Rackham Rantings

A Bat Omen

2011-09-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

"Mommy, there is a loud cricket in my room and I can't sleep." Oh the sweet voice of Ms. I waking me up. Annoyed? Yesss!! I like my sleep! I make room for her and go investigate.
Sure enough, there IS a loud cricket in her room. It is the loudest cricket I have ever heard (not to mention it sounds like a sick, loud cricket). I hear it chirping from the radiator and know I won't be able to get to it there. Besides the cats have gathered around it--they'll get it--eventually.
I return to my room, shut the door, and go back to sleep. Sometime later another little creature crawls into my bed. Ms. G. But she leaves the door open and I can still hear that cricket in their room. I try to sleep but it is so loud! Then I hear the cats bolt out of their room and the chirping is now outside of the kids' room.
Still not being able to sleep, though the chirping has subsided for a moment, I get out of bed to use the loo. I poke my head down the stairs--to see if I can see anything. Nope, the cats must have gone downstairs. I then head toward the bathroom.
The first thing I notice: The cats are in the bathroom.
"Great!" I think. "The loud cricket is now in the bathroom." I turn on the light and look at the ground. No cricket. I look at the cats. They are looking up. Why would they be looking up?
What is that on the blind? A cloth? Why would someone put a cloth on the blinds? IT MOVED! A moth? No, look carefully. It's a...BAT. ~Chirp~...only it isn't a sick cricket chirping...it's a bat, screeching. ~screech~ My heart starts racing but I slowly shut the door.
I fight with an internal struggle--wondering if I should wake up Poppy. I think if Nana comes in the bathroom in the middle of the night--she might have a heart attack. I creep into their room and gently shake Poppy's shoulder. He startles awake.
"Um," I say. "There is a bat in the bathroom."
"Seriously?"
"Mm-hm." He gets up and takes a look in the bathroom. Things are very quiet. He exits and informs me the cats are having a bit of fun with it. He goes downstairs to get a bowl and goes back into the bathroom.
The screeches intensify and I swear I hear flapping wings! Poppy calls my name and I panic! What if he wants me to help catch it? I don't know if I can go in there. "Could you open the door?" He asks. Phew! He has already caught it.
He then releases it outside. But, his wing has been broken. Poor bat. I thank Poppy for being my hero and we go to bed. Boy, when I told Ms. I that it wasn't a cricket she about flipped out. It was quite an adventure!

Did you know? Bats are the ONLY flying mammal!

Great Grandpa

2011-03-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Most Likely To...

2011-03-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone who has ever been to high school remembers a section in the yearbook that headlines: Most Likely To... Commonly we see most likely to be rich, most likely to become famous, most likely to run for president, most likely to fall asleep in class, most likely to work at a 7/11, class clowns, prettiest eyes , prettiest smile, best looking, etc., etc., etc.

These past few days I have been thinking about a few labels I have not seen in any year book one is: most likely to live the longest. A year or so ago my grandpa went to grandma's sixty-second class reunion. There were only a handful of people there. I don’t know about you, but I think this is something worth being celebrated.

If the section most likely to live the longest was in my grandpa’s senior yearbook do you think he would have been chosen? Probably not. Why, do I surmise this? My grandpa had a heart attack at 47. The doctor said he had possibly a year to live. That is the worst words to hear from a doctor. My grandpa, being the stubborn man that he is, has definitely proven that doctor wrong. Last night, over 33 years past his expected death date, my grandfather passed away.

Though it was not unexpected it still breaks my heart. He is the best grandpa. We frequently spent the night at “the woods” (as we called Grandma and Grandpa’s house) and I remember one time waking up to grandpa placing a baby deer in my bed. My grandma and grandpa are deer farmers, you see. In the summer they live in Ohio—at their deer farm. In winter they live in Florida—right on the Gulf coast. I have fond memories of both places and both are very special to me.

I love you, Grandpa. I will see you again.

Most Likely To: Be Married the Longest. My grandpa and grandma have been married 61years. This is an award they deserve. Rare, is it, to find a relationship like my grandma and grandpas. One filled with fidelity, commitment, and selflessness. My heart goes out to my grandma who will no longer wake up to the man she has been married to these long years.

I love you too, Grandma.

Umm..sorry?

2011-03-11T12:47:00.001-08:00

Today Mr. L spilt his bottle of water. I chuckled and with a smile on my face said: "You better get a towel to clean that up!" He looked at me smiling warily and I smiled in return--wondering at his strange reaction--and walked over to get a towel. As I was passing him the towel he stated: "Mommy, you weren't mean." ~shame~

I will be the first to admit I have been a "mean" mommy lately. Stressing about school loans,psychology internships, and personal book goals have created a short temper in me. I know that I have not been the best mother lately but Mr. L brought the shame to the surface. In reply: "Yes, Mr. L, today I did not get upset at you. I have not been very kind when you spill, huh?" Then I proceeded to help him clean up his water mess.

The truth is--he caught me in a good mood. If I had been in a brooding mood on the issues that cause such feelings I am sure I would have reacted in an impatient and inappropriate way. Rest assured, friends, that I am working on it.

