It's getting Ridiculous!

The lizard in the playroom was a casualty of blue painter's tape. Or maybe, a casualty of toxic mold. We'll never know. He died though, while trying to escape my kids' playroom and return to the 'mold room.' While crossing to the 'other side' he got stuck in the painter's tape and died. Alternatively, he may have died the moment he poked his little head into 'the mold room' and the toxicity killed him. We'll never know. But my hubby is my hero for disposing of him.

We've now had the mold room closed off for nearly 6 weeks. We've gone through contractor 1, contractor 2 stopped returning my calls the moment I asked for a business license and proof of insurance. Tomorrow we have 3 (count them - three!) contractors coming throughout the day to look at the mold room and tell me what they think. Hopefully one of them will be able to produce documentation that they're actually a bona fide business. We'll see. Right now, I have little hope. I'm starting to believe that my home was meant to have a gaping hole in the ceiling, and this is all just a good way to get us closer to nature by inviting otherwise purely outdoor creatures to abide with us.

Sometimes you have to cut and run...

We confronted our mold remediation company - we'll call them company 1 - about the hack of job they did to our home. They apologized. They asked for a 3rd chance. We were willing to offer them a 3rd chance, at their promise to make everything right. But, we said, we had to consult another contractor first. At the mention of another contractor, all the blood drained from the guy's face at Company 1. "What!?" he said. "WHY would you want to do THAT???!!!" Precisely, kind sir, because of the reaction I just witnessed. What are you afraid that I'll learn? That you overcharged me? That you did shoddy work? That all your dealings have been riddled with fraud?

Expecting to hear only one of those things (I'm essentially a trusting optiminst), I was quite surprised when we found all of those things to be true. In fact, as I listened to Company 2 tell me of all the damage Company 1 caused, all their negligence, how ridiculously they had tried to pick my pocket, I felt an intense need to sit down. (Really, it was an intense need to sit down on a beach towel with the calming rush of waves lulling me gently to a place where none of this matters.) I think I need a Bahamavention. (Have you seen the commercials?)

Picking myself back up from a hard wooden chair that really has nothing in common with a beach towel, I made some phone calls. So now, we've hired Company 2. We've also hired a lawyer. We're about to start tense negotiations with Company 1. It's time to put on my game face.

And the boxing gloves come out

We've consulted an attorney. This toxic mold thing has gotten pretty bad. The company that was doing the remediation was unlicensed, uninsured, and they sent some hack to my house who further contaminated the rest of the house. They made the problem worse. It's been a battle. But I've learned things about myself. Things like...

• I negotiate better on the phone - it's easier when I don't have to look into the other person's eyes.
• My Romanian is good enough to understand someone's trying to pull the wool over my eyes.
• It's not good enough to argue well in my own defense.
  
• I have different personalities when I speak different languages. I think it has to do with level of confidence.
  
• I'm more assertive and more thorough when it directly involves my kids. I'll pull out the boxing gloves in their defense.
  
• My hubby and I do a good good-cop bad-cop role. He's the good cop. A nice, quiet good cop. I'm the bad cop. My (former) contractor avoids me because of it.
• I can research just about anything.
  
• My (former) contractor (just fired) thinks I know too much about toxic mold. I think I still have lots to learn.
• I really can trust my gut feeling. I should do it more often.
  

100 things about Kathy

Finally! 100 posts! In blogger tradition, here's my 100 things.

