After a fantastic weekend, the book fair at school is underway and it's going to be a busy, crazy week. In many ways, it's a good thing because I like to be busy and I enjoy being around other grown ups and having grown up conversations and making tons of jokes. The excitement in the school is palpable - the book fair seems to make everyone happy. All those crisp, new books....YUMMY! :)
I'm tired tonight - a good tired but tired. I hit the floor running at 5:45 and I'm just now slowing down. I still have things that need to be accomplished before my head hits the pillow and then my alarm is set for 5:30 tomorrow morning. Bring on the coffee!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Danskos ROCK!
I love Dansko shoes. Over the years I have owned three pairs and I would love to own more. They are costly but they are worth every penny. They hold up so well and for me, I need shoes that I can just slip on and off because there are days when there is no way I can make my back bend so I can tie a pair of shoes.Last year I used a gift card that was sent to me for my birthday (Thank you, Stella!) to buy a pair of black Danskos. After a short while they developed a "squeak" when I walked. At first it was funny but then it passed funny and went right to annoying. Everyone at the school knew when I am coming because you can hear me before you could see me. An honest to a fault child even asked why my shoes made that awful noise. Hmmmmm. Well...after spending $124 plus tax on them, I was going to wear them no matter what. Plus they are my only pair of non-dress shoes that slipped on.
Fast forward to yesterday when Cande and I went to a mall together. I saw a display of Danskos in a window of The Walking Store. While Cande went to load up on Godiva chocolate for her PMS week (Hahahahaha. Sorry Cande. I had to.) I went into the shoe store to check out what their prices were on the shoes. Not that I even dreamed I would be able to get a new pair. Mostly just lusting after a new pair.
I asked the sales guy what they ran price wise and he started to tell me all about how great they are. He looked at my feet and said "OH! I see you are already a convert." I said I was and that I bought these shoes about a year ago and I loved them but listen... I walked for a few steps so he could hear the squeak.
He said "What size are those?" I took them off and said "36." He disappeared and I thought "Oh great. He is going to try to talk me into buying something." He came out and plopped down a new black pair in front of me and said "Try these on." I did. "Walk in them." He said. I did. "How do those feel?" "Good," I said. "they don't squeak."
"They are yours." He picked up my old shoes and put them on the counter.
WHAT?!? I said. Why?
He told me that Dansko had started to make their own bases and while in the learning process, they ended up having defective bases that would, shortly after being initially worn, would begin to squeak as the base rubbed against some other part. Dansko stands behind their product so they will replace any shoe that has a problem. Any problem. For the life of the shoe.
Holy hell! I got a brand new pair of shoes for FREE! I am hard on my shoes so you have no idea what a big deal this is to me. It's awesome and I felt like I had won the lottery or a free Branson vacation. I practically skipped out of the store and I bounced up next to Cande in the Godiva store and said "LOOK! New shoes!" and proceeded to tell her all about it.
New shoes. I got new shoes. For free.
Dansko? You have a customer for life. (Not that you didn't already but you sealed the deal yesterday.) And guy at The Walking Store? You made my month! Thank you!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Once a Princess.....
I saw this tshirt at the Disney store today and I want it! Too bad it only comes in little kid sizes.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wowsa
What a morning it's been. I got the kids to school a bit early (Yep - Kelton went back to school today! He was so excited that he was up at 5am. It felt a little like Christmas morning around here with his excitement about going back to school. He missed a lot this last week so he will be staying after a couple days next week to catch up.) so that I could run around getting PTO stuff done and then it was back home to get to work on taxes, etc.
It took me a little more than three hours to get taxes completed and filed, bills paid and laundry folded and put away. PHEW. I'm so glad to have the taxes done - it's always such a relief to close the files and put everything away.
I have one and a half more hours before I need to get back to the school to get ready for tonight's meeting and pick up the kids.
I'm not sure if Dakota is coming over tonight or not. She is still not feeling well and even took a trip to the doctor today. I'm hoping she is up for it because taking the kids to the PTO meeting is always interesting though I will do what needs to be done. ThHat's my job. :)
I'm really looking forward to Friday night. It's been a long couple weeks.
It took me a little more than three hours to get taxes completed and filed, bills paid and laundry folded and put away. PHEW. I'm so glad to have the taxes done - it's always such a relief to close the files and put everything away.
I have one and a half more hours before I need to get back to the school to get ready for tonight's meeting and pick up the kids.