Seriously Sick Comedy Act

2010-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today I am stuck home with three sick children. Ms. G has been throwing up since Saturday morning. She threw up all day Saturday and then only once Sunday morning. The rest of Sunday she kept everything down--so I thought we were in the clear...but this morning she threw up again!! And Mr. L and Ms. I...HAH..it was kind of comical. Ms. I yells for us at about 11pm last night and says: "I'm gonna puke." So...she throws up on her bed...and a little on Mr. L...at which point he starts crying: "Ms. I puked on me! Ms. I puked on me!" By now Ms. I is throwing up in the bucket and Aunt J goes to clean up Mr. L. I settle Ms. I on the couch and start cleaning up the bedding. (Ms. G is still asleep) Ms. I throws up again. When she is done Frosdaddy goes to clean out the puke bucket. Mr. L is done getting cleaned and is lying on the floor--tired--waiting for his bed sheets to be changed that Ms. I puked on. Then he starts vomiting everywhere. The bucket is getting washed up and I have to just let him puke on the floor. I yell for Frodaddy to hurry and when he finally comes...I hold the bucket under Mr. L. (Ms. G wakes up by now (with a poopy diaper)) Meanwhile...I am gagging at Mr. L's vomit. I am trying to pat his back and give him comfort...but he throws up spaghetti...and it brings back a memory of when I threw up spaghetti with morning sickness....and I have to leave the room in tears...holding back my own vomit! Thankfully Frosdaddy cleaned up the vomit on the floor...while I started changing sheets and washing bedding. Aunt J changes Ms. G and we get her and Mr. L in bed they fall asleep after a while. Ms. I is on the couch and throws up two more times before she sleeps. Whew! What a time. Since it is a sick day...they stay on the couch all day and watch movies. Mr. L and Ms. I actually seem fine today. However, Mr. L does not have any appetite and Ms. I has only a little. Hopefully they will get better soon!

Kids Being Silly

2010-08-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. L's Birthday

2010-08-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mr. L turned the big FOUR this year!

Of course he is waaay into Harry Potter...so we got him a HP cake!

1st day of School

2010-08-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

School started on August 2nd this year of 2010. Mr. L started PreK and Ms. I started 1st grade. At first they both were attending Mill Creek Elementary. But now Mr. L is going to the Statesboro High School Preschool. He has been there two days and hopefully it will be better for him than MCES!

Ms. G's Birthday

2010-08-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our little G turned 2 this year!

Here is a picture of the cake I made for her second birthday:

Now, I am no cake decorator...but I do believe this is a fine cake. I hated to eat it!

Father's Day

2010-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I am not very imaginative when it comes to gift giving and such. Personally...I can't stand fathers or mothers day. Another holiday to just buy needlessly. The kids got daddy:

And I got the daddy:

I do enjoy giving gifts...even if I am not good at it.

While Aunties Away...the Kids'll Play

2010-08-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Aunt J was gone for a little under a month and if I ever left the door unlocked....THIS would happen:

It amazes me that if you turn your back for even a second with these children miraculous things happen!

See Ms. G!

2010-08-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

She really does want to be a princess! :-)

Kitten Rescue

2010-08-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

We (we being Frosdaddy, me, and our friends Lauren and Chris) were playing games and I kept hearing a "meow!" Finally I went outside (which is unusual...I don't go outside after dark...the cockroaches come out at night!) and found him stuck in our engine. We got him out and he has been with us ever since. He really is a beautiful cat...but I am not sure we can keep him! The kids love him.
Especially Gemma.

My Birthday

2010-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

My birthday was eons ago but I wanted to blog about what my sweet hubby did! I was expecting something but I did not know what! So...Frosdaddy tells me that he has to go help someone move that morning! (yeah right, I saw right through that one)...then I get a knock on the door! Someone wants to take my kids away. It is OK though, I know who it is. They pass me my first clue which leads me to here:
This is The Daily Grind. There I meet my friend Stephy who had the next clue. It leads me to Sugar Magnolia where I then meet:
Rachael (and Frosdaddy pre-bought some yummy delicacies!) Rachael had our next clue which leads to Lauren and here:
Now that everyone is together our next clues lead us to a fun pottery place!
Here Frosdaddy prepaid to have us each paint a $10 piece. It was fun (and my favorite part of the hunt)

The woman then gave us our next clue which led to Olive Garden.
We ate dinner there and close to the end of our meal I was wondering how we were going to get the next clue and the waitress slipped the clue on our table. (She also wanted to know if my boyfriend (aka Frosdaddy aka MY husband) had a brother) Turns out Frosdaddy was only there minutes before we arrived describing our little group. The clue led us to a friend's home...where we each got a massage on the chair... The last clue was fun! It led us home where we got pampered by our hubby's (though only one could make it)...they massaged our feet and hands...painted our toes...and we ate popcorn and watched: When in Rome!

And of course we had yummy cake...chocolate! With Mockingjay Decor. It was my Hunger Games cake! Mockingjay cake! :-)

Toddler Bed Dread

2010-06-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

We have moved Ms. G into her toddler bed. The nights have been rough...(especially since she shares a room with her siblings). They play for hours after bed time and she is always climbing into Ms. I's(top bunk) bed. Which terrifies me!! My overactive mind is thinking: "She will climb up and fall to her death below with a broken neck!!"