100 things about Kathy

1. The only things you’ll find me drinking are water and coffee.
2. And maybe a margarita or bloody mary on very rare (yet happy) occasions.
3. I love to knit.
4. But only with natural fibers – wool, cotton, soy, but no acrylic or other man-mades. Yeah, I’m a fiber nerd. And a fiber snob. Sorry. I’m dealing with my issues.
5. I love to crochet too, but I stink at it.
6. I find that I had a lot more time for things like that before kids.
7. I like to read too, but that’s become an endangered hobby since kids too.
8. I always thought I’d be a professional saxophonist.
9. In Harry Connick, Jr.’s band.
10. I met his dad once, and the band he grew up playing with.
11. They said I could jam with them. But that was the end of it. Sax was in Florida, band wasn’t.
12. I was never meant to be a professional saxophonist. That was a disappointment.
13. Nor was I meant to be a professional athlete. I pretended that was a disappointment.
14. I truly hope my kids never think they need to feign feelings for my sake.
15. My favorite room in the house is the nursery. It’s pastel yellow with an alphabet nursery rhyme border, and lots of windows.
16. I’d sit there and read all day – if I had all day to sit and read.
17. I might knit a bit too, with that kind of time.
18. I hate wearing shoes.
19. I don’t like socks either.
20. I also hate having sand between my toes.
21. But I’m willing to make the sacrifice for the sake of a leisurely day at the beach.
22. I’m a seminary drop-out.
23. During a time of intense Life Issues I doubted God.
24. Some people thought that meant I didn’t belong with the spiritual giants at seminary.
25. I’ve learned that it’s okay to doubt God.
26. I’ve also learned that He’s willing to wrestle with me, when I need to wrestle.
27. My first job was a grocery store cashier.
28. I never was good with money.
29. My next six to eight jobs after that also involved retail.
30. Most of my bosses learned not to put me behind a cash register.
31. I still can’t balance my checkbook. It’s a good thing my hubby rocks at that.
32. I was also a bar-tender. I make a killer bloody mary.
33. My hubby is the sole beneficiary of my bar-tending skills now.
34. I’ve been to 13 countries outside of the US.
35. Only 2 continents though.
36. I need to see more of the world.
37. My husband’s probably been to twice the number of countries I have.
38. I’ve been held at gunpoint in a foreign country.
39. I’ve been randomly kicked off a train in a foreign country – twice.
40. Natural disasters follow me when I travel.
41. Friends don’t let friends travel with me because of it!
42. I have a weak spot for books.
43. We could cover our walls with book shelves, and it still wouldn’t be enough.
44. I’m learning to simplify my life.
45. Less spending, less stuff. More time with people.
46. I want to get a law degree. But I don’t want to be a lawyer.
47. I also want a degree in speech & language pathology.
48. And to be certified as a lactation consultant.
49. I’d also like a Masters degree in Eastern European history.
50. I think someone should just give me that one.
51. I have an article on linguistic teaching methodology published in a book.
52. I wrote my baccalaureate thesis on the political implications of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. You can read it if you’re ever having trouble sleeping. It’ll help.
53. I’m fluent in Romanian.
54. I used to be fluent in Russian, but no longer, for lack of use. I still read it though.
55. I think I’d get it back if I needed it.
56. I’d also like to learn Arabic, Georgian, Gagauz, and Hebrew. So many languages, so little time.
57. I can memorize complex linguistic structures, but not simple Bible verses.
58. Anyone want to explain why?
59. Numbers 37 & 58 aren’t really things about me – sorry. I’m also apologetic and filled with grace.
60. I’m quick to forgive when the person and the offense weren’t that important.
61. The closer the person is to me, and the more I care about them, the harder it is to forgive. That even goes for minor offenses.
62. God knew I needed a hubby who would be quick to forgive me though. And that’s who I have.
63. I have 2 beautiful children.
64. I’d like to have more, but I’m truly afraid my sanity would be a casualty of parenthood.
65. I’d really, really like to start my own business.
66. In fact, I was ready to start my own business. But hubby’s company asked him to relocate to another country.
67. So his company won. We’re moving to England in a few months, unless God intervenes.
68. But honestly, our move to England is probably God intervening, in an effort to separate me from my stuff. (stuff that I love)
69. It will also help with points 44 & 45.
70. I think once I get over the shock of it, I’ll be excited.
71. Of all the countries I’ve been to, I’ve only lived in one of them (outside the US).
72. And, I’ve never been to England, so that’ll make it 14 countries total. But still only 2 continents.
73. I’m trying to join one of my church’s ministry teams to Thailand, to work with women who have been trafficked into sex slavery.
74. But having two young kids at home makes it hard to run off to Asia for 10 days. Go figure.
75. I never learned to ride a bike. I’m serious. Stop laughing!
76. I can swim like a fish though.
77. Maybe if there were bikes for the water, then I’d be able to… Let’s not go there.
78. I drool over fabric.
79. But I can’t sew.
80. I have a sewing machine in my closet.
81. I paid $8 for it at Goodwill. It’s ancient.
82. I used to sell yarn and knitting supplies on Ebay.
83. I still have a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in my laundry room stuffed with yarn that I need to sell.
84. And a huge storage container filled with yarn and half-finished knitting projects.
85. I’m not good at finishing my knitting. I like to start new projects.
86. I also like to start new books.
87. I might have a problem with follow-through.
88. I’m an INFP (but I was in INTJ before kids).
89. I multitask well with lots of things, but not cooking.
90. I like to be undisturbed when cooking.
91. Mostly because I’m afraid something I’m cooking will splatter hot something-or-other and hurt one of my kids. I’m paranoid like that.
92. I’m also a perfectionist. If I burn what I’m cooking, I find it nearly impossible to forgive myself. Even if the other people eating it don’t notice.
93. Measuring cups are for sissies. I don’t measure anything when I cook. I’m still a perfectionist though.
94. When my kids cry it makes me crazy. (I’m about to lose it right now – they’re protesting their naps.)
95. I’m not bothered by other people’s kids crying.
96. I’m a sinner saved by grace.
97. I like to argue with God. I think He likes it too – at least being real with Him then.
98. It’s taken me a long time to learn I don’t have to fake it with God. He can see straight through me.
99. I also like to argue dialogue with people who disagree with me about faith issues. Something about iron sharpening iron.
100. On my own I’m pretty darn incapable of anything much. But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank goodness I have Him to rely on!