I'm not sure if Dakota is coming over tonight or not. She is still not feeling well and even took a trip to the doctor today. I'm hoping she is up for it because taking the kids to the PTO meeting is always interesting though I will do what needs to be done. ThHat's my job. :)
I'm really looking forward to Friday night. It's been a long couple weeks.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Responsible Child
I don't want to jinx it and I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but.....
...this whole "teaching them to be more responsible" thing paid off today in a big, unexpected way.
First off, Kelton is feeling better but since he hasn't been fever free for 24 hours, he was still home from school today. When it was time to go pick up Kaylen, I left Kelton here (it's about 12-15 minutes and, in my parental opinion, he is old enough to handle that long). When I got back, he was unloading the dryer. He looked at me and said "The kitchen floor is wet, be careful."
My almost 9 year old son swept and mopped the kitchen floor, unloaded the dryer, folded AND put away laundry.
*THUD*
I am so darn proud of him! Way to go, Kelton!!!
...this whole "teaching them to be more responsible" thing paid off today in a big, unexpected way.
First off, Kelton is feeling better but since he hasn't been fever free for 24 hours, he was still home from school today. When it was time to go pick up Kaylen, I left Kelton here (it's about 12-15 minutes and, in my parental opinion, he is old enough to handle that long). When I got back, he was unloading the dryer. He looked at me and said "The kitchen floor is wet, be careful."
My almost 9 year old son swept and mopped the kitchen floor, unloaded the dryer, folded AND put away laundry.
*THUD*
I am so darn proud of him! Way to go, Kelton!!!
The Book Fair is Coming!
I have to say - I rocked the display case! And yes, those are all books from my kids extensive book collection. Let's just say I love books and I have made sure the kids have been surrounded with them their entire lives.
Anyhoo.....the school book fair is quickly approaching. It starts February 28th and I will freely admit I am no where near ready. Both Ingrid and I are suffering massive PTO burn out and are having a hard time getting motivated. Truth is, we have a PTO meeting tomorrow and I have yet to even think about an agenda.
Burn out aside, the book fair is coming and I need to get my act together. Ready or not, here we gooooooooooo!
IT SNOWED!
FINALLY!
The rain was pouring this morning but by the time I opened the blinds it was changing over to snow. SNOW?!?! Yes, you read that right. Snow. So awesome!
As the time slipped by, the flakes got bigger and bigger and it starting sticking. It won't stay - it should be 40 degrees in a few hours but it is beautiful and such a welcome surprise. Snow never fails to make me happy.
The rain was pouring this morning but by the time I opened the blinds it was changing over to snow. SNOW?!?! Yes, you read that right. Snow. So awesome!
As the time slipped by, the flakes got bigger and bigger and it starting sticking. It won't stay - it should be 40 degrees in a few hours but it is beautiful and such a welcome surprise. Snow never fails to make me happy.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Captain's Log
Day Three
17:23
The illness has kept me locked inside these walls for 72 hours except for small treks to the building of knowledge and one trek to the medical ward. It is ridiculous how eagerly I await these outings. The smallest of the tribe is unrelenting in her "sixth year" sass and vigor. I keep waiting, hoping the evil serum will leave her though I am beginning to wonder if it isn't the serum and it is, instead, the new "her". I may have to perform an exorcism. I am sure something evil has taken up residence.
The bigger one is still overly warm but is starting to show signs of restlessness. He will act "normal" for about an hour and then drop like a fly for a few hours. While taking the smallest one for a medical checkup, I had the magic wizard look at the bigger one and was told he is suffering from influenza. The tides should turn in the next few days. I can only hope. This is a test of patience I fear I am beginning to lose.
That means I am still in lock down for another few days. With the way things are going, he will be fever free on the fortnight - just in time for the building of knowledge to be closed for an extended 4 day furlough.
Day Three
18:50
I have placed the bigger one and the little one into their lock down bunks. After nearly an hour of devil induced behavior I believed this was best for all. To be sure, it is best for me.
I shall now find a magic liquid to help erase the horrors I have witnessed today.
17:23
The illness has kept me locked inside these walls for 72 hours except for small treks to the building of knowledge and one trek to the medical ward. It is ridiculous how eagerly I await these outings. The smallest of the tribe is unrelenting in her "sixth year" sass and vigor. I keep waiting, hoping the evil serum will leave her though I am beginning to wonder if it isn't the serum and it is, instead, the new "her". I may have to perform an exorcism. I am sure something evil has taken up residence.