The other night Ms. I fell asleep first and Mr. L soon followed suit. Ms. G was up an hour after that quietly playing by herself. When all was quiet and I was about to head to bed...I enter their room to make sure they are not too hot or they are not sleeping in a weird position.

I enter and see Ms. G's bed is empty. My first thought: "She trapped herself in the closet and fell asleep when she could not get out!" I check the closet. No Ms. G. My second thought: "Mr. L was complaining that she was getting in his bed. She probably fell asleep with him." I check Mr. L's bed. No Ms. G. Then I look in Ms. I's bed and there she is fast asleep on TOP of her sister. (Ms. G is not a light creature.)

I snapped a picture:

The next morning I showed Ms. I the pictures. She did not even know Ms. G had fallen asleep in her bed...ON TOP OF HER! It was adorable.

What Ms. G Wants!

2010-05-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

To be a princess! AND:

A baby brother (or sister)! I know she doesn't look extremely happy in this picture but she kept pointing to the baby and cradling her arms.

Mr. L:

2010-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

How Mr. L likes to sleep:

(With ALL of his cars!)

Mr. L being goofy!

Birthday Growth

2010-05-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

I know, Ms. I's hogging the limelight! Some pictures of her birthday.

Frosdaddy wanted Ms. I to experience the idea that she could grow things with her hands and give her a little more responsibility. So we planted tomato seeds and they have sprung!

Taste of Ms. I's Art

2010-05-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

These were her end of year gifts for her teachers.

Kindergarten, No More

2010-05-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ms. I finished school for the year! As Frosdaddy, Mr. L, and I were sitting down at recognition day we were wondering if Ms. I would get any recognitions. Frosdaddy thought not but I was hopeful. The art teacher comes onto the stage. She explained that the art awards are for what she calls "Super Artists". These people take more time doing their work, color outside the lines (because sometimes that looks cool), think outside the box, and just show a natural way with art. She started with 5th grade and finally when kindergarten came 'round she calls out: "Ms. I Rackman". (yes, Rackman...something we just get used to)

I saw Ms. I's teacher motion for her to go up on stage...and finally timid Ms. I makes her way up on stage. I was so proud...not entirely surprised though. Ms. I does show remarkable skill in regards to art...it runs on both sides of the family. Poppy and GrandL are both artists.

Here she is with her teacher, Mrs. Deal(left), and paraprofessional, Mrs. Hendrix (right).

And here are a few of her classmates:

Congrats to Ms. I for finishing her kindergarten experience!

Another Trip to the 50's

2010-04-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

I love dancing with my husband!

Let Them Eat Cake!

2010-04-08T08:25:00.001-07:00

No, I am not referring to Marie Antoinette. I am speaking of my two adorable mischief-makers. I was busy with Ms. I in the living room and Frosdaddy is at the computer(homework). I hear them start giggling in the kitchen...my eyes shot straight to where the cake was supposed to be.... IT WAS GONE! I fled over to the crime scene and there they were. I thought I would include a before picture because the cake was so beautiful!

(FYI...the cake had already served its purpose for our ballroom dance...they dug into the leftovers!)

American Idol made me laugh!

2010-03-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

I do not watch American Idol but I happened to be watching it tonight (just to see if a fellow high school girl would make it into the top ten (she did)). I must ask: Is this the kind of entertainment America likes these days? I am not speaking of the contestants. I have not heard any of the contestants and therefore, am not able to give my opinion. Rather I refer to a HUGE celebrity with the name Miley Cyrus.

Her performance started out rocky but, hey, most live performances do. But it did not seem to get better. Then I thought she had tripped…but it turns out it was her getting into the music (or choreography?). Hubby said: “I don’t think I like this song.” I said: “I love the song. I think it would be a great song if someone else sang it. She’s ruining it.”

I must admit I have never enjoyed Miley’s voice and I finally figured out why. To me it always sounds like her nose is congested. Is it just me that feels this way? Why is she so popular? Oh, right, because of Hannah Montana? Yes, the pre-teen television show was cute. I enjoyed it…but…this “sexy, grown up” Miley singing “real” songs just is not working.

Ok, I have a beef against celebrities. I just get irritated how obsessed we, the people, consume our lives with what Hollywood celebrities are doing. Who cares?!? Celebrities are so consumed with their image and their status. How many times do they need to celebrate themselves in one year? SAG, Grammys, Globes, Emmy’s, etc, etc, etc. Once in a while a celebrity comes along that truly is talented (and has their head on their shoulders), and can make a difference in a role they play, in the music they perform. (I can’t really see a sport’s star making a difference…though I am sure I can be proven wrong. Perhaps someone physically handicapped becoming a sport’s icon….just an example)

My point? I don’t know. I just don’t like celebrities and I don’t like how obsessed everyone is about them. They do not portray real life. Make your life your own—not Hollywoodized.

NOT a Chore!

2010-03-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Dishes, check. Laundry, check. Bathroom, check. Scripture Study, check?!

Ok, I put Scripture study on my TO DO list. So what? At least I read, right? I never want the mentality that reading my scriptures is a chore. I put scripture study on my list because sometimes I get distracted by other things and when I see it there on my list it is a reminder for me to make time for my scripture study!