Doing a bit o' good

Ladies and gents, I've tried not to stand on my soap box too much with the blog. I don't think it's the right media to push an agenda. But JourneyMama's post today inspired me to say a few words. There is so very much extreme poverty and injustice in the world. Every 3 seconds a child dies from the effects of extreme poverty - through malnutrition, starvation, unclean water supply, lack of access to medicine - that means that while you've read this sentence 3 children have died preventable deaths. Trafficking in human beings is now the 3rd largest money-making business in the world, behind arms and drug trafficking. That includes children being trafficked into sex slavery as well as women forced into prostitution.

One picture I'll never get out of my head is an elderly man in Kiev bending down to lick melted ice cream of the pavement. That's poverty. Of course, there are plenty of people in the world who would be jealous of a meal like that. If you think you're poor or struggling for resources, think again. Whoops! 5 more children just died from poverty-related causes.

So I ask you, what are you, personally, doing to contribute to the solution? You can be a part of the solution, or your complacency can be a part of the problem. Step up, take a stand. Get involved. My personal favorites are NightLight, Trade As One, International Justice Mission, World Relief, and World Vision. If none of that appeals to you, google Servants Anonymous, CARE, Food for the Hungry, and there are plenty of other organizations out there vying for support. Choose one. Choose more if you want. But don't just sit there sipping coffee behind your 17" DSL empowered screen. Do something. One person can have effect transformative change on the world.

Post a comment. Tell me what cause you've been supporting or plan to support. Let the blogosphere know. Your silence encourages complacency.

Parenting help needed!

Okay folks. Here's the dilemma. All the 'experts' agree that spanking is bad. A good number of parents say that spanking is sometimes the only way to stop a bad behavior or behavior pattern. I don't want to use this to debate the utility or ills of spanking - it's one of those polarizing issues that do little to foster a sense of mutual trust and encouragement.

But, I do want to ask all you parents of little ones out there (where "little ones" means toddlers and preschoolers) for creative discipline ideas. We're all aware of time-outs, but what do you do to creatively respond to bad behavior? For example, a friend of mine won't let her 3-yr old wear her favorite pajamas if said 3-yr old refuses to get ready for bed. I think that's creative! So what do you do? Please tell me specifics! How do you make the punishment fit the crime, so to speak?

Potty training: day 1

We're about 6 hours in, and so far accident-free with Bean. Until... sitting at lunch...
Bean: "Mama, does Little Man need a new diaper?"
Me: "No, Bean, do you?"
Bean: "Mama, Little Man's just wet. He's just wet."
Me: "Bean, are your p*anties wet? Did you tee-tee in your pants?"
Bean: "No silly mama! I tee-teed in my v*gina!"
Well thank you for setting me straight!
Back in diapers now, by her request.

Me so proud!

Here he is! My brother is being awarded with a very prestigious military award, and you can read about it here. It's the Douglas MacArthur leadership award. Rock on Rob! The article talks about why he was given the award - from his stellar leadership capabilities with his soldiers to "being at the tip of the bayonet" (I could go without hearing about that part) to earning the trust and respect of the local Afghans. Me so proud. Okay, I'm done gushing now.

