Another year of memories

Since I most likely won't have time to sit and compose this tomorrow, I will think it through tonight.

The year 2006 has left many memories behind that I have filed in my mind, baby books, scrap books, and picture albums.  Some are happy, some are sad.  Some memories just are.  They don't bring a smile to my lips nor a laugh to my belly.  No tears to my cheeks, nor frown upon my mouth.  Just because they are not happy nor sad doesn't mean they weren't created. 

I honestly don't remember much of January.  I remember my second baby boy turning three.  It was a happy day that we spent with my Grandma, my Aunt, and my Uncle in the nursing home.  They had gotten Grandma into her wheel chair and wheeled her to the front sitting room so we could enjoy cake and ice cream and visiting with Grandma.  Other than that...I really can't place anything in my mind that stands out.

February and March brought sickness for my Grandma.  Her health went up and down.  Finally, in the early weeks of March, the unthinkable happened.  Grandma got really sick with the flu and stopped breathing.  Her wishes were "Do Not Resuscitate," but due to honest error, she was given CPR which prolonged her days here on earth for another week.  She was only physically aware one or two of those days, in which she said her goodbyes and re-expressed her wishes.  She quietly moved on to the next world in the early hours of St. Patrick's Day.  She was not alone...there were several people holding her hands as she went. 

April was kind of sad for me.  I constantly tried to pick reality from a dream.  Don't we all do that at times?  I still do. 

May/June brought the end of school!  Hip hip Hooray, Jacob had graduated Kindergarten!  Alexia was registered for Kindergarten in the next year.  And our summer travels began.  First Alexia went to spend a couple of weeks with Grandma and Grandpa.  Then we went and picked her up and left Jacob for a couple of weeks with Grandma and Grandpa.  Through July and August we did a lot of traveling.  The finale was traveling to see a different Grandpa.  We took in some sites and touristy things and met some friends.  There were some bumps in the road in our travels, but all in all it was a good summer.  Alan's Granddad turned 80.  There was a large party and I was able to meet more of his family.  It was a fun time.  We knew it would be Granddad's last birthday, for his health was failing quickly. 

I must not forget!  In June my youngest turned one and in July my second born turned five.  They were both nice days spent with friends and family.

September was another sad month.  Granddad passed onto the next world.  Like my Grandma, he was ready to go.  It is always bittersweet for those left behind.  He had also suffered for much of the year.  We traveled once more and spent more time with that side of the family.

By October, we were pretty settled into the school routine.  So October and November went by very quickly.  Jacob turned 7 in November.  Now I know why they call it the "Sands of time."  Time slips through your hands just like sands.  I wonder why it took me 34 years to figure that out?  Denial would be my best guess.  The gray hairs on my head speak of time...why can't those slip through my fingertips and fall away, also? 

December has been a whirl wind.  Cleaning and preparing for Christmas with family.  It's almost anti-climatic now that I sit here a mere six days after the big dinner.  It's quiet, and my house is once again restored to it's usual order:  chaos.

Farewell, 2006.  You have been good to my family and I.  Even with the sad events, we are happy, healthy, and together. 

                         ~I have more memories tucked into my mind, but those are mine to hold forever.

The chatterings of a seven year old

So I took my oldest to run errands with me; along with the baby.  My oldest chattered my ear off the entire time.  Finally, we were on our way out to my vehicle to go home and he said to me "If I can't figure something out when I go to work tomorrow, I will just ask the seller behind me.  And if she doesn't know, I'll call my lawyer." 

::lifts eye brow::  He has a job AND he has a lawyer?  Man, I need to pay more attention to what my kids are doing! 

A healthy concern

This time of year usually brings every bug I can ever imagine into the house.  This year the kids have all had Strep so far.  And a couple of stomach bugs.  While the kids had Strep, Alan and I had Bronchitis.  Then we were healthy for a while, then just after Christmas we got a stomach virus.  And now on the heals of that, I have the start of an ear infection that is quite literally knocking me on my booty.  One word - Vertigo.  Extreme vertigo.  I woke up in the middle of the night last night sweating and the world wouldn't stop spinning.  I rolled over this morning hoping it was all a nightmare.   Alas, it was real.  My bedroom was spinning at 30 MPH at least.  Yikes.  So now this evening I have my little bag of goodies to help me function.  I heart my doctor.  He has kids, he knows how it is when you don't feel well yourself! 

I'm mostly just annoyed at being sick.  I have stuff to accomplish, I don't have time to sit with my head perfectly still to keep the house from taking off in flight from spinning so fast.  The kids have been really great today.  Hopefully this Anti-vertigo stuff (not the technical term, lol) will help me get some rest without having to sit up with my head in one position all night. 

Update on the vehicle

It started again...kind of creepy.  Alan drove it to the dealers and they couldn't find anything...they tightened a cable.  It runs fine now.  Murphy's law...I'm crossing my fingers that Murphy is busy for a while.

Good thing we are staying home for Christmas

Alan decided he wasn't traveling this Christmas.  So we are having Christmas dinner here tomorrow.  I am finished with all of my running around and ready to stay home and cook and do last minute general cleaning.  It's a very, very good thing we are staying home this year.  I just got in my vehicle to take back the rug doctor, and it's dead.  No electricity.  We just had her in the dealers last week for a "check-up," and they said Bessy was fine!  (Bessy is my vehicle).  Exactly a week ago today, in fact. 

How frustrating, but at least we aren't stranded somewhere. 

There is always a silver lining.

Do you know what rocks?

Rug Doctor!  Oh goodness, bow down to the King of Carpet Cleaners!  I have rented other steamers, but frankly - they stunk!  I have heard over the years how great Rug Doctor is, so I rented one today.  I have only managed to do my living room...it looks awesome!  My carpet was so nasty; I was so embarrassed to think that family would see it on Christmas Eve when they come to dinner.  I am actually looking forward to cleaning the carpets upstairs tomorrow before I take it back.  I must be a nutcase!  I'm looking forward to steam cleaning my carpets.  Someone get the straight jacket.

So here I am

I am the properly stressed out person a mere six days before Christmas.  I started going yesterday and I didn't quit until midnight.  It was quite exhausting.  Mostly running errands here and there.  The kitty and a kid have ear infections.  Imagine that.  The kitty is sharing or the kids are sharing.  Aidan's Pajama Party was a huge hit.  So much so that he insisted on wearing his jammies while I finished my errands.  I didn't particularly care...as long as they are covered and decent!  Some people get alarmed when kids wear their jammies in public, but I don't see the harm in it.  He did wear them to school, after all.  So they can't be that bad. 

Today will be another fun day.  I have so much to do, but the problem is that I am overwhelmed and don't know where to begin.  Does that ever happen for you? 

I'm off to tackle things, one thing at a time.  Da-da-da-daaaaaaaa!  Super Mommy!  Ok, maybe not so Super, but IAMDAMAMA!

The little things

My three-year-old is so excited.  He has a Pajama Party at school on Monday.  All day today he kept pulling on my shirt and smiling up at me "After tomorrow is my 'jama party at school, right?"  His little face just beams when he talks about it.  And to just send him into hog heaven, we found Thomas the Train jammies yesterday that he will get to wear to his party.  He was going to have to wear his big brother's jammies that were two sizes too big, so I surprised him. 

'Twas the Night Before Christmas - Mom Style

Twas The Night Before Christmas....Mom Style

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring, & she was cleaning the
commode.

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Hot Wheels & Barbie, flipped through their
heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, & saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuc! kled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & The Restless."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared & I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one & hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled & sighed, "And I love you, too."

The mom frowned & said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's love she is trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child & tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old for my cradle & song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, You will be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times during the Holiday season, when all we seem to do
is clean and bake and shop and .... you get the picture.  So stop for a
moment and hug that little one that is so special, whether he/she is 2
or 22,  child or grandchild, or perhaps even someone who is in a different category.  They all are gifts that God put us your life ... and su! ch a gift should
always be treasured.

So, why not send this on to the all the Mom's you know, for
they will no doubt need this at this time of year.

Oh my!

I went out to run errands today and the roads and stores were madhouses!  I said to Aidan..."You would think this were the last weekend before Christmas!" 

Guess what...it IS!

Oh my...

Are you ready?

I'm not.

