I have never liked it. I was akward as a kid, uncoordinated and fumbling. I hated PE and besides skiing, never really liked anything athletic. I'm an excellent sports fan though. Loyal through thick & thin.
I've also been blessed with a good metabolism. Though as a little kid I hated it. I was all long limbs and knees and elbows. Skinny didn't even describe it. I was just so dang skinny.
Now that I'm in my (gulp) late 30's that metabolism is slowing down a bit and I know I'm pretty out of shape. I'm still thin but I'm not happy with how this thin looks. So I've been doing a good job the past few years of not eating like a pig and being more concious of what and how much goes in my mouth. Yet, I still did not find or like an exercise. This summer I've told myself to just suck it up and do it and I'm glad that I have. I've been walking about 5-6 days per week in the morning. I had a little heart to heart with FG about how I need him to be home (aka, not golfing early in the morning EVERY day before he goes to the office) so I can keep this up. He's been very good about it. It doesn't hurt that the dog is now used to it and excited every morning when we get up. She "sings" and "talks" to me until I get her leash and she's a maniac around the house. She's a good motivator because she would just bug me until we walked if I decided to skip it.
So I've been walking, making myself eat breakfast, more fruit & veggies, using our whatevertheheckitscalled workout equipment to keep my arms & abs toned. I feel better about it. I still don't enjoy it and yes, I would rather just stay in bed and sleep late on these wonderful summer mornings but I'm hauling my butt out of bed so it doesn't get fat.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Mommy Brain
I completely forgot that I wanted to share some funny little things about DD. Now the Parenting Karma may strike me down for daring to write about it but DD has been gooood lately. She's been funny and happy and she's totally into Daddy!
When she was about 5-18 months old, it was all about Daddy. I would say, "DD say 'Mama"." and she would look at me, look at FG, give me a big grin and say "Dada!" stinker. Then something happened and it was all about Mom. I was the only one who could do anything right for her. I was the only one who could properly read a story, tuck her into bed, pour her cereal/milk/goldfish, I was the only one who could comfort an owie, the only one who could get up at night to fix whateverthefuckwaswrongat3am.
But lately she's been funny as heck. She has us rolling with her comments. DS has always been that way (I've got a doozy for ya from him I'll share in a minute). Last night at dinner, FG was messing with her. She said she wanted an Ice Age Pop for dessert and FG kept messing with the words. "You want a Sage Pop?" "Well that's not very proper grammar, I sage pop?" of course, he knew what she meant but was teasing in that Daddy way. She claps her hand on her forehead and says,"HOW many times do we have to go over this?" like a 60 year old woman. Killed me right there. At some point during dinner she told FG he was "the coolest". Then she got all excited when I proclaimed that I would help her bathe but Daddy was reading stories. "Yay! Dad! YOU GET TO READ TONIGHT!!" um, who are you because a few short months ago it was "I'll go to bed with no stories if Dad is the one who's reading, thanks." She asks about him all day now, talks about stuff with him, says she wants to do things with him. I just say Hallelujah!
Now DS's totally hilarious statement. Oh I still laugh my ass of when I think of him saying it. Last weekend at DD's birthday party I mentioned that SMA was coming to the party. DS heard me say it and said "He's coming? Are you sure that's a good idea? He can scare small children and the elderly." Ohmyheck. The way he said it was so serious. So of course SMA walks in wearing a basketball jersey and shorts with his ridiculous long hair flowing and his girly big sunglasses and tattoos in full view. I just start busting up. My MIL and Mom both tell him that he had better be nice because they are "the elderly". He was totally confused. He, of course, is a big softy and would never intentionally scare a child (or the elderly) and he loves my kids dearly. I guess DS understands the whole book & cover thing.
When she was about 5-18 months old, it was all about Daddy. I would say, "DD say 'Mama"." and she would look at me, look at FG, give me a big grin and say "Dada!" stinker. Then something happened and it was all about Mom. I was the only one who could do anything right for her. I was the only one who could properly read a story, tuck her into bed, pour her cereal/milk/goldfish, I was the only one who could comfort an owie, the only one who could get up at night to fix whateverthefuckwaswrongat3am.
But lately she's been funny as heck. She has us rolling with her comments. DS has always been that way (I've got a doozy for ya from him I'll share in a minute). Last night at dinner, FG was messing with her. She said she wanted an Ice Age Pop for dessert and FG kept messing with the words. "You want a Sage Pop?" "Well that's not very proper grammar, I sage pop?" of course, he knew what she meant but was teasing in that Daddy way. She claps her hand on her forehead and says,"HOW many times do we have to go over this?" like a 60 year old woman. Killed me right there. At some point during dinner she told FG he was "the coolest". Then she got all excited when I proclaimed that I would help her bathe but Daddy was reading stories. "Yay! Dad! YOU GET TO READ TONIGHT!!" um, who are you because a few short months ago it was "I'll go to bed with no stories if Dad is the one who's reading, thanks." She asks about him all day now, talks about stuff with him, says she wants to do things with him. I just say Hallelujah!
Now DS's totally hilarious statement. Oh I still laugh my ass of when I think of him saying it. Last weekend at DD's birthday party I mentioned that SMA was coming to the party. DS heard me say it and said "He's coming? Are you sure that's a good idea? He can scare small children and the elderly." Ohmyheck. The way he said it was so serious. So of course SMA walks in wearing a basketball jersey and shorts with his ridiculous long hair flowing and his girly big sunglasses and tattoos in full view. I just start busting up. My MIL and Mom both tell him that he had better be nice because they are "the elderly". He was totally confused. He, of course, is a big softy and would never intentionally scare a child (or the elderly) and he loves my kids dearly. I guess DS understands the whole book & cover thing.
Weekend Update
I'm still making progress! Yay me!
This week I called the mom of a friend of DD's. She has 4 daughters ranging from 8 to newborn. I took the 5 year old with us swimming for the afternoon. I think she was grateful.
Yesterday I was going to take the kids swimming again and called another friend to invite her family to join us. They were unable but at least I made the effort and the phone call. I'm doing better in the friend department and treating my friends to actually being a friend instead of just being the recipient of the friendship card.
I had to work on Saturday. My FIL and his wife took the kids. After the Mother's Day incident FG had a major talk with his dad about the kids. Now I've been told that I should just be happy that I have people willing to take my kids for me. But you know what, I am happy and I know I am lucky that we have 3 sets of grandparents around here that will watch our kids for us and are willing to take them overnight. But you know what else? So that's our lot, we won the lottery with that but that doesn't mean it's fun to un-do all the damage that they can do in one day. That doesn't mean it's fun to re-correct behavior. The IL's don't seem to get that they are sending a message to the kids that it's ok to ignore the rules when Mom & Dad aren't around. I'm thinking that if they learn that NOW, that will be 10x worse when they are teens. Again, part of me not wanting to confuse my kids. So an extra ice cream or a later bed time (though NOT 11:30 for a 5 year old!) is an ok way to bend the rules but to let them think that it's ok to completely ignore them when we don't know about it is not good in my book. So all of you that say "be happy someone will take your kids for you", PHHHHHHTTTTT! Because my kids come first; before my intense need to get the hell away from them for a short time. If it means I have to jeopordize all the work FG and I do with parenting and raising them to be good people, then I'll pass.
So they took the kids with instructions to take DD to a birthday party (drop off), use sunscreen if they go to the beach and to bed at a reasonable time like 9:30. I didn't feel that was too much to ask and apparently, neither did they because they wanted the kids. DS came home with a new toy (always with them) but besides that, there were no huge rules that were to be followed or broken. I do hate that they "buy" the kids with stuff everytime they spend time with them. But at least time I didn't have to have any rules like "No extra treats because of bad behavior" like I have in the past only to have them blatently break the rule. I guess if there is no major rule like that, it can't be broken. (Yes, we have had that happen. I remember distinctly one time that DS was being just awful with back talk and behavior and I said "NO buying him toys or treats because I will not reward bad behavior." and they did anyway. Other times too.)
Annnyyyyywaaaayyy, back to this weekend.... When I worked FG was volunteering at the Celebrity Golf Tournament at Lake Tahoe. (I always want to say "in Tahoe" but that would technically mean in the lake and that seems hard to play golf in a lake full of melted snow). He knows golf, he knows TV, he knows sports. Good weekend for him. After taking one of the producers out on our friend's boat on Tahoe, the producer asked him who he wanted on Sunday. He gave him Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice and Ray Allen. FG doesn't get too star-struck but he was pretty excited. We watched on TV and saw him several times. He told me all about chatting with Jordan and how he asked FG if he went out last night. FG explained that he's local (as in, we don't generally hit the casinos because duh, there's slot machines in our grocery stores, it just isn't a big deal) but that he was lucky enough to have the kids gone for the evening and go out to dinner & to the Chocolate Bar for chocolate martinis with his wife. Jordan commented that that sounded really nice. I sent FG an text telling him that if they wanted to stop by, I would share the fresh peach pie I had just baked. Hee hee. Wouldn't that be a kick? Jordan and Rice just stop over for pie.
This week I called the mom of a friend of DD's. She has 4 daughters ranging from 8 to newborn. I took the 5 year old with us swimming for the afternoon. I think she was grateful.
Yesterday I was going to take the kids swimming again and called another friend to invite her family to join us. They were unable but at least I made the effort and the phone call. I'm doing better in the friend department and treating my friends to actually being a friend instead of just being the recipient of the friendship card.
I had to work on Saturday. My FIL and his wife took the kids. After the Mother's Day incident FG had a major talk with his dad about the kids. Now I've been told that I should just be happy that I have people willing to take my kids for me. But you know what, I am happy and I know I am lucky that we have 3 sets of grandparents around here that will watch our kids for us and are willing to take them overnight. But you know what else? So that's our lot, we won the lottery with that but that doesn't mean it's fun to un-do all the damage that they can do in one day. That doesn't mean it's fun to re-correct behavior. The IL's don't seem to get that they are sending a message to the kids that it's ok to ignore the rules when Mom & Dad aren't around. I'm thinking that if they learn that NOW, that will be 10x worse when they are teens. Again, part of me not wanting to confuse my kids. So an extra ice cream or a later bed time (though NOT 11:30 for a 5 year old!) is an ok way to bend the rules but to let them think that it's ok to completely ignore them when we don't know about it is not good in my book. So all of you that say "be happy someone will take your kids for you", PHHHHHHTTTTT! Because my kids come first; before my intense need to get the hell away from them for a short time. If it means I have to jeopordize all the work FG and I do with parenting and raising them to be good people, then I'll pass.
So they took the kids with instructions to take DD to a birthday party (drop off), use sunscreen if they go to the beach and to bed at a reasonable time like 9:30. I didn't feel that was too much to ask and apparently, neither did they because they wanted the kids. DS came home with a new toy (always with them) but besides that, there were no huge rules that were to be followed or broken. I do hate that they "buy" the kids with stuff everytime they spend time with them. But at least time I didn't have to have any rules like "No extra treats because of bad behavior" like I have in the past only to have them blatently break the rule. I guess if there is no major rule like that, it can't be broken. (Yes, we have had that happen. I remember distinctly one time that DS was being just awful with back talk and behavior and I said "NO buying him toys or treats because I will not reward bad behavior." and they did anyway. Other times too.)
Annnyyyyywaaaayyy, back to this weekend.... When I worked FG was volunteering at the Celebrity Golf Tournament at Lake Tahoe. (I always want to say "in Tahoe" but that would technically mean in the lake and that seems hard to play golf in a lake full of melted snow). He knows golf, he knows TV, he knows sports. Good weekend for him. After taking one of the producers out on our friend's boat on Tahoe, the producer asked him who he wanted on Sunday. He gave him Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice and Ray Allen. FG doesn't get too star-struck but he was pretty excited. We watched on TV and saw him several times. He told me all about chatting with Jordan and how he asked FG if he went out last night. FG explained that he's local (as in, we don't generally hit the casinos because duh, there's slot machines in our grocery stores, it just isn't a big deal) but that he was lucky enough to have the kids gone for the evening and go out to dinner & to the Chocolate Bar for chocolate martinis with his wife. Jordan commented that that sounded really nice. I sent FG an text telling him that if they wanted to stop by, I would share the fresh peach pie I had just baked. Hee hee. Wouldn't that be a kick? Jordan and Rice just stop over for pie.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Progress
I'm starting to feel a bit better. I'm working hard at the things that have been getting me down.
I've apologized to my friends and told them that I recognize I haven't been a great friend lately. I poured my heart out as to my feelings lately in hopes that they would understand. Not as an excuse, but as a reason. They were supportive and it felt good. They do understand.
