D got the "all clear" from his doctor yesterday and I swear I heard a door slam shut in my head. Just like that - a stage in our life is over.
We're no longer growing our family. We're all done adding to our brood.
It feels... weird.
So much of my life the last 6 years has been spent planning for babies, being pregnant, and welcoming new, little people into our lives.
And now we're done with all of that. It's not like we're done raising our kids or they're moving out, but this is new to me. Our family is complete and although it was the right choice, and what we wanted and planned for, it's just so final.
Now, in August, d will start Kindergarten and my first little baby will be away from me all day. It's just another sign of how our lives are changing.
I'm looking into the future and wondering if our choice to have children close in age was smart. Sure, they'll be close (hopefully) and friends and they can share clothes and be in many of the same activities but when they get to high school and they all graduate in the span of 4 or 5 years... well... let's just say that thinking about being an empty nester is not cheering me up. (college! the real world! eeep!)
ACK! Let's just not think of that right now, it will be AGES before I have to worry about that. (although I seem to recall D saying those EXACT words to me when d was born and I was fretting over him starting Kindergarten.)
I'm not sad that the door has closed. Well, that's not true. I AM sad, but not in a, "Wtf have we DONE?!" kind of way, just in a "This is different and I didn't expect it so soon." kind of way.
So, yeah. *SLAM*
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
long Wednesday
How is it only Wednesday? More importantly, how is it only 8:30AM?!
Things I had done before 6:30AM:
*Made coffee
*Started dishwasher
*Started laundry
*Emptied litter box
*Killed 5 million ants in bathroom - a repeat of yesterday
*Fed baby
*Got 2 bowls of cereal, and changed 2 diapers
*Broke up 4 fights
*Dealt with one, very long, irrational tantrum from a child who is really old enough to NOT DO THAT
*Checked email
*Worried about tooth pain/headache and wondered if I should call dentist
------------
OK, so since I'm on child #4, baby proofing is not new to me. However, for the first time I have had to buy a refrigerator lock. Child3 is finding all new ways to get into trouble. After 3 broken eggs and a whole bag of apples with ONE bite taken out of them I finally decided to spend a couple bucks and save my sanity. It's kind of a pain in the ass because now the older two children can't get in the refrigerator either, which means I have to do more for them and they can't even get their cups out without help. Still... probably less time consuming than cleaning up broken eggs off the floor every day. Lord help me when he figures out how to climb out of his crib. The time he is in bed is the ONLY time I can fully relax.
Calling him "Our Little Destroyer" is such a fitting nickname that it's not really funny anymore. Self fulfilling prophecy?
Hmm, maybe we should call him Angel instead. He is so sweet and happy, but he sure can be a stinker.
On the other hand, if you're on a diet, consider a fridge lock. I find I'm eating less because it's a pain to open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary.
-----------------
My gum is hurting like crazy on one side. It feels like I'm growing a molar or something. Considering I had my wisdom teeth out in college, I don't think that's it. Now, this morning, my head hurts on that side. (But I also have a runny nose and slightly sore throat - thx Allergies.)
I am considering if I should call the dentist. I had a cleaning in March, and I had no cavities or any other problems. But, of course, I worry that I need something drastic, like a root canal. Or that I have an infected, uh, something. Or that the infection is going to spread through my body and I will diiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!
I know, I'm so rational! *sigh*
If it hurts worse or isn't ANY better tomorrow, I will call and see what they say, I guess. gah
--------------
Why is it so friggin' cold when it's almost May? And why is it not helping my allergies GO AWAY?!
--------------
I had a meeting last night (and a surprise baby shower for a friend!) and it just happened to be at a favorite restaurant. I spent $6 on a huge Mambo Taxi (frozen margarita swirled with Sangria) and it was totally worth it.
--------------
The baby stayed home with Daddy and the big kids last night and even though I left a bottle, she SLEPT most of the time and went 7 whole hours without eating! She slept in her own bed until 12:30 for the first time ever. She must have heard the specialist say on Monday that we could let her sleep through the night and didn't have to wake her up to feed her anymore. (Wake HER up! HAHAHAHA! As if that's ever happened!)
--------------
D came home to me laying on the floor with the baby, with tears in my eyes, asking why she would want to do this to me. She is getting up on her hands and knees more and more and although she has only achieved backward or circular motion, I know The Crawling is coming. She will only 5 months old on the 2nd?! Why must my last child grow up as fast as the others?
Speaking of that, D has his follow up appointment tomorrow and I fully expect that he will be told we can no longer have children (or he can't I suppose.) That was the point, but it's still a little bit... sad. I know we're done, I KNOW it. It's just that we're done and it's so final.