The bigger one is still overly warm but is starting to show signs of restlessness. He will act "normal" for about an hour and then drop like a fly for a few hours. While taking the smallest one for a medical checkup, I had the magic wizard look at the bigger one and was told he is suffering from influenza. The tides should turn in the next few days. I can only hope. This is a test of patience I fear I am beginning to lose.
That means I am still in lock down for another few days. With the way things are going, he will be fever free on the fortnight - just in time for the building of knowledge to be closed for an extended 4 day furlough.
Day Three
18:50
I have placed the bigger one and the little one into their lock down bunks. After nearly an hour of devil induced behavior I believed this was best for all. To be sure, it is best for me.
I shall now find a magic liquid to help erase the horrors I have witnessed today.
Allowing kids to fail.....
I love this blog and this post is one worthy of sharing. This, my friends, is the philosophy I have taken with the kids. It's hard but seeing them increase their personal responsibility level is worth it.
I didn't go this route, at first, for any other reason than pure exhaustion on my part of trying to juggle everyone's responsibilities as if they were my own. One day it dawned on me - it wasn't my grade that would suffer if Kelton refused to do his homework. So why fight with him over him? Who cares if Kaylen wears pajamas to school? At least she is there - and happy. If they can't put their clothes in the laundry, ok....they don't have their favorite clothes to wear the next time they want to because they aren't clean.
Taking this path with the kids has made my life easier and BONUS! is teaching them to take care of things themselves. After all, I can't do it all alone and still be happy. :)
I didn't go this route, at first, for any other reason than pure exhaustion on my part of trying to juggle everyone's responsibilities as if they were my own. One day it dawned on me - it wasn't my grade that would suffer if Kelton refused to do his homework. So why fight with him over him? Who cares if Kaylen wears pajamas to school? At least she is there - and happy. If they can't put their clothes in the laundry, ok....they don't have their favorite clothes to wear the next time they want to because they aren't clean.
Taking this path with the kids has made my life easier and BONUS! is teaching them to take care of things themselves. After all, I can't do it all alone and still be happy. :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Good Valentines Day
I had a really nice Valentines Day. Kelton has been running a fever since Saturday evening so he was home from school today. After getting Kaylen off to her day of learning and partying, Kelton and I snuggled in together and hung out. (Oh - and there was a very sweet gift waiting on my porch when I got back from taking Kaylen to school. It made my day!!! Thank you!!!)
We were both very tired from our night of broken sleep. The kitten kept me awake until after 11:30 which is when Kelton came wandering into my room wanting to sleep in my bed. I got him settled and we slept for a few hours. He slept better than me since his snoring and sleep talking kept waking me. :) At 3:00, Kaylen wandered in so I scooted over and made room. 3:15 found Kelton getting up because he was miserable. I dosed him with Motrin and he went to watch TV for a while. I tried to sleep but it isn't as easy as you would think when you know you have a child awake in the middle of the night.
At 4 he came back in and asked if he could take a bath (my kids love to take baths when they don't feel well). I told him he could and then I went back to dozing as I kept one ear open for him. He finally got out and he returned to the living room to watch some TV before heading back to his own bed at 5:30. My alarm went off at 6:30 and our day started.
Anyway - hanging out and vegging in front of the TV was just what we needed. He was bugging me and bugging me about taking him to school for his party. To pacify him, I said if he had no fever at 10, and it stayed gone, I would take him for his party at 2. I knew there was very little chance of this happening. Sure enough, his temp shot back up as soon as the Motrin wore off. By then, he was feeling cruddy enough that he had stopped asking. :(
I left him here when I ran over to the school at lunch recess and back again and then we had a very quiet afternoon. I always know when he is really sick because he stays in a little quiet lump on the couch. It's so sad. :(
At 2:30 we both went over to the school to pick up Kelton's Valentine goody bag and wait for Kaylen. I went into the classroom and was greeted by a chorus of "Where is Kelton?!?!" I explained that he was in the car waiting for me but that he was very sick and would be out a couple days. I gathered his stash, said Happy Valentines Day to the kids (and received an onslaught of returned good wishes - I just love being known in the school!) and took it out to him. He excitedly opened everything and I was so happy to watch him. Soon I went over to Kaylen's room to pick her up and we headed home so the kids would lay out their stashes and oooh and aaaah over it all.