So I cried to FG last week that I just can't take this chaos anymore and no I did NOT want to leave on Sunday to take the boat out. I did not want to go anywhere or do anything. I don't remember the last time I cooked a meal and we all sat down together to eat. I want to stay home and have him clean up the overgrown yard and I need to clean the house. So Sunday, that's exactly what we did. After my walk, I started cleaning. I took a break to make a big breakfast for the whole family. Then I cleaned and cleaned some more. FG worked outside because um, I don't do yardwork. The kids happily played with DD's new toys and only asked for a cartoon in the late afternoon. I took the car to the car wash that has the free vacuums that will literally suck the stripes of a tiger. My car is now clean too. (Just like a house, I don't do messy cars very well. I don't like a lot of stuff in them and I don't like dirt on the outside or inside. That would just depress me every time I got in it and saw the sand, dog hair, toys etc on the inside and the dirt on the outside).
I made dinner and we all ate together. At the same table. The kids played outside. The kids went to bed at a fairly decent time (for summer). FG and I went to bed at a fairly decent time. Today, we get to go play at the waterpark. I don't have to worry about a gross house that I will immediately get depressed walking into. I already have dinner planned and shrimp & steak thawing. I've talked to a couple of friends. We're doing good. I just need to keep it up!
I've apologized to my friends and told them that I recognize I haven't been a great friend lately. I poured my heart out as to my feelings lately in hopes that they would understand. Not as an excuse, but as a reason. They were supportive and it felt good. They do understand.
I've started getting up earlier and walking the dog a few miles. She can't take much more and I don't want to push her or me. We'll just work up to longer stretches. We walk quickly and it feels good. I can feel it in my thighs - yay! I'm trying to eat better too.
This weekend was a busy one but we managed to put some mundane and relaxation into it as well. DD turned 5 last week. (No fucking way!!!!) and she has been very happy. She loves it when it's all about her! DS is still over the top with his sensory issues coming out but we're trying. His literal constant talking is pushing the limits with both FG and I and then he will start whining like a freaking 2 year old. He's been doing this throw himself on the floor and pout routine a bit much lately which is absolutely unacceptable for an 8 year old in my house.
So I cried to FG last week that I just can't take this chaos anymore and no I did NOT want to leave on Sunday to take the boat out. I did not want to go anywhere or do anything. I don't remember the last time I cooked a meal and we all sat down together to eat. I want to stay home and have him clean up the overgrown yard and I need to clean the house. So Sunday, that's exactly what we did. After my walk, I started cleaning. I took a break to make a big breakfast for the whole family. Then I cleaned and cleaned some more. FG worked outside because um, I don't do yardwork. The kids happily played with DD's new toys and only asked for a cartoon in the late afternoon. I took the car to the car wash that has the free vacuums that will literally suck the stripes of a tiger. My car is now clean too. (Just like a house, I don't do messy cars very well. I don't like a lot of stuff in them and I don't like dirt on the outside or inside. That would just depress me every time I got in it and saw the sand, dog hair, toys etc on the inside and the dirt on the outside).
I made dinner and we all ate together. At the same table. The kids played outside. The kids went to bed at a fairly decent time (for summer). FG and I went to bed at a fairly decent time. Today, we get to go play at the waterpark. I don't have to worry about a gross house that I will immediately get depressed walking into. I already have dinner planned and shrimp & steak thawing. I've talked to a couple of friends. We're doing good. I just need to keep it up!
Now how about a couple of birthday girl pictures? She had a fabulously PINK party and oh my, we are overrun with Polly Pockets, princesses and fairies. The joy of FIVE!
I made her cake, like I do all of their cakes!
DS ready to help her blow out her "5" candle.
Have a few pink presents!
Partied out.
DS ready to help her blow out her "5" candle.Have a few pink presents!Partied out.Thursday, July 02, 2009
Change
I'm still feeling very unsettled. I'm trying very hard to accept that this is just the way life is now since it has been this way for several months. I'm used to being home, having us all home for dinners nearly every night, having a routine. But that hasn't been the case. This has really fucked with my psyche. I just can't wrap my arms around this new "normal".
So I haven't posted any recipes or shared anything to do with cooking, baking, housekeeping etc. because right now I'm simply staying afloat.
It hit me this morning that my unusually high sex drive has even downshifted. That is bothering me as I do not want any issues to arise in my marriage.
I'm also having some unsettling feelings about friendship. As if I wasn't bagging on myself already about parenting, now I'm down on myself about friendships. So I'm working very hard personally. I'm out of shape, not pleased with many things and trying hard to balance my world.
So for awhile, I will continue to look inward and outward and work on improving the areas I want to change. Seeing as one of my biggest pet peeves is people who complain about things in their life and do nothing to change them, I will not follow suit. I will work toward the changes I want and the life I want and the body I want (probably the hardest for me since I loathe exercise). I see the end result of it all but the process is tough.
So I haven't posted any recipes or shared anything to do with cooking, baking, housekeeping etc. because right now I'm simply staying afloat.
It hit me this morning that my unusually high sex drive has even downshifted. That is bothering me as I do not want any issues to arise in my marriage.
I'm also having some unsettling feelings about friendship. As if I wasn't bagging on myself already about parenting, now I'm down on myself about friendships. So I'm working very hard personally. I'm out of shape, not pleased with many things and trying hard to balance my world.
So for awhile, I will continue to look inward and outward and work on improving the areas I want to change. Seeing as one of my biggest pet peeves is people who complain about things in their life and do nothing to change them, I will not follow suit. I will work toward the changes I want and the life I want and the body I want (probably the hardest for me since I loathe exercise). I see the end result of it all but the process is tough.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Something is not quite right around here
We took our first baby to camp yesterday. For 5 days. Without us.
He was excited. I was a tad freaked out. He'll be fine and he'll do great and he'll have a blast. Me, I'm reeling from the lack of control and the simple wondering of everything.
Is he cold?
Is he hot?
Did he remember to use sunscreen?
Did he brush his teeth?
Did he sleep well?
Did he eat enough?
Did he dress properly for the day?
Will he get teased?
Will he make new friends?
Will he curse me forever for abandoning him?
Will he never want to come home?
We pick him up on Friday afternoon. It's going to be a loooong week. So today I'm going to clean the carpets in my bedroom and take DD to a birthday party later. She is the one missing him the most I think.
He was excited. I was a tad freaked out. He'll be fine and he'll do great and he'll have a blast. Me, I'm reeling from the lack of control and the simple wondering of everything.
Is he cold?
Is he hot?
Did he remember to use sunscreen?
Did he brush his teeth?
Did he sleep well?
Did he eat enough?
Did he dress properly for the day?
Will he get teased?
Will he make new friends?
Will he curse me forever for abandoning him?
Will he never want to come home?
We pick him up on Friday afternoon. It's going to be a loooong week. So today I'm going to clean the carpets in my bedroom and take DD to a birthday party later. She is the one missing him the most I think.
Monday, June 22, 2009
There's a reason I'm anonymous!
Ok, some of you know me in person and that's ok with me. I'm glad that in this crazy hectic world we can still keep up with each other. Then there are some who don't know me and that's ok too.
Facebook... ah, I have a love/hate relationship with it. I feel like I have to keep it rated PG at all times. Middle of the road, no feather ruffling there. My family is on there, my friends are on there and I don't want to piss anyone off. Thus, I'm titled anonymous here (actually, there's a couple of meanings behind my name, maybe I'll go into that later). I can't say whatever I feel on Facebook. So you get subjected to it! Yay!
First, FG and I need a serious Come-To-Jesus Parenting overhaul. I'm feeling it lately. I don't know how to tell FG without hurting his feelings. But he and I are BOTH becoming distant parents. I'm letting them watch way too much TV and spend way too much time on their own. FG is guilty as well. I wanted to bitch and moan about his lack of spending any decent time with the kids but then I realized I can turn that onto myself too. So I think I just need to start with me and go from there. Once I get myself into a better spot with the kids and this parenting thing, I can work with him. Now if they would stop fucking interrupting me so I can get this damn thing posted! THAT is why they have been watching too much tv, it's the only peace I get without literal constant interrupting. I gotta find some balance and work on boundaries with these two!
Second, people just suck! OMG do they suck! I came to the parenting realization partly from watching other parents at work. The way they speak to their children appalled me. They way some people treat others working in customer service is unreal too. I simply love to wear my necklace that says "Karma - What Goes Around Comes Around" when I'm working. Not only does it remind me of the Golden Rule, I sometimes see people read it and their face changes. Literally, I can see a change in them like "Whoa, that's true". It's so interesting! Either that or I wear my necklace with the baby shoes on it - one little tennis shoe and one little mary jane with my kids names engraved on the back (and the ONLY decent thing that FIL's bitchy wife has ever given me). Sometimes crappy people will see it and realize I'm not only a person working in a toystore helping them out, I'm a parent too; working to help out MY family and my kids and yeah it sucks and I'd rather be home but no, I'm here helping you find just the right birthday present so your kid looks like a hero AND wrapping it for you so you don't have to extend any ounce of effort beyond walking in the door of the toystore.
So back to the people suck thing.... The store is located in a shopping center next to a tanning salon. A woman left her two kids in our store to play while she went tanning. OMFingG, are you serious?! Come to find out the total ditz who works in our store told this woman it was OK a couple of days ago! Sure! So the kid scrapes himself up because they are messing around on this scooter and suddenly WE are liable because you, you dumbass ditz, said it was ok to leave them in our care. (No child was actually harmed but it could have happened!). Now we have to piss off this customer by telling her it's actually NOT OK to leave her kids unattended while she goes and gets herself skin cancer.
Then Saturday a woman comes in and tells me that she had purchased this one toy for her kid and he threw it in the bathtub. She actually told me that her hubby told her not to say anything about what really happened but to just bring it back but she didn't feel that was right. I told her that is something she would have to discuss with the owners if she wanted to bring it back. (And hello, fellow dumbass to the one working with me, you just told me that he threw it in the bathtub and we all know that electronic toys and fulll bathtubs do not mix). THEN this woman has the nerve to call on Sunday and say that TRU is closing out the same toy for about 1/3 of what she paid us for it and she wants a refund. Newsflash lady, we are a smalllllll toystore, we can't pricematch TRU or Walmart! Yeah, people just suck!
Now, I'm happy to announce that I have not allowed the TV or a video game to be turned on today. Sure it's early but I usually cave pretty quick. They have interrupted me 1.4 million times and my head is about to explode and make the same noise my son has been making for the past four fucking days. (His sensory issues must be through the roof with adjusting to our ever changing weather and the lack of routine with school being out, thus he feels the need to make explosion noises constantly and car noises and simply continual repetitive noises that drive his mother absolutely insane and for the love of God will my ipod just charge so I can stick my headphones back in my ears before I strangle him.) Small steps people, small steps.
Oh yeah, no menu this week because it's just not working out well. I'm trying but we barely stuck to last weeks' menu. This one I have a few ideas but it's sort of whatever works out for the night and nothing is very exciting. Y'all should know how to make a BLT with the T standing for Toast, not tomatoes because ewwwwwwwwww.
Facebook... ah, I have a love/hate relationship with it. I feel like I have to keep it rated PG at all times. Middle of the road, no feather ruffling there. My family is on there, my friends are on there and I don't want to piss anyone off. Thus, I'm titled anonymous here (actually, there's a couple of meanings behind my name, maybe I'll go into that later). I can't say whatever I feel on Facebook. So you get subjected to it! Yay!
First, FG and I need a serious Come-To-Jesus Parenting overhaul. I'm feeling it lately. I don't know how to tell FG without hurting his feelings. But he and I are BOTH becoming distant parents. I'm letting them watch way too much TV and spend way too much time on their own. FG is guilty as well. I wanted to bitch and moan about his lack of spending any decent time with the kids but then I realized I can turn that onto myself too. So I think I just need to start with me and go from there. Once I get myself into a better spot with the kids and this parenting thing, I can work with him. Now if they would stop fucking interrupting me so I can get this damn thing posted! THAT is why they have been watching too much tv, it's the only peace I get without literal constant interrupting. I gotta find some balance and work on boundaries with these two!
Second, people just suck! OMG do they suck! I came to the parenting realization partly from watching other parents at work. The way they speak to their children appalled me. They way some people treat others working in customer service is unreal too. I simply love to wear my necklace that says "Karma - What Goes Around Comes Around" when I'm working. Not only does it remind me of the Golden Rule, I sometimes see people read it and their face changes. Literally, I can see a change in them like "Whoa, that's true". It's so interesting! Either that or I wear my necklace with the baby shoes on it - one little tennis shoe and one little mary jane with my kids names engraved on the back (and the ONLY decent thing that FIL's bitchy wife has ever given me). Sometimes crappy people will see it and realize I'm not only a person working in a toystore helping them out, I'm a parent too; working to help out MY family and my kids and yeah it sucks and I'd rather be home but no, I'm here helping you find just the right birthday present so your kid looks like a hero AND wrapping it for you so you don't have to extend any ounce of effort beyond walking in the door of the toystore.
