Time flies

It has been so long since I posted I have no idea what I missed.  I will do my best to post my December Daily (once I find the USB cable for the camera).

Small Successes - 11/5

1) This is a tough one for me this week because I wanted something and did not get it and am having a hard time with it. I know that this is God's plan but I am questioning WHY????

2) Have taken 5 boot camp classes and LOVE IT. I don't even try to make excuses to not go. I wish I could afford to continue this after the 12 sessions are over but we shall see

3) Survived the illness that went around the school -- not the flu per se -- but just a fever for about 72 hours. Annoying.

4) bonus one --- went to all three kids Parent Teacher Conference and everyone is doing great!

'Til next week...

Lynn
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Small Successes

1) started Boot-Camp workout! So far so good.


2) made a menu for the whole week (7 days!) and have stuck to it all but one. That one was due to the fact that my hubby was not home for supper and had 2 sick kids to feed. Don't think steak and potatoes goes with a sick stomach :)


3) took my little one to church on Sunday. Just a mommy and me Mass. It was fun. She just loves to sing at Mass especially the Lamb of God!

Lynn
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Small Successes - 10/22

1) refrained for telling my xxxx off for the way they treat my family. Decided to take the higher road and just include them in my prayers that they will abandon their selfish ways.

2) took the kids to the pork-butcher to buy meat for the week and made meals all week! no going out

3) signed up for a boot camp workout through the kids Upward Sports program. Talk to me next Thursday to find out if it is a good idea or not.

4) kids finished soccer! onto the next activity -- I am thinking skating.

finally

they finally called to tell us about their trip --- after the fact.  PLEASE!
----

explain this one to me.....

Dear XXXXX,

Why wouldn't you tell your family (children) when you leave the state to go on vacation?  What if something happened to one of them or their kids? How would we get in touch with you?

I find you both very selfish and rude!  I just don't understand you.

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A personal vent.....

There are some things that I need to get off my chest and they are not pretty....

• what is the deal with xxxxx.  They are so unpredictable it is insane.  They can go weeks without talking to us.  They do not know how to return a phone call.  They get mad at you at the drop of a hat.  They are just irritating. 
• I need a girl-friend in Marion Ohio.  I really really do - one that has nothing to do with work or school.  Where do I find one of these?
• My husband and I need to get out with one another at least once a month.  I now know why my parents were in a bowling league all these years.
• I really dislike how I look.  I am starting to work on this but I need to be vigilant
• I with that I was more Catholic.  I truly love being Catholic.  It was a requirement in my mind that whoever I marry would be Catholic, my kids would be Catholic, they would go to Catholic school, etc.  But I don't know if I  am a true Catholic or not.  I read these blogs from the ladies at CatholicMom or Faith & Family and I feel like a sham.  There was so much in my past that I did that did not embrace the faith.  Today it is different but I still feel something is missing.  WHAT could that be?????

I think that is it for now....  Thank you for listening

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Small Successes - Oct 15

1. Got the seasonal flu shots for the kids and myself - husband gets his next week. Well the kids got the nasal flu vaccine. Now need to schedule the H1N1 shots for the kids, myself & husband.
2. Applied for a new job - we shall see.
3. Started walking with the Buckeyes and am out walking 2x a week and doing Leslie Sansone 2x a week.
4. BONUS - on our 4th cycle of NFP - Marquette and I think we are finally getting it!

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long time not positng

I wish I had a good reason why I am not blogging/posting right now. It just seems as if I have nothing to say. The kids are doing well! Tony is doing well! and I am doing fine! Started walking again. I need to get out there each and every day. I am contmeplating Columbus 2010! We shall see.

Welcome Fall!!!

It is offically fall in Ohio! It is cold and grey. The sky is falling and the winds are blowing coldly. I know some people think fall starts with football season. I think fall starts when the weather offically turns in my eyes.

That day was 9/28.

Welcome Weekend

I love Fridays.... it is my off day for the most part. I get to send the kids off to school and laze around. And that is exactly what I do -- LAZE!

