A Case of the Mondays

I think I just had the definition of a Monday....after being gone all last week in Charleston, I returned to work to find 14 phone messages and some e-mails (thanks to my Blackberry, it wasn't as many as it could have been). In addition, I also forgot that I had a mountain of client files that had been left on my desk chair, and conference material to unpack. The Jeep's air conditioning wasn't working, the belts were squealing, and the muffler was hanging on just barely. So I had Amanda run me over to the garage to have the Jeep fixed.

It's always painful when you have to have car repairs done, and I am sure you all know the woes the Jeep has caused me over the years. I am looking forward to finally getting a new car in July! Anyhow...at 10:00 the garage called to say they had the parts and give me a quote to fix the Jeep. Included in that quote was a new muffler. I told them I didn't want a new muffler (mine has a HUGE hole in it) but that I just wanted them to reattach the one that is currently on there. After fighting with the guy for 15 minutes, I finally convinced him that it would be OK if they let the Jeep go without a new muffler. He said they were recharging the A/C right then and it should be done soon. I said "Great!" and went on with my day.

At 1:30 I still hadn't heard anything about the Jeep. So I called and was told it was done (to which I thought...well if it's done why didn't anyone call me?!?!). So Amanda and I jumped back in the car and ran out to the garage. When we got there, the Jeep wasn't sitting outside. That's never a good sign. I went in and the guy at the desk said the Jeep wasn't done. I said "Um, I was just told it was done". The woman who runs the garage then came out and said that one of the guys mistakenly put my slip in the "done" file. The guys had ordered the wrong belt for the car. BUT they had the belt and they would put two guys on it and it would only take 10 minutes. So I said I would wait and I sent Amanda back to work.

15 minutes later the Jeep was done. I went to the counter to pay for it, opened my purse, and discovered that my wallet was sitting on my desk AT WORK. I had no way to pay for the Jeep. So I had to call Patrick (and hope he answered the phone). He did and I explained that I needed him to give a credit card over the phone. I was told by the shop that they don't take card numbers over the phone, but they could fax him a paper to fill out. SOOO....they faxed the paper and Patrick said he was going right to the fax machine. We waited, and waited, and waited. After 10 minutes I called Patrick back to see what was going on. He said he just got the paper (apparently he was held up on his way to the fax machine) and he needed help filling it out. We got it filled out, faxed back in, and I was finally able to get in my newly cool, non-squealing, non-rattling car. It was nice.

On my way back to work, I was thinking about all the things that needed to be done. I saw a gas station with gas for $2.89 and decided that I really needed gas AND a soda. So I pulled in and had to parallel park between two cars to get to the pump. I get out of the car and reach for the gas pump. Thank GOODNESS it was a pay at the pump, because, if you remember, I HAD NO WALLET! I had to get back in my car, no gas and no soda, and go back to work.

When I got to work I decided I still needed that soda, so I rummaged around in my desk to find the money (just barely, but I had enough). I walked upstairs to get my Diet Coke, and the machine was OUT of Diet Coke!!! I couldn't believe it. So I got a Mello Yello and went downstairs to drown my crazy day in caffeine!

So that has been my Monday, so far. I hope it doesn't get any worse!

"Let me ask you something, when you come in on Monday, and you're not feeling real well, does anyone ever say to you, sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays?" --Peter Gibbons

A Simple Expression

I don't really want to comment on the recent events that have affected the entire nation, and Blacksburg especially, because frankly, it's overwhelming. You may or may not know that West Virginia University and Virginia Tech are bitter rivals in sports. And I do mean BITTER. However, my brother shared this with me today, and I felt it would be the best expression of sympathy for this post...

Campus Crusade for Christ at Virginia Tech is organizing a prayer day today....please stop by and let them know you are praying!

What Works for Me Wednesday...a safety tip

I was reading in one of my parenting magazines a few weeks ago about this really good idea for safety for your child in crowds. In the age of camera phones and digital cameras, most people have a picture-taking device on hand at all times (for those of you who know me, you KNOW I do!). The mother suggested right before going into a crowded place (mall, fair, park, or amusement park) to take a picture of your child. That way should the child get lost, you have a CURRENT picture, and a picture of your child in the clothing they are wearing that day. And if you are in the mall, you will probably have access to a photo development shop to have pictures printed and handed out to police, mall security, and search teams.

Although it's super scary to think about Morgan or one of her friends getting lost, we all know that it can and does happen every day. I thought this was a great idea and I plan to start doing that on a regular basis now so it's a habit when she is old enough to walk.