There's a lizard...

... in my playroom. And not a cute little gecko either. He came in through the mold room. Apparently the "airlock" in the room doesn't really keep lizards (or ants, we found yesterday) 'locked' in the room. I suppose if lizards can get through, so can air (and the mold spores)... So, who wants to come over for dinner? Lions and tigers and mold, oh my! (and lizards and spiders and ants too!) Now doesn't that sound pleasant?

And the kicker, we found out today that they aren't insured either! So, the moral of the story at this point, when you hire a contractor, make darn sure you have your own copy of their business license and proof of insurance!

Today's agenda

Things already completed:

• Meals planned for the next 9 days
• Grocery shopping done, groceries put away
• Birthday gifts purchased for 4 people (you wouldn't believe the deals I got!)
• One load of laundry (not folded though)
  

Things still to be done (in order of priority):

• Cook dinner
• Clean out fridge and pantry (tomorrow is trash day)
• Sweep floors
  
• Vacuum downstairs
• Mop swept floors
• Fold laundry
  
• Clean out seldom used toys from playroom and either trash or donate

I should be able to do (most of) that today... If the kids continue to nap. I'll update you later.

**Anyone have any brilliant ideas for a St. Patty's day craft?**

Updated Thursday morning: I did the first 4 on the list, but then Bean's fever spiked and I had to rush her to the ER. We're back home now, the fever is down, and all her tests came back with good news. So, she has a virus, but it was so nice to come home to a (mostly) clean home!

Self image and daughters

I was at the doctors office last week (many times in fact) and there was a woman there with her 8 year old daughter. There's a big full-length mirror at the doctors office that my toddlers love - they make faces at it, wave to themselves, do all sorts of silliness in front of it. But then this 8 year old stood in front of the mirror, gazed at herself, and called her mother over to stand in front of the mirror.

Mom came up and looked at herself from different angles. And constantly as she looked at herself, she talked about her imperfections - "honey, look how big my butt looks!", "look here, honey, I almost look pregnant with this big belly!," "oh my gosh! I had no idea my roots were showing like this! Why didn't you tell me, honey?!" All this to an 8 year old. I think it's a natural stage for girls (and probably boys too) to judge themselves, and specifically their bodies. Is it really necessary to show them how to criticize their bodies? And if mom is doing it openly, she's showing her little girl that this is the right way to view yourself.

In fact, after mom sat down, the girl took up her mom's example and started criticizing her own body. Mom's response? " Oh, sweetheart, aren't you a little young to say things like that?"

I'm not so experienced in giving girls a positive self image, since my girl is only 2. But I'm pretty sure the example above isn't gonna do it.

Favorite song

What does it say about me that my favorite song right now is the Dixie Chicks "There's No Letter Better Than B" from Sesame Street Alphabet All-Stars? I'd rather listen to that than virtually anything else... When did this happen to me? Come on moms and dads, what are your quirky preferences?

That elusive yellow crayon!

As per PlayLibrary's advice, I went searching my car for the crayon that's been missing from our chunky washable crayon box since January. I found it, tucked nicely into a safe place... My next task is to figure out what else is tucked away in the backseat, since I also found an empty box of animal crackers (you know, the kind with the string handle - it makes a perfect purse for an imaginative 2-yr old), a long-lost pair of sunglasses, and a kitchen sponge (how did that get there???). I've just been blessed with an hour or so of upcoming quiet, and I can't wait to see what treasures are awaiting discovery!

And a little shopping success story - I picked up a lined rain jacket for Little Man today at the Children's Place - $10! I'm so glad I didn't get the one Baby Gap had on sale for $16.99. I just saved $6.99! Of course, if I'd been around for Kidsignments in February that would have been taken care of already... such is life.