Today there was a tiny hicup I got to laze with my baby girl today. The little one, Miss Colleen, has had a sty in her left eye all week. It is ugly - her eye is black and blue. Looks like she got into a brawl. Well this AM the sty broke and there was blood. So I let her stay home just in case it started to bleed at school.

So she and I lazed around. We started the day at Starbucks... me with a carmel machiato and her with a kids coffee (AKA hot chocolate) and we split a cinnamon roll (isn't that what girlfriends do :) )

We then came home and watched so PBS Kids, played on the Wii and the PC. We had fun. We ended the afternoon resting on the sofa watching Miss Spider before we had to leave to pick up the boys.

Thanks Miss C for such a lovely kickoff to the weekend!

Love, MOMMY

Small Successes

1. made it through my works brainstorming session (see 9/15 post) without popping off about how annoying it is and what a huge waste of time.
2. getting my stuff organzied for Bear scouts (we start Monday)
3. I am still getting the kids out of the house with time to spare each morning. No yelling, no crying, just going....

Work -- what a joke

Today at work we did a workshop on brainstorming. In my short 3.5 year tenure with this group this is the 6th time we have done this task. The management team has done it at least 3x without me. Each time it results in the same old same old --- NOTHING.

We sit and give ideas on where we want to be, what we want to do, how we plan to do it and there it lies. It just sits in storage. I can pull out all the others and wallpaper our entire office space with these storyboards, plans, etc...... WHY DO WE DO THIS....

Another weird thing is that each time it is a different facilitator. I think they are thinking if we find someone new they will tell us what we want to hear. WHO KNOWS....

I need a new job.... I need to pray on this. Please Lord help me down this path.....

XO

Saturday in the park

it is definately not the 4th of July......

Today we have soccer for the kids. C at 10 and the boys at 12 noon. I hope they continue their winning streaks!

After the boys game we are heading North for our nephews birthday!

Small Successes

Haven't done this in like forever......

1) I am taking the kids to school each morning (DH used to do this before he switched shifts) and I have not lost my temper at a late running child. I noticed when I do not 'rush' them they get together fine.

2) Talked to my oldest teacher about homework responsibilites. We missed parent-teacher so this was good. She let us know he is fine and we are on track.

3) Spent a weekend with my DH without kiddos! Thanks mom & dad

--

What a hectic weekend

This weekend was very hectic.....

Thursday was dance and we were late! What a shocker. It was just me & Colleen and we were late.

Friday - I had blood drawn fun stuff and then got the car washed. On the way to the car wash I proceeded to spill my coffee in my lap (NICE). That afternoon we picked up the kids from school and then hung out a little before heading up to Ashland to meet my parents. Of course we were late -- get the theme here

Saturday - we went to the OSU v Navy game. FUN TIME!!!! will post pictures later. Navy lost but they gave those Buckeye's a scare. I bumped into a long ago friend of mine who is moving to Chicago-land in the months to come. We are getting together on Wednesday for dinner. We went to Mongolian BBQ for dinner -- great food!!!! Then we went home and I went to sleep at 8 PM.

Sunday - we overslept and missed Mass. Then we headed north to Cleveland to pick up the kids and head over to my BIL & SIL's new house for a Labor Day BBQ. It was nice but I was working a migraine so not so much fun for me. The kids had a blast playing the drum and in their basement. On the way home we stopped at Donato's, Target and Millers for ice cream. It felt as if we were in the car all day.

Monday - the kids and I headed over to UP & AS for the day. The day started icky with a rainstorm but cleared up on our way there. Everyone played the Wii and then went outside until the Mosquito's started eating us. I was still work the migraine but oh well.

Today we are back to work and school. Only good thing is that there isn't any soccer or dance practices this week! YEAH.

-

Looking ahead

Today is the start of my weekend! Since I only work 4 days a week, I get every Friday off. This weekend we have a whole lot going on starting tonight.

Thursday: Colleen has dance from 5 to 6, so it will just be a boys night for Tony. Hopefully they have fun

Friday: I have to get some blood work done. It is dress down day for the kids. It was one of my favorite things when I was in Catholic school. After school we are taking the kids up North to spend time with my parents.