Things I had done before 6:30AM:
*Made coffee
*Started dishwasher
*Started laundry
*Emptied litter box
*Killed 5 million ants in bathroom - a repeat of yesterday
*Fed baby
*Got 2 bowls of cereal, and changed 2 diapers
*Broke up 4 fights
*Dealt with one, very long, irrational tantrum from a child who is really old enough to NOT DO THAT
*Checked email
*Worried about tooth pain/headache and wondered if I should call dentist
------------
OK, so since I'm on child #4, baby proofing is not new to me. However, for the first time I have had to buy a refrigerator lock. Child3 is finding all new ways to get into trouble. After 3 broken eggs and a whole bag of apples with ONE bite taken out of them I finally decided to spend a couple bucks and save my sanity. It's kind of a pain in the ass because now the older two children can't get in the refrigerator either, which means I have to do more for them and they can't even get their cups out without help. Still... probably less time consuming than cleaning up broken eggs off the floor every day. Lord help me when he figures out how to climb out of his crib. The time he is in bed is the ONLY time I can fully relax.
Calling him "Our Little Destroyer" is such a fitting nickname that it's not really funny anymore. Self fulfilling prophecy?
Hmm, maybe we should call him Angel instead. He is so sweet and happy, but he sure can be a stinker.
On the other hand, if you're on a diet, consider a fridge lock. I find I'm eating less because it's a pain to open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary.
-----------------
My gum is hurting like crazy on one side. It feels like I'm growing a molar or something. Considering I had my wisdom teeth out in college, I don't think that's it. Now, this morning, my head hurts on that side. (But I also have a runny nose and slightly sore throat - thx Allergies.)
I am considering if I should call the dentist. I had a cleaning in March, and I had no cavities or any other problems. But, of course, I worry that I need something drastic, like a root canal. Or that I have an infected, uh, something. Or that the infection is going to spread through my body and I will diiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!
I know, I'm so rational! *sigh*
If it hurts worse or isn't ANY better tomorrow, I will call and see what they say, I guess. gah
--------------
Why is it so friggin' cold when it's almost May? And why is it not helping my allergies GO AWAY?!
--------------
I had a meeting last night (and a surprise baby shower for a friend!) and it just happened to be at a favorite restaurant. I spent $6 on a huge Mambo Taxi (frozen margarita swirled with Sangria) and it was totally worth it.
--------------
The baby stayed home with Daddy and the big kids last night and even though I left a bottle, she SLEPT most of the time and went 7 whole hours without eating! She slept in her own bed until 12:30 for the first time ever. She must have heard the specialist say on Monday that we could let her sleep through the night and didn't have to wake her up to feed her anymore. (Wake HER up! HAHAHAHA! As if that's ever happened!)
--------------
D came home to me laying on the floor with the baby, with tears in my eyes, asking why she would want to do this to me. She is getting up on her hands and knees more and more and although she has only achieved backward or circular motion, I know The Crawling is coming. She will only 5 months old on the 2nd?! Why must my last child grow up as fast as the others?
Speaking of that, D has his follow up appointment tomorrow and I fully expect that he will be told we can no longer have children (or he can't I suppose.) That was the point, but it's still a little bit... sad. I know we're done, I KNOW it. It's just that we're done and it's so final.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The perfect turquoise purse
I apologize in advance for this frivolous post.
I have wanted, and been searching for, the perfect turquoise purse for quite some time. I have looked in so many stores that I lost count. I've found lots of lovely purses (and bought one or two). I had not found *the* purse though - until this weekend.
We went on a mom's getaway this weekend. There were 8 of us mom's but we kind of split into groups of 5 and 3. My friend T was looking for a purse too, and we'd looked in several stores but hadn't found what we were looking for. She stopped at one more before we left, and I didn't even go in. I looked through the window but didn't see anything I really liked. I had given up on finding the purse for now.
BUT - T called me in and I went to see what she had found. She had found the perfect purse! They had orange, red, and TURQUOISE! I knew it was the one! (T and I are purse twins now, she got orange!)
It was *the* purse. And? It was on sale for only $19.99. A soft, beautiful, leather purse with plenty of pockets and a perfect cell phone pocket. (a requirement) Seriously, it's so soft. It seems wrong to love a purse this much... but...
Look at all these pockets! It's big enough for diaper bag/purse use! Oh wait... more pockets!
Cell phone pocket:
This is seriously a requirement for a person who can never find their cell phone in the bottom of their purse.
I know it seems wrong to be so excited over a purse, but I basically spent the whole weekend - and most of the last 5 years - buying things for everyone else in my family - which IS fun, don't get me wrong - but this? This was something I wanted just for me - and I love it.
I have wanted, and been searching for, the perfect turquoise purse for quite some time. I have looked in so many stores that I lost count. I've found lots of lovely purses (and bought one or two). I had not found *the* purse though - until this weekend.
We went on a mom's getaway this weekend. There were 8 of us mom's but we kind of split into groups of 5 and 3. My friend T was looking for a purse too, and we'd looked in several stores but hadn't found what we were looking for. She stopped at one more before we left, and I didn't even go in. I looked through the window but didn't see anything I really liked. I had given up on finding the purse for now.
BUT - T called me in and I went to see what she had found. She had found the perfect purse! They had orange, red, and TURQUOISE! I knew it was the one! (T and I are purse twins now, she got orange!)