Fun day outside

One of the big reasons we live in the south is for the weather. And it's days like today that remind me of that fact. Here's a couple pictures of our day today - we had a relaxing morning (we went to church last night - Perimeter has communion services on Saturday nights - awesome night of worship!), brunch together, then we went off to the park, home for a late lunch and nap, spent time playing in the front yard and went for a walk in the neighborhood. Overall, a great day for everyone! Here's E. sprinting up the hill with the kids in my beloved Peg Perego Aria twin stroller (love it!). Okay, looking back, in that sentence perhaps I should have chosen the word "beloved" to describe something other than the stroller - maybe my kids... or my husband... or all them... But I guess that's self explanatory. I still love my stroller though. If anyone out there is looking for a stroller of any type, check out Baby Gaga for awesome stroller reviews.

Click here for your good deed today

Thank goodness for companies that (a) do good, and (b) have a sense of humor. Seventh Generation falls into that category. They're tackling a problem that most people won't touch - the need for feminine products in women's shelters. You can click here and they'll donate a box of chlorine free tampons to a shelter in your state (or the state of your choice). Go to Tampontification to check out their sense of humor and all that they do for the cause of feminine hygiene.

Volcano Cake

I found it! For my (late) 8th of March party tomorrow, I wanted to bring this amazing cake that my aunt makes. I spent hours scouring all the places I might have placed the recipe, and then finally just called her and wrote it down. (Think maybe I could have saved time by calling her first?) Anyhow, after she gave it to me, I googled it (and why not?) and found this - it's virtually the same as hers, only with chocolate syrup on top! Who can beat that?

Volcano Cake

Recipe courtesy of Frances Holder of Dobson, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC.

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup oil
3 large eggs
1 stick margarine
8 ounces cream cheese
1 box confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 24-ounce can Hershey’s chocolate syrup
12 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
1 plain chocolate candy bar, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 13-by-9-by-2-inch cake pan. Sprinkle the pecans and coconut in bottom of the pan. Set aside.

Blend dry cake mix, water, oil and eggs in a large bowl at low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour over pecans and coconut in pan.

Melt margarine and cream cheese in microwaveable bowl. Stir until smooth. Add the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla; mix well. Pour over the cake mix.

Bake 30–35 minutes or until tests done. Immediately after removing from oven, pour all of the Hershey’s syrup over hot cake. Cool completely. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle on the grated candy bar. Refrigerate until serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Yield: 12–16 servings

Source: Carolina Country

Today's ministry

My floors are swept and mopped, my family room and kitchen are (mostly) decluttered. My guest bedroom is dusted and the furniture is polished. My guest bath is about half way scrubbed. But it's Friday. I like to leave Saturdays for family time, and I'm happy to have the luxury to do so. And Sunday is the Sabbath. So today, I have to prepare my home for the weekend. Or, as mentioned in an earlier post, I want to work for the Sabbath.

So, my tasks for today are... clean the toys out of the front yard, sweep the back deck, clean my shower, do umpteen loads of laundry, tidy the playroom and Bean's room (with her help... we'll see how that works out), plan and prepare dessert for tomorrow's party, and begin the arduous task of decluttering the master bedroom.

It's ambitious, I know. But the good news is that it isn't done begrudgingly or out of "kitchen slavery" as the Soviet posters would have you believe, but out of my desire to create an environment that is calming to my family and provides a suitable 'sanctuary' for the Sabbath. So this is my ministry. Today. We'll see about tomorrow when it comes.

Edited 5:32 PM: Little Man's doctor appointment took 2 full hours, and that was after Bean had a 'needy' morning with lots of attention. After a late lunch for all of us and my first round of antibiotics, I was beat and took a little 'catnap' while the kids slept. For 2 hours. So much for my domestic ministry today. Now, I'm off to cook dinner and throw together tomorrow's party dessert. Oh well.

Party on!

I'm so sad today's the last day of the Ultimate Blog Party! It's been fun, but I'm afraid I got too busy with other things to participate as much as I'd like to have. So, if I can fit in some bloggy time today between Little Man's doctor appointment, a mold inspection, and lots of dessert making for a real live party tomorrow, you'll see me scooting around to as many blogs as possible. In the meantime, what dessert should I make? Apple pie? Key Lime pie (made with fresh squeezed key limes)? Brownies? I'm thinkin' I wanna do somethin' different... unexpected... Ideas, anyone?

Happy 8th of March!

How fitting that the 8th of March falls right in the middle of the Ultimate Blog Party! Something to celebrate!