Saturday: Tony & I are going to the OSU v. Navy football game and pre-game tailgate with the alumni associations. After that we are headed to Whole Foods/Mongolian BBQ for dinner desert. The kids are also having a good time -- they are going to the Indians Game for T Hafner Bobblehead

Sunday: We are heading up to Cleveland to pick up the kids and visit my BIL and SIL at their new home. They are having a BBQ. Then we are shopping for Anthony's birthday.

Monday: Happy Labor Day! Nothing planned yet but I am working on somethings for me and the kids. Tony will be sleeping during the day to get ready for 3rd.

Happy Birthday Honey!!

Today is Tony's 42nd birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I Love you!

Another busy weekend

Today is the start of another busy weekend in Marion.
We have to get ready for Tony's birthday BBQ tonight. We need to hit the grocery store tonight or early tomorrow. The house has to be cleaned up. Laundry has to be finished. A whole bunch of stuff that I put off.

Tomorrow - we have soccer from 11 to 1. Then family comes over at 2 for BBQ.

Sunday - the kids and I are headed to Polaris in order to let Tony sleep. He starts 3rd shift for the next two months.

Mid Week - Mid Life - Mid Cycle

It is the middle of the week. Why have these last few weeks, day, etc seem to drag on. Today the kids were supposed to go to Mass but for some reason they did not. Also, it is meet the teacher night and we are passing because I just do not feel up to it. I have no desire to walk around the hot school. It is 81 right now. In the kids backpack was info about their first fundraiser. The h&s wants to make $10,000 on this one fund raisers. It is mums in a pumpkin container. They cost 14.99 or 16.99 and they expect each kids to sell 16. I have 3 kinds in the school --- that is 48 mum plants at avg $16. This comes to $768 -- who do I write the check to! They are flipping nuts.

Speaking for flipping nuts.... the school bus this year may not fly. They are dropping the kids off on the main street between my street and a street east of us. I don't see the kids dropped off at all. They used to drop them at the door. I think we are going to start picking the kids up at school. I am not to excited about the bus this year at all. Big disappointment.

I am fell very old and very fat lately. The fat is my fault but I am going to start walking for 'hit the road with the buckeyes" I am the team leader --- My goal is 2 miles after work daily and then as many steps throughout the day as possible. I hope my mom gets Tony that Wii game that will be something we can do together. Feeling old is just that I so tired lately.

Mid Cycle ---- Tony & I are doing NFP - Marquette method This is cycle 2 and it is going fine but it is not easy. But what in life is.

Also, I have an interview for a full-time position in Columbus tomorrow. I am so worried that it will prove that I am a fraud at what I do.

Make a Smilebox postcard

photo's from the first day.....

Patrick waiting in line

Daniel waiting in line

Colleen waiting in line

Colleen, Patrick, Daniel

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for the kids. P is now in 3rd grade, D is in the 2nd and Miss C is starting Kindergarten. It is a sad/happy day! I am so glad that they are at school and I know they will do well and have fun. I am sad that my babies are growing up. I will have photos and stuff to post later.

Dance lessons!

Today we signed Miss C up for dance lessons. They start on the 27th. I hope she enjoys herself.

I need a nap.......

I am so tired it hurts!

I was not able to sleep yesterday due to several factors: 1) it was too warm , 2) I bruised my elbow and everytime I leaned on it PAIN, 3) I started to read Mommywood and had trouble putting it down, 4) it was warm, and 5) Tony was still not home from work (Don't know what I will do once he is on 3rd and gone all night.

Now I am at work and can barely stay awake. My latte is not helping me at all.

Summer is nearly over....

A week from today the kids go back to school. I am very happy about this and 2 of the 3 are excited. The one that isn't does not surprise me. This child never seems to be excited about much except for the Wii or playing on the PC.

I need to vent about things today particularly how people can not call you back. To me there is nothing worse than leaving a message either on the machine or to a person and then no call back. This seems to happen a heck of a lot with some members of our extended family. This family will complain that they never see us but when we call to invite ourselves to their home or them to ours (is that proper English) they say we shall get back to you. About 90% of the time we must call them back. If you are going to get back to us --- get back to us!!!!

