Wow, where to start. We've had a little more than two weeks as a family and reality will hit Monday morning. I do not want reality to hit and am firmly in denial that I will have to drag my butt out of bed at six in the morning. Nope. Nope. Annnnnnd nope!
We began the season with presents at my in-laws. They helped us by a new TV so their gifts to us were light, which was perfect. They got the kids one outfit, books and ornaments. Cole also got a game. I received a pretty, new infinity scarf that I just love. I wear alot of solid colors (in short, I have the wardrobe of a goth business professional) so I love scarves to brighten things up!
Christmas was awesome. I had a touch of insomnia and was awake beginning at 3:30. It was actually very peaceful to sit cuddled in the recliner, typing, with the Christmas lights and presents around me. Camille and George woke at six but played in her room for 45 minutes until everyone got up. Santa brought baseball cards and chocolate in their stockings which kept them occupied until the coffee brewed. Once we were all fully awake, they tore into their presents: a Sonic Screwdriver, Chicken AT-AT walker... thing ("MOM! IT IS NOT A THING!"), a sewing kit so someone leaves my sewing stuff alone, lots of Star Wars and Percy Jackson.... and science kits. Oh, and LEGO. For a solid week the kids have played nicely with each other. There has been some Star Wars/LEGO mash up going on in the dining room and a Nerf war daily. Happy kids, happy parents.
The day after Christmas our music teacher, and friend, took the little boys to see Big Hero 6 while we took the older kids to see A Christmas Carol at the KC Rep! I won tickets through a website and the show was awesome! It had some cool special effects and just the right amount of audience interaction. Joe was "meh" about the whole thing but Camille really liked it!
I've been so spoiled. Adam and I have taken turns sleeping in and the kids are old enough to get their own breakfast, so we can sleep past seven. Everyone has been helping with the cleaning. It's so nice to see my husband for more than just and hour in the evening. We've been watching lots of Doctor Who together and drinking pots of tea. He's even watched a couple episodes of "Outlander" with me. He doesn't care much for the show but he doesn't hate it, so there's that. (Kinda like me and "Top Gear." It's okay but I'm not in love with it.) I've had help with the speech therapy runs and TKD. I'm not ready to go back to school and work! Bah!
Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Call it a hunch
I'm going back to work as a swim coach and I have to re-take some training classes. No big deal, it's all basic safety stuff. However, open-water swimming is part of the training.
Call it a hunch but I doubt I'm going to need to know how to spot a shark- you know, living in a land locked state and all! It was pretty funny... Adam overheard the clip and asked, "WHAT are you training for?!"
***
Cole: Mommy, what we having for dinner?
Me: chicken and biscuits
Cole: I help?
Me: Sure.
Cole: Okay! I need hard boil egg with yolk, apples and applesauce! I get the apples!
We settled for making applesauce muffins to go with the chicken.
Call it a hunch but I doubt I'm going to need to know how to spot a shark- you know, living in a land locked state and all! It was pretty funny... Adam overheard the clip and asked, "WHAT are you training for?!"
***
Cole: Mommy, what we having for dinner?
Me: chicken and biscuits
Cole: I help?
Me: Sure.
Cole: Okay! I need hard boil egg with yolk, apples and applesauce! I get the apples!
We settled for making applesauce muffins to go with the chicken.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
The Rain in Spain Falls No More (Quick Takes Friday)
1. Please note the completely random Doctor Who reference in the title. "Gallifrey Falls No More!"
2. In other words, Adam's home! I was awake reading last night when he came in around 11 pm. He unpacked to show me what he brought the children: fun coffee mugs and chocolate! I asked him to bring home candy they are familiar with but from Spain so they could taste the differences in candies made for different countries. They had chocolate for breakfast and milk in their new mugs and are completely happy to have Daddy home.
3. He didn't find anything with my last name on it, nor did he get to play tourist. They pulled 13+ hours days in Spain and he only got to go to the beach at his beach front hotel once. I honestly feel bad for him!
4. He also said that they put butter on all the seafood. Like, big giant pats of butter. Cole would be in butter-hog heaven.
5. I think Adam single-handily discouraged people from coming to America, although it wasn't intentional. Apparently, he was chatting with his Spanish co-workers and they were talking about where they go on holiday (vacation). They asked him what Americans do on their month-long holiday and were down-right shocked when he told them we don't get month long paid holidays.
"How many paid days do you get off?" they asked and he counted on his fingers, "about six."
"The government only gives you six paid days off?" they asked in shock.
"Well, it varies. Some employees of the government get a few more but most of us get back six major days off- New Years, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day- holidays like that."
And, of course, our family doesn't vacation or holiday in any sense of the word and, yes, I will be bitter about that. ;)
6. I've flown international or very long distances lots of time but never business class. Adam brought home all sorts of stuff from business class: travel bags filled with toothbrushes and tooth paste, face creams, and even a little bag of samples of French lotion. He always brings home the soaps and things from the hotel (my favorite hand cream is actually from a hotel chain and he hoards it for me when he stays in that chain) and we use them in "I ran out of soap!" emergencies or for guests.
7. You know who else is happy to have Adam home? THE DOG. I am happy Adam is home to take care of Sir EscapesAlot. Higgins has been full of something this week and he needs a nice, long, long, LONG walk!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The Rain in Spain: Day Five
The first two days of Adam's business trip were okay. My in-laws took the older two for the weekend and the little boys and I were just hanging out, having fun. My mom arrived on day three (Monday) and, oh holy heck, thank goodness for Grams!
Mom arrived in time for dinner Monday night and we watched The Lightening Thief. She liked it but agreed that it is nothing like the book and is reason number three why Chris Columbus should not be near a children's book to movie adaption. (Reasons one and two? The Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets.) It was another late night for all of us.
On Tuesday, George was a grouch. This kid would have reduced Oscar the Grouch to tears. He would not cooperate at speech. He fought with kids at the pool because, "He splashed [friend]."
"[Friend] hasn't been to the pool in weeks!"
"I know! But HE SPLASHED MY FRIEND!"
"George, how long do you plan to hold a grudge?" asked Grams.
"I hold grudge for twenty years!"
Okay then.
We thought George and Cole would crash and burn early that night. When we got home, Mom took the younger two up for a bath and the older two cleaned out the trash cans for me. I got dinner made. I swear, that was the fastest and easiest evening chores had EVER gotten done!
Mom took the older two kids to TKD and I tried to get the younger boys to bed. The word here is tried. For a four and five year old who had been up until ten for three nights, they sure didn't act tired. They flopped around. They whined. They complained. They used the potty three times in 45 minutes. Cole finally fell asleep at 8:30... and George began screaming.
When he was toddler, he was the worst child in the world to get to sleep*. We had to walk him in the stroller (screaming), drive him in the car (screaming)... you get the idea. Now, we can cuddle him in our bed and he sleeps until the morning. (We move him to his own bed.) But last night? Oh no. If you had walked by our house you would have thought we were beating him with a cattle prod, pulling out his teeth AND beheading his beloved stuffed peguin. We were doing nothing like that, of course; we were simply trying to get him to sleep. But no! He needed to pee, he needed a snack, he hated me, he hated Grams... and then he locked himself in the bathroom.
About that time, Mom took over and I went downstairs to eat the ice cream she brought home. It was either that or pull out my toenails with a butter knife. That would have been more pleasurable! Joseph and Camille weren't asleep either, due to the screaming, so I banished them to their rooms because whining, "He's too loud and I can't sleep!" were so, so helpful. Or not.
Around ten thirty (yes, 10:30 pm... and all this fun had been going on since 7:30!) everything was quiet. I went up to his room... and found Mom sitting on the floor, reading on her tablet and George at the foot of his bed, glaring at his door. Mom gave me a thumbs down and George grouched at me. By now, he was in love with me again and wanted to cuddle with me in my bed. I wanted to go to sleep (or drink) so I said yes.
He was asleep within fifteen minutes.
Mom and I weren't sure what got into this kid. His head was practically spinning and I was ready to break out the Holy Water. I vowed to get to Whole Foods and get some melatonin for him for the next night, come hell or high water or screaming five year olds.
Yet today he was oddly... pleasant. He behaved at Joe's appointment, ate a decent lunch at Panera, put up with a trip to Pottery Barn Kids and went to the splash pad... where he swam, by himself, without a life jacket or noodle!
Let's say this again: My kid, with anxiety and a motor planning disorder who would only enter the pool last year with a noodle and life jacket, SWAM BY HIMSELF!!!!! I MUST ABUSE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!
I've been working with him on and off this summer. He had just begun swimming a little on his own, without a flotation device. He would got a few feet and then panic and put his feet down. I told Adam that if he would stop freaking out and would put his chin down, he would be able to swim the short way of our pool.
At the splash pad, Cole was "alligator swimming" around the shallow end, lifting his arms to paddle a few feet before stopping. He was also jumping in alone! Not to be outdone, George took off his life jacket and tried to "alligator swim." Mom helped him kick properly and get his bottom up in the air. And he took off!
I mean, OFF!!!! We were there two hours and by the end of the afternoon, he had mastered the lilly pads (you walk across floating "pads" holding onto ropes above your head) and was swimming all over the pool. He would push off the bottom of the pool and paddle around. He had the biggest smile on his face and was so confident and happy!