The Soviet regime coined the 8th of March as "International Women's Day" to honor (and propagandize) the image of the Working Woman (working due to compulsion, no less). The poster above (from 1932) highlights the Noble Work women around the world (Soviet world, that is) in the service of Stalin. Praise the working woman! And in thanks for their support of the regime of terror, the working women got the 8th of March dedicated in their honor, for the honorable work they did.

And now without (as much of) the sarcasm... Okay, for those of you unschooled in Soviet (and Communist in general) customs, the 8th of March is a holiday that celebrates women (working women, that is)! Also called "International Women's Day" in some places, it's a holiday that was actually created to inspire and motivate the female workers of the world (and when I say 'worker', I'm referring to the working class of communist societies - card-carrying members of the communist party). It was also meant in a way to balance out February 23rd - Army Day (which basically celebrates the Soviet Man).


This lovely poster is an illustration of the message of the day (again, from 1932) - "The 8th of March: The day working women revolt against the slavery of the kitchen." Note the Noble, Honorable, Flag-toting Working Woman, rescuing the poor, enslaved homemaker from the rubble consisting of a samovar, dishes, pot, tea kettle, etc. Stay tuned in the future for some more humorous Soviet posters 'educating us' about the proper role of women...

But today, the historical significance has been mostly shoved aside, and in most Eastern European countries March 8th is a day to honor the women in your midst. So, in light of that, give a flower, send a card, remember the women who have touched your lives. So happy 8th of March ladies!

And the saga continues...

So here's the story. I noticed Bean coughing at night and at naptime - basically if she was in her room for any significant amount of time, she coughed. Then I found out (thank you, Extreme Makeover Home Edition) that those symptoms could be caused by toxic mold. I remembered at that point that when we moved into the house, that room had a different smell than the rest of the house and it seems like something was 'off.' The odor had gone away (or been covered up) when we started using the room daily, but I remembered that initial feeling that something wasn't right. So I called around and hired a mold inspector to come out. He took his air samples, sent them off to the lab, and then I got my report - we had stachybotrys in the living room, directly under Bean's bedroom. So, we hired a certified mold remediation company to remove the toxic mold from our 'mold room' (a.k.a., living room) and do the work while we were out of town.

They sent me their estimate and began the work. When we came home after 2 weeks gone, the company had finished their work (so they said) but had to leave that room sealed off until the mold inspector returned to give us an all-clear. I snuck into the room anyhow, and found that there was still toxic mold on the drywall! The company didn't do what they said they would! So they came back, apologized for doing thousands of dollars worth of the wrong work (work that we didn't authorize), and said they'd take care of the problem.

Their phone conversations (in Romanian, which they keep forgetting I speak) say things like, "don't tell the inspector you did that!" and the equivalent of "doh! why did you do that?" They've done some outright dishonest things that make me wonder if we're not the object of some type of fraud.

And the kicker is, today I found out that they let their business license lapse. Their license expired in December. Now, 3 months later, they've just realized it (when I asked to see their license). Sound fishy to you? In the meantime, I'm awaiting the results from my chest x-ray to see if the mold caused any lasting damage... (need I repeat my mantra of 'ewww, gross!'?)

Who knew?

I just got home from an emergency trip to the pediatrician for a burn! Little Man has his left hand (which is the one he seems to use more) mummified. And I'm not sure the doctor believed me about how it happened...

We were playing this morning in the warm, sunny front yard. Liam has a fascination with doors, so he went to the front door and pushed on it. Well, our front door is made of metal and at that time in the morning it was in direct sunlight. He put his hand there, realized it was hot, and left his hand there while he cried and waited for rescue. I don't think I've ever crossed the front yard faster. But now 4 of his fingers are blistered, and to treat them they had to wrap his whole hand, past the wrist. And all because of the front door. Who knew the front door could be such a hazard? I'll know next time.

Ewww, gross!

The timeline should have worked out well. We left town for 2 weeks, and the contractors were supposed to use a key we left for them and come and get rid of our toxic mold (eww, gross!). By the time we returned after 2 weeks, the mold would be gone, the drywall would be reconstructed, the air quality inspector would have given us an all clear.

We came back last Thursday. The inspector was scheduled to come shortly after - a bit later than I thought, but no biggy. But then, horror of horrors, I went into our 'mold room' (that's what we'll forever call our formal living room from now on), and found the exact same spot of mold on the wall. So what, for pete's sake, did the contractor do? It turns out they took down a different part of the wall, found no mold, rebuilt the wall, and assumed that was their job - done in its entirety.