Family Wedding

This past weekend my cousin Greg was married to his new wife Valerie. Aren't they adorable.

Only problem was that I was sick as a dog. My kids enjoyed tearing up the dance floor and trust me they tried to both figuratively and literally!

Have fun kids....

My kids are with my parents tonight! I hope they have a fun time. They are headed to my cousin Greg's wedding a day early. I hope they get in some swimming. Our pool has not been well this year so they haven't had mush swimming fun.

kids again.....

I have a child who refuses to wash their hands after going to the bathroom. I have to actually stand in the doorway to make sure the hands are washed. If we are out and about (restaurant, etc.) they get washed happily. I think it is the seduction of not being home... who knows.

Anyhow... today I walked into the bathroom and notice that this child did not flush the toilet -- therefore probably did not wash the hands. I called said child inside from playing to flush the toilet and then sent them to their room while I thought about what to do. After calming down (I was HOT) I had a talk with this child informing them that they are not a potty training 3 year old who you can let slide if they do not flush. That they are xxx age and in grade school. We flush and wash at that age. Their excuse was "I forgot, I had to go outside and play". I decided that the proper punishment was to write 10x the following

1. wipe my bottom
2. pull up my pants
3. FLUSH
4. Wash hands

Needless to say the child was not happy... but they did the task after about 1/2 hour of crying and noticing the rest of us were having fun without them.

I just do not understand this child sometimes......

why?????

Ever get an offer that is to good to be true! or that you are to proud to accept?

That is the position I am in right now.... HELP

Kids.....

I love my kids -- truly I do. After writing this I think what kind of mom needs to validate that she loves her kids.... well after yesterday I think I am that kind of mom. A lot of what I am going to write is brought on by myself. I started the reward process for behaving in public so now (until I figure out how to change it) will have to suffer it consequences.

Yesterday was school shopping day! We headed to the mall to buy new tennis shoes, school supplies and a new bike for Colleen. Usually when we get to the shoe store there is a long wait and the kids get very antsy. I told them if they behaved I would give them each a quarter to buy a gumball. They complied! The next stop was Target for school supplies. We used the cart that the kids can ride in - - that way two could ride and one could walk. Daniel decided to stand the whole time we were moving and when we stopped he tried to stand on the cart. Many times he was told that he need to sit in the cart or walk. He said he would sit if he got something. Well that got him told that he would have to walk around the store since he could not sit. He then 'cried' that i will sit --- promise. This lasted two stops. After Target, we went to TRU to buy the bike. He did well there - no asking for treats/toys/etc. On the way home is when the dam broke! We stopped at Kroger's -- i knew this would be tough. I promised they could play the Wii before bed if we all behaved. Daniel & Colleen decided that it would be fun to act up. They both punched an end of aisle display. I had them fix it but they fixed and punched again. I told them to stop and Miss C stopped. D on the other hand kept it up. He ran up and down the ice cream aisle (to avoid his sister - so he said) while I looked for soy milk (they go rid of our brand) that they would drink. At that point I grabbed Daniel and told him that he must hold onto the cart until I tell him otherwise....

Once we leave the store a new rule is instituted at the Altomari home (at least until I can think of a better approach) --- if you act up at the store, any store the new consequence is you get to go to your room. You are allowed out for the following: meals, potty, and getting ready for bedtime. No matter what time of day or night. Hopefully this helps.

UPDATE 8/5 -- Tony took kids shopping and to the library today. He is sick so Bless him! And the kids behaved. He called to tell me someone took our kids and replaced them with these children. Don't know what he did or said to keep them in line I am glad that they behaved. I LOVE MY KIDS!!!!

Busy Busy Weekend

This was a busy family fun weekend.

Saturday we celebrated my niece's 9th birthday! It was fun as usual. My SIL put out a great spread for the parties. We thought we weren't going because Miss C was sick on Friday (temp was 103.5 at some point during the night before). We had to miss hair appointments that Friday because she was so sick :( Well she seemed better on Friday and had no fever Saturday morning (without medication) so we headed up. Well she did fine until about 4:30 and then she started feeling bad -- that night she had a 101 temp.