Please visit Rocks In My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday tips!

Child Prodigy

Last night while giving Morgan a bath, we were reviewing letters that spell her name and her initials with the foam bath letters Uncle Jeff and Aunt Cecelia bought for her for Christmas. Morgan had multiple letters in her hand and saw the brightly colored letter "E" floating innocently in the water (E for Elisabeth). She dropped all the other letters, snatched the orange "E" from the water and let out a very loud "Eeeeeehh"! I said to her "Yes, that is right!!! That's the letter E!!!" Obviously I should be calling Mensa to sign her up.






Naysayers may insist that it was simple coincidence since she makes that noise all the time....but I choose to think that she is a genius and knew exactly what she was talking about! :)

What Works for Me Wednesday

Inspired by my friend Catherine's occasional Wednesdays post on what works for her, I decided to go a guest spot on What Works for Me today. I was talking to a colleague who recently had a baby about doing laundry and how, as we all know, the washing machine will mysteriously eat socks. What has worked for me regarding Morgan's socks (which are so little the washing machine needed to eat more than one to be satisfied) is to take a sectioned mesh bag normally used for lingere and pin it on the lining of Morgan's laundry basket. When her socks come off, they go right into this zippered pouch, and when laundry day comes, the entire pouch (sans safety pin) goes right in the wash with her clothes. I haven't lost a sock since. So, that's what works for me this Wednesday!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! Christ is risen...Hallelujah! It is absolutely frigid today. However, I risked frostbite and wore my Easter dress and SANDALS to church this morning. I refused to wear close-toed shoes to church on Easter! Morgan also wore her lovely Easter dress, and was wrapped in a blanket and an afghan.

Over the weekend we have laughed and laughed over Morgan and my niece, Julia. With only a 3 month difference in age it was like having twins around all weekend. They are so funny. They had a double bath in Nannie's sink, played together, and opened Easter baskets together. I think they got more for Easter than they did for Christmas!!! Check out their websites for some really great pictures and video from the weekend.

Shouldn't it be April RAIN Showers?!?!

This has got to be the craziest weather week on record for West Virgnina. Tuesday it was sunny, and 81 degrees....yesterday we had a more normal 50 degree day, and this morning, this was the scene we woke up to....




Snow, snow, snow. That's right folks....it's currently 28 degrees outside. (For those of you who can't do math in public, that's a 53 degree downward swing in under 48 hours!!! Granted, it's not the blizzard other parts of the country are getting, but I NEVER expected snow in April, especially after an 80 degree shorts and T-shirt day two days ago! It's supposed to KEEP snowing all the way through next week! I guess Easter egg hunting is out of the question this year! Below is a current view from my office window (don't you just love my retaining wall view?!)...

The First of Many

Morgan's first Boo Boo (straight up from her temple)

Morgan fell the other night and hit her head on the baby gate, creating a lovely boo boo (her first one!). She was standing at the baby gate, shaking away, and stepped back onto a DVD case she had been playing with. The case slid on the carpet, Morgan's foot went with it, and her head went right into the gate. Poor thing....it doesn't look bad on the pictures, but it was really red and slightly purple only minutes after it happened. After many cuddles and kisses she got down and went right back to the gate (sans DVD cases which Mama picked up while cuddling her).

Aliens have abducted my baby!

I think this picture speaks for itself. This is the face we've seen most of the day for almost two weeks now! Where, oh where is my former, smiling child (below)?!?!

The Long and the Short of it.

As you probably know, the Tenney Family has one four-legged member....Bailey.

There are many advantages to having a little dog. She rides nicely in the car on my lap. She doesn't eat much. Her toys aren't big. She doesn't require a lot of space (although her "house" is large enough for a border collie!). She loves to snuggle, especially with ANYONE who is under covers. She is a free bed heater in the winter. And she doesn't need acres of land to roam, but I am sure she would like it.

I was reminded today, however, about one major disadvantage to having a little dog. Or more specifically, a dog with extremely short legs (see picture above). It was such a beautiful evening that I decided to pack Morgan up in the stroller and go for a walk. I thought Bailey might enjoy the walk, so I took her with me. She is overweight from all the steroids she had over the winter (medication to fix multiple problems, including bulging discs in her neck...another disadvantage to having a dog with a long back) and most assuredly out of shape due to being cooped up all winter. I didn't think, however, that she wouldn't be able to make the 1 mile loop around the neighborhood. 3/4 of the way around she decided she couldn't go another step. And I mean literally. She sat down in the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD and wouldn't budge!