With that being said: I usually read my scriptures while Ms. G is napping. I put a movie on for Mr. L (wipe that shocked look off your face...yes I let him watch movies) and then I go into my room and take anywhere from a half hour to hour reading/pondering etc. However, yesterday before I was getting ready to do such a thing the doorbell was frantically ringing (as frantic as a doorbell can be). I opened the door and the neighbor man asked me if this little boy, with only a cowboy hat, sunglasses,shoes, and a shirt, was mine. I looked at that dirty little boy bouncing all over the place and said "No". Instead of shutting the door (as majority of the neighbors did) I helped the neighbor man find the little boy's home.

I also gave him some of M. L's undies and shorts... The police, unfortunately, had to be called because the boy could not even say his name and he kept saying my house was his house. The father had fallen asleep. My adventure for the day was over and I had completely forgotten to read my scriptures! However, I still made time in the evening.

One final note: Today Mr. L and Ms. G are over at Teresa's house so I can get a break. (THANK YOU TERESA...YOU ARE A MIRACLE WORKER) I read my scriptures on the couch...in total silence (unless you count the rain falling)...not even the faintest sound of a movie or child....it was heavenly.

Moral of my blog: 1. Don't let scriptures become a chore. 2. Even if/when crazy things happen...you still have time to read them. AND 3. When your kids are away...enjoy the day the right way!

Yes, we still live in Southern Georgia!

2010-03-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

Though you probably can't tell from these photos.

The last time it snowed in Georgia was ten years ago. We loved playing in the snow. Born and raised up north...I do not really care for snow. But not having something makes you appreciate it when it comes! (Plus it was all melted by the end of the day.) It was exciting but I still have a northern mind set: Sure, the first snowfall is fun...but the eighth snowstorm gets a little old!
Ms. I had been wishing for snow for months and I told her that it was highly unlikely it would snow (and even if it did....it would not accumulate). Here is a moment where Ms. I could smugly look at me and say: "See mom, I KNEW it would snow!"

Can anybody find meeeeee somebody to..........

2010-03-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

I need to be strong because my husband needs my support. I have tried to be that strength and support he needs but I am just not sure I can accomplish this anymore.
My head hurts from crying so hard and even now it seems almost impossible to stop my tears from shedding. I take a deep breath and type onward…my heart hurts so bad because I am emotionally stressed and physically drained by the end of every day.

The scriptures tell us: “To mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” I need those things and I am just not finding it. I feel selfish because I want support but also guilty because I feel like there are others who need it more than I. I know that the Lord has helped me carry this burden; if He had not been there I know I would have given up a long time ago.

Today, I wanted to pack my bag and leave. This is not the first time. Many times I have wanted to leave the stress of being a mother behind me. I quickly change my mind and feel guilty about the thought. However, what made today different was I still want to leave. I do NOT have feelings of guilt. I feel eerily calm about leaving—almost like I would be doing my children a favor.

Mothering, I must admit, does not come easily to me. I envy the woman who, with seeming ease, balances motherhood, wifedom, and voluntary commitments.

I know my husband will read this and feel guilty but I do not want him to be so… making him feel guilty about going to school to get a good job so he can support us financially is NOT what I mean by this. And some people say: “Suck it up, hon. I can do it, you can too!) I am not you, things that are easy for you may be hard for me or vice versa…OR “you only have a year and a half left”…OR “I am sorry you are feeling that way…it’ll get better.” I have heard these things I KNOW these things...it does not make it easier for me.

The kid’s teeth are brushed and they are in bed. The chaos is gone and yet I still feel the desire to go forever. I was secretly hoping that my sister-in-law would get a job here so that I would have more familial support. She did not get the job and so my heart still yearns for someone. Can anybody find me, somebody to comfort me?

Snow!

2010-03-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

It snowed in Georgia. I would post pictures but they are still on the camera! Frosdaddy is in charge of that! :-D The kids LOVED it. I can't wait to show you all the fun stuff they did!

Decorating Cookies

2010-01-10T14:15:00.001-08:00

Our cookie decorating fun! I know...these photos are from Christmas Eve...but I really haven't made time for blogging.

Family Portraits

2010-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Dancing....It's in the blood!

2009-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

Masquerade

2009-12-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

I know...seriously overdue. I have just been VERY one-track minded lately. (Hey! I'm a writer...my head is always in lala land!)
The masquerade was a HUGE success! I am so very excited things went well! The local Chapter is doing fantastic! I hope it continues to grow these next few years!

MY Hunger Games T-shirt

2009-12-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

G- a Boo Boo!

2009-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Mr. L was "playing" with Ms. G and "guiding" her with a "gentle" bear hug and sharply tried to turn her to the right and....*SMACK* She hit the protruding corner of the stairs. It goosed up so large that I still get shudders thinking about it!

I know it doesn't look like much in her picture but TRUST ME, looking at it made my tummy upset!

WHERE'S MISTER L??!?!

2009-11-10T08:53:00.001-08:00

THERE he is!

Mischievous Mister Strikes Again!