After that, Kelton was exhausted so he disappeared to the couch to rest. The afternoon and evening went by quietly but I did manage to get some food into the boy. They are in bed now and we are all hoping for a better night.
All in all, it was a really nice Valentines Day and I got to spend some really special time with my son, who I feel I rarely get to myself these days. I wish he felt better but it's kind of nice to have him with me, too.
I hope you all had a good day!
We were both very tired from our night of broken sleep. The kitten kept me awake until after 11:30 which is when Kelton came wandering into my room wanting to sleep in my bed. I got him settled and we slept for a few hours. He slept better than me since his snoring and sleep talking kept waking me. :) At 3:00, Kaylen wandered in so I scooted over and made room. 3:15 found Kelton getting up because he was miserable. I dosed him with Motrin and he went to watch TV for a while. I tried to sleep but it isn't as easy as you would think when you know you have a child awake in the middle of the night.
At 4 he came back in and asked if he could take a bath (my kids love to take baths when they don't feel well). I told him he could and then I went back to dozing as I kept one ear open for him. He finally got out and he returned to the living room to watch some TV before heading back to his own bed at 5:30. My alarm went off at 6:30 and our day started.
Anyway - hanging out and vegging in front of the TV was just what we needed. He was bugging me and bugging me about taking him to school for his party. To pacify him, I said if he had no fever at 10, and it stayed gone, I would take him for his party at 2. I knew there was very little chance of this happening. Sure enough, his temp shot back up as soon as the Motrin wore off. By then, he was feeling cruddy enough that he had stopped asking. :(
I left him here when I ran over to the school at lunch recess and back again and then we had a very quiet afternoon. I always know when he is really sick because he stays in a little quiet lump on the couch. It's so sad. :(
At 2:30 we both went over to the school to pick up Kelton's Valentine goody bag and wait for Kaylen. I went into the classroom and was greeted by a chorus of "Where is Kelton?!?!" I explained that he was in the car waiting for me but that he was very sick and would be out a couple days. I gathered his stash, said Happy Valentines Day to the kids (and received an onslaught of returned good wishes - I just love being known in the school!) and took it out to him. He excitedly opened everything and I was so happy to watch him. Soon I went over to Kaylen's room to pick her up and we headed home so the kids would lay out their stashes and oooh and aaaah over it all.
After that, Kelton was exhausted so he disappeared to the couch to rest. The afternoon and evening went by quietly but I did manage to get some food into the boy. They are in bed now and we are all hoping for a better night.
All in all, it was a really nice Valentines Day and I got to spend some really special time with my son, who I feel I rarely get to myself these days. I wish he felt better but it's kind of nice to have him with me, too.
I hope you all had a good day!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
More (see below too)
"Be careful of your limits". I had to go back and reread the post about dating. Hahahahaha. Be careful of my limits?
Here is what I wrote:
"I am not in my early 20's. I am not child-free. I bring a lot of "baggage" to the table. I have all these things that need to be finessed into a relationship. It has to be right. It has to be something that feeds my soul and allows me to still be me. I need to be head over heels crazy for the person. It needs to be low drama because really? Who needs that?"
I indicate I am not living a life of a carefree single 20 something and have family obligations to my children.
A relationship has to be right.
It needs to feed my soul and allow me to still be me.
I need to be crazy for the person with a strong feeling of love, friendship and caring.
Low drama.
Ummm...which one in there should I get rid of?
Wow - shame on me for having such rigid and terrible limits. Hahahahahahahahaha.
Here is what I wrote:
"I am not in my early 20's. I am not child-free. I bring a lot of "baggage" to the table. I have all these things that need to be finessed into a relationship. It has to be right. It has to be something that feeds my soul and allows me to still be me. I need to be head over heels crazy for the person. It needs to be low drama because really? Who needs that?"
I indicate I am not living a life of a carefree single 20 something and have family obligations to my children.
A relationship has to be right.
It needs to feed my soul and allow me to still be me.
I need to be crazy for the person with a strong feeling of love, friendship and caring.
Low drama.
Ummm...which one in there should I get rid of?
Wow - shame on me for having such rigid and terrible limits. Hahahahahahahahaha.
Interesting Comment - It Gave Me a Good Laugh
I just received the following comment to my posting about dating and whatnot. First off, I don't know a Cindy in real life but apparently she thinks she knows me quite well. From what I can tell based on stats, she is from Castle Rock, Colorado. Since I've never been there nor know anyone there........well, it's hard to take this seriously.
