Happy Halloween!

Train Engineers

My Love Life (Stolen From Amy)

Your Love Life is Like Pretty Woman

"I want the fairy tale" You believe that love is truly blind, unpredictable, and surprising. Two very different people can easily find true love. At least, that is how it will happen when you marry a gorgeous billionaire someday ;-) Your love style: Sensual and flirty Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Surprisingly happy

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

Excitement Wearing Off

Geoff is almost off his runner's high from his great race (see his blog for more details). He's still quick to point out places he's run past. We're so super proud of him. I don't think I would have run in the rain.

My D.C. high is slowly fading, but I'm sure it will resume once I get my books out of the library. I'm going to try to pack as much in as I can into a weekend, fully realizing, I won't see it all. But Geoff is anxious to see Washington too, so perhaps we'll take a family trip out there. Kelly is just as excited as I am. January can't come soon enough.

Elijah has croup. It's been a long time since he had it, and it isn't so bad. The biggest bummer of all is staying inside and away from others. And trying to explain that to him. "You need to rest." "No." All the boys had colds on Monday, I'm the only one who got off scot-free. Miles is over his, Geoff is almost over his, and as I said, Elijah got croup.

Now for the best news of all.... Miles is sleeping like a normal kid again! Hallelujah! He's still waking up at night, but only once or twice. So I feel back to myself.

Well, Elijah wants to watch Mulan, again. So I have to go. I'll close with a quote from the movie.

Yao: I'll get that arrow, pretty boy, and I'll do it with my shirt *on*.

Mrs. Armstrong Goes To Washington

I'm going to Washington, D.C. baby! Going to see Kelly in January!

My Life (Stolen From Brody)

MY STORY.

Hi, my name is:
Melissa

but you can call me:
Melissa, Melissius, M

Never in my life have I:
eaten lobster

The one person who can drive me nuts is:
almost anyone has the possibility

My high school is:
far away

When I’m nervous:
I touch my face

The last song I listened to was:
Solsbury Hill

If I were to get married right now it would be to:
Geoff again, somewhere fun or warm

My hair is:
in need of a change

When I was 4:
I was smaller

Last Christmas:
was a hoot, despite the blizzard

I should be:
getting dressed

When I look down I see:
my warm robe

The happiest recent event was:
hanging out with the Gustafsons

If I were a character on ‘Friends’ :
I'd hope I'd be getting money from the reruns

By this time next year:
the kids will be older

My current gripe is:
too much coverage of the Rockies, not enough about the marathon

I have a hard time understanding:
Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize

There’s these girls:
and they have a reality show, why?

If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be:
Geoff, then Lisa or my mom (whoever answered their phone first)

I want to buy:
all my Christmas gifts now, so I can ship them off.

I plan to visit:
Washington, D.C. as soon as I can

If you spent the night at my house:
you might be cold, I need more blankets!

The world could do without:
a certain trashy company, who I won't give more press to. But you've probably heard me complain about them

Most recent thing I’ve bought myself:
my new Gap jeans. I love them

Most recent thing someone else bought me:
I don't even know. My MIL bought us an umbrella for our patio table, that would have to be it.

My middle name is:
June

In the morning I:
I ignore the sounds of kids waking, hoping Geoff will deal with it.

Last night I was:
cold

There’s this guy I know who:
is WAY into comics, it's Brody!

If I was an animal I’d be a:
cat, sleeping all day

A better name for me would be:
Melissa is okay

Tomorrow I am:
probably doing the same thing as today

Tonight I am:
hopefully going to the gym

My birthday is:
in 89 Days. What are you getting me?

Missing Papa

Papa & me


Geoff, Papa & me, 1999

I Don't Want To Talk About It

It's funny, you would think that having a blog, I'd want to share more than enough information with you. But frankly, there are some things I want to keep private, and the reason for that is bad information.

I don't want to share some things that are personal because people misinterpret them and then pass along this info wrong. And I don't want things getting twisted or shared with people who don't know me.