Cute

Aidan and Daddy are getting ready to go to the Hardware store.  I told Alexia and Aidan where they were going and Alexia says to Aidan "You are going to the Hardwork store with Daddy!"

Sounds about right, if all goes well.  ::Grins::  Now off to the "Hardwork" store with you, Daddy!

Remembering

Last night I was sad at Cheerleading.  A tear even slid down my cheek before I angrily swiped it away.  Three generations were everywhere.  The little girl, her Mom, and her Mom's Mom were present and accounted for.  I was sitting next to a Mommy who spent the entire time telling her own Mother about her day.  Everywhere Grandma's were enjoying watching their Granddaughter's practice their cheers. 

~Sometimes the unfairness of it all just slaps me in the face.  I just have to remind myself that I am one of the lucky ones.  My Mom may be watching from Heaven, but I still have health, happiness, and family.

My daughter the Cheer-Guru

So there she was...my little Cheerleader.  All the parents/grandparents/etc. were gathered around to watch the girls show us the cheer they learned tonight.  They were taking turns one at a time.  The last line for each girl was something like "I'll step back so you can meet my friend" and the girl steps back and points to the girl next to her.  They were zipping along really fast.  Girl to girl to girl.  Then the girl next to my daughter points to her...and my beautiful little girl was standing with her hand on her hip, her pony-tail in her mouth, and her eyes glazed over as she stared into space behind her.  So everything came to a dead stop.  Every eye was on my little girl.  Everyone laughed, we couldn't help it.  It is probably one of those "You had to be there" moments, but she turned around with a blank look on her face clue-less as to what was going on.  So the coach urged her along so finally she is like "My name is Heather!"  Oye.  What a ride this will be!

Turn your back on a preschooler for ten seconds...

...and you will get a square disk shoved into the DVD player on your computer.

...and he will grab candy and sneak up to his sister's room to hide behind her door and eat the candy.

...and he will give his Cookie Monster "Just a little trim, Mommy."  Blue hair will find it's way into everything for at least a month.

...and he will try to go to school wearing his underwear on his head and his socks on his hands.

...and he might make you a picture with a heart around it and tell you he loves you.

The danger of junkmail and children

When we get junk mail, I usually toss it to the kids and they get all excited to "have mail!"  Well, lately, we have been getting plain white envelopes that reek of junk mail.  The first few times, I caught it.  For whatever reason, we keep getting adds and catalogues for "adult toys," if you get my drift.  I have no idea why we are getting these.  So for a while after the first one came, I was on my guard.  I had given it to Alexia then decided I should look at it first since I didn't know what it was.  Glad I did!  So now, months later, my guard was down and I tossed junk mail to Aidan last week and guess what?  ::groans::  Thankfully, he is young enough he really didn't make any connections or ask any questions.  I just explained to him that that was meant for Mommy and Daddy and I needed it back.

I think it is sad that I have to screen my junk mail for this kind of stuff.  Of course, Alan thinks it is deliriously funny that I keep accidentally giving the kids adds for "toys."  I wish I knew how to stop these adds from coming.

Christmas is in the Air

And it is smothering me with the "To-Do" list that always seems to come with it.  So I am sitting back and trying to just take Christmas in.  With slow deep breaths, without suffocating from the realization that I need to wrap gifts, steam clean carpets, clean out bedrooms, scrub floors, etc.  I just want to stand back and watch my kids enjoy the blinking lights, let the cookies settle onto my hips, and then worry about running it off later.  Who am I kidding, I'm not running anywhere. 

    ... I will just eat lots of Celery in January.  :-)

PS My Internet is finally back up.  Yay!  It was annoying not having it for the better part of last week.

Just the usual stuff

My Internet has been flaky lately, so sometimes I can get on, sometimes I can't.  And sometimes the connection is so slow I can't load any web sites, so being on is worthless, lol. 

Last night found me trying to get Robby to sleep while Alexia screamed that her ear hurt.  So I put the baby down and went to my daughter to try to ease the pain until morning.  Finally got her settled then I had to resettle the baby.  Sometimes I just wish I had 8 hands...two for each child.  Then I could do for them all at once!  Alexia did go to the doctor today and she has an ear infection.  The meds will make her good as new and she should sleep better tonight. 

Then there was the Christmas that almost wasn't.  While I was out doing my grocery shopping something got into my closet and tore through the gifts.  Many were unwrapped, and two things of chocolate were eaten.  Thankfully, the gifts were fine.  I just need to rewrap them.  Nothing a little time and effort can't fix.  I am not bothering to replace the chocolate...we didn't need it anyway!  Divine intervention for my backside and hips.  Hallelujah!  I'm now behind instead of ahead with Christmas, but those are the breaks.  Not a big deal. 

Other than that, things are moving along.  Jacob is really enjoying Soccer.  He has already stated that he wants to sign up for Soccer again in the spring.  Alexia starts cheerleading soon.  So then I will be able to say if she likes it or not.  Alan is looking forward to going back to sea duty, I think.  Guess he needs a break from our chaotic days here at home. 

Until next time, Happy Holidays.

A thought of ours

DH and I think they should have blockades around here to stop you and give you a driving test.  If you fail, they immediately take your license and your car gets towed to impound until you pass the drivers test.  Seriously.  People here can't drive worth a darn.  We were coming home on the highway today and everyone started breaking.  I was in the left lane of an entrance ramp that goes from one highway to another.  The two left lanes go South and the right lane goes North.  Well, the dude in the head of my line was stopping because he was exiting right from the far left lane.  @@   I mean come on now!  He ended up going across the stripey part where the water barrels are and cut off a lot of people.  At that same interchange, I have seen someone stop in the middle lane of the one highway.  I do mean completely stop.  Then make a straight exit from that lane all the way right.  It's bizarre.  And Red Lights mean nothing around here.  "Oh look, the light is red, that means gun it so I can be on the guy in front of me's tail and get through the intersection so I don't have to wait." 

Driving Test Blockades.  The new wave of the future.  Shel for Police Commissioner! 

Just for the record

Nothing happened to Jacob's homework tonight.  :)

Something odd happened though...at seven my three-year-old told me he was tired and was going to bed.  He looked at me and sweetly asked "Can I look at a book first, Mommy?"  I told him of course.  Then to please turn his light out and go to sleep.  I checked on him fifteen minutes later and his light was out, he was hugging his book, and he was fast asleep.  It must have really been a busy day for the little guy.

An average week for me

So Monday night my oldest went to do his homework.  I left the room for a minute and came back and the edge of his paper was ripped off and the back was sticky.  Ugh.  The baby had smeared yogurt all over my oldest's mat and I didn't see it.  So I wrote a brief note on his homework sheeting explaining that the state of his homework was my fault.

So Tuesday night comes and Jacob gets his homework out.  He put it down for a minute to go get something and next thing I know Aidan is announcing that he threw Jacob's homework away.  Double Yikes.  It was crumpled into a tight ball in the trash can.  I managed to smooth it out...but I had to explain yet again that it was Sibling issues. 

So Wednesday morning dawns and I crack my eyes open and look at the clock.  8:22 AM.  To say the least, Jacob had already missed his bus, and Aidan barely made his.  I took Jacob to school.   I hope he was on time.  I rushed to the school just to get stuck behind Aidan's bus unloading.  Some dude behind me kept honking his horn for me to go around the bus.  Yeah, like I am going to go around a bus that has its stop sign out, lights flashing, and has children getting off.  I blocked the road so the guy couldn't go around me or the bus.  I'm such a ray of sunshine sometimes.  ;-) 

Upon returning home, I start to unload the dishwasher and Robby helped me like he always does.  Only this time he decided that handing me the plates wasn't good enough.  He wanted to throw them.  There was one casualty.  I am not really upset that he broke a plate by itself; but I am a little sad because it was from the set that was my Mom's.  Almost all of the plates have been broken now.  :-(  At least Robby wasn't hurt...he threw it down right at his little bare feet.

                            ...I wonder what will happen to Jake's homework tonight? lol

Have I mentioned?

Have I mentioned that I have a little boy who can read.  He is doing awesome.  At story time before bed, if it is a short book Jacob will read it all.  If it is particularly long, we will swap off pages.  I have peeked into his room in the early hours of the morning to see him sitting with his back to his door holding up a book and two of his siblings sitting Indian style facing him.  He reads books to them in the morning.  How sweet is that? 