2009-11-10T08:49:00.001-08:00

....I really don't know what to say, the picture says it all! (Yes that is a book shelf!)

Hunger Games...if you need a laugh!

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so at first I was really embarrassed about this! However, I have resolved to lighten up! I want to feel like I am always dancing! (Those of you who social dance know the feeling)

So I decided to share what I was previously embarrassed to share.

With that being said, I will continue.

I absolutely love Suzanne Collins book: The Hunger Games. And to my greatest delight I read that Lionsgate had bought the rights to the book and will be making a movie to be released 2011!
You can imagine: I was pretty excited. Imagine all you Twilight Fans: when they first announced Twilight would be a movie. You were excited...you couldn't wait to see it! AND some part of you (admit it) really wanted to be a part of it...or at least try to be.

Well, that is how I feel about The Hunger Games. Except...I did something about it. I sent in an audtion tape to Lionsgate! (Ok, this is where you can laugh!)
I know, I know. I will never get a part. I have almost ZERO acting experience. And fans of the book will be quick to tell me: I am too old to play the part. (I could totally pass for a 16 year old! IMHO) I doubt anyone important will even watch it. But it was exciting to do....and I feel silly sharing it with all of you, don't laugh toooooo hard at my expense...ok?

THE VIDEO WON'T LOAD! How bogus! I will try again later. I guess I will keep you in suspense! :-)

Help Wanted

2009-11-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Rackham homestead is now hiring a full-time worker. Job details: Feeding, changing, bathing, helping with homework, reading, nurturing, loving, and playing with three adorable children. Cleaning-of all sorts, laundry, dishes. Maintaing a home. Grocery shopping, paying bills, cooking dinner. You know, the mundane things. Extra duties include: maintaining a book club, doing duties as Vice President in ballroom chapter, and keeping up with 15 young women's personal progress. Benefits: Hugs and Kisses. Pay: haha! yeah right! Warning: This job is not for the weak, lots of vomit, slober, snot, pee, and poop are involved. Stress in this job area is at an all time high.
If you are interested in this job do NOT hesitate to contact! Relocation is necessary....to wonderful cockroach invested South Georgia. Only an hour drive to the ocean! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Must find someone immediately. The current worker is about to lose it and must find replacement before she cracks!!!

Our Sixth Family Member:

2009-11-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

PERIDOT!!

Here she is in the same place I found Ms. G the other day.

I snapped this picture a second too late. Peridot was laying down and Ms. G was right next to her. I guess Ms. G was getting too annoying because Peridot started getting up.
Anyway, that is our beautiful kitty!

Halloween Costumes!

2009-11-01T12:09:00.001-08:00

Mario! (played by Mr. L)

Princess Peach! (played by Ms. I)

Toadette! (played by Ms. G)

Mischievous Mister L

2009-11-01T11:56:00.001-08:00

Mr. L is a little boy who likes to get into food. He likes to get into our food storage food. He likes to get into the fridge. In fact I found him in the fridge this week with three broken eggs near him. I would have taken a picture...but I was honked off.

AND he likes to get into the pantry....

I think he was trying to get some cookies from the top shelf. He is one persistent little boy.

Last night he tinkled in his underwear. He wanted to put those back on and he was throwing a huge tantrum! We tried to give him clean undies that looked similar but he kept trying to get the ones in the dirty hamper. Finally I put the tinkled undies in the washer and "planted" the clean one into the hamper. Frosdaddy let the crying boy loose and he ran straight to the hamper and put them on. He thought he won BUT we fooled him! Silly boy.

Car Accident

2009-11-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Frosdaddy was in a car accident on Monday. He is still very sore. He was traveling south and drove through a green light and someone ran a red light traveling west and Frosdaddy was hit on the driver side. Both vehicles were traveling 40-45 mph. He had a sprained neck and shoulder. He took the next few days off of work and school. He tried to return on Thursday but he got shaky in the middle of the day and someone drove him home.

He will return to work tomorrow. The tow people said he was lucky he did not get hurt worse. We say he was blessed. Like every morning he prayed for safety as he traveled to work. He could have gotten seriously injured, but thanks to Heavenly Father, he only has some sprains! (Oh, and thanks to S-Mom's massages he did not feel like he was hit by a Mack truck!)

Our City's Ballroom Costume Night

2009-10-18T17:34:00.001-07:00

BAD QUALITY! (I will post more later, I need to modify the dress some, but Frosdaddy looks great!)

Luigi and Princess Daisy

Parenting Moment's That Make You Smile:

2009-10-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ms. G--in the dryer!

Soccer Star

2009-10-18T17:18:00.001-07:00

Our soccer star, Ms. I!

Isn't she great?....

(or not)!

Ok,this is what she reallydoes:

I am kidding! To be perfectly honest Ms. I has scored at least one goal in all of her games (except one) She kicked several goals in one game. So that day she really was the star!

For those of you who did not know Ms. I is playing soccer this year instead of taking ballet. The soccer season ends in a few weeks. After that? Who knows!

30's

2009-09-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

As promised, pictures of Ms. I and S-mom's 30's outfits. I sewed them myself so..not exactly perfect. (Sorry my hair is still in it's curlers.)