So back to the people suck thing.... The store is located in a shopping center next to a tanning salon. A woman left her two kids in our store to play while she went tanning. OMFingG, are you serious?! Come to find out the total ditz who works in our store told this woman it was OK a couple of days ago! Sure! So the kid scrapes himself up because they are messing around on this scooter and suddenly WE are liable because you, you dumbass ditz, said it was ok to leave them in our care. (No child was actually harmed but it could have happened!). Now we have to piss off this customer by telling her it's actually NOT OK to leave her kids unattended while she goes and gets herself skin cancer.
Then Saturday a woman comes in and tells me that she had purchased this one toy for her kid and he threw it in the bathtub. She actually told me that her hubby told her not to say anything about what really happened but to just bring it back but she didn't feel that was right. I told her that is something she would have to discuss with the owners if she wanted to bring it back. (And hello, fellow dumbass to the one working with me, you just told me that he threw it in the bathtub and we all know that electronic toys and fulll bathtubs do not mix). THEN this woman has the nerve to call on Sunday and say that TRU is closing out the same toy for about 1/3 of what she paid us for it and she wants a refund. Newsflash lady, we are a smalllllll toystore, we can't pricematch TRU or Walmart! Yeah, people just suck!
Now, I'm happy to announce that I have not allowed the TV or a video game to be turned on today. Sure it's early but I usually cave pretty quick. They have interrupted me 1.4 million times and my head is about to explode and make the same noise my son has been making for the past four fucking days. (His sensory issues must be through the roof with adjusting to our ever changing weather and the lack of routine with school being out, thus he feels the need to make explosion noises constantly and car noises and simply continual repetitive noises that drive his mother absolutely insane and for the love of God will my ipod just charge so I can stick my headphones back in my ears before I strangle him.) Small steps people, small steps.
Oh yeah, no menu this week because it's just not working out well. I'm trying but we barely stuck to last weeks' menu. This one I have a few ideas but it's sort of whatever works out for the night and nothing is very exciting. Y'all should know how to make a BLT with the T standing for Toast, not tomatoes because ewwwwwwwwww.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hey look! A real live menu to post!
It's been a long time!! But I'm trying very hard to get us into a summer routine. Last week was a bit crazy with things scheduled and this week should be more like our "normal" summer. Hopefully I can get into a nice groove. I was recently telling a friend how scattered I feel when I don't have a "plan". I like to have things planned out like Laundry on Thursday, scrub the house on Friday... stuff like that. I am just not a fly by the seat of my pants type girl when it comes to that stuff! I do much much better (as does my family) when I know that certain things need to get done on certain days. Of course, I'm flexible though. Scrubbing a toilet or shower is not going to keep me from an invitation to the park. Well, unless there's mold or something nasty growing that will gross me out to no end but that rarely happens or at least I try to prevent it from happening!
So anyway... the weather should warm up this week finally. We haven't seen rain in a few days and while I'm loving not running the sprinklers and watching the plants dry out I'm sort of over the rain. It should feel like summer soon and we'll be able to pull out the shorts and sundresses! The Farmers Market started back up down the street. I did my weekly fruit & veggie shopping and will happily eat it up until Friday comes around again. Yay!
- Sunday - Homemade pizzas and garlic knots. SMA took FG and the kids to a baseball game and I had to work until 3. So I made a batch of dough before I went to work & another when I got home. I'm hoping to start keeping dough in the fridge for lunches for the kiddos - healthier than the frozen ones I've been letting them eat!
- Monday - grilled pork chops with bbq rub served on toasted buns, Farmer's Market (FM) corn on the cob, cabbage slaw salad of some sort (going to search new recipes)
- Tuesday - I work but I have a baked ziti ready for FG to bake for him and the kids
- Wednesday - BBQ Chicken thighs and legs (aka CHEAP) in the crock pot, noodles (I may even attempt to make my own since my bread machine will do most of the work, we'll see!), FM green beans
- Thursday - FG works, grilled chicken w/ alfredo sauce (DD's favorite and her request), noodles, veggies
- Friday - Tacos, rice, tossed green salad w/ homemade french dressing*
- Saturday - I work all day so probably take out!
* French Dresssing
1 cup oil
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sugar
1 medium onion
1/2 cup vinegar (I use cider vinegar)
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 clove garlic
Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor.
Now I'm off to find a recipe for the cabbage slaw since I'm getting weary of the same two I always make. DD also wants me to find a recipe for strawberry ice cream. I promised her we would make it this week since I froze some of the fresh yummy strawberries I got a couple of weeks ago when they were super cheap. We have one of the wooden ice cream makers that I have to do outside because it's messy and loud but it makes some yummy ice cream!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
15 Years
Wow. It still blows me away. I'm happy. We've built a great life and we've done it together. We are also very lucky that we got married so young, have changed so much and still like each other. We've watched many of our friends get married and divorced because they grew differently. As an added bonus, I still get butterflies in my tummy with him.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Karma in action?
So the little creepy punk across the street that I yelled at last weekend? Yeah, remember him? I come home to unload my ungodly expensive groceries (and I'm a thrify shopper - we eat good cheap!) and see him digging stuff out of his girlfriend's car. Then awhile later I see the two of them sitting on the curb. Shortly after that I hear a big truck and glance out the window. Really, I'm not watching them! I just have lots of windows in my house! I can't walk around the house and not see out the front windows. Anyway, it's a tow truck. Next thing I glance out and see is her car on the back of said tow truck and it driving away.
Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Rhubarb Muffins
This picture is from the second batch I made. The second batch I changed and didn't exactly follow the recipe. I'll post the regular recipe first, then tell you what I did on the second go-round so you know what not to do. Rhubarb Muffins
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nutmeats (I used almonds that I slightly toasted)
1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, finely diced
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. melted butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
Combine brown sugar, oil, egg, vanilla and buttermilk. Beat well. Stir in rhubarb and nuts.
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and add to wet mixture.
Stir until combined.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
Combine melted butter, sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top of muffin mixture in cups.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-18 minutes.
Ok, that's just how I made them the first time. They were yummy! Even DD liked them though she picked out the nuts. I got some more rhubarb from my mom's yard and made them again the other day. This time I omitted the nuts for her and I added 1/2 whole wheat flour. I didn't mix the melted butter/sugar but instead just sprinkled the tops with cinnamon & sugar from the shaker I keep mixed up in the cabinet. Eh. Not so great. The butter really enhances the top and the wheat flour just wasn't as pleasant as the regular flour. DD took one bite and said, "Um Mom. Maybe I don't like these anymore." argh. Truth be told, I don't like them much like that either. I hate it when I waste ingredients!
Then I had to take a picture if for no other reason but to remind myself why I use muffin pan liners.
Now I'm off to see if the local restaurant supply store has a website. FG told me that starting next week they are having a 50% off sale - the only one of the year. He started off by saying, "You probably don't really need anything...." HA! I rattled off a list of things that I want. No, don't necessarily need but sure do want! I always compare my baking/cooking to his golf. Sure he could play with just a few pieces of equipment but it sure does make it easier and a more enjoyable hobby to have some extra stuff. He could get it done with a few clubs but having that range finder is awfully handy sometimes. It usually gets the point across.
Monday, May 25, 2009
It's official!
I'm old. Anyone who follows me around on Facebook knows that this was cemented yesterday (as if there was any question).
I love sitting on my front porch. Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful perfect day - not too hot, not too cool, slight breeze, sunny blue skies with only a couple big white puffy clouds to make it simply picture perfect. I had baked up a storm in the morning (when the house was coolest - time for that summer routine of baking first thing in the morning) and had worked my tail off cleaning things up. The family and house were in order so I took the opportunity to enjoy the glorious day, my comfy front porch and a book. The kiddos had gone down the other street to a friend's house for an hour (and as they were leaving the not-so-favorite-of-mine neighbor kids were headed this way and DS told them they were going the other way to play with some other friends - whew! See - PERFECT DAY).
I'm enjoying the whole thing until I hear some squealing tires. The teenage girl across the street never drives her car, her boyfriend who basically lives there drives it. He came screeching around the corner and flew into the driveway. Something came over me. Now I've yelled at kids before - for using terrible language while sitting on the sidewalk directly on the other side of the fence from the swing set my kids were playing on, for kicking my rocks out of the yard and getting them all over the street, for throwing their trash in my yard and the street and down the gutter drain... But yesterday a true Mama Bear came out and I roared. I don't even remember getting up from my comfy spot on the wicker couch. I know I did lose my place in my book because I think I sent it flying. I stood on my porch and waited for that kid to climb out of the car. As soon as his head emerged I roared at him - "Slow. Your. Ass. DOWN!" "I'm sorry Mam" (WTF?! Mam?! Ok, whatever at least he's not a complete asshole kid and yeah, I guess at the age of 38 talking to a 18 year old I deserve the Mam). "My kids play on this street and do so all those other kids that live here! You cannot drive like that!" "I'm sorry Mam, I realize that and it won't happen again." "You kids scare the hell out of me! Somebody's going to end up hurt!" "I'm sorry Mam."
And I sat back down and he went inside the house. I didn't see him or anyone else from the house again.
Two blessed minutes later I hear the slap slap of little feet running and my son crossing the street at the same corner. Bless his little heart, he ran all the way home to ask if he could play the Wii at his friend's house knowing that I had said he was done for the day because he played ours in the morning. He's such a good rule-follower most of the time. My heart was still pounding in my chest as I could still hear those squealing tires in my head and the slap slap of his little feet. OMG, had he come home literally 2 minutes earlier my 100% perfect day would have been 100% hell. I get a lump in my throat thinking about it.
So yeah, I'm officially old. I'm officially the cranky old lady on the corner yelling at the teenagers. I don't give a crap whatsoever either because I think what I actually am is officially a Mom.
I love sitting on my front porch. Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful perfect day - not too hot, not too cool, slight breeze, sunny blue skies with only a couple big white puffy clouds to make it simply picture perfect. I had baked up a storm in the morning (when the house was coolest - time for that summer routine of baking first thing in the morning) and had worked my tail off cleaning things up. The family and house were in order so I took the opportunity to enjoy the glorious day, my comfy front porch and a book. The kiddos had gone down the other street to a friend's house for an hour (and as they were leaving the not-so-favorite-of-mine neighbor kids were headed this way and DS told them they were going the other way to play with some other friends - whew! See - PERFECT DAY).
I'm enjoying the whole thing until I hear some squealing tires. The teenage girl across the street never drives her car, her boyfriend who basically lives there drives it. He came screeching around the corner and flew into the driveway. Something came over me. Now I've yelled at kids before - for using terrible language while sitting on the sidewalk directly on the other side of the fence from the swing set my kids were playing on, for kicking my rocks out of the yard and getting them all over the street, for throwing their trash in my yard and the street and down the gutter drain... But yesterday a true Mama Bear came out and I roared. I don't even remember getting up from my comfy spot on the wicker couch. I know I did lose my place in my book because I think I sent it flying. I stood on my porch and waited for that kid to climb out of the car. As soon as his head emerged I roared at him - "Slow. Your. Ass. DOWN!" "I'm sorry Mam" (WTF?! Mam?! Ok, whatever at least he's not a complete asshole kid and yeah, I guess at the age of 38 talking to a 18 year old I deserve the Mam). "My kids play on this street and do so all those other kids that live here! You cannot drive like that!" "I'm sorry Mam, I realize that and it won't happen again." "You kids scare the hell out of me! Somebody's going to end up hurt!" "I'm sorry Mam."
And I sat back down and he went inside the house. I didn't see him or anyone else from the house again.
Two blessed minutes later I hear the slap slap of little feet running and my son crossing the street at the same corner. Bless his little heart, he ran all the way home to ask if he could play the Wii at his friend's house knowing that I had said he was done for the day because he played ours in the morning. He's such a good rule-follower most of the time. My heart was still pounding in my chest as I could still hear those squealing tires in my head and the slap slap of his little feet. OMG, had he come home literally 2 minutes earlier my 100% perfect day would have been 100% hell. I get a lump in my throat thinking about it.
So yeah, I'm officially old. I'm officially the cranky old lady on the corner yelling at the teenagers. I don't give a crap whatsoever either because I think what I actually am is officially a Mom.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Whew!
Goodness. See what my silly mind does to me?!
I was right all along.... she has another kid who is a bit older and has the same name as my son (it's not an extremely common name).
He liked his class ok. He did well. It's every Saturday for several weeks for only an hour. That's just a bit too short to drop him off and come home so I sat in the car and waited.
I'm just glad it wasn't him right now. I'm just not prepared for that possibility yet.