Have I mentioned that Alexia has perfected counting to ten and can write the numbers correctly with some concentration?  She can spell "C-a-t" too, without missing a beat.  She has worked very, very hard since report cards came out.

Have I mentioned that Aidan's arm has finally healed and he has no more pain?  Yay!  He worked very hard splashing around in water to get it strong again.  :-)  Aidan can also count to ten with manipulatives. 

Have I mentioned that Robby is into everything and basically loves being a toddler?  He yells "Buuuuuu!" when he sees a bus.  He also yells "Buuuuuu!" when the mircrowave beeps.  He's so helpful.  He's also sleeping so much better these days.  He only gets up once or twice a night.   He even slept in until 10:30 this morning. 

Have I mentioned that I love the Holiday Season?  We are almost ready here.  I just have to go through all of the kids toys and get the ones that I am giving away out and clean them; I have to steam clean and spot clean the carpets; I have to deep clean my house; I have to decorate;  I have to bake; I have to finish my Christmas cards and Christmas shopping - then I will be ready for Christmas!  See, not much to do then I can relax.  ;-)

Today, seven years ago...

...was Thanksgiving Day.  Alan and I spent the entire day in the hospital awaiting the birth of our very first baby.  It was our first Thanksgiving that year.  What better way to say thanks than to welcome a new life into the world.  Jacob finally arrived in the evening.  He was perfect.  Eight pounds four ounces and twenty and a half inches long.  I held him and nursed him and was just in absolute awe.  Then, two days later we went home.  Jacob was asleep in his carseat, and we set him in front of us on the floor and Alan and I sat on the couch and looked at him.  I remember my exact thought.  "Now what?"  The past two days had been chaos.  First, giving birth, then the nurses in and out and all the paperwork and trying to establish breastfeeding.  No sleep...then we get home and the baby was asleep and we didn't know what to do. 

The days that followed were lovely.  The nights were a little rough, but the days were bliss.   I slept when Jacob slept.  I cleaned while he hung out on the floor playing with toys.  Or he sat in his swing and giggled at me.  I didn't have to worry about anyone trampling him.  No pets, no siblings, and Daddy was away, also.  I spent the days playing with Jacob and watching him grow.  I smile fondly when I remember the sheer calmness of those days. 

 ...He is my special little boy.  My first Baby Boy.  I love you, Jacob.  Happy Birthday.

Just a "Hey-do!"

Thanksgiving was very nice.  It was great to see my family again.  I haven't seen them since July.  My dad and brother his family all didn't make it, but at least we were able to visit with the extended family. 

We are all a little sick right now.  I hope we didn't leave a lot of germs with the family. 

:-(

 

Today we decorate the house!  We usually don't decorate outside, but this year I found some of the plumping pipe-like candy canes and I am going to line our front walk with them.  I have some things for the window.  Inside will be a little more decked out.  Tree, garlands, mistletoe!  I can't wait.  Now I just need to summon the energy.

Happy Thanksgiving

                                      Giving Thanks

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

Author Unknown

Report Card day

Aidan is progressing nicely and should reach the goals stated on his IEP by his next review.  He has difficulty with numbers and patterns and excels with letters and shapes.  He is doing excellent socially.

Jacob is also doing very well overall.  The only large area of concern is his Social/Behavior patterns.  I know I have talked about that so much that it isn't a surprise to anyone.  :-)  Jacob is the opposite of Aidan.  He excels at math and needs a little help with letters and shapes.  When he slows down, he does very well.  He is always in such a rush to finish his writing that it comes out very sloppy.  I have noticed that spelling is getting more difficult for him and he doesn't take the time to sound it out or think of any special rules. 

Alexia...well...Alexia needs my help.  Every area except Social/Behavioral was filled with "AC" which means "Area of Concern."  She can count to 10 and she knows about half of the Alphabet.  She stops at "p."  She doesn't associate sounds with the letters yet.  I will be working with her diligently every night even more than I already have.  I knew about all of these things from Parent/Teacher Conferences.  What I didn't know is that many of Alexia's problems may stem from the fact that Alexia prefers to play with her shoes or twirl her hair and stare out the window while the teacher is reading/talking, etc.  This was an obstacle in preschool, also; but I didn't know it was still happening so often. 

All in all each and every one of them is working very hard.  I am proud of all of them.

It has happened

It's official.  I'm a Soccer Mom. My hubby made the comment yesterday to me that "We have made ourselves very busy parents."  Yessiree.  He is correct.  We got up at 7:30 this morning and got everyone dressed and fed so we could go get Jacob Soccer Shorts and Shin Guards before we went to his very first soccer game.  I must say, he did fairly well for never having played before.  He doesn't know it, but he is getting a soccer ball next week for his birthday so we can practice with him.  It was supposed to be for Christmas, but it's really no big deal to swap out his Birthday present (power rangers) for the soccer ball, kwim? 

After soccer, we took the kids to see the movie "Happy Feet."  The two middle kids watched the trailers for it yesterday and they sat there for half an hour giggling their little heads off.  The movie was not a disappointment.  Loved it!  It was so funny to see the three dancing kids sitting between DH and I.  Robby stayed awake for about half an hour.  He made sure all of the popcorn was gone and watched quietly for about ten minutes before getting his snooze on. 

After the movie, we came home where I spent 10 minutes trying to detach the kids from my space.  After I relaxed for a minute, I took the kids to the basement to play for a while, then we came up and baked cookies with mini-chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.  Yummy!  Then the kids went to play on their own for a while while I finished baking cookies and started dinner. 

This schedule will probably stick around for a while.  Alexia begins Cheerleading this coming week.  The coach, whom I have only spoken to on the phone thus far, told me she would teach me the cheers so I could help Alexia.  ::cough cough:: She most obviously hasn't met me yet, lmao.  Cheerleader material, I am not.  I will do my best, though. 

Alexia has one day of practice a week and one game to cheer at a week, and Jacob only has a game every Saturday, so the schedule should be gentle enough to break me into this Soccer mom thing. 

I have decided that Soccer is infinitely cheaper than Cheerleading.  Haha. 

One of the negatives to soccer is that one of Jacob's "Posse" (group of friends he always gets into trouble with) is on his soccer team.  He was pulling her pig tails instead of listening to coach.  Alan is proud, I just shake my head, LoL.

Yup, it's Monday

I had a phone conference scheduled to finish Aidan's IEP.  I have already tried to finish his IEP twice...the first time I asked for further testing to add his Grammar into the IEP and the second time was a phone conference but the counselor called and asked to reschedule the phone conference for this morning at 9 A.M.  So nine comes and goes...no phone call.  By 9:20 I was getting a little antsy...then the phone rang.  The Counselor says "Did you remember we had a meeting this morning?"  I said yes and she didn't respond, so I said "Yes, I did" a little louder.  She stutters for a minute then tells me that it was 9:20 and the meeting was at 9 A.M.  I told her I was aware of that, I had been sitting there waiting for her call.  Silence.  The silence stretched into a ten month pregnant pause.  I could hear papers shuffling around.  Then the light bulb came on.  "OH!  Yes, you are right, I have it written right here that this was supposed to be a phone conference!"  So, she put me on hold so Aidan's teacher could come down, then she got back on the phone and let the speech pathologist tell me the results of the testing "while we waited for the teacher."  The speech teacher said her thing, and the meeting ended, and the teacher never made it, lol.  It was a five minute deal, after ten minutes on hold.  I knew it wasn't going to be a big deal, that is why I wanted a phone conference instead of dragging kids down to the school for a five minute meeting.  I already knew that Aidan's language is average, but he needs help with Grammar.  No surprises.  I just wanted it added to his IEP since he already had one.  I'm glad it all ended up OK.

Lunch time rolled around and I started the grilled cheese then opened a can of chowder and turned on the burner.  We have one of those stoves with the iron burners on top.  After a few minutes my soup was still cold, so I realized I had turned on the back burner instead of the front burner.  It would not have been that big of a deal if I hadn't had a plastic plate on the back burner.  That is a completely Shel move.  I need to scrub the melted plastic off of my burner now and throw the plate away.  It was only .99 cents and I bought it five years ago, but still!  A plate is a plate, lol.  Plus my kitchen stinks. 

Yup, it's Monday. 

Spring is here!

