height difference wouldn't do that...

Once we were properly disguised, we would venture out to where our mother was, and ask if she could tell us apart.

I wish I was kidding.

20 years later, I find it funny that history has begun to repeat itself.  With Sissy.

Sissy has heard her entire life that she looks like me.  As her personality began to emerge, she heard the she was JUST LIKE ME.  Because she is.  This comes as no surprise, really.  I am JUST like my mother too. 

Recently, Sissy has become OBSESSED with being my twin.  Especially if we are going to be in public.  Therefore, Tuesdays and Thursdays have become my designated uniform days.  My outfit is carefully chosen for me the night before, and consists of jeans, and one of 3 school fundraiser T-shirts that she and I both possess. 

No, I'm not complaining.  I don't think there is anything wrong with matching my daughter.  Heaven knows that soon enough she will be embarrassed to be seen in public with me regardless of what I'm wearing.  Plus, let's not forget that I AM still fascinated with twins, and wish that I would have had a twin sister growing up. 

My only complaint is that going out in public was usually my excuse to get dressed up.  It was my opportunity to get OUT of my jeans and T-shirt rut, and feel fancy. 

However, nothing makes me feel more fancy and important than the look of jubilation on Sissy's face when I walk into her classroom dressed just like her. 

Those fancy designers have nothin' on me...

And the Award Goes to...

I'm going to go ahead and make this really short and sweet.  I was SUPPOSED to announce the winner on Friday, but I never got around to it. 

But, as usual, here are the answers to this month's Quince Quote...

THE MOVIE:


CHARACTER:  Johanna Staton, or "Annie"

ACTRESS:  Goldie Hawn

LINE AFTER:  "But Honey,We LIKE you..."

OTHER QUOTES: 

"What a HORRIBLE wig."

"Stop staring at me!  Eat your checkers."

"Roy?"

"Mmm Hmm Mmm"  (In response to the question of whether or not she still had feeling for Billy)

Oh my goodness,there are SO many more, but I'll leave it at that.

When the entries closed, it looked like this...

Over the weekend, Roon and I were playing a little game of tug-o'-war over the laptop, and he apparently closed the browser that was open to my random.org page, so I don't have photographic evidence of the winner. 
BUT the winner was #18, I promise.
So, that means that Xazmin is the winner! 
CONGRATULATIONS!

I think I broke some kind of record, in that I made Xazmin's bowl at the same time I made Emmy's (That's right, they're DONE!) so you ladies should be watching for your prizes in the next week or two.

Thanks for playing, everyone!

My Confession(s)

 

I forgot to link up last week, so I was determined to this week.  Only problem is, I can't think of anything to confess.  So, this could get interesting...

 

I CONFESS...

 

Even though I'm trying to cut back on my Dr. Pepper intake, I sent Roon out the last 3 days to get me a BIG one.  It's just been one of those weeks.

 

I CONFESS...

 

I JUST shipped off a package with Christmas presents in it ON WEDNESDAY.  They're for 2 of my nieces and nephew, and they sat, wrapped, waiting to be shipped since Christmas day. 

 

I'm going to go ahead and say that it was my effort to keep the magic of Christmas alive.

 

Even though it was just because I kept forgetting about them.

 

I CONFESS...

 

Living in Texas has changed me.

 

I am such a BABY now when it comes to the cold. 

 

I would probably even wear a Snuggie right now, if I had one.  Yes, it's THAT bad.

 

I CONFESS...

 

I FINALLY caught up on reading all the blogs I follow!

 

And as a result, I am now kind of OCD about keeping my Google Reader empty.

 

I check it religiously.  3-4 times a day.

 

And I HAVE to read and clear it out.

 

Or I can't sleep.

 

I may need professional help for that...

 

It's your turn!  Go link up, and clear your conscience.  It'll make you feel better...

My Brain is Elsewhere...

I woke up this morning to a text from my friend, Baub. 

"Ummm...did Roon go in today?"

And that's when I knew it was going to be one of THOSE days.  You know, the ones where you know you better not count on your brain for ANYTHING???

Today we were supposed to trade babysitting to volunteer at the school, but I forgot to remind Roon to pick up her husband. 
Because I suck.

I blame my absentmindedness on the fact that my brain is actually residing several hundred miles away right now. 

With one of my favoritest people, Evelyn. 

Who is in LABOR as I type this!

I'm so excited! 

I usually only get this excited for new nieces, nephews, or babies of real life friends. 

Does this make me odd?

If so, I guess I don't want to be normal.

Congratulations, Evelyn!  I can't wait to 'meet' her!

UPDATED:  Baby girl is here!  Mom and baby are doing well.  I'm on the edge of my seat, waiting for photographic evidence of all her dark hair...