I know it seems wrong to be so excited over a purse, but I basically spent the whole weekend - and most of the last 5 years - buying things for everyone else in my family - which IS fun, don't get me wrong - but this? This was something I wanted just for me - and I love it.
Friday, April 23, 2010
WINNER!
Yay!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day & Recycle Give Away
So... I sort of forgot it was Earth Day until I read about it on, well, ALL of your blogs. heh
In honor of Earth Day I'm going to list all the "green" things we do around here - and I'll conveniently leave out all the NOT green things we do- and then? I'll tell you about a give away!
We recycle. The city picks up plastic, cans and newspapers but we have to take our cardboard and glass across town ourselves. Kind of a pain but worth it when you see just how much cardboard we end up recycling.
We compost. Between the compost and recycling, we end up having a lot less trash. The compost makes our garden grow beautifully too!
We garden. We have quite a large garden and I really enjoy having fresh produce. We also recently planted two pear and apple trees, a peach tree and some blackberry, raspberry and grape vines. We also planted 2 blueberry bushes last year.
We have a "natural" lawn. We don't have a lawn service or use pesticides or chemicals. We also have LOT of weeds, but it saves us money and doesn't use chemicals.
We use less paper. We use cloth diapers at home, during the day. We use towels & cloth napkins instead of paper towels. When cleaning, I use rags instead of paper towels. I use a diva cup and re-usable pads instead of disposable feminine products.We do still buy paper towels, but try not to use many. I buy the recycled ones as well.
We try to conserve energy. We have a clothes line. I try to use it for sheets and diapers instead of using the dryer. I'm not great at remembering this, but every time counts for something, right?
We open windows and doors in nice weather and to let light in instead of using the A/C and ceiling lights. I don't go crazy with this though. If it gets over 75 in the house, the A/C is coming on.
We have a pot under our A/C pipe-thingy that catches the water it spits out. We use it to water our potted flowers.
We try to use re-usable containers instead of plastic bags. We also have a variety of cloth bags, although I have to admit that I forget to use them at least half the time. I'm trying to do better. We do save and re-use the plastic store bags, either as trash bags, for picking up dog waste from the back yard, or sometimes we take them back to the store where they will recycle them.
I have a Kindle. The environment had absolutely ZERO to do with it, but it does save paper, so it counts I think. hehe
Now, on to the give away! In fact - my very FIRST give away EVER!
In honor of Earth Day I'm going to send someone a box of STUFF! It will depend on who wins, as to what I will send, but it will be gently used stuff in the spirit of recycling. (books, gently used baby clothing, a gift that ended up in my re-gift closet... etc)
To enter:
Post a comment. That is all. (Open to people in the contiguous 48 states only please, sorry.)
The random number generator thingy will pick a winner. Contest ends at midnight tonight and I'll draw for, and post, a winner tomorrow.
In honor of Earth Day I'm going to list all the "green" things we do around here - and I'll conveniently leave out all the NOT green things we do- and then? I'll tell you about a give away!
We recycle. The city picks up plastic, cans and newspapers but we have to take our cardboard and glass across town ourselves. Kind of a pain but worth it when you see just how much cardboard we end up recycling.
We compost. Between the compost and recycling, we end up having a lot less trash. The compost makes our garden grow beautifully too!
We garden. We have quite a large garden and I really enjoy having fresh produce. We also recently planted two pear and apple trees, a peach tree and some blackberry, raspberry and grape vines. We also planted 2 blueberry bushes last year.
We have a "natural" lawn. We don't have a lawn service or use pesticides or chemicals. We also have LOT of weeds, but it saves us money and doesn't use chemicals.
We use less paper. We use cloth diapers at home, during the day. We use towels & cloth napkins instead of paper towels. When cleaning, I use rags instead of paper towels. I use a diva cup and re-usable pads instead of disposable feminine products.We do still buy paper towels, but try not to use many. I buy the recycled ones as well.
We try to conserve energy. We have a clothes line. I try to use it for sheets and diapers instead of using the dryer. I'm not great at remembering this, but every time counts for something, right?
We open windows and doors in nice weather and to let light in instead of using the A/C and ceiling lights. I don't go crazy with this though. If it gets over 75 in the house, the A/C is coming on.
We have a pot under our A/C pipe-thingy that catches the water it spits out. We use it to water our potted flowers.
We try to use re-usable containers instead of plastic bags. We also have a variety of cloth bags, although I have to admit that I forget to use them at least half the time. I'm trying to do better. We do save and re-use the plastic store bags, either as trash bags, for picking up dog waste from the back yard, or sometimes we take them back to the store where they will recycle them.
I have a Kindle. The environment had absolutely ZERO to do with it, but it does save paper, so it counts I think. hehe
Now, on to the give away! In fact - my very FIRST give away EVER!
In honor of Earth Day I'm going to send someone a box of STUFF! It will depend on who wins, as to what I will send, but it will be gently used stuff in the spirit of recycling. (books, gently used baby clothing, a gift that ended up in my re-gift closet... etc)
To enter:
Post a comment. That is all. (Open to people in the contiguous 48 states only please, sorry.)