Sunday we went canoeing with my brother & sister and their families. Miss C stayed home with Grandma & Grandpa. She seems to have had the better end of the deal. She will get to go canoeing at a later date (once she is better) and she was taken to WalMart shopping and out for ice cream! LUCKY DUCK.

The canoeing was fun! no-one fell in and everyone survived sibling time.

sick children

I am so tired of sick children.... I want them healthy

The month is over part 2.....

Well after our trip to Cleveland we came home and got back into our normal routine.

Patrick was able to invite a friend over for a camp out on the 25th.... The boys had a really good time until it was actually time to sleep. The day started out rainy and dreary but ended up beautiful so Tony set up the tents in the backyard - 1 for Daniel, 1 for Patrick and his friend, and 1 for Tony and Colleen. Once they started to go to sleep -- Daniel kept talking and sent the other two boys into the house. Sunday night Tony was brave and slept outside again with just Colleen.

Now it is the end of the month and I have three sick kids and the sickest (Colleen) refuses to take her medicine because it is a liquid. She has it in her head (and we probably helped it along) that she can not take liquid (she usually does chewables). The three now have sinus infections and are on eye drops. FUN TIME IN MARION

We are finishing off the month up in Cleveland visiting my parents and my sister & her family (in from Scotland). Colleen and I are going to the salon for mommy-daughter time. That should be FUN.

EDIT: We did not go to Cleveland. Miss C was sick with a fever the night before up all night. So we stayed home --- now I need to figure out when I can get my hair cut before Saturday!

The month is over......

where did it go! Well I know it has been a busy and crazy month.

Started with Colleen having an ear infection (7/1). Then we went on vacation to Traverse City, MI - the prettiest place on earth if you ask me. I want to MOVE there but would have to find a job for Tony and something small (part-time) for me! General Mills has a plant about 30 miles away - perhaps they will have an opening soon.

We get back from vacation and Colleen still has the ear infection and then Daniel started having stuff gush out his nose and his eyes. YES!!! I said eyes. He had gunk come out his tear ducts (sinus infection and possible ear). They go to the doctor. Colleen's 2nd appointment in the same number of weeks. Well Colleen and Daniel get NEW medicine to take for this.

The weekend of July 17 was the annual Aukerman Family Reunion/get together. Well that weekend is always what it seems to be -- chaos and no real getting togehter. Everyone sticks to their own cliques within the family (trust me there are cliques in every family). Those who do not "like" you or "like" how you raise your kids or how you drink alchol, etc. It started on Friday when we went out to dinner. The restaurant had a party room that they set up for all 30 of us. Well to accomodate us they set a table for 14 and a table for 16. My brother and I with our kids set at the table for 14 --- there are only 9 of us so there was room for another 5. Well NOONE sat with us. I think it is because they did not want to sit with the kids. My cousin who has 2 of her own did not sit with us because we were having beer with our dinner. PLEASE!!!!! Then we went back to the hotel we were staying at (It was a very nice place and we were all together) and the kids went swimming and everyone broke into their own groups. Saturday is the family picnic which just includes lunch. Last year we played kickball, teeball but no-one seemed interested so we took the kiddos to a playground and a walk around the park. The picnic was at a national park so there was a whole lot for them to do. At the picnic family sat with family and no if ands or buts about it. That night the group broke into 3 to go to baseball games. Some went to see the Indians, some to see the Aeros and the rest stayed at the hotel. Sunday was the last day - family photo day and my cousin and her husband decieded to pack up their car right when we were supposed to take the photo. We waited 20 minutes for them.... So we took it without them! they then arrived and we took a picture with them. After the fact (next day) they apologized but they knew what time the photo PLEASE.

Sunday the 19th we went to the Cleveland Zoo == it was fun. I think the kids liked it. It has been 2 years since we have been there and the first time without a stoller/wagon.

Talk to you later........