One FINE Day

I think school is harder nowadays than it was when I was a kid. 

Like, A LOT harder. 

Of course, this could be because I grew up in a po-dunk little town in Ohio, and my kids are growing up in a po-dunk little town in Texas.  That's what I'll blame it on.

Whatever the difference is, I know that I had no idea as a second grader what the term "research" meant, let alone how to do it!

About a week ago, Sissy's teacher sent home a packet, explaining a research project.

No wait!  This story begins earlier than that, even!  And it began, with a straggler Library book..."Danny and the Dinosaur go to Camp".

I returned the book a couple weeks late, after finding it wedged between Sissy's bed and the wall.  I had no idea how much the fine was going to be, but I had myself prepared for the worst.  Except, a few days later when my friend, Baub, and I returned to the library for Story Time, I didn't owe anything!  I was ecstatic! 

The wind was let out of my sails when another mom informed me that they don't make you pay until you owe more than $5.  Well, okay.  That explains it.

Towards the beginning of November, Baub and I made what would end up being our last trek out to the Library for quite some time.  Eventually, a game of tug of war over the mystery virus, would force a sabbatical from our outings. 

Falling out of my normal routine is what I blame for the fact that my bag full of Library books was a month or more overdue.  We returned the books, and avoided the Library like the plague.  Until Sissy got her research assignment, that is!

Last night, Roon took the kids to the Library to find a book about Babe Ruth, while I went to a meeting for the women at church. 

I returned home to find a less than amused husband. 

"How did it go?"  I asked.

"Well, let's see.  I went to the library first.  Did you know that they don't accept credit cards there?  They don't.  So, I had to go to the store to pick up your prescription, and get cash back.  THEN I had to go BACK to the Library to pay the fine so they would let me check out the book.  And GUESS how much YOUR fine was...!"

"Ummm, I'm guessing it was bad?"

"THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS!"

GULP

Yes, you read that right.  $35 because I am such an airhead. 

OOPS!

But, on the positive side, tonight I get to learn more about Babe Ruth than I ever cared to know.  Go Me!

Can I Have your Attention Please!

I have a couple items of business to attend to today, so I'll just jump right in...



 

FIRST:  I'm joining the revolution!  There is nothing I hate worse than getting a fabulously witty comment on my blog, writing a fabulously witty response, and right before I hit "send" I notice that the address linked to their profile is the dreaded "no reply blogger".  Come on!  Doesn't anybody care how witty I am?!  Kind of anti-climactic, wouldn't you say?  So, I say "down with 'no reply blogger'!  If you want to join the revolution, go visit Mamarazzi, and put the button on your sidebar too!  Together, we can make the blog world a better place!

SECOND:  You may have noticed my little link list on my left sidebar.  This is my group of SUPER SECRET SWAPPERS.  My seriously fabulous friend, Shawn, brought it to my attention that just because the whole thing is "hush hush", doesn't mean that everyone wouldn't want to know who's playing along...hence the list.  This'll give all the swap participants a chance to get to know each other, and it will give those not in the "know" a chance to get to know some pretty awesome ladies.  In a few weeks, I will be announcing something fun to go along with the list, so stay tuned!   

Well, that about does it for me, today.  I will be catching up (again) on all my blog reading and commenting.  Slowly but surely...I will do it! 

OH!  And just in case you didn't see it before, it's time for the very first QUINCE QUOTE of the new year!  It's an incredibly HILARIOUS movie, so I hope you'll all play along...

 

¡Feliz Ano Nuevo!

For all of you who don't know why I would be addressing you in Spanish, you are obviously new here. 

You see, on the 15th of every month, I hold a little contest called Quince Quote.  If you want to know more, click on the "Quince Quote" tab, and read all about it. 

According to my calendar, TODAY is the 15th, which means it's PARTY TIME!!! 

Now, before I give you this month's quote, I just want to warn you that things may be changing around here a bit.  I came to the realization that I am an over-achiever.  Up until this point, all the of the prize packages have included a completely personalized popcorn bowl, which added to my ever growing to-do list every month.  A very wise friend pointed out, that I could make things easier on myself by offering a more generic popcorn bowl instead, and I must say I agree!  Don't worry.  If we're really close friends, or your name is incredibly clever, I may still do something personalized.  I just don't want to burden myself, as I'm trying to make things easier on myself this year. 

Don't get sad!  I said things MAY be changing.  We shall see...

It's still a prize worth winning.  FOR SURE!

So, without further adieu, this month's quote is...

" I don't belong here! I feel it!  Don't you think I feel it?!  I can't do any of these vile things and I wouldn't WANT to! Oh, my life is like death! My children are the spawn of hell, and you are the devil."