Mom and I wondered if he needed to have a snit fit last night to have the huge developmental leap today. Being able to swim independently is a huge motor mild stone and one he has been working at all summer.It makes sense; babies often have trouble sleeping before a developmental leap. That said, we could have done without the three hours of screaming, thanks.
To celebrate (and because we wanted too!) we made s'more tonight. We scarfed half a bag of marshmallows and two bars of chocolate. Hey, there are six of us!
Thanks to that huge developmental leap, a big dinner, two hours swimming and four late nights (and, yeah, melatonin), George was asleep by eight-thirty. The older two went to bed at nine and Cole was out by eight. It's not even ten pm now and Mom and I are both in bed, reading or writing, and exhausted! Tomorrow brings another busy day and, hopefully, peace and quiet!
*Thank you, CAS. Everything I've read said that kids with CAS are hard to get to sleep and, basically, the tips to help them sleep amount to "good luck with that."
Mom arrived in time for dinner Monday night and we watched The Lightening Thief. She liked it but agreed that it is nothing like the book and is reason number three why Chris Columbus should not be near a children's book to movie adaption. (Reasons one and two? The Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets.) It was another late night for all of us.
On Tuesday, George was a grouch. This kid would have reduced Oscar the Grouch to tears. He would not cooperate at speech. He fought with kids at the pool because, "He splashed [friend]."
"[Friend] hasn't been to the pool in weeks!"
"I know! But HE SPLASHED MY FRIEND!"
"George, how long do you plan to hold a grudge?" asked Grams.
"I hold grudge for twenty years!"
Okay then.
We thought George and Cole would crash and burn early that night. When we got home, Mom took the younger two up for a bath and the older two cleaned out the trash cans for me. I got dinner made. I swear, that was the fastest and easiest evening chores had EVER gotten done!
Mom took the older two kids to TKD and I tried to get the younger boys to bed. The word here is tried. For a four and five year old who had been up until ten for three nights, they sure didn't act tired. They flopped around. They whined. They complained. They used the potty three times in 45 minutes. Cole finally fell asleep at 8:30... and George began screaming.
When he was toddler, he was the worst child in the world to get to sleep*. We had to walk him in the stroller (screaming), drive him in the car (screaming)... you get the idea. Now, we can cuddle him in our bed and he sleeps until the morning. (We move him to his own bed.) But last night? Oh no. If you had walked by our house you would have thought we were beating him with a cattle prod, pulling out his teeth AND beheading his beloved stuffed peguin. We were doing nothing like that, of course; we were simply trying to get him to sleep. But no! He needed to pee, he needed a snack, he hated me, he hated Grams... and then he locked himself in the bathroom.
About that time, Mom took over and I went downstairs to eat the ice cream she brought home. It was either that or pull out my toenails with a butter knife. That would have been more pleasurable! Joseph and Camille weren't asleep either, due to the screaming, so I banished them to their rooms because whining, "He's too loud and I can't sleep!" were so, so helpful. Or not.
Around ten thirty (yes, 10:30 pm... and all this fun had been going on since 7:30!) everything was quiet. I went up to his room... and found Mom sitting on the floor, reading on her tablet and George at the foot of his bed, glaring at his door. Mom gave me a thumbs down and George grouched at me. By now, he was in love with me again and wanted to cuddle with me in my bed. I wanted to go to sleep (or drink) so I said yes.
He was asleep within fifteen minutes.
Mom and I weren't sure what got into this kid. His head was practically spinning and I was ready to break out the Holy Water. I vowed to get to Whole Foods and get some melatonin for him for the next night, come hell or high water or screaming five year olds.
Yet today he was oddly... pleasant. He behaved at Joe's appointment, ate a decent lunch at Panera, put up with a trip to Pottery Barn Kids and went to the splash pad... where he swam, by himself, without a life jacket or noodle!
Let's say this again: My kid, with anxiety and a motor planning disorder who would only enter the pool last year with a noodle and life jacket, SWAM BY HIMSELF!!!!! I MUST ABUSE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!
I've been working with him on and off this summer. He had just begun swimming a little on his own, without a flotation device. He would got a few feet and then panic and put his feet down. I told Adam that if he would stop freaking out and would put his chin down, he would be able to swim the short way of our pool.
At the splash pad, Cole was "alligator swimming" around the shallow end, lifting his arms to paddle a few feet before stopping. He was also jumping in alone! Not to be outdone, George took off his life jacket and tried to "alligator swim." Mom helped him kick properly and get his bottom up in the air. And he took off!
I mean, OFF!!!! We were there two hours and by the end of the afternoon, he had mastered the lilly pads (you walk across floating "pads" holding onto ropes above your head) and was swimming all over the pool. He would push off the bottom of the pool and paddle around. He had the biggest smile on his face and was so confident and happy!
Mom and I wondered if he needed to have a snit fit last night to have the huge developmental leap today. Being able to swim independently is a huge motor mild stone and one he has been working at all summer.It makes sense; babies often have trouble sleeping before a developmental leap. That said, we could have done without the three hours of screaming, thanks.
To celebrate (and because we wanted too!) we made s'more tonight. We scarfed half a bag of marshmallows and two bars of chocolate. Hey, there are six of us!
Thanks to that huge developmental leap, a big dinner, two hours swimming and four late nights (and, yeah, melatonin), George was asleep by eight-thirty. The older two went to bed at nine and Cole was out by eight. It's not even ten pm now and Mom and I are both in bed, reading or writing, and exhausted! Tomorrow brings another busy day and, hopefully, peace and quiet!
*Thank you, CAS. Everything I've read said that kids with CAS are hard to get to sleep and, basically, the tips to help them sleep amount to "good luck with that."
Sunday, July 20, 2014
The Rain in Spain...
Okay, there's actually no rain and five of the six of us are not in Spain. But... I ache and am bone tired so the fact that I can come up with a title is... a miracle.
Let me back the rain-train up. When I said "five of the six of us are not in Spain" what I mean is "Adam got sent on a business trip to Spain and none of us fit in his suitcases and I think his pictures are mocking us." Pictures like this:
This is the view from his hotel room. I love the man deeply but I currently hate him.
Backing way up to two weeks ago, Adam called me from work at nine in the morning. I answered the phone with, "Uh-oh."
"Why uh-oh?" he asked.
"Because a phone call from you in the morning means you either left something at home or you have bad news!"
I won't say it was bad news, because someone ill or dying is bad news. But the co-worker who was supposed to head to Spain en-route home from his job in Asia has... a toothache.
You bet I cursed like a sailor when I heard that. I mean, a dang TOOTHACHE. People. I gave birth and WALKED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ten hours later. And he has to come home for a toothache?!
Adam clarified that it is more than a toothache; it's a "fly straight home, do not pass go, head straight to the oral surgeon and here's some antibiotics until then" type toothache. I had a little more sympathy for the guy but not much.
Thankfully, Adam called my mother to make sure she could come to visit while he was gone. She can AND his parents helped out! The last time Adam had to go away for over a week, it was an epic mess around here. Coupled with summer break, no camps, Therapy Week and so on, I was sure this would be worse but it shouldn't be, not with help.
Adam left early Saturday morning and I did the whole pick up and drop off from cello club and AG "camp." Then Grandma and Grandpa took the older ones. It was supposed to be from 2 Saturday until 2 Sunday but they got in at five! They had a great time with their grandparents.
I had the little boys and we went to Mass, where the only Commandment I didn't break was "thou shalt not murder." We left alive but barely. I was ready to strangle the boys. They KNOW how to behave at Mass and normally sit in the pew with their penguins and read the missal. Yesterday they ran around the cry room and were so loud. I did the "Receive and leave" thing before bolting. I took them home where we watched the cartoons the older kids don't like and had snacks for dinner. They went to bed late but that was the whole point of going to Saturday Mass- we could sleep in the next morning!
I was glad we could sleep in because I stayed up late watching The Book Thief. It was really good and followed the book pretty closely. I'm always amazed when a movie is nearly as good as the book. I think I can count on one hand when that happens!
Today I was super busy: mopped the kitchen floor, deep cleaned Camille's bedroom for when Mom comes, dusted my room, trimmed the bushes, watered the trees, swept the garage, cleaned off the back deck, trimmed back the mint plant that was about to overtake the deck, put on the sprinkler and painted the play set. Oh, and Higgins escaped two times because he is too small for his collar but I refused to go after him. If he's dumb enough to run away...
Tonight a friend I hadn't seen in ages stopped by. We ended up chatting for hours and the end result is a very crabby five year old who has been up two late nights in a row. Tomorrow will bring house cleaning and a much needed pool day!
Let me back the rain-train up. When I said "five of the six of us are not in Spain" what I mean is "Adam got sent on a business trip to Spain and none of us fit in his suitcases and I think his pictures are mocking us." Pictures like this:
Backing way up to two weeks ago, Adam called me from work at nine in the morning. I answered the phone with, "Uh-oh."
"Why uh-oh?" he asked.
"Because a phone call from you in the morning means you either left something at home or you have bad news!"
I won't say it was bad news, because someone ill or dying is bad news. But the co-worker who was supposed to head to Spain en-route home from his job in Asia has... a toothache.