The random number generator thingy will pick a winner. Contest ends at midnight tonight and I'll draw for, and post, a winner tomorrow.
Random Thursday, what else?
Do I do anything except random lists around here anymore?
* Have I mentioned yet how much the Diva Cup is AWESOME? NO? Ah, well. It is. It's not really the kind of thing I want to talk about on my blog, but go google it or something.
* I need a hair cut. My hair is getting too long and it neeeeeeeds to be thinned very badly. It's been 2 years since I had it thinned and when I say that I have thick hair I am not exaggerating. It's also curly/wavy so that makes matters worse.
* I'm watching the cats chase each other around the house and Rocket is definitely aptly named.
* I made split pea soup for dinner last night for the first time. Meh. Not a fan. Do you have a good recipe for it? Granted, it was a Weight Watchers recipe, but can you say BLAND? Yik.
* This might be the worst random list evah.
* You know your dirt is too hard when moss (the kind that grows on tree trunks and wet rocks) grows on your "lawn" and your attempt to break it up results in bent tines on the hand tiller. Nice.
* Regardless, our garden is growing like crazy and the apple, peach and pear trees are all taking off too.
* I've thought about getting a job just so I could take business trips.
* I kid.
* Mostly.
* Have I mentioned yet how much the Diva Cup is AWESOME? NO? Ah, well. It is. It's not really the kind of thing I want to talk about on my blog, but go google it or something.
* I need a hair cut. My hair is getting too long and it neeeeeeeds to be thinned very badly. It's been 2 years since I had it thinned and when I say that I have thick hair I am not exaggerating. It's also curly/wavy so that makes matters worse.
* I'm watching the cats chase each other around the house and Rocket is definitely aptly named.
* I made split pea soup for dinner last night for the first time. Meh. Not a fan. Do you have a good recipe for it? Granted, it was a Weight Watchers recipe, but can you say BLAND? Yik.
* This might be the worst random list evah.
* You know your dirt is too hard when moss (the kind that grows on tree trunks and wet rocks) grows on your "lawn" and your attempt to break it up results in bent tines on the hand tiller. Nice.
* Regardless, our garden is growing like crazy and the apple, peach and pear trees are all taking off too.
* I've thought about getting a job just so I could take business trips.
* I kid.
* Mostly.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday's random too
* My tailbone still hurts from Miss L's pregnancy. It's been too long now. I might actually have to give in and go to physical therapy.
* These cats are too cute. They are constantly loving on each other, bathing each other, sleeping on each other. Best. Decision. Ever.
* I'm lucky! Today I found a 4 leaf clover for the first time ever!
* This weekend is a girl's weekend. I'm spending the night away from 3 of the 4 children and hubby."Excited" just really doesn't cut it. I am definitely looking forward to a little break.
* Miss L had some blood work done on Friday and, unfortunately, it didn't come back as well as we hoped. Due to her being on a high dose of steroids for quite awhile, her natural cortisol level is now slightly low. We have opted to re-test in 3 months, but have to give her a dose of steroids if she gets sick before she gets re-tested. We'll have to keep that on hand for the next few months. Hopefully, she won't get sick and in 3 months her levels will be fine. That's what I'm hoping for, I'm not even sure what we'll do otherwise.
* When anyone tells me to "Simmer down!" it makes me see RED and I want to RIP their face off. *ahem* Not that I have any rage triggers, obv.
* I've been looking for AGES for the perfect purse, preferably in turquoise. Odd? I don't know, but I WANT. Maybe I'll find one this weekend. Not that I really NEED another purse...
* These cats are too cute. They are constantly loving on each other, bathing each other, sleeping on each other. Best. Decision. Ever.
* I'm lucky! Today I found a 4 leaf clover for the first time ever!
* This weekend is a girl's weekend. I'm spending the night away from 3 of the 4 children and hubby."Excited" just really doesn't cut it. I am definitely looking forward to a little break.
* Miss L had some blood work done on Friday and, unfortunately, it didn't come back as well as we hoped. Due to her being on a high dose of steroids for quite awhile, her natural cortisol level is now slightly low. We have opted to re-test in 3 months, but have to give her a dose of steroids if she gets sick before she gets re-tested. We'll have to keep that on hand for the next few months. Hopefully, she won't get sick and in 3 months her levels will be fine. That's what I'm hoping for, I'm not even sure what we'll do otherwise.
* When anyone tells me to "Simmer down!" it makes me see RED and I want to RIP their face off. *ahem* Not that I have any rage triggers, obv.
* I've been looking for AGES for the perfect purse, preferably in turquoise. Odd? I don't know, but I WANT. Maybe I'll find one this weekend. Not that I really NEED another purse...
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Update on Miss L's hemangioma
Miss L has been being treated for her hemangioma since early February. The difference is astounding!
She's no longer on steroids, she's perfectly healthy and will continue on Propranolol until she's between 9-12 months old.