Thank goodness I had the stroller (sometimes I walk the loop with Morgan in the Snugli). So what did I do? Yes, fair reader I did....I put the dog IN the stroller with Morgan! Morgan in front, Bailey in the rear with the stroller seat in the full recline position. After about 10 steps it was aparent that this arrangement was not going to work. Both Morgan and Bailey were fussing. So I switched them, putting Morgan on the headrest of the reclined seat and Bailey up front. Bailey rode the rest of the way home with her feet on the tray as if she was navigating some great ship, and Morgan rode the rest of the way home holding Bailey's tail in one hand and the leash in the other! The ONE time I don't have my camera, and I am sure we all looked like a bunch of loonies walking home.

But I guess from all of this I can take away one more advantage....if a little dog gets tired, she fits easily in a stroller with a near-9 month old!

One year closer to 30...

Happy Birthday to me! Today I turn 28. Do I feel older, wiser, weaker, stronger? Actually, I don't feel anything at all. I hate to be so apathetic toward my very own day of birth, but today feels like just another day in Small Town USA. It stinks that the fun of birthdays seems to wear off as you get older. Or perhaps it's just me....lots of people have tons of fun on their non-milestone birthdays. Perhaps it is more appropriate to think of every birthday as a milestone.





I had a great day...we had pizza for lunch and went for a little walk. I got a lot of really nice presents and cards from my friends and family. I got lots of phone calls (which were great!). The sun was shining and a few birds were singing. What a great day to be alive and celebrating another year. The only "downer" was that I "lost" an hour of sleep due to daylight savings time. But to me that just means that spring is almost here!

Daddy Day Care

This is Patrick's idea of babysitting.......

enough said!

In Like a Lion

Today, after a week of mid 50 degree weather, we got pounded with probably the worst one day snow storm of the winter season!!! In a little over 12 hours we got almost 8 inches of snow. The roads were absolutely horrendous. My office closed at noon, Patrick's closed at 3:00 (but he got to come home early with me). There was a slight panic at noon when we heard that the interstate was closed....panic because the interstate is my only way to get to my baby-sitter's house! Of course I am sure there is some back road to get there, but a) I don't know it and b) even if I did you can bet if the interstate isn't plowed, those back roads aren't! Luckily the wreck was further up the road and I was able to get to Morgan. It took over an hour to get to Morgan (a 12 mile drive from my work) and then to get to Patrick. God watched over us and got us home safely.

The snow was quite pretty once we got safely home. Morgan and Patrick went outside to measure the snow and Morgan got to sit in the snow for the first time. She really liked it and stayed warm in the snowsuit Mutti bought for her.

How deep is it?

SIX INCHES (with 2 hours of snow to go)

She's Mama's Girl

Isn't it funny that when you don't have kids and people always say that kids would rather play with the box than the toy that came in it that you nod agreement but think "Yeah whatever!". Well, I am here to tell you that IT IS THE HONEST TRUTH! Morgan is certainly not lacking in the toy department. She has a lot of toys that she regularly plays with. Even with all the brightly colored, singing choices, Morgan today decided that my new credit card was THE toy to play with! She played with it for over an hour....proving once again that you CAN have hours of fun with a little piece of plastic (thankfully her hour of enjoyment didn't cost me anything!).

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of the Tenney friends and family! We want you to know that we cherish each of you and hope that today you know how much we love you!!!

You Know It's Cold When....

You know it's cold outside when....

1. School is being canceled due to sub-zero wind chills. But you still have to go to work, even when the temperature when you leave the house is -7 degrees. Oh yes, it was that cold.
2. Your dog will actually allow you to put her coat on to go outside (yes, we put a coat on our dog...she's little and has very short hair!).
3. You go to open the screen door and your slightly moist finger sticks to the latch.
4. It takes you 10 minutes to get dressed for work but 20 minutes to take off your coat, hat, earmuffs, mittens, sweater, and fleece lined boots once you get to work. (OK so it really doesn't take me that long, but you get my point.)
5. Your daughter does not scream objections to all the blankets you have packed in her carseat to keep her warm.
6. Same daughter allows you to put mittens on, even after yesterday's protest.
7. Your newspaper (which is inside a plastic bag) is frozen to the driveway in the morning.
8. And my all time favorite....you KNOW it's cold outside when every breath in through your nose causes ice crystals to form in your nostrils!

I think old Phil got it wrong on Friday. I think his shadow said "Are you nuts?!?! It's WAYYY too cold to go outside today!" Of course, after a very mild December we should have known it wouldn't last long. So here's to warm slippers, a cozy blanket, and good cup of hot tea!

