tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29201504435457935032024-03-14T05:53:16.692-05:00NajManiaBecause blogging about living with five men is cheaper than my other options.Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-77010252673943019352023-06-28T14:35:00.000-05:002023-06-28T14:35:11.384-05:00Be presentAnother post I wrote, but never published. This one from 5/18/11 at 12:05 AM
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Eight years ago, a counselor suggested that I read, "Wherever you go, there you are," by Jon Kabat-Zinn to help me reduce my stress level.Now, I'm the kind of girl who has two speeds: Turbo and sleep. It's not a super healthy way to live but for most of my life - with the exception, I would Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-23820622502487580422023-06-28T14:30:00.002-05:002023-06-28T14:31:20.340-05:00Walks with MollieI actually wrote this post at least 8 years ago, but hadn't published it. Mollie is now in puppy heaven. I miss her every day.
A while back, I wasn't working outside the home. The part I loved most about being home was my morning walks with Mollie - our golden doodle.
Once the kids and husband were out the door, Mollie and I would take a 2-mile walk around the neighborhood. She loved it. I Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-63673572471655024472023-06-28T14:18:00.003-05:002023-06-28T14:18:29.535-05:00Hello again!After the last post on Najmania featuring my boys - I realized that I couldn't share the conversations I had with them with all of you anymore. I needed to keep those conversations private - not that it wasn't hard to keep away from typing them up! (I really should have at least typed them up for myself). So... hello again!The boys have grown up! They are now 28 (married), 25, 23 and 20. We Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-88279086964371872852013-02-22T08:15:00.003-06:002013-02-22T08:15:51.673-06:00What's Italy?Some random comments from the boys when Paul and I announced that we were taking everyone to Italy:
ETHAN
Ethan: Are there roller coasters there?
Me: No.
Ethan: Is there a waterpark?
Me: Ahhh.... no.
Ethan: Will our hotel have a pool?
Me: No.
Ethan: Well WHAT the heck are we going to DO there?
ZAYD
Zayd: Uh... I don't know how I feel about going somewhere where everything is in a Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-47117834134009872662012-08-25T13:59:00.001-05:002012-08-25T13:59:28.227-05:00How 3 fits into 1 and 2It was on a summer-night drive to Culver's -- just me and my four boys -- that I learned some things:
1. They talk to each other a lot
2. They talk about a wide variety of topics
3. Their youngest brother is highly influenced by them
I was so excited about 1 and 2. I mean, here are my boys... and they talk to each other! I've always told them that it's important for them to be there for each Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-54885825988387445202011-12-19T21:24:00.001-06:002011-12-20T21:16:53.071-06:00Number 4I thought having three sons would prepare me for son number four.
I was wrong.
Very. Very. Wrong.
Last night, as I was putting him to bed, I smelled a strong odor of urine.
Me: Ethan? Did you have an accident in your bed?
Ethan: No.
Me: It's okay if you did. You just need to tell us. We won't get upset. But I don't want you to sleep in stinky sheets.
pause
Ethan: Welllll...... maybe.
Me:Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-79645589939430379652011-10-07T10:33:00.000-05:002011-10-07T20:38:01.238-05:00It's pencil... not penisEthan had to stay after school yesterday.
According to his third grade teacher, he had a rough day which translates into, "His was being a little shit."
This morning he showed me his "Behavior Correction Sheet."
Ethan: You have to sign it.
Me: Okay - let me read it first.
I read aloud: I was flinging... peee...nn. Pee..nni... Pee...niisses. I was flinging penises at Christian. What? Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-68961526894274558642011-10-05T16:43:00.000-05:002011-10-05T16:43:04.703-05:00PenesWhen Zayd got home from school, he sat at the family computer and opened up his gmail. Then, he spun around to face me, and started chuckling.
Zayd: (mumbles and chuckles)
Me: Huh?
Zayd: Are you going to get mad at Ethan?
Me: Why?
Zayd: Come and see what he sent me.
I look over Zayd's shoulder and see an opened message with "(no subject)" from Ethan. In the text box is one word:
"penes"
INajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-75178172962915503462011-09-30T08:46:00.002-05:002011-09-30T08:57:00.993-05:00Baby comes to visit
I'm babysitting a baby today.