You bet I cursed like a sailor when I heard that. I mean, a dang TOOTHACHE. People. I gave birth and WALKED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ten hours later. And he has to come home for a toothache?!
Adam clarified that it is more than a toothache; it's a "fly straight home, do not pass go, head straight to the oral surgeon and here's some antibiotics until then" type toothache. I had a little more sympathy for the guy but not much.
Thankfully, Adam called my mother to make sure she could come to visit while he was gone. She can AND his parents helped out! The last time Adam had to go away for over a week, it was an epic mess around here. Coupled with summer break, no camps, Therapy Week and so on, I was sure this would be worse but it shouldn't be, not with help.
Adam left early Saturday morning and I did the whole pick up and drop off from cello club and AG "camp." Then Grandma and Grandpa took the older ones. It was supposed to be from 2 Saturday until 2 Sunday but they got in at five! They had a great time with their grandparents.
I had the little boys and we went to Mass, where the only Commandment I didn't break was "thou shalt not murder." We left alive but barely. I was ready to strangle the boys. They KNOW how to behave at Mass and normally sit in the pew with their penguins and read the missal. Yesterday they ran around the cry room and were so loud. I did the "Receive and leave" thing before bolting. I took them home where we watched the cartoons the older kids don't like and had snacks for dinner. They went to bed late but that was the whole point of going to Saturday Mass- we could sleep in the next morning!
I was glad we could sleep in because I stayed up late watching The Book Thief. It was really good and followed the book pretty closely. I'm always amazed when a movie is nearly as good as the book. I think I can count on one hand when that happens!
Today I was super busy: mopped the kitchen floor, deep cleaned Camille's bedroom for when Mom comes, dusted my room, trimmed the bushes, watered the trees, swept the garage, cleaned off the back deck, trimmed back the mint plant that was about to overtake the deck, put on the sprinkler and painted the play set. Oh, and Higgins escaped two times because he is too small for his collar but I refused to go after him. If he's dumb enough to run away...
Tonight a friend I hadn't seen in ages stopped by. We ended up chatting for hours and the end result is a very crabby five year old who has been up two late nights in a row. Tomorrow will bring house cleaning and a much needed pool day!
Monday, May 12, 2014
No longer a "baby family"
This weekend Adam and the kids took me out to dinner. Although I thought about going someplace different, I picked The Cheesecake Factory because I knew we would all enjoy the food and, hello, cheesecake!
While we had dinner, it dawned on me that we can do this now- we can take the kids out to dinner and expect AND GET decent behavior out of them. Sure, there was some shoving and some rude burping (ugh! tween boys!) and some of this:
but everyone sat, ate and had a good time. There were bathroom runs, but no diaper changes. There was no baby food, no nursing, no dropped food. I got to eat my meal while it was cold (a salad) and shared my cheesecake with a very awed and very serious four year old.
Cole: Mommy, we eat dat? Mommy, we share dat?
Me: Yes, Bear, we'll share that!
I failed to convince Adam to drop me at the bookstore while he took the kids grocery shopping but we still had a pleasant time. Cole unleashed his Light Saber in Trader Joe's, which lead to me taking it until we got to the car. (Even Jedi Knights answer to their moms.) When we got home, I bathed the kids while Adam cleaned up the kitchen and put away groceries.
This is first summer in fully "big kid" mode. No one naps on a regular basis. The last of the cloth diapers went to a co-worker of Adam's. I'm sorting through baby toys and 3t clothes for a garage sale. The little slide, tunnel and sand box are going to a teacher friend for her grandkids. We have one stroller for long trips and even the cheap umbrella strollers are gone. When I took Cole into the cry room during Mass, I realized we don't belong in there. Everyone else had bottles, binkies and diapers. We no longer need any of those.
I know I should moan that I miss it- and I do, to a degree. But I am also excited about this phase of life.
Joseph and Camille took part in their first tournament this weekend and did very well. I can see Camille wishing to join the "forms" team some day. I got to take George and Cole to baseball practice and was so impressed to see them paying attention, listening to instructions and trying so hard. For two boys with plenty of challenges, they blended right into the team and loved it. I'm looking forward to their adorable games this summer!
I know if we were blessed with another baby, I would love an embrace that child. I am confident in my baby-caring skills and would whip out the cloth diapers, nursing bras and swaddling blankets with no second thoughts. But this phase- the phase where we read Percy Jackson together, talk about serious things, have friends over for sleep overs and where Mommy can sleep in a touch, knowing they can get their own cereal- is pretty wonderful and amazing too.
This Mother's Day, I have the gift of knowing we are entering the next phase in parenting, the big kid phase. It's pretty cool.
While we had dinner, it dawned on me that we can do this now- we can take the kids out to dinner and expect AND GET decent behavior out of them. Sure, there was some shoving and some rude burping (ugh! tween boys!) and some of this:
Cole: Mommy, we eat dat? Mommy, we share dat?
Me: Yes, Bear, we'll share that!
I failed to convince Adam to drop me at the bookstore while he took the kids grocery shopping but we still had a pleasant time. Cole unleashed his Light Saber in Trader Joe's, which lead to me taking it until we got to the car. (Even Jedi Knights answer to their moms.) When we got home, I bathed the kids while Adam cleaned up the kitchen and put away groceries.
This is first summer in fully "big kid" mode. No one naps on a regular basis. The last of the cloth diapers went to a co-worker of Adam's. I'm sorting through baby toys and 3t clothes for a garage sale. The little slide, tunnel and sand box are going to a teacher friend for her grandkids. We have one stroller for long trips and even the cheap umbrella strollers are gone. When I took Cole into the cry room during Mass, I realized we don't belong in there. Everyone else had bottles, binkies and diapers. We no longer need any of those.
I know I should moan that I miss it- and I do, to a degree. But I am also excited about this phase of life.
I know if we were blessed with another baby, I would love an embrace that child. I am confident in my baby-caring skills and would whip out the cloth diapers, nursing bras and swaddling blankets with no second thoughts. But this phase- the phase where we read Percy Jackson together, talk about serious things, have friends over for sleep overs and where Mommy can sleep in a touch, knowing they can get their own cereal- is pretty wonderful and amazing too.
This Mother's Day, I have the gift of knowing we are entering the next phase in parenting, the big kid phase. It's pretty cool.
Monday, May 5, 2014
We partied this weekend
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| thank you Catholic Memes on Facebook |
It began with a little of this:
After Mass, Adam took the little boys to baseball practice. They loved it and were properly tired when they came home. Adam said they hit the ball a few times and managed to catch it. I have no dreams of major leagues in this house. I want them to have fun, learn the game and be tired (not always in that order!). Plus, you know the "games" will be precious!
Right after they got home, we had our open house where we cut into the "rustic" cross cake:
I made marshmallow fondant. I have made this before with excellent results (see also: Cole's first birthday cake). It began coming together just fine but then I added too much of something and the result was a thick paste of .... not fondant. I asked Adam to roll it in a ball in the fridge and he didn't. It did not roll out easily or drape nicely. I didn't have any buttercream left so I put in on the cake in strips. I couldn't get the pink (PINK!) buttercream to pipe out, so Grams suggested we place the cupcakes around it to hide the edges. I joked we were going for more symbolism since Jesus was wrapped in a shroud after he died but one of my friends, "No, it's RUSTIC!" Rustic it is!
After tons of cake, more cake and yummy Subway, we watched Frozen and then hyped the kids up on more sugar....
The school carnival was perhaps the best one our school has ever hosted. The weather was perfect and everything was outside. The kids were safe to run fairly free and their tickets got them oodles of candy. All that running made them super tired and Cole asked to go to bed that night! I think we would have all slept in if it hadn't been for this the next day:
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| My camera shy husband and son! They ended up o n the hospital's FB page! And the look like they have a bodyguard. |
In many ways, the March was a safe place for all of us. We could talk about Miss Who without having to censor ourselves. People would understand all the terms and it was highly likely no one would say stupid stuff, like "God needs her more than you." I talked to some friends from the NICU who did not know about her and we had a "there but for the grace of God so us" kinda moments. Their children were born at the same gestational age as Miss Who and knew, all too well, the fear of loosing a child. They were super sweet to us.
When we got home that afternoon the kids played with friends and I dozed. We were all soooo tired!
While I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend... I'm glad a break is coming! We have two weeks before another huge weekend of birthday parties, baseball and a huge garage sale!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Overheard: Darth Vader and Jesus
It's very, very rare that I allow the kids to take a toy (beyond a lovey or a book about Jesus) to Mass. When they were little, they hung out in my lap, nursed or went to the nursery. Once they were about two, toys became more of a problem than they were worth. Aside from the fact that we have great sound in our parish AND marble floors... the fighting. Oh, the fighting.
I made an exception this Easter, though, since we were arriving early and there would be more waiting. Cole grabbed a Stormtrooper my mom bought him and said something about the storm trooper coming to church.
"Well, if anyone needs a Savior, it's the storm troopers!" Adam joked.
"Maybe we should get the Daleks and Darth Vader," I said. "Darth Vader REALLY needs a Savior."
Camille looked at me and said, "Mom, Darth Vader died for his son. I think he gets the point."