So yesterday, the lovely contractor came back, befuddled that there was still mold in my house (and why wouldn't there be, since they didn't remove it?), and did very little work. Today we're waiting on the inspector to come back and tell us the extent of the damage. You can imagine how furious I am. The work they're doing is loud (the machine they use to clean the air while they're working sounds like a jet engine), it's messy, and I constantly feel like they're trying to pull the wool over my eyes. In fact, they said to me that I shouldn't be worried and this isn't a big problem. Then got on cell phones and had a conversation in Rpmanian (assuming that I don't speak Romanian) about how bad it is and how seriously they screwed up. Okay, so I understood every word of it. And now I'm mad. And they work 2 hour days - what's up with that? Who works 2 hour days? It doesn't even qualify as part time! Grr... Anyone else have contractor stories to share?

Somethin' to celebrate!

I'm so proud! My big brother was just named as one of this year's 13 Army officers to receive the prestigious Douglas MacArthur leadership award! He's hoping the Army will let him attend the award ceremony at the Pentagon this spring, but he's pretty well in demand right where he is now. Anyhow, cheers! Well done, Rob! I've always been proud o' ya, but now I know other people are too!

Cleaning day

I hereby name today as a Domestic Goddess day. I pledge to spend as much time as possible (with 2 toddlers running around) cleaning up the horrible mess that is my home. After hubby's 2 week business trip, my 2-week road trip, toxic mold remediation, and with a houseguest coming in a few days - there is some serious clutter piling up, and I have to get rid of the dirt downstairs that the mold remediation company tracked all over the place. And I have to track down the company and make sure they plan on finishing what they started... I really want my mold-free house back.

So, no more blogging or emailing until after dinner tonight. In fact, I'll even *turn off* Mr. Laptop! (now that's dedication!) I will limit myself to a) playing with my kids, b) cleaning my house, and c) the required things like feeding my family, changing diapers, etc. But, feel free to comment anyway, especially if you're with the party! I'll be back tonight and ready to rumble! ;)

Man! I love this party!

This is my very first blog party, and I have to say, it's awesome! I've met so many new bloggers, and I can't wait to meet more! It's been a refreshing bit of fun in an otherwise blah week. So thank you to everyone who's commented - I've been to all of your blogs! And keep the comments coming. I'll be getting around to more blogs this week, and I'll be leaving comments with yours too. It's so much fun to get to know everyone!

Let's get the party rolling!

Today the Ultimate Blog Party starts at 5 Minutes for Mom! I'm so excited! I just love parties!

Join in, meet some bloggers, and let's have some fun! You'll have to use your imagination for my all-time favorite Spinach Artichoke Dip with whole wheat crackers, virgin sangria, and Pampered Chef's Pizzetta Triangles with my very own pepperoni pizza dip. Okay, so the different flavors represented here may not go so well together, but that's what you get when I'm craving all sorts of things at once!

A bit about me... I'm a devoted wife, mother to 2 toddlers - currently ages 1 and 2, a knitter trying to teach herself to crochet, a worshiper of God, lover of books, friend, sister, a compassionate advocate for justice, a tree-hugging granola junkie and closet chocoholic. I speak Romanian and Russian, have been to 13 or so countries and spent 3 years in Moldova where I met my absolutely wonderful husband. He's the opposite of me in almost every way, and we complement each other perfectly.

I never planned on being a mother, but it's amazing how a blessing so unplanned and unexpected can fulfill every longing I never knew I had and turn me into the woman I never dreamed I'd become.

I've just started struggling through Yevgeny Yevtushenko's novel "Ne umerai prezhde smertei" in Russian (which my husband most lovingly found for me), I'm mournfully canceling an upcoming trip to Thailand to work with trafficked women, and I'm gearing up for a probable move to England this summer (eek!). The ground is shifting beneath me, but I count on Christ as the solid rock to be my firm foundation.

Gone crazy

After 2 weeks of upheaval, toxic mold, road-trippin' and all sorts of Big Life Decision craziness, I went a little crazy. What's a girl to do when the ground beneath her is shifting and she has no control over anything? Well, I have plenty control over my hair. So not only did I go a bit shorter than usual, I DYED it for the first time ever! That's right - never once have I dyed my hair. But today, I went crazy! I don't think the picture gives a true idea of how crazy I went. But I have naturally auburn hair. They bleached some, put in blonde streaks, and bright copper highlighty things. It's AWESOME!

