2.5: That is the number of hours Maeve and her friends (and their babysitter) spent in the pool today. They were in heaven. I was working from home so I joined them for a while. It was so much fun to see 5 kids having a great time, getting along, getting exercise and having so much fun.
The downside? Maeve's cheeks and nose are pink despite my liberal application of sunscreen. I hope they don't hurt her tomorrow.
4: that is the number of days until Braden's birthday party.
22: That is the number of people/families who have not yet RSVP'ed.
If you'll recall from last year, I have a serious hang-up about RSVPs. I don't know why people can't just pick up the phone and call. And, don't you all comment with that "if they don't RSVP, they aren't coming" BS. On more than one occassion I have had kids show up to parties who never responded (well, their parents didn't). Don't these parents ever have parties? How am I supposed to plan cupcakes and goodie bags when I don't know if I should expect 14 kids or 36 kids? Sigh, I hate this part of parties....it's why I don't shop or prep anything until Friday, at least by then I figure I have the most accurate headcount I'm going to get.
Twenty-five. That is the number of months my sister has been sick. I'm not going to go into what she's sick with. Some of you who know me IRL already know, my sister writes about it on her blog; but I'm not going to give the specifics in this post.
What I am going to tell you is that it breaks my heart to see her sick like this. No one should have to live like she does. She has taken so many different medications. She has taken medications with terrible, terrible side affects. Doctors have recommended treatments that seem inhumane.
Today I went with my sister and her husband to see a new doctor. One that came recommended from a doctor she saw in the past (for a related issue). My sister had a four page typed document detailing her medical history, her symptoms and the meds she has taken. Much to my surprise, I loved this new doctor. He was patient, interested, read the papers she gave him, asked a lot of questions about her current state, her past, her childhood, family history. We were in his office for an hour! An hour, do you seriously know any doctors that do that?
After listening to all three of us he said that he's not going to tell us what's wrong with her. What he likes to do is "make a case, like a lawyer, for what I think the problem is" and then he sent us home to talk to the rest of our family, research family history, research his suggested diagnosis, and mull things over. If she decides she wants to try the medicine he suggests she just has to call and he will write a prescription.
I hope I'm not putting too much faith in this man, but I got such a good feeling from him (and I hope she did too). I really, really want my sister to get better. She is missing out on so much of life. She has two small boys and she's missing them growing up.
Please, please let this work.
Ok, ok, I know I haven't blogged in forever. I don't have any earth-shattering news, or good reason, I've simply been busy. Finishing up the school year, opening the pool, getting ready for summer, enjoying the start of summer. Anyway, for the past week or so I've been really thinking about getting back to this. What to write, how to jump back in. Lucky me, my dear friend Stephanie tagged me for a meme. It's a pretty long one so it forces me to get a new post up at least. Then, I can start writing more regularly (or that's the hope anyway). So, without further ado.
What is your current obsession?
Right this moment I'm obsessed with the fact that I offended someone when I didn't mean to. It is one of my worst social fears. Someone misinterpreting what I meant, and feeling hurt or offended. Honestly, I read an email from someone 20 minutes ago and I can't stop thinking about what an ass she probably thinks I am.
In a not so "right-this-minute" way my current obsession is cleaning. I want my whole house clean at one time, and I can't seem to make it happen. Before I can get through all the rooms I have to go back and re-clean where I started. It's driving me crazy.
What is your weirdest obsession?
Laundry. I love to sort it, wash it, get stains out, fold, iron, etc, etc. If I could have any job in the world (and support my family doing it) I would run a business where I did other people's laundry. Not like a drop-off laundromat, but a more personalized service. I would care how you like your towels folded, if you prefer socks balled or folded together, fabric softener or not. I could have two or three gorgeous front-loading washers. Ah, paradise. Seriously, if you want someone to do your laundry and you're in the St. Louis area let me know!
What's for dinner?
Tonight: marinated grilled pork chops, red potatoes, corn on the cob, apple slices and sliced cheddar cheese. Tomorrow? Who knows, I'll decide in the morning.
What would you eat for your last meal?
Pizza. Deep-dish, thin crust, hand-tossed crust, all kinds of pizza. Also, all the good appetizers: toasted ravioli, mozzerella sticks, hot wings. Sad I know, but I could eat pizza every single day.
What's the last thing you bought?
A fountain diet Coke from QuikTrip. It made me happy, I love fountain soda. Plus, it was on sale: only forty-nine cents for 32 ounces. I love a bargain.
What are you listening to right now?
The sweet sound of silence (plus my own typing). No TV, kids are asleep, dishwasher just finished. It's blissful.
If you could have a house, totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world where would it be?
