Trying to break down his genetics

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My son Chase has certainly proven to be one of the more interesting children I've ever met. As a baby, the doctors called it colic. I called it simply his personality. He cried non-stop unless he was being held up and shown everything happening around him. He couldn't stand to miss a minute of life. I can remember holding him for hours as I cooked, or washed dishes, or even sometimes put on my make-up. He was unendingly curious from the very start.

And he's never been one to seek the approval of friends or peers. He could care less if anyone thinks he is out of the norm. He can play for hours with a group of boys, or happily get lost in his own imagination. He lives his life doing what makes him happy.


And yesterday, what made him happy was to check out these books from the school library for some light recreational reading:

While most kids his age spend their time giggling over the potty-laced humor of Captain Underpants, Chase frequently picks up biographies or nature-filled nonfiction. He can reiterate the seemingly useless facts for hours.

Days, even.

And within minutes of walking in the front door, he proceeded to update me on the life and times of our friend, Mr. Churchill.

I don't think I can blame his sports/politics-obsessed father for this part of Chase's personality. And I know that People magazine doesn't even count as real literature, so he can't have gotten it from me.

But there is one man who I fully blame credit for Chase inheriting this unabashed love of all things history:


That's right, Opa. This nut didn't fall too far from your tree.

And if Chase turns out to be half the man you are, nothing would make me happier.

Travel Swap shout-out

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Look what I got in the mail yesterday besides bills! Laurie was my partner for Kelly's travel swap and does this girl know me or what? She sent me several handmade Pride & Prejudice luggage tags, an hilarious "Don't Eat Darcy" game that I will totally be playing, candy, slippers, a Sudoko book, beaded bookmark, sleep mask, and a darling shell necklace.

Phew. Don't you wish you were me? Now I just need a trip to use all these lovelies on.

I feel so lucky to have gotten her as a swap partner. Thanks, Laurie! I love it all. Be sure to visit her other blog, Tip Junkie for some great tips, games, crafts, and advice.

The Giving Stie

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My favorite place to curl up in the warmth of the afternoon sun with a good book:
And the good book I'm currently reading unable to put down:
Oh, the sacrifices one makes on a Sunday, staying home with a [yes, still!] sick child. Oh, but I'd have gladly let The Husband take my place if he didn't have that darn Sunday School class to teach.

Honestly, I would have.

But, alas, duty calls and I must do my part. I'm just a good woman like that.

Channeling your inner Stie

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I have decided that if I can't be thin, then all my friends should be fat. So to help you along with your new quest, here is THE BEST oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. Ever. I dare you to find me a better, more moist, and chewy cookie than this one. You won't.
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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup shortening (do not use butter, shortening is best. Probably because it's so chock full of lard)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups choclate chips

Combine shortening, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Combine. Add oatmeal. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. (I like to mix it up and add a bag of Skor's milk chocolate toffee chips instead of the chocolate chips. Just delicious).

When all the ingredients are combined, be sure to take a little like this:

And put it here:

Repeat eight times, minimum. Make another batch, if you must, to hide your sin.

Spoon balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. With the palm of your hand, flatten the dough balls slightly.
Bake at 350 for 7 minutes and 33 seconds. Do not question my inner-OCD on this. It is a tested time. Seven minutes, 33 seconds. No more, no less.

Pull from the oven and cool on a rack.


Now I'll be honest here, friends. I actually prefer the dough to the cookies. Although they are spectacular cookies, by the time they come out of the oven, I am usually sick to my stomach from all the dough I ate. But give me a few hours and I'll be ready for one of these babies with a tall glass of milk.

Now make and eat these a hundred times. Send your husband out of town every night and essentially you are me.

Nice, isn't it?

Statistically speaking

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We are already 38 days into the new year. Here are some interesting statistics on my daily life so far:

In the 38 days of 2008:
  • The Husband has spent 29 days out of town.
  • I have helped kids with homework for about 23 hours.
  • I have exercised 33 days.
  • It has snowed once.
  • It has rained six times.
  • I have done approximately 62 loads of laundry.
  • I have cooked four actual meals (see number one for questions on this).
  • I have made eight batches of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
  • I have read three-and-a-half books.
  • I have spent 15 hours in church.
  • I have not had one. single. nap.
  • I have seen three new movies, and one old favorite.
  • I have had two house guests.
  • I have written 23 blog posts (not counting this one).
  • I have stared at my bangs and debated whether to grow or cut for about 4.6 hours (not in one sitting, mind you).
  • I have driven kids to 20 lessons/sports activities.
  • I have cleaned out the fridge once.
  • I have helped in three different classrooms for a total of eight times.
  • I have celebrated one child's birthday.
  • I have been to the grocery store about 25 times.
  • I have been hit on once (the only interesting one of all the trips to the grocery store).
  • I have been in two swaps. [Hi, Laurie! Yours is going in the mail today!]
  • I have transcribed 30 interviews.
  • I have fixed the telephone and internet twice.
  • I have thought about fixing the toilet once and reconsidered.
  • I have had kids home sick on three different days (and still counting, thanks to Hannah).
And I wonder why I'm tired?

Not anymore.