The last time I spent four consecutive hours with a baby by myself was eight years ago. That's a long time. But I'm excited. I think this is how being a grandmother might feel.
Baby comes.
Najla babbles like an idiot with baby.
Najla feeds cute baby.
Baby naps.
Baby wakes up.
Baby cries.
Fussy baby goes home.
I announced to my boys this morning that their motherNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-35737207859000302112011-07-21T09:27:00.001-05:002011-07-21T09:27:46.854-05:00Worst news on Prairiewood DriveThis morning, Ethan, Mollie and I took a jaunt around our neighborhood on Prairiewood Dr. Ethan road the new bike he got for his birthday this past week.
Ethan: Mom. I have the worst news ever for Prairiewood. I mean, it sucks. It just sucks.
Me: What happened.
Ethan: You aren't going to believe this. It is bad news. Are you ready for the bad news?
Me: I'm ready.
Ethan: You know that big Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-36843961066016896452011-07-15T16:39:00.002-05:002011-07-15T16:39:40.256-05:00Green is GoodMe: Do you like the color orange?
Ethan: Oh yes! Orange used to be my favorite color and now it is my second favorite color. Because my new favorite color is green.
Me: Why?
Ethan: (very seriously) Because green is good and green is the color of everything and green means go and green is God.
Me: Green is God?
Ethan: Yeah! Just look!
He points outside.
Me: Where?
Ethan: Look at the tree Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-38079029577542159512011-07-13T21:54:00.000-05:002011-07-13T21:54:27.170-05:00Soft and squishyThere was a lot of lovin' from the boys when I put them to bed last night. I walked in and sat on Ethan's bed where he promptly put his arms around my neck, pulled me close to him and took a deep whiff of my neck.
Ethan: Oh my goodness! You smell beautiful! Your perfume is beautiful!
Me: Why thank you Ethan.
Ethan: Wait, come back here.
He pulls me back down again and nestles hisNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-5916028444933499962011-06-28T12:27:00.001-05:002011-06-28T12:50:21.173-05:00I saw; then sawedI was taking the dog for a walk this morning and passed by my neighbor who is a carpenter. As I continue my remodeling mania - I've been thinking about removing some spindles that are between by living and ex-dining room.
My husband swears these spindles are holding the wall up...
I'm pretty sure Paul is lying to avoid a project. So I ask Matt to stop over.
Matt says the spindles are notNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-51799864907627485972011-06-27T16:32:00.002-05:002011-06-27T16:34:53.204-05:00Funky rug or shiny grass?Now that I am a stay-at-home working mom, I have been a one-woman remodel/redecorating machine. I just finished painting and tiling the mudroom...Pics to come...
One of my favorite areas of the house is our sunroom/eating area addition. It is bright and happy and the perfect place to read the paper and drink a cup of coffee or visit with friends. It's been in need of a rug. I could kick myself Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-10622696860331583172011-06-26T11:17:00.001-05:002011-06-26T11:22:44.602-05:00I'm Bored JarEthan and Zayd have spent the last four weeks -- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday -- at the community theater rehearsing for their performance of "Disney's Aladdin for Kids." I have picked them up each day and listened to every song and line in this musical hundreds of times; I know the blocking; frankly I could be the alternate for any of the parts - including the street rats. And whileNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-59053711678518598712011-06-08T20:42:00.000-05:002011-06-08T20:42:44.493-05:00Circle of lifeZayd and Ethan are watching me sort laundry in my bedroom.
Me: These are yours Zayd, right? (holding up a pair of tighty whiteys)
Zayd: Oh my God no!
Me: Oh. I thought you wore these.
Zayd: No mom. I wear boxers now.
Me: Now?
Zayd: Yes. I graduated to boxers.
Me: Ooh-kaay...
Zayd: First you wear briefs... then you wear boxer briefs, then you wear boxers...
Me: I didn't know that.
Zayd:Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-14016181955255621042011-06-01T07:18:00.000-05:002011-06-01T07:18:36.001-05:00A quarter of appreciationYesterday our cleaning lady was here, tackling the Amundson abode. I always feel better knowing I've got someone who comes to bleach the place down once every two weeks.
Sharon is around 65 years old. A sweet midwestern lady who swims in her pool everyday in the summer, and knows how to bake some amazing Christmas goodies. She also loves to chat.
