April 30, 2008

Let’s Catch Up, Shall We?

It’s been five days since my last entry, but it feels like five years. I’ve struggled to find the appropriate words upon my return to the blogosphere after this short hiatus (I’m referring to my error in judgment at BlogHer last week).

I could write an entire post, expressing my sorrow for offending so many people, but I’ve made my sincerest apologies both publicly and privately and I feel it’s best to use all of the wonderful resources, book recommendations, blog references and advice given to me, so that I may learn from my mistake.

I’m very grateful for all of the support many of you have given me, in spite of my grave offense, and I appreciate every phone call, every blog comment, and every e-mail that has been sent my way. I have tried my best to respond to everyone. If I haven’t gotten back to you, it is because my heart is overflowing from the kindness. I’m terribly sorry if I’ve missed the opportunity to thank you personally. Please know how grateful I am.

The last few days have been insanely busy. In addition to catching up on all matters online, I’ve been trying to keep up with life in general.

So far this week, I have enrolled Dawson in preschool for this fall, scheduled doctor and dentist appointments for myself and Dawson, gone grocery shopping, weeded the flower beds, caught up on laundry, watched Juno, Atonement and 27 Dresses (I loved all three movies), and spent some much needed time with my family.

Earlier this morning I went to Best Buy and bought a brand new laptop. Doug and I received our stimulus (rebate?) check and decided to spend half the money on a new garage door (ours is as old as the house and only opens manually, which is a total pain in the ass in the winter) and then we split the remaining money in half to spend as we wished. My wish was a faster laptop as the old one still runs Windows 2000.

I bought a Gateway laptop and it’s Garnet Red in color. I love it. I’ll take a picture of it soon. The cool thing is that it has a built-in webcam. I have the urge to do a blog chat, but it’s late and my hair is a mess (excuses, I know).

This afternoon my mother-in-law and I took a trip to Sam’s Club. Dawson came along as well and he was so excited to ride in Grandma’s new mini-van because it has a DVD player. He was able to watch SpongeBob SquarePants (of course!), and my MIL and I were able to carry on a conversation without constant demands and whines of a 3-year-old.

Also, I went over to Johnson’s Baby Cause, a charitable organization (through Global Giving) which is hosting a celebrity auction on e-bay. I bid on this travel system just for the heck of it. I don’t even need a stroller/car seat combo, but I thought it would be fun to win it and tell everyone I know that my favorite co-host of The View used this item. More about this here. (And more about this fun PBN blog blast here.)

That’s about all I’ve been up to these days. Now, I just have to catch up on your blogs and the world will be right again.

April 25, 2008

A Plumm Summer

A few weeks ago Doug and I implemented “Family Movie Night” because we wanted to spend more time together. With busy schedules it’s difficult for us to really hang out with each other and Dawson, and we realize we have to make an effort. Not only are we sharing quality time, we aren’t subjected to watching SpongeBob SquarePants over and over again.

It’s rare to find a heartfelt yet funny family flick. Most of the movies we choose have over-the-top, complex but entertaining plots intended to hold our interest as well as keep Dawson occupied (think Disney’s The Country Bears where the bears actually talk and walk on their hind legs. Yeah. Over-the-top. I know.)

When I was asked to view A Plumm Summer, an independent, family film opening this weekend, I jumped at the chance.

Based on true events, A Plumm Summer is set in small-town Montana in 1968, the story of brothers Elliott and Rocky Plumm who go head-to-head with the FBI when their town’s beloved TV star and puppet, Forggy Doo, is kidnapped (err…frognapped?) and held for ransom.

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April 20, 2008

Spring, Glorious Spring!

Just about a week ago I woke up to snow outside my bedroom window. It was a fluke. I mean, really. Snow? In April? So depressing.

After a long, extremely cold winter, I prayed for Spring every day. Dawson felt my pain. Every morning since January, he has been asking me when he could go outside to ride his bike. I kept telling him once the snow melted and the weather was warmer. He got his wish this weekend.

It was so warm and wonderful that we spent most of our weekend outdoors. I ignored the housework nagging at me, I tried not to worry about all the things I should be doing and instead decided to play outside with Dawson.

We went to three different parks and playgrounds. We took two bike rides. We took a long walk (3 miles) this afternoon. The temperatures averaged about 65 to 70 degrees and we took advantage of the first real days of Spring.

Dawson got to ride his bike, he was so excited to petal all by himself with no pushes from Mommy, not counting the part where he went off the sidewalk (we’re chalking it up to being the first bike ride of the season).

Murphy (our dog) was in heaven. He’s been dreaming about warm weather and a leash for months.

As for me, I was just happy to spend some time outdoors with my boys. (Okay! Okay! And to take many awesome photos with my new camera.)

It’s a brilliant camera. Here’s the proof:

Enjoying Spring at Mead Park

Snowbank in January, Duck Puddle in April

The Doodlebug

For the Love of Mother Earth

The Pensive Child

Thankful for Days in the Park

My Beautiful Boys

Petal to the Metal

April 18, 2008

Blowing a Kiss

Photo taken with Mommy’s New Toy.

April 17, 2008

Sending You Elsewhere, But For Good Reason

It’s a busy Thursday for me. I’m over at Home/Office today, sharing some of my job seeking experiences. If you’d be so kind, visit me there and leave a comment. Thankyouverymuch.

I’ll be at BlogHer later, talking about Green Republicans. Stay tuned for linkage.

And, how would you like some free money? Click the link to find out more!

**Update — Want to win a stylish area rug worth over $300? I’ve got details about this contest, here.

Okay, folks. I’m at BlogHer for the rest of the night. Do you know any Green Republicans? Stop by and tell me about them!