It's worse in person.
On the bright side, I finally figured out the PERFECT garland for Austin's Christmas tree!
Caution Tape.
Fitting and cute. :-)
Shelley
Showing posts with label keepin' it real. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keepin' it real. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2012
Keepin' it Real
Just a sample of the mess that comes before the beautiful Christmas decorations...
It's worse in person.
On the bright side, I finally figured out the PERFECT garland for Austin's Christmas tree!
Caution Tape.
Fitting and cute. :-)
Shelley
It's worse in person.
On the bright side, I finally figured out the PERFECT garland for Austin's Christmas tree!
Caution Tape.
Fitting and cute. :-)
Shelley
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Are we there yet?
One trip to Target. Surely we can handle that. I mean, they're five, seven, and ten now, it won't be like it was 4 years ago, or even last year...right? I can do this. Surely we're there.
These were the thoughts that ran through my head yesterday, as I headed out the door for my first trip to Target this summer with all three.
I don't have a baby or a toddler to run wild anymore. I don't have to watch everyone like a hawk anymore, they can follow instructions...
I gave my speeches on the way: No begging for things, I'm only buying what's on my list, I expect good behavior, etc...
The first 20 minutes were fine. The kids were a little rambunctious, but ok. They were being silly, goofy, funny, and just a little too loud as they pretended to drink and eat the giant bright, colored signs of lemonade and hot dogs that dangled from the ceiling. They were actually making me laugh and I think I even had an, Awe, I love their fun imaginations!, moment. As we hit the last part of our list I was feeling pretty good, and the end was in sight.
The tide turned as we waited for a couple of minutes in the pharmacy line. The volume level increased and the playing turned to arguing.
ABORT ABORT, my brain screamed at me as I drove my cart to the checkout. Then the whining started...
Mom! Look at that shirt! I want to get that for Annie for her birthday! Please, Please, PLEASE! Why not? WHYYYYYY? You are SO MEAN! I just want to do something nice for Annie! You won't let me be a nice sister!
In my calm, public mommy voice I repeat, I said I'm sticking to my list and I meant it.
As I try to ignore Ellie's tears, pleas, and shouts of anger, Austin starts...
Mommy pwease pwease PWEASE, can I have this candy? Oooo, wook at dis car! PWEASE mommy!
No, son. It's not on mommy's list.
I hurriedly unload the cart, telling Ellie to calm down, while watching Austin to make sure he puts the candy back, then intercepting him about 17 times as he tries to sneak various items onto the conveyor belt. Suddenly, I hear a frantic voice say, Oh sweetheart, PLEASE get down from there! and I turn to see Annie trying to use the top edge of the cart as a BALANCE BEAM.
What are you thinking??? My calm, public mommy voice goes out the window as I lower my acrobatic daughter to the floor. I load the bags into the cart and head for the exit, load everything and everyone in, climb into the car, and reach for the Excedrin migraine.
So yeah, we're not there yet.
Maybe next year.
These were the thoughts that ran through my head yesterday, as I headed out the door for my first trip to Target this summer with all three.
I don't have a baby or a toddler to run wild anymore. I don't have to watch everyone like a hawk anymore, they can follow instructions...
I gave my speeches on the way: No begging for things, I'm only buying what's on my list, I expect good behavior, etc...
The first 20 minutes were fine. The kids were a little rambunctious, but ok. They were being silly, goofy, funny, and just a little too loud as they pretended to drink and eat the giant bright, colored signs of lemonade and hot dogs that dangled from the ceiling. They were actually making me laugh and I think I even had an, Awe, I love their fun imaginations!, moment. As we hit the last part of our list I was feeling pretty good, and the end was in sight.
The tide turned as we waited for a couple of minutes in the pharmacy line. The volume level increased and the playing turned to arguing.
ABORT ABORT, my brain screamed at me as I drove my cart to the checkout. Then the whining started...
Mom! Look at that shirt! I want to get that for Annie for her birthday! Please, Please, PLEASE! Why not? WHYYYYYY? You are SO MEAN! I just want to do something nice for Annie! You won't let me be a nice sister!
In my calm, public mommy voice I repeat, I said I'm sticking to my list and I meant it.
As I try to ignore Ellie's tears, pleas, and shouts of anger, Austin starts...
Mommy pwease pwease PWEASE, can I have this candy? Oooo, wook at dis car! PWEASE mommy!
No, son. It's not on mommy's list.
I hurriedly unload the cart, telling Ellie to calm down, while watching Austin to make sure he puts the candy back, then intercepting him about 17 times as he tries to sneak various items onto the conveyor belt. Suddenly, I hear a frantic voice say, Oh sweetheart, PLEASE get down from there! and I turn to see Annie trying to use the top edge of the cart as a BALANCE BEAM.
What are you thinking??? My calm, public mommy voice goes out the window as I lower my acrobatic daughter to the floor. I load the bags into the cart and head for the exit, load everything and everyone in, climb into the car, and reach for the Excedrin migraine.
So yeah, we're not there yet.
Maybe next year.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
I should spend my summer wearing a black and white shirt.
I live my life in a state of confusion. I thought I went to college to study art. But no, apparently it was to become a referee.
Sigh.
Siblings are an enigma to me.
Actually, traditional family dynamics are a bit of an enigma to me.
I am an only child. I was a happy only child. I rarely wanted for anything. For 6 years I was the only child of a single mom. I was the apple of my mother's eye. My grandparents adored me. My mom taught me everything at a young age. I could answer the phone, sound very mature, and take messages when I was 8. I was cooking simple meals at 9. I cleaned her make-up mirrors for her before she left to do a Mary Kay class, Sure, I always thought it would be cool to have a little sister or brother, but overall, I led a pretty awesome life.
Fast forward to my life now. At some point I decided I loved little kids and had 3 of my own. Now I wonder...What was I thinking??
They fight ALL THE TIME. Or they're best friends. Who knows on any given day. I wish they had a meter on their heads to let me know what kind of mood they were in. Green would be, I love my brother today! Yellow, I'm a little cranky and need some space, and Red would be, You might as well lock me in my room right now, 'cause I'm gonna make your life h#$$ today.
Wouldn't that be cool?
Instead, I'm on my own. No one in my extended family had 3 children close in age. No one has any helpful advice. Every morning I'm trying to gauge what the day will hold. Obviously Ellie's Asperger's changes things, but still, I'm basically trying to figure out who's-gonna-mess-with-who-today-and-how-long-til-I-need-excedrin-migraine? Every single day.
I love them. Really. But holy crap they wear me out! I mean really? We need to fight over how loud someone is breathing? Or how someone scrapes their teeth on the fork too loud? Or what size the water balloons need to be?
I used to think I would be the mom who helped her little darlings make a craft everyday. Instead, I'm the mom who throws craft supplies on the table and then backs away quickly as the fighting frenzy ensues over who gets what. Just praying that in the end no one does any permanent damage to anyone else.
Today is the last day of summer school.
2 months and 2 days until the next school year starts.
Not that I'm counting...
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
How do you know me?
I am Shelley, wife of 12 years, mom to 3 kids. I am who I am, and for the most part my personality is consistent. I treat people nicely, smile at strangers, pick up after my kids, and overall just try to be a good person. That should be enough, right? Enough for people to generally treat me the same way? And they did, until Ellie turned about 4 1/2, and later when Austin turned 2. Then I began to notice that, depending on which child people connected me to, they treated me differently.