I was right all along.... she has another kid who is a bit older and has the same name as my son (it's not an extremely common name).
He liked his class ok. He did well. It's every Saturday for several weeks for only an hour. That's just a bit too short to drop him off and come home so I sat in the car and waited.
I'm just glad it wasn't him right now. I'm just not prepared for that possibility yet.
How my day started out with torture
DS lost a front tooth at school the other day. It makes his sweet little face look funny!
FG got a Mini Cooper. Did I mention that already? It's fun! DS loooovvvves cars and he's been in love with Mini's for awhile. He loves to go on their website and design his own. So when FG got a Mini, DS was so obsessed he would go out in the garage and just stare at it. freaky.
Today there's a "Mini Rally" at a little cute mountain town less than 2 hours of winding 2-lane road away from us. FG planned to go and take DS for the afternoon (after his golf tournament of course). We haven't told DS because he would be so excited.
Then I realized last night that DS starts his acting class today with his casting agent. Damn bad timing. There's only 1 Mini Rally a year. shit.
But I've been trying to teach DS about COMMITTMENT and when you say you are going to do something, you follow through. So blowing off a class he's committed to taking in order to further his acting skills because it's something HE really wants to persue isn't exactly a shining example of committment.
I called his agent's office this morning because I realized I hadn't heard any confirmation on the class. Maybe it was cancelled. Maybe they didn't have him signed up and it was full. I held onto a tiny glimmer that maybe we could find a valid excuse to blow off the committment and do the fun stuff. Nice huh?
His agent happened to answer the phone instead of one of the staff. I was kind thrown off. So I identify myself and ask about the class. She says it's on and yes, they are expecting him. OHHKAAYY, that answers that one.
THEN she tells me, "I needed to tell you something because I was talking to an agent about him so we need to talk. Except I'm in the middle of a makeup shoot so I can't right now." Uhhh, ok what the hell do I do with that?!.
I'm sitting here thinking maybe she is speaking of the wrong kid. Maybe she mispoke. HOLY SHIT she is the only agent in our town so she must mean somewhere else and what the hell does this mean for him and us and oh my God what are we going to do is he really going to do a movie or a tv show or what the FUCK?!
Thus is my torture. I am not a "I've got something important to tell you later" kind of person. I do not wait well. My mind goes all over the place and I freak out.
I'll let you know. Right now I must go keep busy until it's time for his class and continually remind myself he's never actually done anything except his plays so the likihood of anything major is really minute. It's nothing, I'm sure of it.
FG got a Mini Cooper. Did I mention that already? It's fun! DS loooovvvves cars and he's been in love with Mini's for awhile. He loves to go on their website and design his own. So when FG got a Mini, DS was so obsessed he would go out in the garage and just stare at it. freaky.
Today there's a "Mini Rally" at a little cute mountain town less than 2 hours of winding 2-lane road away from us. FG planned to go and take DS for the afternoon (after his golf tournament of course). We haven't told DS because he would be so excited.
Then I realized last night that DS starts his acting class today with his casting agent. Damn bad timing. There's only 1 Mini Rally a year. shit.
But I've been trying to teach DS about COMMITTMENT and when you say you are going to do something, you follow through. So blowing off a class he's committed to taking in order to further his acting skills because it's something HE really wants to persue isn't exactly a shining example of committment.
I called his agent's office this morning because I realized I hadn't heard any confirmation on the class. Maybe it was cancelled. Maybe they didn't have him signed up and it was full. I held onto a tiny glimmer that maybe we could find a valid excuse to blow off the committment and do the fun stuff. Nice huh?
His agent happened to answer the phone instead of one of the staff. I was kind thrown off. So I identify myself and ask about the class. She says it's on and yes, they are expecting him. OHHKAAYY, that answers that one.
THEN she tells me, "I needed to tell you something because I was talking to an agent about him so we need to talk. Except I'm in the middle of a makeup shoot so I can't right now." Uhhh, ok what the hell do I do with that?!.
I'm sitting here thinking maybe she is speaking of the wrong kid. Maybe she mispoke. HOLY SHIT she is the only agent in our town so she must mean somewhere else and what the hell does this mean for him and us and oh my God what are we going to do is he really going to do a movie or a tv show or what the FUCK?!
Thus is my torture. I am not a "I've got something important to tell you later" kind of person. I do not wait well. My mind goes all over the place and I freak out.
I'll let you know. Right now I must go keep busy until it's time for his class and continually remind myself he's never actually done anything except his plays so the likihood of anything major is really minute. It's nothing, I'm sure of it.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Whirlwind
Yesterday was CRAZY.
My MIL got both honored for her work in the morning and, as she put it, fired in the afternoon yesterday.
She was honored by the Historical Resources Commission of our city and presented a plaque at the City Council meeting yesterday morning. Then the commission had a luncheon.
In the afternoon she recieved her Emeritus status from the University where she worked for 40 years. Then she threw a party.
I'm dang tired. I went to all of the events.
As many differences as she and I have had over the past 17 years (HOLY SHIT when did that happen?!) she is my husband's mother and my children's grandmother. She has mellowed out a LOT in those years too. I think a divorce and different life has changed her perspective on how things should be. The fact she's been dating but not married to a man for the past 8 1/2 years is a good example. Their relationship really works just the way it is and I think 17 years ago, she wouldn't have thought that to be possible. They don't live together but they act as though they are married most of the time. It's good for everyone.
Anyway, it was a crazy crazy day of events and ceremonies yesterday. She has worked really really hard on many wonderful projects. Now I suspect it will continue for her but on a freelance basis. She's pretty valuable to the geological and mining world. Now that she's been honored as a "historic resource". hee hee hee.
So I need to see if I can pick my ass up off this chair and get some laundry done! The week isn't about to slow down for me either. Birthday party for one of DD's classmates today and we're helping a fellow mom and taking her friend with us (she has 4 little girls, one of whom is about 6 weeks old - she's a bit too busy to drive across town in the afternoon for her daughter to attend a birthday party for 2 hours during nap time for the two youngest girls). Tomorrow morning is a breakfast that the school teachers put on for those of us who volunteer. It's always a nice event. It's also a 1/2 day of school. Then in the evening we're going to a friends house for dinner to celebrate his birthday. Saturday FG has a golf tournament and then he may take DS and go on a quick little day trip involving cars. Sunday is supposed to be HOT so we may take the boat out for a spin for the first time since last fall. As long as I can sleep in on Saturday and find time to get the laundry done, the house cleaned up and cook some decent meals I'll feel like I've accomplished something. Thank goodness it's my Saturday off!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My mother's day sucked
My husband and my kids were great - it was the rest of the family that were complete asses! Well, oddly, except for my Mother In Law. I seriously think I need a re-do of Mother's Day because yeah, I was robbed.
First, I've shared that we don't have the best relationship with my FIL's wife. She's fairly opposite of us in parenting. The fact she is still giving her kids an allowance at the ages of 21 & 22 while also paying for their apartments (yes 2 of them - one each kid) and I'm sure the rest of their expenses while they BOTH work and go to school, is a good indication of how different FG and I are. Because at their ages we were gettin' married. :) My parents paid for my school and helped me along but I didn't have my own apartment (I did get to live in the sorority house but that was so I could hold an office which was good "life experience" and it was only while school was in session). I had a part time job and I always took a full load of classes. I finished in 4 years with good grades, got 3 jobs, paid for half of our wedding and then was out on my own. So we find it R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S that FIL puts up with his wife paying so much for her kids.
Anyway, back to my crappy MD....
Sat. night we had FIL take our kids overnight. FIL's wife has been bugging us to pick a date to let them take the kids. It just so happened that we had an event to attend so that was a good night for it. Here's where I get annoyed and please, internet world, tell me if I'm over reacting. They said 1) they were going to the cabin at the lake and 2) they would have the kids back in the morning sometime, like mid-morning. I told them good because we wanted to go to an event at our river downtown.
Noon on Mother's Day, I call them to find out where my kids are because dammit, I want to leave and go to the event! They said morning, I figured at the lastest 11 am they would be home. They tell me they are just leaving the grocery store. Then they tell me that 1) they never left town to go to the lake 2) instead they took the kids to the event downtown yesterday!
That's where I'm furious. We have told them time & time again, if they change their plans to PLEASE JUST CALL US AND LET US KNOW WHERE OUR CHILDREN ARE. As their parents, don't we have a right to know where our kids are?! When we think they are one place and it turns out they are not there, it just does not sit well with me.
Then after they get home, DS tells me all that they did and how they had so much fun. Turns out they ate barely anything except SUGAR (ice cream 2x, two bags of candy, the most sugary cereal for breakfast...), they stayed up until 11:30 and got up at 8 blah blah blah. So for Mother's Day I got an awful feeling that I hate not knowing where my 8 & 4 year old are, that I have been somewhat decieved by members of my family that I trusted with my children and two very cranky and tired kids coming off a sugar rush. (I don't deny them sweets but my rule is they eat good food first which turns out that they are generally too full to eat an overabundance of crap). So I get that grandparents have a little lee-way with sweets and bedtimes but I feel that they went a bit over the top. The thing about FIL's wife is once she feels like she is doing us a favor, she also feels she can disregard any of our parenting and do whatever she wants with them. She also has this thing about doing fun things with them first if she can get to it. She's done it so many times and I have started to specify "Do not take them to see ____ movie because they have plans to go with _____ already." "Do not get them _____ because _____ is going to." "Do not take them to _____ because we are doing it next week." But I didn't do that this time because I didn't think I needed to when I thought they were going the opposite direction to a different town!
Oh and to top it off, my dad stopped by just after the kids got home. I was mad, the kids were obviously not themselves and it was just bad timing all around. But my dad got his panties in a knot and huffed off leaving me standing in the driveway trying to get him to tell me what was wrong.
I went inside and cried. My whole day was just fucked up by everyone else.
We went to the downtown event but took the dog (FG's idea) so we ended up not being able to go over by the band w/ the live music or most of the cool tents to check out the "stuff". The kids were tired, hot and cranky so they just whined and complained. I finally said, "let's just go home!"
I made dinner. SMA came over. FG opened a nice bottle of wine just for me. I took something to help me sleep and went to bed.
First, I've shared that we don't have the best relationship with my FIL's wife. She's fairly opposite of us in parenting. The fact she is still giving her kids an allowance at the ages of 21 & 22 while also paying for their apartments (yes 2 of them - one each kid) and I'm sure the rest of their expenses while they BOTH work and go to school, is a good indication of how different FG and I are. Because at their ages we were gettin' married. :) My parents paid for my school and helped me along but I didn't have my own apartment (I did get to live in the sorority house but that was so I could hold an office which was good "life experience" and it was only while school was in session). I had a part time job and I always took a full load of classes. I finished in 4 years with good grades, got 3 jobs, paid for half of our wedding and then was out on my own. So we find it R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S that FIL puts up with his wife paying so much for her kids.
Anyway, back to my crappy MD....
Sat. night we had FIL take our kids overnight. FIL's wife has been bugging us to pick a date to let them take the kids. It just so happened that we had an event to attend so that was a good night for it. Here's where I get annoyed and please, internet world, tell me if I'm over reacting. They said 1) they were going to the cabin at the lake and 2) they would have the kids back in the morning sometime, like mid-morning. I told them good because we wanted to go to an event at our river downtown.
Noon on Mother's Day, I call them to find out where my kids are because dammit, I want to leave and go to the event! They said morning, I figured at the lastest 11 am they would be home. They tell me they are just leaving the grocery store. Then they tell me that 1) they never left town to go to the lake 2) instead they took the kids to the event downtown yesterday!
That's where I'm furious. We have told them time & time again, if they change their plans to PLEASE JUST CALL US AND LET US KNOW WHERE OUR CHILDREN ARE. As their parents, don't we have a right to know where our kids are?! When we think they are one place and it turns out they are not there, it just does not sit well with me.
Then after they get home, DS tells me all that they did and how they had so much fun. Turns out they ate barely anything except SUGAR (ice cream 2x, two bags of candy, the most sugary cereal for breakfast...), they stayed up until 11:30 and got up at 8 blah blah blah. So for Mother's Day I got an awful feeling that I hate not knowing where my 8 & 4 year old are, that I have been somewhat decieved by members of my family that I trusted with my children and two very cranky and tired kids coming off a sugar rush. (I don't deny them sweets but my rule is they eat good food first which turns out that they are generally too full to eat an overabundance of crap). So I get that grandparents have a little lee-way with sweets and bedtimes but I feel that they went a bit over the top. The thing about FIL's wife is once she feels like she is doing us a favor, she also feels she can disregard any of our parenting and do whatever she wants with them. She also has this thing about doing fun things with them first if she can get to it. She's done it so many times and I have started to specify "Do not take them to see ____ movie because they have plans to go with _____ already." "Do not get them _____ because _____ is going to." "Do not take them to _____ because we are doing it next week." But I didn't do that this time because I didn't think I needed to when I thought they were going the opposite direction to a different town!