Here are your chances to win:

5 Entries-  BLOG about my giveaway!
3 Entries-  Follow my blog!
3 Entries-  Like "Symmetry In Motion" on Facebook
1 Entry-  Name the movie the quote came from.  (A correct answer is REQUIRED to get any entries)
1 Entry-  Name the character who delivered the quote.
1 Entry-  Name the actor/actress who played the character.
1 Entry-  Name the quote delivered immediately BEFORE, or immediately AFTER the quote.
1 Entry-  Deliver an alternate quote from the same movie.  Make me laugh, and you get a bonus entry!       (This is unlimited, so if you really know the movie well, you can really get an edge on people...)

I will keep this open until January 20th at 11:59 pm Central time, and will announce a winner sometime on the 21st. 

GOOD LUCK!

You can leave more than one answer in a single comment.  I'm going to make my spreadsheet anyway, so you may as well make it easier on yourself.  Also, if you can get multiple entries...PLEASE only leave ONE comment for them.  There is no need to leave 5 separate comments for blogging about my giveaway, for example.

Martyr...DUMB

To the untrained ear it may sound like I'm complaining...

You all may have noticed that I've been a bit off my bloggy game lately.  I credit this entirely to...sick people.  I got sick first, and have basically been fighting off one virus right after another since Thanksgiving.  It's been awesome. 

Roon NEVER gets sick.  In fact, two years ago, when we came down with the swine flu at the exact same time was the first time in our entire marriage that I had actually seen Roon REALLY sick.  But, I was sick too, so it was more of a "misery loves company" kind of scenario. 

The last dose of nastiness was a doozy.  I was miserable for almost a week.  BUT it was the first week of the year, and I didn't want Roon to have to use his Paid Time Off (PTO) so I sent him to work. 

I then proceeded to do the bare minimum.  The kids were dressed, fed, and had their immediate needs met, but they were left to entertain themselves.  Housework became a nemesis.  I would load the dishwasher and run it in the morning, but unless someone ran out of underwear, laundry was not touched.  I don't even want to talk about my bathrooms...

The evenings were pretty much a blur of Roon feeding the kids dinner, and then spending some quality time with them playing the Wii before he tucked them into bed.  I would then fall asleep before 9 at night, and remain that way until at least 8:30 the next morning. 

Just as I started to immerge from my plagued state, Roon began to not feel well.  By Saturday night it was official.  Roon was SICK. 

And THAT is when I started noticing a major difference in the way men and women (or more specifically, moms and dads) handle being sick.  And also, how they differ when it comes to taking care of things while the other is under the weather.

As much as I LOVED waking up to a sink full of dirty, crusty dishes every morning I was sick...I'm pleased that I can pamper Roon by making sure the dishes are clean throughout the day. 

While it was a real treat to have 12 loads of laundry to get caught up once I was well, not to mention the 3 loads Roon had graciously washed (but not folded), I decided to take a different approach.  As soon as his favorite pajama bottoms come off, I wash them, so he can get back into them after he showers.  The kids also appreciate the fact that their drawers are stocked with their "winter pajamas" since the temps have plummeted this week.

As flattering as it was that Roon still found me attractive, the groping and innuendos of "you feel GOOD to me..." were NOT appreciated.  When I was chilled to the bone, and Roon suggested that we "do what the boy scout manual says..." I was less than amused.  So, I'm keeping my distance.  Deep down, I know he's grateful.

I SO don't think it's fair that Moms don't get sick days.  Roon is on his 4th one. 

I'm not mad.  I'm jealous...

Pinkalicious!

If you haven't seen the above button floating around Blogland the last few days, you must not get out much.  Normally, I am right there when the fabulous Mamarazzi announces a swap, and my number in the line is somewhere in the single digits.  This time though, I'm number 25.  25!  Well, hey, at least I got in, right???  You see, what happened is, I've been taking care of sick people.  I didn't get around to  visit anyone on Monday, and yesterday morning I texted Mamarazzi (that's right, we text...) and begged her to tell me there was still room for me. 

Luckily for me, there was!  What's even better, is that she has told me that she will gladly welcome any of the people who successfully participated in mine and Evelyn's swaps to come play too!  So, even if you don't meet the criteria of being an "established" blogger, you can still play, granted you played nice for the 12 Days of Christmas swap. 

So, get your buns over to Dandelion Wishes, and sign up!  You just MIGHT get partnered with me...

Alright, I'll Talk!

One of my dear, dear friends, Mamarazzi has started co-hosting Friday confessional with Glamazon, and she assures me the confession is good for the soul.  Since my spirits could use a bit of a lift lately I decided to give it a go!

I CONFESS...

I was skeptical.  A lot of people told me that if I did IT, I would get over my cough so much faster.  Tuesday night I broke down.  I did it.  And Wednesday I felt a little better.  So, I did it again on Wednesday night.  And on Thursday I was able to get up, get dressed, make dinner, do laundry, and cross some things off my to do list!  For good measure, I did it again last night.  I feel like a new woman!  Totally worth it!