You see, the mom of Ellie must have some parenting issues. Ellie has/had frequent meltdowns in public. Maybe there's something going on at home? I mean, look at the way the poor girl is dressed, she wears the same clothes all the time and her hair looks unkept. Or maybe Ellie's mom is just way too lenient. Ellie's mom needs to take some parenting classes, (as suggested by a school counselor once) and learn to stand up to her strong willed child. You are nice to Ellie's mom...in a kind of pitying way. You encourage your kids to be nice to Ellie, but you keep a safe distance and never invite them over for a play date or a birthday party.
The mom of Annie must be a really good mom because Annie is SO well behaved. (at least in public) Annie's mom should be invited to lead something! After all, look how together she is! Annie always looks adorable, so her mom obviously cares a lot about her. She's slim and trim, so I'm sure Annie's mom feeds her a well-balanced, organic diet, and makes sure she gets plenty of exercise. You really like Annie's mom. You encourage your kids to play with Annie, and invite them to everything. Annie's family are the right kind of people.
Then there's the mom of Austin. You're not sure at first what to think of her. Austin is cute, and dressed well, so at first you think she's a pretty ok mom. Then that horrible Austin kid bites your sweet angel child on the playground and there's no longer a question, that mom is NOT doing her job right. You keep a safe distance from her while giving her your best haughty mom look. You look at her with thinly veiled annoyance as she dashes past you in the hall, trying to catch her out-of-control son. You shake your head at her when you see her at Target trying to wrangle her kid into the cart. You gossip with your friends at the pool about how many times the lifeguard had to whistle at that boy. And you make sure sweet little Johnny never gets near that mean Austin. Who knows, maybe that kid has rabies! Austin's mom is a mess.
So who's mom am I to you?
I am one mom. I parent all three of my kids mostly the same way. I have one personality. Although, I will admit that it has been beat down some over the last few years. One can only take so much social humiliation before it takes it's toll. My point though, is that I find it quite interesting how much people think they know me, based on one snippet of my life.
A few weeks ago I stopped by the DMV to renew my license. I took Austin with me, and we were there for 30 minutes or so. He'd taken a toy car in with him, and for 30 minutes he played cutely and quietly with his car, stopping every now and then to smile at me and say, "I love you mommy!". My little charmer. As we were finishing up an older lady stopped me and said..."Is he yours? (gesturing towards Austin) What a WONDERFUL boy! You are doing a GREAT job raising him!" I smiled and thanked her, and had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. She thought I was the perfect mom! Ha! I wondered what she would think if she could see me 3 hours later, when Austin's ADHD medicine had worn off. I'd still be the same mom, but how would she see me when Austin was (literally) bouncing off the walls?
The whole thing makes me want to laugh... and cry. Some people can't shake their view of me based on my children's behavior. If they knew me first as the mom to pre-medicated Austin, they treat me as such, even now that he is much more well behaved (most of the time). If they knew me first as the mom to Ellie, they still look at me with pity.
My life is quite the interesting social experiment. In a way, I am grateful. My own view of people is forever changed. The way I treat them, the way I think of them. Changed.
Something to think about.
One last thing... I have some amazing family and friends, people who have stood by me through it all. Real people. Real amazing, wonderful people who I couldn't imagine living this life without. You know who you are. Thanks for being you.
Shelley
You see, the mom of Ellie must have some parenting issues. Ellie has/had frequent meltdowns in public. Maybe there's something going on at home? I mean, look at the way the poor girl is dressed, she wears the same clothes all the time and her hair looks unkept. Or maybe Ellie's mom is just way too lenient. Ellie's mom needs to take some parenting classes, (as suggested by a school counselor once) and learn to stand up to her strong willed child. You are nice to Ellie's mom...in a kind of pitying way. You encourage your kids to be nice to Ellie, but you keep a safe distance and never invite them over for a play date or a birthday party.
The mom of Annie must be a really good mom because Annie is SO well behaved. (at least in public) Annie's mom should be invited to lead something! After all, look how together she is! Annie always looks adorable, so her mom obviously cares a lot about her. She's slim and trim, so I'm sure Annie's mom feeds her a well-balanced, organic diet, and makes sure she gets plenty of exercise. You really like Annie's mom. You encourage your kids to play with Annie, and invite them to everything. Annie's family are the right kind of people.
Then there's the mom of Austin. You're not sure at first what to think of her. Austin is cute, and dressed well, so at first you think she's a pretty ok mom. Then that horrible Austin kid bites your sweet angel child on the playground and there's no longer a question, that mom is NOT doing her job right. You keep a safe distance from her while giving her your best haughty mom look. You look at her with thinly veiled annoyance as she dashes past you in the hall, trying to catch her out-of-control son. You shake your head at her when you see her at Target trying to wrangle her kid into the cart. You gossip with your friends at the pool about how many times the lifeguard had to whistle at that boy. And you make sure sweet little Johnny never gets near that mean Austin. Who knows, maybe that kid has rabies! Austin's mom is a mess.
So who's mom am I to you?
I am one mom. I parent all three of my kids mostly the same way. I have one personality. Although, I will admit that it has been beat down some over the last few years. One can only take so much social humiliation before it takes it's toll. My point though, is that I find it quite interesting how much people think they know me, based on one snippet of my life.
A few weeks ago I stopped by the DMV to renew my license. I took Austin with me, and we were there for 30 minutes or so. He'd taken a toy car in with him, and for 30 minutes he played cutely and quietly with his car, stopping every now and then to smile at me and say, "I love you mommy!". My little charmer. As we were finishing up an older lady stopped me and said..."Is he yours? (gesturing towards Austin) What a WONDERFUL boy! You are doing a GREAT job raising him!" I smiled and thanked her, and had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. She thought I was the perfect mom! Ha! I wondered what she would think if she could see me 3 hours later, when Austin's ADHD medicine had worn off. I'd still be the same mom, but how would she see me when Austin was (literally) bouncing off the walls?
The whole thing makes me want to laugh... and cry. Some people can't shake their view of me based on my children's behavior. If they knew me first as the mom to pre-medicated Austin, they treat me as such, even now that he is much more well behaved (most of the time). If they knew me first as the mom to Ellie, they still look at me with pity.
My life is quite the interesting social experiment. In a way, I am grateful. My own view of people is forever changed. The way I treat them, the way I think of them. Changed.
Something to think about.
One last thing... I have some amazing family and friends, people who have stood by me through it all. Real people. Real amazing, wonderful people who I couldn't imagine living this life without. You know who you are. Thanks for being you.
Shelley
Monday, April 2, 2012
Roaring River
Sometimes it's hard for me to get us out of the house. I want to do fun things with the kids, but our reality can be so very difficult sometimes, that it makes it all just too much. I was determined though, to take the kids to Roaring River to see the beauty that I vaguely remembered from my childhood. It's not far away, but just far enough.
The day was warm, the water was VERY cold. We bravely waded in the sparkling clear waters, our feet turning blue and numb. The kids found pretty rocks, I took pictures. A snake was spotted, and our fun ended. :)
We headed home, stopping to play at the playground at Big Cedar on the way, and deciding we need to spend a night out there soon. It's so beautiful there.
The day was not without it's hardships. It was challenging at times. Frustrating. As is usually the case with us. But I'm still glad we did it.
The day was warm, the water was VERY cold. We bravely waded in the sparkling clear waters, our feet turning blue and numb. The kids found pretty rocks, I took pictures. A snake was spotted, and our fun ended. :)
We headed home, stopping to play at the playground at Big Cedar on the way, and deciding we need to spend a night out there soon. It's so beautiful there.