Erm, wait, that isn't right, is it?  ::scratches head:: I'm so confused, Mother Nature!  Help me!  Three weeks ago we were all wrapped up with hats and gloves and it was getting down into the 20's at night, and the 30's during the day.  Now it's 74 degrees and we are supposed to be getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Instead, we were out playing in the park and walking and romping and running around without coats wishing this weather would stay! 

I love Winter, and I love Fall.  And I love Spring.  But not all in the same month!  Or week, even!

This weeks Happenings

This week I became an Aunt.  I have a beautiful niece.  I haven't seen her picture yet, but I am positive she is beautiful, just like her Mommy and Daddy!  Congratulations to my brother and his wife!  She has a beautiful name, by the way.  ::grins::  She is just a tiny thing, weighing in at 7.4 lbs and 19 inches. 

Robby gave me a scare this week.  I was having a particularly bad day and I turned my back for 10 seconds and he climbed up on the kitchen table then dove off.  He was screaming and holding his leg funny.  He calmed down right away and walked with a slight limp, so the doctor and I decided it could wait until office hours.  When Robby woke up in the morning, he was walking with his leg perfectly straight and his foot turned in.  He had X-Rays in the morning and he has a very bruised hip, but he's going to be fine.  They want me to put ice on his hip.  Have you ever tried to ice a seventeen-month-old's hip? Fun, fun, fun!  Maybe I should duck tape a bag of frozen peas to his hip...

The children have been busy with school.  They both got to go see a Children's Play this week.  They love field trips.  I'm glad that they are able to go on them.  Also with the older kids and school, we have been making Turkey's for school projects.  Alexia's turkey  turned out...interesting.  The poor thing was eaten by a dog and disassembled by a baby.  I patched it up as best as I could.  Alexia is so sweet...she told me "I know you tried, Mommy.  I think it's beautiful."  Awwe, ::sniff sniff::, pass the tissues.  Hopefully Jacob's turns out better.  We will be finishing it tonight.  Wish us luck!

Have I mentioned?

That Aidan is 100% potty trained?  Even night time training?? I'm so excited!  He's such a big boy.  He will be four soon, so I am so happy to have this milestone passed.  He had a little regression where he would wait too long every single time and potty in his pants right in front of the toilet.  Cookie Monster had to spend one night on top of the fridge and I told him it would be OK to start getting his pants undone on his way to the potty when he is at home.  He's been doing great since. 

Way to go, Little Man!

Lullaby, and goodnight...

...or not so good night. 

Last night I had just drifted to sleep when my husband brought his cold old self into bed and wrapped it around my warm self.  Very uncool, but I still love him.

I finally drifted off to sleep again for a little over two hours when I was awaken by a little voice stage whispering "Mommy!  Mommy!" from my doorway.  Alexia had woken up and wanted a hug.  So I got out of my warm cocoon and gave her a hug.  I had an awful time falling back to sleep.  I think I managed it around 3:30 A.M.  Then Robby woke me up at 4:30 A.M.  He didn't go back to sleep until after 5 A.M.  I managed to fall asleep again around 6, then was back up at 7 for the day. 

I'm way too old for these type of nights.  I am beyond needing my "Beauty Rest."  I just need "I can function for the day rest," lol.

I'm a sucker!

Never, ever, ever trust a 3 year old when he promises to keep a surprise a surprise!  I just couldn't wait until Sunday and I took Aidan to pick up Robby's Chicco table.  This time of year, I like to grab things when I see them because they might not be there when I go back.  So while I was there, I decided to pick up a truck for Jacob to finish him up.  These were gifts from the kids to the other kids.  So Aidan says "I promise I won't tell Jacob!"  I left, came home and the kids were home from school and Jacob comes in and says "Aidan told me I got a truck for Christmas!" 

 

I am such a sucker.  I fell hook, line, and sinker for the big blue eyes and innocent look when he said "I promise, Mommy!" 

 

Bahumbug!

What a Downer

My sweet little baby girl just came up to me and said "Mommy, I'm going to miss you when I grow up."  I was like "AAwwe!"  So I told her I would miss her too when she grew up and moved out, but she could still come to my house and visit whenever she wanted.  She goes "No, Mommy.  You are going to die and I'm going to miss you!"

Wow.  Sock me in the chest and take all of my breath away, why don't you? 

That one floored me. 

I told her "Yes, you are right, that is what happens, but hopefully it won't be until you are big and grown up like Mommy."

I think I need a good cry now.

She did it!

My daughter did it.  She wrote her name.  All of the letters are properly formed and in the correct order.  She is also writing her name from left to right for the first time.  I'm very excited and I'm very proud of her!  Way to go, Little Princess!

Kids today

So here I am, innocently minding my own business and updating my journal.  All of a sudden, my oldest goes "Mom!  You are not hot!"  Being the smarty I am, I said "No, I am not.  I am comfortable."  He goes "Moo-oom!  That means you aren't pretty.  Geez."

                  ...Thanks for the confidence boost, son. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Every year we take the kids to the Mall to Trick-or-Treat.  I took the little ones to the bottom floor only, and Alan took the oldest on both floors.  He had quite a bit of goodies, while the littles had just a little too much.  I have a good time watching my kids take it all in.  The candy is just a bonus as far as the kids are concerned, lol.  Then, Halloween day rolls around and the three oldest had parties at school.  So now I have so much candy in my cabinet right now I am getting cavities just thinking about it.  I still have candy in there from last year that I need to toss. 

I hope everyone has a Spooktacular Evening!  Be safe!

::dances:: Burning down the House!

A while ago, DH asked me to warm some leftover pizza for him.  I knew he threw it in the oven box and all a lot, so I asked him "350 degrees, right?"  I didn't get a response, so I figured if I were wrong he would have said something.  I set the oven at 350 and tossed the pizza on the bottom rack because for whatever reason, the top rack was crooked and I didn't want the pizza box to slide into the side of the oven.  I set the timer for 5 minutes.

Well, about 3 minutes later I walked into the kitchen and my oven was smoking.  I mean, literally smoking.  Smoke was pouring out the cracks and the vent and smoke filled the kitchen.  I started flipping out because I was positive that I was going to open the oven and flames were going to lick out and claim my eyebrows.  (Yes, I had been reading too many books and watching too many movies!)  So I was screaming for Alan to come now!  He came in and told me to calm down and take the (@#$%) pizza out of the oven.  To say the least, flames didn't dance out and burn my eyebrows off my face.  The box was just smoldering.  There was a big 'ol hole in the bottom of the box.  So I put the box on a cookie sheet and put the entire thing on the front stoop.  Then I went for a bucket of water and dumped it onto the box. 

Wet, soggy, smoky pizza anyone? 

                ...I guess next time I will take it out of the box.

The kicker is a few days later I burned something else in the oven and my daughter sat calmly at the kitchen table and said "Well, Mommy caught lunch on fire agian!"

 

Good Read

I picked up a tip while browsing around online.  If you like well developed characters, (like, so well developed you can totally see them in your mind and think of them as your friends, LoL), and some good laughs, try Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series.  It starts with "One for the Money".  You can get the list from there.  They are in numerical order.  I have read One through Five plus I read the 12th book first.  Hey....it was the first one I got from the library.  The hold list for the Plum books is atrocious.  I'm really enjoying the books, though.  They kind of keep me from my housework...oops...

This and That

So, as I eluded to in yesterday's entry, Durke's "St. Louis Smoky Mesquite" steak seasoning is excellent on steaks.

Not so good on Hot Chocolate.

All summer I just wanted it to be cooler.  Now it is freezing.  On Tuesday I was wearing shorts, (which is frightening in itself), and mowing the grass.  Now here on Thursday we all have winter coats on...

                ...inside the house.  Time to get the furnace cranked. 

Aidan isn't doing so hot with his cast off.  He keeps falling on his arm.  I'm going to have to line the floor and the outside walkway with feather pillows.  Or attach a bungy chord to his overalls so I can catch him before he falls.  He is also afraid to use it.  He keeps saying "It's broken." 

I had a meeting yesterday with the children's Speech Pathologist.  I found out she is not working on just motor like I thought she was.  She is actually doing a great job.  She came in and asked Alexia how she was doing and Alexia looked at her and said "Dood."  The Pathologist touched a finger to her (own) throat and Alexia immediately said "I mean Good!"  Apparently she uses touch cues with them and they work wonders.  Now I am armed with some of those cues.  Aidan's Speech IEP looks just like Alexia's.  They have problems with the same exact sounds.  I'm going to have to develop some sort of incentive here at home...any ideas?