Anyway...."Cindy" had to say the following:
"Be careful of your limits. Your life is FULL of drama and you don't want anyone just writing you off. I hate to say that but it is going to be hard to find anyone who will deal with the issues you have and how you are with the kids. Sorry... but it is true. "
Yes, my life is full of drama which I am working hard to eliminate the best I can. And that means sometimes relationships must end. It is for the best.
"It will be hard to find someone who will deal with" my "issues"? *I* am the only one who can "deal with" my issues. I would hope I could find someone who would be supportive of me in that area - the same as I would be for them as they dealt with their "issues" because let's be honest; we all have them.
How I am with the kids? Interesting. Yes, loving and supportive is a terrible thing to be. Being a good mother? Wow - what was I thinking? You're right - I should just find someone and ship them off to be cared for by others. Yes - I am protective and I see that as a good thing. Too many people aren't protective of their children and well....you can see those kids in shows on TLC and History not to mention a few others that show prison shows and "kids gone wrong" shows. I know I am a good mother. So don't even bother trying to undermine me there.
I am amused that you think it will be hard to find someone to love me and want to be with me. That hasn't been an issue AT ALL. In the past year I have had that point proven well by more than one person. You really think I'm that hard up for people who want to spend time with me? Yeah - not so much. So really? Since I don't know you and you clearly don't know me in real life, it doesn't matter to me how "sorry" you are because you have no idea if it's true or not. None. But I think it's humorous that you think you know. I didn't realize you lived in my house, walked in my shoes or had any idea what really takes place in my life.
"It is true." Thanks for the laugh, it felt good to laugh at...I mean WITH you. No wait - I meant at you. Because you have no clue. But thanks for visiting just the same.
Anyway...."Cindy" had to say the following:
"Be careful of your limits. Your life is FULL of drama and you don't want anyone just writing you off. I hate to say that but it is going to be hard to find anyone who will deal with the issues you have and how you are with the kids. Sorry... but it is true. "
Yes, my life is full of drama which I am working hard to eliminate the best I can. And that means sometimes relationships must end. It is for the best.
"It will be hard to find someone who will deal with" my "issues"? *I* am the only one who can "deal with" my issues. I would hope I could find someone who would be supportive of me in that area - the same as I would be for them as they dealt with their "issues" because let's be honest; we all have them.
How I am with the kids? Interesting. Yes, loving and supportive is a terrible thing to be. Being a good mother? Wow - what was I thinking? You're right - I should just find someone and ship them off to be cared for by others. Yes - I am protective and I see that as a good thing. Too many people aren't protective of their children and well....you can see those kids in shows on TLC and History not to mention a few others that show prison shows and "kids gone wrong" shows. I know I am a good mother. So don't even bother trying to undermine me there.
I am amused that you think it will be hard to find someone to love me and want to be with me. That hasn't been an issue AT ALL. In the past year I have had that point proven well by more than one person. You really think I'm that hard up for people who want to spend time with me? Yeah - not so much. So really? Since I don't know you and you clearly don't know me in real life, it doesn't matter to me how "sorry" you are because you have no idea if it's true or not. None. But I think it's humorous that you think you know. I didn't realize you lived in my house, walked in my shoes or had any idea what really takes place in my life.
"It is true." Thanks for the laugh, it felt good to laugh at...I mean WITH you. No wait - I meant at you. Because you have no clue. But thanks for visiting just the same.
Food for Thought
If you can change your mind, you can change your life.
- William James
**********
- William James
**********
Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.
- Mary Lou Retton
***********
Find people who love you unconditionally, surround yourself with them, and bring them the same level of intensity.
- Sean Stephenson
**********
Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.
- Helen Keller
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Dating and Whatnot
Oy. My life is complicated. More so than I want. I am trying hard to find inner peace or whatever you call it, but people seem so threatened by that. Why is it when you change things about yourself it sends people into a tailspin?
Let's talk dating, shall we? Isn't the purpose of dating to find out if the person you are seeing is the one for you? Isn't it to give it time to see how it all shakes out once the newness wears off and real life settles in? I get that dating is a foreign concept for most people - it seems like now everyone is doing the "meet - term it a relationship - and move in to live happily ever after" routine. Not just the lesbians either.....everyone. Just watch your Facebook relationship status updates, it's amazing and sad.
The U-Haul joke seems universal. And I am against it.