The day was not without it's hardships. It was challenging at times. Frustrating. As is usually the case with us. But I'm still glad we did it.
 | ||||
| Roaring River, 2012 |
Thursday, September 16, 2010
It was a Facebooky Summer!
I did this post in April of some of my favorite facebook updates. I liked it so much that I am doing it again! Our Summer, through the eyes of facebook...
(Shelley)...thinks I may be losing my mind...I've agreed to go camping this weekend, and I am actually looking forward to it! I mean, we're talking tents and no running water kind of camping. Maybe my inner "outdoors girl" is coming out. HA!
...didn't quite expect to find a slug in Austin's pocket...
...We've been camping for two hours...Jason and I have had one argument, Annie's needed two bandaids, and Olivia actually had an ant in her pants. Fun times!
...is really enjoying Summer!
...just conquered the biggest laundry pile I've ever had. I feel like I climbed Mount Everest, and I need to plant a flag on my couch!
...is so proud of Annie for jumping off the diving board today, and Ellie for conquering the Big slide!
...For the third year in a row we went to pick fresh blueberries at Persimmon Hill Berry Farm. We are in love with this tradition! Our girls are great berry pickers! Austin...not so much. :) But he enjoyed running around and just being outdoors. What a great day!
...said something tonight I never thought I would say..."Austin! No using vegetables as weapons!". He was wielding two squash like swords.
...is enjoying a day in the air conditioning! I don't think I could have made it as a pioneer woman.
...found a large frog in my rain boot yesterday. Compliments of my son. Good thing I turned it over to make sure nothing was in it!
...thinks Sonic happy hour is a must today!
...Overheard from Austin's room this morning... Lots of scolding of the stuffed animals, "Daddy said NO NO", "No hitting!", and "You go to time out!"...I think I know what kind of evening daddy and the kids had last night while I was gone.
...thinks it's a perfect day to join some friends at the lake!
...took the kids out for dinner and a movie...in the car! You gotta get creative when the power goes out on a hot night! Thankful that it's finally back on!
...No nap and an evening swim party equal a little boy asleep before his mama could finish reading to him. Love that!
...while the girls are at "Camp Grammie", Austin is at "Camp Potty Training." It's been, well...Interesting! That boy has a bladder of Steel!
...had a great day with the kids and family! Annie was all better just in time to hang out with some Texas cousins!
...took the kids to see Toy Story 3 tonight with some friends. It was our first attempt at having Austin at the movies since he was 18 months old, when he ran down the aisle and onto the stage by the screen. 2 years later...He was PERFECT! Whew!
...thinks I could just live in the pool. Ahhh...
...is enjoying an "under-the-weather" Austin. Calm, cuddly, early napping, quiet...I want him to feel better...tomorrow. :)
...loves it when my oldest reads to my youngest.
...Why is it I can get two kids to behave and act nicely, but never all three? They take turns being the one that drives me nuts. I think it's a conspiracy.
...is ready for my laundry fairy to arrive.
...is wishing my hubby a very happy birthday! Now he's as old as I am! :)
...is so thankful for friends who understand me, and this crazy stage of life that I'm in. :)
...Me: Sweet Annie, you are such a people pleaser. Ellie: I hate people pleasers. Wait, am I a people pleaser? Me: I don't think so dear.
...After a tough few days of power struggles with Ellie, we had a good heart to heart talk last night. At the end I said..."So if you'll just do what I tell you, then we'll get along much better, ok?" Her response was, "But that's so BORING!". Oh my.
...Overheard from the kitchen...Annie: Austin, Gods rules are kindness, compassion, and sharing. So share your chocolates!!
...is enjoying the quiet while Austin naps and the girls shop online. Thank goodness they don't know how to use a credit card yet!
...is there anything harder to clean up in this world than the stuff a diaper is made out of? If so, I don't want to know!
...is enjoying the peace and quiet of nap/resting time and praying I can make it one more month until school starts.
...8 hours at the lake has left us all tired, but happy. Littlest one fell asleep on the way home...I love that!
...is SUPER proud of Ellie for swimming her heart out at her very first swim meet today!
...We have reached the point of Summer when my children are fighting over everything. This morning it started with play doh scissors. I think we've had a little too much togetherness!
...Me: Austin, you're cute. Austin: NO, I'm not cute, I'm a BOY...Gwammie's cute!
...had a wonderful evening with friends tonight! Kids chasing fireflies by the lake, daddy's fishing, and mama's chatting! Perfection! A special THANK YOU to our sweet babysitter for keeping Austin home to play. Otherwise this mama would not have been able to chat! :)
...A 3 hour photo session with my kids = TORTURE! Laney, you are a saint! And I'm glad you're an "amateur" photographer, because I don't think I could pay anyone enough money to go through that!
...We had a fun day at White Water to celebrate Annie turning SIX years old!
...had fun tonight! Went to a Springfield Cardinals game where the girls danced with their studio, watched the Cardinals hit 3 home runs and win big, saw some great fireworks after the game, and surely lost 5 pounds from sweatin' like a pig!
...is heading to the pool to soak up the last of Summer!
...is laying down for awhile with a sweet sleeping Austin...we had a rough morning. Found out he's not hearing out of his left ear at all, and needs new tubes put in and adenoids taken out. :( This mama is sad.
...Austin cut his finger this morning and said through his tears..."I fink a chocolate will make it better." I have NO idea where he got that idea. :)
...is ready to tackle this last day of Summer!!!
...Getting ready to host a family party for Annie, Austin, and Grammie's birthdays!! Then at approximately 10pm I shall be unresponsive for 12 hours...give or take. :)
...Austin started his second year at ECSE Preschool, Annie started Kindergarten, and Ellie started 3rd grade!
...is going to miss my sweet cousin Lane living in my basement! Good luck in in Oklahoma sweetie!
Wow. After reading them all like that, I am suddenly very very tired! No wonder I was ready for school to start! :)
(Shelley)...thinks I may be losing my mind...I've agreed to go camping this weekend, and I am actually looking forward to it! I mean, we're talking tents and no running water kind of camping. Maybe my inner "outdoors girl" is coming out. HA!
...didn't quite expect to find a slug in Austin's pocket...
...We've been camping for two hours...Jason and I have had one argument, Annie's needed two bandaids, and Olivia actually had an ant in her pants. Fun times!
...is really enjoying Summer!
...just conquered the biggest laundry pile I've ever had. I feel like I climbed Mount Everest, and I need to plant a flag on my couch!
...is so proud of Annie for jumping off the diving board today, and Ellie for conquering the Big slide!
...For the third year in a row we went to pick fresh blueberries at Persimmon Hill Berry Farm. We are in love with this tradition! Our girls are great berry pickers! Austin...not so much. :) But he enjoyed running around and just being outdoors. What a great day!
...said something tonight I never thought I would say..."Austin! No using vegetables as weapons!". He was wielding two squash like swords.
...is enjoying a day in the air conditioning! I don't think I could have made it as a pioneer woman.
...found a large frog in my rain boot yesterday. Compliments of my son. Good thing I turned it over to make sure nothing was in it!
...thinks Sonic happy hour is a must today!
...Overheard from Austin's room this morning... Lots of scolding of the stuffed animals, "Daddy said NO NO", "No hitting!", and "You go to time out!"...I think I know what kind of evening daddy and the kids had last night while I was gone.
...thinks it's a perfect day to join some friends at the lake!
...took the kids out for dinner and a movie...in the car! You gotta get creative when the power goes out on a hot night! Thankful that it's finally back on!