This is a picture of my finger wave curls..but you can't really see it in the picture. They turned out great thanks to Cindy. (I got the finger wave clips from Sally's on her recommendation)

Here is what Frosdaddy would have worn if he had gone to the dance. Doesn't he look handsome? Yes! He IS wearing spats...dance ones though!

Though Frosdaddy did not go, it was a very fun night. Next month: Halloween costume dance party! So, I will post pictures of our halloween costumes next! :-D

Ms. G

2009-09-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't posted a lot of pictures of Ms. G anywhere. So here she is now: MISS G...born July 4

Sewing Again

2009-08-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

My mother bought me a sewing machine for my birthday and I am super excited about it! There are several projects I am planning for upcoming events. One of which is a masquerade the weekend after Thanksgiving. I have already started the dress (pictured). I have the main part done now I just need to add some sizzle to it! I will post when it is complete (w/ mask and all---check back closer to November) Frosdaddy will have a matching vest and bowtie.

The other project is a '30s dance. That is September 12th. I know it is coming up soon. But I will be making Ms. I and I matching dresses. (For Lindy Hop) I have not even started this project yet but I have looked at some possible material. I was thinking polka dots! I will post picutres of Ms. I and I when complete!

The final project is our halloween costumes. Now I know everyone is excited to know what The Rackhams are going to dress up as this year. (Well at least ONE person is) The fact that someone asked what we were planning on and I hadn't even thought of it was flattering. This year it was Mr. L's turn to pick. So, when I rememberd that I thought we would all be wearing cardboard boxes and dress as cars....AND at first he did pick cars (or Lighting McQueen to be specific) then he changed his mind. Now the Rackhams are going as-----

-----Ta da da DAAA-----Mario characters! Mr. L as Mario, Frosdaddy as Luigi. Ms. I as Princess Peach, S-Mom as Princess Daisy, and Ms. G as Toadette. Well I can't wait to start and finish these projects!

Updates

2009-08-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

SOOOO...it has been a while. I don't usually like to post if I don't have a picture or something cool like that. But I thought I would update a few things. ME: I spent a month at my parents house and while there I got my black stripes!!! YAY for me! (Next stop? Black belt!) Frosdaddy has agreed to workout with me in the mornings and do some TKD with me!(if I can get up).

Updates on the kids--
Ms. I... officially starts school Monday and she is a kindergartner! I can't believe it! I have a kid in grade school. It is soooo exciting. I think I am very nervous for her. I hope she does well. She has also been enjoying playing the Wii her last moments of summer break. She does really well and together (with Frosdaddy and I doing most the work) we beat Super Mario Galaxy with 120 stars and unlocked SPOILER******************Luigi.

Mr. L...where to begin. He finally is saying a lot more. A LOT! It is so great to hear him speak. We also started him on potty training and he has not had a pee accident since Tuesday and has not had a poop accident since Wednesday. He pooed for the first time on the toilet last night! YES...it is great. At first he kept peeing in his underwear. Then we had him go naked and at first when he had to go potty he would bring us a diaper and say: "I need a diaper." So we took him quick to the potty. Thursday we switched him to underwear and so far so good.

Ms. G...is walking. She also has ringworm (yuck..no idea where she got it) And she had a bad reaction to her immunization so she is fighting off a rash. She is our best little eater and is super tall. While she is eating, if she wants a drink, she will start throwing her food on the floor. If you get her drink she will stop and continue eating....Demanding, huh? If she wants more food...the cup goes on the floor.

Frosdaddy is...on school break. But not for long. He starts working at a local military base next semester and is really excited about that! He has also been cooking and cleaning a lot since he has been off. GREAT for me. I love him and missed him tons. Glad to be home!

Because I Knew You....

2009-04-10T15:41:00.001-07:00

....I have been changed for good. ~Contented~ Ahh...Frosdaddy and I went to see "Wicked" while we were in Ft. Myer's Florida. It was great! Honestly, it was my first professional play. Since then (we saw it March 18th) I have listened to the CD non stop...and now Ms. I likes to play Elphaba and Glinda (we switch being them..though she loves being Glinda because she puts on her fluffy sleeping beauty dress and crown and wand) Occasionally I hear her singing: "No one mourns the wicked" OR "Your gonna be pop-u-lar" OR "Loathing" (I don't think she can say unadulterated) OR "I hope your happy now"...the cute thing is she has deemed Mr. L Boq... daddy is Fieryo...(though she has trouble saying it) and Ms. G is a flying monkey...hah...poor Ms. G. Anyway..the photo is of her as Elphaba....

***UPDATE*** Mr. L.....as I was posting this pointed to the picture and as plain as day said: "Elphaba" Are you kidding??? for those of you who know Mr. L...he is a little man of few words....geesh.....

Our Love

2009-02-06T06:10:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that life is busy. We have not kept in touch as well as we could have. We just wanted to let everyone know that when life is less hectic (IF life if less hectic)...or maybe when all the kids have moved out ;-) That we will try to keep in touch as much as possible. We will still try now but Frosdaddy is working morning until night and S-Mom is almost always running around town and cleaning after Mr. L. By the time the kids are in bed Frosdaddy and S-Mom just want to snuggle together and be with each other. Please keep us updated and we will do our best to do the same! Love you all! The Rackhams

Kilt's and Such

2009-01-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Isn't my Scottish husband handsome??? Ok, so he isn't COMPLETELY Scottish. But he did serve a mission there and he does have ancestors from Scotland that immigrated to the United States. His mother bought this for him and we got it today! I wanted to post it immediately so she could see and so everyone else could see how EXTREMELY good looking he is in a kilt and the Scottish get-up.