Virginia Beach or Ocean City. I wouldn't live there all the time, just go there for vacations. There is no better vacation than the beach and imagine being able to just go to your own fully furnished, totally paid for beach house.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would it be?
Well, I'm pretty tired right now, so it's hard to choose anywhere besides my couch. But, if I only had an hour....Las Vegas. Not to gamble though. My paternal grandmother lives there and is not in great health. I haven't seen her in a while and I'd love a quick visit.
Which language do you want to learn?
Spanish. It just seems like something I would use a lot. Not something I would know just for the sake of knowing. I like functionality.
What's you favorite quote (for now)?
You can't comfort the afflicted without afflicting the comfortable. (Princess Diana)
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
Do shoes count? I have this pair of black, pointy-toed slingbacks with a kitten heel that I love. They go with jeans, pants, skirts, dresses. Plus, I only paid $20 for them and they are totally comfortable to wear for hours.
What is your dream job?
Stay-at-home mom. Seriously.
What's your favorite magazine?
I don't really read magazines. But, I do like Real Simple, and Time and Newsweek.
If you had 100 pound right now, how would you spend it?
A super-awesome Father's Day present for Mike. I'm not sure what that would be, probably some power tool I would think is lame.
Describe your personal style.
I'm not sure I even have one. Casual? Comfortable? I favor jeans and knit shirts, sweaters, etc. Capris and tees in the summer. Things that are easy to put on, and easy to run around in. I work in a casual environment so it's very easy to dress down. I try not to leave the house in sweats though.
What are you going to do after this?
Oh, these things are embarassing to admit....
Watch Daisy of Love on VH1, obsessively check my email to see if the offended party has written back, and during commercials I'll put away all the crap I bought at Target today that's piled in the foyer.
What are you favorite films?
This is going to sound crazy, but I can never think of the answer when people ask me this. I love comedies, chick flicks, horror movies...I don't think I can narrow it down to favorites.
What's your favorite fruit?
Apples, but only if they are crisp and hard.
What inspires you?
My children, my faith, the idea that you can be good at anything if you practice and try hard enough.
I'm also inspired by people. People who follow their dreams, people who act honorably at all times, people who put themselves out there without fear. I try to do all those things, but I sometimes fall short.
Do you collect anything?
Dishes. Fancy dishes, casual dishes, unique serving pieces, outdoor melamine dishes. I can't get enough dishes. I'm the only person I know who registered for 3 chip and dips when I got married. I'm trying to control it though, we're running out of room.
Any advice that comes from bitter experience?
Just be yourself, that's all you can do. If people don't like you (and some won't) there's nothing you can do about it. If you're happy with who you are, at peace with who you are, there's really nothing else you can do. I sometimes have to remind myself to take this advice (as evidenced by my answer to the first question).
What plant makes you happy?
Petunias in pots, vegetables in a garden, lilies (in any form).
All right, that's the end. I'm not tagging anyway, who knows if anyone will even read this. But, if you feel like telling a little bit about yourself feel free to do it.
Monkey's Momma was so kind to give me this Sisterhood Award way back in mid-March. Because I've been pretty much absent from blogging I haven't gotten around to writing about it. But, I'm back on the band wagon, so here it is.
Blogging is like a sisterhood. I feel supported even when I can't get around to blogging. I love reading all your blogs even when I'm not writing anything.
Thank you Monkey's Momma for thinking of me. I always feel stressed about passing on awards. What if someone feels left out, what if someone thinks my choices are bad, what if I pass it on to someone who never acknowledges it?
Well, I'm getting over all that. We're sisters after all, we're not always going to see eye-to-eye, but we're always going to care about each other. So, I'm passing this one to....
Heather at Lost or Never There (cheating, because she is my sister)
A Bun's Life (because she's my best friend)
Diagnosis Urine (because I wish she was my sister, she's damn funny and her kids sound adorable)
You know that famous line parents utter (mostly on television) "This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me"? This morning I meted out some punishment that is definitely going to hurt me more than it hurts Braden.
I asked Braden to turn the TV off so we could leave for school/work. I even gave him a warning "we are leaving in two minutes, get your hoodie on and get ready to turn off the TV". He immediately started stomping his feet, whining, and being generally unpleasant (in addition to refusing to turn it off).
So, in a moment of anger (and stupidity) I said this "Turn it off or you'll get NO television for the whole weekend". My more foot-stomping ensued. So, I turned it off and said "that's it, no more all weekend".
Dear Lord, what have I done? We normally spend Fridays eating pizza and watching a movie. This is primarily because Mike and I are too tired to do anything else by the end of the week. This morning I was all charged up about it. I was going to do the laundry and make the kids pick up their rooms, and have baths, and get to bed early. But, after a stressful day of work I just want my pizza and movie!