...No nap and an evening swim party equal a little boy asleep before his mama could finish reading to him. Love that!
...while the girls are at "Camp Grammie", Austin is at "Camp Potty Training." It's been, well...Interesting! That boy has a bladder of Steel!
...had a great day with the kids and family! Annie was all better just in time to hang out with some Texas cousins!
...took the kids to see Toy Story 3 tonight with some friends. It was our first attempt at having Austin at the movies since he was 18 months old, when he ran down the aisle and onto the stage by the screen. 2 years later...He was PERFECT! Whew!
...thinks I could just live in the pool. Ahhh...
...is enjoying an "under-the-weather" Austin. Calm, cuddly, early napping, quiet...I want him to feel better...tomorrow. :)
...loves it when my oldest reads to my youngest.
...Why is it I can get two kids to behave and act nicely, but never all three? They take turns being the one that drives me nuts. I think it's a conspiracy.
...is ready for my laundry fairy to arrive.
...is wishing my hubby a very happy birthday! Now he's as old as I am! :)
...is so thankful for friends who understand me, and this crazy stage of life that I'm in. :)
...Me: Sweet Annie, you are such a people pleaser. Ellie: I hate people pleasers. Wait, am I a people pleaser? Me: I don't think so dear.
...After a tough few days of power struggles with Ellie, we had a good heart to heart talk last night. At the end I said..."So if you'll just do what I tell you, then we'll get along much better, ok?" Her response was, "But that's so BORING!". Oh my.
...Overheard from the kitchen...Annie: Austin, Gods rules are kindness, compassion, and sharing. So share your chocolates!!
...is enjoying the quiet while Austin naps and the girls shop online. Thank goodness they don't know how to use a credit card yet!
...is there anything harder to clean up in this world than the stuff a diaper is made out of? If so, I don't want to know!
...is enjoying the peace and quiet of nap/resting time and praying I can make it one more month until school starts.
...8 hours at the lake has left us all tired, but happy. Littlest one fell asleep on the way home...I love that!
...is SUPER proud of Ellie for swimming her heart out at her very first swim meet today!
...We have reached the point of Summer when my children are fighting over everything. This morning it started with play doh scissors. I think we've had a little too much togetherness!
...Me: Austin, you're cute. Austin: NO, I'm not cute, I'm a BOY...Gwammie's cute!
...had a wonderful evening with friends tonight! Kids chasing fireflies by the lake, daddy's fishing, and mama's chatting! Perfection! A special THANK YOU to our sweet babysitter for keeping Austin home to play. Otherwise this mama would not have been able to chat! :)
...A 3 hour photo session with my kids = TORTURE! Laney, you are a saint! And I'm glad you're an "amateur" photographer, because I don't think I could pay anyone enough money to go through that!
...We had a fun day at White Water to celebrate Annie turning SIX years old!
...had fun tonight! Went to a Springfield Cardinals game where the girls danced with their studio, watched the Cardinals hit 3 home runs and win big, saw some great fireworks after the game, and surely lost 5 pounds from sweatin' like a pig!
...is heading to the pool to soak up the last of Summer!
...is laying down for awhile with a sweet sleeping Austin...we had a rough morning. Found out he's not hearing out of his left ear at all, and needs new tubes put in and adenoids taken out. :( This mama is sad.
...Austin cut his finger this morning and said through his tears..."I fink a chocolate will make it better." I have NO idea where he got that idea. :)
...is ready to tackle this last day of Summer!!!
...Getting ready to host a family party for Annie, Austin, and Grammie's birthdays!! Then at approximately 10pm I shall be unresponsive for 12 hours...give or take. :)
...Austin started his second year at ECSE Preschool, Annie started Kindergarten, and Ellie started 3rd grade!
...is going to miss my sweet cousin Lane living in my basement! Good luck in in Oklahoma sweetie!
Wow. After reading them all like that, I am suddenly very very tired! No wonder I was ready for school to start! :)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
It's a wonderful facebooky world!
I love Facebook. I love keeping up with friends and family that live far away, and also the ones that are right here in my town. It's fun to read what funny thing a friends' daughter said, or what crazy antics their boy has been up to, and without Facebook, I'd probably never know. It connects me to people I wouldn't normally know...when I want it to. :) It also serves as a personal journal of my daily life. Most of the time I keep my updates light, and try to put a funny spin on them. I started thinking the other day that I should record these updates here, on the ole blog, for my future memories. What better way to look back in 10 years and see what life was handing me in April 2010! So here are some of my favorite Facebook updates from this last month. They all start with Shelley...then the update. So here we go!
(Shelley)...thinks it's a Starbucks kind of day.
...is totally exhausted, but apparently my kids aren't! I am praying they are finally all asleep. After hearing...MOM!...about 243 times in the last hour, my nerves are frayed! Did someone slip them Starbucks when I wasn't looking?
...Kids play tent, rocking horse, soccer goal, jump rope, doll high chair, and 2 bikes. Category? Things I had to move to get to the treadmill this morning. I think it's been too long!
...Finally got to mend all the clothes that needed mending. Think Austin's Christmas sweater will still fit next Christmas?! I was a little behind. :)
...It's a perfect day for playing in the rain!
...Another day, another trip to urgent care. I wonder when they'll give us our own parking spot?
...Potty training Austin...take 2. Any suggestions are welcome!!!
...Stinkin' tooth fairy.
...is at Annie's first kindergarten event. Mercy time flies!
...Our plans for a relaxing day at Razor Ridge got canceled when Jason threw out his back first thing this morning. :( Thanks to Nana for coming over to help me this afternoon, and Uncle Chris for unloading the trailer! I am thankful for our family!
...just caught Austin trying to eat sugar out of the sugar bowl with a 1/2 cup scoop. That would not have been good.
...is getting my car detailed right now. A normally 45 minute service has taken 1 1/2 hours...so far. I'm thinking they've figured out I have kids. :)
...is thankful for my handy husband, who fixed our mailbox tonight! No more leaning over a cliff, or using the kids "robot claw" toy to get to the mail. I'm sure our mail lady thanks him too! :)
...got up this morning, fixed my coffee, and slipped my "indoor" shoes on so my legs won't hurt while I run around the house. I am officially my mother.
...just managed to transfer a sleeping Austin to the car, and keep him asleep! I call that a miracle!
...is trying the "naked in the backyard" method of potty training today. Lord help me!
...is off to color eggs at Grammies house! My green hands will look lovely at church tomorrow. :)
...had a WONDERFUL girl babysit my kiddos today while I ran errands BY MYSELF! Thank you sweet Chelsea! Now Jason's tucking Annie into bed, and I'm listening to Ellie help Austin play computer games for a few minutes before their bedtime. Ahhh.....:)
That was fun!
(Shelley)...thinks it's a Starbucks kind of day.
...is totally exhausted, but apparently my kids aren't! I am praying they are finally all asleep. After hearing...MOM!...about 243 times in the last hour, my nerves are frayed! Did someone slip them Starbucks when I wasn't looking?
...Kids play tent, rocking horse, soccer goal, jump rope, doll high chair, and 2 bikes. Category? Things I had to move to get to the treadmill this morning. I think it's been too long!
...Finally got to mend all the clothes that needed mending. Think Austin's Christmas sweater will still fit next Christmas?! I was a little behind. :)
...It's a perfect day for playing in the rain!
...Another day, another trip to urgent care. I wonder when they'll give us our own parking spot?
...Potty training Austin...take 2. Any suggestions are welcome!!!