Oh and to top it off, my dad stopped by just after the kids got home. I was mad, the kids were obviously not themselves and it was just bad timing all around. But my dad got his panties in a knot and huffed off leaving me standing in the driveway trying to get him to tell me what was wrong.
I went inside and cried. My whole day was just fucked up by everyone else.
We went to the downtown event but took the dog (FG's idea) so we ended up not being able to go over by the band w/ the live music or most of the cool tents to check out the "stuff". The kids were tired, hot and cranky so they just whined and complained. I finally said, "let's just go home!"
I made dinner. SMA came over. FG opened a nice bottle of wine just for me. I took something to help me sleep and went to bed.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
According to the calendar - summer is getting closer
according to the weather outside, summer is far away. I'm so over this crud!
I registered my baby for Kindergarten yesterday. Oh. My. God. She's my littlest one! (not hard when I only have 2). I'm going to cry when I send her off to school. No way can she be old enough. Yet it does seem like she's been here forever sometimes.
I hope to fully enjoy this summer like I try to every summer. For Mother's Day I told FG he can just get me the passes to the waterpark. I have to buy one for DD this year. Um, yeah, that's $300 for us. But that's ok, we just have to go a handful of times for it to pay for itself. Last summer we went a lot and FG went with us one day and finally got the kids on the big slides and out of the toddler area. I'm going to have killer legs this summer from climbing the stairs hauling those big tubes up.
DS will also be going to overnight summer camp for a week. He also will possibly be doing some community theater stuff. I'm not so sure about that yet. We went for the "audition" this past Saturday and were surpised to see that the person running it is a Sophmore in High School. There were only 5 kids that showed up so we'll see what happens with that. I'm not so sure I want to commit to 2x a week rehearsals for the summer.
We also got both kids signed up for a Vacation Bible School at the church DD goes to preschool at. It was only $20 a kid for a week of mornings. I'm not real big on the VBS thing because I'm not huge on the church thing. But it will be fun for them and they can take out of it what they want. I want them to form their own opinions and I just strive for them to be decent people, not live by some book of stories or what some person tells them they need to do. (Can you tell I'm just not so big on the whole organized religion thing? It's really a take it or leave it for me.)
We want to plan some weekends away and take the boat out a lot too. I'm ready - bring on the warm temps!
I registered my baby for Kindergarten yesterday. Oh. My. God. She's my littlest one! (not hard when I only have 2). I'm going to cry when I send her off to school. No way can she be old enough. Yet it does seem like she's been here forever sometimes.
I hope to fully enjoy this summer like I try to every summer. For Mother's Day I told FG he can just get me the passes to the waterpark. I have to buy one for DD this year. Um, yeah, that's $300 for us. But that's ok, we just have to go a handful of times for it to pay for itself. Last summer we went a lot and FG went with us one day and finally got the kids on the big slides and out of the toddler area. I'm going to have killer legs this summer from climbing the stairs hauling those big tubes up.
DS will also be going to overnight summer camp for a week. He also will possibly be doing some community theater stuff. I'm not so sure about that yet. We went for the "audition" this past Saturday and were surpised to see that the person running it is a Sophmore in High School. There were only 5 kids that showed up so we'll see what happens with that. I'm not so sure I want to commit to 2x a week rehearsals for the summer.
We also got both kids signed up for a Vacation Bible School at the church DD goes to preschool at. It was only $20 a kid for a week of mornings. I'm not real big on the VBS thing because I'm not huge on the church thing. But it will be fun for them and they can take out of it what they want. I want them to form their own opinions and I just strive for them to be decent people, not live by some book of stories or what some person tells them they need to do. (Can you tell I'm just not so big on the whole organized religion thing? It's really a take it or leave it for me.)
We want to plan some weekends away and take the boat out a lot too. I'm ready - bring on the warm temps!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Harsh reality checks
I have more friends going through marriage problems. It just breaks my heart. You know, if I ever had that happen to me, I would be so completely devastated. I walk around thinking that my marriage is great, just fine. I even tell myself to not be such an idiot. So when I hear of this going on with friends I do a double check of my own marriage. Poor FG gets asked a lot if he's happy with me. Then he reminds me that the last thing he needs is another woman to deal with. The last time I was freaking out about this he did a few little things that showed me that all is ok. They were small, but very significant.
A good friend of his told him that he cheated on his wife. I have never heard FG lay into a friend the way he did that time. Oh my. Not too much rattles FG but this really seemed to and he gave his friend a huge earful. While my heart broke for my friend (even though she's much better off now! ;) ) I was reassured of how seriously FG took marriage.
I know one thing, he can't completely mind me freaking out about what's happening to my friends because he sure gets some good action out of it! Just my own little way of making sure he doesn't look elsewhere.
A good friend of his told him that he cheated on his wife. I have never heard FG lay into a friend the way he did that time. Oh my. Not too much rattles FG but this really seemed to and he gave his friend a huge earful. While my heart broke for my friend (even though she's much better off now! ;) ) I was reassured of how seriously FG took marriage.
I know one thing, he can't completely mind me freaking out about what's happening to my friends because he sure gets some good action out of it! Just my own little way of making sure he doesn't look elsewhere.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
This 'n' that
Because I can't seem to have a real topic to write about lately, here's some more random bullets.
- I just mistakenly sent a "invite your friends to join Facebook" email to my BIL. ugh. I hope he doesn't. I meant to search for him so I could be prepared if he send me a friend request. Dammit. I'll blame it on a computer error (and keep quiet about the fact it was a computer OPERATOR error).
- DS his home from school today. He's had a sore throat the past few days and sounds terrible. I probably should have kept him home yesterday as well but he thought that meant he got to play video games all day. Mean mom I am, I sent him to school after seeing him perk up like he did at the thought of non-stop electronic entertainment.
- FG is on his way "over the hill" as we like to refer to our mountain range separating us and California. He's hoping to buy a new car. He's been borrowing his mom's 1994 BMW. It's basically become a P.O.S. He drives a lot for his work and he comes home every day and says his back is killing him. I hadn't really thought much of it until today when I had to drive it. Ugh. No wonder he's been complaining and can't wait to get a new car! He's going for a Mini. I hope he finds one that works well. If he does, the payments will be a ton less than what he was paying for his Audi lease. And this one he's buying because the financing is so good right now. Hopefully it all goes smoothly. Thanks to Lovely Las Vegas, Nevada is having a hard time getting financed.
- I am taking a class tonight on how to "manage" my son and his acting career. I'm basically 99% clueless on the business and if he works, it will all be new to me. Since he's a minor, we have to handle it all. The class is cheap (even cheaper since my parents insisted on paying for it for me) and I'm hoping to come away with some knowledge on the business.
- With DS home, I'm going to have to do something to make myself remember to pick up DD from preschool. Yikes. I keep forgetting.
- I'm having one of those days where no matter what I eat I am still hungry feeling. CRAZY. Last night after work I ate a little frozen dinner. Then a yogurt. Then some chocolate. I went to bed feeling like I hadn't eaten dinner at all. This morning a giant bagel with cream cheese and cup of tea left me feeling the same way. Though I am forcing myself to NOT eat anything else. My jeans are already tight and I don't like it.
- Last weekend was so busy I didn't feel like I had a weekend.
- I did a little voluntary PR work for the toystore last weekend and my boss is so happy with me. She must have thanked me 20 times in person and via email. All I did was make a few phone calls and get the news to cover an event we had at the store.
- Another busy weekend coming up as well. Though this weekend I do hope to have more downtime than last weekend. Any good movie recommendations for a Family Movie Night?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Too much info?
This afternoon I watched Oprah. I don't watch it often as she can really get on my nerves. But I was bored and wanted to just sit. DS was home from school and wanted to build his new Lego set next to me in the living room. Then they did the "warning this isn't for small children" on Oprah yet I didn't change the channel. I wanted DS to see some of it. She did a segment with Lisa Ling on child porn. They didn't show the images but they described them. DS has never asked us what "sex" is. He just seems to know it isn't something he's supposed to discuss yet. He doesn't shy away from things and never has hesitated to ask us to explain what a word means. He's just simply ignored it like he already knows (and with my belief that this isn't his first go-'round, he probably does!).
So watching it I just said to him, "There are just bad people out there who will hurt you. Even if they have kids of their own and we all think they are ok, they could not be ok. We just never really know. If ANYONE ever gets you in any sitution that isn't comfortable in any way, you get the heck out of there - yell, scream, do whatever you have to ok?" He went into his 8 year old tough guy rant about how he'd beat them up. I explained that he couldn't possibly beat up an adult but to not hesitate to do anything he needed to to hurt them enough to get away.
Having heard these things in the past I know that generally a predator does just that - preys on the child. I know every situation is different and it could very well happen that the first time he's around an adult who is evil would do something awful to him without the "several visit build-up". I meant to do things like poke them in the eyes or just simply get out if there was any opportunity. Honestly, I didn't really want to even think about either kid in that situation.
Anyway, I probably shouldn't have let him watch it but I want him to know. I want to be upfront with him on how the world works, I've always been that way with him. Yes, it could seriously kill some innocence but so could not being aware and having some awful person do something to him.
The whole thing turned my stomach. We just never really do know do we? I don't want to keep them from fun things like sleepovers or playdates or camp (yes, someone brought that up to me the other day when I mentioned DS is going to camp this summer). I don't want them to live in fear. I want them to live informed and know they are loved and their father and I are here. They can tell us anything and we will do whatever to protect them. Gosh this parenting thing is really hard!
So watching it I just said to him, "There are just bad people out there who will hurt you. Even if they have kids of their own and we all think they are ok, they could not be ok. We just never really know. If ANYONE ever gets you in any sitution that isn't comfortable in any way, you get the heck out of there - yell, scream, do whatever you have to ok?" He went into his 8 year old tough guy rant about how he'd beat them up. I explained that he couldn't possibly beat up an adult but to not hesitate to do anything he needed to to hurt them enough to get away.
Having heard these things in the past I know that generally a predator does just that - preys on the child. I know every situation is different and it could very well happen that the first time he's around an adult who is evil would do something awful to him without the "several visit build-up". I meant to do things like poke them in the eyes or just simply get out if there was any opportunity. Honestly, I didn't really want to even think about either kid in that situation.
Anyway, I probably shouldn't have let him watch it but I want him to know. I want to be upfront with him on how the world works, I've always been that way with him. Yes, it could seriously kill some innocence but so could not being aware and having some awful person do something to him.
The whole thing turned my stomach. We just never really do know do we? I don't want to keep them from fun things like sleepovers or playdates or camp (yes, someone brought that up to me the other day when I mentioned DS is going to camp this summer). I don't want them to live in fear. I want them to live informed and know they are loved and their father and I are here. They can tell us anything and we will do whatever to protect them. Gosh this parenting thing is really hard!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Finally the sun & something fun
Today has been good - finally we did something FUN!
We just got home from seeing Monsters vs. Aliens. It was good. I love the 3D stuff! I will admit, I got a bit sleepy with DD curled up next to me, all warm & snuggly and a belly fully of popcorn. I took a little snooze. Hey, it's a kid's movie. I was able to sleep for 5 minutes and pick right back up. It was cute though - the kids liked it and that's all that really matters.
We also went to the park this morning and met DD's playgroup. I had DS put his scooter and helmet in the back of the car. While he did, our poor lonely doggy (Ha! She's been in the house more than not since our other dog died) put her front paws up on the back end of the SUV and wimpered. I lifted up her big ass and put her in. She was such a good girl at the park! I know people get (rightfully so) freaked out about dogs around little kids but this one is such a Mama. She adores babies and when mine were babies, any little squeak caused her to run to them and sniff, run to me and wimper, run back to the baby and sniff, back to me... until I evnentually tended to them. She still goes and checks the kids at night before she goes to bed in our room. She waits by their doors and sniffs them until she's satisfied. So I have zero fear around her and kids. I've seen kids (my own mainly) take bones that she's knawing on right out of her mouth and walk away. She has never even bared a tooth or made a noise other than a hefty doggy sigh. Still, at the park I kept her tight on her leash 95% of the time and let the kids approach her if they wanted, always holding her leash tight. She was so sweet and only barely gently kissed their faces. She was just so happy to be out with her kids too! So it was fun for the kids to have her there as well as get out and go to the park.