This flies in the face of what many think but here's the deal: I don't care what people think. If I settle down in a relationship it damn well better be a relationship that will stand the test of time. Maybe those of us who feel this way should initiate conference calls so can feel less alone. But then, maybe I'm alone in this - I don't know.
I am not in my early 20's. I am not child-free. I bring a lot of "baggage" to the table. I have all these things that need to be finessed into a relationship. It has to be right. It has to be something that feeds my soul and allows me to still be me. I need to be head over heels crazy for the person. It needs to be low drama because really? Who needs that?
So maybe, for me at this point in my life, I don't want a "relationship". Maybe, right now, I want to have fun and take life less seriously.
I used to have a notepad that said "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." I want to fly.
Let's talk dating, shall we? Isn't the purpose of dating to find out if the person you are seeing is the one for you? Isn't it to give it time to see how it all shakes out once the newness wears off and real life settles in? I get that dating is a foreign concept for most people - it seems like now everyone is doing the "meet - term it a relationship - and move in to live happily ever after" routine. Not just the lesbians either.....everyone. Just watch your Facebook relationship status updates, it's amazing and sad.
The U-Haul joke seems universal. And I am against it.
This flies in the face of what many think but here's the deal: I don't care what people think. If I settle down in a relationship it damn well better be a relationship that will stand the test of time. Maybe those of us who feel this way should initiate conference calls so can feel less alone. But then, maybe I'm alone in this - I don't know.
I am not in my early 20's. I am not child-free. I bring a lot of "baggage" to the table. I have all these things that need to be finessed into a relationship. It has to be right. It has to be something that feeds my soul and allows me to still be me. I need to be head over heels crazy for the person. It needs to be low drama because really? Who needs that?
So maybe, for me at this point in my life, I don't want a "relationship". Maybe, right now, I want to have fun and take life less seriously.
I used to have a notepad that said "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." I want to fly.
Taxes, Hearts and .......Who Knows.
As I mentioned previously, it's Valentine Weekend. And I'm not all that keen on it. (yes, I really did just use the word "keen". Deal with it.) I had planned to try to ignore it all (especially Monday) and work on taxes and job hunting (who knows, I might be first in line for a few prime banking jobs or something)but the more I think about it, the more I don't want to look back on "the day of love" and remember that I was working on taxes. That just feels worse than looking back and remembering I was alone.
So I will wait and do them, as usual, on Presidents Day Weekend. Why break with tradition?
Besides, I just don't want to this weekend.
So I will wait and do them, as usual, on Presidents Day Weekend. Why break with tradition?
Besides, I just don't want to this weekend.
The Rain is Falling
The rain is falling hard and fast right now. I love the sound of it and I am grateful to be listening to it from the safety and warmth of my home. It's nights like these that make me wish I had a hot tub that I could be in while the rain pours down on me.
Sure- there is a hot tub place to go to but it costs money and well, I sure couldn't go there at night when I have the kiddos. :) Just think how great it would be to open the slider, unlock the safety gate, remove the hot tub cover and climb into the hot water.
My brother has a hot tub and right now - I'm totally envious.
Sure- there is a hot tub place to go to but it costs money and well, I sure couldn't go there at night when I have the kiddos. :) Just think how great it would be to open the slider, unlock the safety gate, remove the hot tub cover and climb into the hot water.
My brother has a hot tub and right now - I'm totally envious.
Valentines Day is Coming
I'm not a huge fan of Valentines Day to start with but this year it feels especially cruel. I think this is the first year in ummmm.......all of my adult life that I have been alone and single.
Dakota and I never made a huge deal out of the day. Usually a card and red sprinkles atop the whipped cream in our coffee. Then the kids came and we started a tradition of getting them a small box of candy and a stuffed animal (because, you know, a thousand stuffed animals crammed into this house just aren't enough).
We would always say "We show our love for each other all year long. We don't need just one day."
Now though? Right now I would give a lot to have someone special whisk me away for a romantic weekend. Soaking in whirlpool tubs as I drank champagne and was pampered sounds really nice.
I had an amazing Valentines Day last year. It was nearly as perfect as I could have dreamed. I guess the memories of that one will have to carry me through.
Dakota and I never made a huge deal out of the day. Usually a card and red sprinkles atop the whipped cream in our coffee. Then the kids came and we started a tradition of getting them a small box of candy and a stuffed animal (because, you know, a thousand stuffed animals crammed into this house just aren't enough).
We would always say "We show our love for each other all year long. We don't need just one day."