...Stinkin' tooth fairy.
...is at Annie's first kindergarten event. Mercy time flies!
...Our plans for a relaxing day at Razor Ridge got canceled when Jason threw out his back first thing this morning. :( Thanks to Nana for coming over to help me this afternoon, and Uncle Chris for unloading the trailer! I am thankful for our family!
...just caught Austin trying to eat sugar out of the sugar bowl with a 1/2 cup scoop. That would not have been good.
...is getting my car detailed right now. A normally 45 minute service has taken 1 1/2 hours...so far. I'm thinking they've figured out I have kids. :)
...is thankful for my handy husband, who fixed our mailbox tonight! No more leaning over a cliff, or using the kids "robot claw" toy to get to the mail. I'm sure our mail lady thanks him too! :)
...got up this morning, fixed my coffee, and slipped my "indoor" shoes on so my legs won't hurt while I run around the house. I am officially my mother.
...just managed to transfer a sleeping Austin to the car, and keep him asleep! I call that a miracle!
...is trying the "naked in the backyard" method of potty training today. Lord help me!
...is off to color eggs at Grammies house! My green hands will look lovely at church tomorrow. :)
...had a WONDERFUL girl babysit my kiddos today while I ran errands BY MYSELF! Thank you sweet Chelsea! Now Jason's tucking Annie into bed, and I'm listening to Ellie help Austin play computer games for a few minutes before their bedtime. Ahhh.....:)
That was fun!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Austin's Anitcs, Again.
If you're a friend of mine on facebook, you recently read this...
Oh Austin, I just don't understand your drive to make me completely INSANE! Why son? Why did you pour a quart of motor oil all over the back of my car?! Why, why, why...
That's right. He poured a quart of motor oil all over the INSIDE of the back of my suburban. Why? I have no idea. I let Austin and Annie play in the car for a minute, while I ran in the house to change my shoes, and grab Annie's soccer stuff. I actually thought to myself...There's nothing in here that he could get in too much trouble with..."
Oh why am I so naieve?
The tiny blessing is that most of the oil landed on the removable carpet pad, and washable things. His coat and blankie, and the stroller took the biggest hit. The stroller may always smell like oil, but it did come clean with some dawn. After some googling, I found the solution to gettting the smell out of the blankie and coat. Muti-purpose orange cleaner! A good soak in that, another wash, and about 5 dryer sheets later, they smell mostly normal!
I know I've said it before, but THIS BOY! Where did he come from?! What do I do with him?! I've decided God made him so stinkin' cute to protect him in times like this. Mind you, he did get in major trouble, but he is still alive. :)
Other antics lately have included scaling the backyard fence in about 1.2 seconds. Seriously, it poses no challnge at all. Also standing on the faucet in the kitchen, and causing it to snap off, making him fall to the tile floor ON HIS HEAD. And yet, he was fine!
Someday I will understand, right?
Oh Austin, I just don't understand your drive to make me completely INSANE! Why son? Why did you pour a quart of motor oil all over the back of my car?! Why, why, why...
That's right. He poured a quart of motor oil all over the INSIDE of the back of my suburban. Why? I have no idea. I let Austin and Annie play in the car for a minute, while I ran in the house to change my shoes, and grab Annie's soccer stuff. I actually thought to myself...There's nothing in here that he could get in too much trouble with..."
Oh why am I so naieve?
The tiny blessing is that most of the oil landed on the removable carpet pad, and washable things. His coat and blankie, and the stroller took the biggest hit. The stroller may always smell like oil, but it did come clean with some dawn. After some googling, I found the solution to gettting the smell out of the blankie and coat. Muti-purpose orange cleaner! A good soak in that, another wash, and about 5 dryer sheets later, they smell mostly normal!
I know I've said it before, but THIS BOY! Where did he come from?! What do I do with him?! I've decided God made him so stinkin' cute to protect him in times like this. Mind you, he did get in major trouble, but he is still alive. :)
Other antics lately have included scaling the backyard fence in about 1.2 seconds. Seriously, it poses no challnge at all. Also standing on the faucet in the kitchen, and causing it to snap off, making him fall to the tile floor ON HIS HEAD. And yet, he was fine!
Someday I will understand, right?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Our Mini-Vacation!
Our Spring Break was last week, and we decided to take a little mini-vaca to the big city of St. Louis! In the effort of keepin' it real, I am providing a bit of commentary on my own pictures. What you actually see, and the story BEHIND the picture. A peek, if you will, into what is really happening, and what I was thinking. Enjoy!
The first thing we did in St. Louis was SWIM! I think the kids were the most excited, and had the most fun, at the indoor pool at the hotel. But did I get any pics of that? Nope. There were a lot of kids swimming, and I was afraid that my camera wouldn't make it out alive. The kids had a blast at the pool though, and Annie loved the hot tub! The next day we went to the Zoo!
The St. Louis Zoo is incredible, and is always a favorite with my family! Apparently some other people like it too, because they had record crowds the day we went, and we got to park about 3/4 of a mile away, and hike to the zoo. We made it though!
Here's sweet Annie, making good friends with a Chimpanzee! (back story: There were CROWDS of people around us at this point, and I had to fight my way through to get this pic. I heard several people comment about "that chimp and that cute little girl!")
My three sweet darlings at the zoo! (back story: It took three tries to get them all three to look at me, and this is the only picture I got of them all together the entire trip!)
Ellie eating Dippin' Dots! (back story: She was so happy Daddy let her get this treat! She deserved it though, she was quite a trooper this day, and never complained!)
Ellie at the Mississippi River and the Arch! (back story: Ellie really wanted to see the river and the arch. I love that she is interested in the things she's learning about at school! Shortly after this however, she had her toughest moment of the trip in a crowded restaurant. We got through it though, and I was proud of her for being able to work it out.)
The Magic House! Another favorite of my kids! This was the first time we'd been there since they added on, and WOW, it's even more incredible now! This was in the new part, it's the Beanstalk from "Jack and the Beanstalk!" The kids LOVED it! (back story: This thing became my nightmare! We couldn't get Austin out a couple of times, and had to send Ellie in after him. Annie never wanted to leave it, and got mad when we made her. She retaliated by disappearing a few minutes later, and we found her back here. She got in MAJOR trouble for that little stunt. Ellie liked it, but I could tell that it was major sensory overload for her, and yet I couldn't keep her out of the darned thing! She did fine while we were there, but afterwards was edgy and grumpy.)
Austin LOVED the Magic House! He did really well overall, and that made me so happy! (back story: Really, he did great! Mommy however, was in a bit of a grumpy mood this day. I blame it on not sleeping well the night before. Which may have had something to do with the fact that my sweet husband thought a hammock was a good idea for an extra bed in the hotel room. It wasn't.)
We got to see this sweet little two week old baby! Our good friends Matt and Gina are proud new parents! We were thrilled to meet this little guy, and spend a little time with his great parents. He is a DOLL! (back story: Gina, you are a brave, brave woman for inviting our circus over to your house! I hope we didn't stress you too much! Thanks for letting us meet your sweet baby!)
On our way home we visited another favorite place, Purina Farms! They had their Easter Village set up in the barn loft, complete with all kinds of baby animals the kids could pet! The girls were fascinated with this gosling! (back story: I couldn't keep Ellie away from the baby animals. She was in heaven.)
"What baby animals? LOOK! TRACTORS!" (back story: Austin quickly lost interest in anything but the tractors!)
