Organisms (Minus The "-ni-")

(Disclaimer: I've accepted a challenge to write a post per day on my blog. The writing prompt for today is to discuss a school memory.)

In seventh grade, Mrs. Buchanan had a substitute teacher for her science class. We all had to go around the room and read paragraphs in our textbook. Eventually, we ran out of students to read, so the substitute read the text herself.

When the word "organisms" came up (of which there were quite a few occurrences), the substitute teacher pronounced the word "orgasms."

I don't think I knew, in seventh grade, exactly what an orgasm was, but I knew it was sexually, and I knew it was not "organisms."

I remember that one other kid caught the error, and we kept looking at each other every time she said it. Which, inevitably, made us laugh so hard that the teacher asked us what was funny. (But she continued to pronounce the word as "orgasm." Repeatedly.)

Eventually, she sent me out into the hallway. Of course, as a shy, goody-goody kid, I was horrified. Nonetheless, when she finally came out into the hallway to reprimand me, I was still laughing. Pretty sure I peed a little.

I couldn't bring myself to tell her why I was laughing so hard. I didn't even try to lie and make up an excuse.

For me, "organisms" = "orgasms." Always.

As I Write...

As I write this, my husband is driving away.

(Writing has always been my comfort. No matter how long I've forsaken it.)

Maybe I shouldn't sound so melodramatic.

We're starting a new adventure. It's an adventure.

Zeb was offered a job that we're both really excited about (and I'm so proud of him!). So he'll be training for six months, and then after that, we'll be our little family again in... Billings, Montana! Yes, it's cold there. Yes, it's far away, but we're excited to try a place neither of us has ever lived (or been to).

Zeb will only be six hours away while he's training, so we'll be able to visit each other occasionally, but it didn't make it any easier to see him drive away this morning.

I'm so thankful that we're around family while he's away.

My theories on repotting still stand true. So now we know -- we'll be settling those roots in Big Sky Country!

As I write this, I hear a gander of Canadian Geese flying south for the colder months ahead. When Zeb's finished with his training, they'll be heading north again.

Eight Months!

Geez, our kiddo is eight months old already! Time flies, my friends.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather today with an outdoor photo shoot.

Here are some photos!

Finn was having fun today, so I got some pretty good shots of him -- couldn't decide which ones to post!

Let's talk about this month's Acorns and Squirrel Onesie by Margaret. Definitely my favorite, MQG! I absolutely love it.

Since the last time I posted, Finn:

-- has bedtime figured out! Tonight he didn't even cry when I put him to bed, and he's been sleeping through the night for a while now. (Hallelujah.) The trick? Routine, routine, routine. (Dinner, bathtime, bedtime.) And lots of the "Crying It Out" technique which darn near ripped my heart out for a couple of nights. But it was worth it! Now we're all happier and more well-rested.

-- got a new tooth! He now has four teeth -- two on top, two on bottom.

-- grinds those new teeth together. All the time. Like nails on a chalkboard.

-- makes a silly grin. It's a hammy, teeth-showing, eyes-squinting grin that cracks me up. His humor and personality is really starting to show up!

-- is eating more and more real food. He's getting tired of the ol' pureed stuff. He wants to chew with those new teeth. Tonight's new food: broccoli. He's a fan (like his mama).

-- is so close to standing up by himself. He does every now and then, then thinks about what he's doing, and sits down.

He's such a fun little guy, and we love him so much! So thankful for that fella.

Seven Months (and counting... )

So... I need to post these before Finn is 8 months old next week. (Yeesh.) But we had a rough time of it with this photo shoot. Not a smile was cracked. Not a laugh was chuckled. 

Yes, it was right before nap time, and yes, I kept thinking I'd shoot them again. But you know, busy doesn't even begin to describe life with a super active seven- (almost eight-) month-old. Man, I thought I'd experienced enough as a nanny to know what it would be like to have a kid, but no. No, I was mistaken.

So I give you, the Seven Month Photos. All five of the ones that were halfway decent. 

This month, Finn:

-- has learned to wave and say, "Hey!" I kid you not. I know he's mimicking us/me (Most likely me, since it's a higher pitched and Southern accented "hey."), but it's clear as day and consistent. He says "hey" to the baby in the mirror, to Daddy in the morning, or to a toy he hasn't seen in a while.

-- is pulling up, holding on one-handed, and pivoting. He's starting to "cruise" (walk while holding onto something) but not consistently.

-- is learning that Mama and Daddy mean business at bedtime. (We're working on it. Feel free to give me any advice on that subject.)

-- has a new upper, front tooth!

-- loves going for long walks in his stroller. If Cheerios and/or Puffs are involved.

-- ate a hairball that I neglected to find while sweeping. Yes. If anybody wants to donate a Roomba to me, I'll take it.

-- does NOT like to be confined. In his jumper. In his high chair. In his crib. Even in his spacious playroom. Luckily, he loves the stroller and car seat (if they're moving).


But... the previous photo shoot was followed by a pretty good nap (and another photo shoot unbeknownst to Finn).

* Rubber Duckie Onesie by Margaret Quiggle Grantham.

The Resurrection of Creativity?

I'm working on creating a post for all of the 7 month photos (Better late than never?), but I really needed some hands-on creativity (which means, hands off the keyboard). (Yes, I understand the irony of the situation since I am now typing.)

So I give you...

... my hallway creation!

I know that moss letters may have become overused in the age of Pinterest, but we made these at my Bachelorette Party before Zeb's and my wedding. I distinctly remember Sara spending quite a while getting every piece of moss perfect. And it's stayed that way!

I really enjoyed putting this all together.

A photo worthy of Pinterest?

Beach Bums

We went to St. Augustine about a month ago with Zeb's family. We had so much fun! (But I only took a few photos... )

28 Years Old!