Winter sports sign-ups are here.  Jacob wants to try basketball and Alexia wants to try cheer leading.  It's going to be a busy winter.

I don't think I have mentioned that Alan will be starting sea duty again soon.  Time to be a Sailor's wife again.  I was really enjoying shore duty.

 

 

Marching forward...

Tuesday came, bright and sunny.  I had a little cold over the weekend.  Apparently, it was just a seedling because I woke up Tuesday not even 1/3 as bright as the sun.  I managed to trudge through the day.  I got up and made myself hot chocolate...I reached for my favorite stuff to sprinkle on top...nutmeg and cinnamon.  Yummy.  I took a nice big gulp and nearly gagged as I looked to see what was in my other hand.  "Smoky Mesquite Steak Seasoning."  Hmm.  I wouldn't recommend that one for a hot chocolate topping. 

I proceeded through the day.  Managed to mow the grass and cook dinner.  Fell into bed quite happy to be there.  Woke up today feeling just as gray as the sky outside.  It was a beautiful fall day...off and on cold rain showers, yellow/orange/brown leaves blowing around in the gusty winds.  When I was switching kids out on the bus, I had a great idea.  "Let's go wait in the van, kids, so I can leave right after the bus comes to take back these library books!"  So we have three library books and we dash outside and it starts down pouring right after I shut and locked the front door.  I reached into my pocket for my keys to unlock the van for the kids.  Insert cartoon of frazzled mommy with a balloon over her head with @#$%#@ symbols.  No keys.  Crappola. 

Luckily, I hadn't neglected to tuck my cell phone into my pocket.  I called Alan who proceeded to laugh for a full three minutes before telling me to walk somewhere where there was cover and he would be there as soon as he could.  Being the belligerent type that I am, I tried to find a way in only to be attacked by puppies and acquire muddy paw prints on my derriere.  Aidan was knocked over in the mud.  Robby's shoes were taken and I had to chase them.  I managed to un tangle ourselves from the excited quivering fur balls and walk to the nearest canopy.  Many people stared at the three wet people with paw prints all over us, doing our best to keep three library books dry.

Alan made it within the hour and let us in, snickering the entire time.  The boys and I returned the library books then came back and curled up on the couch under blankets.  Mommy was pretty grouchy by then.  I continued to be pretty grouchy until after dinner. 

Hopefully this cold will lift and I can function normally tomorrow. 

 

It's off!

Aidan's cast is off.  The doctor told me to try my best to keep him from running, climbing, jumping, and generally being a boy and I kind of smiled and nodded and told him I would do my very best. 

Not two hours later, despite me screaming and yelling and waving my arms to "Stop!" like a lunatic, Aidan jumped off of a little ledge and fell directly onto his arm.  It's just not possible to keep a boy from being a boy...but I am being very diligent. 

General thoughts and updates

Fall has blown in with a lot to do.  The days pass by quickly with my to-do lists still long.  I usually add things as I get to check things off.  It seems more than a little redundant to me, but I am the ever faithful Piggy and keep on plugging along. 

We went to visit DH's mom and family and attended Granddad's Memorial Service.  The service was very nice.  The Chaplain who spoke didn't leave many dry eyes in the church.  It was nice to learn a little more about Granddad.  Despite the reason for a visit, it is always nice to see the family.  On the way there the kids kept chanting their favorite cousin's name.  They just couldn't wait to see her.  She's around 15 a wonderful help to me.  The kids love her and she loves them...it's nice for them to be able to play with other people for a while.  Some of their other cousins were there and they tuckered the kids out.  The cousins are all older...in their teens or older than that. 

On the home front, my dad seems to be doing OK.  I haven't heard otherwise, so I will go with "No news is good news."  My brother and SIL are due to have their first baby any day!  A little girl.  I am very excited for them.  My family seems to go in spurts.  Back in my generation,  there were three boys born and then little 'ol me.  Then the next generation had three girls and then a boy.  Then in the same generation, (years later, lol), I had three boys and a girl!  See a theme here? Of course, I had a boy, a girl, then two boys, but let's leave that part out.  Now one of my second cousins had a boy, and my brother and SIL are having a girl.  So they messed it all up.  Phooey on them, anyway!  Hmm, wait a minute...*I messed it up!  I was due for three boys and a girl, instead I had a boy, a girl...then three boys were born...now the next girl.  I think it's because I had two extra children, hehe.  My Grandma had three children, each of her children had two children, each of my Aunt's children had two children...then there was me.  Yeah...I through the monkey wrench in there.  I'll take credit where credit is due!  ::grins:: 

Well, now that you had an utterly confusing and boring crash course on my family, let's see what else is going on around here.  The big, big news is Aidan is getting his cast off tomorrow, hopefully!  He goes for an X-ray.  Positive thoughts that he is all healed!  My big boy also is completely day potty trained, and he got a hair cut.  I need to update my pictures.   It was so funny, Jacob came home from school and I asked him to look at Aidan.  Jacob turned around and instantly turned back to me and said, "Awwe, Mom!  He looks just like me!  You'll never get our names right, now!"  Yes, yes, I admit...I am forever calling Aidan Jacob and Jacob Aidan.  It has gotten worse since they look identical from the back, and pretty darn close from the front...maybe I will just change both of their names to Jaiden.  Wah-la!  Problem solved!

The sight in the headlights

It was a clear, cold night and we were visiting DH's mom.  She volunteered to keep the kids so that DH and I could go catch a movie.  I wanted to drive because I knew the deer would be crazy this time of year.  DH ended up driving anyway.

On the way home, I saw it first.  A deer just standing in the other lane of the road.  DH thought he would move and kept going...the deer did move...directly into our lane.  So DH hit the brakes and we hit him going about 25 mph.  I can see the poor deer in my mind so clearly, even a week later.  He was good sized, and had about a five point rack going.  I saw him start to run...trying to get out from in front of us, but he started running too late.  I knew he wasn't going to make it.  We hit him with a loud slamming sound and I saw that poor deer fly up over the hood and bounce off....then he got up and ran away.  I was so relieved to see him up and running.  I hope he wasn't hurt.  It was very scary for me.  My worst fear when driving at night is that I would hit a deer.  When you usually see the results of those kind of collisions, they aren't pretty; on either end.

Our vehicle didn't see too much damage...we lost the little plaque thing marking the model of our car, and there are a few cracks around where the little plaque used to be.

So if you are out that way...and see a deer running by with a five point rack and a vehicle's plaque thingy on his butt...you know who hit him.

Goodbye, Granddad

Alan has lost his Granddad.  He began resting in peace on September 12.  Granddad had fought a long fight, and I hope he is finally resting. 

 

THE LETTER

by: Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836-1906)

HELD his letter in my hand,

And even while I read

The lightning flashed across the land

The word that he was dead.

How strange it seemed! His living voice

Was speaking from the page

Those courteous phrases, tersely choice,

Light-hearted, witty, sage.

I wondered what it was that died!

The man himself was here,

His modesty, his scholar's pride,

His soul serene and clear.

These neither death nor time shall dim,

Still this sad thing must be--

Henceforth I may not speak to him,

Though he can speak to me!

 

Granddad, you will be missed.  We bless you and may you rest in peace.  We know you are watching over your children.

A Tale of my morning

My six year old was dangling from the banister shouting "Get me my coat!" while I ignored him and told him to get down and get it.

My five year old usually goes to school in the afternoon, but today she has a field trip.  She needed to ride the bus with my six year old.  Instead, she was following me around with her bottom lip out saying she wanted to stay home with Mommy.  I kept a running dialouge of all the fun things she will do today while trying to pack her lunch.

My three year old was following me around screaming at the top of his lungs and stomping his feet demanding I help him get dressed.

My one year old was following me around screaming and demanding I pick him up and cuddle him.  I tried to give him yogurt, he didn't want it, so I took him out of his highchair...and he wanted it.  So I put him back in his chair...and he hit it so the entire thing splattered down the front of me.  I gave up.

And don't forget the reason for my disorganization...I had everything laid out on the counter so I could find it...and the cat jumped up and Jacob startled him...and the cat knocked everything down into a great big heap at my feet.

I have only been up for an hour.  It's quiet now....