6 months down --- 6 to go

Welcome July! the year is over half over and it is good!

Last week we took our clan up north for vacation! FUN FUN FUN! We went to Traveres City, MI and I love it there. I want to move up there. The kids loved it up there (perhaps it is because we stayed at a water park). My husband liked it up there. BIG problem though... jobs. We would need to get jobs or win the lotto.

where have I been

I have been away from this for awhile now... probably because I have been lazy about updating. This is harder than I thought it would be to write daily. Now I know why I did not have a diary as a child :)

Since June 18 --- my middle child turned 7 on me! WOW time flies. Baseball is over YEAH! Summer officially began in Ohio. And working - a whole lot to do there but that is good. It is better than sitting around doing nothing :)

Next week we go on vacation! YEAH my family! I hope it is fun.

Small Successes

My successes this week are:

1) starting to use the Marquette Method this month. Already owned the monitor when TTC why not now..
2) cleaned the living and dining room for Daniel's birthday party on Saturday. My baby boy is turning 7! where did the time go.....
3) transfered plates from my old 97 blazer -- that I loved! My 30th birthday present to me! to our 'new' 99 Chrysler MiniVan

Giveaway

Check this out..... http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/paper-culture-giveaway.html

new color on life or at least the dining room

Today DH is painting the dining room! Only been here 4 years and 10 months and we finally decided to paint. It only took about one month to pick a color .. Olympic Paint Aqua Smoke .....and 2 days to paint.

So far I really like it! Now I have to buy curtains or blinds for the room. Don't need the annoying neighbor kids to look into our windows

here are mine for the past week:

1) Planted our garden. Trying peas this year!
2) Signed the boys up for basketball camp at the highschool. Only had the forms for 2 months and it starts Monday (6/15)
3) Finally had my mammogram & pap done (only 6 months late)

time flies

even if you aren't having fun!

I was able to celebrate my birthday with my husband and kids. We had a cookout -- in the rain :) Then the kids and I went out to Sonic at 8PM for root beer floats. They were free so we had to go!

The boys had their last day of school on the 3rd. They both moved up (not surprised). They both had great report cards!

We then went to Cleveland for a couple of days to visit my parents (well really for me to go to the doctor and get my hair cut and colored). The kids went to see UP and really did not care for it. It was their first time at a movie theatre. Supposedly they did well.

The rest of the weekend was spent at home! I love that!

We planted the garden! Tony primed the dining room walls. We just hug out.

Daniel's Invite

Make a Smilebox invite

Happy Birthday

To ME!! I am 42 today! where has the time gone.

Monday, Monday

Hey it is Monday! I really do not like when they come because that means back to work. Work is a pickle (my new favorite word)! That is all I have to say on the matter.

This is the last week of school for the boys! On Wednesday they are no longer 1st and 2nd graders. This is a sad and great day for the family. I think the boys are ready to move on. I pray that they are challenged next year to work past their ability. I know they tried with P but I am not to sure if it work. I know with D the ball was dropped but I wonder if that was due to his attitude. I hope not.

Yard Sale Day 1

Today was day one of our yard sale. It went as well as expected --- I think. Somethings are selling and others aren't. Clothes are not selling at all - which is shocking. I will have to consign these. The things that aren't selling surprise me! but we shall see.

Tonight P had a ballgame and it rained during it and they played in the rain. HELLO we aren't the Tribe -- they are 2nd and 3rd graders... OH WELL

Small Successes - 3rd week

This is my third time doing this and I do like it. It makes me stop and think of what has gone on this week and what I need to focus on...

1. Let go of baby toys, furniture, clothes, etc... for our yard sale. It is sad that we won't have more babies but I am happy with my three!
2. Followed Sister Patricia words on listening to the Holy Spirit when he calls.
3. Finished reading The Shack. That was a tough one to start but once I got into the rhythm it was easy to finish. I loved that God was a women it gave me great comfort thinking of a mom watching over us. I know Mary is a great mother but I think we need a variety of mom-figures to help us on our way.

Annoyed

Work sure annoys/pisses me off lately.......