Strangers

2009-01-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ms. I has been watching Tarzan often lately. So, while she was in the shower this is what we video taped. Frosdaddy had to egg her on after we got the camera but near the end she is doing what she was at the beginning...without prompting! It was fun to listen to as I did dishes.

A Few Christmas Pictures

2009-01-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

Happenings at the Rackham Homestead

2009-01-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

All has been quiet here in Georgia. Our Christmas was small and intimate and we very much enjoyed it! The kids loved opening gifts and Ms. I was so respectful and let Mr. L open his gifts first and she was genuinely excited about his presents. It was a fun morning all around. Our New Years was uneventful and we did NOT stay up until midnight! (We haven't for the last three years!) Life is going great!

2009-01-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

This is how we found Mr. L when we went to check on him one night. He has his sword ready to go!

2009-01-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Ms. I and Frosdaddy playing Mario Kart Wii!! (Ms. I is actually getting pretty good...she got first place with Rosalina the other day)

THEE punch recipe ;-)

2008-12-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS
2 (46 fluid ounce) bottles cranberry-raspberry juice
1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle pina colada mix (non-alch of course)
2 liters raspberry ginger ale soda

DIRECTIONS
In a large plastic container, combine cranberry-raspberry juice with the pina colada mix. Freeze overnight.
Remove from freezer 30 minutes prior to serving. To serve place frozen slush in punch bowl and slowly add raspberry ginger ale.

Yum! I am not really a fan of pina colada OR raspberry OR ginger ale....BUT all mixed together this is just fabulous!

(I heard a lot of people at the reception comment on this punch! Positively comment.)

Jordan and Cyndi's Wedding

2008-12-11T05:16:00.000-08:00

Mr. L in his suit! Isn't he cute??
Close up on Mr. L
Ms. G and her cousin, Ellie. (Ellie is a month and eight
days older than Ms. G) Aren't they adorable???
Ms. I in her beautiful dress. She LOVESto be referred
to as the flower girl. And look at her pose!
Our precious G. Isn't she cute?

The reception was great. The best part was the dolled up kids. Unfortunately for Mr. L he got a fever and wasn't feeling well most of the night. Poor guy. The punch was the best! I found the recipe online. Yum! Oh, and of course Cyndi was beautiful and Jordan was handsome. It was a lovely reception.

Family night

2008-12-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

This was our activity for FHE one night!

The first picture is Ms. I and her house.

The second picture is Mr. L eating his house.

The third picture is Mr. L and dad's house.

The fourth picture is Ms. I and S-Mom's house.

HALLOWEEN 2008

2008-10-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

2008-10-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Trunk 'r' Treat

2008-10-29T19:16:00.001-07:00

Tonight was the Church's Trunk or Treat. We dressed up as fairies! (Yes, even Frosdaddy did) Ms. I got to pick what we were going to be this year and she wanted to be a fairy. (She has really been into Fairytopia so we should have seen this coming) It was fun to make the costumes. Here are the results!

Pumpkin' Carvin' 'n' Paintin'

2008-10-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

So we had our annual pumpkin carving and painting night. Ms. I picked out what face she wanted on her pumpkin and I picked out the other. Then, of course, we let the kids paint their own pumpkin. Ms. I picked out two small white pumpkins to paint on. What a great idea! It was much easier than painting those orange ones! She is so smart.

"L-LANGALO"

2008-10-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

So I was doing laundry...thinking to myself. (Daydreaming is more like it) And I look up to find Mr. L had painted his sister's head! I was literally two feet away. That morning Ms. I had had Spirit Week at her High School Preschool and I painted her face with white and blue (The High School Colors!) So of course, I put the paint bottle away but the brush and a little bit of the paint I left out....whoops!

You've Been Tagged

2008-10-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

We were tagged by Mrs. King. She is Frosdaddy's sister and the kids' aunt.

S-Mom:

1. Gets tension headaches. Wears her stress on her back.

2. Always imagines WCS! Example: Frosdaddy was letting Ms. G lean in her seat standing on her legs and I imagined her falling out of the chair, landing on her head, blood getting everywhere, and she dies! (All in a split second.)

3. Is trying to keep away from red meat except in times of winter or famine! (she makes a lot of tofu and meatless dishes but is NOT a vegetarian.)

4. Has a love-hate relationship with her cat.

5. Is interested in rocks/gems...more specifically geology.

6. If she could she would "grow up" to be everything.

7. Is still madly in love with her husband after five years of marriage.

Frosdaddy:

1. Likes to wear pink.

2. Stares at himself in the mirror...a lot.

3. Has loooong ear hair.

4. Pontificates about the relationship between science and religion.

5. Enjoys washing dishes...but takes him a while.

6. Has warts on the bottom of his feet.

7. Likes jam on his meat.

Ms. I:

1. Loves preschool.

2. On some days doesn't like ballet but likes tap.

3. LOVES my little ponies!

4. Pretends to be Princess Wysteria from Ponyville.

5. Rubs the corner of her Blank (her name for her blanket) over her nose and mouth. (but she also said today that she is going to break that habit.)