Um, yeah, and so do you, my dear.
***
From Facebook: If I enrolled my kids in golf lessons this summer, will I loose my hippie license and officially be a yuppie mom?
***
Me: George, today is St. George's Day! It's a special day when we celebrate St. George!
George: ME?!
Me: Well, sort of. St. George was a pretty cool guy who road into a town on a horse, saved a princess and killed a dragon.
George: Mommy, when I growned up, I will kill a dragon but I be too big to live with you!
****
From Facebook, again:
Me: I can' believe my kid wants to be up at 7 am on a Saturday to be at Mathletics.
Adam: No, MY kid wants to do math on a Saturday. YOUR kid would run away screaming!
I made an exception this Easter, though, since we were arriving early and there would be more waiting. Cole grabbed a Stormtrooper my mom bought him and said something about the storm trooper coming to church.
"Well, if anyone needs a Savior, it's the storm troopers!" Adam joked.
"Maybe we should get the Daleks and Darth Vader," I said. "Darth Vader REALLY needs a Savior."
Camille looked at me and said, "Mom, Darth Vader died for his son. I think he gets the point."
Um, yeah, and so do you, my dear.
***
From Facebook: If I enrolled my kids in golf lessons this summer, will I loose my hippie license and officially be a yuppie mom?
***
Me: George, today is St. George's Day! It's a special day when we celebrate St. George!
George: ME?!
Me: Well, sort of. St. George was a pretty cool guy who road into a town on a horse, saved a princess and killed a dragon.
George: Mommy, when I growned up, I will kill a dragon but I be too big to live with you!
****
From Facebook, again:
Me: I can' believe my kid wants to be up at 7 am on a Saturday to be at Mathletics.
Adam: No, MY kid wants to do math on a Saturday. YOUR kid would run away screaming!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Overheard: You've been middle named!
Whenever one of the kids gets in trouble, they get middle named. Their first and middle names snapped in a sharp tone means they'd better knock it off now or else.
Today George was a hot mess and Adam said, "GEORGE DAVID, knock it off!" several times. Of course this made George frustrated with Adam and at one point, George snapped, "DADDY DAVID, stop!"*
Adam was laughing so hard he left the room!
*Adam's middle name is not David but it makes perfect sense that George would think George David= trouble, Daddy David (middle name) would equal the same thing!
Today George was a hot mess and Adam said, "GEORGE DAVID, knock it off!" several times. Of course this made George frustrated with Adam and at one point, George snapped, "DADDY DAVID, stop!"*
Adam was laughing so hard he left the room!
*Adam's middle name is not David but it makes perfect sense that George would think George David= trouble, Daddy David (middle name) would equal the same thing!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Overheard: I hate it and cracks in the wall
The other day we were in the toy section of Target, which is near the electronics section. An ad for The Jungle Book came on the TV and Cole stood transfixed as bears danced on the screen.
Of course my mind went to "easter or birthday gift!" and I said, "Cole, do you think you would like to see that movie?"
"No."
"No? Are you sure? It's a fun movie."
No. It stupid. I hate it."
Nice kid. Then why are you watching it like it is the best thing since sliced bread?
***
I have a Dyson vacuum that has a super long telescoping handle. It's great because I can reach to vacuum most corners of the ceiling. Camille came in to watch me and huffed, "Really, Mom?"
"Yes, really," I said.
She huffed again and then pointed to a crack in the wall. "There's a crack in the wall."
I looked at her and grinned. "Are you sure that's just a crack?"
"Very funny."
Yeah... Camille kinda looked like that.
***
The priest said, "Jesus doesn't want you to worry! Be happy!"
The History Channel: God consistently calls the least of us to do the biggest things.
Me: That Holy Spirit clue by four really hurt. I wish He would be more gentle.
Adam: You're too dense. He needs to hit you hard!
Of course my mind went to "easter or birthday gift!" and I said, "Cole, do you think you would like to see that movie?"
"No."
"No? Are you sure? It's a fun movie."
No. It stupid. I hate it."
Nice kid. Then why are you watching it like it is the best thing since sliced bread?
***
I have a Dyson vacuum that has a super long telescoping handle. It's great because I can reach to vacuum most corners of the ceiling. Camille came in to watch me and huffed, "Really, Mom?"
"Yes, really," I said.
She huffed again and then pointed to a crack in the wall. "There's a crack in the wall."
I looked at her and grinned. "Are you sure that's just a crack?"
"Very funny."
 |
| Amelia Pond and the Doctor |
***
The priest said, "Jesus doesn't want you to worry! Be happy!"
The History Channel: God consistently calls the least of us to do the biggest things.
Me: That Holy Spirit clue by four really hurt. I wish He would be more gentle.
Adam: You're too dense. He needs to hit you hard!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Trapped at Target
Yesterday, Cole and I made a trek to Target because... duh. No, really, we had a mission! Camille turns 8 on monday and we needed to buy her another small gift. (I ordered her big gift from Amazon- one of those diaries that will only open to your voice. She's been asking for one and Adam gave me a weird look when I told him what I was getting her. She lives in a house with three brothers. Enough said.) I also wanted to look at towels in person because we are re-doing the master bath this spring.
Yes, I realize how lame the first part of that sentence sounded.
We pulled up to Target and Cole started clapping. He said, "Mommy, I go Tar-get and get car BOOM!"
"Oh, you're going to Target to get a monster truck?" I asked, parroting back his words.
"Yay!" he cheered. "I get car boom!" I started laughing, realizing I had been HAD by a three year old.
We complete our shopping trip, which included a car boom AND Goldfish crackers, and then I realized . . . I hadn't seen my keys the entire trip.
At all.
We went over to the food court and I dumped out my entire purse, looking for my keys. Nothing.
Popping Cole in the cart, I went back to the car and saw my keys still in the ignition, surrounded by five locked doors. I looked at Cole. He showed me his monster truck. I sighed and called Adam.
Adam didn't answer his phone. Of course. I sent him a text, hoping his phone was on even if he was in a meeting. He didn't reply.
Cole and I trekked back into Target and parked ourselves in the food court with popcorn and a soda. While the monster truck ate popcorn, I sent a text to my sister for laughs ("I think this is every mom's dream and every husband's worst nightmare- unlimited time at Target!") and contemplated doing more shopping. But, hey, since Cole was happily eating and playing, I stayed put, thankful I did my errands right after lunch rather than right before school let out.
About fifteen minutes into our snack, Adam sent me a text that said, "I'm on my way. What Target?" I told him and added, "Are you going to mock me?"
"Yes," was the reply. I love you too, honey.
Adam showed up just in time and tossed me my keys. Cole cheered and showed him his new car. I've jokingly referred to Adam as the Prince Charming since then- he even has a white steed! (His car is white.) I suppose there are many, many worse places to be stuck than a nice warm Target with my littlest buddy (trust me, I've been stuck in some of them!)
Oh and the towels? That's a rant for another day. For over 12 dollars A TOWEL the things had better walk themselves to the washer!
Yes, I realize how lame the first part of that sentence sounded.
We pulled up to Target and Cole started clapping. He said, "Mommy, I go Tar-get and get car BOOM!"
"Oh, you're going to Target to get a monster truck?" I asked, parroting back his words.
"Yay!" he cheered. "I get car boom!" I started laughing, realizing I had been HAD by a three year old.
We complete our shopping trip, which included a car boom AND Goldfish crackers, and then I realized . . . I hadn't seen my keys the entire trip.
At all.
We went over to the food court and I dumped out my entire purse, looking for my keys. Nothing.
Popping Cole in the cart, I went back to the car and saw my keys still in the ignition, surrounded by five locked doors. I looked at Cole. He showed me his monster truck. I sighed and called Adam.
Adam didn't answer his phone. Of course. I sent him a text, hoping his phone was on even if he was in a meeting. He didn't reply.
Cole and I trekked back into Target and parked ourselves in the food court with popcorn and a soda. While the monster truck ate popcorn, I sent a text to my sister for laughs ("I think this is every mom's dream and every husband's worst nightmare- unlimited time at Target!") and contemplated doing more shopping. But, hey, since Cole was happily eating and playing, I stayed put, thankful I did my errands right after lunch rather than right before school let out.
About fifteen minutes into our snack, Adam sent me a text that said, "I'm on my way. What Target?" I told him and added, "Are you going to mock me?"
"Yes," was the reply. I love you too, honey.
Adam showed up just in time and tossed me my keys. Cole cheered and showed him his new car. I've jokingly referred to Adam as the Prince Charming since then- he even has a white steed! (His car is white.) I suppose there are many, many worse places to be stuck than a nice warm Target with my littlest buddy (trust me, I've been stuck in some of them!)
Oh and the towels? That's a rant for another day. For over 12 dollars A TOWEL the things had better walk themselves to the washer!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Overheard and a bonus vacation day
The kids were supposed to go back to school today but the temps are so cold, they've canceled school! Not that I'm complaining- we've had a wonderful break and gotten into a good routine. Still, they are anxious to get back to their friends!
Cole's found his voice recently and he says the most HILARIOUS things! Right now he's shoving Matchbox cars in my face and saying, "What this car name?" Since these are not from the movie Cars, I have to name them on the spur of the moment. So far, we have Shark Car, Corvette, Yellow Car, Blue Car, and Missile. What can I say, I can't name cars!