Of course, right before we left for the movie I see the neighbor's car drive by and a few minutes later, the kids show up at our door. FG told me that he sent them home yesterday because they were being mean. The boy asked DS if he could keep just about everything he touched. Then they apparently were being mean to DD. I've gotten on all 3 of the kids before for being mean to DD and DS has shaped up about it. I guess when The Girl took one of DD's favorite stuffed animals away from her, DS ordered her to give it back and told her she had to be nice to his sister. Yay! He's finally figuring out that he needs to stand up for his sister, not join in on any teasing! We praised him up & down. Also, I think The Boy is sick and that peeves me to no end! Do NOT dare send your sniffling, coughing kid to play at my house! I have refused them entry in the past because one of my kids wasn't 100% healthy and while other moms think it's no big deal, I don't want to be "that mom" who feels it's ok to infect other kids with their kids' germs. Apparently she is one of "those moms". ugh. What really irks me is they come over here, are mean to my kids and then when my kids say "we can't play today, we're getting ready to go watch a movie" they start in on the 10,000 questions.... "Where?" "Oh, when will you be back?" "Why can't you take us too?" "Why can't you play when you get home?" "What are you going to be doing?" "Why are you doing that?" and on and on. I wanted to just scream at them today but calmly said, "Nope. They can't play now and they can't play later. Not today at all. Maybe tomorrow but I'm not sure yet. Besides, _____ is sick and I don't want DD & DS to catch anything." They claim, "He's not sick." and I retort, "Um, yes, you're coughing and there's snot running out of your nose. You are sick." Have I ever mentioned that I'm thankful their parents both work so they go to a daycamp thing during the day? Yeah, little saving graces.
We just got home from seeing Monsters vs. Aliens. It was good. I love the 3D stuff! I will admit, I got a bit sleepy with DD curled up next to me, all warm & snuggly and a belly fully of popcorn. I took a little snooze. Hey, it's a kid's movie. I was able to sleep for 5 minutes and pick right back up. It was cute though - the kids liked it and that's all that really matters.
We also went to the park this morning and met DD's playgroup. I had DS put his scooter and helmet in the back of the car. While he did, our poor lonely doggy (Ha! She's been in the house more than not since our other dog died) put her front paws up on the back end of the SUV and wimpered. I lifted up her big ass and put her in. She was such a good girl at the park! I know people get (rightfully so) freaked out about dogs around little kids but this one is such a Mama. She adores babies and when mine were babies, any little squeak caused her to run to them and sniff, run to me and wimper, run back to the baby and sniff, back to me... until I evnentually tended to them. She still goes and checks the kids at night before she goes to bed in our room. She waits by their doors and sniffs them until she's satisfied. So I have zero fear around her and kids. I've seen kids (my own mainly) take bones that she's knawing on right out of her mouth and walk away. She has never even bared a tooth or made a noise other than a hefty doggy sigh. Still, at the park I kept her tight on her leash 95% of the time and let the kids approach her if they wanted, always holding her leash tight. She was so sweet and only barely gently kissed their faces. She was just so happy to be out with her kids too! So it was fun for the kids to have her there as well as get out and go to the park.
Of course, right before we left for the movie I see the neighbor's car drive by and a few minutes later, the kids show up at our door. FG told me that he sent them home yesterday because they were being mean. The boy asked DS if he could keep just about everything he touched. Then they apparently were being mean to DD. I've gotten on all 3 of the kids before for being mean to DD and DS has shaped up about it. I guess when The Girl took one of DD's favorite stuffed animals away from her, DS ordered her to give it back and told her she had to be nice to his sister. Yay! He's finally figuring out that he needs to stand up for his sister, not join in on any teasing! We praised him up & down. Also, I think The Boy is sick and that peeves me to no end! Do NOT dare send your sniffling, coughing kid to play at my house! I have refused them entry in the past because one of my kids wasn't 100% healthy and while other moms think it's no big deal, I don't want to be "that mom" who feels it's ok to infect other kids with their kids' germs. Apparently she is one of "those moms". ugh. What really irks me is they come over here, are mean to my kids and then when my kids say "we can't play today, we're getting ready to go watch a movie" they start in on the 10,000 questions.... "Where?" "Oh, when will you be back?" "Why can't you take us too?" "Why can't you play when you get home?" "What are you going to be doing?" "Why are you doing that?" and on and on. I wanted to just scream at them today but calmly said, "Nope. They can't play now and they can't play later. Not today at all. Maybe tomorrow but I'm not sure yet. Besides, _____ is sick and I don't want DD & DS to catch anything." They claim, "He's not sick." and I retort, "Um, yes, you're coughing and there's snot running out of your nose. You are sick." Have I ever mentioned that I'm thankful their parents both work so they go to a daycamp thing during the day? Yeah, little saving graces.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Just not feelin' it
Sometimes I consider myself a really good and fun mom. But this week, the kids will most likely have more tv and video game time than ever necessary. I'm just not feelin' the groove of the whole "fun mom" thing right now. So I wait. It's really not fun if it's forced anyway, right?
Yesterday and the day before were B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L days! We had on short sleeves and dresses. It was nice to feel the warm sun on our skin and breathe in the sweet fresh air. Right now, it's snowing. uh huh. Is there some rule that says it must snow at least once a week in April and then tease us with warmth again?
Rain, I can deal with. I understand, it's fine! But snow? pahlease!
I guess the best thing is I have to work tonight and tomorrow night. Both days we aren't supposed to get out of the 40's. That means a couple of things - I won't feel guilty not being home and doing fun outside things with my family. Second, it means that the store will possibly be slow. We're so dang busy most of the time I'm there that I feel like I'm going crazy. It's nice because people are spending money (and helping pay my salary!) and it makes the time go really fast but once in awhile it would be nice for it to slow down a bit. Let me restock the shelves properly. Let me clean the dust off the backs of the displays. Let me straighten the wrapping area. Let me take a breath or go grab a drink and a granola bar so I don't feel like I'm going to pass out by the time I leave the store!
Hopefully I'll have a couple of new recipes to share. FG's birthday is Friday so we've decided to have an open house type thing-a-ma-bob to gather friends. It's really an excuse for me to make some goodies and drink some wine. :)
Yesterday and the day before were B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L days! We had on short sleeves and dresses. It was nice to feel the warm sun on our skin and breathe in the sweet fresh air. Right now, it's snowing. uh huh. Is there some rule that says it must snow at least once a week in April and then tease us with warmth again?
Rain, I can deal with. I understand, it's fine! But snow? pahlease!
I guess the best thing is I have to work tonight and tomorrow night. Both days we aren't supposed to get out of the 40's. That means a couple of things - I won't feel guilty not being home and doing fun outside things with my family. Second, it means that the store will possibly be slow. We're so dang busy most of the time I'm there that I feel like I'm going crazy. It's nice because people are spending money (and helping pay my salary!) and it makes the time go really fast but once in awhile it would be nice for it to slow down a bit. Let me restock the shelves properly. Let me clean the dust off the backs of the displays. Let me straighten the wrapping area. Let me take a breath or go grab a drink and a granola bar so I don't feel like I'm going to pass out by the time I leave the store!
Hopefully I'll have a couple of new recipes to share. FG's birthday is Friday so we've decided to have an open house type thing-a-ma-bob to gather friends. It's really an excuse for me to make some goodies and drink some wine. :)
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Update
- DS had his audition yesterday. They want to "represent" him. Then they recommended we take a couple of their classes. Immediately FG and I became skeptical. Did they agree to represent everyone who walked into the open auditions and recommend they take their classes? Was this just a ploy to get $$ from us by taking their classes? Hmm. I asked DS's Acting teacher about it and she felt it is a reputable company. We don't pay them a dime to be represented by them unless he gets a job, which we then give them a percentage. And it's a fairly small percentage at that. So we'll see. I'll go ahead and sign the contract (I read it all, it's pretty basic and straightforward and they aren't asking for a kidney or anything). Then I'll probably take one of their classes that is only $30. Then we wait. DS is excited and was quite charming in the interview. I do hope he gets a little job here & there. He just loves it so much!
- You may (or may not) notice that I dropped a couple of blogs from my list and added a couple more. I'm still on the search for new ones. I just added a couple that I had bookmarked but never added to my list. I never read them regularly but now I'll check them out and evaluate if they are worth the little time I have online. I'm just sort of done with the one-way street "friendships". Not that I live for comments but hey, I would like to know who's reading about my life. Also, if I'm taking the time to become part of someone's life by reading their stuff and making comments the least they could do is return the favor once in awhile. No, I don't mean the mega-blogs with the hundreds of readers or even the 10's of readers, I'm talking the littler ones who are like me - just a few loyal readers. You can't tell me they just don't have time to comment or don't have anything to say. I drivel on enough, they could just tell me to stop babbling and get to the point even!
- That all said, I've spent waaay too much time online this dreary morning. But DD slept really late and while I don't know exactly when she woke up, I walked into her room at nearly 10:20 this morning and announced it was way too late. I can't blame her though - the morning just screamed for laying in bed and being lazy. I had to force myself in the shower. Now I must force myself to clean this messy house. Is it not messy when my back it to it facing the computer screen?
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
A little Tuesday babble
I guess I could just do bullets for my little update.
- There is some big news on the DS front. (I really should think of a proper nickname for him huh?) First, I am very proud of him regarding school. He brought home an awesome report card last week. Second, he's been having some strange issues with a friend of his. The actions and words of this friend have me wondering what the heck is going on with this kid outside of school, as in, is someone doing improper things to him and he's projecting it onto other kids he knows he can pick on? The two boys have been friends since the beginning of 1st grade and he's always been a nice kid, if not the polar opposite of my little bouncy ball. He's what FG and I call a "flatliner". Anyway, all of a sudden he's been groping DS, saying terrible and violent things. DS, who seems incapable of telling a lie, comes home and tells me everything. I have discussed it with the teacher, she has discussed it with the principal and his parents as well. Well, in class, DS and "Flatliner" have been paired up in their "centers" where they do independent work. It's been a problem for DS as "Flatliner" hasn't been behaving and getting DS into trouble. I told DS that in this world he was going to have to learn to work and deal with all sorts of people but ultimately, he was responsible for himself and his own actions. He agreed but then came home the next day and told me he asked the teacher to have a private talk with her. He brought up the problems he was having with "Flatliner" and how it is making it hard for him to get his work done. BAH! I think it was an "in your face Mom!" saying, "like hell I have to work with this kid and have him keep getting me in trouble! Don't tell me I have to learn to just deal with people." I saw it as a big sign of maturity on DS's part that he asked for the conference and explained his reasons for wanting a different center partner. Whoa, where did this kid come from again?
- Also in regards to DS... he's going to SUMMER CAMP this summer. Excuse my language but HOLY SHIT he's not old enough for SUMMER CAMP - like sleeping away from home in a cabin and not seeing mom for a whole week summer camp. Scary thing, he IS old enough. He could have gone last year when he was entering into 2nd grade. It's the same camp that FG went to as a kid, located in a gorgeous spot less than an hour away from us. DS's first questions: "What does it smell like?" "Do I have to sleep in the same bed with other kids?" (when we told him there were a bunch of kids in one cabin), "What kind of food is there?" I hope he does ok. At least he's aware of his sensory issues - thus all the questions. I fully expect to pick up a very hungry and very dirty child at the end of the week. According to FG, the showers don't get so hot and I know DS takes the hottest shower he can.
- And another one regarding DS.... tomorrow we're taking him to a casting call at a local talent agency. Time to put this kid to work! We'll see how it goes. I just want him to be on their file if something comes up and they need a little kid like him. When I was in the advertising business, we used this agency for talent so I'm familiar with the process. I'll let you know how it goes!
- Now onto DD. I had to go buy her a new summer wardrobe the other day. Thanks to a really good paycheck and FIL's contribution (he likes to buy the kids their clothes) I was able to get enough mix & match clothes that she should be good for the summer. Then I created a monster by bringing the full length mirror from my room into hers and making her try on all the clothes in various combinations. It took over an hour. There was lots of posing and dancing and twirling.
- Onto me! I had the weekend off work - yay! It felt great. I wanted to do something fun as a family but alas, basketball games on TV prevented it. Why yes, I am a tad bitter. So I started a jigsaw puzzle. Want a way to get off the computer? Yeah, put a puzzle on your dining room table. I'm a bit obsessive about such things and all I can say is thank goodness it's nearly done. Then of course, I told FG I would get another one for the family because it's been kinda nice to have us all working on it together. I spent some good quality time with DS last night working on it.
- And finally, I think I need to find some new blogs for my reader. No offense to those of you reading but I get comments from the same loyal friends. I like that. I like that even though I should pickup the phone and call you I know that you are keeping up with me and I can keep up with you as our time permits. But I'm also noticing that there are a few that I loyally read and try to comment on that I'm not listed on their sidebar and they don't comment on mine. So, I'm going to find some new ones. Some like-minded friends who I find interesting and maybe I don't bore to tears with my blabbering and endless drivel.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Finally - the salmon burgers!