Admittedly, we also occasionally rely on weekend TV time to get the house cleaned, or chores done. The kids don't usually sit and start at it, but usually it's on for an hour or two while they play and sort-of watch it. (Save your bad parent comments for someone else, I know they watch too much TV).
I'm sticking to it, I don't like to make idle threats. But, this is definitely going to hurt me (and Mike) more than it hurts Braden.
Today (April 1st) is/was Mike's 35th birthday. I am such a fool that I literally forgot until the afternoon of March 31st. I feel terrible that I planned nothing, did nothing, bought nothing.
When I apologized to Mike for not having exciting, grandiose plans for today he said not to worry, he'd rather forget it's his birthday. Forget? I think he's upset about turning 35. I do not understand this, I will be 35 in June and plan on throwing myself a big party (at the pool, and I don't even look good in a swimsuit).
To celebrate his birthday Mike got to come home from work to watch pukey Braden, but really it wasn't so bad. They sat on the couch and watched Transformers, at least he got to relax on his birthday. When I got home I forced him to go out to dinner because I didn't want to do dishes.
Happy Birthday Honey! I love you!
I called my sister this morning and said to her "I took my shirt off in the preschool parking lot". Her first response? "Did Braden throw up on you?"
I remember the good old days where taking off my shirt would have had nothing to do with vomit (what, I had a wild few college years!). Now, at my age (and weight) the only excuse for taking a shirt off in public is puke. I weighed my options carefully. 1) Go to car, get hoodie, go back in building (covered in half-digested Golden Grahams) walk to ladies' room, change shirt. 2) Go to car, get hoodie unzipped, crouch down behind door, remove shirt and put on/zip up hoodie as fast as possible. I decided I'd rather risk public exposure than walk through the preschool halls covered in upchuck.
Thank God the nurse sent us home with a container because B also threw up in my car (my new car!). Luckily he has good aim.
So, now we're home and settled on the couch with Noggin and the bathroom trashcan. I am going to start a load of laundry and wait for Mike to come home so I can go to work.
Motherhood: nobody told me it would be so glamorous.
Monkey's Momma tagged me a long, long time ago for this fun little meme. I haven't been ignoring it, just not getting around to it, better late than never, right?
Basically I am supposed to tell you six random things about myself and then tag six people to do the same. So here it goes:
1. My senior year of college I was the Senior Assistant Manager of a Blockbuster Video. This was a full-time job with sort-of decent pay. I actually thought for a while that I could just work my way up the Blockbuster management ladder and not use my college degree (in Biology). Thankfully I came to my senses.
2. Throughout high school and college I went by my middle name, Denise. My first name was way too common and I was sick of it. When I started at the university I work at now it was too complicated to explain it to everyone I worked with so I just want back to Amy.
3. I do not eat salad. Primarily because I hate all salad dressings.
4. My husband has MS, he was diagnosed in early 2001, we had been married for about 2 years. More than one person told me it was honorable that I stayed married to him. I was shocked, seriously, when I said "for better of for worse" I meant it.
5. I love to do laundry. I love the sorting, washing, folding, putting away. I even love ironing. I can remove nearly any stain. I would totally do people's laundry for money. That would be my dream job, staying home with multiple washers and dryers and doing laundry all day long.
6. I was born in a tiny town called St. Francis, Wisconsin.
I like this meme because the answers can be as short (or as long) was you want. I'm tagging six people I'd like to know more about.
1. Jodie at Jodified
2. Abbie at All About Sam
3. Fern at Diagnosis Urine
4. Tracy at Give It A Whirl
5. Greg at Internet Corn
6. Heather at Lost Or Never There
So if you have been tagged and you want to play along, get to it!!
A little disclaimer/confession: that last gal is my sister, so I pretty much know everything about her, but I'm curious what 6 facts she'll throw out there. Greg is my brother-in-law, and I definitely don't know everything about him. I hope his facts are interesting.
My son is many things. Cute, sweet, good-looking, easily distracted and funny. I think I could write a blog just featuring funny things Braden says.
This past Sunday he went to Children's Chapel at our church without Maeve or me. Afterwards a friend of mine who was helping out told me what he said.
The Deacon who was teaching was talking about temptation (Jesus, in the desert and such) and about voices tellling Jesus to do the wrong thing, and the right thing. So, Braden says "I hear voices." Deacon Burnell says "You do?" (I can just imagine what she was thinking, who expects to have to cover schizophrenia or possession in Children's Chapel?) So Braden tells her there is a voice on his shoulder that says "Eat the bad stuff, leave the good stuff, leave the apples and the raisins and eat the junk food".