Anyways, that being said, I have some stuff going on, and I don't want to talk about it. I'm dealing with it.

Onto lighter things.

Kevin was here this week. We filled him up with yummy home cooked food, then Wednesday night, rather than the Bull & Bush, we opted for the closer (and still yummy) McCabe's Irish Pub. He & Elijah got even closer, and I think they both are looking forward to future playdates.

Did I mention I get to see Cindy this month? I couldn't be happier about that.

Tuesday we went to the zoo. It was pretty busy (free day), but we didn't notice the crowds until we got to Polar Bears (one of my favs) and we could barely move the stroller. At that point Miles was ready to leave, so we pushed through there, glanced at the giraffes on our way to the exit and drove home. I think we'll consider a yearly pass, then we can go whenever we want and it won't be so busy.

I'm already trying to practice getting pics of the boys for Christmas, here's my best attempt at getting them to sit near each other and smile.



Oh, and Geoff wanted me to post this picture of someone he found in the lawn two weeks ago.


Sunday is Geoff's big race. Go on his blog or his facebook wall and wish him good luck.

I'm gonna close with a quote from Arrested Development.

Lucille: The company is in danger.
Michael: What tipped you off? The falling profit margins or the fact that we're a regular feature on Bill O'Reilly's most ridiculous item of the day?

October

We've had a few days already where it feels like fall. Our tree in the backyard has nearly lost all its leaves. And Geoff has already bought a second snow shovel, since you never know.

I've been feeling really worn down the last two weeks. Miles hasn't been sleeping well, and it's taking a toll on me. Pray for me, and for Miles to start sleeping better. Thankfully last night he only woke once.

A busy week ahead. Tomorrow I'm taking the boys to the zoo, and Wednesday I have to take Honey Cat to the vet for her check-up. Kevin is working here this week, so he's crashing with us. We'll try to do a dinner out on Wednesday night, perhaps to the Bull & Bush Pub. Haven't been back there in probably two years, so it will be neat.

Geoff has his marathon on Sunday, and he's convinced it's going to snow. Snow I can deal with, if it rains, I'll be upset. In the event of rain, we might not make it to watch. I just can't wrangle kids, umbrellas, and a sign.

The end of the month with bring Diane & Grandma Joyce here. This will be the first time Grandma Joyce will meet her two great grandkids. I'm very happy for her, as who knows when we would make it up to Ottawa.

Also at the end of the month is Kevin & Alison's move. I am excited for that, and we've already welcomed them (and Kevin's mom) to join us for Thanksgiving.

Speaking of which, Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian family & friends.

I'm going to close with a quote from Anchorman.

Ron Burgundy: Boy, that escalated quickly... I mean, that really got out of hand fast.
Champ Kind: It jumped up a notch.
Ron Burgundy: It did, didn't it?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, I stabbed a man in the heart.
Ron Burgundy: I saw that. Brick killed a guy. Did you throw a trident?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, there were horses, and a man on fire, and I killed a guy with a trident.
Ron Burgundy: Brick, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safehouse or a relative close by. Lay low for a while, because you're probably wanted for murder.

October Birthdays

September had no birthdays (save for my girlfriend Amy), so here is October's list.

Birthday wishes to Jen & Kaisara! Have a great year!

September

Man this month has felt so long. I'm ready for a new one.

My cousin Rhonda says Grandpa is looking good. Praise God, because I was playing Worst Case Scenario in my head and it was no fun. Since the little one has no passport, the only option would be to drive to Canada. And a road trip just the two of us did not appeal to me at all!

Needless to say, it has given me the kick in the butt to finally apply for his passport. I've had the application sitting on my counter for a few months. We're going to go take the picture today.

Haven't done much this week. Worried about Grandpa, Elijah had a fever off and on for 2 days (probably tooth related), Miles got another tooth. Yesterday we went to Nature Center, and Elijah was not interested in paying attention at all. But he still likes gymnastics. Monday will be his last class, so we will have to talk about whether we will sign him up again.

