The Price Crew Diaries

Youngest Wedding Preview...

2009-07-24T13:35:00.002-05:00

Why do I think this will be a preview of the youngest's wedding entrance when the time comes? Hmmm, go figure...

Enjoy!

2009-06-10T14:13:00.007-05:00

The Butt Juice Incident...

2009-04-12T14:10:00.003-05:00

Last day at my sister's, things are (supposedly) settling down. From what to my wondering ears should I hear, but children, downstairs screaming when they've been sent to be sleeping...

Apparently, the youngest "butt juiced" the middle's pillow. Yes, the pillow case had been touched by bare butt action. After appropriately discussing how this should not happen, I offered the middle child the youngest's pillow. The response?

Middle: No thanks. I put boogers all over that one...

Why did I have children again? Oh yeah, because their "cute".

Trip to the store...

2009-04-09T20:12:00.003-05:00

So, hanging with the cousins this week (Gray family) for spring break. The middle child and the nearest cousin convince me they should go to Target to buy a video game. Now, I know my child has money for the game, but the cousin? Not really sure on the cash situation and/or their parents willingness to allow the purchase. Being the good uncle, I decide it doesn't matter what they think (I mean, I'm only here for a couple more days anyway, right?). So, I check on the cash situation...

Me: So, do you have cash for this game?
Cousin: Well, I have a $40 gift card. That should be enough and if not, I have some money so it should be fine.

Now, the "it should be fine" part frazzled me, but you know, I decided to take the chance. At the checkout, here is the story...

Checkout lady: The total will be $30.50. How would you like to pay?
Cousin: Here is a gift card. One of these has $40 on it. (hands one of two gift cards over)
Checkout lady: Well, it isn't this one. This one only has $0.14 on it. (Takes the other card). Nope, not this one either. This one has $4.00 on it. You're total is
Cousin: Hmm. Well, here's this (hands a wad of cash). It's $21.00...

(right about now I'm smacking my forehead)

Cousin: I'd have more if my uncle had let me bring the change...I had $4.00 in change...

(Checkout lady rolling her eyes at me...we've both done the math and it don't add up...needless to say, the little urchin owes me money...)

Things a parent should never have to say to a child...

2009-04-09T20:10:00.003-05:00

Me: Child, please stop licking yourself...

Yes, it was nearly as wrong as it sounds...the child determined good manners to be licking kool-aid off the arm at a tea party...

Proud to have that as my child... :)

OK, even I'm tired of the snow...

2009-04-06T23:17:00.003-05:00

The two youngest and I are in Michigan for spring break...what do we get? SNOW. The youngest is the only one of the bunch who is actually enjoying this...I mean, it's April for cripes sake...

Addicted

2009-03-07T18:35:00.002-05:00

I realize I am behind the times a bit here, but I just recently made a facebook page. I had no idea how much fun it would be. Love catching up with people and old friends. I find it to be quite the addiction. I hear it does ease up a bit with time, but for right now, I can't go very long without checking it......Is there a program for this?

SNOW!!!!

2009-03-02T10:01:00.002-05:00

Now I realize, to most of you, this has been a picture of normalcy and torture for the past few months, however, here in GA it's a novelty! Yesterday we got about 4 inches of snow all through out the Atlanta area. Yup, pretty much shut the city down. The kids had a blast playing in it. Though, we are no longer prepared for this kind of weather, so our flimsy gloves and hats had a lot of bouts with the dryer. I did realize just how foreign snow is to our parts when I noticed the 2 neighbor boys were down playing in our yard with just CROCS on.....not the fuzzy ones either! Ok, so we are a little out of touch, but much fun and much hot chocolate was had yesterday. Unfortunately, the snow is mostly gone and the kids had to go to school today.....grumping all the way!

The best

2009-02-09T09:49:00.002-05:00

My hubby is the best!!!! My kids are the best!!! I had the best weekend/birthday!!! I have the best friends!!! As earlier posted, the hubby, family, and friends all surprised me with a surprise visit in GA. It was so nice to see Bean and Ann...not to mention the hysterical laughter, shenanigans, funny pics, libations! :) , fun neighbors and family, bonfires, etc.....

I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. I love you all!!! xoxoxoxox

Again?!?!?!