    ....thankfully....

               ....and I somehow managed not to trip over any of the children that were following me around on my heels.  And somehow, all of their needs were met.  They always are...even if I have to do a little banging of my head against the wall.

The Mommy goes...

Up and down,

Round and round,

busy, busy, busy.

The animals and the kids have a bet going.  Who can produce the nastiest messes for Mommy to clean up.  The animals are winning.  I can deal with "seen again hot dogs" that Jacob tossed at me.  Quite literally.  :-)

The days are quietly sliding into the cooler weather of fall.  This is one very happy Mommy.  I love the crispness of the mornings.  Hot chocolate to start the day.  I'm putting the shorts away this weekend and pulling out the sweaters and long pants.  Tonight, I am making baked Apples to honor my favorite season. 

Even though the days are quiet, there are many things happening.  Not the least of which involves a splint and a sling while we wait for an appointment to get a cast.  Maybe now my three-year-old will pick up his shoes....although, when his doctors ask him, he says "No, I still don't pick up my shoes."

                 ...and he is being 100% honest.

Mommy is still try to wrap her mind around how her little dare devil can fall off of ledges and have barely a scratch on him, but yet he trips over one little tennis shoe, and breaks his arm.  He's a trooper...I think Mommy is taking it harder than he is.

The Mommy goes up and down,

round and round,

busy, busy busy.

Teacher report

I am still really liking Jacob's teacher.  I have a homework sheet for the entire week so I know exactly what to expect.  It's great.  Getting Jacob to do the homework is another task.  He is still having difficulties this week at school.  I'm giving that time.

Alexia's teacher sent home a newsletter with the homework listed on the bottom.  I was thinking "Great!" until I read it.  The letter stated that the homework due on Wednesday was in the folder.  Nope.  Nothing there.  So I wrote a note to see if they could send it home tomorrow.  So far it has taken them no less than three days to respond to my concerns.  Alexia still hasn't seen her speech therapist.  I am guessing they are wanting the kids to get settled into routines first.  Her Kindergarten teacher has still not acknowledged to me that she realizes Alexia needs speech.  No response from her yet concerning my questions.  I'll give it time...Alexia seems to like school so far.

The calm after the storm

Every Mommy knows this feeling.  The utter peace that comes over you as you sit in a quiet room and all of the children are asleep.  The peace...and the sense of emptiness.  The feeling of "Now what?" or "Where do I start with my to do list?"  For now, I sit and enjoy listening to the Lullabies on AOL Radio.  I know I need to go clean up the kitchen and take care of animals.  Deep breaths.  Relaxing. 

My day was a string of animals peeing on furniture, kids leaving water running with the drain plugged, kids flushing plastic Easter Eggs down the toilet while I plunged my hand into yucky flushing water trying to get it - I missed, screaming and hollering children, a child telling me how I don't understand him, homework, buses coming and going, more animals peeing everywhere, more children screaming, baths, people ringing on the doorway and knowing I am home so they didn't go away for 15 minutes.  Yeah, I let them stand there.  I was giving baths.  So sorry...they should have figured out after standing there for a minute and listening to screaming kids that I wasn't coming to the door. 

So for now, I enjoy peace.  Deep breaths.  Relaxing.

I love my kids.  :-)

My mantra that I chant over and over all day. 

I can't believe...

...how fast the summer went by.  I feel like I have missed out on so much.  I was so busy rushing the summer along and waiting for school to start that I missed some really great moments with my kids.  I am in shell shock that school has already begun. 

We are trudging away and trying to get into the school year groove.  I hope to be a lot more organized this year.  So far I really like Jacob's teacher.  I have met her twice and she seems to be on the ball.  She is extremely organized and has already told us what field trips the kids were having and when.  Last year one of my gripes was the teachers sprung a field trip on us at Christmas time with no warning.  Bad time a year to spring expensive trips on Santa!  ;-)  I'm not that sure about Alexia's teacher.  Alan met her, but I wasn't able to.  I wasn't that impressed from Alan's recounting of their short meeting.  She was completely unaware of Alexia's speech issues.  :\

I can't believe the new school year is here, but at the same time I am very excited for fall.  Crisp air and the crunch of leaves under my shoes.  Pink cheeks and warm sweaters.  Apple cider and jack-o-lanterns.  I absolutely love fall. 

On a completely different note, my Dad has been in the hospital for over a week.  He just went home today.  He has a blood clot in his heart and some other things.  I really wish I could be with him and keep an eye on him.  School and kids prevent that, however. 

Things are pretty hectic these days, but I am hoping the days will carry me right into cooler weather and happier times again before I know it!

 

Traveling Woes

So we packed up the family and went to visit Alan's Dad.  It was a nice trip and we enjoyed seeing the family again.  It has been over a year and a half since we have seen them.  Catching up is always nice.  We visited a County Fair and an Aquarium and I even was able to meet some friends.  We enjoyed it all immensely.

You might me wondering "So why Traveling Woes?"  That's easy.  Our vehicle has been twitchy lately.  Everything was going along just fine.  We whisking right along, maybe two or three hours out when I stopped to get gas.  Everyone else was sleeping.  I got my gas, then hopped back in and got my snack all set and my seat belt on.  I turned the key...my lights came on...

                          ...then everything went dead.  Kaput.  Not working.  Going nowhere.

So I wake up Alan and he helpfully tells me that I broke it.  Anywhos, he poked at this and that for almost an hour before he grounded out the electrical system out of utter frustration.  Then everything worked again.  After it happened one or two more times on our trip, Alan figured out it was the switch for the Auto lights.  There is a short in it.  So we need to fix that.  We finished out the trip to the family's without further incident.

The trip home was a little different.  The tires were making a funny noise and vibration and we were thinking that either a.) The alignment was pulling on the rod and everything was going to break loose or b.)  something else was happening with the power.  So we were discussing what to do if the tires fell off or the power went off as were driving down the road.  At the end of the conversation, we heard it.  Poooopfffhhhhhtttt.  Flat tire.  Alan deftly steered us to the side of the road.  I'm telling you...we were in a state full of the nicest people I have ever seen on the road.  They all drove courteously and one guy even saw us get a flat tire and pulled over with us to make sure we had everything we needed.  It warmed my wittle heart!  ::best Tweety imitation::

So anyway...it took almost an hour to change the tire because the vehicle kept falling off of the jack.  Alan did manage to get it on and he drove on the donut as far as he felt was safe then we slept in a parking lot until a Super Walmart's Tire and Lube was open and we could get a new tire. 

We finally made it home after 23 hours.  ::yawn::

A Rescue Mission

One beautiful morning with gray clouds hanging low in the sky, the Princess sat up in bed and stretched a lazy stretch.  She looked around bleary eyed and decided she would go to wake up a Knight in Training so he could fix her some breakfast.

Now, the little Knight knew that he should never, ever go down the tower stairs all by himself, so he tiptoed into Ma'am the Magnificent's room and pleaded for her to go and get the Princess some breakfast.  Now, Ma'am  the Magnificent was a little grumpy, but being the Knight in charge, she decided to do the little Knight's bidding.  She heard ed up the Princess and the little Knight and they slowly went down the long, tower stairs.

The Princess was ahead of the Knights, and when she rounded the corner into the great Kitchen, a horrible surprise awaited her.  The wretched Kitchen maid had left out a pitcher of lemonade the night before and hungry, giant ants had invaded the kitchen!  They rushed at the Princess with their mandibles working.  The little Knight was terrified and cowered behind Ma'am the Magnificent.  Ma'am arched her brow at the little Knight and ordered him to distract the giant ants while she mounted her sturdy steed...Kirby.  The little Knight quivered in his Pull-up, but he did what his Knight in charge asked.  He showed such bravery, darting into the kitchen screaming "AAAAAAA-EEEEE" as he zipped quickly in zig zags.  The ants took the bait and charged after the brave little Knight.

Never to fear...Ma'am the Magnificent charged into the room on her shining silver steed - Kirby - and with her long gray sword, she conquered each and every ant in five minutes flat.  There were at least 50 ants in the large kitchen, but they were no challenge for Ma'am and her steed.  Ma'am blew into the end of her sword and held it over her head triumphantly all the while grabbing the little Knight and holding him up with pride.  A job well done, little Knight!  The Princess is saved, the day is saved.  "Hooray-Hooray!" the villagers cried. 