And the Grand Finale? A CAT THAT DID TRICKS!!! His name was Friskie, and he was 5 months old. I was impressed! (back story: Ellie now wants to be a vet AND and cat trainer. She was beyond excited!)
I will say we had our ups and downs. Our kids are never easy kids, but on the whole, I am VERY proud of how they all did! It was a great getaway! We've done this trip before, almost three years ago! If you want a little peek into the past, and you have an extra 10 minutes, click here to see my post from that trip. (It's kind of long!) My how the kids have grown and things have changed!
Happy Spring Everyone!
The first thing we did in St. Louis was SWIM! I think the kids were the most excited, and had the most fun, at the indoor pool at the hotel. But did I get any pics of that? Nope. There were a lot of kids swimming, and I was afraid that my camera wouldn't make it out alive. The kids had a blast at the pool though, and Annie loved the hot tub! The next day we went to the Zoo!
The St. Louis Zoo is incredible, and is always a favorite with my family! Apparently some other people like it too, because they had record crowds the day we went, and we got to park about 3/4 of a mile away, and hike to the zoo. We made it though!
Here's sweet Annie, making good friends with a Chimpanzee! (back story: There were CROWDS of people around us at this point, and I had to fight my way through to get this pic. I heard several people comment about "that chimp and that cute little girl!")
My three sweet darlings at the zoo! (back story: It took three tries to get them all three to look at me, and this is the only picture I got of them all together the entire trip!)
Ellie eating Dippin' Dots! (back story: She was so happy Daddy let her get this treat! She deserved it though, she was quite a trooper this day, and never complained!)
Ellie at the Mississippi River and the Arch! (back story: Ellie really wanted to see the river and the arch. I love that she is interested in the things she's learning about at school! Shortly after this however, she had her toughest moment of the trip in a crowded restaurant. We got through it though, and I was proud of her for being able to work it out.)
The Magic House! Another favorite of my kids! This was the first time we'd been there since they added on, and WOW, it's even more incredible now! This was in the new part, it's the Beanstalk from "Jack and the Beanstalk!" The kids LOVED it! (back story: This thing became my nightmare! We couldn't get Austin out a couple of times, and had to send Ellie in after him. Annie never wanted to leave it, and got mad when we made her. She retaliated by disappearing a few minutes later, and we found her back here. She got in MAJOR trouble for that little stunt. Ellie liked it, but I could tell that it was major sensory overload for her, and yet I couldn't keep her out of the darned thing! She did fine while we were there, but afterwards was edgy and grumpy.)
Austin LOVED the Magic House! He did really well overall, and that made me so happy! (back story: Really, he did great! Mommy however, was in a bit of a grumpy mood this day. I blame it on not sleeping well the night before. Which may have had something to do with the fact that my sweet husband thought a hammock was a good idea for an extra bed in the hotel room. It wasn't.)
We got to see this sweet little two week old baby! Our good friends Matt and Gina are proud new parents! We were thrilled to meet this little guy, and spend a little time with his great parents. He is a DOLL! (back story: Gina, you are a brave, brave woman for inviting our circus over to your house! I hope we didn't stress you too much! Thanks for letting us meet your sweet baby!)
On our way home we visited another favorite place, Purina Farms! They had their Easter Village set up in the barn loft, complete with all kinds of baby animals the kids could pet! The girls were fascinated with this gosling! (back story: I couldn't keep Ellie away from the baby animals. She was in heaven.)
"What baby animals? LOOK! TRACTORS!" (back story: Austin quickly lost interest in anything but the tractors!)
And the Grand Finale? A CAT THAT DID TRICKS!!! His name was Friskie, and he was 5 months old. I was impressed! (back story: Ellie now wants to be a vet AND and cat trainer. She was beyond excited!)
I will say we had our ups and downs. Our kids are never easy kids, but on the whole, I am VERY proud of how they all did! It was a great getaway! We've done this trip before, almost three years ago! If you want a little peek into the past, and you have an extra 10 minutes, click here to see my post from that trip. (It's kind of long!) My how the kids have grown and things have changed!
Happy Spring Everyone!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Works for me Wednesday
I know there's this cute little thing in blog world called "Works for me Wednesday", where people post a great thing in their life that "works" for them. Great organizational tips, decorating, stuff their kids like...etc. It got me thinking...What works for me?
I'll tell you what works for me...WARM WEATHER! And what doesn't work for me? This winter! Grrrrr. I am sorry, truly sorry for being grumpy, but this cold and snowy winter has just done me in!
I find myself day dreaming about going somewhere warm with my sweet family...a beach...sun shining...me and J relaxing in lounge chairs, books in hand, drinks by our sides...our children playing happily in the sand and surf...until they start throwing sand at each other...and start crying...and screaming...and I have to put the book down and scold them...
Okay. New dream...It's just me and Jason...:)
You get the picture.
It's just that when it's cold EVERYTHING is harder. So I'm ready for the warmth. That's what works for me. That's what works for my kids! That's when I might have some real "Works for Me" things to post. In the meantime, my good friend MK has started a blog, and she has a REAL Works for Me post, that I thought was just really good. That MK, she is a smart one! And a great writer too. I'm happy she started a blog, she adds good stuff to this bloggy world.
Happy Wednesday everyone. I'm off to day dream some more...
I'll tell you what works for me...WARM WEATHER! And what doesn't work for me? This winter! Grrrrr. I am sorry, truly sorry for being grumpy, but this cold and snowy winter has just done me in!
I find myself day dreaming about going somewhere warm with my sweet family...a beach...sun shining...me and J relaxing in lounge chairs, books in hand, drinks by our sides...our children playing happily in the sand and surf...until they start throwing sand at each other...and start crying...and screaming...and I have to put the book down and scold them...
Okay. New dream...It's just me and Jason...:)
You get the picture.
It's just that when it's cold EVERYTHING is harder. So I'm ready for the warmth. That's what works for me. That's what works for my kids! That's when I might have some real "Works for Me" things to post. In the meantime, my good friend MK has started a blog, and she has a REAL Works for Me post, that I thought was just really good. That MK, she is a smart one! And a great writer too. I'm happy she started a blog, she adds good stuff to this bloggy world.
Happy Wednesday everyone. I'm off to day dream some more...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
My Perfect Quote.
Favorite quote of the....month? Maybe even the year. This pretty much sums up my view on life...
"Always look at the bright side of life.
Sometimes it’s the only thing between you and the loony bin."
Seriously, on a day when the first thing I heard was my girls fighting over WHO WOKE UP FIRST, followed later by taking all three of them to Kohl's where Austin's diaper leaked on me, and then I received several dirty looks. And really, I can't blame the cranky people who glared at me, today I probably would have glared at me too! I mean, we were a CIRCUS today! Austin with no pants, Annie with no shoes (she refused to put them back on half way through the store), then Annie kept slamming the door in the dressing room while I was trying to shove all the contents of my purse back after Austin emptied it out...mercy! We finally had to just leave.
One bright spot today was Ellie. Yes, that's right, Ellie! My normally difficult child was beautifully happy and easy today. I pray for more days like that for her, and I!
Anyway, so now it's after midnight, and I was quickly catching up on all things computer, when I came across that quote, and well, just realized how Perfect it describes my life!
I think that one might have to go up on the giant chalkboard in my kitchen for awhile!
Have a BRIGHT day!
Friday, July 4, 2008
The big house.
Our house has become, The Big House.
In more ways than one. When we bought it, it was a sweet 1700 square foot house. It was cute and it stole my heart the first time I saw it. In my naivete, as a 22 year old newlywed, I thought it would be PLENTY big for us and our future children.