Me: Cole, is there any particular reason why you have to strip off all your clothes every time you use the potty?
Cole: Nope. Five!
Adam: You have five reasons?
Cole: Yep!
Me: (counting) One... two... three... what comes after three?
Cole: ME!
Cole: I have two grandma, two grandpa.
Me: Who are your big brothers?
Cole: Georgie. Cami. Joe!
Every time he says "yellow" it comes out "yoyo." I've asked his speech therapist to please never correct him!
The other day I was being silly and dancing in the car. Normally Cole screams, "NO DANCE!" but this time he and George joined right in, complete with farting noises. Lovely. I turned to look back at them and saw the people in the car next to me were giving a thumbs up, laughing and clapping. I just laughed... and then noticed the Rosary and "Keep Christ in Christmas" sticker on their car! Adam swears I will probably run into them at church!
Cole's found his voice recently and he says the most HILARIOUS things! Right now he's shoving Matchbox cars in my face and saying, "What this car name?" Since these are not from the movie Cars, I have to name them on the spur of the moment. So far, we have Shark Car, Corvette, Yellow Car, Blue Car, and Missile. What can I say, I can't name cars!
Me: Cole, is there any particular reason why you have to strip off all your clothes every time you use the potty?
Cole: Nope. Five!
Adam: You have five reasons?
Cole: Yep!
Me: (counting) One... two... three... what comes after three?
Cole: ME!
Cole: I have two grandma, two grandpa.
Me: Who are your big brothers?
Cole: Georgie. Cami. Joe!
Every time he says "yellow" it comes out "yoyo." I've asked his speech therapist to please never correct him!
The other day I was being silly and dancing in the car. Normally Cole screams, "NO DANCE!" but this time he and George joined right in, complete with farting noises. Lovely. I turned to look back at them and saw the people in the car next to me were giving a thumbs up, laughing and clapping. I just laughed... and then noticed the Rosary and "Keep Christ in Christmas" sticker on their car! Adam swears I will probably run into them at church!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Proof that 2013 wasn't all bad (Or, as close as I will get to a Christmas letter)
When I complain that there wasn't a single thing about 2013 I really care to remember, Adam rolls his eyes. I didn't even make a quick note for the back of our Christmas card this year because I couldn't think of anything that wouldn't depress the piss out of people.
(Yes, I said that. Sorry.) Instead, it said something like, "Looking forward to joy and peace in 2014!" I thought that was generic enough for people that didn't need to know ALL. THE. THINGS. while people who did know would get it.
Anyway, when I get like this, Adam makes me think of all the GOOD things that happen. Honestly, sometimes it's hard. But with Dwija's link up, I think I might. I can find one good thing every month, right? Like...
(Yes, I said that. Sorry.) Instead, it said something like, "Looking forward to joy and peace in 2014!" I thought that was generic enough for people that didn't need to know ALL. THE. THINGS. while people who did know would get it.
Anyway, when I get like this, Adam makes me think of all the GOOD things that happen. Honestly, sometimes it's hard. But with Dwija's link up, I think I might. I can find one good thing every month, right? Like...
January- Camille turned seven and we surprised her with a PINK bedroom!
February: George potty trained!
And who can forget....
March: Pope Francis love. Visiting my parents and sister and co for my mother's birthday. Painting the inside of the house.
 |
| before |
 |
| after |
April: Oh, April. Traveling to New York for my uncle's funeral. Cole turned three. Joe turned nine.Miss Who was born... on Joe's birthday! March for Babies.
 |
| The HILLS! They were alive, people! And trees! Big trees! But no Bigfoot. |
May: Mother's Day and a road trip with just my big ones.
Camille tried on the wedding dress my grandmother, aunt, mother, myself AND sister wore! Joe ate too much bacon and I visited Miss Who and co again. And the chicken pox. Whoa to the chicken pox!
June: The Epic VBS Disaster, another trip to see my parents, and chicken pox, 2013, part two! Cole also potty trained and we had ZERO KIDS IN DIAPERS, YAY!
Cole also spent the entire summer in swim trunks. It was hilarious!
 |
| We went to a local garden to see LEGO statues. |
July: One does not speak about July. Ever
Well, we did go to Wisconsin again. But other than that....
August: My birthday and massive DIY projects inspired by Pinterest.
 |
| I did not make this dry sink. My uncle, who passed away in April, did. I changed out the hardware. |
September: First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season and the NICU Reunion and a fun trip to Austin with friends!
October: Halloween! My sister came to visit and we had awesome, awesome photos taken.
I have no Halloween pictures. Instead, I give you adorableness at the pumpkin patch:
November: Surprise trip to CO, George turned five and had a huge party, Thanksgiving and the NICU Thanksgiving.
 |
| And the hats. Don't forget the 80 hats we had donated to the NICU! |
 |
| Can you smell the turkey toniiiight? |
December: Camille's First Reconcilliation. Joe's first strings concert. Food allergy results. A new diet. And CHRISTMAS!
 |
| It took all year to get this good photo! A big thank you to my brother-in-law for taking it! |
Looking back, it seems like the beginning of the year- Camille's new room, painting the house, the Conclave- all happened in a "before" life.There's been an "after" since July, where it feels like the world is a bit topsy-turvy. Now that they year is nearly over, I feel like I have my feet under me a bit and I'm returning to a new me. It's defiantly been a journey.
Am I sad to see 2013 go? Not really. In some ways, this year has perhaps been the most defining year for me and my extended family. We've gone through trial under fire. Do I think we will all be better for it? Sure, in some way. Does that mean I want us to go through any of this again? Um, hell no!
Am I looking forward to 2014? YES! Like I posted yesterday, I have hope that things will be better, Hope that things I feared won't be as bad. Hope that I have someone on my side who can advocate with me.
And, geez, in 2014 Camille will turn eight and have her first Communion. Joe will turn TEN! Cole will be four. George will start kindergarten and all that it brings. It will be Joseph's last year in elementary school. Friends will be coming to town for a retreat. My cousins and I are talking of getting together this summer. 2014 will mark the end of so many firsts and eternal anniversaries but the beginning of so much more.
I can't help but... for the first time in a long time... I can't help but hope.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Hope, Part Three: a friend and an allergist
I've lost alot of hope this year. It seems that every time I get my hopes but about something, anything, they are dashed. Not just dashed... trampled, killed, stabbed. Every time I thought something good would happen, the worst would happen... or, if not the worst, one more damn thing to deal with.
As Adam said, I've not exactly been a little ray of sunshine this past year.
Today we took George to the allergist. I went in with zero expectations. I knew George would not be amused to see another doctor, especially if there was skin prick testing involved. I didn't know if the allergist would know about Apraxia or take my concerns seriously. This allergist is has been my husband's doctor since he was a child, but he doesn't know me. I don't know him. And, frankly, he's not delt with me before and I'm nice, but don't screw around with me.
Adam swore up and down that George's medical anxiety is only because I go with him. Hurmp. He got George all excited to see "Daddy's doctor" and promised a treat after it. As we pulled up the office building, Adam said, "Yay, let's see Daddy's doctor! George, unbuckle your seatbelt so we can go." George did so... and ran to the back of the car. Adam pulled him out and carried him inside, crying, as I took the other three to Camp Grandma for the morning.
When I returned, I tried not to hyperventilate as I walked by the "sick child" walk-in clinic. I resisted the urge to use ALL THE HAND SANITIZER and breathe through my mouth to avoid the smell of the medical plaza. Adam and George had already been taken back and the nurse at the front desk chirped, "I bet George will be glad to see his mommy! He's upset."
I laughed. "Nope. He has medical anxiety. It's always like this." Indeed, George was hiding under the chairs in the exam room, crying and cuddling his penguin. I shot Adam an "I told you so" look as I helped him fill out medical forms. I think I promised the kid a pony AND a trip to Build A Bear if he would come out. No dice. In the end, we left him alone. (And Adam admitted the kid has some anxiety. George's HR and BP were slightly elevated.)
The doctor took everything into consideration and said that he thinks it is more of an intolerance than an allergy. We can start reintroducing foods one at a time over a two week period. He said to use common sense; don't over load the kid but don't give him minute amounts either. He said G could have PB toast at Grandma's house and he was thrilled! Adam was thrilled to have normal bread and rolls again.
After a quick trip to the toy store for a treat, we picked up the kids at Camp Grandma, had PB toast and went home. Adam has promised all of us Chinese food tonight!
***
George has a buddy in his preschool class. She's a sweetie pie and her mom and I were in the same student teaching class in school. It's crazy how small the world is sometimes!
They came over the other night and we chatted about the trials and tribulations of dealing with our kids' needs at VBS or CCD. (Check the June archives for the whole mess that was VBS.) I joked about how the RE "threatens" to make me George's CCD teacher and how I am NOT an early childhood person. My friend, however, IS and we joke that we should take turns teaching our kids' CCD classes.
And for a minute there, I had hope.
Hope that if we work together, we can meet our kids needs.
Hope that George can return to VBS and will have a friend in class. Maybe he could do it.