2009-02-08T21:53:00.002-05:00

The youngest came home from school on Friday with a beautiful shiner. When asked:

Oldest: How'd that happen?
Youngest: I hit a pole at school...
(Entire family): AGAIN?!?!?

Needless to say, it wasn't the first time and isn't expected to be the last. Tomorrow, the child is going to school wearing safety glasses...

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

2009-02-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

This year, things were kind of hectic for the wife's birthday. Thankfully, I thought ahead. My sister and my wife's best friend Bean were able to trek down for some celebrating. They flew in for the weekend, and it was a total surprise for the wife. I took the day off of work, we went for a nice lunch and were supposed to go to the museum. Unfortunately, that couldn't happen due to timing, which the wife handled well.

However, all through lunch, the yahoos were texting me. "I'm on the plane." "Can't find Bean". Yadda, yadda, yadda. Thankfully, the wife thought it was work, so rather than get suspicious, she got mad. This was cleared up after dinner. Susan wasn't even sure we were going to the airport until we were almost parked, at which time, she started looking for packed bags. When I parked in an hourly spot, she knew we must be picking someone up...but still no idea who. When the girls came up the escalator with b-day hats and horns blaring, it was complete. The moment was so touching, that others waiting for someone started clapping. It was nice, and topped off by an even better weekend. So, with HUGE thanks to the girls and their families, it was wonderful.

Happy birthday Baby!!!

Chore Day...

2009-02-01T10:27:00.002-05:00

Oldest: Dad!!! Come get your shoes!!!
Me: I'm busy. Leave me alone or I'm gonna put a foot up your Ass!!! (ala Red Foreman on "That 70's Show)
Oldest: I hope you don't leave your shoes there too!!!

Needless to say, the oldest is still running and the wife is still laughing. Oh, happy days.

Happy Sweet 16!!!

2009-01-20T16:27:00.003-05:00

The oldest turned 16 today!!! Personally, I never thought it'd happen as the child is definitely the "Mouth of the South", however, she was just cute enough to make it all the way. No, she's not driving yet, but that will happen soon enough.

In the meantime, happy birthday to a wonderful young woman. Your mother and I are very proud of you and the person you have become.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND LET THE BEATINGS BEGIN!!!

Dawn of a new day...

2009-01-20T16:10:00.002-05:00

****begin soapbox****
Depending on your view point, today is either the dawn of a new day, or just another day in the life. History was made today either way - the first black President was installed. To me, before his speech, I felt it was just another day and time would tell whether this President was the stuff that our modern day legends are making him out to be. After the speech? I'm not sure. I do feel more motivated and invigorated by the speech than any other I've heard short of John F. Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" speech. In much the same way, that was the message. In much the same way, that's what we must do to succeed. I believe hard choices are coming and hard choices will be made. I believe we are about to see the end of social security (which isn't necessarily bad...I can't think of anyone around my age who believes it will be there for us anyway). I believe many other things taken for granted will be gone.

I believe however, that this is a means to an end, but not THE means to the end. By cutting ineffective programs, we will stem the flood. But until people realize they need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and others decide to help in that process, our own worst fears will continue. I believe in time we'll find out if Barack is a good leader. I believe today however, he proved to be the correct leader at the correct time and his speech did as much to boost that confidence and pride as any I've ever heard.
****end soapbox****

HOT Vacation locations...

2009-01-04T20:46:00.002-05:00

The wife and I decided to discuss potential vacation spots with the children the other day. Usual locations came to mind - head home, go to Cedar Pointe, sand dunes, etc. One unusual location came up however - to go to the Sahara so we could have raw goat testicles and become real men. Apparently, the rest of our family is happy not being real men (especially since most of them are women); we passed on this opportunity. Thanks so much for the idea Bear Grylz.

Things to remember about 2009...