Vicks on the feet...who knew?!

I CONFESS...

I still have 2 Christmas presents sitting at my house, waiting to be finished.  Christmas in July is totally acceptable, right?

I CONFESS...

I am more than a little nervous about announcing the details of my SUPER SECRET SWAP with the participants.  Like, the idea of doing it makes me nauseous. 

I think the mystery behind it may have built up it's awesomeness to everyone, and it will turn out to be a crushing disappointment. 

At least if almost everyone bails on me, then I can at least count on a few of my closest bloggy and real life friends to stick with it, right?

There is only one spot left.  If you wanna play, you better hurry!

I CONFESS...

My Google Reader has 119 unread post in it.  I keep chipping away at it, but I may end up having to mark them all as read and start fresh. 

I really hate to do that though.


What do YOU have to confess?  Go on and link up.  I'll try not to laugh too hard...

It's a Birth Story. Consider Yourselves Warned.

Don't worry.  I'll try to spare you all the gorey details...

When Roon and I were married, we always knew we wanted kids.  We also knew that we did NOT want to have a baby right away.  Some people are "honeymoon baby" people, some people aren't.  Roon and I, were NOT.

After several bouts of trial and error, we found a "temporary" birth control that worked for us. 

If you know anything about the "Depo shot", you know that it lasts for 3 months, and then you have to have it again.  So, when you're on it, you not only have to think about what your current plans are, but what your plans are for 3 months from then.

8 months into our marriage, Roon and I saw babies EVERYWHERE.  Sure, we lived in Rexburg, land of multiplying like rabbits, but since our school was only a 2 year school at the time, married students were less common, so it seemed RIDICULOUS how many babies we would spot on a trip to the grocery store. 

So, we started talking about it.  We were one month away from needing a "booster" shot, so we decided that we would have one more shot, and then see how we felt from there. 

Except, by the end of that month, Roon suggested that the last shot I had, should have been my last shot. 

And just like that, 9 months into our marriage, we were "trying".

We thought it would be easy.

We thought wrong.

Turns out, Depo works a little TOO well. 

After the first few months of trying, and not succeeding, we tried not to panic.  After all, it had only been a few months.  We decided not to let ourselves get too worried until we reached a year of trying with no result.  Then, and only then, would we seek out the help of medical professionals. 

But we never actually believed it would reach that point.

A year, and several false alarms later, we didn't let ourselves get too excited when I was late.  It had happened before.  Two weeks passed, and I finally gave in and bought a test.  Friday, May 3, 2002 I found out I was going to be a mommy. 

My pregnancy progressed normally.  I was VERY sick, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.  5 months into my pregnancy, Roon and I made the trek to Salt Lake City to be seen by a specialist to evaluate the baby's heart (because I'm a freak of nature), and as an added bonus, we were to learn the sex.

Before my next appointment, my doctor passed away.  The transition to his business partner was smooth and painless.  I didn't learn until months later how disastrous it really was. 

My due date was originally January 1st.  It was later moved to December 29th.  A few days before Christmas, I had my last check up, during which I asked some routine questions pertaining to my heart defects and induction.  My doctor was stunned.  He had NO IDEA what I was talking about.  He scrambled to try to figure out if I could even deliver the baby naturally, or if I would require a C-Section. 

A plan was put into place, and my induction date was set for the day after Christmas. 

Roon and I hardly slept the night before.  We went to the hospital bright and early, and checked in. 

Highlights from the day include:  My family playing games in the delivery room, a less than friendly nurse anesthetist, and a hilarious analysis of the pain chart. 

At 6:37 p.m., after a little less than 12 hours of labor, Sissy was born, weighing in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces.

She was worth the wait.

This year, our baby turned 8.  In our church, turning 8 is a very important milestone. 

On her birthday, she was baptized and confirmed a member of our church.  It was beautiful. 

To celebrate her special day, and to serve as a distraction while she got changed after her baptism, Roon made a slideshow in honor of her. 

Here is just the first portion of it, for your viewing pleasure. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SISSY!  WE LOVE YOU!

Catching Up

Hey all!
Well, I'm finally back at it. 

Let's just say that as a new blogger, I was extremely naive as to the amount of free time I would have around the Holiday season.  So, I'm behind. 

BUT, I intend to finish every post I intended to post over the break, and post them this week.  In an effort not to confuse myself, I am going to date them the days I meant to post them.  I apologize in advance to all your Google Readers, which will now be inundated with several weeks worth of posts from me.  You can go ahead and mark them all as read if you want...

I have missed you all, and am so excited for things to start returning to "normal". 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!