Ethan also loves to chat.
He was chattin' it upNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-31592046036929678582011-05-15T20:49:00.001-05:002011-05-15T20:52:18.589-05:00Bedtime breakPaul and I were out with another couple last night - Zach was in charge of the critters back at the ranch.
We got home around 10 p.m. (I know, we're just crazy party animals). As soon as we walk in the door...
Zayd: Hi Mom and Dad!
Strike one. Zayd is still awake.
Me: What are you doing up?
Zayd: I wanted to wait for you to put me to bed.
I come into the kitchen and see Zach in the Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-4789413571549848042011-05-13T22:49:00.000-05:002011-05-13T22:49:01.487-05:00JimmiesIt's late. Paul, Evan, Zayd, Ethan and I are in the car coming home from a long evening at a hotel pool where the boys swam almost nonstop for three hours.
Zayd: Uh. Mom? Don't you want to talk to Evan about something?
Me: I do?
Zayd: Eh hm... yes. You do. Swim trunks?
Me: Oh! I thought you didn't want me to say anything.
Evan: I did not pull down your swim trunks Zayd. It was an accident.
Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-24114448612995794802011-05-07T13:44:00.000-05:002011-05-07T13:44:58.757-05:00Excitment = poopI'm on the computer in the kitchen when Ethan comes in from outside doing a combination prance-like duck waddle.
He prances waddles right up to me.
Ethan: Did you know that when I get excited I have to poop?
Me: No. Wow. Interesting.
Ethan: Yeah.
Me: So, you must be excited?
Ethan: No.
pause
Ethan: Well... actually yes.
Me: Ah.
He walks away into the guest bathroom and shuts the door.
Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-61640457151234832282011-05-03T20:36:00.000-05:002011-05-03T20:36:23.145-05:00Another Game of LifeTonight Ethan, Zayd and I played the "Game of Life."
They've learned some good lessons from our previous games together. Now when someone lands on "Get Married," Zayd, who is always our banker says, "Do you WANT to get married? If so, do you want to marry a boy or a girl?"
Ethan got upset when Zayd first said he didn't want to get married.
Ethan: You aren't getting married?! That's lame!
Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-34317542218514072812011-04-26T09:49:00.001-05:002011-04-26T09:53:37.852-05:00More brotherly loveEthan is standing in the kitchen in his comfortable state: shirtless and sockless, sporting a grimy face and fingers... a hint of odor smelling of a combination of maple syrup and pee... and holding his crotch and occasionally touching his nipples
Zach: Wow Ethan. You are such a stud. I mean really? Could you be more attractive?
Ethan smirks shyly... basking in the compliments.
Zach: Look at Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-39325979102932148902011-04-25T20:41:00.000-05:002011-04-25T20:41:11.728-05:00Brotherly loveI'm not sure how it started, but our youngest, Ethan, has found it necessary to distinguish between brotherly love, and "love love" as he calls it. Zach, our oldest, enjoys toying with Ethan on this topic. The two of them were with me as I cleaned out my office at work recently. Rather than help, they entertained me with their banter.
Zach: Ethan? Ethan. Ethan, I love you.
Ethan: Like a brother Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-78963245732763069652011-04-02T16:02:00.000-05:002011-04-02T16:02:23.205-05:00Snippy snippyI was sitting at the walk-in clinic waiting room with Zayd and Evan on either side. There were lots of babies around... and I was ooo-ing and awww-ing over each and every one of them.
Evan: Do you want another baby?
Me: Oh... It sounds nice, but no, no I don't. Not anymore. I couldn't have one anyways.
Evan: Too old?
Nice.
Me: No, your dad got the snippy-snippy.
Which, by the way, is what Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920150443545793503.post-65562035466918499252011-03-19T08:42:00.001-05:002011-03-19T08:54:49.756-05:00Disco ColorZayd is obsessed with disco.
He also has a mildly concerning affinity for lederhosen. But that's for later.
For Halloween, he was a "70s/Disco man" as he called himself. He just had to have an afro, Lennon glasses, and a peace sign necklace. He really wanted a polyester suit with wide leg pants complemented with platform shoes, but we couldn't find one small enough, and unless something Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757096686277828841noreply@blogger.com1