Have I mentioned how excited I am that Twin Peaks is finally being released on DVD (October 30)? We're talking the whole series, plus pilot, plus extras! The only downside is the price. I gotta save my pennies. But in honor of that, I'll close with a quote from it.

Sheriff Truman: Jelly donuts?
Dale Cooper: Harry, that goes without saying.

In God's Hands

Okay, so here's the situation.

My Grandpa is in the hospital and had surgery today. As I understand it they couldn't do the surgery they wanted, so they had to go to plan B. He is currently trying to recover, but they don't have a room for him. There is someone else ahead of him waiting on a room. I picture an episode of House when the girl had to have a lumbar puncture in a hallway because there were no rooms.

This is the quality health care Michael Moore is trying to sell you. :)

Sigh. Just keep my Grandpa John, and the family in your prayers.

**Updated at 9pm**
Grandpa has a room in ICU and is recovery. Mom says his color looks okay, he was sleeping so she didn't speak with him. Keep praying.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Elijah must have Daddy's holiday spirit, because the last two weeks he's been asking when we can get a Christmas tree. Those who don't know, I'm married to a loony who sings Christmas songs year round. God bless him, he's a good man, I can't help but love him (looniness and all).

It's official, Kevin & Alison are moving here! They'll pack up their life in SoCal and move here in November.




A new store opened up at Southlands, The Cookie Company. So I went to check it out yesterday, buying 4 cookies in an attempt to get an idea of what they offer. The lady even threw in 3 day olds for free. They were all tasty, so I will definitely go back, as well as hype it to the locals. The store originated in Nebraska, this is it's first location outside of that state.

In tv news, Psych is done until January, Burn Notice isn't coming back until next summer, and House is back on Tuesday. The BN finale was really good, it's going to be a long wait. If you didn't see it this season, you should try and catch the show. I think Mike would like it, it co-stars an actor he likes, Bruce Campbell. But mostly people watch it for Jeffrey Donovon who is awesome (and easy on the eyes)


I'll close with a quote from Burn Notice.

Sam: Here ya go, Doug: my lucky vest.
Michael: It'll look great over my shirt.
Doug: Thanks.
Sam: It's a little worn, but it'll do the trick.
Doug: Are these bullet holes?
Sam: Yeah, I broke it in for ya

Man Survey (Stolen From Amy)

1. Who is your man?
Geoffrey

2. How long have you been together?
12 years

3. Dating/Engaged/Married?
Married 10 years

4. How old is your man?
Big 3-0

5. What’s his middle name?
Stuart

♥You or your man♥

1. Who eats more?
He does. I eat smaller meals.

2. Who said “I love you” first?
Eep, I don't remember. Maybe me.

3. Who weighs more?
He does, by about 30 lbs.

4. Who sings better?
Me, but he ain't too shabby.

5. Who’s older?
Me, by 3 months (to the day)

6. Who’s smarter?
which one has a PhD? You tell me. :)

DIFFERENT WAYS
7. Who’s temper is worse?
ha ha, I pick him.

8. Who does the laundry?
ha ha ha, lucky me.

9. Who does the dishes?
Usually me.

10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
How do you decide which is the right side? If you are looking at the bed, it's me.

11. Who’s feet are bigger?
Geoff's.

12. Who’s hair is longer?
Me, by a long shot.

13. Who’s better with the computer?
Geoff

14. Who mows the lawn?
Boy's work, Geoff does it.

15. Who pays the bills?
We pay bills? Geoff does.

16. Who cooks dinner?
We take turns.

17. Who drives when you are together?
We take turns with that too. Depends on where and how far we're going.

18. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
Geoff, unless he's holding the kids.

19. Who’s the most stubborn?
Me, I think.

20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
Me, I think.

21. Who’s parents do you see more?
Geoff's, but we only see our parents once or twice a year.

22. Who named your dog?
No dog yet, but Honey Cat already had a name and it suited her.

23. Who kissed who first?
He kissed me first.

24. Who asked who out?
I think I prompted him to ask me.

26. Who’s more sensitive?
He is, I'm a robot.

27. Who’s taller?
Geoff

28. Who has more friends?
Me!

29. Who has more siblings?
We each have one sibling.

30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
He does, but like Amy says, girls pants are nicer.