She's no longer on steroids, she's perfectly healthy and will continue on Propranolol until she's between 9-12 months old.
Friday, April 16, 2010
My Favorite Room
In general, I love most everything about my house. Sometimes the kitchen is my favorite. Sometimes it's the play room. Sometimes it's the living room. It depends on my mood, the season, and a million other different things. Right now, during this beautiful spring, my favorite room is our screened in porch.
SO- What is YOUR favorite room right now? Blog about it, I'd love to see pictures!
Walk with me through these double doors...
To the right we have a small table where we have "picnics" during nice weather.
To the left we have the fantastic bench my dad built into the walls for us!
How smart was he to put a rounded edge on it?! Genius.
There's also a seating area:
d was rocking Rocket in this picture, and singing to him. I love these rocking chairs!
Yes, that's a makeshift table. It works for a foot rest or a coffee cup, and isn't that all that really matters?
I love the fan D & my dad put in over the winter, and although we haven't used it much yet, I know I'll be grateful for it in the hot Alabama summer!
Most days, if I have a spare minute, I can be found right here:
It doesn't hurt that we have a lovely view, song birds, shade, and lots of visiting hummingbirds.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Cranberry Chicken Salad
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced. (or about 2 cups of diced chicken. )
1 large leek, chopped and slightly sauteed.
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 to 3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 - 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
Mix, chill, eat on crackers, bread or in a wrap.
1 large leek, chopped and slightly sauteed.
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 to 3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 - 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
Random Thursday
* D comes home today! Hallelujah!
* Have you seen this site? Spokeo.com Type in your name and see what comes up. Then, go here, and remove your listing if you choose. They knew waaay too much info about me, and it irritated me. I would set up a different email address though, so they don't have your real one.
* This weekend my inlaws are coming.
* My parents left today. My dad put up a trellis, and built us a bench for our porch while he was here. They helped out with the kids, and kept me company and distracted me from being depressed during D's long business trip. I have the best parents!
* The weather is beautiful and absolutely perfect, but my allergies are killing me. I normally do not have bad allergies, but this is a bad spring for allergies, apparently. I can't even wear contacts because I feel like I have sand paper in my eyes. Good thing I got all those cute glasses, huh?
* Next weekend, a few of my friends and I are headed to a (mostly) kid-free shopping trip!! D is staying home with the boys for Saturday, Saturday night and part of Sunday. Miss L will have to come with me, but she's pretty easy so it will still be a nice break. SHOPPING! Woot!
* I made the most delicious chicken salad yesterday! I liked it so much I'm going to make it today too.
Recipe:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 large leek, white part only, chopped and slightly sauteed. (You can use celery, but I hate it)
1/2 to 3/4 cup light mayo
1/2 cup cranberries
Mix. Eat. Enjoy.
I ate mine on an oat bran/flax seed wrap and it was delish! Next time I'm going to try it with about 1/2 a cup of sunflower seeds.
* Right now I'm wishing, yet again, that my parents lived closer by about 8 hours.
* Have you seen this site? Spokeo.com Type in your name and see what comes up. Then, go here, and remove your listing if you choose. They knew waaay too much info about me, and it irritated me. I would set up a different email address though, so they don't have your real one.
* This weekend my inlaws are coming.
* My parents left today. My dad put up a trellis, and built us a bench for our porch while he was here. They helped out with the kids, and kept me company and distracted me from being depressed during D's long business trip. I have the best parents!
* The weather is beautiful and absolutely perfect, but my allergies are killing me. I normally do not have bad allergies, but this is a bad spring for allergies, apparently. I can't even wear contacts because I feel like I have sand paper in my eyes. Good thing I got all those cute glasses, huh?
* Next weekend, a few of my friends and I are headed to a (mostly) kid-free shopping trip!! D is staying home with the boys for Saturday, Saturday night and part of Sunday. Miss L will have to come with me, but she's pretty easy so it will still be a nice break. SHOPPING! Woot!
* I made the most delicious chicken salad yesterday! I liked it so much I'm going to make it today too.
Recipe:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 large leek, white part only, chopped and slightly sauteed. (You can use celery, but I hate it)
1/2 to 3/4 cup light mayo
1/2 cup cranberries
Mix. Eat. Enjoy.
I ate mine on an oat bran/flax seed wrap and it was delish! Next time I'm going to try it with about 1/2 a cup of sunflower seeds.
* Right now I'm wishing, yet again, that my parents lived closer by about 8 hours.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dear O,
I can't help but feel that your babyhood was cut way too short. You became a big brother at the ripe old age of 13 months old. Being the middle child myself, I've always tried to be sensitive to you, and I feel like we can relate on a special level. Of course, you aren't the middle child anymore, and you have accepted yet another sibling into our lives. You are my sweet, sensitive, loving little boy. You make me love you and you drive me crazy in a million different ways every day. It's hard to believe that in my mind you still look like this:
Monday, April 12, 2010
everything but the kitchen sink...
* D is gone on a 10 day business trip. Yeah.