No More Excuses

Patrick and I finally made our "big" purchase for January....we got a new cross-trainer! We had decided that instead of wasting money on a gym membership that neither of us was using that we should put the money to better use and purchase a piece of workout equipment for the house. I figure I can find 30 minutes in my day to work out at home rather than trying to find 2 hours to drive to the gym, workout, shower, and get back to work during the day. We are trying to work out while the other person is bathing Morgan so it's not time away from her. But last night I put her in her Jumperoo and we "worked out" together! Now that the machine has been successfully put together, I guess we have no more excuses for not working out!

Putting on the final touches (please excuse the total mess in our room!)

The Happy Work-Out Queen

All About the Tenneys

In the spirit of a little fun and a lot of wasting time at work when I really should be working, I created this quiz about the Tenney Family. Have fun, waste a little time of your work day, and perhaps learn something you didn't know about life in small town USA!

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=070116124753-686053&

A New Profession??

On Sunday I gave my first haircut. My guinea pig was in desperate need of a new 'do and I stepped up to the challenge. Actually, I was a nervous wreck, but Patrick assured me that everything would be OK and if I screwed it up too much he could just shave it off (OH NO!!). There was no blood when I was finished and Patrick still has both ears. I don't think I did too bad for my first try...what do you think?

Life Goals in 2007

It's a new year...time to re-evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Instead of making New Year's Resolutions, as I have done in the past, I have decided to set life goals that I will work on starting this month. I hope that these life goals will be more successful than my past resolutions, which usually are over by February! So, here they are, in no particular order:

1) Have a more positive attitude about work. It's been so hard for me to transition back to work since Morgan came along. Although I want to be a stay at home mom, it's just not something that we can do right now. I want to focus on being positive about working because I can't change my situation. Focusing on how much I don't want to be working has been harmful, so it's time to see the good in working and continue to pray that one day I will be able to stay home with Morgan.

2) Eat healthier and mostly at home. As you probably know, Patrick and I love to eat out. Neither of us enjoy cooking and I am not the best cook. My food is edible, but not spectacular. Along the typical "lose weight" resolution, I want to focus my family on healthier eating. I feel it's important for us to instill good eating habits in Morgan and we can't do that if we aren't being a good example. Also, eating at home will save us money and will allow us more time as a family. And in the end, I am sure that we will both drop a few pounds.

3) Take 20-30 minutes every day to do something for myself. As a mom, wife, and professional in the workforce, I hardly have any time that is not accounted for during the day. If there is spare time during the day, I almost always focus on doing things for others. While that is a great trait, I think my mental health will be better if I focus a little bit on centering myself and doing things that I enjoy...even simple things like taking a bath or reading. I always feel better if I get a few minutes of down time. This can also include exercise, which I am looking forward to getting back in to.

4) Be diligent about going to church and deepening my faith. With all that has been going on in my life over the past year, I admit that I haven't been going to church as much as I need to. I know that I always feel better when I do attend church. I want to focus on my relationship with God so that I may show my daughter how wonderful it is to have a relationship with God.

I have also set some goals for my relationship with Morgan and her growth. Here are our goals:

1) Start teaching American Sign Language in January. Many professionals advocate for parents to teach their children ASL because it allows kids to communicate before they can form the words that they want to say. Also, because Patrick and I both work with the disability community, I feel it is important for Morgan to have some basic knowledge of ASL so she may be able to communicate with all people.

2) Get a set nighttime routine and stick to it. We have been pretty good about doing a routine with Morgan so that she knows when we are transitioning to different events through the day. Over the holidays we got away from that and Morgan was a lot more cranky. We have set a nighttime routine of arriving home from the sitter, playing until about 6:30, dinner, bath, play time, nurse, read a story, bed. It has been working well for the past 4 days, so I want that to continue.

3) Focus on teaching manners. I think it's really important to teach Morgan how to have good manners. There are too many children and young adults today that do not know the meaning of the words kindness, respect, share, and others. When I grew up, every adult was Mr. or Mrs., it was yes sir and no ma'am, and adults were never argued with. She also needs to learn to use words to resolve problems and that she won't always get what she wants. Because I don't know if she will have a sibling, I don't want to have the spoiled stereotypical only child.

It's hard to set too many other goals at this point because of where she is developmentally. I am sure that when she turns one I will do an update on goals we will have for her. But for now, that's what the Tenney girls are focusing on for 2007.