Hope that I am not fighting the invisible special needs battle at our parish ALONE. Hope that I can have someone to work the ins and outs of sacrament prep, CCD, VBS and acceptance with me. That it is not me and my family against the Crazy Church Lady and the rest of the people who want kids with special needs set aside.
Hope that... we can make this work.
For a minute there, I had hope.
I still do. Slowly, maybe, this thing with feathers is coming back.
As Adam said, I've not exactly been a little ray of sunshine this past year.
Today we took George to the allergist. I went in with zero expectations. I knew George would not be amused to see another doctor, especially if there was skin prick testing involved. I didn't know if the allergist would know about Apraxia or take my concerns seriously. This allergist is has been my husband's doctor since he was a child, but he doesn't know me. I don't know him. And, frankly, he's not delt with me before and I'm nice, but don't screw around with me.
Adam swore up and down that George's medical anxiety is only because I go with him. Hurmp. He got George all excited to see "Daddy's doctor" and promised a treat after it. As we pulled up the office building, Adam said, "Yay, let's see Daddy's doctor! George, unbuckle your seatbelt so we can go." George did so... and ran to the back of the car. Adam pulled him out and carried him inside, crying, as I took the other three to Camp Grandma for the morning.
When I returned, I tried not to hyperventilate as I walked by the "sick child" walk-in clinic. I resisted the urge to use ALL THE HAND SANITIZER and breathe through my mouth to avoid the smell of the medical plaza. Adam and George had already been taken back and the nurse at the front desk chirped, "I bet George will be glad to see his mommy! He's upset."
I laughed. "Nope. He has medical anxiety. It's always like this." Indeed, George was hiding under the chairs in the exam room, crying and cuddling his penguin. I shot Adam an "I told you so" look as I helped him fill out medical forms. I think I promised the kid a pony AND a trip to Build A Bear if he would come out. No dice. In the end, we left him alone. (And Adam admitted the kid has some anxiety. George's HR and BP were slightly elevated.)
The doctor took everything into consideration and said that he thinks it is more of an intolerance than an allergy. We can start reintroducing foods one at a time over a two week period. He said to use common sense; don't over load the kid but don't give him minute amounts either. He said G could have PB toast at Grandma's house and he was thrilled! Adam was thrilled to have normal bread and rolls again.
After a quick trip to the toy store for a treat, we picked up the kids at Camp Grandma, had PB toast and went home. Adam has promised all of us Chinese food tonight!
***
George has a buddy in his preschool class. She's a sweetie pie and her mom and I were in the same student teaching class in school. It's crazy how small the world is sometimes!
They came over the other night and we chatted about the trials and tribulations of dealing with our kids' needs at VBS or CCD. (Check the June archives for the whole mess that was VBS.) I joked about how the RE "threatens" to make me George's CCD teacher and how I am NOT an early childhood person. My friend, however, IS and we joke that we should take turns teaching our kids' CCD classes.
And for a minute there, I had hope.
Hope that if we work together, we can meet our kids needs.
Hope that George can return to VBS and will have a friend in class. Maybe he could do it.
Hope that I am not fighting the invisible special needs battle at our parish ALONE. Hope that I can have someone to work the ins and outs of sacrament prep, CCD, VBS and acceptance with me. That it is not me and my family against the Crazy Church Lady and the rest of the people who want kids with special needs set aside.
Hope that... we can make this work.
For a minute there, I had hope.
I still do. Slowly, maybe, this thing with feathers is coming back.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Husband of the Year
(Yes, the Holiday Gift Guide is still active! Go here to win!)
Around Halloween, I was having a really, really bad week. Parent-teacher conferences went great and the teachers had nothing but glowing reports on all the children. Cole is making wonderful, rapid progress and has SURPASSED all his IEP goals! We will have to re-write his IEP a full FOUR months before it is due!
Why is this bad? Based on reports from a private evaluation and more observations, we can confidently say he has mild CAS. He is also sensory-seeking, not sensory avoiding like George. I knew this and knew it was coming but it was still a punch in the gut to hear.
Then... I was nervous about George's upcoming IEP and the transition to kindergarden information it would contain. Spoiler: it went great!
Then.... the SAME week that all this was going on, another uncle of mine had surgery for cancer.
THEN... a baby in our extended family had a giant mass removed from her chest. (The mass turned out ot be benign and she recovered faster than anyone expected!)
Really, God? REALLY?! Why don't I just lay here and You keep punching me, okay?
Needless to say, I was a little stressed and alot upset. THEN... at the end of the week, Adam and I were brushing our teeth and he said, "Honey, you know that business trip I was supposed to take the weekend of the fifteenth? It was all a lie."
My heart sank and, for a split second, I thought, "He's having an affair."
(Please note that this thinking is completely insane on my part. Completely. Like I said, bad week and my anxiety was already through the roof!)
Adam confessed to me that he had been planning a long weekend away since August. He knew I had been having a bad year and that November is always an emotionally hard month. He was just going to surprise me by taking me to the airport but decided (very wisely!) that he should clue me in, seeing as I needed something to look forward to, what with more ill relatives and all.
After shrieking something like, "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THIS!!!" and "EVERYONE KNEW BUT ME?!" (Yes, they did- from my mother to my sister to my in-laws, several close friends including one I hadn't seen in ages! they all knew!) I hugged him and kissed him and made him tell me where we were going- so I could pack the proper clothes, you see.
We were going to Denver!
I was stoked and looking forward to seeing mountains- and, as I soon found out, a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. I told Adam that ten days notice was the perfect amount of time for a surprise. I had enough time to get the house and children ready and mentally prepare to leave them but not too much. It was still a surprise trip but not one I learned about at the airport (which would have REALLY bugged me and not in a good way! Besides, I want to pack my own clothes!)
My parents came to watch the kids and we were off for three fun filled days where we saw this....
Do you know what this is, dear friends? This is a MOUNTAIN. I hear-tell mountains are NOT FLAT and this is true. In fact, the whole area where we stayed was NOT FLAT. For someone who is not an outdoors person but misses land forms with a deep ache in her soul, I was happyhappyhappy. We spent alot of time driving around, looking at the mountains, eating at local restaurants and doing a whole lotta nuttin.
For our ten year anniversary, we went to Washington, DC and stayed at a B and B. While that was perfect then, we got up early and were out of the bed and breakfast by nine am. This was fine, because in DC we wanted to DO STUFF and SEE ALL THE THINGS. In Denver, we wanted to a) sleep b)do nothing c) sleep. Oh, and be together. But, mostly, I wanted to sleep. This time, we stayed in a hotel which was perfect for staying in bed until nine am.
(It randomly turns out that Adam is an early riser. Around 6:30 Denver time, 7:30 to us, he would get up, shower and go get breakfast. Not that this was bad, as I would sleep, but we he would get back, he would try and social. Bleh!)
We drove up a mountain and went to Buffalo Bill's grave site because, why not, we were there. We also went to Idaho Springs which is just a neat town. I think it was an old mining town but now has cute restaurants and nice stores that are good for wandering around in. I even went into a Christmas store that had two adorable Holy Family statues and a cute vintage Santa. I could have spent alot of money there, and almost did, but Adam dragged me away. (Okay, I got one Christmas plaque.)
Adam wanted to go to the Coors plant, so we did. The only other scheduled thing we did was have dinner AND brunch with an old friend, C. C and I were friends in Korea and she and her sister are some of the few people I have known longer than I have known Adam. In fact, I remember telling C and her sister about meeting Adam and they were all floored since I was not they type of person to randomly meet and talk to guys! Adam finds it amusing how much alike we are- we like the same clothes and jewelry and we even randomly wore our hair in the same way. When we talked, it was like no time had passed.
This trip was just what we needed to relax and reconnect. Yeah, we came home to a broken garbage disposal and a tree down on our fence, but the kids (spoiled!) fine, the house is standing and we're getting ready to tackle the coming busy week- the someone's fifth birthday, my sister in town, the final count down to the NICU Thanksgiving.
Around Halloween, I was having a really, really bad week. Parent-teacher conferences went great and the teachers had nothing but glowing reports on all the children. Cole is making wonderful, rapid progress and has SURPASSED all his IEP goals! We will have to re-write his IEP a full FOUR months before it is due!
Why is this bad? Based on reports from a private evaluation and more observations, we can confidently say he has mild CAS. He is also sensory-seeking, not sensory avoiding like George. I knew this and knew it was coming but it was still a punch in the gut to hear.
Then... I was nervous about George's upcoming IEP and the transition to kindergarden information it would contain. Spoiler: it went great!
Then.... the SAME week that all this was going on, another uncle of mine had surgery for cancer.
THEN... a baby in our extended family had a giant mass removed from her chest. (The mass turned out ot be benign and she recovered faster than anyone expected!)
Really, God? REALLY?! Why don't I just lay here and You keep punching me, okay?
Needless to say, I was a little stressed and alot upset. THEN... at the end of the week, Adam and I were brushing our teeth and he said, "Honey, you know that business trip I was supposed to take the weekend of the fifteenth? It was all a lie."
My heart sank and, for a split second, I thought, "He's having an affair."
(Please note that this thinking is completely insane on my part. Completely. Like I said, bad week and my anxiety was already through the roof!)