2008-12-29T17:24:00.002-05:00

For us, as I'm sure for many of you, this has been a crazy year. There have been many personal ups and downs as well as those within our communities and nation. Below are some which I want to make note of for the future:

The Highs:
- Meeting Ted Lindsay
- Seeing hockey games at Joe Louis Arena again
- Listening to the middle play violin
- Watching the youngest in chorus
- Watching the youngest recapture enjoyment in playing soccer
- No more travelling for work
- Barak Obama becoming President
- Hillary Clinton NOT becoming President
- Watching the oldest become a nice young adult
- The Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup
- Finally finishing the basement to a useable state

The Lows:
- Missing the NHL All Star game in Atlanta
- My Dad being sick
- My Mom having surgery
- The wife's step Dad having double knee replacement
- The wife's Grandma being sick
- The Detroit Lions going 0-16 and STILL keeping their current President and GM
- Too much work related travel this year
- The economic and housing market meltdown

Obviously, you can tell that all things considered, we've had an exceptionally good year, with less concerns about the lows and truly being able to enjoy the high points. Hopefully this trend continues for us all next year - not just our crew, but yours too!!! In the meantime, feel free to drop comments on whatever I missed or what are the memorable points with your year!

Neighborhood Corruptors...

2008-12-28T09:25:00.002-05:00

Apparently, we are the fun household. We had the neighborhood over for an X-mas party on Christmas eve (previous post can be found here). Some of the guests are our neighbors from Florida. Now, these two are very sweet. They do however try to torture me and the wife with running with them, which wouldn't necessarily be all bad, but they are running 5 k and I have trouble running to the bathroom...bygones.

Anyway, we ran into these two yesterday and they proceeded to inform us they had a good time on X-mas eve (perhaps a bit too good a time). We in turn described our Wii injuries as badges of honor. In the end, they're coming for New Years...and I have a new project for 2009. Let the corruption begin!!!

See, I figure I either have to corrupt them to my level or hit them with a car, and not only are they nice, but I don't want to harm my car...its paid off... ;)

Delayed post...

2008-12-28T09:13:00.003-05:00

I've been remiss in posting for far too long as you'll be able to tell by this post, but I have some things to bring everyone up to speed on...

Back in October, I took a trip to help my mother after a surgery, (yes, she's doing fine). To thank my sister for her help, I took her and her family to Joe Louis arena for a Detroit hockey game. There just is no place like the Joe for a game. While there, I met Mr. Ted Lindsay - a HUGE hockey hero. Very nice time. This experience did mean however that we needed to take the children to the Joe (especially since they are talking about tearing it down). So, while the family and I were up for Turkey day, we made plans to go to the Joe for a game. In all, there were 11 of us who went and it was everything we'd promised the children.

It was a blast. In summary, its been a good year. Happy Turkey Day, Merry Ho Ho and here's hoping you all have a great 2009.

Wii are idiots...and Wii are not addicted...

2008-12-28T09:05:00.002-05:00

Warning: Wii automatically tries to make the least patient more patient...which ultimately causes sporadic eruptions of anger...very worried about the TV around the middle child...

Wii injuries make you feel like you are elderly...wait, maybe I am...at least middle aged elderly...CRAP!!!

Wii snowboarding gives you delusions of granduer...it makes you feel like you could actually snow board...Dang you Shawn White!!!!

Wii rabbits are cute and cuddly...especially when being shot by toilet plungers (see Raving Rabbits 1 and 2)...

Game total: in 3 days, we've played over 25 hours...this is not breaking the group games into individual time (4 players for 1 hour should be 4 hours - many of the games are group) but just clock time and 3 800 mg Motrin (for the wife...I just deal with the pain...LOUDLY)

Wii did however get gold in group snowboarding...Mii going to get my coffee so Mii can practice some more...need to get better at the grinding rails...Wii have another target to hit...

Very Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T07:39:00.002-05:00

Christmas was very merry here in the Price household. We started our celebrations with a great neighborhood get together Christmas Eve night. A lot of our neighbors are transplants to the GA area just like ourselves, so I thought it'd be great fun to have a party at our house, and it was. We counted over 30 people at one point! Good friends, good food, good times, and REALLY good sangria Angie made!

Believe it or not, I was the first one up on Christmas, but I get so darn excited about the gifts we get the kids, I can't help it. So after going to bed at 2am, we were up at 6:30 am for gifts. Lots of ohhs and ahhs and AWESOMES were heard. But the best came when, seemingly, all the gifts had been opened, and we asked the kids if they got all they wished for. They were more than happy with all they had, but we had another surprise for them in the basement! They go racing down the stairs to find the Wii, Wii Fit and several games.

WOO HOO!! The kids love it, I love it, hubby loves it........hubby and I are in great pain! I am told it is called Wii arm, and after a week it will get better. Great games, and so much fun, but man am I out of shape!!! Hubby is addicted to the wii fit board with the Shaun White snowboarding and his knee is killing him.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas too!!!