Ah yes, the junk food demon; I know him well. Looks like love of junk food just might be heriditary.
I usually don't talk about my political views on this blog. But, every once in a while there is something I feel so strongly about that I'm willing to put it all out there.
Do me a favor, and go watch this video.....
I firmly believe that marriage should be legal between any two willing, loving people regardless of sexual orientation. I believe that these families deserve to be legally married happy families just like any other couple could be. I believe that Ken Starr is wrong to attempt to annul all of these marriages.
Braden and Mike got haircuts yesterday. Their usual gal was on vacation and not available until early March, so, they went to a friend of a friend for their cuts.
While there the new gal, Kim asked Braden if he had a girlfriend.
"No" says Braden
"Do you like girls?" asks Kim
"Only if they are half-naked" replies Braden.
That's right, apparently my son likes half-naked girls (news to me). To her credit, Kim handled this very well. Mike said she said told Braden that it wasn't nice to say things to ladies about being naked. Especially ones he didn't really know. Mike followed up with a little talk about respect, and proper treatment of ladies.
Meanwhile, at the same time Maeve and I were across town at a birthday party for a kindergarten friend of hers. While we were there the boy across the table from Maeve said (to the room in general); "Who wants to feel these guns?" When he got no takers he upped the ante with "Anyone want to kiss my six-pack?"
For the record, the first guy to ask Maeve to kiss his six-pack gets shot. And, the next time Braden mentions his love of half-naked women he better be at his own bachelor party.
I am home sick again today. This is no "stay home to get caught up" sick day, or a "I need a mental break" sick day. This is a full-on sick day. I have a fever, chills, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and (best of all) dizzy spells. I finished my amoxcillin last Thursday and have gone downhill since. I think it was holding the sinus infection at bay, but didn't really cure it. So, here I am, tired, dizzy and sick. My new, stronger prescription has been called into the pharmacy so hopefully I'll be on the mend soon.
But, even with my truly sick sick day here's what I've done today.....3 loads of laundry, cleaned both bathrooms, changed the shower curtain, soap dispenser, etc in one bathroom, put away $200 worth of assorted toiletries and cleaning products I bought at Target yesterday, cleaned my kitchen, went through the fridge and sorted all the leftovers into neatly packaged lunches for Mike and I to take to work, prepped for most of dinner tonight (chicken parmigan with pasta, bread, and green beans), vacuumed the basement stairs, swept my laundry room floor (really just a part of my basement). Also, Braden is home with me so I've also fed him, played with him, watched a movie with him, and snuggled him.
So, why are mothers (at least most of the ones I know) truly unable to take a real, lay around on the couch and get well, sick day? How about you internets? Are you able to take a sick day and just recuperate? Or are you physically unable to lay still without thinking that you should be doing something useful?
I don't have anything important to say, but I have a variety of miscellaneous tidbits I feel like sharing.
First, guess what I did today? After a nearless sleepless night I got up at 5:15am to finish cleaning before the appraiser came this morning. After getting the kids to school I cleaned like crazy and was actually still mopping my master bath when he showed up. But, now that my entire house is clean I am really, really happy. I didn't want to bring my kids home today, I knew they would mess it up. After the appraiser left I did the following...
1) Ate Hostess cupcakes for breakfast
2) Watched Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle
3) Ate leftover pizza
4) Watched Pineapple Express
5) Ate popcorn and M&M's
6) Took a nap
I swear, I'm not a stoner (I have never even tried marijuana) but this list sure makes me sound like one.
Second, having my house entirely clean makes me actually fall in love with it a little. Sure, there are 142,000 things I need to fix, update, paint, replace, etc. But, really, it's an adorable little house. Hardwood floors, stained glass, subway tile, it's pretty darn nice and I'm so happy we live here. I hope my re-fi works out so we can free up some extra money every month to spend doing those 142,000 things.
Third, yesterday B's preschool teacher called me to ask me if I'd noticed that he has a tendency to be distracted and space out and had I talked to my pediatrician about it. WTF? He's a four year old boy, hell yes he's distracted. He daydreams and is sometimes in his own little world. She said they had noticed it over the last few weeks, but the only concrete examples she could give me were from yesterday, when I know he was sleep-deprived post Super Bowl. I started crying when I was talking to her and then she was all "Ok, just wanted to let you know, talk to you later, bye!". Who does that? She totally gets me upset, and worked up, offers no concrete suggestions for handling this and then gets off the phone as soon as possible.
The director called me today and we talked about it for quite a while. She made me feel better and we came up with a plan for observing him and trying to figure out what's going on. She explained that part of the concern is that he is sometimes totally unresponsive while he's staring into space and they are concerned he could be having mini seizures. Ugh, I guess we'll see. It's also time to find a new pediatrician. I've been meaning to for a while and I totally don't trust him to help me with this if it does become a medical issue. So, the smart thing to do is to find a new one now.