Adam confessed to me that he had been planning a long weekend away since August. He knew I had been having a bad year and that November is always an emotionally hard month. He was just going to surprise me by taking me to the airport but decided (very wisely!) that he should clue me in, seeing as I needed something to look forward to, what with more ill relatives and all.
After shrieking something like, "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THIS!!!" and "EVERYONE KNEW BUT ME?!" (Yes, they did- from my mother to my sister to my in-laws, several close friends including one I hadn't seen in ages! they all knew!) I hugged him and kissed him and made him tell me where we were going- so I could pack the proper clothes, you see.
We were going to Denver!
I was stoked and looking forward to seeing mountains- and, as I soon found out, a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. I told Adam that ten days notice was the perfect amount of time for a surprise. I had enough time to get the house and children ready and mentally prepare to leave them but not too much. It was still a surprise trip but not one I learned about at the airport (which would have REALLY bugged me and not in a good way! Besides, I want to pack my own clothes!)
My parents came to watch the kids and we were off for three fun filled days where we saw this....
For our ten year anniversary, we went to Washington, DC and stayed at a B and B. While that was perfect then, we got up early and were out of the bed and breakfast by nine am. This was fine, because in DC we wanted to DO STUFF and SEE ALL THE THINGS. In Denver, we wanted to a) sleep b)do nothing c) sleep. Oh, and be together. But, mostly, I wanted to sleep. This time, we stayed in a hotel which was perfect for staying in bed until nine am.
(It randomly turns out that Adam is an early riser. Around 6:30 Denver time, 7:30 to us, he would get up, shower and go get breakfast. Not that this was bad, as I would sleep, but we he would get back, he would try and social. Bleh!)
We drove up a mountain and went to Buffalo Bill's grave site because, why not, we were there. We also went to Idaho Springs which is just a neat town. I think it was an old mining town but now has cute restaurants and nice stores that are good for wandering around in. I even went into a Christmas store that had two adorable Holy Family statues and a cute vintage Santa. I could have spent alot of money there, and almost did, but Adam dragged me away. (Okay, I got one Christmas plaque.)
Adam wanted to go to the Coors plant, so we did. The only other scheduled thing we did was have dinner AND brunch with an old friend, C. C and I were friends in Korea and she and her sister are some of the few people I have known longer than I have known Adam. In fact, I remember telling C and her sister about meeting Adam and they were all floored since I was not they type of person to randomly meet and talk to guys! Adam finds it amusing how much alike we are- we like the same clothes and jewelry and we even randomly wore our hair in the same way. When we talked, it was like no time had passed.
This trip was just what we needed to relax and reconnect. Yeah, we came home to a broken garbage disposal and a tree down on our fence, but the kids (spoiled!) fine, the house is standing and we're getting ready to tackle the coming busy week- the someone's fifth birthday, my sister in town, the final count down to the NICU Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Overheard: My family is insane
(The holiday gift guide is still going on! Click here to enter!)
I've had alot of reviews going on recently. If you haven't checked them out or entered, GO. DO. SO. NOW. They are awesome.
Although we've been busy reviewing products, like has still plugged along. Halloween was awesome. Joe and Cami (Steve from Minecraft and a cheerleader) brought home a huge haul of candy. While George and Cole (Power Ranger and Monster Truck driver) still can only do a few blocks before pooping out, those two went all over the neighborhood! We live in a small area- but it's not so small when you are stopping at every house!
The Herd (and my husband) have been great for random quotes this past week:
The other night, Adam and I were in bed watching TV:
One Sunday, Cole woke up in bed with us. He sat up and began talking. Adam rolled over and groaned, not wanting to get out of bed. I poked him, telling him to get up!
At the zoo, with extended family:
We went to the zoo to see the new penguin exhibit. The littles have penguins for their lovies and they were super excited to see real penguins. The animals were really friendly and came right up to the window to see us!
It was so adorable I kept asking him, "What do penguins eat?" He finally got sick of me and said, "HAM!"
Well. That's mildly disturbing.
The best for last:
I've had alot of reviews going on recently. If you haven't checked them out or entered, GO. DO. SO. NOW. They are awesome.
Although we've been busy reviewing products, like has still plugged along. Halloween was awesome. Joe and Cami (Steve from Minecraft and a cheerleader) brought home a huge haul of candy. While George and Cole (Power Ranger and Monster Truck driver) still can only do a few blocks before pooping out, those two went all over the neighborhood! We live in a small area- but it's not so small when you are stopping at every house!
The Herd (and my husband) have been great for random quotes this past week:
The other night, Adam and I were in bed watching TV:
ME: Oooohhhh, go to the history channel! "10 things you never knew about presidential assassinations!"
Adam: You are the weirdest wife.
Me: Hey, I'm not the one who married me! Come on, would you rather watch that or House Hunters?
Adam: You can stop blaming Joseph's interest in history on your father, you know.
Me: Daddy needs to get up and make the casserole (for the soup kitchen),
Cole: Daddy make cass-role. I eat DONUT!
Cami: what's that?
Me: lions
Cami: it sounds like the cello!
We went to the zoo to see the new penguin exhibit. The littles have penguins for their lovies and they were super excited to see real penguins. The animals were really friendly and came right up to the window to see us!
Me: Cole what do penguins eat?
Cole: snow balls!
It was so adorable I kept asking him, "What do penguins eat?" He finally got sick of me and said, "HAM!"
Well. That's mildly disturbing.
The best for last:
George: What this?
Me: Squash. Try it. It's like pumpkin.
George: Squash not pumpkin! I not eat squash! Squash live in the forest!
Me: (completely and utterly confused)
Adam: Oh! No! It's not SASQUATCH! It's just SQUASH! We're not eating BIGFOOT.
Regular posting will resume soon! Meanwhile, go enter some giveaways and enjoy the fall!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Overheard: Don't eat it!
George: What this? (pokes at dinner)
Me: Squash. Try it. It's like pumpkin. It is very smooth and yummy. Cole helped make it.
George: Squash not pumpkin! I not eat squash! Squash live in the forest!
Me: (completely and utterly confused)
Adam: Oh! No! It's not SASQUATCH! It's just SQUASH! We're not eating BIGFOOT.
*****
Me: Cole, are you my special Bear-Bear?
Cole: No, I COLE!
Me: Squash. Try it. It's like pumpkin. It is very smooth and yummy. Cole helped make it.
George: Squash not pumpkin! I not eat squash! Squash live in the forest!
Me: (completely and utterly confused)
Adam: Oh! No! It's not SASQUATCH! It's just SQUASH! We're not eating BIGFOOT.
*****
Me: Cole, are you my special Bear-Bear?
Cole: No, I COLE!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Overheard: Ben Franklin
Adam and I were in the car when we heard an ad for a local Halloween store. We both looked at each other:
Me: Did I hear that right? Sexy Ben Franklin?
Adam: Yeahhh...
Me: That is the dumbest costume idea ever.
Adam: Franklin got around but a sexy Ben Franklin costume is weird.
Me: Why do all the women and girl costumes have to sexy? Boys can be doctors but girls only have the "sexy doctor" costume.
Adam: Yeah, guys can be sexy too...
That wasn't what I meant but he has a point.
Me: Did I hear that right? Sexy Ben Franklin?
Adam: Yeahhh...
Me: That is the dumbest costume idea ever.
Adam: Franklin got around but a sexy Ben Franklin costume is weird.
Me: Why do all the women and girl costumes have to sexy? Boys can be doctors but girls only have the "sexy doctor" costume.
Adam: Yeah, guys can be sexy too...
That wasn't what I meant but he has a point.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Garage sale find
This post contains affiliate links. Buying items through the links funds our family and helps with the cost of speech therapy.
Adam is becoming a wiz at finding awesome stuff at garage sales!
I should preface this by saying that I have chamange taste on a tap water budget. Good thing I use Pinterest and am not opposed to used items. (Within reason.) Adam knows what I like and I have a habit of saying, "Oh, I want THIS SUPER EXPENSIVE ITEM!" to which he says, "NO WAY."
Take the Phil and Ted's Stroller, for example. I had been asking for one for years, to which he said, "NO WAY." I mean, click on the link. Yes, that is what it would cost with the doubles attachment. However, when he found one at a garage sale, for $75, he snapped it up knowing I would want it. I love this stroller. I can easily take the back seat off and use it as a single stroller. I really only need it for jogging and it is perfect for that.
In addition to the stroller, I have been lusting after a Dyson vacuum cleaner for years. Yes, yes. When our vacuum bit the dust, I asked for a Dyson. He said no. I asked for a refurbished Dyson. He laughed. When I pointed out that we have mega seasonal and dust allergies in the house and the Dyson would really help with that, he said that Consumer Reports didn't rate the Dyson as high as a Hoover. I said whatever, all my friends have and love Dysons.
He asked if all my friends jumped off a cliff with their vacuums, would I do the same.
I told him not to be silly; people who own Dysons would NEVER jump off a cliff with their Dyson vacuum cleaner.
Recently, this topic came up again when Costco had a sale on the very Dyson I wanted. It was 120 off. I e-mailed it him and again he said NO.
This weekend, I stayed home with a migraine + sinus headache. Adam took the kids out and when he came home, the kids said, "Hey Mom! Dad got you a Dyson!"