Long Weekend

It was a long weekend and I mean that both litterally and figuratively. It started Friday with us running around window shopping for living room furniture and buying paint for the dining room and soil for the garden. My parents came down to watch P play ball. They then took all three kids to my aunt & uncles for the night! THANK YOU!!!! On Saturday - we were supposed to go and buy plants for the garden but we never did -- nor did we do this any other day. Sunday was church and then play - play - play. The kids tried BBQ Ribs and LOVED them or at least they did that day. Sunday night T and the kids camped out in the backyard. I did not since our tent is too small for thrre and C does not have her own backyard tent. Monday was just a lazy day.

Small Successes

For this week:

1) Getting through Mass without a child complaining about the length.
2) Sorting through my daughters baby clothes to consign. It was difficult but I made it through without too many tears.
3) Letting go of anger towards a colleague - it is not worth it.

life

I do not understand why some people feel that what they do is so important that no one else can help them out. It makes absolutely no sense to me! My admin is this type of person. She 'thinks' that only she can do her duties. Which is not true - sometimes people need a little help -- I know I sure do :) She is leaving for 3 days of vacation and you would think she is going to be gone a month or more. OH WELL

my kids are growing up!

This Thursday my baby is done with Preschool :) and :( I can not believe that she will be in Kindergarten next year. She is so excited and would start today if she could. Hopefully that excitement carrys over to the start of the school year when she is there all day.

The boys are getting so independent also. Patrick is 8 and Daniel will be 7. They aren't little kids anymore. I have to accept that but it is hard. They still need me but not as much as I like. Next year - Patrick will be on the third floor of the school for third grade! Daniel is going into 2nd and hopefully it will be a challenge for him - much more than 1st grade was.

lesson's learned

Patrick learned a tough lesson Monday... if you miss school you will NOT be able to play ball. He woke up on Monday complaining of sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, etc (he did not have a fever). Well he complained to daddy who is on 2nd shift so he is home during school hours. Daddy kept him home because he knew that P would probably end up being sent home (if he complains too much they have sent him home). Well P had to stay in his room until 10:30 (when we leave to pick C up from PreK) and then was allowed to rest quietly on the sofa until D came home from school. Dad told him that once D came home he was allowed on the PC and Wii. Well last night was ballgame night - so around 5 P told me he felt much better so can he go to his game. I said NO and I already called coach to tell him as such. I said our rule as well as the schools, if you miss school you are not to participate in extraciricular activites.

His reply was " if I knew that I would have went to school"

So I am expecting another round of "illness" soon but on a non-ballgame night

Monday

Well this weekend was quiet and busy and the same time....

Friday - I did not work and was at home with Tony & Colleen. I have no idea what we did but we did not do much. Patrick had a ballgame. Tony ended up taking him because it had rained the night before and part of Friday so I knew everthing would be wet. I did not want 3 muddy kids. Patrick's team lost :( Daniel, Colleen and I stayed home and played on the Wii until 8 and then they went to watch the new Disney Channel shows.

Saturday - I was supposed to go through clothes that I will consign, donate or sell (at our yardsale) but I did not do that at all. We ended up buying Colleen a bedframe and setting up her bed (already had the head and foot boards). We also went shopping for Mother's day items.

Sunday - was Mother's Day. Went to 8 AM mass (kids did not like this too early or so they say). We came home and Tony made cream cheese french toast (YUMMY) for me and him. He made regular for the kids. We then played the Wii (all except Tony). We finished the day with dinner and ice cream with Tony's parents. It was fun. We went to a local pizza joint that had video games so the kids were happy (did not eat much but happy).

Small Successes

Mine this week are:
(1) getting my oldest to baseball in time while dragging the other two along
(2) returning/exchanging birthday duplicates and having my son finish his thank you notes for said presents
(3) going to the grocery store and creating a menu (which I stuck to!)