After Ellie was born, I realized that might not be true. I remember being shocked at how much stuff she needed. Our little house soon felt very full, and I wasn't so sure that we could fit another baby. So, when we were expecting Annie, we started an addition to our home. Again, my naieveness came into play, when I believed the builders, and thought our home would be done by the time Annie was born.
This is me and Annie in Annie's room shortly after she was born.
As you can see, it wasn't exactly done.
It was finally done 16 months later.
The next month I found out we were expecting Austin.
He was the first of our babies to have the big house to explore. Annie was never much of an explorer, even amongst the power tools and building paraphernalia. I am SO THANKFUL now that we didn't have Austin during that time!
Austin...well, you know.
Austin is the reason we have these...
Now that our house is bigger, my little turbo man has LOTS of things to get into, that he shouldn't. His two big sisters keep me busy too, and therefore he has more chances to slip out of my sight. We invested in those two gates awhile back, and let me tell you...they are worth their weight in GOLD. Of course he still finds things to get into, but for the most part it's manageable. We've moved everything we can to higher ground, or fixed it so he can't get into it.
HOWEVER, he is a very resourceful child. The other day he discovered something new. The kitchen faucet. We have an opening above the sink, that looks into the living room. Just below the opening in the living room is a couch. He climbs onto the couch, and into the opening, reaches the faucet (which has one of those pull out heads), and proceeds to douse the entire area around the sink with water. After a few times, I was about at my wit's end! The crushing blow came when he soaked everything so thoroughly, that I had to empty the drawers to dry them out. Then came my salvation...in the form of an idea from Jen. She suggested a small gate for the opening. Wow! That had never occurred to me! So, now we have....
Prison.
Okay, it's not really prison. But as you stand in my living room and look around at all the barricades, it can be pretty comical! But hey, it helps me keep my sanity in tact!
And by the way, Jen is having twin boys in a few months. So Jen, I wanted to thank you for your great suggestion, and let you know that when your boys are 18 months old, and start getting into EVERYTHING, you can borrow my baby gates.
I have plenty.
In more ways than one. When we bought it, it was a sweet 1700 square foot house. It was cute and it stole my heart the first time I saw it. In my naivete, as a 22 year old newlywed, I thought it would be PLENTY big for us and our future children.
After Ellie was born, I realized that might not be true. I remember being shocked at how much stuff she needed. Our little house soon felt very full, and I wasn't so sure that we could fit another baby. So, when we were expecting Annie, we started an addition to our home. Again, my naieveness came into play, when I believed the builders, and thought our home would be done by the time Annie was born.
This is me and Annie in Annie's room shortly after she was born.
As you can see, it wasn't exactly done.
It was finally done 16 months later.
The next month I found out we were expecting Austin.
He was the first of our babies to have the big house to explore. Annie was never much of an explorer, even amongst the power tools and building paraphernalia. I am SO THANKFUL now that we didn't have Austin during that time!
Austin...well, you know.
Austin is the reason we have these...
Now that our house is bigger, my little turbo man has LOTS of things to get into, that he shouldn't. His two big sisters keep me busy too, and therefore he has more chances to slip out of my sight. We invested in those two gates awhile back, and let me tell you...they are worth their weight in GOLD. Of course he still finds things to get into, but for the most part it's manageable. We've moved everything we can to higher ground, or fixed it so he can't get into it.
HOWEVER, he is a very resourceful child. The other day he discovered something new. The kitchen faucet. We have an opening above the sink, that looks into the living room. Just below the opening in the living room is a couch. He climbs onto the couch, and into the opening, reaches the faucet (which has one of those pull out heads), and proceeds to douse the entire area around the sink with water. After a few times, I was about at my wit's end! The crushing blow came when he soaked everything so thoroughly, that I had to empty the drawers to dry them out. Then came my salvation...in the form of an idea from Jen. She suggested a small gate for the opening. Wow! That had never occurred to me! So, now we have....
Prison.
Okay, it's not really prison. But as you stand in my living room and look around at all the barricades, it can be pretty comical! But hey, it helps me keep my sanity in tact!
And by the way, Jen is having twin boys in a few months. So Jen, I wanted to thank you for your great suggestion, and let you know that when your boys are 18 months old, and start getting into EVERYTHING, you can borrow my baby gates.
I have plenty.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Me and my big ideas...
I just read my last post, and this is what I thought...
HA!
Was that me? Was I so chipper just a few short days ago?
Because now...not so much.
I know, I know, I'm still livin' my dream, it's just been VERY rooted in reality the last few days. And since I'm all about keepin' it real, I thought I'd share.
I'm a fairly positive person. A "glass half full", "lemonade out of lemons" kind of girl. And sometimes I get these crazy, harebrained ideas in my head, and think...Why sure we can do that! Let's paint the living room, the kitchen, the breakfast room, and two hallways! Sure the kids are all here since it's spring break, but we can do it!
And before you know it, we've bought five gallons of yellow paint.
About half way through the first room, Reality came knocking.
And I got cranky.
Really cranky.
And tired.
Really tired.
I have not been a very pleasant person to be around, or so my darling hubby says. I tend to forget how much work it is to paint. I forget about all the prep work, the mess, the cleaning of the brushes. I forget that as soon as the girls realize what we're doing, that we'll here "Can I paint?!" about two thousand times. I forget that I don't do so well when my house gets messy, and during a painting session, it gets really messy. I forget that we have a very active 18 month old, who doesn't understand the concept of Wet Paint. My normally chipper self is replaced with a seriously stressed out, loud, annoying and cranky lady, who no one likes. Especially me.
And so, last night after the kids were asleep, I collapsed on the couch. My hubby was a bit surprised, since the painting wasn't done, but I just couldn't go on. He quickly agreed to a night off though, since he's been working twice as hard as me, and was exhausted too. As we watched Tuesday's episode of American Idol, I felt my mind relax some, and my tenseness fade away. We didn't speak for an hour, which is odd, because normally we're quite into discussing each contestant. I think we were both winding down. I have to say a big Thank You to him, for all his hard work on his two "vacation" days, for all of his calmness with the kids and me, and for putting up with my bad attitude.
Thank you honey, I love you!
And me?
Well, today is a new day. I'm not quite where I was with my last post, but I'm also not nearly as cranky as I was yesterday. We're off to the Zoo today, for some much needed out-of-the-house time. The kids will be thrilled, and so will I, because we're going with this friend and this friend, and that's a sure way to make me feel a whole lot better!
Oh, and no, the painting isn't done, but it'll get there. I'd say we're about half way there. I'll leave you with this pic of a couple of "helpers" that stopped by during a weak moment. They're willing and available for any painting project, just give us a call! Oh, and sorry about my poor photography skills. I was shaking from the stress at this point!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I must confess...
I think I need to clarify something. Although I am a crafty person, and I did major in art (for a little while), I am NOT making those little mail boxes as our valentines.
That would be over achieving, and I am not an over achiever.
As is evidenced by the fact that I haven't showered today, and we're all still in our PJ's.
Those are the favors for the class party. I'm in charge of the party, and therefore, in charge of the favors. I delegated pretty much everything else out, except for one craft. You might be thinking, Well, you're still an over achiever since your in charge of the party. And to that I'd say, not really. It's just that Ellie's birthday is on Valentine's day, and when I found out that her class would have a party that day, I offered to plan it. I wanted to make sure it wasn't completely lame!
Our valentines are kitty cat ones we picked up at target!