* My parents came down torescue help me. They got here Friday evening and we went to a Spring Fling party on Saturday. At least a dozen people at the party started vomiting late Sunday night/early Monday morning. Food poisoning? Virus? I don't know, but my poor dad threw up all night and has barely been able to walk around today. I'm hoping it's not contagious, but my whole house smells like Lysol and Clorox now anyway.
* D is traveling and there were about 10 people who went about the same time as him, but only 3 people are left now. One of them is a woman, which is no biggie, right?
Except they are now sharing a car. No biggie again.
Except they're going to dinner together every night. If you knew my husband you would know how odd this is for him. He is very quiet, and has NEVER had women friends except for ME and MY friends.
And she asked him to go skiing with her this weekend. (He declined.) I don't want to feel jealous or irritated. I don't WANT to, but...
* Happier note:
Meet our new kitty! I had to take some cardboard to the recycling center, which just happens to be right behind our local animal shelter. We stopped in and took one look at his furry little face and fell in love. He's already neutered, so we got to bring him home right away. We had a naming discussion in the car on the way home and the kids decided his name should be Rocket Tree Light Mud RealLastName. We'll just call him Rocket for short, per my suggestion.
Peso wasn't too sure about this new little guy, at first. Notice: fat tail.
Now they chase each other through the house and I've caught Peso bathing Rocket more than once. So sweet!
* My parents came down to
* D is traveling and there were about 10 people who went about the same time as him, but only 3 people are left now. One of them is a woman, which is no biggie, right?
Except they are now sharing a car. No biggie again.
Except they're going to dinner together every night. If you knew my husband you would know how odd this is for him. He is very quiet, and has NEVER had women friends except for ME and MY friends.
And she asked him to go skiing with her this weekend. (He declined.) I don't want to feel jealous or irritated. I don't WANT to, but...
* Happier note:
Meet our new kitty! I had to take some cardboard to the recycling center, which just happens to be right behind our local animal shelter. We stopped in and took one look at his furry little face and fell in love. He's already neutered, so we got to bring him home right away. We had a naming discussion in the car on the way home and the kids decided his name should be Rocket Tree Light Mud RealLastName. We'll just call him Rocket for short, per my suggestion.
Now they chase each other through the house and I've caught Peso bathing Rocket more than once. So sweet!
Friday, April 09, 2010
That'll be eleventy billion dollars, please.
What is up with the airline industry? It's always been rather expensive to fly, but it seems things are just getting ridiculous now. We almost never fly anymore, and now that C is about to turn 2 we'll fly even less since that's 5 tickets instead of 4. (Last time we flew they checked O's birth certificate - he was 18mo - and C is BIG for a 2 year old so I'm sure they'd check his too.)
Have you seen the new things they want to charge for? Going to the bathroom? Carry on luggage?!
Give me a freakin' break. What else are they going to start charging for? Air? Seat belts? Toilet paper?!
Tiny seats and grumpy employees? Oh, wait...
For example, let's just break down the cost my family would currently incur to fly from Birmingham, AL to the Dallas/Ft Worth area on the second weekend in May. The flight is about 1.5 hours. The drive to the airport is about 2 hours.
I just checked airline prices today, so they are obviously subject to change and I used Continental.
(Also, we could fly from our home airport, which is 5 minutes from our house, but tickets were about $220 more expensive PER ticket.)
5 tickets @ $198 each + taxes = $989.00
Cost of parking, 3 days =$30 ?
Luggage, checked, 3 bags (and that's being VERY optimistic) = $75 each way = $150
__________
$1169.00
Now that's without adding in the cost of:
* renting a mini-van or other car that will hold 4 car seats
* gas for driving the 2 hours to the airport, and home again
* and I didn't add what it would cost if these new charges come into effect. ($30-45 for a carry on, a couple bucks for using the bathroom...)
Taking toddlers on an airplane that charges for the bathroom could easily rack up $20 in fees. Sheesh.
Let's not forget the sheer aggravation of lines, security, delays, over-blown prices, 4 kids being drug through the airport, and lay overs. Not to mention stress over behavior on the plane, and the way people look at you when you have ONE small child, much less FOUR - one of whom is bound to be doing something loud and/or annoying. Is it really even worth it?
(In my own situation, there is still between 10-12 hours of traveling in this particular situation. We could drive in almost the same amount of time for a fraction of the cost, but that's neither here nor there. Driving sucks too, don't get me wrong. When will someone invent something better? )
I don't know about you, but I would MUCH rather be charged one fee for the seat and have food, bathroom, bags and everything included. I feel like I'm being nickled and dimed to death for sh*tty service and a bad time. I'd rather just know the WHOLE price up front and decide if I want to pay for it or not.
Dear Airlines - So far it's NOT. I don't see that changing either.
Now, who's up for a road trip?
Have you seen the new things they want to charge for? Going to the bathroom? Carry on luggage?!
Give me a freakin' break. What else are they going to start charging for? Air? Seat belts? Toilet paper?!
Tiny seats and grumpy employees? Oh, wait...