Fourth (and last) I have a new job. It's at the same place I worked before, but it's totally different than what I've been doing. I'm a little nervous, and unsettled, and concerned that I'm not qualified for this. I have my first big assignment to work on tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me. Hopefully all that stoner-style resting and eating will have me totally re-energized for work tomorrow!
We were at home again yesterday. I have to admit the first snow day was pretty awesome. The kids were good. I got a lot of stuff done around the house. We ate pizza and baked cookies and stayed in PJs all day (except when we went outside to play in the snow). I took a long hot shower, shaved my legs, gave myself a facial (and then put on clean PJs). Pretty great really.
Yesterday we were home again. It was not as nice as the first snow day. I really needed to be at work. I had to shovel out the car to take the kids to a sitter so I could go and get a CT on my sinuses. When I got home some jack*ss was parked in front of my house, in the spot I spent an hour shoveling. So, Mike and I had to shovel for another 30 minutes to clear a new spot to park.
As much as I love a snow day now and then I was very glad to get back to the regular routine today. Now I just need an extra day in this week to get caught up at work.
One piece of good news: my nose feels less like I've been punched. I think my drugs are working and my sinus infection is clearing up.
I have been so, so sleepy lately. The weekend before Martin Luther King day I slept in on Saturday and Sunday and then literally laid around on the couch all day reading and watching TV. On Monday I felt guilty and jumped up and started cleaning house. Last week I manged to get up on time everyday, but fell asleep on the couch every night usually between 10 and 10:30 (earlier than my usual bedtime).
The past Saturday I woke up briefly at 8:00 when Braden came in our room. But, Mike took him downstairs and was kind enough to let me sleep late. And I did. I feel back asleep and didn't wake up until 11:24. WTF? I haven't slept that late in 10 years. Then I proceeded to lay around on the couch and watch a movie with the kids, then I took a nap. A nap, seriously.
What is going on? Is my body finally catching up from not getting enough sleep for over 6 years? Last night I was obsessively checking the internet for school closings. As soon as I knew Maeve's school was closed I went to bed. Why was I obsessed? Because I didn't want to set an alarm if I didn't have too. I slept until 7:30 this morning, and I think I only woke up from the sound of snow shovels.
Why, oh why am I so tired? I don't have this much time to devote to sleep. I cannot spend my weekends laying around doing nothing. I saw the doctor yesterday because I literally feel like someone punched me in the nose. My nose hurts if I even barely touch it, and everytime I blow some blood comes out. I am getting a sinus infection so he gave me antibiotics. Hopefully clearing up the infection will make me less tired. The doctor also wants me to have a head CT. Great, cause I've got time for that. I'm already behind on all my chores from laying around all weekend (for two weekends now).
Please, send me posititve helpful "get chores done" vibes today. I've got to make good use of this snow day. But what I really want to do is lay around in my PJs and watch TV with the kids.
January is a lean month for us. We are still trying to make-up for all cash Christmas, personal property tax, a loan I have to pay interest on every January. Anyway, we really try to watch our expenses every January. My contribution to this is to cut back on the fountain diet Coke. I love diet Coke and am truly tempted to get one any time I drive by a McDonald's or QT (they have my favorite soda). So, in recognition of the lean month I am limiting myself to one a day, in the morning.
So, today I got my McDonald's diet Coke and was sitting on the couch reading blogs. I took a drink and set the soda back on the end table coaster (or so I thought). Then, the disaster struck. It fell off the table and the whole thing spilled on the floor. I had taken maybe 3 sips. Oh, the humanity.
Anyway, I am probably tempting fate by posting this, but....I wanted you all to know that actually my 2009 has been going so well that this is truly the worst thing to have happened to me in the new year. I am very thankful for such a peaceful, easy new year. It's not like anything fabulous has happened, merely that nothing bad has happened. But, I'll take that. I know of several people who are having a rough new year and my heart breaks for them. It does make me even more aware of how lucky I am to have only lost a diet Coke (albeit a big on, from McDonald's).
I hope you are having a peaceful, easy 2009 so far.
I know that people are reading this blog. Some of you comment, but some of you don't. But I know people are reading. A friend of mine has a blog, her mother-in-law (whom I also know) reads it, that led her to my blog, the other day she told me something funny she saw on here. There is a woman I know at church, I read her daughter's blog. Her other daughter was recently in town, at church, and she introduced me to her as "Maeve's mom". Another old friend was in town from Seattle and said to Mike "I pretty much know everything that's going on with you, from your wife's blog". So, readers, good, right?
