Being known

Last week we went back to Raleigh to visit with my in-laws.  While we were there we went downtown to the school where I used to teach, so that we could eat lunch with Nina (and everyone else!) and so that they could see the baby.  From the moment we walked in the door I was recognized by people.  The Security guy said "I'm sure you know where you are going" after we checked in.  Students stopped and waved at me in the hallway, and I got a few hugs.  The Secretary and Librarian both Oooed and Aaaahd over Mdx and Marshall.  And I saw at least 10 teachers who were so excited to see us.

It was SO NICE just to be known, if that makes any sense.  Ever since I left teaching and went to Texas in the summer of 2006- I've been fairly anonymous.  I met Marshall's friends there, but didn't have any of my own.  Then in Michigan I met people in my program, but was only there for a year so I didn't feel like they all really "knew" me well.  Then back to Raleigh for a few months, had a baby, then up and moved to Virginia.  I'm slowly meeting people here....but folks...that is well over a year of constantly having to introduce myself and meet new people!  So an afternoon with people who knew me- was grand.

Here you can see Maddox's new rug in her room- no more cold hardwood floor!  Gotta love Target Clearance!

And we moved Mdx's tub into the big bathtub- so she can splash!

I came in the room and saw this the other day (She was watching Baby Van Gogh).  ACK!  Since she can sit up now, the buzzy chair has to go!  I'm afraid she'll fall out, and she refuses to be buckled in.

I've decided to make some baby food for her, since Gerber Organic Baby Food is pretty expensive.  I have a book with recipes and ice cube trays to freeze it in.  My first batch was Acorn Squash!  So far she likes it!

First I quartered it, then microwaved it in an inch of water for about 10 min.  If I had a steam basket I would have steamed it that way, but I don't.

Next I pureed it, adding the cooking water to thin it down.

Then, into the trays to freeze it into cubes.  For each meal I can just take out a cube or two and heat it up- and we're in business!

So far she's only eaten vegetables, oatmeal and rice cereal.  We'll try some fruits soon, but I want her to love her veggies!!

Spread the word

I just checked out my "weekend best friend" Jaclyn's blog (Coupons and Thin Mints) where she tells her horror story about her family's experience with Rooms to Go. The short version is- their products are low quality, break, and sometimes come with the wrong pieces...their customer service stinks (with a rare exception)..and it's not worth the hassle just to save money. Stories like this just eat me up- so PLEASE- tell people not to give any more business to RTG!

We had a crazy line of storms come through last night. The wind was wailing, rain was hitting the windows in waves, and the house was shaking. I thought for sure Mdx would wake up, but nope...she slept the night through. I, on the other hand, was awake until it finally calmed down around 2:30AM. Then this morning I came downstairs to find that our house only had partial power. All the lights were really dim, and the microwave would show the time, but not cook. (which, for me- means NO FOOD!! Hahaha! I'm only half kidding.) I figured I'd give the power crews some time to fix it. Finally after about 3 hours I called Maintenance and they said the whole neighborhood had either limited power, or no power. Then- our power went out completely. Darn- should never have called!! The power was still out when we left town this afternoon to go visit family in NC. Hopefully it turned back on soon, and we won't be returning to a fridge full of rotten food.