Karma

2008-12-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

Karma has run my ass over.....and not even 24 hours after my snotty blog. We woke up to 40 degree weather today with a low of 18 tonight! Just thought I'd share. xoxoxox

I'm evil!

2008-12-20T20:36:00.002-05:00

I'm evil, and I know it......tee hee hee he! I realize most of the folks that read our blog are currently under many inches/feet of snow, negative wind chill factors, blizzard watch/warnings, ice storms, but here in GA at 8pm, I am wearing shorts with the windows open! It has been in the low 70's for the past few days. To prove I am evil, I took a pic of the thermometer in my car and sent it to my sis in law in MI! She sure can talk like a truck driver! HEE HEE HEE HEE!

Christmas hedge

2008-12-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

This year is our first year with an artificial Christmas tree. I have always been a "real tree" girl, however, the middle child is very allergic. It took us 2 years to figure out why she was having asthma attacks 1 week after the tree went up, and until 1 week after it was taken down. We got it now. So, being the "real tree" lover that I am, I went online and found this highly recommended website and ordered a really nice 10ft tree with both white and color lights. It arrived it 2 huge 70lb. boxes! I was so excited.....then we tried to put it up this weekend. These things are like a giant puzzle. There was supposed to be 5 pieces....only got 4. To make it funnier looking, we also got 2 of the same size. So, missing the top and 2 of the same. I was quite disappointed at first, but had to laugh when the hubby took the tree topper I bought special for it and still placed it on top of the pipe that was to hold the top portion of the tree.....thus.....The Christmas Hedge! Ok, we didn't leave it up, it was promptly taken back to the basement, (sorry hubby for the sore back) and off to Home Depot we went to get a cheapie tree which we can use in the basement next year.

My hero!!!

2008-11-19T22:34:00.002-05:00

Hubby, you are my hero!!! You fixed the washing machine! He seems to take offense to my obvious awe of him fixing the washing machine, but he shouldn't. It isn't because I didn't think you were capable of it, it is the fact that I won't have to go back to the SCARY laundrymat. Have you noticed there aren't any, what I would call, nice laundrymats? At least that is how it is here in GA. Not to mention, it is really expensive. For us to wash not even a whole weeks worth of clothes, it was 28.00. Yikes! It was pretty funny though, the little Asian lady who spoke almost no English, was really worried I'd break the washers. Apparently I looked inexperienced, or looked as frightened as I felt. She put all my quarters in my 7 washing machines, @ 2.50 at load, that was a lot of quarters. But she didn't trust me after I got the first one all clogged up with quarters and she had to jam them out with an old butter knife! LOL. Then in order to further protect her washing machines after watching me put soap in the first machine she put the soap in the remaining machines as well. I am not used to the front load machines, she kept saying "too much, too much....I do" LOL. Thank goodness our machine is back up and running, I don't think the laundrymat lady could stand it if I had to come very often. You are the best hubby!!!!!

Please tell me.....

2008-11-16T07:01:00.003-05:00

Please tell me things go bad in 3's and not more. Recently it seems as if the appliances are all deciding to die at the same time. About a month ago, the dryer died, it actually ate a piece of my daughters clothing which I ended up cutting out with scissors. The repair man came, saw, ordered part, and 260.00 later, fixed the 6 yr. old dryer. Ok, then starting last weekend, my van began to leak and run hot. Hubby checked it out and concluded it wasn't a major fluid loss, ie. coolant, oil, transmission fluid. So off Bessie ( van's name) went to the mechanic only to be diagnosed with a leaking water pump, plus some stuff that sounds like jibberish to me, all to the tune of 723.00. I really wish you could sit down with appliances and explain to them that Christmas is just around the corner and they really must just suck it up and wait to misbehave until March. Yet, I have tried this and it falls on deaf ears!
Last night I popped a load of wash in before we were going to watch a family show. We were about to start the show when we hear this LOUD bang. Like someone slammed the door or dropped something really heavy, but everyone was downstairs. When I checked in on the washing, the whole entire drum had fallen down! Holy moley, didn't see that one coming. Today we get to hand dip the water out of the tub and fish our clothes out of the water and see what this ones going to cost! I really must have another chat with these appliances and show them who's boss!!!!