I FINALLY made them. They have been appearing on my weekly menu for months now and I just haven't gotten to them. I finally did them yesterday.
They were OK. The worst part was getting the bones out. I'm wondering if I need to try a different brand of canned salmon. But that part was kinda gross and stuff doesn't usually gross me out when it comes to cooking and food. Stick my entire arm into a turkey cavity and dig out the innards left for me, no problem, whack up a whole chicken, no problem. Take the bones and skin off a canned fish, um, ewwww.
I made them basic for the first go-round. Just salmon, bread crumbs, an egg and some seasoning. Nothing fancy. The kids actually took a few bites but didn't dig into them. I ate 95% of mine. It didn't have an overwhelming fish flavor or any overwhelming flavor at all, really. I'm not sure if I'll make them again or not but if I do, I'll steel myself to the task and maybe search some different recipes to add some flavor to them.
Side note, I am starting to hate Wednesdays. Especially when I forget to start up my PMD meds. Oy. I'm a tad overdue on them. Since I'm supposed to start them sometime mid-cycle, that would involve paying attention to when mid-cycle is. I'm excellent at knowing what's up with my body and when it's doing it's thing but have been so busy with life lately that I haven't taken notice. Whoops. I should have because I'm a few days late in starting those yummy little pills and it showed last night. My Facebook status said it all and was something about not wanting to hear the word "Mom" for at least 8 hours. 4.2 seconds after I typed that last night, I heard "Mom" at least 3 more times and a few more at 3:30 am for good measure. Just to make sure I knew my title I guess. I recall saying to one of the kids last night when I heard their bedroom door open at 9:43, "Unless you are dying, bleeding or throwing up, GO BACK TO BED!" and I heard a sweet little voice say, "I am Mom, I was just letting the cat out of my room." And whoosh! There comes the Mommy Guilt raining down on me and soaking me to the bone. Same with the 3:30ish "Moooommm. I had a bad dream. Can you come with me and make it better?" Get her all tucked back in bed (I was already grumpy because that same damn cat was sleeping on me and being an annoying HOT bed-hog, thus causing me to not sleep and no matter how many times I moved her or threw her off the bed, she still came right back to the crook of my legs) and when I start to leave the room she says, "But Mom! Wait. Can you just stay here for a little bit so I feel better?" Damn, dumped on by a bucket of Mommy Guilt again for trying to sneak out of the room and leave her to her own coping devices. She's still FOUR and yes, doesn't have all the coping skills to simply make that bad dream go away on her own. This is all after a hectic Wednesday where I have to rush around running DS and pal to Acting Class (DS got the role of Danny in Grease. I'm so proud!!!), wait for them for an hour while DD wiggles in the backseat and watches a movie, run DS's friend home and finally arrive home just after 6:30 and manage to get dinner made. Wednesdays are also "bath night" because I bathe them every other day in the winter and do so on Preschool days. Wednesdays are also the night that FG plays in a pool league with my dad and doesn't get home until after the kids are in bed and I'm usually wiped out. Thus I am not liking Wednesdays much right now. And you can bet your booty that I started taking my PMD meds this morning. Whoohoo, only a week 'til AF rears her ugly head. Lucky me.
They were OK. The worst part was getting the bones out. I'm wondering if I need to try a different brand of canned salmon. But that part was kinda gross and stuff doesn't usually gross me out when it comes to cooking and food. Stick my entire arm into a turkey cavity and dig out the innards left for me, no problem, whack up a whole chicken, no problem. Take the bones and skin off a canned fish, um, ewwww.
I made them basic for the first go-round. Just salmon, bread crumbs, an egg and some seasoning. Nothing fancy. The kids actually took a few bites but didn't dig into them. I ate 95% of mine. It didn't have an overwhelming fish flavor or any overwhelming flavor at all, really. I'm not sure if I'll make them again or not but if I do, I'll steel myself to the task and maybe search some different recipes to add some flavor to them.
Side note, I am starting to hate Wednesdays. Especially when I forget to start up my PMD meds. Oy. I'm a tad overdue on them. Since I'm supposed to start them sometime mid-cycle, that would involve paying attention to when mid-cycle is. I'm excellent at knowing what's up with my body and when it's doing it's thing but have been so busy with life lately that I haven't taken notice. Whoops. I should have because I'm a few days late in starting those yummy little pills and it showed last night. My Facebook status said it all and was something about not wanting to hear the word "Mom" for at least 8 hours. 4.2 seconds after I typed that last night, I heard "Mom" at least 3 more times and a few more at 3:30 am for good measure. Just to make sure I knew my title I guess. I recall saying to one of the kids last night when I heard their bedroom door open at 9:43, "Unless you are dying, bleeding or throwing up, GO BACK TO BED!" and I heard a sweet little voice say, "I am Mom, I was just letting the cat out of my room." And whoosh! There comes the Mommy Guilt raining down on me and soaking me to the bone. Same with the 3:30ish "Moooommm. I had a bad dream. Can you come with me and make it better?" Get her all tucked back in bed (I was already grumpy because that same damn cat was sleeping on me and being an annoying HOT bed-hog, thus causing me to not sleep and no matter how many times I moved her or threw her off the bed, she still came right back to the crook of my legs) and when I start to leave the room she says, "But Mom! Wait. Can you just stay here for a little bit so I feel better?" Damn, dumped on by a bucket of Mommy Guilt again for trying to sneak out of the room and leave her to her own coping devices. She's still FOUR and yes, doesn't have all the coping skills to simply make that bad dream go away on her own. This is all after a hectic Wednesday where I have to rush around running DS and pal to Acting Class (DS got the role of Danny in Grease. I'm so proud!!!), wait for them for an hour while DD wiggles in the backseat and watches a movie, run DS's friend home and finally arrive home just after 6:30 and manage to get dinner made. Wednesdays are also "bath night" because I bathe them every other day in the winter and do so on Preschool days. Wednesdays are also the night that FG plays in a pool league with my dad and doesn't get home until after the kids are in bed and I'm usually wiped out. Thus I am not liking Wednesdays much right now. And you can bet your booty that I started taking my PMD meds this morning. Whoohoo, only a week 'til AF rears her ugly head. Lucky me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The weather and mean people and a menu
Spring is a big fat tease! It lures us, seduces us, makes promises and then, leaves us hanging and teetering on the edge. Damn you Spring! Probably why it's my least favorite season. I know, it's many people's favorite season but to me, it's just a tease until the blessed Summer comes in and eases the tension, satisfies that desire. Thus, our wonderful weather here lately. 70 one day and I'm hanging clothes on the clothesline, the kids are playing outside for hours and wearing themselves out; 38 and snowing the next. Damn.
Onto mean people. Spring must have made some people mean because I worked yesterday and geez, there was something up many people's butts! A little message to parents: If you are in a really crappy mood and all you are going to do is yell at your kids, don't take them to a great toystore and yell at them there. Then don't snip at the person working there trying to help you. Really, they would much rather be home with their OWN kids than listening to you yell at yours. Honestly, they DO just want to help and they are just doing their job when asking you a question or two at checkout. If you dont' want to answer the questions, then don't take it out on the employee.
Yesterday I had more nasty people in than I have encountered working there the past few months. I guess I try to look at it from a kid's perspective... they don't fully understand the economy and money and whatnot yet. They shouldn't either. They are kids! It is natural for them to see things and want them. We all do it's just that little kids don't have that filter on them to not proclaim outloud that they want something every 10 seconds. Sure it's annoying because I've gotten annoyed at my kids for it too but I try to understand that they are little and don't "get" it yet. So when parents come in with their kids to "look around" I don't really understand why they spend the whole time getting mad at their kids for asking for things. We have lots of things open for the kids and parents to explore and play with. It's much more fun to see and feel and experience a game or toy before you shell out the money for it. Yet some parents get annoyed. I really don't get it at all! Then there were lots of people who snapped at me. Add to it that I did not feel great and my head was pounding. I worked 10 - 3 without any food after my english muffin at 9:45. It was not a good day. I came home and managed to throw dinner in the oven, closed my blinds, took some drugs, curled up with a blanket on my bed. My kids didn't even realize I was home for another 2 hours (don't worry, FG was there the whole time). I've been working too much. I'm tired. I need a day off! I think next weekend I may see if one of the grandparents can take the kiddos on Friday so I can have a teeny bit of downtime. I work again on Saturday and then Sunday we have a birthday party to take the kids to at Chuck E. Cheese. No downtime there!
So hey, this week's menu is kinda pathetic....
Onto mean people. Spring must have made some people mean because I worked yesterday and geez, there was something up many people's butts! A little message to parents: If you are in a really crappy mood and all you are going to do is yell at your kids, don't take them to a great toystore and yell at them there. Then don't snip at the person working there trying to help you. Really, they would much rather be home with their OWN kids than listening to you yell at yours. Honestly, they DO just want to help and they are just doing their job when asking you a question or two at checkout. If you dont' want to answer the questions, then don't take it out on the employee.
Yesterday I had more nasty people in than I have encountered working there the past few months. I guess I try to look at it from a kid's perspective... they don't fully understand the economy and money and whatnot yet. They shouldn't either. They are kids! It is natural for them to see things and want them. We all do it's just that little kids don't have that filter on them to not proclaim outloud that they want something every 10 seconds. Sure it's annoying because I've gotten annoyed at my kids for it too but I try to understand that they are little and don't "get" it yet. So when parents come in with their kids to "look around" I don't really understand why they spend the whole time getting mad at their kids for asking for things. We have lots of things open for the kids and parents to explore and play with. It's much more fun to see and feel and experience a game or toy before you shell out the money for it. Yet some parents get annoyed. I really don't get it at all! Then there were lots of people who snapped at me. Add to it that I did not feel great and my head was pounding. I worked 10 - 3 without any food after my english muffin at 9:45. It was not a good day. I came home and managed to throw dinner in the oven, closed my blinds, took some drugs, curled up with a blanket on my bed. My kids didn't even realize I was home for another 2 hours (don't worry, FG was there the whole time). I've been working too much. I'm tired. I need a day off! I think next weekend I may see if one of the grandparents can take the kiddos on Friday so I can have a teeny bit of downtime. I work again on Saturday and then Sunday we have a birthday party to take the kids to at Chuck E. Cheese. No downtime there!
So hey, this week's menu is kinda pathetic....
- Sunday - Baked whole chicken, baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, honey french bread.
- Monday - Roast beef, mashed potatoes, veggies.
- Tuesday - I work, FG is on his own.
- Wednesday - Chicken & Broccoli wreath, fruit
- Thursday - FG works, Chicken nuggets & tater tots for the kiddos
- Friday - I still haven't made those darn salmon burgers! I'll add them here for yet another attempt.
- Saturday - Lemon Chicken over rice w/ veggies.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
We are still getting used to our crazy schedule here. I'm happy to be working and happy that I told my boss I need some extra hours (meaning, I need extra cash! desperately at the moment ugh) and happy that I still like my job. But it's hell on a family who is very scheduled. Poor FG is not used to this either. He needs to figure out some fun stuff to do with the kids. Right now he's muddling his way through. He's not doing a bad job, he's just not really into a good groove of what to do with the kids all day. What's funny is after 8 years of me being home with them and being at his mercy of coming and going alone, the roles have been reversed for short time periods. He is where I was 8 years ago - trying to figure it all out. It's good for him.
So anyway, I've been using the crock pot and making myself prep things ahead of time. I was sick as anything on Friday afternoon and literally lay on the couch all afternoon blowing my nose. For dinner I had some frozen pulled pork BBQ that I had thawed the day before. FG could totally handle that one and he prepared dinner for me. Even changed the grease in the deep fryer so we could have fries that didn't taste like old onion rings :).
Here's this upcoming week:
- Sunday - Maui Chicken* over rice, Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake** (which DD and I whipped up after I got home from work and we played a few games - had to spend some quality time with the kids after working all weekend!)
- Monday - Meatloaf w/ bacon, veggies, apple slices, bread
- Tuesday - I work so FG gets to figure that one out.
- Wednesday - DS's starts up acting class again, FG has his pool league so I'm going to attempt some stir fry shrimp over pasta. FG may or may not get to eat before he has to leave.
- Thursday - FG works. I may make breakfast for dinner with the kids.
- Friday - Burgers on the grill, noodles w/ butter, garlic & parmesean cheese, corn
- Saturday - I work but hopefully I can get some salmon burger patties made and we'll eat those.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Maui Chicken
6 boneless skinless chicken breast or one whole cut up chicken
2 tablespoons oil
14 1/2 ounces chicken broth
20 ounces pineapple chunks in juice
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic -- minced
1 medium green bell pepper -- chopped
1 small onion -- chopped
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Brown chicken in oil. Transfer to slow cooker.
Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken.
Cover, cook on high 4-6 hours or low 8 hours
Serve over rice.
Source: "Fix It & Forget it Cookbook"
NOTES : I add a bit of powdered ginger and ketchup to the sauce before cooking.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
Recipe By: The Cake MixDoctor
1 package chocolate cake mix -- devils food, plain
1 can cherry pie filling -- 21 ounces
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. LIghtly mist a 13 x 9" pan with vegetable oil spray.
Place the cake mix, cherry pie filing, eggs and almond extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again as needed. The batter should look thick and well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven.
Bake the cake until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger and just startes to pull away from the sides of the pan, 30- 35 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.
For the glaze, place the sugar, butter and milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips. When the chips have melted and the glaze is smooth, pour it over the warm cake so that it covers the entire surface. The glaze will be thin but witll firm up. Cool the cake for 20 minutes more before cutting it into squares and serving.
NOTES : Store this cake, covered in aluminum foil, at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Or freeze the cake, wrapped in foil, for up to 6 months. Thaw the cake overnight on the counter before serving.
On a side note, and this really deserves it's own post... we had to put down our sweet old dog this past Tuesday. It's been a really rough week for all of us. I still cry and miss him. Our other dog, who has been with our other one since she was 5 weeks old is really really lost. So she's getting lots of extra attention. She's in the house if anyone is home during the day. We also realized she's been eating double for who knows how long. She's FAT! So she will be getting diet food now and lots of walks. I miss my big baby though. It's been hard to sleep at night because he's been sleeping in our room for 12 1/2 years. I miss the smell of him and hearing him breathe and grumble at night. He was our first "baby" when FG and I had only been married a couple of years and bought our first house. This is also the kids first experience with a family member dying. They keep saying how much they miss him too. It's sooo hard to look in the backyard and not see him laying in the sun or hear him barking at someone walking along the fence. My heart is a little broken right now and it's going to take awhile to heal.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I made it through yesterday
The wedding in one word. Trashy. I know, I know. I'm AWFUL I just put it out there in blogland that I thought it was trashy. The couple is not trashy. The wedding was on a budget. I could have helped. Really I could have but I was never asked and I wasn't going to volunteer. It's just not a position I wanted to put myself in to be seen as "taking over". But I could have helped.
I got a jug-o-wine poured for me from a box. Uh huh. I did. In a big plastic cup. Not a plastic cocktail glass or wine cup, nope. A big clear plastic cup that most would use for a soda at a BBQ. It was damn near full. I guess the tap on the box wouldn't close or something.
I'll spare you pictures.
I got a jug-o-wine poured for me from a box. Uh huh. I did. In a big plastic cup. Not a plastic cocktail glass or wine cup, nope. A big clear plastic cup that most would use for a soda at a BBQ. It was damn near full. I guess the tap on the box wouldn't close or something.
I'll spare you pictures.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
My Bullet-ey life!
- Working a lot. Liking it a lot. I'm getting more comfortable and I think they are seeing that I can handle plenty too.
- I'm a blond again as of this morning.
- 2 hour "snow" delay for school today. That means preschool was cancelled. The streets were dry when the bus would have normally picked DS up and 2 hours later they were bone dry. Lame.
- When there's any delay for the county schools, preschool is closed. "Snow DAY" for DD.
- FG is Mr. Mom a lot lately. He's been home a ton when I work. He stayed home today during my hair appt. and packed DS's lunch and got him off to school, kept DD entertained with pretend play, cleaned up breakfast. Thankfully his schedule allows it. A laptop can go anywhere so work can be done right here when he doesn't have to be doing off-site stuff.
- FG's brother is getting married this weekend.
- FG's brother is NOTHING like FG.
- He had to be convinced not to wear jeans to his own wedding. His bride is wearing a full on wedding dress. 2nd marriage for both of them and they are both in their 40's.
- After the wedding we're feeding about 15 or so family members here.
- It caused quite the stir because FIL's wife originally was going to host the dinner. FG and I realized that wasn't such a grand idea since MIL should be included as well. MIL probably wouldn't like to go to FIL's house with his new (10 years vs. the 33 FIL & MIL were married) wifey. And if FG's cousin is there with his kid(s) there is ZERO to do at FIL's house besides break wifey's glass sculptures. FIL agreed it would just be better to have everyone at our house. That didn't sit well with wifey because she didn't like that FIL is siding with MIL. Oh good times, good times.
- It's all worked out now and I'm making baked ziti and bread and cookies. I asked FIL & wifey to bring salad and drinks.
- FG informed me this morning that he thinks we should clean the carpets on Friday. EXACTLY what I wanted to do on the day I normally would be working while the kids are in school and I have to prepare food for 15 people. How did he read my mind?! ARGH.
Over and out. Hopefully I'll find some time to breathe soon and catch up on all the blogs I haven't read!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ample warning time
Ok, so maybe "warning" time isn't exactly the correct term. I informed FG last night that he has under 6 months until our 15th Wedding Anniversary and I want a diamond anniversary band. Something sort of like above but not exactly. I'd like princess cut diamonds and I'd like 15 of them. Do you think I'm asking too much? I hope not because I've been pining for one of these babies for 15 years. On our 10th Wedding Anniversary I was hugly pregnant with DD and couldn't wear my wedding ring. He swiped it and had the diamond changed out. I'll be damned if I didn't squeeze that sucker onto my finger and wear it after he gave it to me! Then she was born a couple of weeks later and it hasn't been a problem since. For our 5th Wedding Anniversary he had an extra gold band added to my ring. We had the wedding band and engagement ring fused together for the wedding anyway and he balanced it out at 5 years by adding the other band to the front. I expect to be unable to bend my finger by the time we reach 50 years. A girl can dream...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
NEED A BREAK
I don't know exactly why but it's been one of those times that my kids are just wearing on me. I need a serious mommy break. I haven't really had one unless you count working (at a toy store with OTHER PEOPLE'S KIDS and OTHER KID'S PARENTS) and my few hours of skiing with a friend last week. Where we took her son up with us, I hung out with him for a bit while she got his ticket and found his dad then had him jumping on my toes during my apres ski beer.
We took the kids to see Coraline last night. LOVE Tim Burton. Loved the movie. I had people tell me it was too scary for my kids ages but they were fine. Went straight to bed when we got home, slept great all night and when asked this morning, said they did not have creepy dreams.
I'm working on 1. "Fancy" hair for DD. The blog on here - Little Girls Hair - gave me some great ideas. While mine has not been nearly as clean and smooth looking, it's been fun and easier than expected. Most things I have done have not taken that much extra time either. 2. I'm perfecting my face painting skills. I am not an artist but I'm having fun doing little fun things on my kids faces. I hope I can use my new skills at the store too.
The menu this week is well, weak. Things have changed with me working and FG playing in a pool league (with my DAD, poor guy). That means I'm gone on Tuesday(I have a story about last Tues I'll get to in a sec.) for dinner, we have to eat early on Wed before he heads out and Thursday he works. Friday is not a big cooking day for me. It's always always been a casual day for me. I grew up that way. Friday was the homemade Chef Boyardee pizza night with soda to drink instead of milk. Friday was the "let's go out for burgers or fish fry" night. It's part of my makeup to not cook a regular meat & potatoes dinner on a Friday. This week DS's 2nd grade music program is on Tuesday so I switched days and work on Wed. That means Tuesday we need to eat quick before heading to school and Wed. everyone is pretty much on their own.
We took the kids to see Coraline last night. LOVE Tim Burton. Loved the movie. I had people tell me it was too scary for my kids ages but they were fine. Went straight to bed when we got home, slept great all night and when asked this morning, said they did not have creepy dreams.
I'm working on 1. "Fancy" hair for DD. The blog on here - Little Girls Hair - gave me some great ideas. While mine has not been nearly as clean and smooth looking, it's been fun and easier than expected. Most things I have done have not taken that much extra time either. 2. I'm perfecting my face painting skills. I am not an artist but I'm having fun doing little fun things on my kids faces. I hope I can use my new skills at the store too.
The menu this week is well, weak. Things have changed with me working and FG playing in a pool league (with my DAD, poor guy). That means I'm gone on Tuesday(I have a story about last Tues I'll get to in a sec.) for dinner, we have to eat early on Wed before he heads out and Thursday he works. Friday is not a big cooking day for me. It's always always been a casual day for me. I grew up that way. Friday was the homemade Chef Boyardee pizza night with soda to drink instead of milk. Friday was the "let's go out for burgers or fish fry" night. It's part of my makeup to not cook a regular meat & potatoes dinner on a Friday. This week DS's 2nd grade music program is on Tuesday so I switched days and work on Wed. That means Tuesday we need to eat quick before heading to school and Wed. everyone is pretty much on their own.
- Sunday - Take out.
- Monday - Balsamic pork chops, mashed potatoes, asparagus, fruit
- Tuesday - Corn Dog Muffins (I am going to try them, I'll let you know how they are!), baked beans, salad
- Wednesday - everyone is on their own
- Thursday - Spaghetti & garlic bread, salad (FG works, I have some sauce frozen :) )
- Friday - ??
- Saturday - I work until 7:30 and then FG and I are going out for All You Can Eat Sushi and a much needed date night - ALL night.
Ok, really quick. LAST Tuesday I had to work until 7. I thought I was being a good wife & mom by putting a whole chicken in the crock pot for the day, making mashed potatoes and putting them into a buttered casserole dish for FG to bake(reheat) at dinner time, cleaning the cauliflower and getting it into the steaming pot and getting everything ready for FG to mix up a packet of gravy. I figured making real gravy like I would have was way too much to ask since he doesn't usually cook. I even baked a batch of snickerdoodles (DS's favorite cookie) that were warm when DS got off the bus. What does FG say when I walk in the door at 7:30 from work? "This was a really tough dinner for me!" um, hello???? He meant he didn't know what to do with the leftovers or how exactly to keep it warm for me when I got home because I had told him to NOT have dishes waiting for me to wash. But all I heard out of that was the complaining and I will be honest, it hurt. I tried to be helpful and make sure my family had a nice meal while I wasn't home. I told him that it hurt and he tried to explain why. I guess I should just let it go and understand what he meant but part of me wanted some big time praise from him on doing all the dinner work for him. Oh well. Now he gets to figure it out this week and we'll see what's harder - figuring out how to save the leftovers or figuring out ALL of dinner without a drive-thru.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Trying to find the boring side of life
Ok so I don't have any Disney pictures to share yet. I will. Right now I'm just trying to get back into the swing of regular life. I am uneasy and not sure it will ever happen! I don't like chaos. I like normalcy most of the time. But I can't seem to find a "normal" right now. I am looking for a routine that isn't coming easily. Life just feels so odd and scattered. ARGH!
My dryer died. FG bought me a new one (that I went and picked out) last week but it won't arrive until Wednesday sometime. He leaves on Thursday morning for an out of town work trip. He needs underwear on this trip. The kids need underwear too. Want to find out how many clothes you really have? Be without a washer or dryer for awhile and see how you find things to wear! Thankfully, it died right after I had gotten a lot of laundry done. But it's starting to pile up now and I'm not liking it. Even though I tend do do laundry once a week, I am not liking the fact I can't throw in a load of towels just because there's a full load!
No school today. I helped out a friend/neighbor/good client of our business by letting them drop off their 7 year old at 8 am. It threw off my son, who normally loves to have her come over to play. He was a grump while she was here. He wasn't expecting it and she arrived too early for his taste, I think. She was only here for a couple of hours and when her dad picked her up and she begged to stay, I didn't speak up and offer. DS didn't beg along with her, he simply said goodbye to her so that was my cue that it wouldn't be a fun day if she hung around all day.
I am enjoying my new job. It was busy on Saturday when I worked so I got thrown right into it on the register. I had to ask quite a few questions and be walked through certain things but hopefully I did a good job. It's another thing I'm waiting to fall into place. I want to just feel really comfortable with all aspects of the store. I don't like feeling like I can't handle something and that's where I'm at right now.
All of the grandparents want to go to Disney now. None of them have ever been to Disney World. FG and I are considering another trip next January with all of them. God help me. But I understand that they too want to experience the pure joy that the kids have there. And I want the kids to share it with them at a time that they are still young enough to really love it and old enough to remember the experience with their grandparents. This face sums up our trip and who wouldn't want this again???!
Monday, February 09, 2009
Home
Damn Disney World can wipe a mom out.
Fun time. Pictures to come soon.
Definitely the Happiest Place on Earth.
And Oh so nice to escape all realty for 6 days. (unless you count all the undesireable people/parents we encountered.)
Fun time. Pictures to come soon.
Definitely the Happiest Place on Earth.
And Oh so nice to escape all realty for 6 days. (unless you count all the undesireable people/parents we encountered.)
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