"Very funny," I muttered from beneth my ice pack. "How the heck do you know what a Dyson is?"
"Oh, honey!" called Adam in a sing-song voice. "Look what I got!"
Yep! He had been driving my garage sales and spied a Hoover carpet cleaner. Because our carpets are horribly stained and ugly. he stopped to look at one. And there... there was a new-ish Dyson Animal that had ONLY be used by a Kirby salesman to show how inferior the Dyson was to a Kirby.
Whatever. I don't want a Kirby. I want a DYSON and for 130 dollars total, they sold BOTH to him!
I am now the proud owner of a Dyson animal, minus a few accessories. It is so quiet! It cleans so well! The hose is so long! I can clean the whole downstairs without unplugging it because the cord is so long! It's light! It's purple! It's awesome!
I may just enjoy cleaning now.
Naw, not that. But I will enjoy my Dyson!
Adam is becoming a wiz at finding awesome stuff at garage sales!
I should preface this by saying that I have chamange taste on a tap water budget. Good thing I use Pinterest and am not opposed to used items. (Within reason.) Adam knows what I like and I have a habit of saying, "Oh, I want THIS SUPER EXPENSIVE ITEM!" to which he says, "NO WAY."
Take the Phil and Ted's Stroller, for example. I had been asking for one for years, to which he said, "NO WAY." I mean, click on the link. Yes, that is what it would cost with the doubles attachment. However, when he found one at a garage sale, for $75, he snapped it up knowing I would want it. I love this stroller. I can easily take the back seat off and use it as a single stroller. I really only need it for jogging and it is perfect for that.
In addition to the stroller, I have been lusting after a Dyson vacuum cleaner for years. Yes, yes. When our vacuum bit the dust, I asked for a Dyson. He said no. I asked for a refurbished Dyson. He laughed. When I pointed out that we have mega seasonal and dust allergies in the house and the Dyson would really help with that, he said that Consumer Reports didn't rate the Dyson as high as a Hoover. I said whatever, all my friends have and love Dysons.
He asked if all my friends jumped off a cliff with their vacuums, would I do the same.
I told him not to be silly; people who own Dysons would NEVER jump off a cliff with their Dyson vacuum cleaner.
Recently, this topic came up again when Costco had a sale on the very Dyson I wanted. It was 120 off. I e-mailed it him and again he said NO.
This weekend, I stayed home with a migraine + sinus headache. Adam took the kids out and when he came home, the kids said, "Hey Mom! Dad got you a Dyson!"
"Very funny," I muttered from beneth my ice pack. "How the heck do you know what a Dyson is?"
"Oh, honey!" called Adam in a sing-song voice. "Look what I got!"
Yep! He had been driving my garage sales and spied a Hoover carpet cleaner. Because our carpets are horribly stained and ugly. he stopped to look at one. And there... there was a new-ish Dyson Animal that had ONLY be used by a Kirby salesman to show how inferior the Dyson was to a Kirby.
Whatever. I don't want a Kirby. I want a DYSON and for 130 dollars total, they sold BOTH to him!
I am now the proud owner of a Dyson animal, minus a few accessories. It is so quiet! It cleans so well! The hose is so long! I can clean the whole downstairs without unplugging it because the cord is so long! It's light! It's purple! It's awesome!
I may just enjoy cleaning now.
Naw, not that. But I will enjoy my Dyson!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Labor... Weekend
It's Labor Day but it's been a full weekend of labor here!
A few weeks ago, my good friend showed me her Habitat for Humanity Re-Store find: a home office cabinet! She can put her computer in there and SHUT AND LOCK THE DOORS, keeping away from little fingers!
Envy, I tell you, envy! I had been looking and looking for ideas to clean up my home office, which was in the master bedroom. I couldn't find anything I liked, and could afford, in real life or on Pinterest. And she had it! Because K is a thrift store guru, I asked her to keep her eyes open for one for me.
Thursday, she called me and told me about a cabinet very similar to hers in a thrift store. I wanted to drop everything and run to it (screaming, "MIIIIINNNNNEEE!") but I couldn't. However, the next morning, I joined her at the store, looked at it, declared, "MINE!" and put 50 per cent down on it.
(And bought 3 books and an awesome flannel sheets with penguins on it that will be turned into Christmas jammie pants for the little boys. I digress.)
Adam wasn't too sure about this, because it involved lugging it home in the back of the van. My sister said, via text, that it was awesome and should totally be MIIINNNNEEE and that my friend rocked. I thus proposed a plan to my husband that involved the following:
Moving the large bookshelf in the playroom to Joseph's room;
Giving Joseph's old bookshelf to Cole;
Move the recliner in the boys' room to the living room;
Moving my home office out of the bedroom and into the playroom, thus creating a "love nest" in our room instead of a dumping ground (nothing says "romantic" like a hot wheel track in your bed and piles of papers two feet away;
moving my old desk to the playroom and moving the kids' computer OUT of the kitchen.
He agreed.
To all of it.
And you don't believe in miracles?! This is one, people!
Saturday afternoon, Adam emptied the van and brought home the home office unit. Our neighbor saw us struggling with it (the thing is a beast) and helped him get it inside. Thanks to my genius idea, he didn't have to haul it upstairs, just two feet inside to the playroom.
(We won't talk about what it took to get the bookshelf into Joe's room. Let's just say that's another post.)
I spent all Saturday and a good part of Sunday dusting, lugging stuff from the master bedroom to the playroom, organizing, dusting some more, making sure cords got put in the right spot, and purging. I realized I would make a bad DIY blogger because I just can't stop to take pictures of the mess and work in progress; I have to get it done now!
My mantra was and is: It has to get worse before it gets better.
We are 90 per cent done now. I have a few more boxes to go through and purdge. I have some pictures to hang on the walls in new spots... and an awesome Catholic saint ABC poster I want to order. The kids have a new homework and computer station that is in a spot I can monitor but not in the middle of the kitchen, where I will trip over them. I can now work AND be with the kids as the play! We have more sitting space in the living room!
The house is beginning to look great and I have some ideas for the empty spot in our bedroom where the desk used to be. (Cute bench? Adorable armchairs?) The only downside? Between the home office unit and the new dining room furniture, Adam has banned me from thrift stores for the time being.
Boo.
But he hasn't banned my friends from looking for me and for cute items for the empty space in the bedroom....
A few weeks ago, my good friend showed me her Habitat for Humanity Re-Store find: a home office cabinet! She can put her computer in there and SHUT AND LOCK THE DOORS, keeping away from little fingers!
Envy, I tell you, envy! I had been looking and looking for ideas to clean up my home office, which was in the master bedroom. I couldn't find anything I liked, and could afford, in real life or on Pinterest. And she had it! Because K is a thrift store guru, I asked her to keep her eyes open for one for me.
Thursday, she called me and told me about a cabinet very similar to hers in a thrift store. I wanted to drop everything and run to it (screaming, "MIIIIINNNNNEEE!") but I couldn't. However, the next morning, I joined her at the store, looked at it, declared, "MINE!" and put 50 per cent down on it.
(And bought 3 books and an awesome flannel sheets with penguins on it that will be turned into Christmas jammie pants for the little boys. I digress.)
Adam wasn't too sure about this, because it involved lugging it home in the back of the van. My sister said, via text, that it was awesome and should totally be MIIINNNNEEE and that my friend rocked. I thus proposed a plan to my husband that involved the following:
Moving the large bookshelf in the playroom to Joseph's room;
Giving Joseph's old bookshelf to Cole;
Move the recliner in the boys' room to the living room;
Moving my home office out of the bedroom and into the playroom, thus creating a "love nest" in our room instead of a dumping ground (nothing says "romantic" like a hot wheel track in your bed and piles of papers two feet away;
moving my old desk to the playroom and moving the kids' computer OUT of the kitchen.
He agreed.
To all of it.
And you don't believe in miracles?! This is one, people!
Saturday afternoon, Adam emptied the van and brought home the home office unit. Our neighbor saw us struggling with it (the thing is a beast) and helped him get it inside. Thanks to my genius idea, he didn't have to haul it upstairs, just two feet inside to the playroom.
(We won't talk about what it took to get the bookshelf into Joe's room. Let's just say that's another post.)
I spent all Saturday and a good part of Sunday dusting, lugging stuff from the master bedroom to the playroom, organizing, dusting some more, making sure cords got put in the right spot, and purging. I realized I would make a bad DIY blogger because I just can't stop to take pictures of the mess and work in progress; I have to get it done now!
My mantra was and is: It has to get worse before it gets better.
We are 90 per cent done now. I have a few more boxes to go through and purdge. I have some pictures to hang on the walls in new spots... and an awesome Catholic saint ABC poster I want to order. The kids have a new homework and computer station that is in a spot I can monitor but not in the middle of the kitchen, where I will trip over them. I can now work AND be with the kids as the play! We have more sitting space in the living room!
The house is beginning to look great and I have some ideas for the empty spot in our bedroom where the desk used to be. (Cute bench? Adorable armchairs?) The only downside? Between the home office unit and the new dining room furniture, Adam has banned me from thrift stores for the time being.
Boo.
But he hasn't banned my friends from looking for me and for cute items for the empty space in the bedroom....
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