For example, let's just break down the cost my family would currently incur to fly from Birmingham, AL to the Dallas/Ft Worth area on the second weekend in May. The flight is about 1.5 hours. The drive to the airport is about 2 hours.
I just checked airline prices today, so they are obviously subject to change and I used Continental.
(Also, we could fly from our home airport, which is 5 minutes from our house, but tickets were about $220 more expensive PER ticket.)
5 tickets @ $198 each + taxes = $989.00
Cost of parking, 3 days =$30 ?
Luggage, checked, 3 bags (and that's being VERY optimistic) = $75 each way = $150
__________
$1169.00
Now that's without adding in the cost of:
* renting a mini-van or other car that will hold 4 car seats
* gas for driving the 2 hours to the airport, and home again
* and I didn't add what it would cost if these new charges come into effect. ($30-45 for a carry on, a couple bucks for using the bathroom...)
Taking toddlers on an airplane that charges for the bathroom could easily rack up $20 in fees. Sheesh.
Let's not forget the sheer aggravation of lines, security, delays, over-blown prices, 4 kids being drug through the airport, and lay overs. Not to mention stress over behavior on the plane, and the way people look at you when you have ONE small child, much less FOUR - one of whom is bound to be doing something loud and/or annoying. Is it really even worth it?
(In my own situation, there is still between 10-12 hours of traveling in this particular situation. We could drive in almost the same amount of time for a fraction of the cost, but that's neither here nor there. Driving sucks too, don't get me wrong. When will someone invent something better? )
I don't know about you, but I would MUCH rather be charged one fee for the seat and have food, bathroom, bags and everything included. I feel like I'm being nickled and dimed to death for sh*tty service and a bad time. I'd rather just know the WHOLE price up front and decide if I want to pay for it or not.
Dear Airlines - So far it's NOT. I don't see that changing either.
Now, who's up for a road trip?
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Sidetracked...
I was all set to write a rant about flying today, but I got a little sidetracked because I got my new glasses from Zenni in the mail! I'll do the airline thing tomorrow... I'm still ticked about that.
Anyway! New glasses! This was just the package to cheer up the kind of day/week I'm having. Now, I typically wear contacts every time I go out, and only wear glasses at home. I don't really need any of these glasses, much less all of them. HOWEVER, they are so cute and SO SO affordable ($8?!) that I couldn't resist. And now I have extra pairs to keep in my purse in case I need to take out my contacts while I'm out. I had the do that last week and it was miserable because I was basically blind - luckily I wasn't driving!
Here are my glasses that I got from the eye doctor. Not too exciting, but I like them fine.
Some were kind of duds. Like these:
No matter what I did, they were crooked, too big and the lenses weren't quite right. I must have entered the info wrong because I just can't see well out of them. The others are all perfect. I WANTED these to be my favorites, but FAIL.
See how cute?! Oh well. I can still wear them at home.
There were a couple pairs I really liked. Like these:
And these:
The rest varied between good and OK, but I'm still so happy to have gotten them! It seems like wearing glasses is a fun accessory instead of just a necessity now.
More pictures:
blue...
plain with sunglasses...
These aren't my fave, but still interesting and fun. Both are different shades of black and green.
I can't tell you how impressed I was with what I got. I ordered all these glasses and they each came in their own hard case with a little polishing cloth and you simply can't beat the price. I would definitely order from them again.
Anyway! New glasses! This was just the package to cheer up the kind of day/week I'm having. Now, I typically wear contacts every time I go out, and only wear glasses at home. I don't really need any of these glasses, much less all of them. HOWEVER, they are so cute and SO SO affordable ($8?!) that I couldn't resist. And now I have extra pairs to keep in my purse in case I need to take out my contacts while I'm out. I had the do that last week and it was miserable because I was basically blind - luckily I wasn't driving!
Here are my glasses that I got from the eye doctor. Not too exciting, but I like them fine.
Some were kind of duds. Like these:
There were a couple pairs I really liked. Like these:
And these:
The rest varied between good and OK, but I'm still so happy to have gotten them! It seems like wearing glasses is a fun accessory instead of just a necessity now.
More pictures:
plain with sunglasses...
I can't tell you how impressed I was with what I got. I ordered all these glasses and they each came in their own hard case with a little polishing cloth and you simply can't beat the price. I would definitely order from them again.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
really?
I was just trying to remember the last time D and I spent a WHOLE weekend together with just us and the kids, and I couldn't recall one.
Between rugby, d's birthday party, more rugby, traveling, work travel, and his parents coming next weekend, plus an out of town trip for me, then an out of town trip for him, well... it will be mid May before we have a weekend at home together. The craziness started February 6th, so that will be just over 3 months. That is way too much overscheduling.
It's no wonder we look at each other like exhausted strangers. It's no wonder I miss him. It's no wonder I feel like we aren't having enough family time.
The kids haven't even started extracurricular activities yet.
I think we need a shifting of priorities around here.