Then the King smirked and went to off to work.

Life's Mystery is solved

Aidan, who is supposed to be sleeping, just came in and informed me that cows do not lick themselves.  That puppies and cats do.  So if anyone was wondering, no need to lie awake at night anymore pondering one of life's greatest mysteries.

It kind of frightens me what goes through my three-year-old's mind as he lies in bed at night...

Happy Birthday, Alexia!

I cannot believe she is five.  Where did the time go?  I still remember the day I was home alone and in labor.  Well, I wasn't alone.  21 month old Jacob was there.  He was very helpful.  No, really, he was so good that day.  He seemed to know something was up so he took an extra long nap and when I managed to go upstairs to get him and bring him downstairs, he was so good about playing at my feet until my neighbor showed up to take me to the hospital.  It was a very frightening time for me but I remember it fondly.  It was quick and to the point.  Wala...Alexia is here!  She has always done things in a whammie sort of way, since.  She never does anything halfway, lol. 

Alexia, I love you, sweetie!  Happy fifth birthday!

Let's not forget

As an anonymous poster commented, my DH did a wonderful thing for me.  He replaced my barely working 10 year old washer and dryer with two brand new beautiful hunks of machinery.  I am now the exuberant owner of a front loading wash machine and a matching dryer.  These things rock!  I love playing with my new toys!  I know DH likes having clean clothes. 

     ...Now I just need a toy that will fold and put away the clothes when they are clean. 

Cool spot

Today we were lucky enough to have our house in a cool spot on our dear planet today.  It was such a delightful break.  Dh mowed the grass and I managed to peel myself off of the couch and clean the upstairs.  It smells and looks so fresh and clean when you come up the stairs now.  I asked Dh how long it would last.  We both think until morning.  Ha!  When I say "I cleaned!" I mean it.  I scrubbed the bathtub and toilet and everything else in the bathroom.  I had the kids pick up their rooms and then I vacuumed them.  And I vacuumed the walls and ceilings, lol.  Cleaned up the vents and got rid of the cobwebs.  Sprayed the place with Frebreeze.  Washed Jacob's blankets and put fresh sheets on all of their beds.  Ahhhhh.  Freshness is good.  I still need to do our (Alan's, Robby's , and mine) room but it can wait until tomorrow.  Or Monday...lol.

 

 

Just some follow ups...

Aidan had his speech evaluation today.  Luckily, it was Alexia's speech teacher who evaluated him.  So she is familiar with our family.  She chatted with A for five minutes and decided that he qualified, but she had to do the formal evaluation so it was all documented.  She told him she would see him in August and that Student Services would be calling me to tell me he qualified.  I'm not surprised.  She is the one who recommended I have him evaluated in the first place.  Not sure if the outcome would have been different had a different therapists talked with him.  I'm sad about Aidan going to school.  It's bittersweet.

I haven't gotten too far into my new Jennifer Weiner book.  Been busy.  And hot.  They say it's supposed to be better this weekend.  It will be nice to have a little break from this. 

 

 

Quiet days

Jacob is home and we are settling into the routine of Summer School.  As soon as we get settled, it will be over and we will be leaving for vacation.  Not too much is happening around here, which I always view as a positive thing.  We enjoyed the wading pool today and now I am about to curl up and read my new Jennifer Weiner book.  If you haven't read her books, give her a try.  She has written "Good in Bed," "In her Shoes," "Little Earthquakes," and now "Goodnight Nobody."  Ms. Weiner writes about women and situations they may encounter.  She is one of my favorite authors.

If you ever need a quick and fun read, try MaryJanice Davidson.  She has a series about a vampire named Betsy.  "Undead and Unemployed,"  "Undead and UnWed," "Undead and Unpopular," and there is another one...I'd have to go downstairs and look.  She has novellas out, also, and some other series.  One involves a Cyborg and one involves Werewolves.  I have not read the Werewolf series.  However, her writing style is humorous and easy to read.

Ok, I think I am done with my shameless plugs for my two current favorites, lol.

Quiet for a bit

It's that time.  Jacob is coming home this weekend.  I am so excited.  I can't wait to see him.  I have been told that he had a great time and has just had two "A" days.  I was so happy to hear that. 

After Jacob is home and settled, he has to get a good night sleep because the morning after he gets home, he is off to summer school.  I have made my phone calls and have his bus number and times and what he needs, etc., all figured out. 

It's going to be a very busy week next week, indeed.  Jacob starts his summer school and Aidan is being re-screened for articulation delays.  We shall see how it all works out.  It will be a very hot week.  Hopefully the humidity will be gone after all of the storms roll over.  It's been very sticky.  I plan on blowing up the kids pool and letting them soak in the shade after Jacob gets home from school every day this week.  Heck, I will probably put on my suit and grab Robby and join them.  Yup, it's that hot.  So if you need us, we will be splashing and enjoying Summer.  :-)

Thinking

Today has been another TV free day.  At least for the kids.

I have been doing a lot of thinking today, as explored here:

Calgon, take away...the cellulite

The no TV crusade

I managed to make it through Monday with no TV.  Tuesday they just watched the Disney Channel movie that night.  Today, I was lazy and they watched TV for a while this morning.  But this evening, I made them play and use their imaginations.  Shameful, I know.  Tomorrow, I will have them help me clean.  Clean, and clean!

Advantages to Misery

So, our air conditioner is on the fritz again this year.  While most days are "OK," some are just down right sticky-miserable.  Luckily, I have been able to find some advantages to this.

Our electric bill is cut in more than half!  It's a lot lower this summer.  From $270 down to $73 this month.  It has been around $90.  Not sure what we did to cut it lower.  It's probably being away those two weekends, though, huh?  

I'm not eating very much.  Too hot to eat!  And when I do eat, it's light fare.  For instance, lunch today was Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuits with cheese and watermelon.  Yummy.  And I don't even like watermelon, lol. 

The kids and I are getting out and about.  I know that if we had air conditioner, I would hole up in my house where it was cool.  Since it's hotter in here than outside, the kids and I are spending a lot of time outdoors.  It's great...

     ...now...I'm not saying I want to be airless every summer...lol.

(says Shel, who was spoiled last year with AC for the first time in years)

Trying to be TV free

So far in the past week, I have only managed it for one day.  We didn't turn the TV on at all.  Today, we are doing great.  No TV so far.  I will freely admit that with this hot weather, I was completely happy to turn on the tube and vegetate this weekend.  :-(  I would like to prevent that from happening more than once or twice a week.  Hopefully not at all. 

So today, the kids and I got up and ate breakfast, then we headed out for a walk.  It was about an hour and a half walk.  We went to the bookstore and played with trains and read books.  We went to the grocery and got eggs and milk.  We went to look at the fish at the pet store.  When we got home, we made banana bread.  While it was baking, the kids played with play dough while I read a bit out of "Charlotte's Web" to them.  We had lunch.  Now it's quiet time.  Still planned for the day:  cleaning out the garage and mowing the grass.  The kids will enjoy helping me with the garage and they will enjoy riding their bikes while I mow.  By then it should be dinner time and then bath and bed...

                        ...problem is, I am already pooped.

I give up for now

As long as I am sitting in my chair right across from the crib, Robby is fine.  When I said I could wait him out, I must have been dreaming.  I got bored.  I wanted a book.  I got up to get the book and he started screaming.  It then took over an hour to get him asleep after that, even while nursing him.  I was so frustrated last night.  I think I will wait a little longer.  He only nurses on average three times a day.  Morning, nap, and night-time.  So I will start by taking out the Morning nursing session.  Then go from there.  When Alexia weaned, she just naturally started soothing herself to sleep.  Before that, she had to nurse.  Hopefully Robby will do that.  Cross your fingers.  At this rate I might be nursing him until he is two.  I've never done that before, not sure how I feel about it for myself specifically.  Time will tell.

He won

@@ 

 

After two hours I gave up.  This is going to be a very long road.

It's on

No, not the TV.  Silence from the ghost in the TV.  No worries there.

It's on between Robby and I.  He needs to learn how to fall asleep by himself.  He can't continue using me.  My body can't handle it anymore.  He doesn't  know how to soothe himself.  The result is a Mommy who is always with Robby.  I love him, but he needs to be able to open his eyes for ten seconds at night without needing Mommy to get back to sleep.  It's a proven fact that all people wake up during the night, even if for a few seconds.  No one actually sleeps through the entire night.  Even if they think they do! 