Now though? Right now I would give a lot to have someone special whisk me away for a romantic weekend. Soaking in whirlpool tubs as I drank champagne and was pampered sounds really nice.
I had an amazing Valentines Day last year. It was nearly as perfect as I could have dreamed. I guess the memories of that one will have to carry me through.
This Afternoon
The kids and I are going to be meeting up with Cande and her two girls in a little bit to go see "Gnomeo and Juliet" and I have to admit, I'm kind of excited. The movie looks really cute and the kids have been looking forward to opening weekend with great anticipation. I haven't taken them to a movie since Toy Story 3 this summer (Dakota loves movies more than I do so they usually see them with her.) so this ought to be fun (well you know, as long as steroid girl can keep herself together).
Before fun though comes work. Doesn't it always? I need to locate one of my usb drives and transfer some data. I have a load of laundry to fold and the kids beds to remake....and now, thanks to feeding them lunch, I also have dishes to do. :)
Maybe I can whip through my work while they are happily engaged with whatever show they are currently watching. The thing is, as soon as I disappear, their radar goes off and they follow me with the age old "Mom. Mom? MOM!!"
Maybe if I just sit her at the computer for a while longer, they will stay quiet? It's worth a try!
Before fun though comes work. Doesn't it always? I need to locate one of my usb drives and transfer some data. I have a load of laundry to fold and the kids beds to remake....and now, thanks to feeding them lunch, I also have dishes to do. :)
Maybe I can whip through my work while they are happily engaged with whatever show they are currently watching. The thing is, as soon as I disappear, their radar goes off and they follow me with the age old "Mom. Mom? MOM!!"
Maybe if I just sit her at the computer for a while longer, they will stay quiet? It's worth a try!
Saturday
It was grocery shopping day today. With the kids.
Let that sink in for a minute.
With. The. Kids.
One who is strung out on steroids and the other who is trying to keep pace with the behavior of the other child.
Just. Shoot. Me.
A chore which would usually take me 45 minutes tops instead took almost two hours. I am not kidding. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to stomp my feet. Now my "go to" on days like this is to pick up speed and just get it over with. The kids "go to"? Drag your feet, whine, pick up every blessed thing you see and beg for it. Whine and cry when your sister gets to use her birthday money to pick out a gift. Scream at the top of your lungs when your brother "accidentally" bumps the cart into you. Do everything wrong you could possibly think of that takes your mom to the edge of all things sane and then....just for fun....push her.
I would have sold my soul to be doing motorhome repair work with another grown up than shopping with my two lovely children.
Then there was unloading the car and helping to put things away. Sure, it would have been waaaaaay easier to do it by myself but that isn't sticking with my "teaching them to take more responsibility" theme. So, I took a deep breath and tried not to smack them when they started in with "Why do *I* hafta?!?!" "It's not MY house to take care of - it's YOURS!" "I'm not carrying that." "MOM! I think I brought the light bulb you just bought."
Is it too early to spike my coffee?
Where, you ask, are my two miracles right now? Happily eating chicken nuggets and watching TV. Hey - at least they are finally quiet. :)
Let that sink in for a minute.
With. The. Kids.
One who is strung out on steroids and the other who is trying to keep pace with the behavior of the other child.
Just. Shoot. Me.
A chore which would usually take me 45 minutes tops instead took almost two hours. I am not kidding. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to stomp my feet. Now my "go to" on days like this is to pick up speed and just get it over with. The kids "go to"? Drag your feet, whine, pick up every blessed thing you see and beg for it. Whine and cry when your sister gets to use her birthday money to pick out a gift. Scream at the top of your lungs when your brother "accidentally" bumps the cart into you. Do everything wrong you could possibly think of that takes your mom to the edge of all things sane and then....just for fun....push her.
I would have sold my soul to be doing motorhome repair work with another grown up than shopping with my two lovely children.
Then there was unloading the car and helping to put things away. Sure, it would have been waaaaaay easier to do it by myself but that isn't sticking with my "teaching them to take more responsibility" theme. So, I took a deep breath and tried not to smack them when they started in with "Why do *I* hafta?!?!" "It's not MY house to take care of - it's YOURS!" "I'm not carrying that." "MOM! I think I brought the light bulb you just bought."
Is it too early to spike my coffee?
Where, you ask, are my two miracles right now? Happily eating chicken nuggets and watching TV. Hey - at least they are finally quiet. :)
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