As a disclaimer, here's my true belief about dyeing hair... I'm against it in principle for so many reasons. First off, God created me, He created my hair, and no cosmetologist can beat that. ..."For I am fearfully and wonderfully made." 'nuff said. Secondly, being good stewards of the earth He created, i think we have a duty to take care of the environment, and the bleach I was smellin' and the chemicals I was feelin' when I was under that dryer were definitely not good for my health or the health of the planet. I do feel totally chemically processed now. Thirdly (and most egotistically), I like being able to tell people that actually, this is my natural color when they ask what bottle it came from (as a redhead, a lot of people ask).

But shazzaam! I look good! And I feel good and have loads of confidence, and that's even cooler. It was way better than retail therapy. Of course, if I'd settled for retail therapy I'd have a pair of shoes or jeans or a skirt or something that would last me for a few years. And I'd have gotten it on sale - because that's what I do. In fact, I'd have gotten all 3 of those things for what I paid for this. As it is, I have a hairdo that will only last me a few weeks and cost a small fortune. I could probably buy and feed an impoverished village for what I just spent on my dye job. And that means I basically wasted lots of cash that could have been better spent on something much more lasting and worthwhile. So in the end, this was a one-time thing for me that I won't indulge in again. But let me say one more time, shazzaam!

New shoes!

Up until today, the only shoes that have graced Little Man's feet are soft leather Pedi Peds. But today, with wet grass and one Pedi Ped temporarily lost in the stack of blankets under the crib, we put real shoes on him. Thankfully, I have lots of other mommy friends who have used me to liquidate their closets, so I had a perfectly fitting pair of Nikes to let him wear. I think he actually liked it. He tried to shake them off at first, then he walked funny for a while, but now he's pretty used to them.

Then he went outside to the slide on the deck, and found that he could economize time by climbing up and going straight down headfirst, thereby eliminating that annoying sequence of maneuvers - stand up, walk forward, sit down, slide.

Stuff

I admit it, I'm attached to my stuff. I like my house (I'd like it more if my kitchen countertops were granite...), I'd have a love affair with my car if it would love me back, I think my kids' playroom is awesome, and I think my piano is rock-on cool.

So the thought of making a Big Life Decision that would compromise my stuff makes me pretty unhappy. I know it shouldn't. After all, you can't take it with you, right? But geez, I want to enjoy it! And more than that, I shouldn't be so concerned about my materialistic junk (though it really isn't junk). There are higher things to set my mind on, and let's face it, where your treasure is there your heart will be also. But man! I like my stuff! I don't want to walk away from it all. Gosh darn those Big Life Decisions! I've gotta get over this attachment to stuff, but I'd rather do it on my timeline, not necessarily right now.

First of March!

Though it doesn't seem that way here in the stormy South East, today is the first of March, celebrated as the first day of spring in Moldova (and Romania). So, to wish all my bloggy buddies a happy first of March, here's a Martisor for you!
Some say the white represents the snow and the red represents the first flower of spring. Anyhow, people give martisoare (the plural of martisor) to their friends and loved ones on the first of March. You pin it on your shirt or your coat, and wear it for 12 days. So here's yours. I guess you can't really print it and pin it on, but it's the thought that counts! Happy spring!

Mourning the TIVO

I returned home last night, at long last. Another 8 1/2 hours in the car with a one-yr-old and two-yr-old, and I think I could live the remainder of my life without ever seeing the inside of the car again, or ever singing another Barney song.

After an exhausting trip, I came home to an unpleasant surprise. The TIVO has been off for about a week. Apparently our monthly subscription expired and we didn't renew. I'm silently cursing the TIVO now, missing The Unit, Bones, and - heaven forbid - American Idol! Horror of horrors!

The good news is that the mold remediation company finished most of their work while I was gone. So I still have one room of my house sealed off with plastic until an air quality person can check it out, but the wall is rebuilt, the window is rebuilt (though painted the wrong color - a small price to pay for a house that isn't toxic anymore).

Yet still I mourn my TIVO.