But, now that I know these people read my blog I find myself holding back. There are things that I would gladly type if I knew that the only people reading this were folks I would never see face-to-face, or good friends, or people about my own age who blog themselves. Until recently I thought these were the only people who read my blog.
Knowing that my blog is read by a person I know in Seattle, and T's mother-in-law, and J's mother makes me think twice about what I'm writing. Can I write about sex? About fights with Mike? About things my kids do that make me want to slap them? (Disclaimer: I would never actually slap them; but as Mike puts it, those kids could make the pope say f*ck sometimes)
Can I write about how Mike and I paid for all our Christmas presents with cash? (A fact we are very proud of). But that on the 24th after we finished all the shopping and filled my car up with gas our checking account had less than $50 in it? Thank goodness Mike got paid on the 26th.
Do I really want everyone to know that (too late now)?
I want to write what I feel like writing. My thoughts, feelings, pet peeves, stupid ideas, hopes and dreams. I want to write without worrying about what people will think. But, suddenly the people reading this seem more real than they were before.
What do you think? Do you hold back when you write? Should I?
I have a phobia. I'm pretty sure it's a fairly common phobia. Its official name is arachnophobia. Fear of spiders.
I HATE, HATE, HATE spiders. Even the smallest one can freak me out. When I see a spider on the ceiling I am paralyzed by fear. Do I get a shoe and try to kill it? What if it drops down on me? What if I don't kill it and it crawls away? I'll have no idea where it is. It could pop out anywhere and scare the dickens out of me.
My first really scary spider story is from when Maeve was a baby. I had bought some clearance sun hats. They were in the plastic shopping bag in the back of her closet for months. When it got warm enough for them I pulled out the bag. I went to grab a hat and a huge spider was in it. It was brown, and ugly, with spindly long legs. I dropped the bag and the spider ran out. It ran into the bathroom. I ran to the foyer for a shoe and then ran into the bathroom. I couldn't see the spider so I stood on the toilet and looked for it (I didn't want it to be able to get my foot). When I couldn't find the spider I called Mike and told him he had to come home, find it, and kill it. I then stood on the toilet (with my shoe at the ready) for over 30 minutes. I swore it was a brown recluse. Mike swore I was nuts. That was over five years ago.
The kids are fascinated by bugs and spiders. So, when we're outside, I try not to freak out. We have seen several large wolf spiders (hairy, kind of cool, eat other spiders) and I've admired them without passing out from fear. So, this past October the kids were in the sandbox and I hear Braden say "Wow, look at that cool black spider". Maeve follows up with "Look, it has red on it". My heart stops, I can't breathe, my blood runs cold. Mike (calm, collected Mike) bolts over to the sandbox yelling at the kids to NOT TOUCH IT! I go over there too. The spider runs inside a sand toy. We double-bag the whole toy and take it to my dad (who works for a pest control company). He takes it to work and then calls to tell us what we already knew. Black widow spider (baby) in our sandbox!
Last week it rained here (a lot) and part of our basement flooded. Mike took this as a sign to finally clean up his work bench area. Next thing I know he's got a spider in a baby food jar to take to my dad. A brown, spindly-legged, ugly spider. I say brown recluse, he laughs. We take it to my dad. I say "I think it's a brown recluse". My dad says "It's not a brown recluse" (with that "you'll shoot your eye out" tone from A Christmas Story).
Tonight I'm at dinner with my mom and she asks where Mike found that spider. I tell her under his worbench. She says "your dad is coming over to do some work". Why? That spider; it's a brown recluse.
Black widows, brown recluses, giant fuzzy wolf spiders. It's really more than I can take. Can I move in with you?
It's a little blurry, but it's Braden at the mall on that big bungy-jump thingie. The kids have been begging for literally years and my mom finally took them yesterday.
The rector at our church is leaving. He is taking a new job in Louisiana and his last day at our church was this past Sunday. There was a reception and we all said our good-byes.
So, last night the kids are in grandma's van and this conversation takes place.
Maeve: Dad says J is moving two states away.
Grammy: J who?
Maeve: At our church.
Grammy: Oh, are you getting a new person.
Braden: Yeah, God.
That's right, apparently our church is too cool for a regular rector. We're getting God to do the job. Do you think he gets paid? Car allowance? House? This new guy could make us really popular and save the church some money.
I love 4-year old thinking.
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone out in blogland. Our Christmas day is officially over. We're home from my parents, the kids are in bed asleep, the car is unloaded and my shopping plan for tomorrow is written out and in my purse.
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. I, for one, believe in the 12 days of Christmas and will be having fun, doing crafts, baking and taking it easy into January. I hope you all take the next 12 days to enjoy your families and friends!