So I'm very sorry if I mislead you in any way. The thought that you all thought I was miss domestic diva, just making hand painted mail boxes for the fun of it, made me cringe!
That would be over achieving, and I am not an over achiever.
As is evidenced by the fact that I haven't showered today, and we're all still in our PJ's.
Those are the favors for the class party. I'm in charge of the party, and therefore, in charge of the favors. I delegated pretty much everything else out, except for one craft. You might be thinking, Well, you're still an over achiever since your in charge of the party. And to that I'd say, not really. It's just that Ellie's birthday is on Valentine's day, and when I found out that her class would have a party that day, I offered to plan it. I wanted to make sure it wasn't completely lame!
Our valentines are kitty cat ones we picked up at target!
So I'm very sorry if I mislead you in any way. The thought that you all thought I was miss domestic diva, just making hand painted mail boxes for the fun of it, made me cringe!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Where oh where do I begin?
Really, I have no idea what I'm about to write, so consider yourself warned.
Where do I begin? My last post was five days ago, and as usual in our crazy house, much has happened since then.
The craziness started after a glorious playdate at my good friend Jen's house, on the very day of my last post. After we played, and Austin finished destroying Jen's house, we headed towards school to pick up Ellie. Like the sweet boy he is, Austin fell asleep immediately as we drove, and I breathed a sigh of relief, as I always do when he falls asleep.
The relief didn't last long.
Just as we arrived onto the school drive, I heard the sound of gagging, and turned around just in time to see Austin lose his lunch. I will spare you the rest of the details, and just say that he threw up several times in the next 45 minutes, all in the car, as we drove the girls to my mom, and then home. And when we finally arrived home...
Yuck.
Double Yuck.
Triple Yuck.
You get the picture.
I tried to make myself have an out-of-body experience, as I extracted Austin from the Yuck, and delicately carried him to the bathtub. And then...
He was fine.
Just as fine as could be. He played, and splashed, and smiled. After a while, I was convinced he was OK, and I put him to bed. I was perplexed, to say the least. What in the world made him so sick, so fast, and yet was over so quickly? I called Jen, to give her a warning that maybe she should spray some Lysol around her house, as my son might have just spread some awful flu bug to her family. I left her a message, and prayed to God that the rest of us wouldn't get sick.
Thankfully, none of us did, because it turns out that Jen had some news for me. If you haven't already read her post, you can read it here, turns out she poisoned my child!
Unintentionally, of course!
Seriously, Love ya Jen!
Anyway, all of that to say...I have an idea for someone out there that is much smarter than me.
Would someone PLEASE invent a carseat that is EASY TO CLEAN!
We bought this very nice carseat when Annie was little. It seems quite safe, it is easily adjustable, it is nicely padded...but it is a &$#*@ to clean! Oh my WORD! Seriously, I just finished getting that thing back together this morning! I seriously considered just throwing the entire seat away and buying a new one. I still might. As I was screwing the many screws back on the seat this morning, that you have to unscrew just to get the cover off the seat, I swear I could still smell puke. I've sprayed it with Lysol and Febreze, if that doesn't do the trick, we may be in the market for a new one.
I mean SERIOUSLY people, we can invent cars that drive by themselves, can we not invent a well designed car seat?!!!
So, if you are a smart person, or know someone smart, that wants to make millions of dollars, this is a job for you! Invent an easy to clean car seat, market it to mothers of young children, and you will be successful!
And I will be forever grateful!
Where do I begin? My last post was five days ago, and as usual in our crazy house, much has happened since then.
The craziness started after a glorious playdate at my good friend Jen's house, on the very day of my last post. After we played, and Austin finished destroying Jen's house, we headed towards school to pick up Ellie. Like the sweet boy he is, Austin fell asleep immediately as we drove, and I breathed a sigh of relief, as I always do when he falls asleep.
The relief didn't last long.
Just as we arrived onto the school drive, I heard the sound of gagging, and turned around just in time to see Austin lose his lunch. I will spare you the rest of the details, and just say that he threw up several times in the next 45 minutes, all in the car, as we drove the girls to my mom, and then home. And when we finally arrived home...
Yuck.
Double Yuck.
Triple Yuck.
You get the picture.
I tried to make myself have an out-of-body experience, as I extracted Austin from the Yuck, and delicately carried him to the bathtub. And then...
He was fine.
Just as fine as could be. He played, and splashed, and smiled. After a while, I was convinced he was OK, and I put him to bed. I was perplexed, to say the least. What in the world made him so sick, so fast, and yet was over so quickly? I called Jen, to give her a warning that maybe she should spray some Lysol around her house, as my son might have just spread some awful flu bug to her family. I left her a message, and prayed to God that the rest of us wouldn't get sick.
Thankfully, none of us did, because it turns out that Jen had some news for me. If you haven't already read her post, you can read it here, turns out she poisoned my child!
Unintentionally, of course!
Seriously, Love ya Jen!
Anyway, all of that to say...I have an idea for someone out there that is much smarter than me.
Would someone PLEASE invent a carseat that is EASY TO CLEAN!
We bought this very nice carseat when Annie was little. It seems quite safe, it is easily adjustable, it is nicely padded...but it is a &$#*@ to clean! Oh my WORD! Seriously, I just finished getting that thing back together this morning! I seriously considered just throwing the entire seat away and buying a new one. I still might. As I was screwing the many screws back on the seat this morning, that you have to unscrew just to get the cover off the seat, I swear I could still smell puke. I've sprayed it with Lysol and Febreze, if that doesn't do the trick, we may be in the market for a new one.
I mean SERIOUSLY people, we can invent cars that drive by themselves, can we not invent a well designed car seat?!!!
So, if you are a smart person, or know someone smart, that wants to make millions of dollars, this is a job for you! Invent an easy to clean car seat, market it to mothers of young children, and you will be successful!
And I will be forever grateful!
Monday, January 21, 2008
The lack of motivation I have is nothing short of amazing.
Unmotivated: 1) The feeling a mother of 3 young children has when looking at the piles of toys that need to be picked up, only to know that they will quickly be on the floor again. 2) The feeling that a mother of 3 young children and the wife to one husband has, when looking at the piles of laundry that need to be washed, only to be worn and dirtied again. 3) The feeling that a woman has when faced with a sink of dirty dishes needing to be cleaned, only to be eaten on again. 4) The feeling a woman has when she as much to do, but doesn't want to do any of it. She only wants to curl up on the couch and watch HGTV all day long, and maybe order a really fattening pizza and eat the whole thing by herself. Oh, and for dessert, eat some Java Chip ice cream.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Just a moment of my life...
I took this video clip yesterday morning. I love to do this, catch little snippets of "real" life. This video is very real. Maybe a bit too real! Please forgive my gravelly, 80 year old smoker voice. I am still fighting the never ending cold that has plagued me for a month now! Also please overlook the snotty nose that my son has. I did not realize that he had the gunk until I zoomed in with the camera. (and notice how I quickly zoom back out!) This shows my two younger children as they usually are when we're home all day...in PJ's with un-combed hair! The "evil laugh" was inspired by my niece, who absolutely cracked me up the other day when she demonstrated hers for me! My oldest daughter was practicing hers, when Austin started joining in. It was hillarious! I was trying to capture it on video, and he does it a little, but of course not nearly like he had been before the camera came out! The "belly button" thing comes from a Veggie Tales song, that was also introduced to us by our family. The song is too funny, and we just love teaching our kids to immitate it! The reality stops short of me showing myself though. I didn't think anyone really needed to see me in my PJ's! Enjoy!
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