Happiest Days of My Life

That is to quote Daniel. Today and tomorrow are the happiest days of his life he told me last night - mind you this was after he told me he thinks he doesn't like me. I had sent him to his room for the 4Th time and refused him raisins. The reason for this quote is that today is dress down day (no uniform) and tomorrow he goes on a field trip to the zoo. He loves the zoo! His only concern is that his 6th grade partner is quiet large and he worries she will crush him in the bus seat -- they have to share a seat! Tony told him that he should have her sit by the window then this will not be a problem :)

Cub Scouts

Last night Patrick & Daniel made ranks at Cub Scouts. Daniel earned his Tiger Cub and Patrick earned his Wolf! I was so happy for both of them. The fun part about Daniel is that I was the Den leader (i called them a troop during the meeting - hello! troop is a girl scout term). We had so much fun with the boys and I look forward to next year. I am not sure if I will be the Wolf leader or not - I have not heard anything from the Pack leaders.

1 game down 15 more to go

Patrick had his first game last night. After we searched and searched for the field (PUT UP SIGNS) we were at the game in time. Patrick was very worried we would be late and he would have to sit this on out. When we got there his coach came to talk to me about pat playing 3rd base -- he really wants pat to play this position because his is a good fielder. Patrick wants to play 1st base which is better for him since he is a lefty. Unfortunately the other coaches son plays 1st (and not so well) so Patrick is relegated to 3rd, the outfield, and pitcher (I think this would be better for him - being a lefty and all).

Daniel & Colleen were able to play on a playground - which is good and not so good. There were kids that had nothing to do with ball playing and throwing rocks at one another - HELLO! I had to go over and talk to these boys because they had no regard for little ones. I also don't get parents who let their kids run wild without supervision. One parent sent her 3 year old to the playground alone.

My take aways from last night are:

1. the kids need to run and run and run - they hit the bed and fall asleep
2. i need a sitter to go with me to these games - problem is finding one
3. my son is a pretty good ballplayer - to bad people don't like his mama

1st Monday in May

Today Tony starts 2nd shift for 4 months!

I HATE it. Reasons why are:

that it is just the kids and I from 2:45 until bedtime.

Tony misses out on all the ballgames. I don't get to drop the kids off at school.

I still have to get the lunch stuff together and get myself out the door 30 minutes early.

I have to get up when my alarm goes off (I am starting at 6:15 and will work up to 5:45 over the next 3 weeks).

I don't get to see my husband as much.

I don't sleep as well since Tony will not get home until 12:30 or so.

I love it... reasons are fewer

Tony will take the kids to swim lessons, basketball camp, vacation bible school, the playground, the tennis courts, etc.

the kids can spend time with just daddy!

Getting Ready for 1st Communion

Patrick will be celebrating his first communion tomorrow at 2 PM. I am very excited that he is becoming more involved within the Catholic Church. I pray that this new relationship with God will help his attitude towards Mass - looking at it as a blessing not a chore.

The part that I am dreading is the party afterward -- getting the house ready is such a chore -- getting the food together is so expensive --- dealing with family is dealing with family! :)

Last Tiger Cub Meeting

Tonight is the last night of Tiger Cubs meeting in my home. This does make me a little sad. But also a bit happy! These boys are so much fun, so crazy, so six years old! There are times I just want to bottle up their silliness/craziness and keep it until they are sixteen and sulky. I am not going to miss having to clean my home spotless (at least the 1st floor) every meeting night, or having to hide the dog (one of the boys is terrified of dogs - mine is a barker and jumper), or having to deal with my daughter wanting to be a Tiger Cub.

In two weeks time they move up to Wolf's and perhaps I will be moving up with them -- we shall see if a leader is needed or not.

grade school politics

Let me tell you..... Grade school politics really really suck! You think you are doing the "right" thing but you get made to feel you are doing something wrong. Why is life full of clicks -- shouldn't that stop in your college years. I think it is soooo much worse now.

Resolutions...

I am determined to write on this daily. I am not sure anyone will be interested but I need to post my thoughts/concerns/etc. somewhere....

Here is my first post on this journey.

Patrick's birthday was last week. My baby is 8! When did this happen? Had his family party on Sunday - it went well.

Work is work... not much more to say there...

Check out this blog to win: The Meanest Mom

Colleen's birthday

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