There are officially only four more days until Christmas! This is not good news for the Reily family. The list of things I have left to do is enormous. Bake, distribute baked goods, grocery shop, wrap, buy a few more presents, plan games for Maeve's holiday party, work tomorrow and Tuesday. I'm feeling a little screwed.
But, you know what's weird? I'm feeling less stressed about this giant list of holiday chores than I was feeling about stacks of mail and a dirty house a month ago. I don't know what changed, but it's like a switch flipped and I refuse to get excessively stressed. Don't get me wrong, I'm still worried, and overwhelmed. But, I'm doing the only thing I can do. Doing what I can, when I can, and trusting that I'll somehow find time for all of it. I feel...peaceful. And it is wonderful.
I did accomplish one holiday goal. Advent, the way I wanted it to be. Waiting, preparing, talking about the true meaning of Christmas with the kids. Enjoying the kids.
On Friday my friend T asked Maeve and 2 other kindergardeners what Christmas was about. Maeve and her friend S both said Jesus. T asked who Jesus was and Maeve said the son of God, and that he died and then came back and that Christmas was his birthday.
Friday morning I asked the kids what they wanted to do this weekend. Braden said bake and Maeve said do crafts. So, guess what we did this weekend? Crafts and baking. We made foam Christmas trees, window signs for Santa, and handmade Christmas cards for family. We also made 4 different kinds of cookies.
So, although I have tons of Christmas errands left to do and only four more days to do them in, I'm still pretty happy. How about you? Ready for the holiday? Feeling the Christmas spirit?
Ah, the holidays...a time of peace, joy, love, parties and germs! Today was Braden's holiday party at preschool. It started at 3pm. I arrived at 3:10 and was surprised to find my friend G directing me to walk on the far left side of the hall. I also smelled that terrible, tell-tale throw-up smell. As I passed the nurse's office I saw 3 little girls gathered around the same large trashcan.
When I got to G she told me that there were some sick kids in Braden's room (her son is in there too). Two teachers then proceeded to lead the kids down the hall (around the throw-up) to the gym.
So, no party, no food, no crafts. But, they did get to play hockey.
Sigh, I hope this is not a harbinger of things to come. There are 19 kids in the class. Three were out today (with stomach bugs) and four more started throwing up at some point during the day. What are the odds Braden won't get this?
I can't believe I'm telling this to the whole world (or the three of you that are reading) but I can't do my car rant post today, I'm too depressed. Something happened at work today that actually made me cry in my office.
I don't want to go into gory details so I'll just hit the high points. I was in a meeting with 8 other people when my boss chastised me for an email I sent last week. He actually hit me on the head with a pencil and said "You can't send emails like that". Now, in the past, I have been prone to bitchy emails, but I've really worked on not doing that and I couldn't recall any of this email being bitchy. But, according to him "x, y and z got all worked up and upset".
I just sat there with my head down and took it, I didn't know what to say. But, when I got back to my office I found the old email in my sent folder. It was first off not bitchy and secondly; accurate.
When my office mate returned I was complaining to her that he called me out like that in front of everyone and she said "I don't remember anything wrong with your mail". So, I read it out loud to her. She still didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
Then, because I cry when I'm mad, I started crying. Now, I have the horrible half sad half mad feeling. I know there's no use confronting my boss about the accuracy of my email. But, I'm feeling under appreciated and embarrassed (you know, for being called out in front of a room of people) and annoyed.
So, the point is that I'm not feeling motivated to finish my car post/rant (I have some research to do still). As a matter of fact, it's been almost 2 hours since the meeting ended and I'm pretty much running out of motivation to work. So, I'm headed home.
My mom is coming over and wants to use her Macaroni Grill gift card. So, at least I don't have to cook or clean. Of course, in a 2 minute phone conversation she managed to hurt my feelings also. Sigh, I'm ready for today to be over so I can just crawl into bed.
I am torn between 2 possible posts. I have a rant of sorts about cars, fuel efficiency, lack of environmentally-friendly vehicle options, etc, etc. But, it will take a while to write. So, since I'm short on time I'll give you the funny story instead.
Today Mike and I went car shopping. I was originally supposed to be at work but my car died at B's preschool, so, car shopping instead. I was dressed in jeans, a nice sweater, and my killer black boots with 4-inch heels. The high was 35 degrees so I also had on a knee-length coat.
I fared pretty well shopping in the boots and Mike and I were enjoying each other's company and having a pretty good time looking at cars (it's been 10 years). When we left our third dealership I sat down in the passenger seat and my butt felt cold. What the hell?