Yay, and Ugh

Let's get the Ugh out of the way. I'm super tired, I have been for days. Haven't been getting enough good sleep. Miles has been waking up at 4am, and he's hungry. Add to that a few nights of not getting to bed before 11:30am, and it makes for a run down Mommy. Now I have a sore throat, and it's either

A) a result of not enough sleep or
B) allergies.

Let's talk about Yay. Kevin & Ali came out to visit this weekend. I had to keep that secret until they told their folks (a few days before they came). I think they had a great time. Reason for the trip? A possible job transfer for Kevin. So now we're praying the two of them take the plunge. Kevin was totally in love in Colorado (who wouldn't be), and Ali even got some possible job leads. Also, they have another friend who lives in Denver. Pretty exciting stuff.

Geoff needs lodging for his California trip next month. For dates or to offer him a spare bed, contact him. Or even if you want to join him for a night out to Vegas.

I'm hoping to add pictures on Shutterfly today or tomorrow. Amy & I are meeting up this week for alone time, no kids! And I have errands I want to do this week.

I'm going to close with a quote from 28 Days.

Betty: Tonight's lecture: "What's wrong with celebrating sobriety by getting drunk?"

Dee Dee Dee

That's the sound of life going along.

Last week, we went out to the Nature Center again. It's becoming a regular Thursday for us. On Saturday the boys and I walked up to Southlands, and Geoff met us there after his run. I was able to get a new pair of jeans, since I only own two pairs of pants. I'm down to my smallest size ever (as an adult). I can't explain it. Breastfeeding and exercise. I'm donating all my old clothes to the Denver Rescue Mission. I hope that I won't ever get that big again. I am holding onto my maternity clothes though. Just in case.

For lunch on Saturday, we attempted paninis. Yumm-o! Some chicken & provolone on french bread. All it needed would have been pesto to be divine.

This morning, Elijah had his first gymnastics class. I'll try to get some pictures next week. Wasn't sure how it would play out, and now that I know, I should be able to snap a few next time. He spent a lot of time running around, and we'll practice some of the things he learned. It's pretty laid back, only 8 kids in the class.

I'm going to close with a quote from A Bug's Life. I nearly have it memorized.

Rosie: So that's how my twelfth husband died. So, now I'm a widow. Well, I've always been a black widow, so now I'm a black widow widow.

How Are You?

We're okay. I was super angry the rest of that drive home, and maybe for 10 minutes after that. Mostly because I felt like there was nothing I could do to this guy's driving record. Geoff said even if we took him to small claims court, the only witness was a homeless girl, and the judge would say, "why would he be backing up when he's pulling a trailer?", and my answer would be "EXACTLY!"

So Steve McQueen has only sustained a bent license plate frame. It all happened so slowly. It was much scarier this winter when I drove Gary into a snowbank during the blizzard season.

Elijah has a cold, so we're trying to hang out here and keep his germs confined. If he's better by Thursday, we'll go to the Nature Center.

Geoff bought his ticket for Erich's wedding in October. I so wish I was going too, but there is no money for that. I know the family (i.e.- Kroliks) will take good care of him. Now will I survive 5 days as a single mom of two?

I'll close with a quote from Wild Wild West.

Artemus Gordon: Oh, look. My auxiliary tool kit, I forgot all about it. It must have fallen out of my pocket.
Capt. James West: Your pocket? Why wasn't it on some spring-loaded contraption that shoots out your ass?
Artemus Gordon: That's the first place Loveless would have looked.

Dear Idiot

An open letter to the idiot from Ohio who doesn't know how to drive.

Dear Sir,
Thanks for visiting Colorado. Did you have a nice visit? I can see you drove a distance to get here, going so far as to pull your trailer too. Did you know that you need special mirrors to see past your vehicle as well as your trailer? Did you know that you are to NEVER back up when you are pulling a trailer? Were you aware you were so caught up in your conversation/your radio/whatever that you didn't hear me blaring my horn at you?