6. Wants a pet turtle.

7. Likes to say kiki after her words. "I love you mommy kiki."

Mr. L:

1. LOVES and is OBSESSED with cars.

2. Prefers to grunt over using vocabulary.

3. Will turn on the TV just for the noise.

4. Doesn't like to play in the park unless his elder sister is with him.

5. Is still wearing 12 and 18 month clothes though he is 2 years and three months.

6. Tries to close mom's laptop when he wants her attention.

7. Loves animals.

Ms. G:

1. Loves breast milk.

2. Sleeps a lot.

3. Talks...more than Locke.

4. Likes to poop outside of her diaper.

5. Gives her biggest smiles and giggles to her daddy.

6. Is off the charts as far as weight, height, and bodily measurements.

7. Will have hazel eyes like her mom.

We don't know seven people who haven't done this already.

The Sock Hop

2008-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Frosdaddy and I deejay for the youth dances. Well, he does most the work and I just sit there and ask him to dance....a lot. In September there was a 50's sock hop. I thoroughly did my research on what men and women wore then. Frosdaddy slicked his hair and parted it, tucked in his shirt, folded his pants, and wore loafer look-alikes. I wore a cute fluffy dress, pin curled my hair, wore gloves and pearls, wore the "ballet" shoe WITH socks. (too bad you can't see our legs!) And of course RED lips. Altogether it was a fun night. It was also the night after Frosdaddy's car accident. You can see his hospital band on his wrist still!

Mr. L Lately

2008-10-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Watch this video, if you dare! Mr. L is in his terrible two's and this is what I deal with on a daily basis. I love the kid terribly but he can really drive me bonkers! That and the fact that he (and I) are very frustrated because he can't yet communicate verbally. I figured Ms. G and Ms. I are getting lots of blogging publicity and thought you would like to know what Mr. L is up to...and here it is folks. Presenting: Mr. L and his terrible two tantrum!

Pictures of Ms. I's firsts

2008-10-15T09:39:00.001-07:00

Ms. I's first ballet Class!
Ms. I's first day of school!

(Sorry no pictures of the parade..we forgot the camera!)

Firsts for Ms.I

2008-10-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ms. I has had a whole bunch of new and exciting things happening to her. For one, she started preschool this year. She absolutely loves it. We just had parent-teacher conference...and guess what???? Ms. I IS SHY! I don't think we could tell! (With how she acts at home) But overall is right on track on most things for kindergarten.
She also started ballet. She enjoys it...most of the time. "Ballet is boring. I like tap." But then when I went to watch during parents time ballet looked fun. They did "butterfly wings" and "flower petals". Of course after that day she liked ballet. I guess it just depends on the day.
Finally she was in her first parade. :-( It was hard for me to let her be on the float! Fortunately she was not kidnapped and made it back safely. She was on her dance schools float to kick off the fair. (The fair is lame compared to my hometown county fair). So that is the list of Ms. I's new firsts!

At Home

2008-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

More Visitors

2008-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

We have visitors

2008-07-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Out She Comes!

2008-07-06T17:30:00.001-07:00

On July Fourth we brought into this world the newest addition to our family.

She weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz., huge coming from petite S-Mom.

She measured 21 inches.

The Birth of a Precious Gem

2008-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

S-Mom chose the name for Little Miss G after she had heard Frosdaddy relate that he had baptized a woman with the same name from Scotland, he thought it was a beautiful name and had determined that he would have it in his family. S-Mom fell in love with the name and decided to name her such. The choice was ultimately S-Mom's as she was allowed to name all of the girls and Frosdaddy was allowed to name all of the boys. Unfortunately, because this will most likely be our last child, Frosdaddy will probably not be able to name anymore children (good thing, because he got a little bit carried away by naming Mr. L with four names as apposed to the traditional first, middle and last names). S-Mom fell in love with the name because of its beauty and her affinity for geology.

But, without further adieu, we introduce the newest addition to our family.

Gemma Margaret Rackham

2008-04-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Frosdaddy loves this picture. And I must say, I do too! This is at Mike G's wedding. I love my hubby!

Didn't send out Christmas Cards

2008-04-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Guess what?? We did not send out our Christmas cards! But just to update everyone. We will be moving soon. Currently we are spending toooo much on rent per month. We will be moving to an apartment complex that won't take so much money per month! It is a wee bit smaller that what we live in now but that is OK!

Mr. L wants it

2007-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2007-12-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Rackham Family decided to do a "Harry Potter" theme for Halloween this year. Frosdaddy was Lord Voldemort. S-Mom was Bellatrix Lestrange. Ms. I was our house elf. Mr. L was Nagini. (Yes, the evil side of the HP) We loved dressing up but after the fourth time it got frustrating. Let us just say, glad that Halloween is over! Everyone loved Ms. I's nose and thought Mr.L was a gator.