Then, it hit me. I split my pants. Split my effing pants! What the hell? These jeans were NOT tight. They weren't loose, but they should not have split. Torn, my pants were torn. Thank God for the knee-length coat.
Since I'm a good sport (with a long coat) Mike and I kept shopping. But, each time I got in a car (mine and those we were looking at) I felt the pants rip a little further down. By the time I got home the jeans were torn from the top of my butt to midway down my thigh.
I came home and showed the kids (they had a good laugh) and now I am wearing PJ pants!
Tune in tomorrow for my rant about cars, fuel, and the American auto industry.
I am trying a new thing with the kids. It shouldn't be new at our house; but I'm ashamed to admit it pretty much is. It goes like this: "Mom, can we make cookies". Then I say, "maybe later". Then, we never get around to it because I'm cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. So, here's my new thing. "Mom, can we make cookies?" Then I say "Yes, after I finish washing the dishes". Then, I wash the dishes and we make the cookies, we make them before I say just let me sweep this floor, vacuum this rug, put away this laundry.....
So, yesterday morning Maeve asked if we could do our Christmas tree after school. I said I would try my best. So, after Mike picked up the kids he put up the tree, fixed the lights, fluffed the branches. I got all the ornaments ready while the kids ate PB&J for dinner (what, that's what they wanted). Then, we actually decorated the tree!
We're doing an all Irish tree this year. So, I got out all of Mike's Irish ornaments plus all the green and gold ball ornaments I have. First we hung the Irish ones, then the round ones.
Maeve and Braden have been really into playing store lately. So, as I was sitting on the chair passing out ornaments with hangers Maeve was saying "you have to sell them to us, you are running the store". Fine, whatever, give me your imaginary money. So, after a while Maeve wanted to be the seller. So, she sat on the chair and proceed to really sell those ornaments. She called out "Balls for sale" "Get your balls here" and (Mike's favorite) "Hang your balls now!" Because Mike and I are juvenile we were trying not to crack up. As she kept it up and Braden piped in with "I'll take two balls at once please" I was really wishing we had gotten the video camera out.
So, how about you? Did you hang your balls yet?
Hi all, remember me? Maeve's mom? Obviously I haven't been blogging lately. I haven't been reading many blogs lately either. So, what have I been doing?
Taking Maeve to the doctor for strep throat (again).
Doing Kindergarten homework.
Taking both kids to gymnastics.
Cleaning house.
Baking, baking, baking (with Braden's help).
Decorating for Christmas.
Work, work, work.
Planning a Winter Wonderland for Braden's preschool.
You know, the usual stuff we're all busy doing. But, the big news for me is that I've been doing it without stress, without worry, without panic, without any feelings of drowning. I've just been doing it. Not doing it as well as I'd like, but I'm still proud of myself for getting it done without the usual accompanying stress. Other than the usual stuff I haven't been doing anything exciting. I do plan to blog more often and to get back to reading blogs.
But, for now I'm going to get back to the cleaning, decorating, and working. So, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and long weekend. You'll be hearing from me soon!
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I know I don't normally talk religion here, but I'm going to now (disclaimer in case you want to click away). I got to teach Children's Chapel this morning and I really wanted the kids to get the message of Advent. I have a pre-printed curriculum I use for Children's Chapel, but I am responsible for preparing a homily (sermon). Yeah, a sermon that 4-10 year olds will listen to; easier said than done. I wanted this week's sermon to stick with them until Christmas, a really tall order. So, I spent a fair amount of time researching and preparing for this morning.
In all the preparation I found myself getting really excited about Advent. Not about shopping, or trees, or baking; but about Advent. A time of waiting and preparing both for the birth of Christ and the return of Christ.
I'll admit it, every year I start off with the best of intentions. I'm going to keep it about Advent, do Bible readings with the kids, buy an Advent wreath, etc, etc, etc. Every year I fall short of my expectations. But this year I feel a calmness in my heart that I have never felt before. I have already kicked off the Advent season in a way I'm happy with. Saturday our family went to church and made an Advent wreath. I cleaned off the dining room buffet so I could put it there. My kids heard my homily this morning and actually listened. We went to the Advent soup supper at church tonight. Afterwards we came home and lit our Advent wreath and said a prayer. I asked the kids what the wreath was for and they gave me good answers.
In the midst of all of this I never felt busy or hurried. I felt calm and peaceful and well. We were the last people to leave church tonight. My kids played with other kids, Mike and I talked to an old friend who was visiting from Seattle. I spoke at length with one of my favorite woman at church. I held a baby (and so did Mike). It was lovely and unhurried and exactly the right way to spend the evening.
Happy Advent to all of you. May you have peace in your homes and your hearts in this time of waiting and preparing.