So Robby was asleep, but he woke up for whatever reason.  He is just lying in his crib playing with his feet.  As long as I sit here right in his sight, he isn't crying.  So I am waiting him out.  I can sit in this chair for a while.  Hopefully for a long while.  It's already been half an hour.  He smiles at me, I smile at him, but I won't talk to him or pick him up unless he cries.  I don't do the crying out thing.  It's not for me or my kids.  So, as long as he is happily playing with his toes, I will wait him out.

                    ....It's on, little one.

Unplugged

I couldn't take it anymore.  I was up at 1:30 this morning trying to get Robby back to sleep and Jacob's TV started blaring.  I heard a weird sound.  You know, like an electronic wheeze.  Then the sound blaring through the house.  So I charge into his room and turn it off.  I climb back into bed and not three minutes later it was on again.  So I went charging back into his room like some kind of enraged hippo and turned it off again with the intent of unplugging it.  Before I could even get the plug out, the durn TV turned on AGAIN!  So I turned it off and it came back on immediately.  The thing is possessed, I tell ya.  I was finally getting the plug pulled out and the TV was coming on again right as I pulled the plug. 

               ....The ghost in the TV is quiet for now.  If it comes on again, I will be seriously freaked seeing as how I pulled it's juice.

Playing "Where's Jacob?"

I'm not sure why I am doing it.  But yesterday we were coming downstairs for breakfast and I was shouting for Jacob.  I couldn't find him.  I looked in all the bedrooms.  I was getting a bit panicked.  "Jacob!  Jacob!  Where are you!"  Alan, Alexia, and Aidan were standing at the bottom of the stairs giggling at me.  I just couldn't understand why there were laughing about Jacob being missing.  Then later, we were pulling down the road to leave for my Aunt's, and my foot was getting ready to stomp on the brakes as I said "We are missing a kid!"  I was about to go back to the house for Jacob.  I didn't do this with Alexia.  I missed her just as much.  Alan thinks it is because Jacob is high maintenance.  He is *always there.  Always my shadow.  Always talking.  Always wanting me to play with him.

Meanwhile....Jacob's TV was on at midnight last night when we got home.

                            ....With the volume turned all the way up.  Hmmmm.

Who knew

It seems that I am a closet Horse Shoe Champion.  My SIL is, too.  Who would have thought that?  LOL

At my Aunt's yesterday, somehow the topic of Horse Shoes came up so my Uncle pulled out a stake and some horse shoes and a game began.  First it was some of us just messing around, then it turned into an actual game that took us two hours to play.  I had never in my life actually played Horse Shoes and neither had my SIL.  So it was a bit crazy that we were racking up the points fast.  Turns out I got two "ringers" which won the game for us.  Weird, huh? 

Our Fourth of July was very nice.  We BBQed with my Aunt and Uncle at their house and talked and played Horse Shoes.  I even touched a couple toads to catch them for the kids.  I don't like touching "creatures," but I'm going to have to get over that with three boys.  One small step for the boys, one huge step for Mommyhood!

I also finally was able to see the new baby in the family.  He is my second cousin's son and he is three months old.  It was a little strange holding a baby that young again.  I am a little disappointed in my Cousin, but what can you do.  She is VERY lucky to have my Aunt, and she needs to stop taking advantage.  That is all I will say on the subject or steam might come out of my ears.  I understand that it can be difficult when you are a Mommy yourself and you don't have a Mommy of your own to lean on.  Believe me, I know.  But...geez.  I said I wouldn't say anymore! 

                  ....My ears are Steaming!  So I am zipping up my lips.  Erm, tying my fingers together.

Two toofers!

Finally, Robby has his bottom front two teeth.  Well, partially.  He cut one last time we were at MIL's and he just cut the second this time while we were there.  He's still getting used to them.  He's only bitten me while he was eating once.  ::knocking on wood::

Someone turn off the fun!

Alexia is trying to sleep.  I want to sleep!  We were driving all night, and we should have known better.  The fireworks are going off all over.  The people across the street are having a party.  Too much fun is being had by our neighbors!  Cut it out, I tell ya!  NO FUN!  Absolutely not!  If I can't have fun, neither can they! 

Someone pass me the tranquilizers.   Bah Fourth-Bug!

Happy Independence day, but let's wait until I have had some sleep before the fun begins.  Or at least invite me.  Alexia and Aidan weren't too keen on the few fireworks Alan set off.  I thought they were very nice.  Thank you, dear.

Jacob visits

Jacob visited us today.  Alan went up to shut his bedroom door and accidentally locked it.  We didn't know he locked it.  I was up here with Alexia, Aidan, and Robby when suddenly Jacob's TV turns on and is blaring very loudly.  So Aidan says "Jacob's TV is on, can I watch it?"  I thought he turned it on and I told him yes.  He said "I can't, the doors locked.  Who is in there?"

That was an awfully darn good question, Aidan.  Alan and I can't figure it out.  The room was empty.  The room was locked.  Yet the TV came on.  Maybe the timer was set?  If it comes on tomorrow morning, I will know that was the case.  For now, I am guessing that Jacob's subconsciousness is homesick and wanted to visit.  I called my MIL and Jacob was still snoozing.

Returning from our adventures

She's home!  She's home!

Sadly, Jacob is now having his time with Grandma and Grandpa.  :-(

I am thrilled to have Alexia home, but I miss Jacob.

Even though I miss him, I am not looking forward to picking him up.  Not for the reasons you imagine.  Our trip to go pick up Alexia and drop of Jacob was very adventurous.  Somehow, Alan missed the very small sign that covered the width of the five lane highway and was about 9 foot up and down indicating that the highway split into two separate highways.  He went the wrong way.  Shortly after we swapped drivers, I noticed that the highway signs were not what I was expecting.  And I was going towards the wrong state.  Hmmm.  So we stopped to turn around.  About 11:15 P.M. we were just over 20 miles from the highway split again.  At 1:30 A.M., I was waking up from a light nap.  And I was driving.  Don't worry.  We were still 20 miles from our exit.  I just couldn't bring myself to fall into a deep sleep.  You know, since I was driving and all.  It just didn't seem right. 

Yeah, you guessed it.  The highway was shut down.  The cars were off, people were playing cards in the middle of the road behind us.  People wandered around.  I tried to nap.  Over two hours of just sitting on the highway.  Finally, at 1:30 A.M., it was "Gentlemen, start your engines!"  Well, in my case, it was GentleMommy.  I was so excited to zoom along at 1 mile per hour with my foot on the brake for 30 minutes, only to spend another 15 minutes with my engine off again.  Then another 15 minutes of zooming along at 2 miles per hour.  Whoo-hoo!  They were taking us over on the shoulder because all three lanes at that particular point were closed.  Overall, Alan's little detour cost us about 6 hours.  Our 9 hour trip took 14.  But, we were blessed to arrive safely.

Alan and I are both hoping we can make it back to pick up Jacob without any more detours.  We have taken a detour every time we have gone to visit his mother so far. 

I think we just like driving.  After all, the kids are strapped into car seats and we know where they are and what they are doing at all times.  ::grins::

Simple Gestures

I have been trying to be more patient and make simple gestures that will bring smiles to the boys' faces.  Like tonight, Aidan was sleeping, and Robby was sleeping, but Jacob was still awake.  So I told him to follow me outside and I let him chase fireflies for a little bit.  Not very long...long enough to catch one and oooh and ahh over it before gently letting it go.  Jacob was so very excited.  And it really didn't take any effort on my part to bring the delighted smile to his little face.  My mind is like a camera...I can still enjoy the moment, but it is forever en grained in my minds eye.

Earlier in the day I had taken Robby and Aidan on an errand with me.  I let Aidan carry my back pack on his back for me.  He was so proud to be helping Mommy.  Once again no effort on my part.  But he was very excited to tell Jacob about it when he got home.

It's hard to resist the impulse to buy things for your kids or take them to public attractions and spend oodles of money to make them happy.  That's what parents want, right?  To make their children happy?  I fall prey to this all of the time.  Always going, doing, buying, making, sweating, crying...etc...to make the kids  happy.  I will continue on a daily basis to just simply sit back and enjoy the little things...

                             ...the little things that bring such big smiles.