Between rugby, d's birthday party, more rugby, traveling, work travel, and his parents coming next weekend, plus an out of town trip for me, then an out of town trip for him, well... it will be mid May before we have a weekend at home together. The craziness started February 6th, so that will be just over 3 months. That is way too much overscheduling.
It's no wonder we look at each other like exhausted strangers. It's no wonder I miss him. It's no wonder I feel like we aren't having enough family time.
The kids haven't even started extracurricular activities yet.
I think we need a shifting of priorities around here.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
An update, at last
Phew! Where have I been?! A week has gone by since my last post, and we've been busy. We drove 10 hours to go visit my parents and 10 hours back again, not to mention a million errands, Easter, planting the garden and, somehow, I managed to fit a little shopping in there.
I got Miss L some adorable outfits at Marshall's and the Carter's outlet. The boys all got super cute, new shoes from Target - they were on sale. With this crock post fresh on my mind I also scored myself a great one for under $5 from Marshall's! Here it is in action:
I really just needed it for the fattest tools, they sometimes keep the drawer from closing and D has been complaining about it lately. Problem solved.
I got a cute new tray from Marshall's too. I bought it "for the shower" (I'll explain that in a minute) but really I was just in love:
The spoons are my mom's, but I wish I could have gotten some of them too. Argh! Marshall's could break me!
It was fun shopping with my mom too. We don't get to do that nearly enough. Even better, I'm going to Nashville at the end of the month and I'll get to go shopping again, this time with friends. I'm on a quest to find myself a new purse and Miss L still needs some 12 mo size clothes.
Let's see... we threw a surprise shower for my brother and sister in law. They are having their first child, a boy, in July. I made my first diaper cake!
I also made the egg tree and washcloth lollipops! It was a lot of fun.
I usually sew a blanket for my new nieces and nephews, but this time the first material I bought was all screwed up and then I ran out of time, so I ended up doing a fleece tie blanket instead with this material:
Of course, there was Easter! The kids had a ball, and the Easter Bunny was just a leeeettle bit too generous. I hear that happens when he visits the Grandparents house. *ahem*
Tomorrow I'm going to let the kids eat a bunch of candy and then I'm throwing the rest away. I just can't have it around. I'm lucky I didn't gain 5 pounds while we were gone.
After the egg hunt, the kids were exhausted! The weather was beautiful while we there, and we were sad to go home, especially since D is traveling for 10 days and, well, that's never fun.
Oh, and Miss L had her 4 month (?!!) appointment today and she's doing great! She was off the charts for weight (almost 18 lbs...) and 75th percentile for height. I have a feeling she'll start slowing down once we start solids, which is what most of my other kids have done. (PS - not looking forward to that. I hate baby food and cereal and stuff. I got the OK at her appointment today, but I'm not going to start for awhile.)
She's bigger than both Dane and Owen were at this age, but smaller than Cade was. I seriously love me some fat babies though. I mean, just LOOK at this face:
The worst part of the trip was, as always, the drive. We left Wednesday at 5PM and didn't get to my parents house until 3AM. THAT WAS FUN. not.
The drive back was better. For one thing, the kids were exhausted from several days of non-stopspoiling playing and slept the first part. Then, we got to stop in Memphis and have lunch with D's brother and his wife who live in California but were, luckily, in Memphis for a bit. It was wonderful to see them again, even if it was just for an hour or so. We left my parents around 7AM and got home at 6PM, just in time to rack up another $15 at the kennel since we were just a teeeeny bit too late to pick up Penny. Oh well.
Now we're home again and the weather is lovely and I'm so glad to be here. I always love home more after being away for a few days.
I got a cute new tray from Marshall's too. I bought it "for the shower" (I'll explain that in a minute) but really I was just in love:
The spoons are my mom's, but I wish I could have gotten some of them too. Argh! Marshall's could break me!
It was fun shopping with my mom too. We don't get to do that nearly enough. Even better, I'm going to Nashville at the end of the month and I'll get to go shopping again, this time with friends. I'm on a quest to find myself a new purse and Miss L still needs some 12 mo size clothes.
Let's see... we threw a surprise shower for my brother and sister in law. They are having their first child, a boy, in July. I made my first diaper cake!
I also made the egg tree and washcloth lollipops! It was a lot of fun.
I usually sew a blanket for my new nieces and nephews, but this time the first material I bought was all screwed up and then I ran out of time, so I ended up doing a fleece tie blanket instead with this material:
After the egg hunt, the kids were exhausted! The weather was beautiful while we there, and we were sad to go home, especially since D is traveling for 10 days and, well, that's never fun.
She's bigger than both Dane and Owen were at this age, but smaller than Cade was. I seriously love me some fat babies though. I mean, just LOOK at this face:
I mean, seriously. So. Cute.
The worst part of the trip was, as always, the drive. We left Wednesday at 5PM and didn't get to my parents house until 3AM. THAT WAS FUN. not.
The drive back was better. For one thing, the kids were exhausted from several days of non-stop
Now we're home again and the weather is lovely and I'm so glad to be here. I always love home more after being away for a few days.
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