Thank you so much for backing your trailer into my car. Thank you for startling myself and my children with your careless driving. But most of all, thank you for not even bothering to see what damage you did to my car. You just continued your trip on your merry way.

Incidentally, you have dented my front license plate, and I have recorded your license plate number. Not really sure what I'm going to do with it, perhaps send a letter to your state police letting them know you are out there driving, giving the people of Ohio a good reputation.

You suck.

Angrily Yours,
Melissa Armstrong

Slow

So I've been slacking on blogging because the home laptop died. So it cut my time on the computer by half. a good thing? maybe, but I feel like I'm missing things I was able to do before.

Anyways, here's what my week looked like. Monday was supposed to go to the dr, and having it get cancelled 45 minutes beforehand through off my whole schedule for the boys. Elijah didn't nap as planned, it took me 2 hours to convince him he had to. Kinds stressful. Wednesday we had Miles' dr appt and my rescheduled appt. Elijah spent Miles' appt at Marian's and had a blast. Thursday we went to Monkey Bizness with Amy & Caley, instead of the Nature Center. Monkey Bizness is like an indoor gym, a big room filled with inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses.


Playing with Caley

This weekend we have no big plans, Geoff has to work on Monday. Otherwise, I'd love to get down to Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs. I may settle for a trip to Peet's in honor of Peet's founder, and Starbucks influencer, Alfred Peet who passed away this week.

I'm gonna close with a quote from Red Dwarf. In honor of Miles, who has given me the gift of a 4am wake up call two days in a row.

The Cat: You're thinking negative. Think of all the glorious and wonderful possibilities about having children.
Lister: Like?
The Cat: Like when they grow up and leave home.

What To Say?

Gee, not much to share. Thursday we made it back to the Nature Center. Friday we took a family trip up to Boulder to attend a going away party for someone Geoff knew. That was kinda fun, it was at the place where Geoff goes running in Boulder. He took the boys on a short hike. It was a picnic potluck. When we departed, we had a deer walk out in front of the car. It wasn't in any danger of us hitting it, thank goodness.

The weekend was pretty laidback. Saturday night, we had both boys in bed by 7pm. Crazy huh? We partied it up by watching a movie. Then once 10:30pm came, Miles was waking up twice an hour until 5am. I don't know what his issue was, but I fed him at 5, then the two of us slept until 8:30am.

I started working on Miles' stocking, and I'm making good progress.

On tap for this week, doctor appointments for Miles and myself. I'll likely aim to get out to the Nature Center again.

I'm going to close with a quote from Meet The Fockers.

Bernie Focker: Do you want me to be macho wacho?
Greg Focker: Dad, have I ever said the words macho wacho to you?

Whoo-hoo!

So, as I mentioned in a previous post, I started an REI wishlist. Friday I sent an email to family letting them know we are planning to take the boys camping next summer, but we lack several camping needs. I heard back from someone and they are buying us the tent and coordinating footprint. How cool is that? That was the biggest item we needed, so now it makes the rest of the stuff more obtainable with gift cards, me thinks. :)

We did go up into the mountains yesterday to check out the outlet stores in Silverthorne. Not many good buys to be found, but we did visit The Smiling Moose Deli, and had a delicious lunch. Funny thing is their only Denver location is right across from Geoff's old hospital. Maybe the sandwich was so good he'll get his buds together and they'll take the shuttle there for lunch.

Marian offered to babysit one night for us, so I hope to take her up on it soon. Really all she has to do is hang out here after the kids go to sleep, so she said she'd bring her books to read.

I'm gonna close with a quote from Psych. You're watching it, because it's an awesome show!

Shawn: He's not going to kill us, right? I mean people change. We haven't seen him since the 5th grade.
Gus: I don't need to see him Shawn! Some people are just born evil. The kid from the Omen, the Children from the Corn, Chad Michael Murray.